Chromebooks and powerful Android tablets have reached desktop-rivaling performance levels while remaining portable and easy to carry. However, that usually comes at the expense of thermal headroom and onboard I/O choices. Thankfully, the latter is easily remedied with a good dock, but selecting the one that perfectly fits your usage can be challenging.
If you travel frequently or are looking for I/O expansion, you’ll quickly discover that most docks are designed big and heavy to live on your desk, and the portable kind are usually single- or dual-purpose dongles. Enter Satechi’s latest range of slim and multiport adapters, which transform one Thunderbolt port on your machine into as many as seven other ports without taking up much more space than a disposable lighter. We spent some time with the 7-in-1 version to ensure it wouldn’t disappoint you.
Staff pick
Satechi 7-in-1 USB-C Slim Multiport Adapter
Satechi’s latest slim multiport adapters come with an assortment of connectivity options, and the 7-in-1 hub is the most feature-rich one. It can supercharge your Chromebook or tablet experience with Thunderbolt connectivity to hook up peripherals, Ethernet, and even an external display, all without interrupting the power supply to the host device. The slim design also makes it supremely portable for everyday carry.
- Sleek design
- Tough integrated cable
- Support for power delivery
- Ethernet port has indicator lights
- Only one USB-C port
- No display output via USB-C
- Card readers are capped at UHS-1 speed
Price, availability, and specs
New and selling steady
Satechi is well-known for premium Mac accessories, but many of its products also work just as well with popular Chromebooks and Android devices. They make some of the best docks we have tried and recently unveiled the latest range of slim multiport adapters with Ethernet, poised to replace the older slim hub design. The new models also have fewer restrictions on board.
The new lineup from Satechi comprises three different models featuring four, six, or seven ports, and they cost $60, $70, and $80, respectively. The cheapest one offers an HDMI port, two USB-A ports, and one USB-C PD port. The model with six ports adds an SD card slot and a microSD card slot to the previous assortment, while the 7-in-1 model we tested includes a gigabit Ethernet port as well.
Each design is available in three colors — space gray, silver, and black- and all are designed to match the colors Apple products usually ship in. It’s also worth noting that the USB-C connector is color-matched to the adapter, but the braided cable is black for all the variants. All the models are available for sale on Satechi’s website.
What we liked about the Satechi USB-C Slim Multiport Adapter
Solid build and performance for the win
Satechi seems to have perfected the art of designing compact peripherals, even if several design elements like rounded corners and material choices are directly borrowed from companies like Apple. I got to test the black version of the company’s new 7-in-1 dock, which is strikingly well-made. The black color is usually a PVD coating applied to the material, and it feels uniform and premium with a nice granular texture and zero visible banding. However, you might need to handle it carefully to prevent wear, especially during travel.
The integrated Thunderbolt cable that connects to the host device is also double-braided and sturdy but quite stiff. The product’s branding has been kept to a minimum, which is also really nice to see. I am happy to report that all the ports are clearly labeled, using a contrasting color that’s easy to read on the body.
With a design like that, your new Satechi adapter should feel right at home with most high-end Android tablets and Chromebooks. Although it isn’t advertised as a fidget toy, the RJ45 port’s clipping action expands it to a usable size and makes a satisfying ‘click’ sound when opened and closed. It requires deliberate force to open, and I don’t think it will loosen with time.
I didn’t run into any serious limitations or issues when using this adapter. Since it supports power delivery, I could use it safely for I/O expansion without worrying about tanking the battery on the host device.
When in use, you’ll appreciate the dull blue status indicator light that glows and the status LEDs for Ethernet troubleshooting. Data transfers are steady and uninterrupted, and you can use any compatible cable to connect to a 4K display at 60Hz.
What I didn’t like about the Satechi USB-C Slim multiport adapter
Shared bandwidth is the bane
The Satechi multiport adapter is a great accessory because of the sheer choice of ports it offers. Since it shares the bandwidth of the Thunderbolt 4 connection with your Android device or Chromebook, you might notice that individual ports don’t support the latest standards or the highest speeds. For instance, the Ethernet port can do gigabit speeds instead of 10 gigabits, which is the standard. Similarly, the SD card readers are capped at UHS-1 speeds (104MBPS) even though Thunderbolt can support the faster UHS-2 speeds.
Separately, Satechi specifies that onboard USB-A ports don’t support power delivery to or from the host device, and the USB-C port will handle power but won’t support connecting a secondary display in addition to the adapter’s HDMI output. Another minor quirk that isn’t really a demerit is the support for charging — the adapter can deliver up to 100W to the host device, but can only draw 80W from it when charging an accessory connected downstream.
This is a far cry from the capabilities of full-size docks like Satechi’s Docking Station, but it is still an improvement compared to the previous generation of Satechi’s slim docks, which only shared 60W with the host or spat out 15W for downstream devices.
Read our review
Satechi’s new Thunderbolt 4 dock makes multi-display setups easy
For ChromeOS, Windows, and Mac
While the data throughput speeds are still adequate to get the job done, I often found myself peering at the SD card slots to orient the card correctly before inserting it. The labeling could’ve been more helpful that way. From a usability standpoint, I’d only caution you about this adapter getting slightly warm to the touch when the HDMI port is in use. If these details seem relatively minor for your usage, there’s little to fault with this sleek little adapter.
Should you buy Satechi’s latest Slim Multiport Adapter?
Fitting a very specific use case
Chargers have become smaller with GaN tech, but docks for I/O expansion are still associated with bulk. Satechi’s attempt to shed that notion without shaving off useful features seems to strike the perfect balance. Yes, you trade speed and the sheer number of ports for a few of every popular connector in a sleek form factor. Still, the slim design makes this adapter a great travel companion or everyday-carry tech accessory for someone who needs the same dock at home and work.
However, you’re better off with a larger dock like the Ugreen Revodok if sheer heft and size aren’t concerns when you’re getting much more I/O alongside conveniences like display output via USB-C and downstream Thunderbolt ports for power and data transfer. Some other smaller docks might make more sense if you have more USB-C accessories and Ethernet is a necessity.
That said, it’s hard to go wrong with Satechi’s solid construction and premium feel if the functional bits suffice for your usage. Few accessory brands pay as much attention to detail with a focus on minimalism and sturdiness. In my case, this adapter now lives permanently in my tech travel pouch. If you’re looking to get one, ensure you buy the latest generation, because the previous gen also costs $80 and has many more limitations.
Staff pick
Satechi 7-in-1 USB-C Slim Multiport Adapter
This new multiport adapter is one of the smallest, offering everything from Ethernet and display output to SD card readers and ports for other peripherals. It can be an indispensable accessory for productivity enthusiasts, photographers, content creators, or anyone just looking for an Ethernet adapter that does more than offer steady internet. With three colors and models at various price points, Satechi has hit home with these new slim multiport adapters.
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