Kingston Nucleum USB-C Hub Review: 7 Ports That Elegantly Transform Port-Starved Devices

What we like

Kingston’s beautifully designed Nucleum™ USB-C hub turns a single USB-C port into a workhorse with the following ports:

The Kingston Nucleum appears designed primarily as a mobile hub for situations where the computer sits on a desk. It’s 7 ports bring enough features to fit most situations. The 2-year warranty from a known brand means peace of mind.

The sleek aluminum housing sports a graceful slope that makes it appear more elegant than less expensive utilitarian USB-C hubs. At 4.8 ounces, 5 x 1.77 x 0.56 inches, the Nucleum doesn’t weigh down bags or pockets, though it isn’t the smallest footprint among USB-C hubs.

The Nucleum exudes quality and performs with matching aplomb.

What could be improved

iPad Pro owners will need to think twice as this hub fails to provide audio out, which is a nice-to-have on any Bluetooth-audio-biased device. iPad owners or those who place their MacBooks and PC notebooks on stands will find the short connector leaves their hub dangling. The hub also eschews Ethernet.

At $69.99 (available for less at some retailers) the price is more than double most basic USB-C hubs, some with far more features. Kingston’s brand and reputation for quality drive the price.

Kingston Nucleum USB-C Hub: The Bottom Line

An elegant but pricy USB-C hub that delivers a solid set of extra capabilities, including 4K HDMI, to port-starved mobile devices. A short cable and lack of audio preclude it as a device of choice for iPad Pro owners. 2-year warranty and the quality of a trusted brand may tip the price/value scale for some.

Kingston provided the Nucleum for review. Images courtesy of Kingston.

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