Anker 551 USB-C Tablet Stand Hub A8387 review

A tablet stand that also makes room for real accessories

The Anker 551 A8387 combines a folding tablet stand with a hub for one HDMI display, two USB-A data devices, SD and microSD cards, audio and charging from a separate USB-C PD source. Its useful difference is physical: the tablet is raised and supported while the connections live in the stand, rather than hanging from a small adapter beside the screen.

It is particularly relevant to someone building a supported iPad desk setup with a keyboard, USB drive and external monitor. The stand alone does not create a desktop operating system or make every tablet support an independent external workspace. Check the tablet and software requirements before treating the HDMI socket as proof of the experience you want.

Independent iPad work needs the supported software arrangement

Anker specifically describes using iPadOS 16.2 Stage Manager to perform tasks independently on the iPad screen and an external monitor. That is more useful guidance than a generic claim that an adapter “works with iPad.” An earlier or unsupported tablet arrangement may have different external-display behavior even though a cable physically fits.

The HDMI port is documented up to 4K at 60 Hz. There is one external video output, so A8387 is not a route to two independent external desktops. The tablet's own screen plus one external workspace is a different arrangement from two external monitors showing separate work.

The original manual also names Surface Pro, MacBook and XPS among compatible device examples and lists Windows and macOS versions. Those references establish genuine computer uses alongside tablets, but they should not be extended into a claim about every later Mac chip. The stand is shaped around supporting a tablet; a laptop connection does not mean the laptop belongs on the tablet platform.

Use the upstream socket and charging input for different jobs

The USB-C upstream socket connects to the tablet or computer with the included USB-C cable. The other USB-C socket is PD input for a separately supplied charger. Neither should be counted as a spare downstream USB-C data socket when planning accessories.

The original A8387 manual states maximum upstream charging output of 85 W and instructs using a 45–100 W USB-C PD source. That maximum is a capability of the documented hub arrangement, not a claim that a particular iPad will draw 85 W. The host's accepted power and the selected charging source still determine the actual charging situation.

Anker's current product notes mention at least a 20 W charger and point to 45–100 W for full-speed iPad charging; the original manual specifies the latter source range. The charger is not included. Use a suitable documented source and cable instead of treating an existing small tablet charger as automatically equivalent.

Two data sockets and two card types

Both USB-A data sockets are advertised at up to 5 Gbps. That gives a keyboard, compatible storage device or other supported accessory a conventional connection without occupying the tablet's only host socket directly. The advertised rate is an interface ceiling, not a measured copying result or two independent full-speed connections back to the host.

The full-size SD slot is UHS-I, specified up to 104 MB/s, and there is also a microSD reader. These can be useful when moving camera or device files into the tablet workflow. The reviewed material does not establish simultaneous access to both cards, so do not make that behavior a condition this model is assumed to satisfy.

A 3.5 mm audio connection completes the physical set. There is no Ethernet socket in the complete layout. If wired networking is central to the desk, compare another documented arrangement rather than assuming every eight-function hub includes it.

The folding stand changes the desk layout

Anker describes an aluminum-alloy stand with a silicone contact surface and raised retaining edge. It supports portrait and landscape tablet orientation and adjustment to a lower angle for drawing or editing. Those are useful physical choices if you alternate between typing, viewing reference material and touching the screen directly.

The stand folds to about 143 × 141 × 28 mm and weighs 650 g. It can be stored or carried, but those figures are materially different from a pocket dongle. Decide whether the supported tablet position is worth that weight in a travel bag. Anker includes a 1.47-foot USB-C cable and a guide; the wall charger and external-display cable need their own place in the setup.

Who should shortlist the 551?

Choose A8387 for a documented compatible tablet or computer, one HDMI route, conventional USB-A accessories and camera cards, especially when a folding tablet stand is part of the job. For an independent iPad workspace, confirm the specific Stage Manager-capable tablet and software arrangement. Choose something else for two independent external displays, downstream USB-C data, Ethernet or an included charging source. The value is a coherent tablet work position with connections, rather than eight interchangeable ports.

Manufacturer references: Anker 551 specifications, Stage Manager guidance and package; original A8387 operating manual.