Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Some vessel noise overlaps with the low-frequency sounds whales use to communicate, creating a risk of interference. Sharrow Marine’s loop-blade propeller is designed to reduce one source of that noise—cavitation—but the evidence so far does not show that whales communicate better or that populations benefit. The “200 years” in the headline refers to the history of screw-propeller design, not the time it took to invent this propeller.
How boat noise can interfere with whale sounds
Ocean noise comes from shipping and other human activity. Some whale communication occupies low frequencies that can overlap with shipping noise, making communication harder in some circumstances. That is an interference risk, not evidence that whales everywhere are unable to hear one another. The effect depends on the species, sound frequencies, vessel and setting, according to Popular Science’s October 3, 2026 report.
What Sharrow’s propeller is designed to change
Greg Sharrow, founder and CEO of Sharrow Marine, developed a propeller with loop-shaped blades rather than conventional open blade tips. The company’s proposed mechanism is to reduce tip vortices, which contribute to cavitation: bubbles that form around a rapidly spinning propeller and collapse, producing sound. Reducing cavitation could reduce a propeller’s underwater noise, but that engineering goal is not itself proof of a benefit to whales.
The design’s origin, as recounted by Popular Science, began with Sharrow’s interest in reducing drone noise while filming a violinist performing within an orchestra. The headline’s reference to 200 years points to the familiar screw-propeller lineage, which the report traces to patents in the 1830s; it does not describe the duration of Sharrow’s invention process.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What has been reported about noise reduction
Sharrow reports underwater noise reductions ranging from 3 to 24 decibels across 10 Hz to 20,000 Hz in some tests, as relayed by Popular Science. The company says results vary with frequency, application and operating conditions. Those figures are company-reported measurements, not a universal performance guarantee or independent evidence that whale communication improves. Sharrow publishes its own performance claims on its performance pages; they describe the company’s case rather than establish ecological outcomes.
A separate example illustrates why test conditions matter. A Sharrow-hosted account of a BoatTEST comparison involving one World Cat 325 DC with twin Yamaha 300-hp engines reports that the tested Sharrow-propeller configuration achieved 21.7 mph at 3,000 rpm, used 14.8 gallons per hour and delivered 1.5 miles per gallon. The results belong to that boat, engine and test setup, and do not establish performance on other vessels or whale-related effects. The page does not show a publication date.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What the Ocean Alliance trip did—and did not—show
Ocean Alliance CEO Iain Kerr outfitted a boat with a Sharrow propeller and took it on a 75-mile research trip, according to Popular Science. Kerr reported lower noise and vibration and better fuel efficiency. This is a field observation, not a controlled noise measurement or a test showing that whales heard one another better.
Popular Science reports that more testing is needed, particularly as the technology is scaled to larger vessels. A company announcement dated April 29, 2024, said Sharrow and VEEM had reached a testing milestone for an inboard prototype on a 64-foot Viking vessel and planned to move toward production and sales. That announcement records the partners’ plans at the time; it does not confirm current availability. See Sharrow Marine’s announcement.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why a quieter propeller is only one possible response
Reducing propeller noise could be one contribution to lowering vessel noise, not a standalone fix for ocean sound. The report quotes University of New Hampshire acoustic ecologist Michelle Fournet as supporting quieter propellers while calling for further testing. It also points to slower vessel operation and quiet intervals without vessel traffic as complementary approaches.
Comparing these approaches requires evidence that is not yet established across the sources: noise measurements by frequency and operating condition, performance on vessels of different sizes, effects on fuel use and handling, the feasibility of quieter operations or traffic-free intervals, and independently measured ecological outcomes. The available sources do not provide a peer-reviewed primary study verifying Sharrow’s underwater noise figures or demonstrating a population-level whale benefit.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
