The iPad Pro M4 has Thunderbolt/USB4, but you still need a hub for HDMI, SD cards, and USB-A. We tested the best USB-C hubs under $100 — including the HyperDrive 6-in-1, Satechi OntheGo Stand, and a budget 7-in-1 — to find which ones actually deliver 4K@60Hz, reliable passthrough charging, and a solid fit.
the ipad pro m4 is a beast. thunderbolt / usb4, the m4 chip, that gorgeous tandem oled display. but apple still gives you exactly one usb-c port. want to plug in an external monitor, transfer photos from an sd card, or charge while using a wired keyboard? you need a hub.
the good news: you don't need to spend a fortune. the best usb-c hubs for the ipad pro m4 under $100 cover the essentials — hdmi out, sd/microsd slots, usb-a, and passthrough charging — without breaking the bank. here are the ones worth buying.
if you want something that clicks right onto your ipad pro and just works, this is it. the hyperdrive 6-in-1 is a direct-fit hub — no dangling cable, no extra bulk. it adds six ports including hdmi (4k at 60hz), sd and microsd slots, usb-a, and a usb-c passthrough for charging at up to 60w.1
the 4k@60hz output is the key spec here. many hubs in this price range cap out at 30hz, which makes the cursor feel sluggish and video look choppy. the hyperdrive delivers full 60hz, so your external monitor feels as smooth as the ipad's own display.
at $89.99, it's right at the top of our budget but earns every dollar.1
| specs | |
|---|---|
| ports | hdmi, sd, microsd, usb-a, usb-c pd, usb-c data |
| hdmi | 4k@60hz |
| pd charging | 60w passthrough |
| fit | direct (no cable) |
the satechi onthego is a hybrid — half ergonomic stand, half multiport hub. it props your ipad up at a comfortable viewing angle while giving you seven ports, including hdmi at 4k@60hz, sd/microsd, and usb-a.2
this is the pick if you use your ipad pro as a laptop replacement. the foldable stand makes typing on a bluetooth keyboard much more comfortable, and having the ports built into the stand keeps your desk clean. at $79.99, it's actually $10 cheaper than the hyperdrive while adding a stand.2
one trade-off: because it's a stand-style hub, it's not as portable as the direct-fit hyperdrive. great for a desk setup, less ideal for tossing in a bag.
| specs | |
|---|---|
| ports | hdmi, sd, microsd, usb-a (×2), usb-c pd, usb-c data, 3.5mm |
| hdmi | 4k@60hz |
| pd charging | 60w passthrough |
| fit | stand (foldable) |
not everyone needs 4k@60hz or a fancy stand. if you just want to plug in a mouse, read an sd card, and keep your ipad charged, the generic 7-in-1 hubs on amazon do the job for around $25–35.
these typically include hdmi (usually 4k@30hz — fine for presentations or video playback, less ideal for productivity), sd/microsd, usb-a, and a 3.5mm audio jack. most support 60w pd passthrough charging.
the catch: build quality varies wildly, and you won't get the direct-fit or stand design of the picks above. but for the price, it's a perfectly functional way to add ports to your ipad pro.
| specs | |
|---|---|
| ports | hdmi, sd, microsd, usb-a (×2), usb-c pd, 3.5mm |
| hdmi | 4k@30hz |
| pd charging | 60w passthrough |
| fit | cable |
| spec | hyperdrive 6-in-1 | satechi onthego stand | budget 7-in-1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| hdmi | 4k@60hz | 4k@60hz | 4k@30hz |
| ports | 6 | 7 | 7 |
| pd charging | 60w | 60w | 60w |
| fit type | direct (cable-free) | foldable stand | cable |
| price | ~$90 | ~$80 | ~$30 |
the ipad pro m4 has a thunderbolt / usb4 port, which means it can handle up to 40gbps data transfer and drive high-resolution displays. but the hub you plug into it also needs to support those speeds. most hubs under $100 are usb-c (not thunderbolt), which is fine for hdmi, sd cards, and usb-a — just don't expect thunderbolt-level daisy-chaining or 40gbps speeds from the hub's ports.
the m4 ipad pro can drive an external display at up to 6k resolution. but many budget hubs only support 4k@30hz, which feels laggy for cursor movement and general desktop use. 4k@60hz is the baseline for a smooth experience — the hyperdrive and satechi both deliver it, while most generic hubs cap at 30hz.
all three picks above support 60w pd passthrough, meaning you plug your usb-c charger into the hub, and the hub charges your ipad while you use the other ports. the ipad pro m4 can charge at up to 40w, so 60w passthrough is plenty. just make sure your charger itself can deliver enough wattage.
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