Anker 555 USB-C Hub 8-in-1 with 85W Power Delivery 4K 60Hz HDMI Port 10Gbps USB C and 2

Original Review (updates below): ----- The moment I noticed this thing on Amazon, I bought it and it literally just arrived. Finally, 4K60 over just USB-C with other ports (including making up to 10Gbps available to them) for a reasonable price. Unfortunately, the first two things I've done with it were both disappointing. I'll cut to the chase, the power delivery pass through isn't working with one of their own chargers. The first device I tried connecting this with is my Anker PD4 with one USB-C cable as the only thing plugged into it so I can test the truly up to 100W (-15 for its own power) claims. I've tried connecting it with Apple's 2m USB-C charge cable (100w capable) and an equivalent CableMatters cable that also supports 100W. When plugged directly into my laptop, both of these cables immediately start charging it and show up as 100W power sources. When this Anker hub is plugged in and either of them is connected to the power delivery port on the side of it, the laptop does not charge (laptop is a 16" Macbook Pro, I've tried multiple ports just for the heck of it). My second complaint is that when absolutely nothing is plugged into it, it becomes fairly warm to the touch. Why, when it's doing nothing, is it hot? I'm clearly not running data or even power through it so I have low hopes for it under load. The fact that it doesn't work in exactly the scenario they want it to most (a MacBook Pro with one of their own chargers) seems like a pretty big fail. I've got lots of USB-C things though so I thought I'd grab a couple and try those. Using an Apple 96W USB-C charger, the device does pass through power delivery properly. It shows up as providing 79W to the laptop (siphoning off 17W in this instance). I also have a 56W Aukey charger that splits power between a USB-A port and a USB-C port that can provide 45W of power delivery. When plugged into that charger it does appear to work as well and appears in macOS as a 30W power source. Maybe the problem is the Anker PD4? But it works fine providing power to the laptop directly. Would love to hear from Anker about these two products working together and what I should actually expect. Having it be unreliable for power delivery isn't great, but power and heat aside (it is getting a little bit warmer now that it's providing power from the Apple power adapter, but still definitely holdable), the hardware looks and feels good and the cable feels durable. Worth also noting that there's a white LED ring on the side of it that appears to be always on when it's plugged in. Don't know why it needs an LED. ----- Update, June 22, 2020: I've done some more testing and Anker has reached out to me to investigate what might be the issue. I can say that the hub works as I would expect from a quick test with my iPad Pro 11" with the above functioning chargers. It was able to pass through power with the 96W Apple Charger on the other end to both the iPad port as well as a Magic Keyboard port. The ethernet adapter showed up in iOS settings and an external drive was functional. When connected via the Magic Keyboard, which is a power only connection, as expected it provided only power. Still no power passthrough of any kind when connected to the PD4. ----- Update July 1, 2020: I've written back and forth with Anker and they've sent me a replacement hub. It also doesn't work with the PD4. I've tried multiple USB-C cables but they have also shipped a cable to test with it. For now I'm increasing the review from 2 to 3 stars because I am more and more suspicious about the PD4 and less about this hub. They claim that they have tested the setup I have separately without issue, and I've sent video showing the problems I've encountered, so the troubleshooting is ongoing. Have had a chance to use Ethernet on it without issue. Still need to try to test out its throughput when trying to use a 10Gbps USB-C enclosure and a 4K60 monitor at the same time (+ ethernet). More updates to come. ----- Update July 10, 2020: I've continued to talk with Anker support and they shipped me a replacement PD4. The one I had was labeled as "Iteration 1" on its barcode, the one I got back was labeled "Iteration 2". I tested it out and it works perfectly with this hub, passing through the correct amount of power to multiple Macbook Pros and fast charging an iPad Pro. Clearly the fault doesn't lie with this hub and is instead an issue with the first iteration PD4, so I'm updating my review accordingly. Working with Anker support was great. I've also been able to test USB-C throughput (without driving a display as well so far) and it properly utilizes 10Gbps. I've attached some extra images showing various devices connected to it (keyboard dongle, SD card, USB-C 10Gbps external SSD enclosure, USB sound card, ethernet). Read more

This hub has turned out to be an incredible value for the price. It packs a lot of functionality into a small, lightweight device that’s easy to throw in a bag and take on the road. I keep it with me whenever I travel, and it’s saved me more than once when I’ve needed extra ports. The 85W power delivery is a big plus, since it keeps my laptop charged while still letting me connect everything else. Between the HDMI, USB, SD card slot, and more, it covers just about every connection I ever need. Build quality feels solid, and it doesn’t run hot even after long use. For something so compact and affordable, it adds a huge amount of convenience to both work and travel setups. Read more

I am exploring ways to make my iPad behave like a laptop, and with this little device, I am on my way. One of my primary concerns is that sometimes I have to troubleshoot routers at other people's homes. So I tried it out on my home. I found that I had to install an app from the manufacturer to make it work, then I had to reboot the router. Then, I got an amazing interface that was not the same as the interface on my laptop. It told me that I need a firmware update, but at this point, I am more comfortable doing the update on my laptop. One quirk I don't understand is that I plugged the PD port into my power cube, and the iPad told me it wasn't charging. That isn't good. I might have to return it and shop for a different brand. The newer Apple devices are awfully picky as to where they get their power from. Update: I found the email for Anker customer support, sent an email, and they got right back to me. Here is what they said: "Please first know: Due to the power input limitations of mobile devices, this hub can not provide pass-through charging to tablets (including iPad Pro/Air) or phones when using the original wall charger that came with your mobile device. To support full-speed charging for iPad Pro/Air, use an adapter that supports at least 15V (45W)." I found that the 3 foot power cord that Apple sent me is nowhere near long enough for charging while using the dock, so I sent away for a 45W charger and a 10 foot USB-C to USB-C charging cable that was compatible with iPad. Please be aware that Apple has circuitry embedded in the cord and you cannot use just any cord. The equipment I got was this: Charger https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B083BRKMJQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Cord https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07LF1FNRV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Cords are not rated in either volts or watts, so I sent another email to Anker asking if a 3 amp cable would work, and they told me that it should. Pay attention to the amperage when purchasing a cable to go with a high wattage charger. The cord that I purchased also comes in a 15 foot length. If this rig works, I will also purchase the 15 foot cord. The reason being that sometimes I need to do stuff in other people's houses, and I cannot count on a nearby outlet. I will update when the new equipment comes. Update: I installed a 45W charger with a USB-C TO USB-C cable that was advertised for iPads, and now my iPad is charging through the PD port, so that problem is taken care of. I sold the iPad and bought a 2019 MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro has four Type C USB ports only, no others. I use one of the ports on the Mac for charging and another for the hub. I use the Type 3 USB ports on the hub for my mouse and graphic tablet. I like wired mice, because they use a wire for power, are more reliable, and do not generate dead batteries to pollute the environment. I wish the hub had an additional Type 2 or 3 USB port. Maybe I will buy an additional adapter, because I can't find a hub that sports the extra ports. I looked for a mouse that would plug into a USB C port, but did not find one to my taste. I like wired keyboards for the same reason I like wired mice. At any rate, all these wires that will not plug directly into my computer makes kind of a clutter, as depicted in my photo. Not much I can do about it at this stage of the game, however. Read more

As someone who relies heavily on my MacBook Pro for music production and creative work, finding the right USB-C hub was crucial. I’ve tested several over the years, and the Anker 555 USB-C Hub has genuinely impressed me with the ease of use and design. Performance: I’ve run this hub through heavy multitasking, charging, HDMI output, MIDI devices, SSD reads, all at once and it stayed stable with a little heat but it is expected for the size and price. No disconnections, no interference. It’s clear Anker put a lot of thought into shielding and internal architecture. Downsides: If I had to nitpick, the cable is a bit short, which is fine for desktop use but can feel slightly cramped in tight spaces or standing desks. Also, you’ll want to keep it on a flat surface Also the ethernet port, in my case has been giving me issues, it sometimes disconnects but its not that much so thats why i gave it a 4 star rating Read more