While your router might seem like a single-purpose device, you can use its USB port for a variety of cool things. Here are some use cases worth exploring.

I use Spacedesk to extend my Windows desktop to an extra MacBook, and it works like viewing a remote desktop over the LAN. It's a bit laggy with WiFi, and since both machines had USB-C, I thought I ...

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. One of the many features laptops lost as they became ...

That USB port on your router looks useful, but plugging in the wrong device can create security and performance problems ...

An inexpensive interface for local network sharing of USB drives and printers, but this model lacks features that competing devices offer. Have some USB drives hanging out that you haven’t used in a ...

The Best USB and USB-C Hubs Need some extra ports for your peripherals? With these top USB hubs, you can add up to 13 additional connectors to your laptop, including Ethernet, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB-C, ...

USB has been around for decades, and the sheer number of USB and Thunderbolt versions in 2025 can be bewildering. Here's what you need to know about USB 3, USB 4, Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and ...

The arrival of USB Type-C connectors and the final USB 3.2 standard have both heralded a new age of consumer convenience. However, there remains quite a bit of confusion about what these new standards ...

Matt Elliott is a senior editor at CNET with a focus on laptops and streaming services. Matt has more than 20 years of experience testing and reviewing laptops. He has worked for CNET in New York and ...

USB, short for Universal Serial Bus, powers most of your gadgets, smartphones and headphones. But as USB standards have evolved over time, this has often lead to some confusion among users. Currently, ...