If your laptop gave up half its ports in the name of thinness, a single adapter that restores video, wired networking, and card slots is worth a hard look. The Anker 8-in-1 USB-C Hub, sold as the Anker 555, packs eight connections into an aluminum body barely bigger than a deck of cards.
Its standout combination is 4K@60Hz HDMI paired with 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A data ports, a pairing that most sub-$100 hubs still don’t offer together. Add Gigabit Ethernet, dual card readers, and up to 85W of pass-through charging, and you’ve got a travel dock that can handle a full desk setup.
- Flawless 4K Video via HDMI: Enjoy crystal-clear visuals with 4K@60Hz output when using a DP 1.4 laptop, or 4K@30Hz with a DP 1.2 laptop—perfect for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video output. The USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- 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.
The built-in cable measures roughly 7.5 inches, the shell weighs under 5 ounces, and Anker backs it with an 18-month warranty. It’s a well-rated pick among frequent travelers and MacBook owners who need more than a plain USB hub.
Bottom Line
For anyone running a laptop as their only machine, this hub covers display, network, storage, and charging from one port.
Check current availability and pricing for the Anker 555 USB-C Hub on Amazon.
Anker 555 USB-C Hub Overview
Eight ports live in a gray aluminum chassis measuring 4.76 by 2.17 by 0.6 inches, connected by a short captive USB-C cable.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ports | HDMI, Ethernet, USB-C data, 2x USB-A, USB-C PD in, SD, microSD |
| Data speed | Up to 10Gbps |
| Video | 4K@60Hz (DP 1.4) / 4K@30Hz (DP 1.2) |
| Charging | Up to 85W pass-through |
| Weight | 4.48 oz |
| Warranty | 18 months |
The metal enclosure doubles as a heat sink, which matters when Ethernet and 10Gbps transfers run at once. Anker’s model number is A83830A1, and it’s also sold under the PowerExpand name.
It sits a step above the smaller Anker 341 7-in-1 hub in both speed and port count.
4K HDMI Output for Work and Entertainment
HDMI here delivers 4K at 60Hz, but only when your laptop supports DisplayPort 1.4 over USB-C. On DP 1.2 machines, including several older MacBook Pro models, the ceiling drops to 4K at 30Hz. That feels sluggish for cursor movement, though it’s perfectly fine for slideshows or video playback.
Check your laptop’s DisplayPort version before assuming 60Hz. Most 2020-and-newer Windows ultrabooks and Apple Silicon Macs handle DP 1.4 without issue.
Paired with a 4K home office monitor, the picture is clean and color-accurate, with no scaling oddities reported at standard refresh rates.
10Gbps USB Data Ports and Card Readers
Three data ports run at USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds, doubling the throughput of the 5Gbps ports found on most competing hubs. One USB-C and two USB-A connectors share that 10Gbps ceiling.
External NVMe enclosures benefit the most. Owners moving from 5Gbps hubs report roughly double the read and write speeds from the same SSD, which shortens large photo and video imports considerably.
The SD and microSD slots sit on the opposite edge and read cards independently. Card throughput won’t match the 10Gbps USB spec, though it clears UHS-I media comfortably for anyone pulling footage off a camera in the field.
Ports, Ethernet, and 85W Pass-Through Charging
Gigabit Ethernet is the port that turns this into a proper desk dock, and it connects without drivers on macOS and Windows. Some users measure throughput below a full gigabit under sustained load, so treat it as fast wired networking rather than a guaranteed line-rate link.
Power delivery tops out at 85W to your laptop. The hub draws 15W for itself, so a 100W USB-C charger and a cable rated for that wattage are required to reach the full figure.
Pairing it with a high-output brick like an Anker USB-C charger keeps a 16-inch MacBook Pro charging while every port stays active.
Compatibility and Everyday Portability
Support covers USB-C, USB4, and Thunderbolt ports on macOS 12 Monterey and newer, Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and iPadOS. Linux isn’t supported, which rules out a chunk of developer machines.
The 7.5-inch attached cable draws the most consistent criticism. It’s long enough to reach a side port, but short enough that the hub dangles rather than resting flat on a desk beside a laptop.
At 4.48 ounces, it slides into a laptop sleeve pocket without much notice. The aluminum runs warm during heavy use, staying within a normal range for a metal-bodied powered USB hub.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 10Gbps on all three USB data ports, uncommon at this size and price
- True 4K@60Hz HDMI on DP 1.4 laptops
- 85W pass-through charging supports large laptops
- Aluminum shell manages heat well
- Plug-and-play across macOS, Windows, ChromeOS, and iPadOS
- Separate SD and microSD readers
Cons
- 7.5-inch cable is shorter than most users want
- Ethernet speeds fall short of full gigabit for some owners
- No Linux support
- USB-C port handles data only, no video output
- Requires a 100W charger to hit maximum pass-through wattage
What Customer Reviews Reveal
Buyers consistently praise the port selection and the 10Gbps speeds, with several noting that external SSD transfers roughly doubled after switching from an older 5Gbps hub. Build quality earns steady approval, and setup is described as immediate on both MacBook and Windows machines.
The short cable is the most repeated complaint, with multiple owners saying two additional inches would solve it. A subset of users measures Ethernet throughput below gigabit and treats that as the hub’s main technical shortfall.
An iPad owner highlighted the Ethernet port as the reason for the purchase, using it to reach router admin pages on unfamiliar networks. Isolated reports describe units where USB-C data and power delivery stopped working, with those cases handled through Anker’s warranty process.
Conclusion
Buy this hub if you run a DP 1.4 laptop, move large files off external drives, and want wired Ethernet in a package you can pocket. The 10Gbps ports and 85W charging cover a demanding single-cable desk setup.
Skip it if you run Linux, need dual-monitor output, or want a longer cable for a fixed desk arrangement. A full docking station such as the UtechSmart 11-in-1 suits stationary setups better.
Budget for a 100W charger alongside the hub if you plan to power a 15-inch or larger laptop through it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Anker 555 USB-C Hub support 4K at 60Hz?
Yes, the HDMI port outputs 4K at 60Hz when your laptop supports DisplayPort 1.4 over its USB-C connection. Laptops limited to DisplayPort 1.2 will cap out at 4K at 30Hz through the same port.
Can the Anker 555 USB-C Hub connect two monitors?
No, the hub has a single HDMI port and supports one external display. Dual-monitor setups require a docking station with two video outputs or a laptop with a second free video-capable port.
Does the USB-C port on the Anker 555 output video?
No, the downstream USB-C port handles data transfer only at up to 10Gbps. Video runs exclusively through the HDMI connector, and the second USB-C port is a Power Delivery input for charging.
What charger is needed for 85W pass-through charging?
A 100W USB-C Power Delivery charger with a cable rated for that wattage is required. The hub consumes 15W for its own operation, leaving up to 85W to pass through to your laptop.
Is the Anker 555 USB-C Hub compatible with MacBook and Windows laptops?
Yes, it works with MacBook models running macOS 12 Monterey or newer and with Windows 10 and 11 machines. The laptop’s USB-C port must support DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery, which covers USB4 and Thunderbolt ports.
Does the Anker 555 USB-C Hub work with Linux?
No. Anker lists this hub as incompatible with Linux. ChromeOS and iPadOS are supported alongside macOS and Windows, so Chromebook and iPad users can use the full port array.
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