Hands on: This hub fixes the MacBook Neo’s biggest limitation

Apple’s new MacBook Neo is one of the most exciting and disruptive products Apple has released in years. Starting at just $599, or $499 through an academic store, it delivers incredible performance and build quality without much compromise. You get a laptop that looks, sounds, and performs like a real Apple laptop. But like most Apple products in 2026, it doesn’t have a variety of ports. I would argue that used customers in this price range expect more than just two USB-C ports from their Windows counterpart. This is where Kuxiu’s new X53 Laptop Hub & Stand comes into play. It includes a full USB-C and high-quality laptop stand that gives MacBook Neo and even MacBook Air users their ports! Here’s what you need to know.

Be sure to check out our performance review of the MacBook Neo and what we think will be Apple’s best-selling laptop to date!

For better or worse, the MacBook Neo and Air only come with two USB-C ports. If you’re coming from a laptop with lots of ports, like USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, and more, the lack of ports on the Neo might surprise you. One of them is a fast USB 3 port, and the other is a slow USB 2 port. So USB-C hubs will be your best friend, and Kuxiu’s X53 can do it all. Not only do you get eight additional ports, but it’s also a high-quality stand that can be used to set up your desk or on the go. Ports included are:

• USB-C port for host connection that supports 100W PD charging and 10Gbps data speed
• USB-C port power input that supports up to 100W
• 2x USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 ports
• HDMI port (4K60)
• SD card slot
• MicroSD card slot
• 3.5mm headphone jack

All these ports are built into the actual arm of the stand. They also included a nice braided USB-C cable where one end has an L shape. This is a nice touch, so the cable doesn’t just stick out like an eyesore.

The stand itself is well built. There are two hinge points, both of which are insanely strong. So you can have this under the table or up off the table for any kind of viewing experience. Not only that, but the base rotates, and has an anti-slip silicone on the bottom so it doesn’t slide or move in place. This makes it easy to set the angle you need, regardless of the situation. The stand is also rated to hold up to 13.2 pounds, so a 2.7-pound MacBook Neo will be fine on it.

My experience

This is the perfect companion for the MacBook Neo. What I love about it is that it can adapt to any situation. I’ve used it on my desk to prop up the Neo for better posture, and brought it to the coffee shop because it folds down perfectly. As someone who works without external storage and uses SD cards, this pairs well with the X53. I can plug in the stand, insert my SD and SSD cards, and work on it with no problems. Since I was using this with my MacBook Neo, the X53 ports were more than enough.

Aside from the port selection, another part that stood out to me was the build quality. It is made entirely of aluminum. It feels like a product Apple could have built. When you combine the materials with the strong hinges it has and the rotating base, this stand is great in every situation I put it in. I wish they made a Thunderbolt version so I could take advantage of the Thunderbolt speeds on my MacBook Pro, but that would increase the price significantly.

Overall, it feels like a very usable, easy-to-use MacBook that packs a ton of value.

Price and availability

The KUXIU X53 Hub Multifunctional Laptop Stand is available on Kuxiu’s site for $88. It comes in two finishes: the Wood Grain one shown here and Space Grey. So, since it includes a full hub, a laptop stand, and a rotating base, it ends up replacing a few accessories you might need separately.

Although I’m mainly talking about this as a MacBook Neo accessory, it will work with any laptop or iPad with a USB-C port.

The last take

If you’re picking up something like a MacBook Neo or MacBook Air, chances are you’ll eventually need a USB-C hub. That’s just the reality of modern laptops with limited port options. What I like about the X53 is that it is versatile. It gives you the extra ports you want, but it also works as a stand, rotates 360 degrees, and is built like a tank. For people building a simple desk setup around a MacBook Neo or MacBook Air, it’s an easy recommendation.

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