Microsoft's refreshed Surface Laptop 3 brings for ports a single USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm audio jack, and Surface Connect. That's relatively limited, especially for a full-size notebook, but luckily you can add a USB-C hub or adapter to the mix for increased connectivity. We've rounded up a bunch of the best options right here.
Connectivity and power
If you'd like to be sure your Laptop 3 is getting enough power through the hub, especially with the 15-inch model, this option from uni should be a great choice. It brings the same connectivity as the VAVA 8-in-1 adapter, but it offers up to 100W of charging power when you plug in a USB-C power adapter. Included are a silicone cover and removable USB-C host cable.
Affordable adapter
You won't get quite the same connectivity available from our top pick from uni, but this Anker hub is far more affordable. Add a microSD and full-size SD card readers for external storage, and connect HDMI for video out. Two USB-A 3.0 ports are available for your older accessories. As long as you don't need to send power back to your Laptop 3, this is a great budget pick.
Best connectivity
Two USB-A 3.0 and a USB-A 2.0 port offer extra options for older accessories, and HDMI provides video out. Plug in a USB-C power adapter to deliver up to 49W of power back to your Laptop 3, and plug in an Ethernet cable for wired internet. Also included are a microSD and SD card reader to add expandable storage capabilities, all in an adapter small enough to slip in a pocket when you hit the road.
Quick USB-A
This inexpensive two-pack of straight USB-C to USB-A adapters are an excellent investment, even if you tuck them into a corner of your laptop bag. They're lightweight, they hardly take up any space, and you'll be glad you have them when you're on the road and find you need to connect some extra USB-A accessories to your Laptop 3.
Extra USB-C
Kingston's Nucleum adapter offers microSD and SD card readers if you need to read the larger format, as well as two USB-A 3.1 ports and HDMI out. Plug in a USB-C adapter to send power back to your Laptop 3, and take advantage of a second USB-C port for more modern accessories. This is an excellent pick if you'd rather not lose the lone USB-C port when plugging in a hub or adapter.
For a monitor or TV
If all you're looking for is an affordable way to connect an HDMI monitor or TV to your Laptop 3, this adapter from uni will do the trick. It will power up to a 4K display at a 60Hz refresh rate for a smooth picture. It's made of aluminum and has a braided cable for some extra durability, and its size allows you to tuck it into a pocket or laptop bag.
For wired internet
The 13.5-inch Laptop 3 is compatible with Wi-Fi 6 for blistering wireless speeds, but you might prefer or require Ethernet, especially with the 13.5-inch Laptop 3 using Wi-FI 5. This USB-C to Ethernet adapter from uni will get the job done with wired speeds up to 1Gbps. It's a sleek little aluminum adapter with a braided cable and status lights on the end to let you know it's working.
Four USB-A ports
For a lot of people, the single USB-A port on the Laptop 3 won't be enough. This Aukey four-port USB-A adapter has long been a go-to option thanks to an affordable price and compact size. It offers USB-A 3.1 speeds up to 5Gbps, but it's slim enough to slip into a pocket when not in use.
Add external storage
The Surface Laptop 3 does not include a slot for SD storage, which is where this adapter excels. It has both UHS-I SD and microSD readers in a small aluminum chassis, giving you some extra options. A pressure locking mechanism keeps your cards in place while reading. If you're often working with removable storage, this is a great pick.
If we're making some suggestions
Why you can trust Windows Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
All of the adapter and hubs rounded up above will make a great addition to your Surface Laptop 3, but you no doubt are only looking for one or two.
The 8-in-1 USB-C adapter from uni is an excellent choice, offering plenty of ports and up to 100W of power when you plug a USB-C power adapter into the mix. This is enough power to keep the battery in your Surface Laptop 3 topped up for when you need to hit the road. Ports include two USB-A 3.0, one USB-A 2.0, Ethernet, and HDMI for excellent connectivity, plus there are microSD and full-size SD card readers for your external storage.
The adapter is made from an aluminum alloy for extra durability and heat dissipation, and it includes a silicone shell that protects against bumps and drops. The host cable is braided to better withstand regular use and abuse, and it's removable, so there's no risk of it being damaged and causing the rest of the adapter to be wasted. As long as it's in your budget, this is an excellent option for adding connectivity to your Laptop 3.
If you'd rather spend considerably less and still add significant connectivity, Anker's 5-in-1 USB-C adapter is a better choice. Its aluminum chassis is built well, and it's small enough to slip into a pocket when not in use. Connected to your Laptop 3, it adds two USB-A 3.0 ports, HDMI out, and a microSD and SD card reader. You don't get the added benefit of optional charging, and there's no Ethernet, but it's also only about a third of the price of our top pick.
