StarTech.com HB30C4AIB 4-Port USB-C Hub - 4x USB 3.0 Type-A with Individual On/Off Switches - USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Bus-Powered
Business volume discounts
Technical guidance
Preparation & staging
QC · ON · AB · BC
Product Features
Technical Overview
This USB-C hub delivers full USB 3.2 Gen 1 performance with 5Gbps theoretical maximum transfer speeds, supporting UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) for improved efficiency with compatible storage devices. The four downstream USB-A ports maintain backward compatibility with USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices while providing optimal performance for modern peripherals.
The hub's bus-powered design draws up to 15W from the host device, intelligently distributing power across connected peripherals. This power management occurs alongside the hub's OS-independent operation, ensuring compatibility across Windows, macOS, Linux, iPadOS, Chrome OS, and Android systems without requiring additional drivers.
Relevant factors for this section include Host Interface, UASP Support. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
The individual on/off switches for each USB-A port represent this hub's most distinctive feature, providing granular control over connected devices that standard hubs cannot match.
Individual Port Control
Each USB-A port features a dedicated push-button switch with LED indicator, allowing users to disconnect power and data to specific peripherals without physically unplugging cables.
- Reduces wear on USB ports
- Saves energy by disabling unused devices
- Enables device reset without cable removal
Compact Design
With dimensions of 3.30" × 1.40" × 0.80" and weighing just 1.8 ounces, the hub maintains a minimal footprint while delivering full USB 3.0 functionality.
- Lightweight black plastic housing
- Integrated USB-C host cable
- Portable for travel and mobile setups
Deployment / Use Cases
This USB-C hub serves multiple deployment scenarios where users need to expand USB-A connectivity while maintaining control over individual peripherals. The combination of high-speed data transfer and selective port management makes it suitable for both professional and personal computing environments.
Common applications include laptop docking stations where users need to connect multiple USB devices like external storage, webcams, headsets, and input devices while retaining the ability to disable specific peripherals during video conferences or presentations. The hub also functions effectively in digital signage setups, point-of-sale systems, and kiosk deployments where controlled peripheral management enhances security and reduces power consumption.
Professional Workspace Integration
Ideal for office environments where users need to connect multiple legacy USB-A devices to modern USB-C laptops while maintaining clean cable management and the ability to disable peripherals during meetings.
Mobile Computing Companion
Perfect for travelers and remote workers who require additional USB ports for peripherals like portable SSDs, card readers, and input devices while working from various locations.
Physical Profile
The hub features a durable black plastic housing with clean, professional aesthetics that blend seamlessly with most computing equipment. Its compact rectangular form factor measures 3.30 inches in length, 1.40 inches in width, and 0.80 inches in height, allowing it to fit comfortably on desks or in laptop bags without occupying significant space.
- Width
- 1.40" (35.56 mm)
- Height
- 0.80" (20.32 mm)
- Weight
- 1.80 oz (51.03 g)
- Length
- 3.30" (83.82 mm)
What's in the Box
The package includes everything needed for immediate deployment of the USB-C hub.
Highlights
- Adds four USB 3.0 Type-A ports to USB-C laptops and devices
- Individual on/off switches with LED indicators for each USB-A port
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps SuperSpeed data transfer with UASP support
- Bus-powered design requires no external power adapter
- Compact and portable with 9.8-inch attached USB-C host cable
- OS independent - compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iPadOS, Chrome OS, Android
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices
- Black plastic housing with professional aesthetics
- 2-year limited warranty for peace of mind
- Environmentally compliant with WEEE, RoHS, and REACH standards
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | HB30C4AIB |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 4-Port USB-C Hub - 4x USB-A with Individual On/Off Switches |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Thunderbolt/USB Hub |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | USB Type C |
| Media & Performance | |
| UASP Support | Yes |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of USB Ports | 4 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 4 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Form Factor | External |
| Height | 0.80" (20.32 mm) |
| Width | 1.40" (35.56 mm) |
| Length | 3.30" (83.82 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.80 oz (51.03 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 4-Port USB-C Hub - 4x USB-A with Individual On/Off Switches 1 x Quick-start Guide |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE),Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What is the purpose of the individual port switches on this USB-C hub?
Each USB-A port features a dedicated on/off switch with LED indicator that allows you to selectively disconnect power and data to specific connected devices. This enables you to save energy by turning off unused peripherals, reset devices without physically unplugging cables, and reduce wear on both the hub ports and device connectors. The switches provide granular control that standard hubs lack, making this ideal for managing multiple peripherals in professional or presentation environments.
Does this USB-C hub require external power or drivers to operate?
No, the hub operates entirely through bus power from the host device via the USB-C connection, eliminating the need for an external power adapter. It draws up to 15W from the host, which it intelligently distributes across connected devices. The hub is also OS independent and class-compliant, meaning it works with Windows, macOS, Linux, iPadOS, Chrome OS, and Android without requiring additional drivers or software installation.
What data transfer speeds does this USB-C hub support?
The hub supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 specifications with theoretical maximum transfer speeds of 5Gbps. It maintains backward compatibility with USB 2.0 (480Mbps) and USB 1.1 (12Mbps) devices while providing optimal performance for modern USB 3.0 peripherals. The hub also supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) when connected to compatible host systems and devices, which can improve transfer efficiency and reduce CPU utilization during data transfers.
Can I use this hub with tablets or smartphones that have USB-C ports?
Yes, the hub is compatible with tablets and smartphones that support USB host functionality through their USB-C ports. It works with iPadOS devices, Android phones and tablets, and Chrome OS devices that can act as USB hosts. However, functionality may depend on the specific device's capabilities and operating system restrictions regarding peripheral support. The hub's bus-powered design makes it particularly suitable for mobile devices with limited power availability.
What types of devices can I connect to the four USB-A ports?
You can connect any standard USB-A peripheral, including external hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, card readers, webcams, headsets, keyboards, mice, printers, and other USB devices. The hub supports both data transfer and power delivery to connected devices, with the 15W total power budget shared across all four ports. The individual port switches allow you to manage which devices receive power and data at any given time.
How does the warranty and environmental compliance work for this product?
StarTech.com provides a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. The product is environmentally compliant with WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive), RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) standards. These compliance measures ensure the hub meets international environmental regulations regarding hazardous substance restrictions and proper end-of-life disposal procedures.