Raspberry Pi has unveiled a new affordable accessory for its single-board computer lineup: the Official Raspberry Pi USB 3 Hub, priced at just $12. This sleek, compact hub features four USB-A 3.0 ports and an additional USB-C port, making it a versatile addition to any Raspberry Pi setup. The USB-A ports are backward compatible with USB 2.0 devices, allowing users to connect everything from external hard drives and cameras to IoT devices and sensors.
The new hub connects to Raspberry Pi boards through an integrated 8cm cable with a USB-A 3.0 connector, offering a plug-and-play solution for expanding connectivity. The USB-A 3.0 ports operate at a speed of 5 Gbit/s, ensuring fast file transfers that are on par with what you would expect from any standard PC desktop or laptop port.
The optional USB-C power input gives users the flexibility to supply additional power to the hub if necessary, especially when connecting power-hungry devices like smartphones or external drives. This ensures that you can run multiple peripherals without worrying about power limitations.
The new USB hub is part of a broader effort by Raspberry Pi to provide more official accessories for its users, with recent releases including SD cards, SSD storage, and AI HAT products. The decision to release an official USB hub stems from the company’s desire to offer a reliable, affordable solution to users who have often struggled to find well-functioning, inexpensive third-party hubs. Raspberry Pi proudly states that this hub, designed with its logo, is the best on the market and guarantees smooth operation with all Raspberry Pi models.