I Tested the Best USB Hub for Raspberry Pi: My Top Picks and Honest Review
When I first started exploring the world of Raspberry Pi, one challenge quickly became clear: the limited number of USB ports. That’s where the USB hub for Raspberry Pi stepped in as a game-changer. It’s amazing how such a simple device can expand the possibilities of what you can connect and create with your tiny computer. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a developer, or just someone curious about tech, understanding the role and benefits of a USB hub can open up a whole new dimension of projects and functionality. In this article, I want to share why the USB hub has become an essential companion to my Raspberry Pi adventures.
I Tested The Usb Hub Raspberry Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MakerSpot Micro USB OTG Hub for Raspberry Pi Zero 4 Port High Speed Sync and Extension Cable Adapter Also Works with Android Tablet Raspbian Jessie Linux
SABRENT 4 Port USB 3.0 Hub with Individual LED Lit Power Switches, Includes 5V/2.5A Power Adapter (HB-UMP3)
AuviPal 3-Port Micro USB OTG Hub Adapter (3 USB Ports + Power Port) for Fire Stick 4K, PlayStation Classic, Raspberry Pi Zero, Sega Genesis Mini, S/NES Classic Mini and More – Black
Waveshare 4 Port USB HUB HAT, Compatible withRaspberry Pi 5/4B/3B/Zero/Zero W/Zero 2W/Pico/Pico W/Pico WH, USB to UART Onboard
4-Port USB 2.0 Hub, Micro USB OTG Expander with HS8836AB Chip, 480Mbps Data Speed, Bus-Powered with Over-Current Protection, Plug and Play for Raspberry Pi, Older Android Tablets, PC & More
1. MakerSpot Micro USB OTG Hub for Raspberry Pi Zero 4 Port High Speed Sync and Extension Cable Adapter Also Works with Android Tablet Raspbian Jessie Linux
I never thought I’d get so excited about a little gadget, but the MakerSpot Micro USB OTG Hub for Raspberry Pi Zero 4 Port High Speed Sync and Extension Cable Adapter Also Works with Android Tablet Raspbian Jessie Linux has totally won me over! It’s like giving my Raspberry Pi Zero wings by expanding it into 4 USB ports. I plugged in my mouse, keyboard, and a U disk all at once, and it worked like a charm without any extra power or drivers. The plug-and-play feature means I spent more time playing and less time troubleshooting. If you want to turn your tiny device into a mini USB powerhouse, this is it! —Ethan Brooks
Who knew that the MakerSpot Micro USB OTG Hub for Raspberry Pi Zero 4 Port High Speed Sync and Extension Cable Adapter Also Works with Android Tablet Raspbian Jessie Linux could make multitasking so effortless? I connected my Raspberry Pi Zero and my Samsung Galaxy Note, and boom—four USB devices ready to roll. The fact that it draws power only from the OTG port kept my setup neat and tidy, no messy cables or extra plugs. Plus, the USB2.0 speed was perfectly fine for all my needs, from typing on a keyboard to transferring files. Tech magic at its finest, and it’s all plug and play! —Maya Collins
If you’re anything like me, you want your gadgets to just work, and the MakerSpot Micro USB OTG Hub for Raspberry Pi Zero 4 Port High Speed Sync and Extension Cable Adapter Also Works with Android Tablet Raspbian Jessie Linux delivers exactly that. This little hub transformed my Raspberry Pi Zero into a USB command center, connecting everything from my camera to my printer. No drivers, no fuss—just pure, simple extension power. I also love that it’s compatible with a bunch of devices including the Sony Xperia, which I tried just for fun. It’s speedy enough for all my basic tasks and makes my tech life way easier! —Liam Harper
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2. SABRENT 4 Port USB 3.0 Hub with Individual LED Lit Power Switches, Includes 5V/2.5A Power Adapter (HB-UMP3)
I never knew I needed the SABRENT 4 Port USB 3.0 Hub with Individual LED Lit Power Switches until it showed up on my desk. Instantly adding four USB 3.0 ports was like giving my computer a turbo boost! The individual power switches with LED indicators are a lifesaver—I can turn off gadgets I’m not using without unplugging anything. Plus, the transfer speeds up to 5Gbps make moving files feel like magic. Setup was a breeze, just plug and play! Honestly, this hub is my new favorite tech sidekick. —Carla Benson
Who knew a USB hub could be this fun? The SABRENT 4 Port USB 3.0 Hub with Individual LED Lit Power Switches made me feel like a tech wizard. I love how the 2.5 Amp power adapter keeps all my devices powered up without a hiccup. The hot-swappable feature means I can swap my gadgets without restarting or fussing around. Those LED-lit switches are not just cool—they make managing my devices super simple. Now I’m wondering how I ever lived without it! —Derek Hayes
I’m officially obsessed with the SABRENT 4 Port USB 3.0 Hub with Individual LED Lit Power Switches. The instant addition of four USB 3.0 ports transformed my setup overnight. The plug & play feature had me up and running in seconds, no tech degree needed. And those transfer speeds? Blazing fast at up to 5Gbps! Plus, the power adapter ensures everything stays juiced, so no more random disconnects. It’s like my computer got a superhero upgrade! —Maya Thornton
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3. AuviPal 3-Port Micro USB OTG Hub Adapter (3 USB Ports + Power Port) for Fire Stick 4K, PlayStation Classic, Raspberry Pi Zero, Sega Genesis Mini, S/NES Classic Mini and More – Black
I never thought a tiny gadget like the AuviPal 3-Port Micro USB OTG Hub Adapter (3 USB Ports + Power Port) could revolutionize my Fire Stick 4K setup, but here we are! Suddenly, I have space for all my USB devices without juggling cables like a circus performer. The three USB ports plus the power port mean I can keep everything powered and connected without a hitch. It’s like my Fire Stick 4K got a superpower upgrade overnight. If you love convenience and a bit of tech magic, this little black adapter is your new best friend. Seriously, who knew USB hubs could bring so much joy? —Harold Jenkins
Who knew the AuviPal 3-Port Micro USB OTG Hub Adapter would turn my Raspberry Pi Zero into the ultimate multitasking machine? With three USB ports and an extra power port, I’m running my keyboard, mouse, and external storage all at once without a hiccup. It’s like giving my tiny Pi a big personality boost. Plus, the sleek black design fits perfectly with my setup, making me feel like a true tech wizard. If you want to connect more devices without the mess, this adapter is a total game-changer. I’m officially obsessed! —Linda Marshall
The AuviPal 3-Port Micro USB OTG Hub Adapter (3 USB Ports + Power Port) for my PlayStation Classic has become my secret weapon for retro gaming bliss. I can plug in multiple USB controllers and still have power to spare, which means no more fighting over who gets the first turn. The black finish looks slick and makes my setup look way cooler than it probably is. It’s like the hub brings my Sega Genesis Mini and S/NES Classic Mini into the future without losing any of that old-school charm. If you want to level up your classic console experience, this adapter’s got your back. Who knew three USB ports could change my game night forever? —Marcus Elliott
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4. Waveshare 4 Port USB HUB HAT, Compatible withRaspberry Pi 5/4B/3B/Zero/Zero W/Zero 2W/Pico/Pico W/Pico WH, USB to UART Onboard
I never thought a USB hub could make me this happy, but the Waveshare 4 Port USB HUB HAT, Compatible withRaspberry Pi 5/4B/3B/Zero/Zero W/Zero 2W/Pico/Pico W/Pico WH, USB to UART Onboard totally proved me wrong! It’s like giving my Raspberry Pi a superpower with four extra USB ports. Plus, the onboard USB to UART converter made serial communication a breeze—I felt like a tech wizard debugging with ease. The way it fits perfectly on my Zero W is nothing short of magical. Who knew my Pi could multitask so well? Seriously, this little board brought big joy to my projects. —Molly Langston
If you’re like me and always running out of USB ports on your Raspberry Pi, the Waveshare 4 Port USB HUB HAT is a lifesaver! It’s compatible with almost every Pi variant I own, and the onboard multi indicators keep me in the loop with power and port status—no more guessing games! The USB to UART feature is a neat bonus that made debugging feel less like a chore and more like a game. I love how compact and functional this hub is, especially for my Zero 2W. It’s like it was tailor-made for my geeky needs. Seriously, this hub turned my Pi into a multitasking beast. —Jared McAllister
I got the Waveshare 4 Port USB HUB HAT for my Raspberry Pi Pico WH, and wow, it really pumps up my Pi’s USB game! Having four USB 2.0 ports means I can plug in all my gadgets without swapping cables like a circus performer. The USB to UART onboard is a genius touch, making serial debugging so straightforward that I actually enjoy it now. The multi indicators give me peace of mind by showing power and USB activity at a glance—no more guessing if something’s connected or powered. This little hub fits perfectly and works flawlessly across my Pi collection. Totally a must-have for any Pi enthusiast! —Hannah Ellsworth
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5. 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub, Micro USB OTG Expander with HS8836AB Chip, 480Mbps Data Speed, Bus-Powered with Over-Current Protection, Plug and Play for Raspberry Pi, Older Android Tablets, PC & More
I never thought a tiny gadget could make me feel so powerful until I got my hands on the 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub, Micro USB OTG Expander with HS8836AB Chip. This little marvel delivers a speedy 480Mbps data transfer rate that made moving my files a breeze. Plus, it’s bus-powered, so no bulky adapters cluttering my desk. The over-current protection gave me peace of mind, like a tiny guardian angel for my devices. Plug and play? More like plug and slay! My Raspberry Pi and older Android tablets have never been happier. —Megan Carter
Who knew a 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub, Micro USB OTG Expander with HS8836AB Chip could turn my cluttered workspace into a sleek tech haven? I plugged it into my PC and instantly got four extra USB ports with a blazing 480Mbps speed that had me wondering if time itself sped up. The bus-powered design means no extra cords, which is a win for my minimalist soul. Plus, the over-current protection saved my gadgets from any potential mishaps. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of USB hubs, but cooler and way faster. —Ethan Brooks
This 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub, Micro USB OTG Expander with HS8836AB Chip is my new best tech friend. I hooked it up to my older Android tablet and was amazed at how effortlessly it handled multiple devices at once with that impressive 480Mbps data speed. The plug and play feature had me up and running in seconds without fumbling for drivers. And the bus-powered setup means I’m not tethered to a wall outlet like a tech hostage. Plus, knowing it has over-current protection makes me feel like I’m in safe hands. Who knew multitasking could be this fun? —Lydia Harper
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Why a USB Hub for Raspberry Pi is Necessary
When I first started using my Raspberry Pi, I quickly realized that the number of USB ports was quite limited. My setup required connecting multiple devices like a keyboard, mouse, external storage, and sometimes even a Wi-Fi adapter. Without a USB hub, I was constantly swapping devices, which became frustrating and inefficient. Having a USB hub expanded the number of available ports, making it much easier to connect everything I needed simultaneously.
Another reason I found a USB hub essential is power management. Some peripherals, especially external hard drives or powered devices, need more power than the Raspberry Pi’s built-in USB ports can provide. A powered USB hub supplies adequate power to these devices without overloading the Pi, ensuring stable performance and preventing unexpected shutdowns or device disconnects.
Overall, a USB hub transformed my Raspberry Pi experience by adding convenience, flexibility, and reliability. It allowed me to fully utilize my Pi’s capabilities without worrying about port limitations or power issues, which made my projects smoother and more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Usb Hub Raspberry
When I first started working with my Raspberry Pi, I quickly realized that the limited number of USB ports was a bit of a challenge. To expand connectivity, I turned to USB hubs specifically compatible with the Raspberry Pi. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you choose the right USB hub for your Raspberry Pi projects.
Understanding the Need for a USB Hub with Raspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi typically comes with only a few USB ports. If, like me, you want to connect multiple peripherals — such as a keyboard, mouse, external storage, or even a Wi-Fi dongle — a USB hub becomes essential. It allows you to multiply the number of available USB ports without compromising performance.
Types of USB Hubs: Powered vs. Unpowered
One of the first decisions I faced was choosing between a powered and an unpowered USB hub.
- Powered USB Hub: These come with their own power supply, providing extra juice to connected devices. This is important if you are connecting power-hungry peripherals like external hard drives. I found powered hubs more reliable for Raspberry Pi projects that require multiple devices.
- Unpowered USB Hub: These draw power from the Raspberry Pi itself. They are more compact and portable but can be limited by the Pi’s power output, which might cause unstable connections or device failures.
Number of Ports
I evaluated how many devices I wanted to connect simultaneously. USB hubs come with anywhere from 4 to 10 or more ports. For most Raspberry Pi setups, a 4- or 7-port hub works well. Consider your current needs and potential future expansions.
USB Version Compatibility
USB hubs support different USB standards — USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB 3.1, among others. The Raspberry Pi 4 supports USB 3.0, which offers faster data transfer speeds. I made sure to get a USB 3.0 hub to take advantage of the faster ports on my Pi 4, especially for transferring large files to external drives.
Build Quality and Design
I looked for a hub with a sturdy build and good heat dissipation, since some hubs can get warm after prolonged use. A compact design with a short cable or integrated cable is convenient for managing my workspace. Also, some hubs come with individual power switches on each port, which I found handy.
Compatibility and Driver Support
Since Raspberry Pi runs on Linux-based OS, I checked for hubs that require no special drivers and are plug-and-play. Most standard USB hubs work flawlessly, but it’s always good to verify user reviews or product specifications for Raspberry Pi compatibility.
Price and Warranty
USB hubs come in a wide price range. I balanced cost with quality, avoiding very cheap models that might fail or cause connectivity issues. Also, a warranty or return policy gave me peace of mind in case the hub didn’t meet my expectations.
Additional Features I Found Useful
- Individual Port Switches: Helpful for controlling power to specific devices.
- LED Indicators: To see which ports are active.
- Compact and Portable: For projects on the go.
- Data and Charging Support: Some hubs support charging mobile devices, which could be a bonus.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right USB hub for your Raspberry Pi depends largely on your specific use case. From my experience, a powered USB 3.0 hub with enough ports and good build quality made my projects smoother and more enjoyable. Take your time to assess your needs, and don’t hesitate to invest a little more for a reliable hub that will grow with your projects.
Author Profile
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I’m Adam Preston, the person behind BlueWaterAcquisition.com. For years I worked in corporate finance and acquisition analysis, digging into the fine print of products, services, and businesses to decide what was truly worth backing. I studied economics and later completed an MBA, but the most useful lessons came from long days comparing options, stress testing claims, and learning how to separate smart value from clever marketing.
In 2026 I shifted that mindset into this blog. Now I live on the coast of North Carolina, testing everyday products with the same quiet, methodical approach I once used on multi million dollar decisions. Here I write the kind of reviews I always wished existed myself - clear, practical, and based on real use instead of hype. If you like knowing why something is worth your money, not just that it is, you are in the right place.
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