The Best USB-C Hubs for the MacBook Neo ~ Plugable Technologies

Article Summary

The MacBook Neo features two USB-C ports: a high-speed 10Gbps USB 3 port and a slower 480Mbps USB 2 port. This guide for IT professionals and hybrid workers looks at the three best USB-C hubs for getting the most out of the MacBook Neo’s 10 Gbps port. With the right hub, that one port can offer 4K video, Ethernet, charging, and essential legacy connections without bottlenecking performance.

Apple’s hardware decisions always give us something to talk about, and the MacBook Neo is no exception. It’s a sleek, capable machine perfect for students, remote, and hybrid workers. But with only two USB-C ports, and only one of them high-speed, it isn’t exactly equipped to handle the bandwidth of a modern workstation.

If you want to connect an external display, stable network cables, and high-speed storage, you need to plug into that 10Gbps port. Here are the three best hubs for unlocking the full potential of your new Neo.

The Best Plugable Hubs for the Job

The optimal Plugable USB-C hubs for the MacBook Neo include the USBC-4IN1 for essential portability, the USBC-7IN1E for wired network access, and the USBC-9IN1E for ultimate power delivery and peripheral expansion.

Here are three tested solutions that take full advantage of the Neo's 10Gbps port:

1. The Best Minimalist Traveling Hub for the MacBook Neo

The Plugable 4-in-1 USB-C Hub (USBC-4IN1) is the best hub for traveling professionals. Connecting this to the Neo instantly grants you a 4K 60Hz HDMI output, dual 10Gbps USB ports (one Type-A, one Type-C), and the ability to charge your MacBook through the hub. It’s small enough to slip into the tightest pocket of a laptop bag but powerful enough to drive a pristine high-dynamic-range (HDR) monitor at a hotel desk or hot-desking station.

Buy the Plugable 4-in-1 USB-C Hub with 4K HDMI, 100W Charging
List Price: $34.95

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Direct purchase in most US states. Currently excludes AK, IL, MI, and NJ.

Amazon US ( $34.95 USD )

2. The Most Well-Rounded Hub for the MacBook Neo

The Plugable 7-in-1 USB-C Hub with Ethernet (USBC-7IN1E) delivers stable wired internet and versatile storage options. If your day involves managing large IT deployments or working in Wi-Fi-congested offices, the inclusion of a Gigabit Ethernet port is a lifesaver. This hub also adds SD and MicroSD card readers alongside USB 3.0 ports and 4K HDMI video. It’s a perfectly balanced tool for dependable desktop expansion.

Buy the Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub with Ethernet
List Price: $39.95

Free 3-Day Continental U.S. Shipping on Orders Over $35!

3. The Most Powerful Hub for the MacBook Neo

The Plugable 9-in-1 USB-C Hub (USBC-9IN1E) handles heavy workloads with advanced charging and high-speed data. This is the heavyweight champion of the lineup, being able to charge the Neo at its max charging rate while providing access to even more ports. It outfits the MacBook Neo with a 4K 60Hz HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet, UHS-II card readers, and multiple 10Gbps USB ports, effectively turning a simple hub into a pocket-sized docking station.

Buy the Plugable 9-in-1 USB-C Hub with 4K HDMI, 140W Pass-Through Charging
List Price: $49.95

Free 3-Day Continental U.S. Shipping on Orders Over $35!

Technical Comparison

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Product	Features
USBC-4IN1	Portable 4K 60Hz video and passthrough charging
USBC-7IN1E	Gigabit Ethernet and SD card storage expansion.
USBC-9IN1E	Even more USB expansion and advanced 10Gbps peripheral connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which MacBook Neo port should I use for a USB-C hub?

You must use the 10Gbps USB 3 port on the MacBook Neo for a USB-C hub to ensure proper support for external monitors, high-speed data transfer, and multi-device connectivity. The slower 480Mbps port lacks the necessary bandwidth and video support for anything beyond a simple charging cable or a basic keyboard/mouse receiver.

Does the MacBook Neo work with any USB-C hub?

The MacBook Neo works with most standard USB-C hubs, but it requires a hub connected to its 10Gbps port to successfully output video or transfer data at high speeds. While any USB-C hub will technically "plug in" to either port, using the USB 2 port will result in missing features, such as failed monitor connections.

Can the MacBook Neo support dual monitors with a hub?

The MacBook Neo supports a single external monitor natively through standard USB-C hubs. While multi-port adapters like the USBC-9IN1E enhance your single-display setup with brilliant 4K 60Hz resolution, professionals requiring dual screens must bypass the laptop's native limitations by implementing dedicated DisplayLink docking stations or adapters rather than standard hubs.

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