Anker Laptop Docking Station Dual Monitor, 8-in-1 USB C Hub, 4K Dual Monitor with 2 HDMI, 1 Gbps Ethernet Hub, 85W Power Delivery, SD Card Reader for MacBook Pro, XPS and More (Charger not Included)
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AI Verdict
This 8-in-1 USB-C hub provides dual 4K@30Hz HDMI output and 85W pass-through charging for Windows and ChromeOS users needing port expansion.
This hub is a situational fit because it offers a solid array of ports and 85W power delivery, but its dual 4K@30Hz display limitation and macOS mirroring restrict its utility for specific power users or Mac setups. It works well for Windows and ChromeOS users needing dual 4K@30Hz displays and charging.
If you need extended dual displays on macOS or higher refresh rates for dual 4K monitors, look for docks that explicitly support DisplayLink technology or Thunderbolt 3/4.
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Pros
- Supports dual 4K@30Hz HDMI displays for Windows and ChromeOS devices, or a single 4K@60Hz display.
- Delivers up to 85W pass-through charging to a connected laptop, requiring a 100W PD wall charger (not included).
- Includes a 1 Gbps Ethernet port for stable wired network connectivity.
- Features both SD and microSD card readers for convenient media access.
- Equipped with two USB-A data ports for connecting peripherals, offering 5Gbps data transfer.
- Constructed with a matte aluminum finish, contributing to its sturdy feel and aiding in heat dissipation.
Cons
- Dual external monitors on macOS will display identical content, not extended desktops.
- Requires a separate 100W Power Delivery wall charger and USB-C to C cable for optimal charging, which are not included.
- The hub can get warm during extended use, especially when driving dual monitors and charging a laptop.
- The USB-A data ports offer 5Gbps transfer speeds, which is slower than some newer 10Gbps USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports.
- Not compatible with Linux operating systems.
- Does not support 4K@60Hz display with certain laptops like Surface Pro 7 / 930QCG / Spectre X360 due to Display Stream Compression incompatibility.
Dimension Scores
As a compact hub, it doesn't offer ergonomic comfort or physical support, but its small size (3.2 ounces) makes it unobtrusive on a desk.
The hub itself has no adjustable components, functioning as a static port expander.
The hub features a matte aluminum finish, which feels dense and sturdy, contrasting with many plastic alternatives.
Its compact design and matte aluminum finish give it a clean, modern look that blends well with most laptops, particularly Space Gray MacBooks or Dell XPS models.
Best For
- Home office setups requiring dual 4K@30Hz external displays for Windows or ChromeOS laptops.
- Users who need a wired 1 Gbps Ethernet connection and integrated SD/microSD card readers.
- MacBook (macOS 12 and newer) and Windows 10/11 laptop users seeking port expansion and up to 85W pass-through charging.
- Individuals looking for a compact hub to manage cables and add essential ports to a USB-C enabled laptop.
Not Recommended For
- macOS users who require extended displays across two external monitors.
- Gamers or professionals needing dual 4K@60Hz display output for smoother motion.
- Users who need Thunderbolt 3/4 speeds for ultra-high-speed data transfers.
- Linux operating system users.
Watch Out For
- macOS users will find both external HDMI monitors mirror the same content, not extend, due to Apple's MST limitations.
- Dual monitor output is limited to 4K@30Hz; if you need 4K@60Hz, you can only use a single external display.
- You need to provide your own 100W Power Delivery wall charger and a USB-C to C cable to utilize the 85W pass-through charging feature.
- The hub can become warm to the touch during prolonged use, especially when driving dual monitors and charging a laptop simultaneously.
- Certain laptops, such as the Surface Pro 7, 930QCG, and Spectre X360, are not compatible with 4K@60Hz display through this hub.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0874M3KW4 |
| Brand | Anker |
| Color | Gray |
| Item Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Anker |
| Special Feature | HDMI™️, Powered |
| Item model number | A83800A1 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktops, Laptops, Monitors, Smartphones, Tablets |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Product Dimensions | 4.65 x 2.01 x 0.69 inches |
What Buyers Say
Many users find this Anker hub a practical solution for expanding laptop connectivity, especially for dual monitor setups on Windows and ChromeOS, citing its plug-and-play functionality. However, the limitation of mirrored displays for macOS users and the requirement to purchase a separate 100W PD charger are frequent points of contention. Some also note that the hub can get warm during extended use, particularly when driving two displays and charging simultaneously. The compact, sturdy build is often praised, making it a desk-friendly option for essential port expansion.
“Okay, so this thing mostly works for my two monitors on Windows, but my buddy with a Mac was bummed his screens just mirrored. And yeah, you gotta buy a separate charger, which is annoying, but it does keep my laptop juiced.”
Common Praise
- The dual HDMI ports work effectively for connecting two external monitors on Windows and ChromeOS devices.
- Setup is generally plug-and-play, with laptops recognizing connected devices immediately.
- The hub's compact and sturdy design, with an aluminum finish, is appreciated for desk organization and durability.
- Provides essential ports like 1 Gbps Ethernet and SD/microSD card readers, which are crucial for many workflows.
- Effectively delivers 85W pass-through charging, keeping laptops powered during heavy use.
Common Complaints
- macOS users are limited to mirrored displays on external monitors, not extended desktops.
- The hub can get noticeably warm when driving dual monitors and charging a laptop for extended periods.
- A separate 100W Power Delivery wall charger and USB-C to C cable must be purchased to utilize the pass-through charging.
- The USB-A data ports are 5Gbps, which some users find slower than desired for large file transfers.
- The integrated USB-C cable connecting to the laptop is not very long, which can restrict placement options on a desk.
Ownership Tips
- The hub can become quite warm to the touch after several hours of continuous use, especially when both HDMI ports are active and a laptop is charging.
- The fixed, relatively short USB-C cable means the hub needs to be positioned close to the laptop, which might not suit all desk setups.
- While the 5Gbps USB-A ports are fine for peripherals, transferring large files to external drives can feel sluggish compared to faster USB standards.
- The absence of an included power adapter means an additional purchase if you don't already own a compatible 100W USB-C PD charger, adding to the initial cost.
- The SD and microSD card slots are convenient for photographers, but the UHS-I speeds might be a bottleneck for high-volume, professional videographers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this Anker docking station support extended displays on macOS?
No, for macOS, the display on both external monitors connected via HDMI will be identical, meaning they will mirror each other, not extend.
What kind of charger do I need to power my laptop through this hub?
You'll need a separate 100W Power Delivery (PD) wall charger and a USB-C to C cable to enable the hub's 85W pass-through charging feature, as these are not included.
Can this hub output dual 4K displays at 60Hz?
No, it can output a single display at 4K@60Hz, but when connecting two displays, the maximum resolution and refresh rate is 4K@30Hz for each.
Is this docking station compatible with Linux?
No, this device is explicitly stated as not compatible with Linux operating systems.
Does the hub get hot during use?
Some users have reported that the hub can get warm when running both monitors for extended periods and charging a laptop, though it typically does not overheat.
Buying Guide
A USB-C hub like this turns one port on your laptop into many, letting you connect external monitors, wired internet, and accessories. It's super handy for cleaning up cables and making your laptop a desktop replacement. Pay close attention to the display capabilities and power delivery, as these are often the biggest differentiators.
85W Power Delivery
This tells you how much power the hub can pass through to charge your laptop. If your laptop needs more than 85W to charge efficiently, it might charge slowly or not at all while using the hub. You'll also need a separate 100W wall charger to enable this feature.
4K@30Hz Dual Monitor
This means you can connect two monitors, and each will display at 4K resolution, but with a refresh rate of 30Hz. For everyday tasks, this is usually fine, but for fast-moving content like gaming or video editing, 30Hz can appear less smooth than 60Hz.
DP Alt Mode
Your laptop's USB-C port needs to support 'DisplayPort Alternate Mode' for video output through this hub. Without it, the HDMI ports won't work. Most modern laptops with USB-C for display output support this, but it's worth checking your laptop's specifications.
Alternatives
If you need extended dual displays for macOS or higher refresh rates for dual 4K monitors, search for docks that specifically mention DisplayLink technology. For maximum bandwidth and faster data transfer speeds, look for Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 docks.
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