I have a PS5 in the living room and a PS4 still going strong in the basement, and between two controllers, a charging headset, and a backup external drive, I ran out of USB ports years ago. I tested five USB hubs over a few months of real gaming nights to figure out which ones the PlayStation handles cleanly and which ones cause random disconnects mid game.
The PS5 in particular is picky about USB hubs. Some hubs work for accessories but not for storage, some report wrong device types, and a few cause the console to throw a warning on boot. Here is what survived.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anker 4 Port USB 3.0 Hub | $13 | Reliable everyday hub | 4.7/5 |
| Sabrent 4 Port USB 3.0 Hub With Power | $29 | Charging multiple controllers | 4.6/5 |
| Insten PS5 Front USB Hub Expander | $25 | PS5 specific fit | 4.4/5 |
| TP Link UH400 4 Port USB Hub | $11 | Budget hub for accessories | 4.5/5 |
| Hagibis 7 Port USB Hub For PS5 | $39 | Maximum port count | 4.3/5 |
1. Anker 4 Port USB 3.0 Hub
The Anker is the unfussy default I recommend most often. It works on both my PS5 and PS4 without any compatibility quirks, the cable is the right length to reach behind the console without strain, and it has never caused a controller disconnect during a session. The blue LED on top is bright but easy to ignore once the TV is on.
2. Sabrent 4 Port USB 3.0 Hub With Power
The Sabrent is the right pick when you want to charge two controllers and run a wired headset at the same time. The wall adapter ensures full speed charging even when the console is in rest mode, and the LED indicators show port status. Heavier on the desk than the Anker but worth it for the consistent charging behavior.
3. Insten PS5 Front USB Hub Expander
The Insten is purpose built to clip onto the PS5 front USB port and expand it to four ports without dangling cables. The fit is snug, the included USB A and USB C ports both worked, and the form factor looks intentional rather than a kludge. Slightly limited for storage drives but perfect for controllers and headsets.
4. TP Link UH400 4 Port USB Hub
For just over 10 dollars the TP Link UH400 is the smartest budget purchase. It handles all my controllers and headsets without issue. I would not plug an external SSD into it for game storage, but for accessories it has been rock solid for two years on my PS4 setup.
5. Hagibis 7 Port USB Hub For PS5
The Hagibis is the maximalist pick. Seven ports total with USB A and C, dedicated charging ports, and an SD card reader. It mounts directly on the side of the PS5 chassis with a clip. I would not call it elegant but if you have flight sticks, multiple controllers, a webcam, and an external drive, it is the only hub that fits them all.
What Matters Most
Powered versus passive is the first decision. A powered hub draws current from a wall adapter rather than the console, which means full speed charging and no port starvation. Passive hubs are fine for one or two accessories. For three or more, especially if any are high draw like a headset or charging station, get powered.
My Setup
The Sabrent powered hub sits behind the TV stand connected to the PS5 rear USB port. Two controllers stay docked in it, and a Sony Pulse headset connects through it. The front USB port stays open for the rare times I plug in an external drive to manage screenshots. The Anker handles the PS4 downstairs.
Common Mistakes
Using a passive hub to charge multiple controllers from a console in rest mode is the first mistake. Rest mode limits USB current and your controllers will charge slower than expected. Get a powered hub. The second mistake is plugging external game storage into any hub on the PS5. The console wants direct connection for SSD performance.
Final Recommendation
For most PlayStation owners the Anker 4 Port USB 3.0 Hub is the right buy. Reliable, well priced, and trouble free. If you charge multiple controllers at once or run a wired headset, step up to the Sabrent powered hub. PS5 specific players who want a clean front facing setup should look at the Insten expander.
Frequently asked questions
Does the PS5 support powered USB hubs?+
Yes for low power devices like controllers and headsets. For external SSDs the PS5 has specific compatibility requirements. I had best results plugging SSDs directly into the console USB port and using the hub for accessories.
Will a USB hub slow down controller charging?+
A passive hub can. A powered hub with its own wall adapter charges controllers at full speed because the power comes from the wall, not the console. The DualSense draws about 1.5A when fully empty.