LENTION USB C Hub Showdown: A Comprehensive Review of CE35S, CE33, and CH17

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Apple’s MacBooks are renowned for their sleek, minimalist design and cutting-edge performance. But as these laptops have become slimmer and more stylish, Apple has sacrificed port variety and quantity to maintain their ultra-thin profiles. For MacBook users, this often means struggling with limited connectivity options when trying to connect peripherals, external displays, or other essential devices.

That’s where USB-C hubs come into play. They’re an absolute must-have for MacBook users, providing the flexibility and connectivity needed for modern workflows without compromising the MacBook’s portability. Among the many brands offering USB-C hubs, LENTION stands out for its affordability, reliability, and glowing Amazon reviews.

I recently had the opportunity to test three USB-C hubs from LENTION: CE35S, CE33, and CH17. All three have received high scores from real users and are designed to meet the diverse needs of MacBook users. Let’s take a closer look at how these hubs stack up and why they’re the perfect additions to your MacBook setup.

LENTION USB C Hub Showdown
LENTION USB C Hub Showdown-Three Items

Table of Contents

Why USB-C Hubs Are Essential for MacBooks

If you’ve ever owned a MacBook, you’ve likely experienced the frustration of limited ports. Whether it’s a MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air, the USB-C/Thunderbolt-only approach means you’ll need an adapter or hub to connect essentials like an external monitor, USB-A devices, or SD cards. Here’s why a USB-C hub is a must-have for MacBooks:

  • Expand Connectivity: Add multiple ports for connecting a variety of devices, from external hard drives to a wired mouse or keyboard.
  • Boost Productivity: Extend your display with an HDMI port and connect multiple peripherals simultaneously.
  • Power Delivery: Keep your MacBook charged while using the hub, ensuring uninterrupted workflows.

With the growing demand for affordable yet high-performance hubs, LENTION offers a perfect solution for MacBook users looking to expand their connectivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features Comparison

Let’s start with a quick rundown of the key features of each hub, focusing on the number of ports, data transfer speeds, display capabilities, and charging support.

  • LENTION CE35S
  • LENTION CH17
  • LENTION CE33
LENTION CE35SLENTION CH17LENTION CE33
$23.99$1899
$23.99$1999
$2599
USB Ports1 USB-C (5Gbps),
3 USB-A (5Gbps)		2 USB-A 2.0
1 USB-A 3.0		4 USB-C (10Gbps)
HDMI Output3840x2160 4K@30Hz3840x2160 4K@30Hz, 2560x1600 and lower resolutions at 60Hz4K@60Hz
Data Transfer Rate5Gbps (USB-A, USB-C)5Gbps10Gbps (USB-C)
Power Delivery(PD)100W100W100W
CompatibilityMacBook, Surface, ChromebookMacBook, Surface, ChromebookMacBook, Surface, Chromebook
Buy NowBuy NowBuy Now

The Three Specifications That Matter

When choosing a USB-C hub for your MacBook, there are three critical specifications to consider:

1. Number of Ports

The number and type of ports determine how versatile the hub is for different tasks.

  • The LENTION CE35S includes 1 USB-C data port and 3 USB-A ports, which is perfect for everyday needs, such as connecting a mouse, keyboard, and external storage.
  • The LENTION CE33 adds more high-speed options with 4 USB-C (10Gbps) , making it ideal for professionals who need faster connections for data-heavy tasks.
  • The LENTION CH17 is a hub designed for speed, with 4 USB-A ports -3 USB 2.0 and 1 USB 3.0.

For MacBook users juggling multiple peripherals, the CE33 offers the perfect balance between port variety and performance.

2. HDMI Port Specification

The HDMI port is crucial for extending your MacBook’s screen to an external monitor, TV, or projector.

  • 4K @ 30Hz (CE35S and CH17): Delivers crisp visuals suitable for presentations, streaming, and general productivity tasks.
  • 4K @ 60Hz (CE33): Offers smoother motion and higher refresh rates, making it ideal for creative professionals who edit videos or graphics and gamers who demand a seamless display experience.

If you need a smoother, high-resolution display for professional tasks, the CE33’s 4K @ 60Hz HDMI port is a clear winner.

3. Power Delivery (PD)

Power Delivery is essential for keeping your MacBook charged while using the hub. All three LENTION hubs offer 100W Power Delivery, ensuring that your MacBook stays powered even when using multiple peripherals.

For MacBook users, this feature is particularly valuable, as it prevents the need for additional chargers and ensures uninterrupted workflows during intensive tasks.

Detailed Reviews of Each LENTION Hub

LENTION CE35 (6-in-1 USB C Hub Multiport Adapter): The Compact All-Rounder

The LENTION CE35 is a versatile and compact solution for those who need a reliable USB-C hub for their laptops, particularly for MacBooks.

Performance

The CE35 features 6 ports, including:

  • A 4K HDMI port for connecting external displays.
  • A 5Gbps USB-C data port.
  • Three USB 3.0 ports (also supporting 5Gbps transfer speeds).
  • A 100W USB-C Power Delivery charging port.

These specs allow you to connect multiple devices simultaneously, such as flash drives, external hard drives, or a keyboard, while ensuring speedy data transfers.

Display Quality

The 4K HDMI port supports resolutions up to 3840×2160 4K@30Hz, enabling crystal-clear visuals for presentations, movies, or extending your workspace. This is perfect for users who demand high-quality displays for work or entertainment.

Power Delivery

The CE35 delivers up to 100W of Power Delivery, making it an excellent choice for charging your MacBook, tablet, or smartphone while multitasking.

Universal Compatibility

This hub is compatible with MacBook Pro (2016-2024), MacBook Air (2018-2024), New iMac, Surface devices, and more. It’s an ideal choice for users looking to extend their MacBook’s limited ports efficiently.

LENTION USB C Hub CE33-HDMI Port

LENTION CE33 (6-in-1 USB C Multiport Hub): The Premium Choice

The LENTION CE33 is the ultimate powerhouse for users who demand high-speed data transfer and top-notch video quality.

Performance

Equipped with 4 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports, this hub delivers lightning-fast 10Gbps transfer speeds, ideal for handling large files or HD video transfers in seconds. Additionally, it has a 4K@60Hz HDMI port and a 100W Power Delivery USB-C port, making it a feature-packed option for professionals and tech enthusiasts alike.

Display Quality

One of the standout features of the CE33 is its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, offering an ultra-smooth and vibrant display experience. Whether you’re delivering a presentation or streaming a movie, the higher refresh rate ensures minimal lag and crystal-clear visuals.

Power Delivery

With up to 100W pass-through charging, you can power your laptop or tablet seamlessly while using other connected devices.

Universal Compatibility

The CE33 works with MacBook Pro (2016-2023), MacBook Air (2018-2023), and various USB-C devices, ensuring wide usability. Its aluminum casing, anti-slip design, and nylon-braided cable offer durability and premium aesthetics.

LENTION CH17 (6-in-1 USB C Hub Multiport Adapter): Slim Yet Powerful

The LENTION CH17 brings versatility in a slim design, making it perfect for users seeking functionality without bulk.

Performance

This hub features 6 ports, including:

  • A 100W Power Delivery USB-C port.
  • A 4K@30Hz HDMI output.
  • One USB 3.0 port and three USB 2.0 ports.

While the USB 2.0 ports are not as fast as the USB 3.0 port, they are sufficient for connecting peripherals like a mouse, keyboard, or printer.

Display Quality

The 4K@30Hz HDMI port offers an enhanced viewing experience, allowing you to mirror or extend your screen to an HDTV, projector, or monitor. With its support for resolutions of 3840×2160 4K, it ensures crisp visuals, perfect for movies, presentations, or multitasking.

Power Delivery

The CH17 supports up to 100W Power Delivery, ensuring that your devices remain charged while you work or play.

Universal Compatibility

Compatible with a wide range of devices, including MacBook Pro (2016-2024), MacBook Air (2018-2024), iPhone 15 series, Surface Pro, and more, the CH17 offers stable performance with Stable Driver 3.0 certification, guaranteeing non-interference, sufficient power supply, and optimal working temperatures.

Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best LENTION hub for your MacBook depends on your specific needs:

  • LENTION CE35S: Perfect for budget-conscious users who need basic connectivity for everyday tasks.
  • LENTION CE33: Ideal for professionals and creative users who want the best display and data transfer performance.
  • LENTION CH17: Great for users who need fast data transfers and multiple USB-C connections without paying for premium HDMI performance.

All three hubs are highly rated on Amazon, reflecting LENTION’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re a student, professional, or power user, LENTION offers a USB-C hub tailored to your MacBook’s needs.

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