USB-C hub for Chromecast with Google TV
Chromecast 4 with Google TV is a very good streaming stick whitch can add smart TV functions even to an old TV. The only requirement is the HDMI input on the TV, we can already enjoy the smart TV functions. Chromecast is also relatively cheap, because it costs only $300. I admit that I personally liked the stick, new Google TV system, the play store with my favorite applications, including Kodi and Plex, what more could you want.
Unfortunately, it quickly turned out that the chromecast 4 has one disadvantage, but in my opinion very serious. Well, after installing several applications, including your favorite Kodi and Plex, the Kodi application stopped working after a short time. It turned out that there was not enough space on the device, because the equipment has only 8 GB storage, including 4 GB available for the user, and in fact it is even less, because after installing a few applications, the space runs out quickly.
This is similar to the situation of cheap smartphones from a few years ago. Today, even cheap smartphones often have 64 GB of data space, and Chromecast has only 8 GB. Unfortunately, devices similar to him, such as the Xiaomi Mi Stick or Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K, also only have 8 GB.
Fortunately, there is a solution for this, a USB type C hub. Such a hub must have a USB type C PD (power delivery) output and USB to connect a USB stick. In addition, it can have an SD card slot, ethernet and HDMI connectors, but these additions are not required. In addition, you will often need a more powerful power supply to power the hub than the one supplied with the Chromecast. Unfortunately, not every hub will work with chromecast, so it’s best to check with others or try. In my case, the third purchased hub, from the SSK 8 in 1 company, worked.
Hubs tested by me
I personally tested three USB Type-C hubs. Only the third one worked with Chromecast 4.0. The first one did not see the USB, the second one did not even start the chromecast, I suspect it might be damaged and the USB C was not supplying voltage, but I’m not sure. Due to the opinions that the SUB C hub for Chromecast may not work on a standard Chromecast power supply, I bought a 65W USB Type-C power adapter.
SSK 8 in 1 model SC202
The SK 8 in 1 SC202 is my third hub and the first to work with Chromecast. The hub can be purchased at the Amazon store and costs ~ $27. It is quite richly equipped, in addition to the required USB C PD (100 W) charging port, it has one USB 2.0 input, two USB 3.0 inputs, 1 SD card reader, 1 TF card reader, ethernet port and HDMI 4k 30Hz (1080p 60Hz) .
It’s also interesting that the hub with the SD card runs on the original Chromecast power. I suspect that when connecting Lan and HDMI it may require a larger power supply. I only noticed that after executing the command restart the Chromecast stops seeing USB. Reconnecting helps. I haven’t had it for a long time to say more, but it generally works and I can recommend it. Personally, I use it with a 64GB SDHC card.
Media-Tech 8 in 1 USB-C HUB PRO MT5044
his is the first hub that I have tested. I thought the Chromecast would work with any hub, so I chose this one for its multiple outputs, easy availability, and good price.
Unfortunately, the hub does not work with Chromecast 4.0 even with a 65W power supply, so I do not recommend buying it.
HUB USB-C ADAPTER LAN Gigabit HDMI 4k USB 3.0 PD
I bought this cheap hub after positive reviews that it works with Chromecast 4.0. The no-name hub, with no manufacturer markings, looks similar to the 5 in1 Vemont hub. For me, it does not work at all, it does not even start Chromecast, even on a 65W power supply.
I suspect that I probably got a copy with a damaged USB C charging port, but I am not sure and I did not check it on another one. I do not recommend.
USB Type-C hubs recommended on the Internet
In addition to the hubs that I have tested personally, I would like to recommend a few hubs that are widely tested and recommended on the Internet, which are:
- Vemont Premium 5-in-1 Type-C Hub
- Anker USB C Hub, PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB C Hub Adapter
- Anker PowerExpand 6-in-1 USB C PD Ethernet Hub
- Alxum USB C Hub, 8-in-1
- TOTU 9-In-1 Type-C Hub with Ethernet
- AUKEY CB-C71 8w1
Vemont Premium 5-in-1 Type-C Hub
Probably the most recommended USB Type-C hub for Chromecast. The hub works with the original 7.5W power supply that shipped with the Chromecast. To be sure, an 18W power supply is recommended. The hub has three USB ports, one ethernet port and a USB Type-C port that supports charging. Available in the Amazon Store.
Anker USB C Hub, PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB C Hub Adapter
Anker is another hub recommended. The 7-in-1 model is quite richly equipped, it has a Lan RJ45 port, an HDMI port, two USB 3.0 inputs, an SD card slot and a USB type C PD. The PD port will help you to connect your Chromecast’s charger to the Anker Hub. Available for purchase in the Amazon store.
Anker PowerExpand 6-in-1 USB C PD Ethernet Hub
Another Anker USB Type-C hub that works with Chromecast. It is equipped with two USB Type-C inputs, one Lan RJ45 port, two USB 3.0 inputs and an HDMI port. You can also buy it in the Amazon store.
Alxum USB C Hub, 8-in-1
Another working hub from Chromecast is the Alxum 8-in-1 model. It is also richly equipped, it has min. USB Type-C with 100W charging, two USB 3.0 sockets, 4K HDMI output, VGA output, 3.5mm Audio Jack, SD card slot and Lan RJ45 port. Available for purchase in the British Amazon store.
TOTU 9-In-1 Type-C Hub with Ethernet
Model firmy Totu, to kolejny dobrze wyposażony HUB. Posiada sloty kart SD oraz TF, port HDMI, dwa wejścia USB 3.0 oraz jedno USB 2.0, USB-C Power Delivery poTotu model for another well-equipped HUB. It has SD and TF card slots, HDMI port, two USB 3.0 slots and one USB 2.0, USB-C Power Delivery port and Lan RJ45 port. like other hubs it works with a dedicated power supply, but it is recommended to move the 18W power supply. Available for purchase in the Amazon store.
AUKEY CB-C71 8w1
The last hub recommended is the Aukey CB-C71. It is equipped with three USB 3.0 ports, USB-C Power Delivery, HDMI port, Ethernet port, as well as two SD and micro SD card slots. This hub is readily available on the market.