USB & FireWire Hubs

Best USB & FireWire Hubs in the UK: Where to Buy, How to Choose, and Top Picks

If you're hunting for the best USB or FireWire hub in the UK, you're in the right place. Whether you want to expand ports on a slim laptop, connect audio gear, or add high-speed peripherals to your desktop, the right hub makes life easier. This guide walks you through recommended UK stores, what to look for, and smart buying tips so you can plug in and get going without the guesswork.

Why a Good Hub Matters

Think of a hub as a busy junction on a motorway; a poor junction causes traffic jams, while a well-designed one keeps everything moving. A quality USB or FireWire hub not only increases the number of devices you can connect but preserves speed, power delivery, and reliability. For creative pros, gamers, and remote workers alike, a hub can be the difference between a smooth workflow and constant cable swapping.

Types of Hubs: USB-A, USB-C, and FireWire Explained

Before diving into stores, it's useful to know the main types you'll find. USB-A hubs are classic and still handy for older flash drives and peripherals. USB-C hubs are a modern conduit, often combining ports like HDMI, Ethernet, and SD card readers with power passthrough. FireWire hubs are rarer now, because FireWire (IEEE 1394) is an older standard used mainly for legacy audio and video gear — but if you need it, specialist retailers and secondhand markets are where to look.

USB-A Hubs: Simple and Affordable

USB-A hubs are perfect for keyboards, mice, and older flash drives. They usually come in 4-port or 7-port versions, and you can get powered or unpowered options depending on whether you need to charge devices or just transfer data. For everyday use, a powered 4-port hub with a 36-inch (3 ft) cable is a reliable choice.

USB-C Hubs: The Swiss Army Knife

USB-C hubs often include power delivery, HDMI output, and Ethernet — great for modern laptops with a single port. Look for hubs that support pass-through charging at 60 watts or more if you run a laptop while using peripherals. Cable lengths of 8 inches to 12 inches are common, but some docks offer longer leads or detachable cables for flexibility.

FireWire Hubs: Niche but Necessary

FireWire hubs come into play when you're working with older audio interfaces, camcorders, or legacy Macs that rely on IEEE 1394. True FireWire hubs are scarce in high-street shops, so check specialist stores, vintage gear marketplaces, or online classifieds if you need one. Cables of 6 inches to 12 inches are typical, but you might use extension cables of 3 ft or longer depending on setup.

Top UK Stores to Buy USB & FireWire Hubs

Here are reliable places in the UK where you can find a wide selection of hubs, both new and occasionally used models for legacy needs. I’ll highlight what each store is best for so you can shop smart.

Amazon UK — Variety and Fast Delivery

Amazon UK offers the widest range of hubs from brands like Anker, Belkin, UGREEN, and Satechi. If you want same-day or next-day delivery and a broad price range, Amazon is a dependable first stop. Look for user reviews and verified purchasers when choosing models, and consider options with at least a 12-month warranty for peace of mind.

Currys PC World — High-Street Convenience

Currys (often listed as Currys PC World) carries mainstream hubs from reputable brands and occasionally stock USB-C docking stations designed for laptops like MacBook and Surface. If you prefer trying in store or collecting same day, Currys has a useful mix of budget and premium options.

Argos — Budget Finds and Quick Pickup

Argos is useful for shoppers wanting an affordable, no-frills hub. They stock compact USB-A hubs and basic USB-C adapters. If you need a cheap, immediate solution — perhaps a temporary hub while you decide on a higher-end dock — Argos is a convenient choice with fast in-store collection.

Scan, Ebuyer, and Overclockers UK — For Power Users

Scan, Ebuyer, and Overclockers UK cater more to PC builders and power users. They offer robust USB-C docking stations, multi-port expansion units, and products with higher wattage power delivery. If you need a professional-grade hub or something compatible with a gaming rig or workstation, these retailers have specialised models you won’t see everywhere else.

CCL Computers, Box.co.uk, and Novatech — Specialist Components

These shops often list both consumer and prosumer hubs, plus accessories like high-quality cables and adapters. They’re good places to find brand-specific docks and accessories that match a specific motherboard or laptop setup. If compatibility matters, their spec sheets and tech support are helpful.

John Lewis — Trusted Brand and Customer Service

John Lewis stocks reliable hubs from well-known manufacturers and often bundles them with warranties. Their in-store expertise is useful if you prefer to ask questions before buying, and their after-sales support is reassuring if you run into setup issues.

Where to Find FireWire Hubs and Legacy Cables

Because FireWire is less common now, you’ll want to target specialist sources. Try UK listings on eBay for vintage units, and check music or audio shops that handle pro recording gear. Sites like Reverb and secondhand marketplaces often carry FireWire interfaces and hubs used by audio engineers — ideal if you're working with older mixers or DV cameras.

How to Choose the Right Hub: 7 Key Criteria

Picking a hub can feel overwhelming with all the specs and port types. Here are seven practical criteria to focus on so you make a confident choice:

1. Port Type and Number

Decide what you need now and in the near future. A 4-port hub suits casual users, while a 10-port dock is better for power users. Mix ports — include at least one USB-C and two USB-A ports — and add HDMI or Ethernet if you work with displays or wired networks.

2. Power Delivery (PD)

If you use a laptop, choose a hub with PD. Look for at least 60 watts of passthrough to charge most laptops while powering peripherals, and 100 watts if you run a larger workstation. Without adequate PD, your laptop may drain while connected.

3. Data Speeds

USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 are common; they deliver faster transfer rates for external drives. If you work with large video files, aim for USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt-compatible docks for blistering speeds and fewer bottlenecks.

4. Build Quality and Cable Length

Metal housings tend to dissipate heat better than plastic, and braided cables resist fraying. For desktop setups, a 36-inch cable gives flexibility; for travel, look for compact hubs with short detachable cables of 6 inches to 8 inches.

5. Compatibility

Check compatibility with Mac and Windows. Many hubs work across platforms, but features like charging profiles or display output can vary. Retailer specs at stores like Scan or Currys help confirm compatibility.

6. Driver Requirements

Most modern hubs are plug-and-play, but legacy FireWire gear may require drivers. If you’re using older audio interfaces, check whether drivers are available for your OS version before you buy — specialist stores often link to driver pages.

7. Budget and Warranty

Decide your budget and balance price versus warranty. Mid-range hubs from Anker or Belkin usually offer the best value with warranties from six months to two years. For expensive docks, check for at least a one-year warranty or extended care from retailers like John Lewis.

Top Brands to Look For in the UK

Brand reputation matters. Anker and Belkin are known for reliability and good warranties. Satechi and UGREEN make stylish USB-C hubs; StarTech focuses on pro-grade adapters and cables; TP-Link and Netgear offer Ethernet-enabled docks. For audio interfaces and FireWire gear, look to specialist names recommended by music shops.

Shopping Tips: Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality

Want to score a great hub without paying over the odds? Here are practical tips to stretch your budget and still get a hub that lasts.

Compare Specifications, Not Just Price

Two hubs may look similar but differ in power delivery and data speeds. Use the store spec sheets on Scan or Ebuyer to compare wattage and port speeds — don’t buy based on price alone.

Look for Bundles and Seasonal Sales

Amazon, Currys, and Argos often run seasonal deals where docks or hub bundles drop in price. Holiday sales and tech events are good times to find discounted premium docks.

Consider Refurbished or Open-Box Units

Retailers like Box.co.uk and some specialist shops sell refurbished units with reduced prices and warranties. A refurbished dock from a trusted brand can be a smart money-saver if you want high-end performance on a budget.

Installation and Setup Tips

Setup is usually plug-and-play, but a few best practices help avoid headaches. First, connect the hub to a powered port if it supports PD and use the manufacturer cable for initial setup. For multi-monitor setups, connect displays before launching the OS display settings. If an external drive doesn’t appear, try connecting directly to the computer to rule out cable issues, then update drivers if necessary.

Troubleshooting Common Hub Problems

Even the best hub can misbehave. Here are quick fixes for common issues.

Device Not Recognised

Try a different USB port on the hub, then test the device on the computer directly. Updating system USB drivers often fixes recognition problems.

Slow Transfer Speeds

Check the port type — USB 2.0 is slow compared to USB 3.0. Also ensure your cable supports high speeds; cheap cables can bottleneck transfer rates even on fast hubs.

Insufficient Power

If peripherals aren’t powering up, switch to a powered hub or use a hub with higher PD rating. For bus-powered hubs, unplug non-essential devices if power limits are reached.

Why Some Buyers Still Need FireWire

FireWire persists in niche circles: audio engineers, video editors working with older camcorders, and owners of legacy Macs. If you fall into one of these groups, plan to shop specialist audio retailers, secondhand marketplaces, or auction sites to find FireWire hubs and adapters. Remember that FireWire offers stable sustained transfer rates that older audio interfaces rely on, making it more than just a relic for specific workflows.

Final Checklist Before You Click Buy

Here’s a quick checklist to use at checkout: does the hub have the right mix of ports, adequate power delivery, the right data speeds, solid build quality, compatibility with your OS, and a reasonable warranty? If the answer is yes to all, you’re ready to buy.

Conclusion

Choosing the right USB or FireWire hub in the UK comes down to understanding your needs, comparing specs, and buying from trusted retailers. For everyday users, Amazon and Argos are great for convenience and fast delivery, while Currys and John Lewis balance service with reliability. For power users, Scan, Ebuyer, Overclockers, CCL, and Novatech offer specialist gear. If FireWire is essential, target specialist audio sellers and secondhand markets. With the right hub, you'll tidy your desk, speed up transfers, and stop swapping cables — which is a small victory that feels huge in day-to-day computing.