One of our favorite USB-C hubs for laptops is on sale for $30 today

One of our favorite USB-C hubs for laptops is on sale for $30 today
Ars Technica

Today’s Dealmaster is headlined by a deal on VAVA’s VA-UC006 USB-C hub, which is down to $30 on Amazon when you use the code “ALVMMR83” at checkout. As of this writing, shipping times are longer than usual due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but this is a bigger-than-usual drop from the hub’s typical $50-60 going price online.

This USB-C adapter is a recommended pick in our guide to the best USB-C docks and hubs, particularly for those who want a compact option on a budget. If you have a laptop like the latest MacBook Air or MacBook Pro that eschews traditional ports in favor of USB-C, a hub like this can bring many of those legacy connectors back. When connected to a USB-C port, the VA-UC006 here adds three USB-A ports (two of which are USB 3.0), an HDMI port capable of playing 4K video at least 30Hz, USB-C power passthrough at about 49W (which isn’t strong enough to refill all laptops at max speed but still provides a decently fast charge), SD and microSD card slots, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

To be clear, this hub can get a little hot to the touch while in use, its data-transfer speeds aren’t nearly as fast as those of a beefier Thunderbolt 3 dock, and its trio of USB-A ports might be too close together to fit three devices simultaneously. It won’t work with iPad Pros, either. But in testing, we found it performed safely and reliably for a device that, at just 2×0.5×4 inches, can save this much space on a desk or on the road. Especially at this discounted price, it’s a strong value for the amount of functionality it enables. VAVA says it comes with an 18-month warranty.

If you’re cool with your notebook’s port selection, though, we also have deals on USB-C cables and wall chargers, our 2018 game of the year Celeste, tablets from Amazon and Apple, Sonos speakers, and much more. Have a look for yourself below.

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Top 10 deals of the day

  • VAVA VA-UC006 USB-C hub – 60W USB-C PD, 2x USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI (4K 30Hz), Ethernet, SD, microSD, 3.5mm jack for $29.99 at Amazon (use code: ALVMMR83 – normally $59.99).
  • Apple AirPods Pro true wireless noise-cancelling headphones for $224.99 at Verizon (discount seen at checkout – normally $249.99).
  • Anker PowerLine II (6ft, 2-pack) USB-C to Lightning cable – MFi certified for $19.99 at Amazon (use code: AKCTLPK2 – normally $30).
  • Anker PowerPort I desktop wall charger – 60W total, 30W USB-C PD, 4x USB-A for $32.99 at Amazon (normally $49.99).
  • Bose SoundLink Color II portable Bluetooth speaker for $99 at Amazon and B&H (normally $129).
  • Amazon Cloud Cam 1080p indoor security camera for $49.99 at Woot (normally $119.99).
  • OnePlus 6T (128GB) unlocked smartphone for $299.99 at Woot (normally $399).
  • Razer Viper wired gaming mouse for $59.99 at Amazon (normally $79.99).
  • Amazon Fire HD 8 (16GB, no ads) tablet for $64.99 at Amazon (normally $90).
  • Celeste (Switch, digital) for $4.99 at Nintendo eShop (normally $19.99).
The 2020 Retina MacBook Air.
Enlarge / The 2020 Retina MacBook Air.

Laptop and desktop PC deals

  • Apple MacBook Air (early 2020) laptop – Intel Core i3-1000NG4, 13.3-inch 2560×1600, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Magic Keyboard for $949.99 at Amazon (normally $999).
  • Apple MacBook Air (early 2020) laptop – Intel Core i5-1030NG7, 13.3-inch 2560×1600, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Magic Keyboard for $1,249.99 at B&H (normally $1,299).
  • Acer Predator Helios 300 gaming laptop – Intel Core i7-9750H, 15.6-inch 1080p 144Hz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB for $1,129.99 at Amazon (normally $1,310).
<em>Celeste</em> was our 2018 game of the year.
Enlarge / Celeste was our 2018 game of the year.

Video game deals

<em>Cuphead</em>.
Enlarge / Cuphead.

Gaming deals

The Razer Viper gaming mouse.
Enlarge / The Razer Viper gaming mouse.

TV and home entertainment deals

The Amazon Cloud Cam.
Enlarge / The Amazon Cloud Cam.

Electronics deals

VAVA's USB-C adapter combines a slim design with a useful selection of ports at a good price.
Enlarge / VAVA’s USB-C adapter combines a slim design with a useful selection of ports at a good price.

Accessories and miscellaneous deals

  • VAVA VA-UC006 USB-C hub – 60W USB-C PD, 2x USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI (4K 30Hz), Ethernet, SD, microSD, 3.5mm jack for $29.99 at Amazon (use code: ALVMMR83 – normally $59.99).
  • Apple Silicone Case for iPhone XS for $19.99 at Verizon (normally $35).
  • Mophie Powerstation AC portable battery pack – 100W AC, 30W USB-C PD, USB-A, 22,000mAh for $129 at Amazon (normally $195).
  • RAVPower 45W Ultrathin PD USB-C wall charger – 45W USB-C PD, GaN for $15.99 at Amazon (clip $3 coupon and use code: 4NURYYNY – normally $29.99).
  • Anker PowerWave Pad (2-pack) Qi wireless charger – 10W Galaxy/7.5W iPhone, no AC adapter for $17.99 at Amazon (use code: AKB253SD – normally $22).
  • Anker PowerWave Stand (2-pack) Qi wireless charger – 10W Galaxy/7.5W iPhone, no AC adapter for $25.49 at Amazon (normally $32).
  • Anker PowerWave Base Pad Qi wireless charger – 10W Galaxy/7.5W iPhone, no AC adapter for $10.99 at Amazon (use code: PWAVE2505 – normally $13.99).
  • Anker PowerLine II (6ft, 2-pack) USB-C to Lightning cable – MFi certified for $19.99 at Amazon (use code: AKCTLPK2 – normally $30).
  • Anker PowerLine II (6ft) USB-C to Lightning cable – MFi certified for $11.99 at Amazon (use code: AKCTLW17 – normally $14.99).
  • Anker PowerPort I desktop wall charger – 60W total, 30W USB-C PD, 4x USB-A for $32.99 at Amazon (normally $49.99).
  • Anker PowerPort Strip PD 2 Mini USB power strip – 18W USB-C PD, 2x USB-A, 2x AC for $24.99 at Amazon (use code: ANKERPS2 – normally $33.99).
  • Aukey PB-Y13 USB-C portable battery – 18W USB-C PD, USB-A, 37Wh for $19.19 at Amazon (use code: ZRKOFDK4 – normally $29.99).
  • New users only: Amazon Music Unlimited 3-month membership for free at Amazon (normally $30).

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