Satechi USB-C Pro Hub Slim in review: The USB hub for MacBooks with M1 & M2

For some time now, Apple's MacBooks have only had two to a maximum of four USB-C/Thunderbolt ports. It doesn't matter whether it's a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro. However, for some users, this change was more of a step backwards in terms of flexibility. We tested the Satechi USB-C Pro Hub Slim for you.
After omitting the various ports, Apple took a step with the 2021 MacBook Pro and brought users a laptop that has both HDMI and an SD card slot. Now Apple users who have a MacBook Air M1 (2020) or a MacBook Air M2 (2023), for example, are left looking stupid - these users still only have two USB-C ports.
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tl; dr
The "Slim" in the product name lives up to its name. It is so small and compact that it fits in any child's hand and doesn't waste any space. It is also very practical on the desk and when traveling. It is also available in three colors (Space Gray, Silver and Midnight Black) on Amazon for around 80 euros.
USB-C Pro Hub Slim creates flexible ports
The market for USB-C dongles has grown steadily over the years and has become quite confusing. There are hubs that are inconvenient for traveling on the train or the like because they "hang around" and there are hubs that are permanently plugged into the device. But these differ mostly confusingly on the inside in terms of technology - no Thunderbolt, only USB-C or only USB 2.0 instead of USB 3.1.
Satechi has taken a conscious approach to this and offers Apple MacBook Silicon users a choice without thinking too much about technical specifications. Each of the USB-C hubs has been technically developed for the M series.
Comfort without big thoughts
If you want to work without complications and use enough ports flexibly, you want to unlock your MacBook, activate your external monitor and off you go. With the Satechi USB-C Pro Hub Slim, this is no longer a problem. Any MacBook with Apple Silicon can be connected, as the USB-C ports were designed for connecting to the MacBook. Drivers or the like do not need to be installed.
My practical experience
During my test, I had a 32-inch Samsung curved monitor connected to the hub via HDMI. The scaling was done automatically by my MacBook Air M1 in the background - there was no waiting time. At the same time, I could of course also charge my MacBook via one of the two available USB-C ports or work like with a docking station.
I also plugged in a USB-A stick as a test and transferred a few files (drivers, images and so on) from the MacBook to the stick. This was handled in no way differently than if you had used the stick without a hub. Even those who want to conjure up their files from the camera to the Mac using an SD card are welcome to do so. The Slim Hub still offers clear advantages, whether you are sitting at your desk or just on the train and want to transfer your data quickly and practically.
No extension of the monitors
Even if you use a "Pro Hub", using the Satechi Hub Pro Slim still does not allow you to use more than one 4K monitor. The hub only offers external expansion for HDMI, USB-A and USB-C as well as the SD card slot.
Specifications at a glance
- Compact USB-C adapter to expand the MacBook with different connections
- Slim, elegant design - ideal for on the go
- Connections: 1x USB-4 pass-through port, 1x SD card, 1x MicroSD card, 1x USB-C (data transmission), 2x USB-A (data transmission), 1x HDMI
- Connection via two USB-C connectors
- Specially designed for the MacBook Air M2 (2022), but also compatible with all MacBooks from 2017 that have two USB-C ports.
- Dimensions: 124 x 36 x 8 mm