Anker A8331 Premium 5-in-1 USB-C Hub review

A three-USB-A hub that also adds HDMI and Ethernet

The Anker A8331 Premium 5-in-1 USB-C Hub is an earlier model combining three USB-A data sockets, one HDMI output and Gigabit Ethernet. Its port balance is useful for an existing compatible laptop that needs several traditional peripherals and a wired network at the same time. It leaves out camera-card readers and laptop charging through the hub.

Anker Japan explicitly marks the A83310A1 product as discontinued, so consider this an earlier-model reference rather than evidence of current stock. It can still help an owner understand the connections they already have or someone compare an accurately identified older unit. Do not substitute a newer Anker five-in-one model solely because the port-count headline is similar.

The three USB-A sockets are the main distinction

The complete original port map shows three USB 3.0 USB-A ports. Anker advertises data transfer up to 5 Gbps and explains that the computer, peripheral, cable and software all need the corresponding USB capability for the fastest supported behavior.

That advertised figure is an interface capability, not a measured copying result or three independent full-speed links back to the laptop. The combination makes particular sense for low-demand input accessories alongside an occasional data device. It does not turn the hub into three separately powered outlets for demanding storage hardware.

The manufacturer's guide limits connected USB devices to 900 mA combined when the hub is not powered by a charger. Its illustrated connection arrangement has a USB-C host lead, three USB-A data sockets, HDMI and Ethernet; it does not document a dedicated PD input for charging the laptop. Do not treat a generic reference to a charger in that warning as a hidden charging socket.

Use the current allowance as a real selection limit

The original guide gives examples of a 100 mA mouse, 300 mA camera, 500 mA keyboard and 900 mA external hard drive. These explain the budget rather than rating every accessory in those categories. Check the actual requirements of what you will connect together.

Anker Japan further warns against using the hub for demanding external drives or tablet charging and describes the USB-A connections as data-focused. If a drive can consume the guide's whole allowance, adding more devices because the sockets are available is not a sound power plan. A separately powered hub with documented output limits is a different product category.

One HDMI route, with no invented refresh-rate promise

Anker describes the HDMI output as supporting up to 4K. The exact material reviewed does not establish a refresh rate for that maximum. If your purchase depends specifically on 4K at 60 Hz, this description is not enough to qualify the model for that requirement.

The guide shows one HDMI connection from the hub to the display and specifies an HDMI cable as a separate item. Three USB-A data sockets do not supply additional native video outputs. For two independent external desktops, select an arrangement documenting those displays together rather than counting ports of different types.

Ethernet and the documented computer scope

The Ethernet connection supports 10, 100 and 1, 000 Mbps network links. It can add a wired connection to a compatible computer without proving the speed of your internet service or router. Include the network cable and router connection in your setup plan, rather than treating the hub alone as an internet connection.

The original guide lists Windows versions through Windows 10, Mac OS X 10.2 and later, and Linux. The Japanese product page names earlier Intel MacBooks and particular iPad Pro and Air generations. These references identify supported historical arrangements; a model year does not establish every later Apple silicon chip or tablet software configuration.

The published product size is about 267 × 23 × 18 mm, with a weight around 52 g. Use the complete product and lead arrangement when planning its position rather than assuming the long published measurement is the rigid body alone. A small adapter still needs room for an HDMI plug, Ethernet cable and the three accessory leads.

Who should keep A8331 on the list?

Choose this documented earlier model when its exact computer compatibility, three USB-A data connections, single HDMI route and wired network cover your routine. Keep laptop charging separate. Look elsewhere for downstream USB-C data, cards, multiple independent displays or a precisely documented high-refresh 4K mode. Its useful distinction is three traditional data sockets alongside Ethernet, not an all-purpose promise from the USB-C plug.

Manufacturer references: A83310A1 specifications and compatibility cautions; original A8331 welcome guide.