can you use a usb hub in a car

[DiEmery]

Yes, you can generally use a USB hub in a car, but its functionality is limited. A standard USB hub will only distribute data from a single source port; it cannot multiply the power output from your car's USB port. This means you can connect multiple devices like a flash drive and a phone cable, but only one can draw power for charging at a time, and charging will be slow. For effective charging of multiple devices, you need a hub with its own external power source, typically plugged into a 12V cigarette lighter socket.

The primary limitation is the car's USB port itself. Most factory-installed USB ports are designed for data transfer (like for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto) and provide only 0.5A to 1.0A of power, which is insufficient for modern smartphones and tablets. A passive, unpowered hub splits this already limited power budget among all connected devices, leading to extremely slow or non-existent charging.

For true multi-device charging, a powered USB hub is the solution. These hubs plug into your car's 12V outlet and have their own internal circuitry to deliver ample power—often 2.4A or more per port—following standards like QC (Quick Charge). This allows you to fast-charge a phone, power a dash cam, and run a USB-powered air purifier simultaneously without affecting data functions for your infotainment system.

Consideration	Unpowered USB Hub	Powered USB Hub (12V Outlet)
Primary Function	Data distribution only	Simultaneous charging & data
Power Source	Car's USB port (limited)	Car's 12V outlet (high-power)
Typical Power Output	0.5A - 1.0A (shared)	2.4A - 3.0A per port
Best For	Connecting multiple low-power data devices (e.g., music drives)	Fast-charging phones, tablets, and powering accessories
Impact on Infotainment	May cause connection issues if power is overdrawn	Isolated power, safer for data connections

Always check your car's manual. Some vehicle systems are sensitive, and using a hub can occasionally cause glitches with smartphone projection. For most users, keeping data and power separate is the most reliable setup: use the car's built-in USB for CarPlay/Android Auto and a dedicated 12V charger hub for all your charging needs.

[MacKeegan]

Sure, but don't expect it to charge your stuff fast. I tried using a simple hub to plug in a thumb drive for music and charge my phone. The phone barely got any juice—it actually lost charge while using GPS. The car's USB port just isn't strong enough to split power. It's fine if you just need to connect a couple of data-only devices, but for charging, you're way better off with a good charger that plugs into the round power outlet.

[MacJudah]

From a tech perspective, it works with a major caveat. USB protocol allows for hub use, but the power delivery (PD) standard is the key. Most car USB ports are low-amperage. A hub will enumerate the devices, but power is divided, not multiplied. For simultaneous, efficient charging, you need a hub with a dedicated power input connected to a high-output 12V adapter. This ensures each port receives the negotiated voltage and current without bottlenecking through the car's native, low-power USB connection.

[StAlex]

As a mom with two kids in the backseat, my answer is: get the right kind. A regular USB hub won't cut it when both tablets are dying. I bought a powered hub that plugs into the car's bigger outlet. It has four ports and fast-charges everything at once. The car's built-in USB I save for connecting my phone to the screen for maps. It keeps everyone happy and their devices charged on long trips. It’s a game-changer for family road trips.