To share files between multiple different devices (smartphone, tablet, PC etc.) we are used to using a hard disk connected to the modem (visible as a network drive) or a device used for this task (a PC with shared folders or a NAS ). However, if we are traveling or away from home, how can we share and transfer files between our devices (smartphones, PCs and tablets) without going through the Wi-Fi hotspots or the hotel's wireless network "> By taking advantage of network shares we will then be able to "see" all the connected devices, thus managing to move our files from one device to another quickly and quickly. An automatic backup button is also available on many models, so you can save the contents of a memory card to a disk or a USB flash drive, without using the computer's file manager.
In addition to these features, the HUB files can become real travel routers : thanks to the Ethernet socket we can connect the device to the LAN of the hotel or the place where we are and create our personal Wi-Fi network to access Internet, definitely more secure than public networks.
Thanks to the internal battery it can work far from the power outlet and, if necessary, it can also function as a power bank for our mobile devices.
In summary, therefore, we can consider File HUB a "fusion" between a portable travel router, an access point, a backup system and a power bank.
Best Portable HUB Files
After seeing the characteristics of the File HUB, in this chapter we will show you the best File HUB that we can buy online, so that we can save something on the final price.The RAVPower FileHub (€ 59) is undoubtedly one of the best File Hubs that we can view at the moment.
It brings together all the features of the HUB files, provides good autonomy and also allows you to recharge the devices connected to it, so as to increase the autonomy of smartphones and tablets when we are traveling.
The Kingston Technology MobileLite Wireless G3 (€ 40) is another valid Travel HUB with a compact and easily transportable design.
With it we can transform a wired network into a personal Wi-Fi hotspot, exchange files between various wireless devices, backup to USB stick or external disk, connect memory cards and recharge mobile devices via powebank features ( 5, 400 mAh capacity).
The RAVPower USB Filehub Charger (36 €) is a very special File HUB, since it was born as a desktop charger with numerous USB charging sockets.
This File HUB does not have a Wi-Fi hotpot network, but allows you to automatically backup the data on your smartphone to a USB stick or an external USB disk during charging: all we have to do is connect the charging cable to one of the sockets (QuickCharge 3.0 quick charge is also available), connect a storage device to the specific USB port, start the dedicated app and choose what to save. Of course, we can also schedule backups, so that every connected device will benefit from saving data in real time.
As a high-level alternative to File HUB we can view the WD 500GB My Passport Wireless SSD (€ 329).
This external SSD behaves exactly like a File HUB, providing a Wi-Fi network to which you can connect any wireless device to post and transfer files, a USB port to connect other disks, smartphones and tablets, a card slot memory (complete with automatic content copy) and powerbank functionality.
Compared to the models seen so far this device has a dedicated storage space, where we can save all our files before transferring them from one device to another, not surprisingly they are also called "wireless external disks".
Conclusions
If we travel a lot and need to move files quickly from one device to another, without necessarily having to turn on a computer, the File HUB are for us, managing to enclose in a small space all the most useful features when we are away from home : Wi-Fi hotspot, portable router, multimedia server, data server and automatic backup system.If we need a fast and practical external USB disk for data transport, we invite you to read our two guides Best portable external hard drives: buying guide and Best portable external SSDs .
If instead we need a simple portable router, to take advantage of cable connections or data SIMs, we recommend reading our article on the best portable wifi, 3G and 4G LTE routers, also for travel .
