Which USB hub for the M1 Mac mini? | Satechi vs AGPTEK | Mark Ellis Reviews

As much as I love the M1 Mac mini, I’m conscious of the fact that it suffers from a lack of ports for many users (me included). Thankfully, you can fix this pretty elegantly with a hub/stand combo. I’ve been testing out two of the best, and this is my full comparison of the Satechi Mac mini hub versus a similar option from AGPTEK.

CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
01:32 - A note on data speeds
02:42 - Satechi hub
05:53 - AGPTEK hub
10:27 - Conclusion

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I have zero interest in deep spec dives or long-winded comparisons. I review laptops, smartphones, tablets, headphones and the latest tech based on real experience. I'll tell you how it'll make you feel, whether or not it's worth your time (and money) and help you find the tech you need to get stuff done.

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I'm a UK-based freelance marketer and broke free of a regular job many years ago. Watch my videos to find the tech you need, without the jargon.

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[MarkEllisReviews]

The Mac mini's port problems solved? Or is there a better option?

[AFITgrad]

The Satechi now offers a M2 SSD port internally ... great time machine option.

[jcramrod]

I also chose the AGPTEK hub because I wanted the additional SSD inside, but I put my AGPTEK on top of the Mac Mini and it looks way better because the gap in between the two is smaller. Also, the rubber feet on the AGPTEK grip the Mac Mini well and it doesn't slide around like it did when the Mac Mini was on top. The overall look is more aesthetic and I like that.

[bdsattern]

Slight change up — Satechi now has an upgraded version with an SSD enclosure. Tips the scales a bit, IMO 🙂

[TransplantHelper]

Satechi was my pick. I got it just before they came out with the silver but even in space gray it looks good with my silver mini. It had the ports I needed.

[rschaefe]

I agree with your recommendation Mark. I purchased the matching color Hagibis version of the USB-C hub and added a Samsung 2TB drive for an extra $200. 00 from Amazon. I had purchased the 16gig ram and 512gig Mac Mini and am very pleased with the set up. I also have 2 27” monitors so the ports on the Mac Mini were getting used up….I think it was a much better approach than buying a Mac Mini with a 1TB drive since for almost the same price, I have 2.5TB of storage plus ports on the front to handle assorted peripherals and flash drives.

[TomCaraherMusic]

No mention that the Satechi has many negative reviews about interference with WiFi and Bluetooth. I bought one; my WiFI dropped by over 60%. Satechi Customer Service sent me a replacement and admitted that several went out with a defective shield and the second one was just as bad, they have both gone back. Also, my M1 heated up when this was attached. I've replaced with a ANKER hub.

[velanche]

I bought the Satechi hub just before my M1 Mac mini arrived, and it looks great as a whole setup. Works nicely, and I’ve used all the ports, including for charging, except for the headphone lack (it will come in handy, I’m sure). As ever, great review.

[stuartmorley]

Great Video. No silly intro and to the point. Wish all videos were as good as this. Thanks

[DaviddoesStuff]

I can live with a little double sided tape to help with alignment issues. The extra storage from the SSD is well worth that.

[simonevans]

Hi Mark. Four small pieces of velcro-one in each corner and the AGPTEK does not movie. Does not damage the computer or docking station and completely solves the problem of movement. I have used mine like this since I purchased it 9 months ago (on your recommendation-thank you). Great docking station and even better now with four bits of velcro. Simple solution.

[WouterEerdekens]

Great video again. I personally got the satechi one. Reasons: my OCD and I can actually use the usb-c port on the front for my headphone amp. Fully agree with you on the awesomeness of the m1 mac mini though.

[ajhalperin]

I have two USB 3.0 Hubs from Plugable -- each has 7 ports. I've plugged them into the two USB ports and this allows me to connect the many external drives I own. (I strongly favor local storage.) I didn't realize I'd be doing that when I bought the Mac mini but it's worked very well. The Mac mini serves my needs much better than a Apple laptop which does have significantly more ports. Don't ignore the importance of the dedicated electrical plug. I can't be more happy.

[waynewrz]

I have the Satechi and have really enjoyed it. The click on the SD slot is super satisfying.

[julianfp]

Great review. Thanks. On the attachment/alignment issue on the AGPTEK I have one word for you .... Blutack! I use it in all sorts of places to seat equipment securely e.g. so that my network switch sits securely on its shelf in my equipment rack and doesn't move around if I plug or unplug a cable (I also use it on everything else in the equipment rack - various hubs and the multi-port USB power supply).

There are all the old jokes about pretty much any DIY problem being solvable with either WD40 or duct tape. Personally I would add Blutack to that "does everything" toolkit because it's great at creating invisible, non-damaging, easily removable, but still surprisingly secure fixing between two objects.

[johnfloy]

man I got the m1 Mac mini and the satechi, they work great. Love the speed! subbed

[nurglerider]

I have the silver AGPTEK and it's great. I had the drive disconnect problem and when researching it I found people had said that switching from USB C to A to connect it resolves this problem. It does and the transfer speed was actually better for me. I can't speak as to why that is but in my tests having it on USB A I got better transfer speeds to the EVO 970 inside.

[jamestibbel]

I purchased the Hagibis on my mac mini m2. I love it. I am able to provide power to it with the USB C power port which allows me to use the USB C port in the front which draws a lot of power and will fail with the added power supply. It also has an internal M.2 SSD port and a 2.5 inch SSD port. 3 USB 3 ports on the front, A micro SD and regular SD port and 1 USB C port on the front. I was having issues with it disconnecting and then I realized I could add external power to it on the 2nd USB C port in the back (the 1st one attaches to the MAC Mini M2). Works like a charm now.

[michahelbing]

Consider to put the Agptec thing above the Mac Mini. Less space between both, better ventilation and surface of Mac Mini protected from scratches etc.

[JohnOShaughnessy]

I just watched this after your iMAC 24" review. Now i think I need both! LOL
I love your reviews. They tell you the stuff you need to know, not just the techie stuff and specs which are available everywhere. This is for users and you really nailed it IMHO