StarTech.com 7 Port USB 3.0 Hub (5 Gbps) - Metal Enclosure - Desktop or Wall Mountable - Rugged & industrial Powered USB Expander and Splitter Hub (ST7300U3M)

First, the only issue I had was with the supplied USB-3 (A/B) data cable. It was defective, rendering USB2.0 speeds. Due to the apparent high quality of the hub itself, I will not deduct points for this. For years I've noticed that high performing devices often seem to ship with data cables of questionable quality. I replaced it and all is well.I've read many of the reviews and have some comments:1) USB-3 cables are typically shorter. The potential fast data rates can be an issue with longer, standard quality cables, as well as computer tower enclosure front panel ports. The first time I experienced this was when I connected high speed devices to the front panel USB3.0 (USB3.1 gen-1) ports of a PC computer. Unlike the rear panel, where the USB connector is soldered directly into the motherboard, the front ports are subject to a long internal cable (possibly of questionable quality) leading to a motherboard header. High speed devices that I had problems with (up front) worked flawlessly in the rear ports.2) Regarding cordless Keyboards and Mice, I plugged in a Logitech Unifying receiver to the hub, and both items work without issue.3) On the hub that I purchased, all indicator lights function as expected.4) My LG Android mobile phone will charge as well as transfer data via the hub. iPhones might be more demanding (re: current).5) The hub case is metal, not plastic.6) The unit's charger came with several AC plug adapters, certainly including one for the US.I have this hub attached to an Intel 8I7BEH NUC mini PC (i7-8559 cpu; all 5-USB ports are 3.1 gen-2). Transfer speeds are high between NUC and hub as well as between multiple hard drives and SSD's connected to the hub.Currently connected to the hub:1-Mouse/Keyboard receiver1-USB3.0 gen-2 StarTech enclosure with internal NAS 5400 rpm SATA-3 hard drive2-USB3.0 gen-1 enclosures with 7200 rpm SATA-3 hard drives1-SATA-3 SSDThe NUC ports have more of the same. Everything works very well...no complaints at all.I realize that manufacturing renders an occasional defective device, but mine works great.

Have been trying to find a decent, reliable USB hub for some time. Doesn't seem like that should be so difficult, but apparently it is. I've been through several that I've returned either because they failed in some way or features were problematic - such as switches that had to be manually reset after power failure. This one is pricey, but so far everything is good. Congress with a mounting plate and rubber pad for grip on surface - not critical features but thoughtful enhancements. If you need a hub that will work without frequent attention, this may be it.

I purchased this to replace a Tripp-Lite 7-Port Mini Hub (U360-007-AL) (ASIN: ‎B06XDLXKW9). Don't get that one, it is terrible. I purchased two and returned one, and they all had issues with random disconnections, as did other units we had at my work. Some sort of hardware issue with splitting the hub into two groups of four and three ports respectively.This one does not have issues - its USB functionality is great. No disconnects, no issues with data transfer. Solid metal construction and doesn't move much around the table when plugging things in. This is almost everything I want in a desktop USB hub.However, despite having a dedicated power supply, it delivers very little power to devices, it seems just enough to keep the things running. if you want to charge your phone/tablet while looking at data on it, you are going to waiting a while. Unfortunate, as I chose this unit over Startech's similar HB30C5A2CST, which does have the dedicated charging port.The decent gauge, all-metal construction and solid performance are welcome. The price is not - this should be about half of what they are selling it for. At $45 it is an easy sell, at $90, you'd better really like the aesthetics and really need the durability to justify paying that much and not getting decent charging too.So if you just want the ports, and don't mind the wimpy power delivery or price, strong recommendation. Otherwise, consider the equally expensive HB30C5A2CST or wait for a sale.

Star Tech has a reputation for quality, durable manufacturing, and this desktop USB hub is built like a tank. Though the unit is quite compact, each of the seven USB ports has a status light indicating connection. There is an additional status light for connection to the computer. The case is all metal. The USB ports have the de rigour blue tabs inside indicating they are USB 3.0 capable (although like all USB 3.0 hubs it is backward compatible to 2.0 and 1.1 cables. Unlike cheaper units, the ports have no wiggle or give. They are solidly attached to the case.The power supply is heavy and comes with prongs for US and International markets. It will function on either 120 or 220 voltage.Inside the box the company also supplies two one-sided adhesive rubber strips to be applied to the base of the hub in order to prevent slippage. Alternatively, a metal plate is supplied with mounting holes if you want to permanently attach it to your wall, desk or cabinetI've been using unit only for a few weeks. I decided to pay more after using what seems like an endless series of inexpensive, plastic cased seven and 10 port USB hubs that failed, often within a few weeks of purchase. The last to go was an Amazon Basics 10 port. It surprised me by lasting almost 5 months. Port failures are not without risk. Twice now failed USB hubs have caused minor damage to my computers. On the advice of the technician, I decided to spend the extra money on this unit. I'll come back and update this review if the unit develops any problems.