Microsoft Surface USB-C Travel Hub Review 2026 - Specs, Pros & Cons

Name: Microsoft Surface USB-C Travel Hub for Business
Brand: Microsoft
SKU: 1E4-00001

The Microsoft Surface USB-C Travel Hub for Business is a small 5-port USB-C adapter built for travel, meeting rooms, and Surface fleet users who still need legacy projector support. It connects through a captive USB-C cable and adds HDMI 2.0, VGA, Gigabit Ethernet, one USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port, and one downstream USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port. Microsoft lists 10 Gbps data transfer on the USB ports, HDMI output up to 3840x2160 at 60Hz, VGA output up to 1920x1080 at 60Hz, and a 200mm cable that stores in the end of the hub. The important limitation is power. The USB-C and USB-A ports can support compatible accessory charging, but Microsoft explicitly says the hub does not charge the laptop. It also supports one display path at a time: HDMI or VGA, not both together. At $119.99 MSRP, this adapter is best understood as an official Surface travel hub with Ethernet and VGA, not a modern desk dock.

Surface Travel Hub

Pros & Cons

What We Like

HDMI 2.0 supports one 4K@60Hz display from a small travel adapter
VGA output is still useful for older conference-room projectors
Gigabit Ethernet adds wired networking without a second dongle
USB-A and USB-C downstream ports are rated for 10 Gbps when the host supplies enough power
Compact 99.2g design with a captive cable that stores in the body

What Could Be Better

Does not charge the host laptop
Workaround: Use the laptop's own charger at the same time, or choose a hub with USB-C passthrough charging.
Only one display output works at a time despite having HDMI and VGA
Workaround: Connect either HDMI or VGA. For two displays, use a USB-C, USB4, Thunderbolt, or DisplayLink dock.
No SD card reader, audio jack, or second USB-A port
Workaround: Carry a separate reader or choose a larger travel hub if those ports matter.
$119.99 MSRP is high for a 5-port adapter without laptop charging
Workaround: Buy it for official Surface support and VGA. If you do not need those, compare cheaper hubs with passthrough power.
Full USB speed and simultaneous USB-A plus USB-C use depend on host-port power
Workaround: Use a laptop USB-C port rated for 5V/3A output if you need both downstream USB ports at 10 Gbps.

Display Support

Max Displays: 1

1 display (Single 4K@60Hz through HDMI 2.0 when the host USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode.)

3840x2160 @ 60Hz

1 display (Single 1080p@60Hz through VGA. Microsoft says HDMI and VGA cannot be used at the same time.)

1920x1080 @ 60Hz

Ports & Connectivity

USB Ports

1x USB-C 3.2

1x USB-A 3.2

Video Outputs

1x HDMI 2.0

1x VGA

Network

1x Ethernet (1 Gbps)

Full Specifications

General
Manufacturer	Microsoft
Model	1E4-00001
Release Date	2020-05
MSRP	$119.99
Connectivity
Host Connection	USB-C
Max Data Rate	10 Gbps
Driver Required	No (native)
Display Output
Max Displays	1
1x Display	3840x2160 @ 60Hz (Single 4K@60Hz through HDMI 2.0 when the host USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode.)
1x Display	1920x1080 @ 60Hz (Single 1080p@60Hz through VGA. Microsoft says HDMI and VGA cannot be used at the same time.)
Ports (4+ total)
USB-C 3.2	1x
USB-A 3.2	1x
HDMI 2.0	1x
VGA	1x
Ethernet (RJ45)	1x 1 Gbps
Power
Power Input	USB-C

Compatibility

Windows (8.1+)

Microsoft Support lists Windows 11, 10, and 8.1. The Microsoft Store page also lists older Windows 7 and Windows 8 compatibility. Surface devices get PXE and Wake-on-LAN support through Ethernet.

macOS (10.14+)

Microsoft lists macOS 10.14 or later. Treat it as a one-display USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode adapter, not a multi-monitor Mac workaround.

ChromeOS (73+)

Microsoft Store lists Chrome OS support. Display and Ethernet behavior still depends on the Chromebook's USB-C implementation.

Android (8.1+)

Microsoft lists Android support, but video, Ethernet, and accessory power depend on the phone or tablet.

Known Issues

Laptops that need USB-C passthrough charging

Does not charge the host laptop

Dual-monitor setups

HDMI and VGA cannot be used at the same time

USB-C ports without DisplayPort Alt Mode

No HDMI or VGA video output

Low-power USB-C host ports

USB-A and USB-C accessory ports may not work together at full speed

6.5 /10

Our Verdict

Good

The Surface USB-C Travel Hub for Business is useful when you need the exact mix Microsoft picked: one 4K HDMI monitor, wired Ethernet, one USB-A accessory, one USB-C accessory, and a VGA fallback for older projectors. It is light, tidy, driverless, and documented better than most generic USB-C dongles. Thomas Maurer liked it as a conference and travel adapter because it replaced separate HDMI, Ethernet, and USB-A adapters in his bag. The trade-off is value. Microsoft charges more than many hubs that include laptop passthrough charging, SD readers, or more USB ports, and Reddit feedback from Surface users calls out the same problem. The downstream USB-C port can charge accessories, but it will not pass power back to the computer. Microsoft Q&A also has a Surface Laptop Studio report of heat and battery drain while using HDMI and Ethernet, so I would not leave this hub attached overnight. Buy it if you manage Surface laptops and still see VGA in conference rooms. Skip it if you want laptop charging, dual displays, SD cards, or a full-time desk dock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Microsoft Surface USB-C Travel Hub for Business charge a laptop?

No. Microsoft says the USB-A and USB-C ports support compatible accessory charging, but the hub does not support laptop charging. You need to connect the laptop's charger separately.

Can the Surface USB-C Travel Hub run two monitors?

No. It has HDMI and VGA, but Microsoft Support says those two video ports cannot be used at the same time. It supports one external display: up to 4K at 60Hz over HDMI or 1080p at 60Hz over VGA.

What ports are on the Surface USB-C Travel Hub for Business?

It has one HDMI 2.0 port, one VGA port, one Gigabit Ethernet port, one USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, and a captive USB-C host cable.

Does the Surface USB-C Travel Hub need drivers?

No DisplayLink driver is required. The hub uses native USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode for video and standard USB networking for Ethernet. Microsoft documents firmware update support through its Surface accessory tools.

Does the Surface USB-C Travel Hub work with non-Surface laptops?

Yes, if the laptop has a compatible USB-C port. Microsoft says it works with PCs and Surface devices that have USB-C, and it lists Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Android support. Video output still requires USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode.