StarTech.com
StarTech 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub, USB Powered, Travel, 480Mbps (ST4200MINI2)
Bottom line: The StarTech.com StarTech 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub: Four USB 2.0 ports at up to 480Mbps from one host port; main trade-off: USB 2.0 ceiling of 480Mbps, well short of USB 3.0 hub speeds.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Four USB 2.0 ports at up to 480Mbps from one host port
- ✓ Extra port spacing fits wide flash drives and dongles side by side
- ✓ Built-in cable, so there is no separate cord to pack or lose
- ✓ Bus-powered operation needs no wall adapter or free outlet
Cons
- ✗ USB 2.0 ceiling of 480Mbps, well short of USB 3.0 hub speeds
- ✗ Bus power split four ways limits portable drives and charging
- ✗ Built-in cable cannot be swapped or extended if it is damaged
- ✗ No option to add external power for high-draw peripherals
Manufacturer description
The StarTech.com ST4200MINI2 turns a single USB port into four, giving your laptop or desktop room for a mouse, keyboard, flash drive, and controller at the same time. All four USB 2.0 ports carry up to 480Mbps of throughput, and StarTech spaced them wider than usual so bulkier connectors — thick flash drives, wireless receivers, controller adapters — sit side by side without blocking a neighbor. The hub is USB bus-powered, so there is no wall adapter to pack, and the cable is built into the housing instead of dangling loose in your bag. Drop it in a pocket and it cannot lose its cord. The…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored StarTech.com StarTech 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the joysticks & game port category. StarTech.com's joysticks & game port 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 joysticks & game port 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
Does the StarTech ST4200MINI2 need a power adapter?
No. It is USB bus-powered and draws what it needs from the host port, so there is no wall adapter to plug in or carry.
How fast are the ports?
Each of the four ports is USB 2.0, rated up to 480Mbps and shared across the hub. That is ample for keyboards, mice, controllers, and flash drives, but slower than a USB 3.0 hub for large file transfers.
Will it work with a Mac, Chromebook, or Linux machine?
Yes. StarTech lists universal multi-platform compatibility with native support in Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux, so installation is plug-and-play with no driver download.
Can I plug two wide USB connectors in next to each other?
Yes. The four ports use extra spacing specifically so larger USB connectors, such as thick flash drives and wireless receivers, fit side by side.
Is this hub practical to travel with?
That is its stated design: a lightweight, small-footprint housing with the cable built in, so nothing separate goes in your bag.
Key Features
- Add four USB 2.0 ports to your laptop or desktop computer using this cost-effective and compact USB hub
- 4 Port Portable USB 2.0 Hub with built-in cable and lightweight housing with small-footprint design for travel or desktop placement
- Four USB 2.0 ports (up to 480Mbps throughput) with extra port spacing for larger USB connectors
- USB bus-powered and features a built-in cable so you can carry the hub with you anywhere
- Universal multi-platform compatible with fast easy installation and native support in most operating systems (Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Linux) / 4 Port Portable USB 2.0 Adapter Hub w/ Built-in Cable / Multi Port USB Hub / Plug-and-Play Hub
Full Specifications
| Brand | StarTech.com |
|---|---|
| Color | Black, Silver |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | ST4200MINI2 |
| Compatibility | Mac, Linux |
| Built-In Media | (1)USB 2.0 hub |
| Item Type Name | USB Hub |
| Mfr Part Number | ST4200MINI2 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
| Number of Ports | 4 |
| Special Feature | Plug and Play |
| Total Usb Ports | 4 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktops, Laptops |
| Data Transfer Rate | 480 megabits_per_second |
| Enclosure Material | Plastic |
| Hardware Interface | USB 2.0 |
| Additional Features | Plug and Play |
| Warranty Description | 2 Year |
Ready to buy?
StarTech 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub, USB Powered, Travel, 480Mbps (ST4200MINI2) 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.
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