Anker 553 USB-C Hub A8380 review

A dual-HDMI hub whose useful mode depends on the host

The Anker 553 A8380 PowerExpand 8-in-1 Hub is worth comparing when your desk uses HDMI screens rather than a mixture of HDMI and DisplayPort. It combines two HDMI outputs, two USB-A data sockets, Gigabit Ethernet, SD and microSD readers, and a dedicated USB-C PD input. There is no spare downstream USB-C data socket in that layout.

The most important distinction is Windows versus macOS. Anker explicitly supports independent multi-stream output on Windows, while macOS and iPadOS use the documented single-stream arrangement. Two external cables on a Mac can show the same image; they do not become two separate external desktops merely because both HDMI sockets are occupied.

DP 1.4 and DP 1.2 give different simultaneous modes

Anker's exact FAQ gives a useful conditional table. With a DisplayPort 1.4-capable host, it specifies one screen up to 4K60 or two screens up to 4K30. With DisplayPort 1.2, it specifies one screen up to 4K30 or two screens at 1080p 60. Choose the complete simultaneous arrangement rather than applying one socket's maximum to both screens.

This makes the hub relevant to a supported Windows laptop with two Full HD60 office monitors, or a documented DP 1.4 host needing dual 4K30. It is not a documented dual-4K60 solution. Anker also identifies computers lacking the required Display Stream Compression support, including Surface Pro 7, 930QCG and Spectre x 360, as unable to use the stated 4K60 mode through this hub.

The computer's USB-C port must supply the supported DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery arrangement. A USB-C data-only connection cannot provide the missing native video signal. Check the actual port specification, not only the broad laptop-family name.

Understand what two screens mean on a Mac

For macOS, Anker says the connected external monitors mirror the same image because the documented route uses single-stream transport. That can suit a presentation or duplicated viewing setup, but it does not meet a requirement for separate applications on two independent external desktops.

The product's named historical MacBook examples are not evidence for every later Apple chip or lid configuration. A broad compatibility line should not be turned into a promise about base M1, M2 or newer chips. Match an actual documented computer and mode before choosing the hub for a specific workstation.

The USB-C socket is for power, not another accessory

The dedicated PD input is intended for a charging source. Anker states that a suitable 100 W PD wall charger and USB-C charging cable are required for up to 85 W laptop delivery. The hub uses part of the input power for operation; the input headline is not the amount guaranteed to reach the computer.

The wall charger is not included. Include the appropriate source and cable when planning the desk connection, and check the host's own accepted charging level. For iPad Pro, Anker also cautions that the original tablet charger may be unsuitable for the intended pass-through behavior and specifies a source supporting at least 15 V and 45 W for its stated charging arrangement.

There is no USB-C data socket to use alongside that inlet. If a USB-C drive is essential, choose a hub with a positively documented downstream data connection rather than plugging the drive into a charging-only socket.

Data, Ethernet and cards cover a modest office set

The two USB-A data sockets are advertised at up to 5 Gbps. That can cover ordinary peripherals and suitable storage accessories, with the usual shared connection back to the host. The line-rate figure is not a measured copying speed or two independently dedicated full-speed upstream links.

The Ethernet socket is specified up to 1 Gbps. SD and microSD are UHS-I reader types. These are useful connections for a wired desk and camera-card imports, but neither a Gigabit label nor a card-reader rating predicts the speed of the complete network or storage path. Simultaneous access to both card slots is not established by their physical presence.

Who should shortlist A8380?

Anker describes the hub as portable and supplies a travel pouch. Its particular appeal is two physical HDMI connections plus a useful office port mix, provided the host supports the exact mode you want. Consider it for a documented Windows dual-screen arrangement or a Mac setup needing one independent external desktop.

Choose another model for two independent external Mac desktops, dual 4K60, downstream USB-C data or an included charging kit. The valuable comparison is the computer, both monitors and the power source working together, rather than an eight-function count on its own.

Manufacturer references: A8380 exact DP-dependent display FAQ and charging requirements; Anker 553 support host requirements and port map.