Anker 543 USB-C Hub A8365 review

A slim one-screen setup with Ethernet and modest laptop power

The Anker 543 A8365, also called the PowerExpand 6-in-1 USB-C PD Ethernet Hub, combines one HDMI output, Gigabit Ethernet, two USB-A data ports, one USB-C data port and a separate PD input. It is a practical arrangement for a compatible laptop that needs a wired network and ordinary peripherals, with charging through the same host connection.

Two limits should lead the decision. The HDMI ceiling is 4K at 30 Hz, and the stated laptop-power ceiling is 53 W from a suitable 65 W charging source. Anker also expressly excludes MacBooks powered by the M2 chip. A compact body and six useful roles do not override any of those requirements.

Choose the actual power requirement before the wattage headline

Anker's specification separates 65 W PD input from 53 W delivered to the laptop. The source and charging cable are not included. Its FAQ tells users seeking that arrangement to use a laptop, charger and cable supporting the stated 65 W input requirement.

That is a better basis for selection than assuming the input figure reaches the computer unchanged. A laptop needing a higher documented charging ceiling should be paired with another hub. If you are replacing a manufacturer's existing charger, check the computer's own requirements and supported USB-C charging behavior rather than judging only from the size of the adapter.

The iPad arrangement has a separate limit. Anker's FAQ specifies maximum pass-through charging of 30 W for the referenced 11-inch iPad Pro and 35 W for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. These are tablet-specific arrangements; the laptop's 53 W figure should not be copied onto every supported host. The tablet also needs the supported iPadOS arrangement.

One HDMI connection with two useful documented modes

The HDMI output supports up to 4K at 30 Hz, and Anker also explicitly lists 1080p at 60 Hz. If your main screen is Full HD60, that mode is documented. If the requirement is 4K60, this model should leave the shortlist even though it can connect to a 4K display.

The host USB-C port must support DisplayPort Alt Mode for the HDMI connection. Anker's troubleshooting advice starts with verifying that capability, then checking the HDMI cable, computer and monitor input. A data-only USB-C computer port does not become a native video output through the hub.

There is one HDMI output, and the USB-A and USB-C data ports expressly do not support media display. Those data sockets therefore cannot be counted as additional native screen connections. A second independent external desktop needs a different documented arrangement.

Separate the two USB-C jobs

The downstream USB-C data socket is advertised at up to 5 Gbps, as are the two USB-A data sockets. The other USB-C socket is the PD input for the charging source. Use the data socket for a suitable peripheral and the PD socket for the source; matching plug shapes do not make their functions interchangeable.

Anker states that the data ports do not support charging or video. Their 5 Gbps labels are advertised interface ceilings, not our measured storage speeds or a promise of three independent full-bandwidth paths to the computer. This is ordinary mixed-connector data expansion, rather than a high-speed Thunderbolt or USB 4 downstream connection.

Ethernet is useful, while cards remain separate

The Ethernet socket supports a network link up to 1 Gbps. That can be valuable at a desk or accommodation with wired networking, but the link rating is not a prediction of your internet download speed. Anker's FAQ includes reinstalling the Ethernet driver as a troubleshooting step, so a workplace restriction on drivers deserves checking rather than a blanket assumption of effortless compatibility.

The complete six-role layout has no SD or microSD reader. If camera-card imports are a daily part of the routine, either budget another reader or select a hub combining those tasks. Buying the right port mix can be more useful than increasing a total connector count.

Respect the explicit M2 exclusion

Anker names earlier MacBook, XPS, Yoga, ThinkPad, Spectre, Chromebook and iPad examples, and lists Windows versions through Windows 10, macOS, iPadOS and Linux. It specifically states that this product is not compatible with M2 MacBooks. A generic MacBook line or a 2020 model-year example should not be used to overturn that exclusion or infer compatibility with every other chip.

Consider A8365 for one 4K30 or Full HD60 HDMI screen, Gigabit Ethernet and three 5 Gbps data sockets, with a separately sourced charging arrangement within its limits. Choose another model for M2 MacBooks, 4K60, two independent external screens, camera-card slots or more than 53 W documented laptop delivery.

Manufacturer reference: A8365 complete specifications, device exclusions and FAQ.