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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsChoose PlayStation Portal if you already own a PS5 and want to stream compatible PlayStation games over dependable Wi-Fi. Choose Steam Deck if you want a portable PC that runs compatible Steam games locally. The deciding factors are your game library and whether you want a streaming companion or a portable gaming PC—not a universal winner.
How the two handhelds work
PlayStation Portal streams from a PS5
Portal is a dedicated remote player for compatible games installed on a PS5. For Remote Play, you need a PS5 connected to broadband and Portal paired with it; Portal is not a standalone gaming PC and does not connect to a PS4 console. Sony requires at least 5 Mbps broadband Wi-Fi and recommends at least 15 Mbps for a better experience. Actual streaming quality depends on the network and game. See Sony’s PlayStation Portal specifications and guidance and its PS5 Remote Play instructions.
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Sony also offers cloud streaming for selected PS5 games on Portal with PlayStation Plus Premium. This is a separate, eligibility-limited option: game availability, account conditions, and supported countries apply and can change. Check Sony’s current information for your account and region rather than assuming a particular game will stream. Sony’s Portal page describes the feature.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Steam Deck runs compatible PC games
Steam Deck is a portable PC running SteamOS. It is designed for compatible Steam games, with local handheld play rather than requiring a live game stream. Internet is useful for downloads and online features, but a live connection is not inherently required to play locally installed games; individual titles and their online requirements can differ. Compatibility is game-specific, so check the games you care about instead of assuming every PC game works equally well. Valve’s Steam Deck specifications list SteamOS 3, full-size controls, trackpads, assignable grip buttons, and hardware connections.
#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.
Which one fits your game library?
Choose Portal for your PS5 games
Portal makes the most sense if your main library is on PS5 (including supported PS4 titles), you already have a PS5, and you want to continue those games on a handheld screen. Supported games can use DualSense haptics and adaptive triggers. Some games and peripherals are excluded, so check compatibility for anything essential to your setup.
Choose Steam Deck for compatible Steam games
Steam Deck is the better fit if you want to take compatible Steam games with you and value a portable PC-style control layout. Its trackpads and assignable grip buttons can help with games designed around mouse or keyboard input, though they do not guarantee that every game will feel equally natural on a handheld.
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.
If your games are split across both ecosystems
List the specific games you most want to play, then check whether each is available and supported on the device you are considering. For Portal, confirm PS5 installation or eligible Premium cloud availability; for Deck, check individual Steam game compatibility. Include any subscription requirement in the comparison before deciding.
Screen, battery, and connections
The figures below are manufacturer specifications, not results from a matched test. The PlayStation Portal figures come from Sony’s current product page, which does not state a comparable runtime estimate. Valve says Deck battery life depends on content and that specifications may change.
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.
| Device | Display | Battery estimate | Expansion and connections |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation Portal | 8-inch LCD; 1080p; up to 60 fps | Sony’s cited product page does not provide a directly comparable runtime figure | 3.5 mm wired audio; PlayStation Link wireless audio |
| Steam Deck OLED | 7.4-inch HDR OLED; 1280×800; up to 90 Hz | 50 Wh; Valve estimates 3–12 hours, depending on content | microSD slot; USB-C with DisplayPort output and peripheral support |
| Steam Deck LCD | 7-inch LCD; 1280×800; up to 60 Hz | 40 Wh; Valve estimates 2–8 hours, depending on content | microSD slot; USB-C with DisplayPort output and peripheral support |
Portal’s larger screen has a higher stated resolution than either Deck model, while the OLED Deck supports HDR and a refresh rate up to 90 Hz. These specifications do not establish which screen will look or feel better in every game. The Deck’s microSD slot can expand storage, and its USB-C DisplayPort output can connect to an external display with suitable equipment. For Portal audio, Sony lists wired headsets or earbuds through the 3.5 mm jack and PlayStation Link wireless devices; confirm compatibility for a headset before buying.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check before choosing
- Your setup: Portal Remote Play depends on a PS5 and reliable Wi-Fi where you plan to play. Use Sony’s 5 Mbps minimum and 15 Mbps recommendation as guidance, not a guarantee of consistent quality.
- Your preferred way to play: Portal streams from a console or, for eligible games and users, through Premium cloud streaming. Deck is intended for local play of compatible Steam games.
- Your specific games: Check game availability and compatibility in the relevant ecosystem, and account for Portal’s cloud-streaming eligibility or any game-specific online requirements on Deck.
- Your preferred controls and connections: Portal offers supported DualSense features; Deck has trackpads, assignable grip buttons, microSD expansion, and USB-C DisplayPort output.
There is no controlled head-to-head latency result in the cited specifications, so they do not establish a latency winner. Prices and stock also vary by region and time; compare current local listings rather than relying on a single global price.
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.
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