I use my laptop for programming and constantly need multiple devices connected. The Anker USB-C hub I bought only works halfway now - two ports are dead. The thing wasn't cheap and apparently doesn't last a year. Should I get something better or is that normal with these things?
USB-C hubs are actually a tricky thing - a lot of them give up the ghost pretty quickly because the connections just have to handle a lot of stress. But it's not normal for it to break down after just 6 months. Anker is usually considered solid, so I'd first check if you still have a warranty - most manufacturers give 2 years and will just swap it out for you.
If you need a new one, it's worth paying attention to a few things: make sure the hub doesn't have to power too many devices at the same time (that overwhelms cheap models fast), and look for one with a solid housing, not some flimsy plastic part. There are also hubs that get separate power - those usually last longer because the USB-C port alone doesn't have to handle everything. Known brands like Caldigit or OWC cost more, but they just last longer than the budget options. In the mid-price range you can find decent models too - it really comes down to the individual reviews, not just the brand.
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