X
Tech
Why you can trust ZDNET : ZDNET independently tests and researches products to bring you our best recommendations and advice. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Our process

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.

Close

Got an iPad Pro? Here's how to make it even better

Here's an accessory that makes the iPad Pro even better.
Written by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, Senior Contributing Editor

Apple's iPad Pro is quite a powerful device, and for some, it can replace a laptop, even a desktop computer. But here's an accessory that makes it even better and more versatile.

A hub.

Yes, by connecting a hub to that single USB-C port, you unleash a lot of additional functionality, the most obvious being more ports, but for some having a USB-A port or SD card slot or HDMI slot will be what makes all the difference.

But which hub to buy? I've tested a lot of hubs, and here are three of my favorites.

Must read: How to prevent your Zoom meetings being Zoom-bombed (gate-crashed) by trolls

Disclosure: ZDNet may earn an affiliate commission from some of the products featured on this page. ZDNet and the author were not compensated for this independent review.

This hub feels like it's been designed for the iPad Pro, and that's because it has. It fits the device nicely, rather than hanging off the port. It clips discreetly to the iPad Pro, and even fits if the Smart Keyboard is attached.

It turns the single USB-C connection into 6 ports: 3.5mm audio jack, USB-A, SD, Micro SD, USB-C, and HDMI.

It is also available in silver or gray to suit your iPad Pro.

Need something smaller and simpler? 

The Satechi Type-C Smart Hub was one of the first adapters designed specifically for the iPad Pro

It offers a 4K HDMI port, USB-C PD 3.0 charging, USB 3.0 port, and 3.5mm headphone jack, all over a single USB-C connection.

This is a great way to add more functionality with little bulk.

A cheap-and-cheerful hub that adds two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a SD/microSD card slot. 

The only drawback to this hub is that is does not have a USB-C port and does not support charging. Other than that, if you need a basic hub to add some backward-compatibility, this is a great hub at a good price.

Editorial standards