StayGo mini USB-C Hub by Twelve South – Review

Specifications:-

USB-C Power: Pass-thru 85W USB-C PD Charging 4K HDMI: Crystal Clear 4K x 2k @ 30Hz HDMI / Full 1080p USB-A 2.0 / BC 1.2 Charging Port Headphone/Audio Out Length: 2.8″ (72 mm) Width : 1.25 inch (32 mm) Width, including USB-C: 1.49 inch (38 mm) Height: 0.3 inch (8 mm)

Good points :-

The convenience of multiple connectors in one small package. 4K capability. Charge pass through. 3.5mm audio port. Outer shell of aluminum dissipates heat. Plug & Play: no drivers required.

Bad points :-

USB-A connector must have USB 3.0 speed. 4K should support up to 60 Hz. Some phone cases need to be removed.

In the box:-

Twelve South StayGo mini USB-C Hub .5 Meter USB-C Extension Cable User Manual

Now that manufacturers are all switching to a universal USB-C connection, that’s a good thing, but on the other hand, we have lost the 3.5 mm audio port and SD cards are also disappearing. You may want to use your device in different ways. Connecting it to other devices requires the use of an adapter. The Twelve South StayGo tiny is an excellent port-loaded USB-C hub that’s also small, easy to use, and capable.

The Twelve South StayGo mini is a small USB-C hub with a USB-C male connector to connect to your USB-C enabled host device on one side and a USB-C female, HDMI, USB-A and combo headphone output / audio input on the other side. While it’s designed to sit flush against the host device, you can use the extension cord to reposition the connectors if you’re putting a case on your phone or tablet.

It’s as simple as taking it out of the box and plugging it in. There are no drivers, monitoring apps, or other requirements to get started. If you have a case on your device, you can easily plug it in with the cable, giving you more flexibility in placement and peace of mind if using it in a situation where something protruding from the side would be a security risk. When you connect the StayGo mini to other devices, you have a lot more options for how to use it, be it placement, connecting to external displays, plugging in headphones, reading and writing to USB drives, and so on.

I was able to connect my S21 Ultra and Surface Book to my TV to watch movies and other content from streaming services. This hub can also be used for giving presentations, with an iPad or laptop connected to a TV or video projector.

With the removal of built-in headphone ports from many newer models, using headphones with tablets and some PCs has become increasingly difficult. Using audio out and input from a headset, both with the 3.5mm connector, also solves that problem. To transfer files, I used the USB-A connector to connect thumb drives to S21 and Surface Book. Unfortunately the transfer speed is only USB 2.0 so it won’t be fast but it was useful for moving photos etc and opening smaller files if needed.

You can hide the connectors behind your computer or tablet with a 1.5 meter extension cable, keeping your desk tidy while still providing the connections you need to be productive or engaged. If there is something that you need to connect and disconnect often, it can also be used to move the connections forward and towards you.

As with similar hubs I’ve tested, I wanted to see if this would be compatible with both my S21 Ultra and my Galaxy Tab S7 and it was, not only did it give me the full Dex experience when connected to an external display . I could charge my devices, listen to headphones and plug in a keyboard and mouse, great when you’re not at home, or access to a laptop.

Another minor regret is the proximity of the connectors. Trying to connect HDMI, USB, and headphone ports simultaneously proved to be a challenge. Since HDMI connectors can be bulky, I couldn’t plug them in at the same time because I had a larger USB drive next to them. The USB drive and headphone jack I used had the same problem. This problem may be solved by adding another 1/4″ or so between connectors.

Conclusion:-

The StayGo Mini is available from: Amazon or from Twelve South at around £59 yes that’s a bit expensive but a dock like the Twelve South StayGo mini gives you more options to connect to the devices you need most in a small but very well made affordable package that feels like it will stand the test of time. For example, I’ll put one in my accessories bag.