USB-C Pro Hub Max
The design of the Satechi USB-C Pro Hub Max is ideal for users who need portability and power. It's a great companion accessory for the M1 MacBook Pros as well as any other MacBooks that it is compatible with. The price is a little on the high side, but it's comparable with other pro-level hubs. It would be nice if a sleeve of some sort was included to help protect the ports and the USB-C plugs that are exposed.
- DESIGN
- EASE OF USE
- PRICE
Satechi provides the ultimate companion device for M1 MacBook Pros.
When I upgraded my computer to a MacBook Pro several years ago, I had to make the switch to using adapters and hubs to connect to important peripherals. At the time, it was not common to have to do that yet, but today it’s quite normal to need an array of connectors, hubs, and docks just to get through your day. I have used many different kinds, but I really like the design of the Satechi USB-C Pro Hub Max. It’s minimal but very functional for pro-level users.
DETAILS
The Satechi Pro Hub Max is designed specifically for use with the 2021 MacBook Pro. It has a fully functional USB-C PD port, 4K HDMI output, Gigabit Ethernet, USB-C data, USB-A data, micro/SD card readers, and an audio jack port. Satechi included a space gray or silver finish to match the body colors of the MacBook Pro series laptops. The aluminum body also helps to keep the adapter from overheating. The hub attaches to the Mac using the USB-C ports on the side of the computer. There is no software to download for use. It is designed with plug-and-play functionality.
The hub plugs into the side of your MacBook using the two USB-C plugs on its side. There is also a dummy audio jack plug that folds into the hub when not in use. This plug is really just included to help with the stability of the dock when it’s plugged in. It has no connectivity functionality.
Specs
| COMPATIBLE DEVICES | 2021 MacBook Pro 14-inch 16-inch (M1 Pro & Max) 2020/2019/2018/2017 MacBook Pro 2021 MacBook Air M1 2020/2018 MacBook Air 2020 M1 MacBook Pro |
| CONNECTOR TYPE | Dual USB-C with headphone jack (adjustable) |
| DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT | 4.86 x 1.22 x 0.46 inches, 1.94 oz. |
| MODEL NO / UPC | ST-UCPHMXM 810086360314 (Space Gray) ST-UCPHMXS 810086360321 (Silver) |
| SPEED | 1 x USB 4 – up to 96W charging, up to 6K 60Hz display output, up to 40 Gbps data transfer 1 x HDMI port – up to 4K 60Hz 1 x USB-A 3.0 data ports – up to 5 Gbps, does not support charging or CD drives 1 x micro/SD card readers 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port 1 x USB-C data port – up to 5 Gbps 1 x Audio jack port |
| GUARANTEE | 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty |
USER EXPERIENCE
The Satechi USB-C Pro Hub Max is the big brother to the Pro Hub Mini. This big difference between the two is the addition of the SD and Micro SD card reader on the Max version. The adapter comes in a standard Satechi retail box. There is a picture of the product on the front and the name of it stamped across the bottom. The back of the box features some information about the product along with an image of the product in use with a laptop.
Inside the box, the adapter is stored in a cardboard sleeve. A printed user manual comes with it, but nothing else. One of the things I like about the design of this adapter is how flat and compact the hub is. It makes it very easy to slide into a laptop bag or any accessory kit. I do sort of wish that a sleeve was included so that dirt and dust were kept out of the ports and the plugs were better protected since they are permanently extended.
I had the opportunity to test the adapter out with three different MacBook models – a 13-inch M1 MacBook Air (2020), a 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019), and a 16-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro (2021). The biggest difference between the 2019 and 2021 MBP models was the placement of the headphones jack on the side of the computer. On the 2019 model, the headphone jack is at the top corner while the 2021 model has it below the USB-C ports (closest to the trackpad).
The hub is very stable when it’s connected to the side of the laptop – even if the dummy headphone jack is not engaged. All three computers have the same Thunderbolt 3/USB4 ports available. I tested the speed of the SD card reader and the USB-A port by utilizing Blackmagic Disk Speed Test and a drag-and-drop test to see how fast media would transfer in real-time.
The flash drive I used for the USB-A port had a speed test result of 62.0 MB/s WRITE and 153.8 MB/s READ while the SD card had a result of 62.4 MB/s WRITE and 88.6 MB/s READ. When it came to the drag-and-drop test, the SD card had a faster transfer rate with 45.1 MB/s versus 38.07 MB/s with the flash drive. As far as the other functions go, I tested the hub with the HDMI port and tried charging using the USB-C PD port and didn’t have any problems with either function.
CONCLUSION
The Satechi USB-C Pro Hub Max is a great accessory for MacBook Pro users – especially content creators who needs access to SD card readers – to have on hand. Satechi makes great products and this adapter has a sleek, compact design that is easy to work with. At the time of publishing, this hub is currently retailing for $99.99. That seems to be in line with other pro-level adapters with this many connection options.
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