Modern computers can pack plenty of computing power into a small chassis, but that often comes with a frustrating tradeoff: fewer ports. Other World Computing is addressing that problem with its new OWC USB4 Hub, a $129.99 desktop connectivity hub designed to turn a single USB4 connection into a much more capable workspace.
The OWC USB4 Hub connects to a Mac, Windows PC, Linux machine, or iPad Pro through a 40Gb/s USB4 host port. Plug in one cable and you gain another 40Gb/s USB4 connection, two 10Gb/s USB-C ports, HDMI 2.1, and up to 81W of charging for systems that support it.
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For storage users, the 40Gb/s USB4 connection provides theoretical transfer speeds of up to 5,000MB/s, while each USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-C port tops out at 10Gb/s, or 1,250MB/s. UASP is supported as well, which should help compatible external storage take better advantage of the available USB bandwidth.
Display support is surprisingly extensive for something OWC calls a hub. The HDMI 2.1 port can drive a display at up to 8K 60Hz, while the USB4 connection supports up to 4K 240Hz.
The hub can also run two displays simultaneously. OWC lists configurations including one 8K display at 60Hz alongside one 4K display at 240Hz, or two 4K displays at 60Hz. Actual display capabilities will depend on what the host computer and operating system support.
Power is another important part of the setup. OWC includes an external 100W power supply, and the hub can deliver up to 81W to a connected computer. The exact amount varies depending on how much power downstream devices require and what the host itself negotiates. USB device ports can provide up to 15W for connected hardware.
“The laptop has become the computer for millions of professionals, but the moment you sit down at a desk, you shouldn’t have to accept its connectivity limitations,” said Larry O’Connor, founder and CEO of OWC. “The OWC USB4 Hub gives you the best of both worlds. One cable connects your display, high-performance storage, accessories, and power, turning your laptop into the complete desktop workspace you want without the dongles, compromises, or clutter.”
Despite O’Connor’s focus on laptops, I can see this being useful with desktops too. My Mac mini, for example, has a limited number of ports, and something like this would let me connect more external storage and USB-C accessories while consuming only one port on the computer.
Compatibility is broad. OWC says the USB4 Hub works with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, and USB-C Macs, Windows PCs, Linux computers, and iPad Pro models, although available capabilities will depend on what the host supports.
OWC has gone with a fanless design, using an aluminum chassis with polycarbonate covers. The hub measures 6.6 x 3.1 x 1.2 inches and weighs 0.57 pounds, so it should be relatively easy to tuck into a permanent desk setup. There is also a security slot for environments where leaving hardware unattended could be a concern.
Calling this a hub rather than a dock makes sense. You won’t find Ethernet, SD card readers, or audio connections here. Instead, OWC concentrates on high-speed USB connectivity, displays, and power. For someone who already has networking covered and doesn’t need legacy ports, that simpler approach could be preferable to a much larger dock.
I’m particularly interested in the OWC USB4 Hub for my own Mac mini. I use external storage and other USB devices regularly, and available ports disappear quickly. Being able to sacrifice one connection and gain several useful ones in return is exactly the sort of expansion I want from a hub.
At $129.99, it also avoids the higher prices of elaborate Thunderbolt docks loaded with connections I might never use. The combination of 40Gb/s USB4, two additional 10Gb/s USB-C ports, HDMI 2.1, and extensive display support covers the things I’d actually want to connect.
The OWC USB4 Hub will be generally available at the end of October for $129.99, with pre-orders available now.
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