Belkin’s Connect Thunderbolt™ 4 5-in-1 Core Hub connects devices, transfers data and charges at lightning speeds.
A boon to creatives and general users, maximising your devices to create one networked powerhouse has never been easier.
I’m going to say it – this hub is a bit sexy.
On first opening I loved the fact it matched my MacBook exactly, the sleek style and identical exterior making it a perfect accompaniment. Pairing it with my iMac was a no brainer – I’ve just extended my screen capacity and voila, created my own little monitor haven.
Belkin, I love what you do.
UHD MONITOR
One cable and two screens laters, you’ve got vast information flow via this simple yet effect one-cable connection.
So whether you’ve got two 4K screens at 60Hz, or one single 8k monitor at 30Hz, the data speed and flow is going to be fantastic.
VERSATILITY
Hubba hubba! Belkin have created the capacity to have six devices on one hub using Thunderbolt connections, plus a USB-A port for a non-Thunderbolt device as well.
Whether you have one screen or four, the choice to include multiple peripherals to your workspace is easily achievable. Plus, in my case the Thunderbolt™ 4 worked beautifully with no discernible loss of data transfer times nor processing.
TECH SPECS
- 4x Thunderbolt™ 4 Ports for extended connectivity
- Up to 40 Gbps data transfer speeds
- Monitor support for dual monitors up to 4K at 60Hz, or a single 8K at 30Hz
- Power Delivery up to 96W for charging connected device
- Up to 15W downstream charging
- Daisy chain up to 6 Thunderbolt-equipped devices
- Overcurrent protection
- 150W power supply unit included
- Thunderbolt™ 4 Certified
- USB4 Compliant
- 1 x USB-A port for convenient extended connectivity for additional devices
- Declutter workspace
GETTING STARTED
The Thunderbolt™ 4 provides the capacity to connect your laptop or hard drive to multiple devices.
There’s also the added bonus of power delivery of up to 96W – no more worries about choosing between port expansion and power!
BELLS AND WHISTLES
Make sure that the hub is properly set up before connecting any devices to it.
Front panel
1 – Thunderbolt™ 4 port (upstream)
2 – USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port (10 Gbps)
3 – Status light
Colour Indicator
Orange – The hub is powered but has no host connection.
Green – The hub has an active host connection.
Back panel
4 – DC IN power port (21V, 7.1A).
5 – Thunderbolt™ 4 ports (downstream)
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
- Thunderbolt™ 4 5-in-1 Core Hub
- 150W power supply unit
COMPATABILITY
For Thunderbolt™ 4, Thunderbolt™ 3, USB4 and USB-C enabled devices.
TEST DRIVE
With an impressive 96W of upstream charging for a connected laptop and up to 15W of downstream per port, charging to any devices is guaranteed to be quick, efficient, and reliable with the Thunderbolt™4. I plugged in my phone and some wireless headphones to see how it handled the charging load – no dramas. Quick and efficient which is what you want when your headset is at 5% and your phone is in the red.
I can also testify to its sturdiness, after finding my Jack Russell quietly nibbling on it under the desk at one point. No teeth marks to be seen and no scratches. The good news is the Jack Russell now shuts down when I power off… *coughs
SAFETY FIRST
Belkin have also built in overcurrent protection (OCP). The included 150W power supply unit means reliable charging of any and all devices.
THUNDERBOLT v USB-C
Thunderbolt™ 4 technology is an extremely fast and universal interface for connecting a variety of accessories. Thunderbolt and USB-C look alike and perform nearly the same functions, and yes, they are compatible. But Thunderbolt™ 4 transfers data much faster than the USB-C.
Also, Thunderbolt™ 4 provides the ability to connect external 4K monitors together and Thunderbolt expansion docks to your computer.
EUROPEAN RADIO EQUIPMENT DIRECTIVE 2021/0291
As you may have read recently, the EU have directed all tech companies (especially the one starting with A who was the main hold out since 2012) to only use USB-C connectivity on phones from December 2024 and laptops from April 2026. For those of us with a Thunderbolt enabled laptop or desktop, and there are many, we’re not going to rush out immediately and buy all new tech just to keep on top of the market changes. This Thunderbolt™ 4 hub provides the best of both worlds and leading companies like Belkin are certainly on top of all the changes now, and to come. The Thunderbolt 4 hub enables our work and livelihoods to continue with only minimal outlay compared to complete device replacement. That’s a huge win in my books.
RECOMMENDATION
There’s a lot of hubs out there. But in my experience, you simply can’t go past Belkin for reliability and practicality. If you want out of the box ease of use and installation combined with compatibility, look no further.
Sturdy, guaranteed to survive the puppy chews and great transfer rates, the Belkin Connect Thunderbolt™ 4 – 5-in-1 Core Hub is just what any fruit friendly laptop user ordered. Retailing at $299 at all good tech retailers, get on board now because there will no doubt be some fantastic Easter specials.
Belkin always deliver top quality and reliable tech and I appreciate the opportunity to review this unit. Thank you.
