For Raspberry Pi enthusiasts, the need for more USB ports has always been a common challenge. Whether you're connecting multiple peripherals like keyboards, mice, storage devices, or even a camera, the limited number of USB ports on the single-board computers can be a bottleneck.
While most Raspberry Pi models (excluding the Pi Zero and A+ form factors) come with an onboard USB hub, there are times when you just need more ports. Enter the official Raspberry Pi USB 3 Hub—a high-quality, four-port USB 3.0 hub designed to solve your USB expansion needs at an affordable price of $12.
Whether you're using your Raspberry Pi for a DIY project, media center, or as a powerful workstation, this new USB hub is a perfect companion. Here’s a closer look at its features and what makes it stand out in the crowded market of USB hubs.
Key Features of the Raspberry Pi USB 3 Hub
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Four USB 3.0 Type-A Ports
The Raspberry Pi USB 3 Hub comes with four downstream USB 3.0 Type-A ports, allowing you to connect multiple peripherals simultaneously. This makes it ideal for users who need to connect a range of devices such as external hard drives, USB flash drives, printers, cameras, and more. With aggregate data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps, you can enjoy fast data transfers, even when all four ports are in use. -
Single Upstream USB 3.0 Type-A Connector
The hub features a single upstream USB 3.0 Type-A connector, which connects to your Raspberry Pi or other compatible computers via an 8 cm captive cable. This simple and reliable connection ensures fast communication between your Raspberry Pi and any connected devices. -
Optional External Power Supply
The hub also includes a USB-C socket for an optional external 3A power supply (sold separately). This feature comes in handy when you’re connecting power-hungry devices, like external hard drives, that require more power than what can be supplied over USB alone. The optional power supply ensures that the hub operates efficiently, even when multiple devices are connected and running. -
Perfect Compatibility with Raspberry Pi Models
Whether you’re using a Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 3, or any other supported Raspberry Pi model, the official USB 3 Hub works perfectly with all of them. Thanks to the reliable design and quality components, this hub ensures seamless operation, and its sturdy build means it can stand up to everyday use in both home and professional environments.
Why Did Raspberry Pi Make Their Own USB Hub?
If you’ve ever tried to buy a USB hub online, you know that the market is flooded with options. Some hubs are expensive but reliable, while others are cheap, poorly made, or incompatible with certain devices. In fact, many customers find themselves stuck in a “race to the bottom”—where bad-quality products often dominate marketplaces, and good products get lost in the shuffle.
To tackle this problem, Raspberry Pi decided to design and create their own USB 3 hub. After experiencing firsthand the frustration of unreliable, incompatible, or poorly designed hubs, the team worked closely with their partners at Infineon to source top-quality hub silicon (CYUSB3304) and develop a product that meets their high standards.
With their engineering and industrial design teams (led by Dominic and John, respectively) contributing to the hub’s creation, they produced a reliable, well-designed, and affordable product. And, of course, it had to bear the Raspberry Pi logo because, as they put it, they are proud of this product—they believe it’s one of the best USB 3.0 hubs on the market today.
Why Choose the Raspberry Pi USB 3 Hub?
With so many options available, why should you consider the official Raspberry Pi USB 3 Hub? Here’s why:
- Price: At just $12, the Raspberry Pi USB 3 Hub offers unbeatable value for the quality and performance it delivers. When compared to other hubs in the same category, it stands out as an affordable, yet high-performing, solution for expanding your Raspberry Pi’s USB connectivity.
- Quality and Reliability: Designed with high-quality components, this USB hub is built to last. You can rely on it to work seamlessly with your Raspberry Pi or any compatible computer, providing consistent performance with multiple peripherals.
- Designed with Raspberry Pi in Mind: This USB hub is specifically designed to work with Raspberry Pi computers, ensuring perfect compatibility and integration with the Raspberry Pi ecosystem.
- User-Friendly and Expandable: With four USB 3.0 ports and optional external power, you get the flexibility to connect a wide range of devices without worrying about power limitations or slow data transfer speeds.
Where to Buy the Raspberry Pi USB 3 Hub?
The Raspberry Pi USB 3 Hub is now available for purchase directly from the official Raspberry Pi website and authorized resellers. For just $12, it’s an affordable and essential accessory for anyone looking to expand their Raspberry Pi setup.
So, whether you’re building a media center, a DIY project, or a professional workstation, this hub is a great way to get more from your Raspberry Pi and connect more peripherals with ease.
The Raspberry Pi USB 3 Hub is a simple yet powerful addition to the Raspberry Pi ecosystem, offering expanded connectivity, reliable performance, and affordability. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, this hub is perfect for anyone looking to take their Raspberry Pi to the next level and connect more peripherals at high speeds.
Grab yours now for only $12 and start enjoying the added flexibility and power of four USB 3.0 ports for your Raspberry Pi projects. You won’t find a better deal on a quality USB hub that works flawlessly with your Raspberry Pi!
