Targus 4 Port USB Hub Review: The Ultimate Guide

Finding the right USB hub can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want more ports for your devices, but you also need something reliable that won’t let you down during important work.

The Targus 4 Port USB Hub has caught the attention of many users who need a simple solution to expand their connectivity options.

This review dives deep into everything you need to know about the Targus 4 Port USB Hub. We’ll explore its features, performance, and whether it truly delivers on its promises.

Key Takeaways:

• Plug and Play Convenience: The hub works immediately after you plug it in. No complicated software installations or driver downloads required. Just connect it to your computer and start using your devices right away.
• Four Additional Ports: You get four extra USB ports to connect keyboards, mice, flash drives, printers, and other peripherals all at once without constantly swapping cables.
• Compact and Portable Design: The small size makes it perfect for travel or tight desk spaces. You can easily toss it in your laptop bag without adding bulk or weight to your setup.
• Universal Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Whether you have a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet with USB connectivity, this hub has you covered.
• Budget-Friendly Option: Priced lower than many premium hubs on the market, it offers solid performance without breaking the bank. You get reliable functionality at an affordable price point.
• Reliable Data Transfer: Supports USB 2.0 speeds for steady data transfer between your devices. While not the fastest option available, it handles everyday tasks with ease.

What Makes the Targus 4 Port USB Hub Stand Out

The Targus brand has built a reputation for creating practical computer accessories. Their 4 Port USB Hub follows this tradition by focusing on simplicity and functionality.

The device comes in a straightforward rectangular design that doesn’t try to be flashy. Instead, it concentrates on doing one job well: giving you more USB ports.

The hub measures just a few inches across, making it one of the more compact options you’ll find. This small footprint means it won’t dominate your workspace or create clutter.

The black finish looks professional and blends well with most computer setups. You’ll find the four USB ports arranged along one edge, making it easy to plug in multiple devices without the cables getting tangled.

One feature that users appreciate is the attached cable. Unlike some hubs that require a separate USB cable, the Targus hub comes with the cable built in.

This design choice eliminates one more thing you need to keep track of. The cable provides enough length to reach your computer comfortably without creating a mess of excess wire.

Build Quality and Design Features You Should Know

When you hold the Targus 4 Port USB Hub, you immediately notice the solid plastic construction. The materials feel durable enough to withstand daily use. The hub doesn’t flex or creak when you plug devices in and out, which speaks to its sturdy build quality.

The ports themselves fit snugly without being too tight. You can insert and remove USB devices smoothly. Each port maintains a good grip on your cables, so you don’t have to worry about connections coming loose accidentally. The spacing between ports allows you to plug in standard USB devices side by side without issues.

The bottom of the hub features a textured surface that helps prevent sliding on smooth desk surfaces. This small detail makes a big difference when you’re trying to plug something in.

The hub stays put instead of scooting across your desk. Some users place a small piece of adhesive velcro on the bottom for extra stability, though this usually isn’t necessary.

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Performance Testing: How Fast Does It Really Work

The Targus 4 Port USB Hub uses USB 2.0 technology. This means you get transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps. While USB 3.0 and 3.1 hubs offer faster speeds, USB 2.0 handles most everyday tasks perfectly fine. If you’re connecting keyboards, mice, printers, or external hard drives for basic file storage, you won’t notice any slowdown.

During testing with various devices, the hub performed consistently. Transferring files from a flash drive to a computer took the expected amount of time for USB 2.0 speeds. There were no random disconnections or glitches during extended use. The hub maintained stable connections even when all four ports had active devices plugged in.

One thing to remember is that all connected devices share the available bandwidth. If you’re transferring large files on multiple devices simultaneously, you might see slower speeds than using a single device. For typical office work or home use, this limitation rarely becomes an issue. Most people don’t max out all four ports with data-intensive tasks at the same time.

Compatibility: Which Devices Work Best

The Targus 4 Port USB Hub works with a wide range of devices and operating systems. Windows users from Windows 7 through Windows 11 can plug it in and start using it immediately. Mac users running various versions of macOS also enjoy seamless compatibility. Even Linux users report that the hub works without requiring special configurations.

You can connect standard USB peripherals like keyboards, mice, webcams, and microphones. External hard drives and flash drives work perfectly for file storage and transfer. Printers and scanners connect reliably through the hub. Some users even connect USB fans, lights, or phone chargers through the available ports.

Gaming peripherals like controllers and headsets function well through the hub. However, if you’re a serious gamer using devices that require precise timing or low latency, you might want to connect those directly to your computer. For casual gaming and general use, the hub handles these devices without problems.

Power Delivery: Understanding the Limitations

The Targus 4 Port USB Hub draws power directly from your computer’s USB port. This bus-powered design means you don’t need to plug the hub into a wall outlet. The convenience factor is huge because you have one less cable and adapter to manage. Just plug the hub into your computer and you’re ready to go.

However, this design comes with power limitations. The hub can only provide as much power as your computer’s USB port supplies, divided among the four ports. Most computer USB ports provide 500mA of power. When you split this among four devices, each port gets less power than a direct computer connection would provide.

For low-power devices like keyboards, mice, and flash drives, this isn’t a problem. These devices need very little power to function. Where you might run into issues is with power-hungry devices like external hard drives, some webcams, or USB-powered desk accessories. If a device requires more power than the hub can provide, it might not work properly or at all.

Setting Up Your Targus Hub: Step by Step

Getting started with the Targus 4 Port USB Hub couldn’t be easier. The setup process takes less than a minute and doesn’t require any technical knowledge. Here’s exactly what you need to do.

First, find an available USB port on your computer. The hub works with any standard USB Type-A port. Plug the hub’s attached cable directly into this port. You’ll hear the familiar connection sound if your computer has audio alerts enabled.

Your operating system automatically recognizes the hub. There’s no need to install drivers or download software. Within seconds, the hub is ready to use. Now you can start connecting your devices to any of the four ports on the hub. The computer treats each connected device as if it were plugged directly into the computer itself.

If you’re using a laptop, you might want to position the hub where cables won’t dangle in your way. Some users place the hub behind their monitor or attach it to the underside of their desk using adhesive strips. The lightweight design makes it easy to position wherever works best for your setup.

Real User Experiences and Feedback

Looking at feedback from actual users provides valuable insights. Many people praise the Targus 4 Port USB Hub for its reliability and simplicity. Office workers appreciate having extra ports for their keyboard, mouse, printer, and phone charger all connected at once. The hub eliminates the frustration of constantly unplugging one device to use another.

Students find the compact size perfect for dorm rooms and library study sessions. They can connect multiple devices to their laptop without carrying multiple adapters. The affordable price point makes it accessible for tight budgets.

Some users note that the hub works best for standard office peripherals rather than high-power devices. A few people wished the cable was slightly longer, though most find the length adequate. Overall, the positive feedback outweighs any minor complaints. Users consistently mention that the hub does exactly what they expected without any surprises.

Comparing Price and Value for Money

The Targus 4 Port USB Hub typically sells for under twenty dollars. This competitive pricing makes it one of the more affordable options in the USB hub category. When you consider the build quality, brand reputation, and reliable performance, the value proposition becomes clear.

More expensive hubs might offer USB 3.0 speeds, individual port switches, or external power adapters. If you need these features, spending more makes sense. However, if you simply need four additional USB 2.0 ports for standard devices, paying premium prices doesn’t add much value. The Targus hub delivers solid performance at a fraction of the cost.

Budget hubs from unknown brands might save you a few dollars, but they often sacrifice build quality and reliability. The Targus name brings peace of mind knowing you’re getting a product from a company that stands behind what they make. The small price difference is worth it for better quality control and customer support.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Most users never encounter problems with the Targus 4 Port USB Hub. However, knowing how to handle potential issues helps you get the most from your purchase. Here are solutions to the most common situations.

If a device isn’t working through the hub, try plugging it directly into your computer first. This test confirms whether the issue is with the device or the hub. If the device works when connected directly, it might require more power than the hub can provide through its bus-powered design.

When all ports stop working simultaneously, disconnect the hub from your computer and wait thirty seconds. Then plug it back in. This simple reset solves most connectivity glitches. You should also check that the hub’s cable is fully inserted into your computer’s USB port.

If you experience slow transfer speeds, remember that USB 2.0 has inherent speed limitations. Also, using all four ports simultaneously divides the available bandwidth. For faster transfers, consider using fewer ports at once or upgrading to a USB 3.0 hub if your computer supports it.

Best Use Cases: Who Should Buy This Hub

The Targus 4 Port USB Hub works best for specific situations and users. Office professionals who need to connect standard peripherals will find it perfect. If your daily tools include a keyboard, mouse, printer, and occasionally a flash drive, this hub handles everything smoothly.

Students and teachers benefit from the portable design. You can easily move it between home, school, and the library. The simple setup means you spend less time fiddling with technology and more time getting work done.

Home users upgrading older computers find the hub extends their system’s usefulness. Adding four ports to a computer that only has two or three USB ports dramatically improves convenience. You don’t need to keep unplugging devices to free up a port.

The hub isn’t ideal for power users who need to connect high-speed external SSDs, multiple external hard drives, or charging tablets through USB. These scenarios require a powered hub with USB 3.0 or higher speeds. For everyone else, the Targus 4 Port USB Hub provides an excellent balance of functionality and affordability.

Long Term Durability and Warranty Information

Targus products generally hold up well over time. Users report that their hubs continue working reliably after months or years of daily use. The solid construction means the ports don’t become loose or damaged with regular plugging and unplugging.

The attached cable design eliminates one common failure point. Since the cable is permanently connected, you won’t deal with connection issues from loose or damaged removable cables. The strain relief where the cable meets the hub body prevents the wire from fraying at this vulnerable spot.

Targus offers warranty coverage for their products, though the specific terms vary by region and where you purchase. Most retailers provide standard return policies during the first thirty days. Keeping your receipt helps if you need to pursue warranty service. While hub failures aren’t common, having warranty protection provides additional peace of mind.

How Does It Compare to Higher-Priced Options

Premium USB hubs can cost three to five times more than the Targus 4 Port USB Hub. These expensive options usually include features like USB 3.0 or 3.1 speeds, individual power switches for each port, LED indicators, and dedicated charging ports. Some come with external power adapters to supply more power to connected devices.

For users who need these advanced features, spending more makes sense. If you regularly transfer large files, work with external SSDs, or need to charge power-hungry devices, a premium hub delivers better performance. The faster transfer speeds and additional power capacity justify the higher cost.

However, many users don’t actually need these extra features. If your devices work fine with USB 2.0 speeds and don’t require extra power, you’re paying for capabilities you won’t use. The Targus hub provides all the functionality that most people need for everyday computing tasks. The money you save can go toward other accessories or upgrades that provide more noticeable benefits.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Targus 4 Port USB Hub

The Targus 4 Port USB Hub succeeds by focusing on simplicity and reliability. It doesn’t try to be the fastest or most feature-rich hub on the market. Instead, it aims to give you four additional USB ports that work consistently without hassle. For this specific goal, it delivers admirably.

The affordable price makes it accessible to nearly anyone who needs more USB connectivity. The compact size and attached cable design add convenience without sacrificing build quality. Compatibility across multiple operating systems means you don’t need to worry about whether it will work with your computer.

If you need USB 3.0 speeds or want to connect power-hungry devices, this isn’t the right hub for you. Look at powered hubs with faster transfer rates instead. However, if you mainly connect keyboards, mice, printers, flash drives, and similar standard peripherals, the Targus 4 Port USB Hub provides everything you need. It represents a smart purchase for budget-conscious users who value reliability over unnecessary features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Targus 4 Port USB Hub work with USB 3.0 devices?

Yes, the hub works with USB 3.0 devices through backward compatibility. However, those devices will only achieve USB 2.0 speeds when connected through this hub. The USB standard ensures that newer devices work with older ports, but they operate at the slower speed of the hub itself.

Can I charge my smartphone through the Targus hub?

You can charge smartphones that don’t require fast charging through the hub. The charging will be slower than using a wall adapter because the hub provides limited power. Some newer smartphones might not charge at all if they require more power than the hub can supply.

Will this hub work with my gaming console?

The hub can work with gaming consoles that have USB ports and support standard USB peripherals. However, check your console’s documentation first. Some gaming systems have restrictions on using USB hubs with certain types of devices or might not provide enough power through their USB ports.

How long is the attached cable on the Targus hub?

The attached cable typically measures around six to twelve inches, though this can vary slightly between product versions. This length works well for most desktop setups and allows some flexibility in positioning the hub near your computer.

Can I connect another USB hub to the Targus hub to get even more ports?

While technically possible, connecting one hub to another hub (called daisy chaining) often causes problems. Power delivery becomes unreliable, and devices might not work properly. If you need more than four ports, purchase a single hub with more ports instead of connecting multiple hubs together.

Does the hub require batteries or external power?

No, the Targus 4 Port USB Hub draws all its power from your computer’s USB port. You don’t need batteries, wall adapters, or any additional power sources. This makes it truly plug and play but also limits the power available to connected devices.

Will the hub work with my USB-C laptop?

The Targus hub has a USB Type-A connector. To use it with a USB-C only laptop, you’ll need a USB-C to USB-A adapter. These adapters are inexpensive and widely available. Once you have the adapter, the hub will work normally with your USB-C laptop.

Can I use this hub to connect an external hard drive?

You can connect external hard drives that don’t require much power. Small flash drives and some portable hard drives work fine. Larger external drives that need more power might not work reliably or might require you to disconnect other devices from the hub to provide enough power.