In this review, we will delve into the Uni Accessories Union Pro USB-C 8-in-1 hub, an all-in-one accessory that is designed to function as both a home docking station and a portable hub for on-the-go use.
Having tested various hubs over the years for MacBooks and USB-C iPads, we have seen numerous options fall short in one aspect or another. So, how does the Uni Union Pro USB-C 8-in-1 hub measure up?
Read on to find out if it meets our expectations and if we recommend it as your ultimate MacBook and iPad hub.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Unboxing this USB-C hub is a straightforward process. In the box, you get the Uni Union Pro USB-C 8-in-1 hub itself, a short USB-C to USB-C cable, and some reading material.
The first thing that stands out is its unique design. The hub features a removable anti-drop silicone case, which offers robust protection to its aluminum body. The silicone case feels high-quality and smooth to the touch. This is the first accessory I have tested that comes with a silicone case like this and I love it.
A noteworthy feature is the detachable short cable, a significant advantage over many other hubs that lack this sort of flexibility. The included braided USB-C to USB-C cable is made from strong nylon, ensuring durability and resilience against everyday bending and wear.
Port Configuration and Performance
The Union Pro USB-C 8-in-1 hub is equipped with 8 ports, strategically placed on either side. Here’s a detailed look at each port:
Side One:
1. USB-C Power Delivery Port: This port is capable of delivering up to 100W of power to your devices. It does not support data transfer or video output.
2. HDMI Port: Supports connection to monitors up to 4K at 30Hz, and 1080p at 60Hz.
3. Ethernet Port: Compatible with Cat 6 cables, this port supports up to 1000 Mbps speeds.
4. USB-A 2.0 Port: Offers speeds up to 480Mbps, suitable for peripherals like mice, keyboards, and printers.
Side Two:
1. Two USB-A 3.0 Ports: Ideal for flash drives, external SSDs, mice, and keyboards, with transfer speeds up to 5Gbps and power output up to 5 volts.
2. SD Card Slot: Supports larger SD cards, SDHC, SDXC, and RS-MMC types.
3. MicroSD Card Slot: Allows the use of smaller microSD cards.
Practical Application and Performance
As a user of the M1 Pro MacBook Pro, the availability of three USB-A ports on this hub is particularly beneficial, enabling me to connect multiple devices simultaneously. This allows me to plug in USB-A accessories like external hard drives, flash drives, cameras, etc to the MacBook more easily.
The fast Ethernet port has significantly enhanced my workflow, providing stable wired internet connectivity to both my MacBook and iPad Air 5.
The ability to connect a 1TB external hard drive directly to my iPad Air 5 has been a game-changer. This feature allows me to access and transfer large video files between the iPad and the external hard drive without needing to use my MacBook as an intermediary.
Versatility and Portability
The Union Pro USB-C 8-in-1 hub excels as a docking station, supporting all essential desk accessories, including a mouse, keyboard, monitor, Ethernet, printer, and SD/microSD cards. It also enables the charging of devices like the iPhone. Despite its comprehensive port selection, the hub remains compact and portable, making it an ideal travel companion.
Verdict and rating
Overall, the Uni Union Pro USB-C 8-in-1 Hub impresses with its robust design, versatile port selection, and exceptional performance. It is highly recommended for MacBook and iPad users seeking to enhance connectivity and productivity.
Uni Accessories Union Pro USB-C 8-in-1 hub
Uni Accessories Union Pro USB-C 8-in-1 hubPros
- Detachable Cable
- Small in size
- Comes with a silicone case
- Good selection of ports
Cons
- Lack of a USB-C port for data
Pricing and availability
You can purchase the Uni Union Pro USB-C 8-in-1 hub from Uni Accessories’ official website at a discounted price of $64.99, a notable reduction from its regular price of $89.99.
You can take advantage of Discount code: IOS20 to avail 20 percent off at checkout.
