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Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C 7-Port Charging Hub
$54.95 USD
SKU: USBC-HUB7BCAmazon Rating : (251 Reviews)
Features
- Full Data and Power— This USB 3.0 hub includes seven SuperSpeed ports delivering up to 5Gbps data transfer alongside consistent charging - ideal for both USB-A and USB-C laptops. The included 60W adapter ensures it also works flawlessly as a standalone USB 3.0 powered hub for desktops or permanent setups.
- USB 3.0 and USB-C Connectivity— With a hybrid 2-in-1 USB-C and USB-A cable, this USB3 hub seamlessly connects to both newer laptops and older systems. Switch between interfaces easily, and enjoy forward/backward compatibility across USB-C, 3.0, 2.0, and even 1.1 devices.
- Recommended Uses— Ideal for home use as a laptop USB hub, shared family charging stations, or even classrooms managing multiple student devices. Stack multiple hubs to create high-volume sync and charge stations for IT labs or device testing environments.
- Universal Compatibility— The Plugable 7 port USB hub offers plug-and-play support for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. For older machines, simply install the latest drivers and system updates to ensure full compatibility and optimal performance.
- Lifetime Support— This multiport USB hub has been designed with reliability at its core and was built to meet the deployment demands of IT departments and the ease of use necessary for home offices. Includes lifetime support from our North American team of connectivity experts.
For volume orders or business inquiries contact sales@plugable.com
Free 3-Day Continental U.S. Shipping When Buying Direct!
Two Powerful Functions in One Powerful Device
The Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C 7-Port Hub (USBC-HUB7BC) delivers performance in a way that few others can match. Connected to a laptop–USB-A and USB-C connections included–you have instant access to 7 USB ports, each capable of transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. And here’s something unique, you also get maximum USB charging speeds on every single port.
If you don’t need data, this USB powered hub comes bundled with a UL Certified power adapter capable of providing 5V at up to 2.4A to each of the seven USB ports. No computer required. And thanks to smart charging circuits, each device powers at its own max rate. No need to worry about overcharging.
Technical specifications & compatibility
Standalone or Stacked
As a standalone unit, the USBC-HUB7BC stands out for its SuperSpeed data and high-speed charging. But what if you needed to charge 14, 21, even 210 devices? This multi-port powered USB Hub is designed to be stacked.
As your need for power or ports grows, the USBC-HUB7BC can grow right along with it. All seven ports are lined up along the front with plenty of space between, so even when stacked, you won’t fumble with the connections.
Charging and Data on Every Port
When you need performance on every port, you need a hub that offers full functionality on every port. Other hubs split the duty of data and charging between ports, so you’re only getting two or three charging slots.
The Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C 7-Port Hub goes all in. Get data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps, and BC 1.2 charging at 1.5A on every port. No exceptions.
Designed to Work Where You Work
The USBC-HUB7BC centralizes your charging efforts. At home, set it up as a community charging spot for phones and tablets. At school, combine two or three to easily charge and sync student devices. And in large-scale operations, deploy as many hubs as you need to test and charge at scale.
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Host Compatibility |
USB-C & USB 3.0 |
USB 2.0 |
USB 2.0 |
USB 3.0 |
Data and Charging Ports |
7 |
7 |
2 |
2 |
Data Only Ports |
✗ |
✗ |
8 |
8 |
Total Ports |
7 |
7 |
10 |
10 |
Power Adapter |
60W |
60W |
20W |
48W |
Stackable Design |
✓ |
✓ |
✗ |
✗ |
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USB Port Types
USB-A
pietz, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
This is the standard USB connection that most computers offered prior to the introduction of USB Type-C (USB-C). Even after the introduction of USB Type-C, this is still quite common.
It can provide data transfer rates up to the USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 gbps) specification depending on the host and device, but does not directly support video in the way that USB-C Alternate Mode does. This limitation makes DisplayLink USB graphics adapters and docking stations ideal on systems that do not have USB-C, or in instances where more displays are needed beyond available video outputs of a PC.
USB-B
Fred the Oyster, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
IngenieroLoco, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This type of connection comes in a couple different styles depending on whether USB 3.0 and higher transfer rates are supported (bottom graphic). Usually this type of connection is used to plug into USB devices that do not have a fixed cable connected, such as USB docking stations, USB hubs, printers, and others.
USB Mini-B
Fred the Oyster, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
One of the first connectors for charging a smartphone, wireless game controller (such as the Sixaxis and DualShock 3), and other small devices such as external hard drives. Not commonly used today, but is still used in some cases. Most devices using USB Mini B are using USB 2.0, though a USB 3.0 variant does exist. This specification also added USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality, though it is more commonly implemented with Micro USB.
USB Micro-B
Fred the Oyster, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
IngenieroLoco, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
A smaller connector that serves many of the same uses as the Mini B connector, with added optional features such as Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) to allow devices like smartphones to output video to larger displays without requiring a dedicated port for video output.
The larger variant of USB-B is most commonly used for external hard drives for higher 5Gbps transfer rates.
USB-C, Thunderbolt™ 3, and Thunderbolt™ 4
Niridya , CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The most recent USB connection, USB Type-C (USB-C), represents a major change in what USB can do. The connector is smaller, can be connected in two orientations, is able to carry substantially more power and data, and can directly carry video signals of multiple types (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) Intel has also adapted the USB-C connector for use with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4.
It is important to note that while all Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 connections are USB-C, not all USB-C connections can be used with Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 devices.
More details regarding physical USB connections can be found on Wikipedia . The graphics depicted here are adapted from Wikimedia Commons by various artists under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Self-Powered vs Bus-Powered USB Devices
What Is the Difference Between Self-Powered and Bus-Powered USB Devices?
Self-powered USB device - A device that takes all of its power from an external power supply
Bus-powered USB device - A device that takes all of its power from the host computer's USB interface.
Why High-Current Devices Require External Power
While all USB ports provide some amount of power for attached devices, the available power may not be enough for certain high-current devices such as USB hubs or external hard drives. Bus-powered devices can cause issues if they need more power than is available from the host machine, as each additional device attached to the host computer reduces the total available bus power. If the power runs out, any USB device attached to the computer may suddenly disconnect, which could result in permanent data loss for a USB storage device.
How to Use Devices with Included Power Adapters
Many devices that include power adapters, especially USB hubs, will function in either self-powered or bus-powered mode. If a device comes with a power adapter, it should stay connected at all times, otherwise the device may not function as designed.
Applicable To
USBC-11IN1E, USBC-10IN1E, USBC-9IN1E, USBC-7IN1E, USBC-7IN1, AD-6IN1, USBC-4IN1, USB3-HUB4A, USBC-HUB4A, AMS-5IN1E, USB4-HUB3A, TBT4-HUB3C, USBC-HUB7BC, USB3-HUB7C, USB3-HUB3ME
Can the hub charge iPods/iPads and other smartphones?
Apple device charging behavior varies according to both the size of the device and whether it has a “Lightning” or “30 pin” connector.
Newer Apple devices with the “Lightning” connector, when attached to the BC 1.2 Standard compliant Flip-Up ports without a host computer, can charge at up to 1.5 Amps.
Older “30 pin” iPads will only charge when the iPad is turned off. When turned on, these older iPads will report “Not Charging”. 30 pin iPods, iPads or iPhones will charge only at the standard 500mA rate.
Is this hub a good match for my Raspberry Pi?
Because the Raspberry Pi is a USB 2.0 device and can’t take advantage of USB 3.0 functionality as well as mixed results from users, we do not recommend this hub for use with the Raspberry Pi. The hub we do recommend is our 7 port USB 2.0 hub.
Why does my wireless mouse or keyboard appear sluggish or not work properly when used with the hub?
Most USB receivers for wireless mice and keyboards operate in the 2.4Ghz band. When connecting the receiver to any USB 3.0 port there is potential for interference that can affect the devices performance. The most effective method is to add a short USB 2.0 extension cable between the hub and the receiver to mitigate the effect, and many wireless keyboards and mice come with such a cable for this reason.
What is the 2.4GHz ISM Band and why is it "crowded"?
This is a range of radio frequencies from 2.400 to 2.4835 GHz set aside for industrial, scientific, and medical equipment. It is most commonly used for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other consumer radio electronics. Many devices sharing the same narrow radio frequency range has caused this to become very noisy, imagine being in a small room with 20 other people having their own conversations, some are screaming, others are whispering. Like you in that room, consumer wireless devices have to be close to, and speak loud enough to be heard over the din.
USB 3 devices can also emit radio noise in the same band, this is created by data streaming through the USB host controller in a computer, or hubs in docking station, and emitted generally from the USB 3 port where shielding is limited by the need to connect a device. This noise is like turning on a high velocity fan in the room full of people, now there is a background hum that everyone has to talk over, those who can't speak loud enough are simply drowned out.
This can occur with wireless mouse and keyboards, they generally don't have very powerful radios for communication and require direct line of sight with the transceiver in order to provide a strong enough signal to be responsive.
What is the recommended setup?
We recommend using a USB 2.0 extension cable to connect the wireless transceiver to the docking station, and placing the transceiver as close as possible to the mouse an keyboard, normally with direct line of sight about 3ft is a good maximum distance. If the mouse and keyboard are on a pull-out tray under a desk it can be helpful to put the transceiver over the back end of the desk for better line of sight.
If the transceiver is on the opposite side of the computer from the mouse/keyboard this can cause reduced performance, similarly placing it behind a power supply, or radio source ( like a Wi-Fi access point ) can cause connectivity issues. We generally recommend keeping any radio sources away from the work area as much as possible. Just as USB 3 devices can emit Radio interference, they are also susceptible to radio interference from other devices.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at support@plugable.com and we'll be happy to help!
My External hard drives disconnect randomly or when I sleep/wake my Mac causing an improper drive eject error message.
Hard Drive Updates:
- Check for and update external hard drive firmware if available.
- For Intel based Macs, perform an SMC and PRAM/NVRAM reset SMC.:
- Perform an SMC reset: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295
- Perform an NVRAM/PRAM reset: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063
- Disable Power Nap on Mac (in power settings, disable for when connected to AC power and battery if the customer uses the hub while also on battery power).
- If possible, test the USB hub and hard drives with a Windows PC to see if the issue persists there as well.
If this issue persists, if possible, we have a tool that automates collecting a set of log files from your system. You can download the PlugDebug tool and learn how to use it by clicking on this link:
Ensure that you have the USB Hub connected to the computer when the PlugDebug application is run. Then send us a copy of the log files to support@plugable.com
Do Plugable products support the Apple SuperDrive?
No, Plugable products do not support the Apple SuperDrive.
Why do Plugable products not support the Apple SuperDrive?
The Apple SuperDrive has stringent power requirements that can only be met by directly connecting the SuperDrive directly to the host computer. As a result at this time Apple recommends only using their USB-C adapter cables. Apple provides more information on this topic here → How to connect the Apple USB SuperDrive
Applicable To
- All Plugable brand products
Why Do Plugable Electronics Generate Heat During Operation?
Yes, heat generation is a normal byproduct of operation for electronic devices and Plugable products as electrical energy is consumed and transferred. Power delivery, high-speed data transfers, and active peripheral usage naturally convert electrical energy into thermal energy. Plugable designs its products with thermal safety margins to ensure operational temperatures remain within safe limits.
Why Plugable Electronics Generate Heat
Electrical components generate heat as current flows through them, with higher power usage-such as charging host laptops or conducting fast data transfers-increasing thermal output. Many Plugable products, such as the TBT3-UDZ and TBT4-UDZ docking stations, feature aluminum enclosures engineered with internal thermal pads to function as heat sinks. This design transfers internal heat outward to radiate into the room. This protects internal components, however can cause the external surface to feel warm or hot. Higher ambient room temperatures, direct sunlight, and obstructions to air currents around the device may also contribute to increased surface heat. While Underwriters Laboratories (UL) sets a thermal safety threshold of 77°C (170.6°F), Plugable targets a lower operational ceiling of approximately 71°C (160°F) under the heaviest of loads.
How to Manage Heat Generation in Plugable Products
To keep operating temperatures as low as possible, ensure Plugable devices have sufficient ventilation around them and are not placed in enclosed spaces. Avoid connecting an excessive number of power-hungry USB accessories that exceed the power limits of your dock or hub, as higher power draw causes the unit to run warmer (for example USB fans, heaters, cup warmers etc). Expect temporary increases in surface temperature during intensive workloads such as simultaneous multi-device charging and high-bandwidth data transfer.
Conclusion
Experiencing heat from Plugable products is a normal aspect of the operation of high-performance devices. Users can rest assured that we prioritize the safety and efficiency of our devices. By understanding the factors influencing heat generation and following simple usage guidelines, users can make the most of their Plugable products while ensuring a reliable and efficient user experience.
Applicable To
- Plugable docking stations, including TBT3-UDZ and TBT4-UDZ models
- Plugable USB hubs, video adapters, and electronic accessories
- Electronic devices utilizing metal heat-dissipating enclosures
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at support@plugable.com and we'll be happy to help!
Can I replace the original power adapter included in the box with my Plugable product with a different, 3rd-party power adapter?
Barrel-Type Power Supplies for Hubs and Docks
Plugable recommends and supports using only the external power adapter originally included in the box with a Plugable product to power the device.
Plugable does NOT normally recommend or support using any type of alternate or 3rd-party power adapters in conjunction with our products that originally included a power adapter in the box.
This is because 3rd-party power adapters may not work as expected, and in some cases can potentially cause damage to the Plugable product if they do not match the specifications of the original power adapter. Counterfeit and incorrectly labeled power supplies are also a concern as these may not meet the specifications on their labels or may have inferior safety features.
Should you require a replacement for an original Plugable provided power adapter, Plugable offers a multitude of power adapters for purchase separately → https://kb.plugable.com/question/1081115
USB Type-C Powered Devices
Please also note, this provision does not apply to Plugable products that rely on a computer's original power supply or recommend using a separate USB Type-C power source.
For example, the PS-10CC → https://plugable.com/products/ps-10cc does not include a power adapter in the box with the product. The intention with the PS-10CC (and other similar products like the USBC-9IN1E → https://plugable.com/products/usbc-9in1e) is to use a USB Type-C power adapter that supports USB Power Delivery that you already have in conjunction with the product most often these are included with a computer and provided by a reputable brand.
This works because USB Power Delivery is an industry standard while barrel-type power adapters are not well standardized. Products that support USB Power Delivery are intended to work with a variety of different USB Type-C power adapters that support the USB Power Delivery standard.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at support@plugable.com and we'll be happy to help!
USB-C vs. Thunderbolt: Understanding the Differences
While USB-C and Thunderbolt share the same physical rounded rectangle connector they operate in fundamentally different ways.
The Main Differences Aren't Physical
USB 3 at 5Gbps and 10Gbps with Type-C - often simplified to USB-C - is both the hardware connector standard, and the included data types: USB 5Gbps or 10Gbps data rates, as well as optionally DisplayPort Alternate Mode video and USB Power Delivery for powering and charging both host computers, and downstream devices.
Thunderbolt, specifically Thunderbolt 3 and newer and USB4 use the same physical USB Type-C port, and support a backwards compatibility with USB-C devices, however the signaling and data structure is completely different. Both Thunderbolt and USB4 operate at between four to sixteen times the speed of USB 3. While USB offers optional display and charging, these are mandatory for Thunderbolt hosts. The way display data is transmitted is also different.
DisplayPort Alternate Mode for USB 3 occupies two or four of the physical data lanes in the USB Type-C connector and cable. Tunneled DisplayPort video in Thunderbolt (and USB4) packetizes the DisplayPort video data and transmits it within Thunderbolt/USB4 data packets. Tunneled DisplayPort allows for more native DisplayPort streams enabling multiple external displays at higher resolutions and refresh rates.
Power Delivery is the USB Type-C (as in the port) charging and power standard - this allows a power source and device to negotiate a voltage and maximum amperage both devices can support. For example a phone might negotiate a 9V 3A charge rate which is close to optimal for a phone size battery, while a notebook computer is more likely to negotiate 20V 5A both for improved battery charging and to power the system under moderate to heavy workloads.
Why USB-C and Thunderbolt Capabilities Differ
USB Type-C is a connector standard where features such as video output (DisplayPort Alt Mode) and USB Power Delivery (PD) are optional and depend on the host device manufacturer. In contrast, Thunderbolt sets mandatory performance and hardware requirements across data, video, and power protocols.
- USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen 1: Up to 5Gbps data transfer speed.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2: Up to 10Gbps data transfer speed.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2: Up to 20Gbps data transfer speed. This is very rarely implemented and most computers do not support it.
- Thunderbolt 3: Up to 40Gbps data transfer speed, supports dual DisplayPort 1.2 enabling two 4K or a single 5K displays, USB, DisplayPort, PCIe over a single cable, and up to 100W Power Delivery.
- USB4: Up to 40Gbps data transfer speed, supports DisplayPort 1.4 either one or two external displays, PCIe, and optional Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps, and Power Delivery.
- Thunderbolt 4: Up to 40Gbps data transfer speed, supports dual 4K or single 8K displays, USB4 compatibility, USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps, and Power Delivery.
- Thunderbolt 5: Up to 80Gbps bi-directional bandwidth (DisplayPort up to 120Gbps using Bandwidth Boost), supports dual 6K or single high-refresh-rate 8K displays, PCIe, and backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps.
Effectively each tier from this list supports all of the features of the tier above as well as some new features. Thunderbolt 4 is Intel's implementation of USB4 with all optional features enabled.
How to Identify Ports and Ensure Compatibility
- Port Identification: Thunderbolt ports are usually marked with a lightning bolt symbol with a downward pointing triangle at the bottom point, this should be next to the port, while USB-C ports may be unmarked or feature symbols indicating power delivery (a simple lightning bolt is common) or DisplayPort capabilities ("DP" logo is often used). Always refer to device technical specifications for confirmation.
- Connecting Thunderbolt Devices to USB-C Ports: Thunderbolt 3, 4, or 5 devices connected to standard USB-C ports typically operate at reduced capabilities, such as lower speeds or fewer display outputs.
- Connecting USB-C Devices to Thunderbolt Ports: USB-C devices connected to Thunderbolt ports function normally, but cannot take advantage of full Thunderbolt features.
Applicable To
- Plugable docking stations, hubs, and video adapters
- USB-C standards (USB 3.0, 3.1 Gen 1, 3.2 Gen 2, 3.2 Gen 2x2, USB4)
- Thunderbolt standards (Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 5)
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at support@plugable.com and we'll be happy to help!
Can I connect this product to a computer's Thunderbolt/Thunderbolt 2 port?
Many users assume that USB-C devices can work with older Thunderbolt 2 Macs if they use a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter, such as the one made by Apple. However, this is not the case. These adapters are specifically designed to support Thunderbolt devices only - not standard USB-C peripherals.
While Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C share the same connector type, they use different underlying data protocols. Non-Thunderbolt USB-C devices, rely on USB standards for data and power. The Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter does not carry USB signals; it only passes Thunderbolt data. Because of this, plugging a USB-C device into a Thunderbolt 2 Mac using this adapter will not work - the computer will not detect or communicate with the device.
If you need to connect peripherals to a Thunderbolt 2 system, we recommend using a USB-A dock or hub (if available on your system). This ensures compatibility without relying on unsupported adapter chains.
In short, even though the connectors may fit, USB-C devices are not compatible with Thunderbolt 2 Macs via Thunderbolt adapters - only Thunderbolt devices will work in that setup.
Why Higher Voltage Power Supplies Are Included with USB 5V Hubs and Docks
Maybe you are looking for a replacement power supply, or maybe you are just curious, but why would a USB hub - which provides 5V to USB devices - would include a power adapter rated at 12V or potentially higher?
Improved Voltage Regulation Under Load
When multiple USB devices are connected - especially high-draw peripherals like external drives or charging phones - the demand on the dock’s internal power can spike. If the power supply were delivering only 5V, any load increase might cause voltage "sag," potentially leading to unstable or unreliable performance.
By starting with a higher voltage like 12V or 20V, the internal voltage regulators within the dock or hub can more reliably and efficiently step down that voltage to a consistent 5V, even under heavy load. It’s similar to having a reservoir or water tower above a village - you’ll have more reliable water pressure regardless of demand.
Greater Power Efficiency Over Distance
Transmitting power at higher voltage and lower current reduces energy loss due to resistance in the wires (which causes heat). By increasing the voltage we can decrease the amperage for the same power, and power loss in the line is directly proportional to amperage squared so even a small decrease in the amperage adds up quickly. Once the power reaches the dock, it's stepped down to the voltages needed for USB ports. This not only enhances efficiency but also makes compact, cooler-running designs possible.
Special Consideration for USB-C Docks
USB-C docks commonly include 20V power supplies, which serve a dual purpose:
- Supplying 5V for downstream USB devices
- Delivering up to 100W (or more) to host laptops via USB-C Power Delivery
With USB Power Delivery 3.1 (EPR), even higher voltages (up to 48V) are supported, enabling future docks and laptops to handle even more powerful devices like desktop replacement laptops or external GPUs.
Will Future Docks Use 48V Power Supplies?
It's likely. While 20V is common now (especially for consumer devices), 24V+ power supplies are widespread in industrial and telecom applications. As high-performance laptops and workstations demand more power, consumer docks may start including 24V, 36V, or even 48V adapters. These would align with USB PD 3.1 specs and simplify designs that support extended power ranges.
However, for now, 12V and 20V remains as sweet spots for cost, availability, and compatibility across a wide range of devices.
In Summary
Higher voltages like 12V or 20V are used for better regulation and more efficient power delivery.
USB-C docks use 20V to support Power Delivery charging host computers or downstream devices (up to 100W).
USB PD 3.1 EPR opens the door to 48V systems, and while uncommon now, future docking stations may shift to 48V as demand grows.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at support@plugable.com and we'll be happy to help!
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