This AliExpress-sourced $5 USB hub has been described as ‘mildly dangerous’ for your PC, thanks to a nasty power issue
A $5 seven-port USB 3.0 hub purchased from AliExpress has been flagged as potentially dangerous due to significant power-related safety issues. Dr. Gough Lui of Dr. Gough’s Techzone conducted a teardown analysis of the device, revealing problematic internal design that raises concerns for PC users considering budget peripherals.
The hub, which featured minimal manufacturer branding and proved difficult to trace, attracted attention for its appeal to budget-conscious shoppers seeking deals through AliExpress’s cashback and coupon offerings. However, Lui’s inspection uncovered construction and power delivery flaws that earned the device a “mildly dangerous” descriptor, warranting caution among consumers tempted by its rock-bottom price point.
The findings highlight ongoing risks associated with purchasing unbranded or minimally-branded electronics from third-party marketplaces, where quality control and safety standards may not meet expectations of mainstream retailers. While USB hubs are typically thought of as simple, low-risk peripherals, the internals of budget alternatives can harbor design defects that potentially compromise connected devices or pose fire hazards.