USB Splitter or USB Hub? Which is better?

An editor at Blogzine

April 18, 2023
🕑 2 minutes read
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Hardware

USB Splitter or USB Hub? Which is better?

What is a USB Splitter cable?

As the name implies, a USB Splitter cable is a type of USB cable that is split into multiple USB connectors. Usually, a USB Splitter cable is split into two USB connectors. But you may also see some USB Splitter cables with more than two USB connectors.

USB Splitter with two female USB connectors

One end of a USB Splitter cable has a male USB connector and the other end is split into multiple USB connectors. The split ends of a USB Splitter cable can have different or the same types of USB connectors, like both female USB connectors, one male and one female USB connector, etc.

Some USB Splitter cables are manufactured only for charging purposes. These types of USB Splitter cables have a male USB port at one end and the other end is split into the USB ports like Micro USB port, USB C port, etc.

What is a USB Hub?

Powered USB Hub
Non-powered USB Hub

Powered USB Hub or Non-powered USB Hub – Which is suitable for me?

USB Splitter or USB Hub – The Difference

Design

Let’s start with the design of these two electronic gadgets. A USB Splitter cable has a simpler design. One of its ends has a USB male connector and the other end is split into two or more USB connectors. To use a USB Splitter cable, connect its male connector to your computer, and then you can connect your USB devices to your computer via the female connector on the other end of the USB Splitter cable.

Portability

Number of USB ports

Types of Ports

The split end of the USB Splitter cable has both female USB connectors or a male and a female USB connector. Some USB Splitter cables are made to charge devices. These types of USB Splitter cables contain charging ports at the split end, like a Micro USB port.

Power

Is a USB hub the same as a USB splitter?

Is it safe to use USB Splitter?

Yes, a USB Splitter cable is completely safe to use. It helps you extend the USB connections. If your computer has fewer USB ports due to which you have to unplug the connected USB devices in order to connect other USB devices, you can buy a USB Splitter cable.