Affordable USB-C Hub from Xiaomi surprises with price, number of outputs, and build quality (experience)

A lack of ports is a nightmare for most modern laptop users. While manufacturers compete to create thinner devices, we users suffer with a single USB-C port into which we try to connect everything from chargers to monitors to external drives. Xiaomi is now bringing its compact 5-in-1 Type-C Hub to the European market, which I have been intensively testing for the past month, and I can say that for a price under 900 CZK, it is one of the best solutions I have ever used.

Elegant minimalist design with thoughtful details

The first thing that caught my eye after unboxing was the build quality. Unlike cheap plastic hubs, this one is entirely made of aluminum alloy in an elegant silver finish. With dimensions of just 112.5 × 10.4 × 39 mm, it takes up minimal space in a backpack and weighs just over 70 grams, so you won’t even feel it when carrying it daily.

A clever detail that surprised me is the integrated USB-C cable with an ingenious system for storing the connector. When I’m not using the hub, I can slide the connector into a special groove on the side, creating a small loop for easier carrying or hanging. However, the cable is only about 11 cm long, which is too short in some situations – for example, if you have your laptop on a stand and need to place the hub on a desk, it’s essentially impossible, and the hub hangs unaesthetically in the air.

Regarding port layout, on one side you’ll find three USB 3.0 (Type-A) ports, and on the other side, an HDMI port along with a USB-C port for pass-through charging. This arrangement is practical and prevents thicker USB devices from blocking each other.

Five ports for all your needs

The Xiaomi 5-in-1 Type-C Hub offers exactly what its name suggests – five different ports from a single USB-C connection. Specifically, these are three USB 3.0 ports for connecting peripherals, one HDMI port, and one USB-C port for charging. During testing, I tried various device combinations.

I simultaneously connected a wireless receiver for a mouse and keyboard, an external SSD, and a memory card reader to the USB 3.0 ports. All devices worked without issues, and the transfer speed was solid. With the SanDisk Extreme Portable external SSD, I achieved a real transfer speed of around 820 MB/s, which is very close to the theoretical maximum of 1050 MB/s stated by the manufacturer.

I tested the HDMI port with several monitors, including a 4K display from Samsung. The 4K output at 60 Hz worked without problems; the image was stable and free of artifacts. However, I must point out that to achieve 4K@60Hz, you need to use an HDMI 2.0 cable or higher, and your laptop must support DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP1.4) via USB-C, which most modern devices fortunately do.

The USB-C port for pass-through charging is extremely practical, as it allows you to power your laptop even while using all other ports. The hub supports up to 100 W input, but realistically provides a maximum of 90 W for the laptop, as the remaining 10 W is used to power connected devices.

Practical experience from a month of use

After a month of intensive use, I can share some practical observations not found in the official specifications. The hub heats up during operation, which is normal given its all-metal construction, which acts as a passive cooler. Even under full load, however, the temperature was never unpleasantly hot to the touch and did not affect device stability.

I also noticed that a wireless mouse with a 2.4GHz receiver sometimes suffered from slight lag when the receiver was plugged into the middle USB port. After moving it to an outer port, the problem disappeared. This is a common phenomenon with many USB hubs caused by electromagnetic interference, which Xiaomi even mentions in its technical specifications.

What pleasantly surprised me was its compatibility with various devices. I tested the hub with a MacBook Air (M4), Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and even an iPad Air (M3). With a Samsung phone, DeX mode worked perfectly, transforming your phone into a desktop computer – just connect a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. For the iPad, external monitor output worked without issues.

I also appreciated the plug-and-play functionality across all operating systems. Whether you use Windows, macOS, or Android, the hub works immediately after connection without the need to install any drivers.

Who is this hub ideal for?

After a month of testing in various scenarios, I can say that the Xiaomi 5-in-1 Type-C Hub is ideal for users who travel and need a compact, reliable solution for port expansion. It’s perfect for owners of ultrabooks with a limited number of connectors, such as MacBook Airs, Dell XPS, or Microsoft Surface.

If you frequently work with an external monitor and simultaneously need to connect several USB devices, this hub will make your life easier. You’ll especially appreciate the simultaneous charging capability, which eliminates the need to switch between power and peripheral devices.

The hub is also a great choice for owners of Samsung phones with DeX mode support or for tablet users who want to turn them into workstations.

Conversely, I would not recommend it to demanding users who need an Ethernet port or a memory card reader. For them, more comprehensive (and more expensive) docking stations with a wider range of ports exist.

Verdict: A nearly perfect hub for a great price

During a month of testing, the Xiaomi 5-in-1 Type-C Hub convinced me that even for less than 900 CZK, you can get a quality product that withstands daily use. The combination of a metal body, reliable functionality, and wide compatibility makes it one of the best choices in its price category.

The only significant drawbacks – the short cable and the absence of a memory card reader – are not major issues for most users. If you are looking for a reliable way to expand the connectivity options of your laptop or phone, the Xiaomi 5-in-1 Type-C Hub is a clear choice that will not disappoint you.

What USB-C hub do you use?