Anker 563 USB-C Hub A8385 review

An office hub for one or two screens, with important host limits

The Anker 563 A8385 PowerExpand 11-in-1 Hub combines HDMI, DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, three USB-A sockets, a USB-C data socket, cards, audio and a separate PD charging input. Its appeal is covering a desk's varied connections with one USB-C host lead. Its display modes and mixed USB speeds deserve closer attention than the port-count headline.

Start with the computer's actual video capability and the desired monitor arrangement. A single-screen 4K60 claim does not mean two screens can both run at that mode. A MacBook reference also does not establish two independent Mac desktops simply because both display connectors can be occupied.

DP 1.2 and DP 1.4 lead to different screen modes

Anker describes up to 4K60 for a single screen and “2K60” for two screens when the laptop supports DisplayPort 1.4. With DisplayPort 1.2, the specified limits are 4K30 for a single screen and 1080p 60 for two. Choose the actual arrangement you need, including the computer capability it requires.

The “2K” wording is not an exact pixel specification in the material reviewed. It should not be silently converted into a promise of two 2560 × 1440 desktops. If exact dual-screen dimensions matter, verify that mode for the intended computer rather than extrapolating it from either display socket's individual maximum.

Anker identifies another condition for 4K60: some laptops lacking the needed Display Stream Compression support cannot use it through this hub. The maker names Surface Pro 7, 930QCG and Spectre x 360 as examples. A DisplayPort-version label should therefore be read alongside the model-specific restriction.

The M1 note is a specific exception, not a universal Mac promise

Anker warns that an M1 MacBook Pro may produce no image when set to 4K60 and advises switching the output to 4K30 in that situation. That is useful guidance for that actual chip and condition. It does not establish M2 compatibility or justify treating all later MacBooks as the same device.

The safe buying comparison separates the supported single-screen Mac arrangement from a Windows multi-screen arrangement. If two independent external Mac desktops are essential, choose a product with positive evidence for that exact computer and simultaneous mode. Do not rely on the two physical output connectors alone.

Three USB-A sockets have two different roles

The complete port map distinguishes one USB-A socket advertised at up to 5 Gbps from two USB 2.0 sockets advertised at up to 480 Mbps. The separate USB-C data socket is advertised at up to 5 Gbps. This can be a sensible layout for a storage device plus ordinary keyboard and mouse connections.

It is a poor match if your requirement is three USB-A data connections each advertised at 5 Gbps. Plan which accessories belong on the faster socket. None of those data ports should be counted as an additional screen connection or a dedicated charging outlet; Anker explicitly excludes those functions from the data ports.

The advertised rates are interface ceilings, not measured transfer results. Simultaneous storage, network and card traffic also shares the hub's path back to the computer. Count the connections you need, but do not turn individual port labels into independent full-speed upstream links.

Pass-through power is separate from buying a charger

Anker advertises up to 85 W of laptop pass-through charging from a separate USB-C source. The original A8385 manual specifies a PD input up to 100 W; an older short support description labels that inlet differently. Check the supplied documentation and source rather than assuming every displayed wattage refers to the same point in the power path.

The charger and source cable are not included. Include a suitable PD source in the setup plan, and check the computer's own charging requirements. A hub does not generate that power by itself, and a data socket cannot substitute for the dedicated charging inlet.

Cards, Ethernet and audio complete the desk connection

The Ethernet port supports links up to 1 Gbps, while SD and microSD readers cover the two common card shapes. Anker also provides a 3.5 mm audio connection. The presence of both card slots does not establish concurrent reading; keep that as a separate requirement if transferring between cards is part of your routine.

The maker supplies a travel pouch and describes a compact body about 137 × 57 × 14 mm. That makes the hub portable, but leave room for the display and Ethernet plugs when arranging it beside a laptop. Its named historical computer examples and listed operating systems should be checked rather than expanded to every future machine.

Who should shortlist A8385?

Consider it for a documented compatible office computer needing a broad connection mix, with screen modes chosen to match its real DP capability. Choose another arrangement for three faster USB-A ports, assured dual 4K60, two independently extended Mac screens without exact evidence or an included charging kit. A coherent setup is more useful than eleven loosely counted functions.

Manufacturer references: A8385 display conditions and operating notes; original A8385 V03 manual.