Which USB hub for the M1 Mac mini? | Satechi vs AGPTEK | Mark Ellis Reviews
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- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
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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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Related links:
➡️ AGPTEK Mac mini hub: geni.us/14slI
➡️ Satechi Mac mini hub: geni.us/pw3Sy22
➡️ App to help with drive disconnections: stclairsoft.com/Jettison/
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The Mac mini's port problems solved? Or is there a better option?
How well does daisy-chaining these devices work or does it even?
Great. Thank you.
Thanks for the review, Mark! Update... the Satechi now comes with the hidden internal SSD. What a great value to add on to the Mac Mini.
Very helpful
@@hittjett Exactly. Chaining ALWAYS means exponential entire control chip level slow down in that port stream.
So I second the question: HOW MUCH DOES THE CHAINING SLOW FOR EACH ATTACHED?
The Satechi now offers a M2 SSD port internally ... great time machine option.
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.
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.
Slight change up - Satechi now has an upgraded version with an SSD enclosure. Tips the scales a bit, IMO 🙂
unfortunately it only comes in light gray and not in space grey.
which SSD did you choose?!
Sweet, added to shopping list on Amazon. Waiting for the M1X Mac Mini :)
@@bryansproles2879 may as well get the mac mini now - how annoying is it no new mac mini pro
@@nostalaudio5080 Yeah, I saw the keynote - I don't think I want the M1 Mini - it can't do 32 gigs of memory. My normal iMac (late 2015 i7) is regularly using anywhere from 17-20 gigs of RAM just from the software I regularly use. I don't think 16 is going to cut it if I intend to make this my primary machine...
thank you so much for this video. I was getting frustrated from looking for a hub with both external storage and an usb-c port as im using both ports, one for a dongle for my keyboard and mouse and the other port for charging my phone. now that I know the agptek can use USB-A for power, this provided me with a clear choice. thanks!
Ah, that’s great to hear - thanks for letting me know!
This comparison was what I was needing! Thank you!
Thanks for watching, Jeff!
I have the Satechi and have really enjoyed it. The click on the SD slot is super satisfying.
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.
Addapp and the the internal ssd hub: two excellent advices. Thx!
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.
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.
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
Thanks so much!
I went with the Mac Mini, cannot wait to receive it.
You won't regret it!
Thank you, exactly for this review have i waited.
😊
I have a 2020 space grey mini with the Satechi Hub. It fits nicely and the ports up front are handy for my mouse receiver and occasional USB connections. The card readers and audio port are nice and the overall fit/finish is top notch (pun intended).
I bought a M1 mini along with a Hagabis hub, essentially the same as your AGPTEK hub. I put in a 1TB SSD to use as a time capsule and extra storage. Having the ports on top makes it more convenient so I had the hub on top.
What made it even more convenient was flipping it upside down so the Card reader and USB hubs were 'right side up' as would be normal. I have some gaffer tape holding the 'upside down' hub/SSD in place and it makes it very handy when plugging things in or inserting cards. It looks a bit odd but is very functional. I also opted to plug the hub into one of the USB-A hubs, keeping both Thunderbolt ports free.
I love the M1 mini. It puts my fully decked out Intel unit to shame. It runs silent and cool and has been my primary computer since it arrived. I keep the Intel mini for when I need to run Parallels or Intel-only apps. Mostly it's just backup.
I found the Hagabis (AGPTECH) hub more useful and would recommend it to any Mini owner. Flip it upside down, plug it into a USB-A port and you have the Mac mini Apple should have made.
I’ve had the Satechi since December and I really like it. I know it doesn’t have the internal storage space but I like it better than the other ones because it has a type C and a 3.5 mm as well versus the other Mini specific hubs on the market. And the way it fits is so seamless like Apple developed it specifically for the Mini. If Satechi ever designs a new hub with the internal storage slot (and maybe even figuring out a way to make the type C a thunderbolt) it’ll be a no brainer for everyone.
I can live with a little double sided tape to help with alignment issues. The extra storage from the SSD is well worth that.
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.
I just received my Elecife branded hub for my M1 Mac Mini today. It looked exactly like the AGPTEK and have exactly the same features set. Planning to install a 2TB SSD HDD for backup on the hub's SSD compartment.
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.
Thank you! And a great choice. It can't be beaten in terms of fit and finish.
Great Video. No silly intro and to the point. Wish all videos were as good as this. Thanks
Means a lot - thanks!
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.
What SSD card are you using for the internal slot on it? Trying to figure out what to get as an external storage for Time Machine
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.
You got the 16gb ram or 8gb ram?
Bob, are you connecting your Monitor 1 to Mac Mini HDMi and Monitor 2 to one of the MAc Mini TBs ? or Monitor 2 you connectd to the Hagib´s USB / DP POrt ( in the case if you picked the Hagibs MC 25PRO DP. I am almost purchasing one because one of my Mac MIni TB ports will be connected to Avid Audio interfaced. Thanks.
This was really helpful, thank you!
You helped me make my Satechi purchased. Bought used but good through Amazon. Works as expected. If I need anything more, I'll be purchasing a Thunderbolt Dock. Cheers!
Glad to be of service :)
Really good info. Going with a Satechi - the model that has an internal spot for an SSD. Great and thanks!
great review. bought the satechi and two matte black wraps.
Nice! Were the wraps for the hub?
Brilliant Mark thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Really useful info, thanks.
No worries!
Great Video. I went for the Satechi which works nicely for me. I mostly do dev work in Xcode, using RemoteDesktop to connect to my company dev machine (Windows) and played some games - the system never got hot so far (using it for one week now ;) I went for it because it has a USB C in the front, fits nicely under the mini, perfect color match - I do not need the SSD slot. The transfer rates are OK for me. As you said: the hub is great for plugging in USB sticks for data transfer and so on.
As a "data grave" I'm actually using a DIY network drive (Raspberry Pi with traditional spinning HDD) - which is, of course, waayyy slower than the SSD in your hub.
A combination of those two hubs in a single product would be so damn perfect...
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.
Have 2 hubs in use. 1 with the black one where the bottom of the Mac mini m1 fits well and the other for ssd that is on top. That's another way to do it. Also works perfectly. Niels.
Great job 👏🏻
Thank you! 😁
Regarding alignment of the two devices, you could use some of that silicone drawer liner stuff they sell in IKEA, hardware stores. It will keep things in place.
Thank You Mark...well presented.
Thank you!
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.
dont place it UNDERNEATH . put it on top
you have a amazing voice. 😊 thanks for video. i ordered the satechi.
man I got the m1 Mac mini and the satechi, they work great. Love the speed! subbed
Thanks for the sub!
How is the speed? What kind of work are you doing? I'm thinking of getting one. Thanks.
@@timetravelvictim really well, I mainly use mine to sync my phone but I also use it with my external audio interface with no lag or issues
I got a hub when I got the new Mini last year, but mine is branded 'HAGiBiS'. Looks the same as the AGPTEK. I had a drop out problem occasionally when I was using it plugged into a USB C but it works fine when plugged into the USB A with a suitable cable (not all will work!) not had to run any software to avoid dropouts.
A couple of dabs of silicone, and the Mini stays perfectly aligned on the AGPTEK hub. And it rubs off without leaving a trace, if you ever want to revert the devices to "like new" condition.
Holding out for the new mac mini
fast info! 🚀
Great video. I'm going to give the Satechi another try with my M1. On the Intel Mini, not such a great experience, more often than not I could fry an egg on the top of the Mini 😂 it soon ended up in my circular filing cabinet ...
The blame for that lies entirely with Intel. Hot chips and terrible thermal paste.
I bought the AGPTEK dock, I wish it had a headphone jack. For the alignment issue, just put the AGPTEK on top, that also makes it easier to use the USB ports
It's worth mentioning that the Satechi new version now comes with an m.2 ssd enclosure on the bottom, it's $20 more though.
I thought I would have a need for one of these but I don’t. 1 USB A for wireless keyboard. 1 USB A connected to monitor which itself has an SD card reader and two USB As - one for graphics tablet. Thunderbolt to external disks which also has USB A for Time Machine. So I actually have a spare Thunderbolt on Mini. 😊
I just ordered the Satechi that now sports an SSD enclosure underneath! An extra 1 Terabyte for $75!
I don' t even own a MacMini, but stayed in this video to listen to your voice! Very beautiful! 😊 Haha
I’m thinking of just going with the OWC thunderbolt 3 dock Pro. It’s far more expensive and no internal SSD option.. but high end fast throughput to external SSD’s. Just hide all of them. One could go with the newer OWC thunderbolt 4 dock. But I’ll probably go with the older thunderbolt 3 Pro dock. Both same speed a more ports for pro users.. not much more.. but a little.
Nice job, Mark! I’d like to see you do a review on a Thunderbolt 4 hub like the Caldigit or OWC. Thanks!
Thank you! And I will certainly check them out.
Mark, I realize that you said you don’t delve too deeply into benchmarks, but please include a read/write speed test comparison b/c I have NOT been able to reach max speeds plugging directly into my Mac Mini. However, I’ve heard that the OWC hub fixes that problem.
I am sure that it will be insightful to see you review the OWC dock. If you review the hub, that would be great.
In any event, thank you for your consideration!
youe videos are great! do you have a video of what screens would work best with the mac mini for programmers and video editors?! thanks! 😄
The agptek hub is rebranded and dropshipped and originally from colorii and is called the mc25, colorii also released the mc25 pro now.
Hi Mark,
I so far own a MacBook Pro M1, which is my main editing and streaming machine. This is connected to a Calldigit TS3+ dock and it works like a charm and allows me to attach an external TB-case with a high speed m.2-SSD. The TB3-port at the Calldigit is as fast as the internal port and the R/W-speeds are fast enough to edit 4k video on the external m.2. Highly recommended.
In addition I'm going to add another USB-C hub, like you suggest, which includes a 2.5" SSD as well, as I want that extra storage for the SSD in the bottom. Thanks for confirming my buying decision 😉
Pleasure 😉
The satechi actually has another benefit in reducing dust intake from the bottom of mac mini. It's like another guard layer to dust I think.
Thank you for this comprehensive review. Today I ordered a Satechi with a compartment for an M2 SSD, so that advantage of the AGPTEK is gone. ;-)
Enjoy!
I use some silicon feet on my setup. Stays in place almost like is was glued and the gap aids ventilation.
I got the M2 Pro Mac mini, it's got 4 Thunderbolt ports around back. I have a Samsung T7 in 2TB attached, plus my 8TB external, so I'm good on storage. Thought I'd need a hub but I don't. Both A ports used, and I think I have a free Thunderbolt. Definitely going Satechi, the $99 one with the SSD slot. Black Friday/Cyber Monday here in the US, you can get 2TB for pretty close to $100.
Thanks
I bought a newer version of the Satechi hub that has a slot in the base to take an M.2 SSD. The front USB-C port is capable of charging my M1 iPad Air 5.
Satechi also comes with additional SSD slot now, but with only M2 SSD.
I use the Satechi hub with my M1 Mac Mini. The two of them fit EXACTLY on the foot of the 2009 27" iMac which I use as a monitor for the Mac Mini. (I use a USB-C/Thunderbolt to Mini Displayport cable for the monitor connection. As soon as you plug it in, the iMac switches into a monitor directly, and the Mac OS that is running on the iMac in the background is available via VNC. I would love to see someone do a comparison of that setup to using an M1 iMac.
Honestly? The Satechi hub along with the Apple Studio Display is the perfect match. You lose 1 port in the back but gain 1 in the front. And the 4 in the back of the Apple Studio Display really kinda makes it not so overpriced considering USB C thunderbolts are ULTRA expensive because the data transfers are phenomenal. And it really helps with moving data on a Plex Media Server.
i personaly have now both because next drive is good ... satechi is main dock on bottom and agptek with 8TB EVO ssd sitting on top of baby mac fixed with little thin double-side tape .... a make my own iBURGER 😀 back USBA is for LogiBolt dongle for keyboard and mouse, both USB C for docks, and 2nd USBA is for little USB FAN for cooling for coffe, so all front USB's and reader's are free to use
Your videos are great! I now can’t decide on a Mac mini or a iMac 24
Thank you! What’s your biggest stumbling block with this?
@@MarkEllisReviews didn’t expect a reply ! Haha
erm well this will be my first Mac, I’ve got an old Sony Viao that’s on its last legs. I’m struggling to playback my videos through Premiere Pro.
I’m limited for space at home but have an area I could make into a workstation or buy a mini and use my tv as a monitor.
I’m tempted to go for the iMac 24 first step up for the additional ports, I can’t decide whether the extra cash is worth it or go for the base model and add an external usb hub.
What video editing software do you use?
@@AndrewJamesFilms I use Final Cut Pro :)
You might consider stacking the AGPTek hub on TOP of the Mac Mini. It's got those little feet that should help it say aligned, and it's a LOT easier to access the SD card slots.
Have you seen the latest version the Satechi? It has added a similar option for storage in the bottom but the really cool part is the form factor of the SSD is an m.2 !
Good review but it is worth noting the Satechi has a version with an expandable hard drive in it as well now, its an extra $20 but well worth it to me.
Fingers crossed for me in music producton. Just ditched my 10 year old PC for a Mac Mini and this hub having understood Devs are not quite up to date on *some* of the software I use. I'll report back.
Great review your so like me a bit ocd about how the agptek hub looks and the colour 😂😎
Thanks! And glad I'm not alone :)
@@MarkEllisReviews for me it’s an age thing 😂😂
You can install an SSD directly inside the hub. It works well for editing video. I installed a 2TB SSD inside my hub.
Do you have problems with the ssd disconnecting? If so, what was the fix?
Satechi have 'just' released a new one, this one has an NVMe drive bay, it also has 2 10Gbps ports (one USB A and one USB C) . I just snagged one from Amazon.
M1 Mac Minis are cool running.
Satechi does now make a mini hub that has a m.2 ssd connector (Not NVME) though its 99.99 usd on amazon-us
Thanks Mark for your thoughtful reviews. I just bought the Mac Mini M1 and have serious speed issues with external SSD drives. My Samsung t7 2Tb advertised at 1000Mb/s peaks at 650MB/s when connected directly to the thunderbolt port of the MacMini M1. I have read that many people are getting the same problem. I know that you're not a benchmark guy, but as you've extensively reviewed the M1 Mac Mini I'd love you to some speed test using Black Magic Speed Test so we could have objective numbers to compare... Would love to see these numbers with the drive connected directly to the computer and using a HUB.
Together I have also bought the new OWC Thunderbolt Hub, also announced by many reviewers on UA-cam as THE best hub out there that actually enhances connections speed of your peripherals .. but again.. same disappointing performance here as I couldnt reproduce the data transfer rates announced by the reviewers.
I really think there is an problem with the Mac Mini M1 and external drives transfer speeds and would love to have a specialist like you maybe investigate this issue.
Thanks again for your great content.
Thank you - that means a lot.
The usb hubs on the new M1 macs are different, they work via 2 lanes now (instead of 1 lane) so we only get half of the performance unless we buy a newer SSD which transfer the data through 2 lanes, my T5 peaks at ~350mb/s instead of +500mb/s
@@MarkEllisReviews Hopefully that means you're going to make a video about this issue, with numbers.. ;)
@@sonervisuals I also have a 500mb/s Sandisk Extreme that peaks at only 370Mbs... even connected directly to the M1 Mac Mini
@@Superjeanmarc I hope there will be a software fix in the future (if it is even possible?)
If you plug in a Bluetooth mouse in the hub, will it have delay?
Nice concise review, thanks. I like that I wouldn’t have to tie up the USB C with Agptek, so keeping free for second monitor.
Thank you!
Mark, thanks for your review. Question though: Is the M1 Mac Mini more or less identical to the M1 Macbook Air? Would this hub therefore work equally well on my M1 Macbook Air? Reviews don’t seem to cover any other model than the Mini.
My plan is to buy a M2 Mac Mini when it comes out, and if I already have the Satechi, then I could just plug it over.
Hi Mark, I have a question after watching your video. Can you connect both a APGTEK and SATECHI into a thunderbolt hub which in itself is plugged into the thunderbolt port? While this appears to be counterintuitive to double up. both have features I want which the other doesn't have and the price for each may allow a simple solution to both. I need a thunderbolt port for a second screen so need the extra port connectivity. Your thoughts would be very welcome. I am just venturing into a desk unit for the first time in many years. Thanks
Satechi also has a version with an SSD compartment.
FYI, Satechi now has a dock/hub that has a SSD bay. I own one, and I think it is great!! It’s totally ballin’!
Yes, so I see - looks nice!
@@MarkEllisReviews I pick up my brand-spanking new M1 Mac Mini this weekend, but I’ve already got the hub populated with a 500GB WD Blue SSD waiting for me to put Windows on that drive.
They now have a version with M.2 SSD too.
@@geraldbalzer2429 Yes, I know. I own one, and it is great!
as its been ove half a year i suggest reviewing the Quizzlab and Hagibis hubs as well! Also do they require a 4 amp external power charger?
Hi, thank you for your review. I want to know the speed of that Crucial SSD when mounted on the AGPTEK USB hub?
And for people who don't have Amazon in your country, you can find the exact same AGPTEK hub on Aliexpress with the name Hagibis or Colorii.
you can put the AGP hub on top of the mac mini, maybe with some double sided tape. :)
I purchased the AGPTEK and had a problem with the internal SSD randomly disconnecting. I had to play a bit. Seems as though I solved the issue with swapping out the internal SSD (which still works well in another drive enclosures) and I swapped out the small jumper Type C cable and have not had a problem since. I mount my drive on the top of my mini. I find that gives me better access to the front ports.
Great 👍
Hi Mark thanks for this great review. I have one quick question. Can you tell us the total height of both including the Mac mini? I love both but this information will be important for me to make my decision. Thanks! :-)
that Satechi downgrading the Thunderbolt to USB-C speed totally kills it
CalDigit TS3 would be nicer, stood up, thermally separate, most ports on the back and out of sight, backup all footage across 4-5 drives without any plugging in and out. I have an issue with cables sitting on the desk, it interrupts my train of thought.
The update that killed using time capsule to a HD that goes though a hub has really messed with my plans. It doesn’t seem to be a problem with other ops but if it’s going through a hub you can’t back up to it.
I'd really like someone to come out with a thunderbolt version of these.
You'd get much better transfer speeds on the drives and the ability to have displayport etc. Some of these do exist on aliexpress but they're still USB-C 3.1 and thus, to get a drive, display port and your USB ports all working, you have to use both USB-C ports.
I have a thunderbolt dock but it's fugly....
OWC Thunderbolt Hub Mfr P/N: TB4HUB5PM hands down the winner..With Full Bandwidth 40gb Thunderbolt 3 ports.....With the high speed USB 3.2 ports..
Great video!
HELP:
I am in need of an internal SSD card to use as a time machine backup,
Thanks.
I really wish someone would come out with a hub in this footprint that has more USB ports in the back. I don’t need more ports in the front but I need a ton more in the back for various connected devices.
The only thing I know of out there currently is the OWC Ministack STX, but its only 4 USB C ports and I’d still rather have USB A options. 😕
Hello Mark. Did you tried to attach another monitor to your Mac Mini ( via thunderbolt 4 port ) or you tested could those thunderbolt 4 ( 3 ) ports can really output 4K@60Hz. I've tried this on mine m1 mac mini, but i cant get more than 4k@30Hz when connected via one of the USB-C to DisplayPort adapters ( not Apple's adapters but some 3rd party, which works fine when used on my older MacBook Pro and 4K monitor ). Keep with good content man!
Hi Mark, thanks for all the great reviews ! just wondering.. on the extra SSD storage, which file format did you format the drive with ? I use both windows and mac systems so wondered what might be the most flexible longterm as this expansion unit could potentially work cross platform.
You'd want to format exFAT if you wanted convenient cross-platform compatibility. You can also use NTFS, but you have to pay the Microsoft Tax to do so, by buying and installing Paragon's "NTFS for Mac" (retails for about $20). The advantages of NTFS are not relevant to any 2.5" SATA drive - and probably never will be - so exFAT is the no-brainer choice (unless you need to plug in external NTFS devices on occasion, and need to spend the $20 anyhow.)
I know I came a little bit late, but Satechi does have M.2 port underneath it ( I have it ), I think it's two different versions.
the satechi i have includes storage for ssd drive 😊
Thx Mark. I'm using a M1 Mac mini and what I really need is hub with 3 or 4 TB3 / 4 ports and same for "normal" USB. I use the card reader from my LaCie 2Big Dock....the best solution would be the CalDigit Element Hub...any other solutions?
I never sleep my Macs, or turn them of hardly. One, still working fine, has been on and running since 2006