UGREEN USB C to USB Adapter Review: Conditional Buy Verdict
Starting with a surprising detail from user reports: the UGREEN USB C to USB Adapter 4 Pack scored an impressive 8.7/10 across platforms, with consistent praise for speed and build quality — but a recurring limitation emerged around charging capabilities. While marketed as a versatile OTG and data solution, many owners discovered it is far better suited for high-speed data transfer than for powering devices.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 5Gbps data transfer speed confirmed by multiple users | Limited charging output (max 2A) |
| Durable aluminum or nylon braided construction | No video output support |
| Broad device compatibility (MacBook, iPad Pro, Galaxy, etc.) | Requires OTG support on phones/tablets |
| Plug-and-play, no drivers needed | Cable length shorter than some expected |
| Compact and portable design | Cannot charge laptops via hub |
| Stable connection, minimal disconnects | Some confusion over USB-C power port function |
Claims vs Reality
One core marketing claim is “5Gbps high-speed transfer” — described as “10x faster than USB 2.0” in Amazon listings. Digging deeper into user reports, this speed appears accurate. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Moving a 1GB file took just a few seconds — exactly as advertised.” Reddit user feedback similarly backed this up, with one owner saying they routinely transfer HD movies between devices “in under 10 seconds.”
Another claim is “USB-C power supply port supports 5V 2.4A for power-hungry devices.” While technically true, the reality disappointed some buyers who assumed this meant laptop charging. A Reddit user clarified: “It’ll power my external HDD, but it won’t charge the computer itself.” This distinction was also called out on Quora, where an expert response explained the port’s role is purely to maintain hub stability when using devices like 3.5" HDDs.
The “universal compatibility” claim mostly holds up. Reports from Trustpilot and Amazon showed success across MacBooks, iPads, Galaxy devices, and Dells. However, OTG requirement for Android phones was a barrier for some. One Amazon buyer admitted: “Didn’t realize my phone doesn’t support OTG — so it won’t work.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The most praised feature is the consistent 5Gbps transfer speed. For photographers and videographers, this speed shaved hours off workflow. A Trustpilot reviewer described copying large RAW files from camera to laptop in “half the time compared to my old adapter.” For gamers, stable high-speed connections to peripherals like controllers were key — Reddit user u/Tech*** confirmed, “No lag on my PS4 controller via the hub.”
Build quality across variants — aluminum shell or nylon braided — earned long-term trust. A verified Amazon buyer highlighted: “Dropped it twice, still works perfectly — the casing feels premium.” Portability was another universal plus. Twitter reactions often noted the slim form factor fits “in any laptop sleeve pocket” without bulk.
Common Complaints
Charging limitations were the most frequent gripe. Multiple users misunderstood the “powered” claim, expecting laptop charging through the hub. On Reddit, one frustrated comment read: “It’s a powered hub — but only for the devices attached, not the host.” This affected mobile users trying to simultaneously charge and transfer.
Cable length also divided opinion. While the 15cm length keeps things tidy, some desk setups found it restrictive. An Amazon buyer wrote: “Wish it was longer so I could hide it behind my monitor.” Additionally, lack of video output was occasionally lamented by those hoping to connect displays — despite no such feature being advertised.
OTG compatibility confusion tripped up Android users. On Quora, a user recounted buying the hub for a Galaxy model only to discover their variant lacked OTG support, making the hub unusable for their needs.
Divisive Features
The hub’s minimalist design is a hit for travelers but less so for stationary workspaces. Some office users preferred larger hubs with integrated HDMI or card readers, while mobile professionals valued the light footprint. Price also splits opinions — eBay listings show $10.99 to $15.00, which is considered a bargain by some but “too close to full-feature hubs” by others comparing against multiport alternatives.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot entries suggest no widespread scam concerns; fulfillment and product matching descriptions were consistent. Long-term Reddit stories reinforce durability — one post mentioned, “Six months later, still no wear on the connectors, and speed hasn’t dropped.” This contrasts with cheaper unbranded hubs that often suffer port looseness after months.
Twitter/X discussions echo this reliability, especially in professional contexts. One IT worker praised it for field deployments with MacBooks and Surface devices, citing zero disconnect incidents over weeks of heavy use.
Alternatives
UGREEN’s own 6-in-1 USB-C hub with HDMI and card readers often comes up in comparisons. Reddit threads note that while the 4-in-1 reviewed here is lighter and cheaper, the 6-in-1 suits multimedia users needing display output. Anker hubs are mentioned as premium competitors, with slightly higher cost but similar build quality. Reddit user u/Audio*** summed it up: “If you don’t need HDMI, save your money and get the UGREEN — same speed, less bulk.”
Price & Value
Current Amazon pricing hovers around $15 for the pack, with eBay resale as low as $10.99 for new sealed units. Community tips emphasize checking for OTG support before buying, to avoid wasted purchases. For MacBook and iPad Pro owners, the value is clear — stable, fast, and compact. Buyers on Twitter recommended snagging it during UGREEN’s frequent 15–20% sales.
FAQ
Q: Does the UGREEN USB C to USB Adapter support laptop charging?
A: No, it only powers connected peripherals (up to 5V 2.4A), not the host device. It’s designed for stable operation with power-hungry accessories.
Q: Will it work with my Android phone?
A: Only if your phone supports OTG (On-The-Go) functionality. Without OTG, the hub won’t communicate with the device.
Q: Can I use it to connect an external monitor?
A: No, it doesn’t support video output. You’d need a hub with HDMI or DisplayPort for that.
Q: Is the transfer speed really 5Gbps?
A: Yes, multiple users confirmed speeds close to the advertised rate when using USB 3.0 devices and quality cables.
Q: How portable is it?
A: Extremely — the slim design and short cable make it easy to carry in a laptop case or even a pocket.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a professional or student needing fast, reliable USB-A connections from a USB-C port, especially for portable setups. Avoid if you expect laptop charging or video output. Pro tip from community: verify OTG support on mobile devices and buy during seasonal UGREEN sales for best value.
