Anker 565 USB-C Hub A8388 review

A broad port mix whose display behavior depends on the computer

The Anker 565 A8388 combines HDMI and DisplayPort with USB data, Gigabit Ethernet, SD and microSD readers, audio and separately sourced laptop charging. It can be a useful office hub, but the first buying question is the computer. Anker explicitly distinguishes Windows, where the two external screens can show different work, from MacBooks, where the two external screens show the same content.

That difference matters more than the eleven-function headline. A MacBook owner wanting two separate external desktops should not select this hub simply because two display sockets are visible. An arrangement that adds more physical screens is not necessarily an arrangement that adds more independent workspaces.

Single-screen and dual-screen resolution are different specifications

The original A8388 manual gives specific conditional modes. With a DisplayPort 1.4-capable computer, it lists up to 4K60 for one display and “2K60” for two. With a DisplayPort 1.2-capable computer, it lists up to 4K30 for one display and 1080p 60 for two. Those are not two simultaneous 4K60 promises.

The manufacturer's “2K” wording does not identify exact pixel dimensions in the reviewed manual. If a particular 2560 × 1440 dual-screen arrangement is essential, establish those exact dimensions rather than translating an imprecise label into a guaranteed mode. The explicitly stated dual-1080p 60 arrangement is the clearer numerical comparison.

HDMI and DisplayPort each support a single-display route up to 4K60 under the documented host condition. The USB-C data socket does not become another video output. Anker's notes explicitly identify the data ports as unsuitable for charging or media display.

On a MacBook, two external connections can still be one workspace

Anker's current product page explains that a MacBook can show one image on both connected external monitors while its own screen shows something different. That is one independent external desktop, copied to two screens. It is useful for some viewing arrangements, but it is not the same as placing separate spreadsheets or applications on two different external desktops.

For Windows, Anker documents the laptop screen and both external monitors showing different content. The computer still needs the appropriate USB-C video route and actual DisplayPort capability for the selected resolution. A data-only USB-C socket does not supply native video because the hub has display connectors.

Only one of the three USB-A sockets is a 10 Gbps data port

The three USB-A sockets are not equivalent. One is advertised at up to 10 Gbps; the other two are USB 2.0 at up to 480 Mbps in the current product table. The USB-C data socket is also advertised at up to 10 Gbps. Reserve the faster socket for a suitable drive and use the slower ones for accessories whose requirements fit them.

That is a useful mixed layout for a keyboard, mouse and storage device. It is unsuitable if all three USB-A accessories each need a documented 10 Gbps connection. Individual advertised line rates also do not mean independent full-speed links to the computer; traffic shares the hub's upstream path.

Charging, networking and cards need their own checks

The current Anker table separates up to 100 W input from up to 85 W laptop output. The charging source is separate. Do not read the PD-input rating as the amount guaranteed to reach a computer, and make sure the actual source and cable support the documented arrangement.

The Ethernet connection is listed up to 1 Gbps. SD and microSD readers are listed at UHS-I rates up to 104 MB/s, with no established simultaneous-card behavior in the material reviewed. The audio connection handles a conventional 3.5 mm headset or speaker arrangement. These features round out a desk connection without proving internet speed, card-copy speed or audio quality through testing.

Plan the host and physical connection

Anker specifies an attached cable around 8.27 inches long. Place the hub where the lead reaches without pulling the computer connection and where HDMI, DisplayPort and Ethernet plugs have room. The original manual lists Windows 10/11 and macOS 10.12 and above; those broad OS references do not establish every later Mac chip individually.

The manufacturer also notes a macOS Ventura accessory-permission setting if the hub is not detected after an update. That is a useful reminder to consider the actual operating system and computer policy, rather than assuming physical connection alone completes the setup.

Choose 565 for the arrangement it actually supports

Consider A8388 for a documented compatible Windows two-screen office setup or a one-independent-external-desktop Mac arrangement, with a useful mix of data, network and cards. Choose another product for two independent Mac external desktops, dual 4K60, three fast USB-A sockets or an included laptop charger. The strongest comparison is the complete computer-and-monitor configuration.

Manufacturer references: A8388 specifications and Windows/Mac display behavior; original A8388 conditional display modes.