When it comes to expanding the connectivity options of your Mac, two popular products stand out among the crowd of usb hubs for Macs: the HYPER HyperDrive 7-in-2 USB-C Hub and the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock. Both devices aim to provide a convenient and efficient way to connect multiple peripherals to your MacBook or iMac, but they differ significantly in terms of design, features, and performance.

Design and Build Quality

The HYPER HyperDrive 7-in-2 USB-C Hub is a compact and lightweight device that measures just 4.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide. It's made of durable aluminum and has a sleek, minimalist design that fits perfectly with the aesthetic of modern Macs. The hub has a single USB-C port for connecting to your Mac, and seven additional ports for connecting peripherals, including two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, one SD card slot, one microSD card slot, and two USB-C ports.

In contrast, the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock is a larger and more substantial device that measures 7.5 inches long and 3.5 inches wide. It's also made of aluminum, but has a more industrial design with a ruggedized exterior and a built-in power supply. The dock has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, five USB-A ports, one USB-C port, one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, one Ethernet port, and an audio jack.

Connectivity Options

Both devices offer a range of connectivity options, but the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock is more comprehensive. In addition to the two Thunderbolt 3 ports, which can be used to connect dual 4K displays or a single 5K display, the dock also includes five USB-A ports, which can be used to connect peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and flash drives. The dock also includes an Ethernet port, which provides a stable and fast connection to the internet.

The HYPER HyperDrive 7-in-2 USB-C Hub, on the other hand, has more limited connectivity options. While it includes two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, and one SD card slot, it lacks an Ethernet port and only has two USB-C ports, which can be used for data transfer or charging.

Performance

In terms of performance, the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock is significantly faster than the HYPER HyperDrive 7-in-2 USB-C Hub. The dock's Thunderbolt 3 ports support speeds of up to 40 Gbps, while the hub's USB-C ports support speeds of up to 10 Gbps. This means that the dock can handle more demanding applications, such as video editing and 3D modeling, with ease.

Power Delivery

Another key difference between the two devices is power delivery. The CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock includes a built-in power supply that can deliver up to 85W of power to your Mac, making it ideal for larger and more power-hungry laptops. The HYPER HyperDrive 7-in-2 USB-C Hub, on the other hand, relies on bus power from your Mac, which means that it may not be able to provide enough power to larger devices.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between the HYPER HyperDrive 7-in-2 USB-C Hub and the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock, it ultimately depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you're looking for a compact and affordable usb hub for Macs that can provide basic connectivity options, the HYPER HyperDrive 7-in-2 USB-C Hub may be the better choice. However, if you need a more comprehensive docking solution with faster performance, more connectivity options, and higher power delivery, the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock is the clear winner.

In summary, while both devices are excellent options for expanding the connectivity of your Mac, the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock stands out as a more powerful and feature-rich solution that's ideal for professionals and heavy users. The HYPER HyperDrive 7-in-2 USB-C Hub, on the other hand, is a great option for casual users who need a simple and affordable way to connect their peripherals. When shopping for usb hubs for Macs, it's essential to consider your specific needs and choose a device that meets your requirements for connectivity, performance, and power delivery.