StarTech.com 7-Port USB-C Hub - 5x USB-A + 2x USB-C - Self-Powered w/65W Power Supply - USB 3.1 10Gbps - Desktop/Laptop USB Hub w/3ft USB-IF Certified Locking Cable - USB C Hub

Product Overview

AI-generated summary

For £97.32 ex-VAT, this StarTech hub is a sensible “office survival” buy if you need a reliable desktop-ready expansion for a USB‑C laptop and don’t want to keep juggling docks or fragile cables. The self-powered angle matters in the real world: it generally behaves better when you plug in power-hungry peripherals (external drives, dongly Wi‑Fi adapters, webcams) and it avoids that annoying “sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t” syndrome you get with bus-powered hubs. Also, the locking cable is genuinely underrated for a shared workspace—less accidental unplugging and fewer “why did the network drop?” tickets.

That said, I wouldn’t treat it like a full replacement for a proper docking station. It’s a hub, not a KVM—so if you’re actually trying to switch between displays/host devices, you’ll be in the wrong category and you’ll still need a real KVM setup. And if your main issue is charging (or you want a neat one-cable desk ecosystem with lots of integrated I/O), you may find better value with a dedicated dock that bundles the ports you actually use daily.

**Who should buy:** small teams, consultants, and admins who want a sturdy, self-powered USB‑C hub with multiple USB-A options and a locking connection. **Who shouldn’t:** anyone needing display switching, or buyers expecting “dock-like” functionality beyond straightforward USB expansion.