USB hubs are aplenty. If you use a computer, chances are you have a USB hub. However, most USB hubs are still of the USB 2.0 variety. Many computers nowadays include one or more USB 3.0 port to support much faster data transfer speeds. Do you have a USB 3.0 hub to use with it? Given the increasing use of USB 3.0 devices these days, you really need a USB hub that won’t slow you down.
This is a AmazonBasics branded USB 3.0 hub. This is also the first gadget I’ve gotten from AmazonBasics. AmazonBasics is Amazon’s private-label line of consumer electronics and accessories which begin in the later half of 2009. Amazon describes this as an Amazon brand that delivers an exceptional customer experience through high-quality products at lower prices.
True to the AmazonBasics goal, this USB 3.0 hub is cheap. It costs just US$18.99. It’s a 4-port USB 3.0 hub and includes a 5V/2.5A power adapter.
How well does this AmazonBasics USB 3.0 Hub perform? To test it’s speed, I ran the Blackmagic Disk Speed Test benchmark on a SATA III SSD connected directly to my Mac, and then again connected through this USB hub to my Mac. Directly connected, the SSD did 312 MBps and 366 MBps in write/read throughput, while connected through the USB hub, the SSD did 305 MBps and 365 Mbps write/read throughput. The difference, as you can see, is quite negligible.
Conclusion
The AmazonBasics USB 3.0 Hub adds a handy expansion to the USB 3.0 ports on your computer.
Pros:
- Great performance
- Includes power adapter to support desktop hard disk drives and other high-powered gadgets
Cons:
- Won’t charge any gadgets even when the power adapter is connected, unless the hub is also connected to a computer
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