As a newer, more powerful variation of the same USB we all know and love (well, kinda), USB-C features higher power and faster data transfer than its predecessors via a smaller connector.

Just plugging in an old-school USB cable can prove challenging, since you must position the connector just so for it to slide smoothly into the port.

That often means several tries to achieve the proper angle and orientation.

USB-C can transmit simultaneous video signals and power streams for connecting and powering DisplayPort, MHL and HDMI devices.

USB-C cables are bidirectional, so a device can send and receive power and transmit data simultaneously.

With the USB PD (Power Delivery) standard in a USB Type C port, a device can support up to 100 watts of power, but not all USB-C ports support USB PD.

USB-C is universal as opposed to an Apple proprietary standard, and is destined to appear on additional Apple and other devices over time.

Observers predict that eventually USB-C may end up replacing Thunderbolt, DisplayPort and other older connection types.

We chose the best USB-C accessories in several popular categories: hubsdocks, battery packs, cablesadapters, chargers and hard drives.

Many creative professionals, content creators, gamers, and 4K workspaces that use them benefit from a smoother workflow.

To choose the right hub, determine how many and what kinds of ports you need, the amount of heft you can tolerate, and how well it blends in with your other devices.

Some hubs include camera card slots and Gigabit Ethernet as well as older connectors for mice and keyboards.

Youll want something fairly streamlined if you intend to take your hub on the road.

Also consider whether your hub connects directly to your computer or is attached via a cable.

In addition to ease of use, compact design, and simple buttons and controls, laptop battery packs ideally should output 45 watts, enough to quickly charge a 13-inch laptop.

More watts means your device charges faster and the power bank will be compatible with a wider range of devices.

Watch for transmission speed as well as battery capacity and the tradeoffs of size and bulk.

Cables can be double-braided or have reinforced necks for durability, and come in an assortment of lengths and charging speeds.

The USB Implementers Forum, the group responsible for developing USB standards, says that USB Type C is designed to be future-proof.

But if you lose it, or just want a second one on hand for emergencies or traveling, there are plenty of third-party chargers out there.

Choose your charger carefully, including the cables that may or may not ship with them.

A flawed charger pushing 100 watts through the pipeline can damage your equipment, and even if the charger is safe, inferior quality cords used with them can also damage your devices.

Buying a USB-C hard drive is much the same as buying any other kind of hard drive.

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