Dock vs Hub

[Granddad]

Hi all,
I recently purchased an iMac with 2 TB ports and 2 USB C ports. I had a cheap Hub with 4 ports that I used on my MBP because the USB A ports were too close together for me to plug 2 Thumb Drives or HDs in side by side. But, that Hub would not recognize 2 HD Drives and/or Thumb Drives at the same time, it would only recognize the first one plugged in, so I was doing a lot of swapping.
I want to purchase either a Hub or Dock, but don't know which to choose. My needs are to have multiple USB A ports, multiple USB C ports, an SD Card slot and a MicroSD Card slot. I have cables to charge my iPhone and iPad separately, but I guess it would be nice to have those in the Hub or Dock, but not a dealbreaker if not. I've watched a bunch of videos on Youtube, searched the Apple Forums and no help.
What would you suggest?

 

[Raz0rEdge]

If you just want to have multiple USB-A devices, then you can just go with a hub (ideally powered) that will give you more USB ports.

However, if you also want other types of connectors like SD/MicroSD and so on, you'll need to go with a dock that supports all of those additional ports.

 

[Randy B. Singer]

...My needs are to have multiple USB A ports, multiple USB C ports, an SD Card slot and a MicroSD Card slot. ...

It's expensive, but here is what you want:

OWC 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock for Mac and Windows PC

Through a single cable, the 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock brings an unprecedented combination of ports, convenience, and power to your Thunderbolt Mac or PC.

eshop.macsales.com

If you are willing to scale back your needs, this inexpensive hub might do the job:


Plugable USB-C Hub 7-in-1
$30
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BLXG7C1/?tag=macforums0e4-20

 

[Granddad]

It's expensive, but here is what you want:

OWC 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock for Mac and Windows PC

Through a single cable, the 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock brings an unprecedented combination of ports, convenience, and power to your Thunderbolt Mac or PC.

eshop.macsales.com

If you are willing to scale back your needs, this inexpensive hub might do the job:


Plugable USB-C Hub 7-in-1
$30
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BLXG7C1/?tag=macforums0e4-20

Thanks for the help.

 

[Granddad]

If you just want to have multiple USB-A devices, then you can just go with a hub (ideally powered) that will give you more USB ports.

However, if you also want other types of connectors like SD/MicroSD and so on, you'll need to go with a dock that supports all of those additional ports.

Thanks.

 

[nickyr]

I've been happily using the CalDigit element hub for months now. It's mains powered, runs from your macs TB output and gives you 3 x USBC/TB4 outputs along with 4 x USBA ones

Thunderbolt 4 | USB4 | Element Hub | CalDigit – CalDigit

www.caldigit.com

 

[Granddad]

I've been happily using the CalDigit element hub for months now. It's mains powered, runs from your macs TB output and gives you 3 x USBC/TB4 outputs along with 4 x USBA ones

Thunderbolt 4 | USB4 | Element Hub | CalDigit – CalDigit

www.caldigit.com

Thanks

 

[Randy B. Singer]

If you need more USB ports to attach peripherals, and you don't need USB-C ports (most peripherals attach via USB-A ports), this hub can save you a ton of money:

uni USB C to USB Hub 4 Ports, Aluminum USB Type C to USB Adapter with 4 USB 3.0 Ports, Thunderbolt 3 to Multiport USB 3.0 Hub Adapter for MacBook Pro/Air 2020/2019 and more
$16
https://www.amazon.com/uni-Aluminum-Thunderbolt-Multiport-Chromebook/dp/B087QFM3GF/?th=1

 

[Granddad]

If you need more USB ports to attach peripherals, and you don't need USB-C ports (most peripherals attach via USB-A ports), this hub can save you a ton of money:

uni USB C to USB Hub 4 Ports, Aluminum USB Type C to USB Adapter with 4 USB 3.0 Ports, Thunderbolt 3 to Multiport USB 3.0 Hub Adapter for MacBook Pro/Air 2020/2019 and more
$16
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087QFM3GF/?tag=macforums0e4-20

Thanks, looks like just what I need.