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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsYou can stream music in YouTube Music without saving songs to your device: open the app, choose music, and play it on demand. To keep music playing on a phone while you use other apps or turn off the screen, YouTube Music Premium is the officially supported option. Downloads are optional and intended for offline listening.
Stream without downloading: the basic setup
- Open YouTube Music. Use the app or its web experience and connect to the internet.
- Choose a song, album, or playlist and press play. The music streams on demand; you do not need to download it first.
- Leave downloads unused if you want to avoid storing music for offline playback. Streaming and downloading are separate features.
YouTube Music’s free, ad-supported service supports on-demand playback and lists queuing, repeat, and unlimited skipping. Features and availability can vary by country or region. YouTube Music Help: What is YouTube Music?
Keep music playing with your phone screen off
For background music playback while using other apps or with the screen off, YouTube Music Premium is the official route described by YouTube. Its feature list includes background play for music; the free feature set does not list that benefit. This guidance is specific to music playback in YouTube Music and should not be assumed to apply to every device or platform. Explore YouTube Music Premium benefits
Premium also lists music without ads, audio-only music playback, and music downloads. Audio-only availability can vary by content and location. Podcasts may still include ads or creator promotions, so do not assume that every kind of listening is ad-free. Membership features and experience can vary by region.
#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.
When downloads are useful—and what they mean
You do not need downloaded songs for continuous online streaming. If you want to listen without an internet connection, Premium members can download songs, albums, or playlists in the YouTube Music app, or use Smart Downloads. These are offline downloads managed in the app, not a requirement for streaming and not permanent files.
On Android, YouTube Music Help says downloaded content needs an internet reconnection at least once every 30 days to maintain access. Available space on the device and the content’s length and quality affect downloads. Download music and podcasts to listen to offline – Android
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.
Choose the right listening setup
| What you want | Officially documented option | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Stream songs on demand | YouTube Music, free or paid | The free, ad-supported service lists on-demand playback. YouTube Music Help |
| Keep music playing with the phone screen off | YouTube Music Premium | Background music playback is listed as a Premium feature. YouTube Music Help |
| Listen without loading a music video | YouTube Music Premium audio-only playback | Availability can vary by content and location. YouTube Music Help |
| Listen without an internet connection | Optional Premium downloads in the app | On Android, reconnect at least every 30 days to maintain downloads. YouTube Music Help |
| Play through a speaker or TV | Optional casting from YouTube Music | YouTube describes casting to speakers and TV devices; check support for your particular device. YouTube Music Help |
Cast to a speaker or TV if you want
Casting is optional; it is not required to stream from your phone. YouTube Music Premium supports casting from its web app or from music.youtube.com to a speaker, smart display, or TV device. YouTube also names Google Home and Chromecast Audio in its membership guidance. Check current compatibility for a particular device rather than assuming every model is supported. Explore YouTube Music Premium benefits
YouTube Music Premium and YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium includes YouTube Music Premium, so it is an option for someone who also wants the broader YouTube membership. Compare the current membership details and availability for your region before signing up. Sign up for YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium memberships
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.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is a separate service for keeping a YouTube channel live 24/7 from uploaded videos; it does not play music inside YouTube Music or go live from a camera. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. The cloud loops the upload, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream, and each slot streams the uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot. The first day is free with no card. The monthly option is $9.99 per month.
Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
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.
