Anker 555 USB Hub Review: Best 8-in-1 Hub for Laptops?

Managing a mess of adapters and cables is almost a rite of passage for anyone juggling multiple devices with a single laptop. The Anker 555 Hub tries to cut through that clutter, giving you a handful of useful ports through one USB-C connection.

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Anker 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1), with 100W Power Delivery, 4K 60Hz HDMI Port, 10Gbps USB C and 2 A Data Ports, Ethernet microSD SD Card Reader, for MacBook Pro More
  • The Anker Advantage: Join the 65 million+ powered by our leading technology.
  • Massive Expansion: Equipped with a USB-C Power Delivery input port, a built-in 7.48″ USB-C cable, a USB-C data port, 2 USB-A data ports, 1 HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and a microSD/SD card reader, giving you an incredible range of functions—all from a single USB-C port.
  • High-Speed, High-Def: USB-C and USB-A data ports provide file transfer at speeds up to 10 Gbps, while an HDMI port supports media display at resolutions up to 4K@60Hz for DP 1.4 laptops, or 4K@30Hz for DP 1.2 laptops.

Anker 555 Hub

Folks eyeing the Anker 555 Hub seem to appreciate its solid build and broad compatibility. With HDMI, Ethernet, and card readers all in the mix, it streamlines file transfers and lets you hook up to external displays without much fuss. Heads up, though: the hub does sip a bit of power for itself, and you’ll need to bring your own 100W charger if you want to max out charging speeds.

Check availability and pricing here.

Overview of the Anker 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1)

This hub’s compact design gives you a range of connection options if you’re short on ports. You can expand a single USB-C port to include HDMI, Ethernet, USB-A, USB-C data, and card readers.

Reviewers highlight fast data transfers and 4K video output as real strengths. Pass-through charging works well for most, and connections tend to stay stable. On the flip side, some users have seen keyboard compatibility issues and occasional HDMI hiccups—so it isn’t absolutely flawless with every setup.

Comprehensive Port Expansion

Modern laptops rarely have enough ports, so the Anker 555 can be a lifesaver if you’re tired of dongles. It packs USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, and card readers into a single, tidy unit. That means you can connect monitors, storage, and networks all at once—pretty handy.

Most people find the variety convenient for juggling both old and new accessories. Still, there are scattered reports of devices not always being recognized, and some keyboards or HDMI monitors don’t always play nice. If you really depend on rock-solid connections, it’s something to keep in mind.

Ultra-Fast Data Transfer

If you’re constantly moving big files, this hub’s multiple ports are up for the task. Transfers over the USB-C and USB-A ports are noticeably snappy compared to bargain hubs, which is a relief when you’re dealing with lots of photos, videos, or work docs.

That said, if you plug in a bunch of devices at once, you might see a dip in speed. Most laptops handle it well, but results can depend on your hardware. In general, the Anker 555 keeps up with heavy file transfers, though it’s not immune to the occasional slowdown when overloaded.

4K HDMI Display Support

Hooking up to an external display is pretty straightforward with the HDMI port, which supports up to 4K resolution at 60Hz. People report crisp visuals and smooth performance for streaming, presentations, or just spreading out your workspace.

But, as always, you’ll want to make sure your laptop and cables are up to the task. Some users have hit compatibility snags or needed to tweak settings. It’s not a guarantee for every setup, but for most, 4K HDMI output works well.

High-Speed Pass-Through Charging

Plugging in a bunch of devices can sometimes slow down charging, but the Anker hub supports high wattages, so power-hungry laptops keep charging even with everything connected.

The hub generally doesn’t force users to choose between charging and performance. Just know that it does reserve a bit of power for itself, so if you’re pushing your laptop to the limit, you might see a tiny drop in charging speed.

Key Points:

  • Lets you charge and connect devices at the same time.
  • Keeps charge rates stable for most laptops.
  • Needs a beefy PD charger for best results.

Wide Device Compatibility

If you’re after a hub that works across different devices, the Anker 555 covers most of the bases. It supports USB-C, USB4, and Thunderbolt, so it plays nice with most recent laptops and tablets. MacBook and Windows users are generally in the clear, provided their device supports DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery.

ChromeOS compatibility is a plus, but Linux users are out of luck. For most folks, the hub does the job, but if you’re running something unusual or really old, double-check before you buy.

Real-World Performance

For most people, this hub just works—plug in monitors, drives, peripherals, and you’re off. HDMI output is usually stable, though there are occasional complaints about screen issues or inconsistent keyboard performance.

Power delivery and data transfers are strong for everyday tasks. Still, a few people have run into problems with charging not living up to expectations or devices not being recognized. Most find it dependable, but don’t be shocked if a particular piece of hardware gives you trouble.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • The 8-in-1 hub’s variety of ports makes it a go-to for folks connecting several devices at once.
  • Compact and reliable—easy to toss in a bag for travel.
  • Consistent data transfer speeds and stable performance, even with multiple accessories.
  • 100W power delivery is great for fast laptop charging.
  • Smooth 4K60 HDMI output for external displays.
  • Build quality feels solid—definitely sturdier than the cheap stuff.
Feature User Perception
Port Variety Useful and versatile
Power Delivery Reliable charging speed
Build Quality Feels sturdy
HDMI Output Supports high-resolution video

Cons

  • Some folks report compatibility headaches with certain keyboards and monitors.
  • Problems with specific peripherals, like drives not showing up over USB-C, do pop up.
  • HDMI output isn’t flawless—screen issues can happen depending on your monitor or computer.
  • Power delivery doesn’t work perfectly for everyone.
  • A handful of users had enough trouble that they just sent it back.

Summary Table of Concerns:

Issue Frequency in Feedback
Peripheral detection Occasionally reported
HDMI compatibility Mixed
Power delivery reliability Inconsistent
Need for troubleshooting Sometimes required

Customer Reviews

Buyers say this hub stands out for reliable connections and a sturdy feel, with plenty of praise for smooth performance across different devices. Fast data transfer and solid power delivery make it a practical pick for laptops and desktops.

Of course, it’s not perfect—some report quirky behavior with keyboards or HDMI, and a few storage devices go unrecognized. Power delivery can be a mixed bag, too. Still, most users are happy, with quite a few coming back for more or recommending it to friends who need extra ports in a small package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the most common questions readers have about the Anker 555.

What are the specific ports and features available on the Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub?

The Anker 555 offers a useful selection of ports designed to cover common connectivity needs. It features:

  • 1 USB-C Power Delivery input port
  • 1 USB-C data port
  • 2 USB-A data ports
  • 1 HDMI port
  • 1 Ethernet port
  • 1 microSD card reader
  • 1 SD card reader

This arrangement allows users to connect essentials like external displays, network cables, storage cards, and typical USB accessories.

How does the Anker 555 USB-C Hub’s HDMI output quality compare to the competition?

The HDMI port on the Anker 555 supports up to 4K resolution at 60Hz for laptops using DP 1.4 and 4K at 30Hz for DP 1.2 systems. This is on par with many other hubs in its price range. Several user summaries highlight smooth external monitor connections, but there are also mentions of occasional issues with display compatibility or failures, which appear similar to competing models.

What are the power delivery capabilities of the Anker 555 USB-C Hub?

The hub passes through USB-C Power Delivery and is compatible with up to 100W chargers. It uses about 15W to function, so devices receive up to 85W for charging when a 100W charger is connected. This makes it suitable for powering most laptops while in use, in line with standard performance for multiport USB-C hubs.

Can the Anker 555 USB-C Hub function without an external power source?

The Anker 555 can operate as a hub with just the USB-C connection to a host device. However, for charging laptops or powering more demanding accessories, an external Power Delivery charger is needed for optimal performance. Users sometimes report reduced charging speed or hub overheating if no external power supply is used during heavy multitasking.

How do user reviews on Amazon reflect the performance of the Anker 555 USB-C Hub?

User feedback on Amazon indicates a generally positive response, with many praising reliability and the wide set of ports. Some buyers note that the hub performs well for most laptops and office uses. Still, a minority have encountered issues such as problematic input response with certain peripherals or sporadic HDMI performance, underscoring that compatibility can depend on device and cable quality.

What is the warranty period offered for the Anker 555 USB-C Hub?

Anker covers the 555 USB-C Hub with an 18-month warranty. It’s a pretty standard offer for this kind of device, and honestly, it’s something a lot of folks appreciate when they’re deciding whether to buy.

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