SABRENT 3-Port Aluminum USB 3.0 Hub + Card Reader
Bottom line: The SABRENT 3-Port Aluminum USB 3.0 Hub + Card Reader ($24.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-20 20:16 UTC): Three USB 3.0 ports at 5Gbps from a single host connection; main trade-off: 12-inch cable is short for tower or under-desk placement.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Three USB 3.0 ports at 5Gbps from a single host connection
- ✓ Reads CF, SD, SDXC, SDHC, MicroSD, MMC, and M2 cards in one unit
- ✓ Aluminum housing matched to iMac, MacBook, and Mac mini finishes
- ✓ Hot-swappable, plug-and-play on Windows, Mac, and Linux
Cons
- ✗ 12-inch cable is short for tower or under-desk placement
- ✗ No USB-C host plug, so newer MacBooks need an adapter
- ✗ Three ports only, fewer than 4- and 7-port hubs
- ✗ No Ethernet, HDMI, or audio pass-through
Manufacturer description
The SABRENT HB-MACR is a 3-port USB 3.0 hub and multi-format card reader wrapped in a single aluminum shell, built to sit next to an iMac, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, or Mac Pro without clashing with the finish. Plug it into one host port and you get three USB 3.0 ports rated at 5Gbps, with fallback to 480Mbps for USB 2.0 devices and 12Mbps for older USB 1.1 peripherals. The built-in reader handles CF, SD, SDXC, SDHC, MicroSD, MMC, and M2 cards, so a photographer offloading a CF card and a videographer pulling MicroSD footage both work from the same dock instead of juggling dongles…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored SABRENT 3-Port Aluminum USB 3.0 Hub + Card Reader using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the storage adapters category. SABRENT's storage adapters lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for storage adapters of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many USB ports does the SABRENT HB-MACR add?
It adds three USB 3.0 ports, each rated at 5Gbps, using one port on your computer. Older devices still work at 480Mbps (USB 2.0) or 12Mbps (USB 1.1).
Which memory cards does the built-in reader support?
CF, SD, SDXC, SDHC, MicroSD, MMC, and M2 cards are supported, so most camera, drone, and handheld storage formats read directly without a separate dongle.
Does it work with Windows and Linux, or only Mac?
It works with Windows, Mac, and Linux. The aluminum body is styled for Mac Pro, iMac, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, MacBook, and Mac mini, but the hub itself is not Mac-exclusive.
Do I need to install drivers or restart my computer?
No. It is plug-and-play, and the ports and card slots are hot-swappable and hot-pluggable, so you can connect or remove devices while the computer is running.
How long is the cable, and will it reach my desktop?
The attached cable is 12 inches, which suits a desk-level iMac or laptop but may be too short if your tower sits on the floor. An extension may be needed for those setups.
Key Features
- Sleek Apple-Style Design: Features aluminum construction that complements Mac Pro, iMac, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, MacBook, and Mac mini
- High-Speed USB 3.0 Connectivity: Instantly add 3 USB 3.0 ports to your computer with transfer speeds of 5Gbps (USB 3.0), 480Mbps (USB 2.0), and 12Mbps (USB 1.1)
- Multi-Format Card Reader Support: Compatible with CF, SD, SDXC, SDHC, MicroSD, MMC, and M2 memory cards for versatile data transfer options
- Universal System Compatibility: Works seamlessly with all Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems
- Simple Installation Process: Easy to set up with plug-and-play functionality, hot swappable and hot pluggable capabilities for convenient use
- Extended 12-Inch Cable: Provides flexible placement options and convenient reach to connect your devices without strain
Full Specifications
| Brand | SABRENT |
|---|---|
| Color | Silver |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | HB-MACR |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac, Linux |
| Built-In Media | Hubs |
| Item Type Name | Sabrent 10-Port Family-Sized Desktop USB Rapid Charger , Silver (HB-MACR) |
| Mfr Part Number | HB-MACR |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Ports | 3 |
| Special Feature | Plug and Play |
| Total Usb Ports | 3 |
| Compatible Devices | Most USB Compatible Devices |
| Data Transfer Rate | 625 megabytes_per_second |
| Enclosure Material | Aluminum |
| Hardware Interface | MicroSD, USB |
| Additional Features | Plug and Play |
| Warranty Description | 1 year |
| Extended 12-Inch Cable | Provides flexible placement options and convenient reach to connect your devices without strain |
| Full listing title | SABRENT 3-Port Aluminum USB 3.0 Hub + Card Reader, Mac/PC (HB-MACR) | Multi-in-1 card reader; aluminum; 12-inch cable; for iMac, MacBook, Mac mini, PC |
Ready to buy?
SABRENT 3-Port Aluminum USB 3.0 Hub + Card Reader, Mac/PC (HB-MACR) | Multi-in-1 card reader; aluminum; 12-inch cable; for iMac, MacBook, Mac mini, PC is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.
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