Anker 556 USB 4 Hub A83A8 review

A USB 4 hub whose faster host link does not change its USB data sockets

The Anker 556 A83A8 combines a USB 4 upstream connection with HDMI, DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, two USB-A data sockets, one USB-C data socket and a separate PD input. It is relevant when a documented compatible host and two-screen arrangement need more display capability than an ordinary single-4K30 hub.

Its 40 Gbps figure describes the upstream USB 4 link. The downstream ordinary USB-A and USB-C data sockets are separately specified at up to 10 Gbps. A faster host connection is not a 40 Gbps socket for every accessory, and it is not proof of ordinary USB 3.2 Gen 2x 2 peripheral support at 20 Gbps.

Use the correct host cable and computer capability

Anker supplies a separate 0.5 m USB 4 cable and tells users to use that cable or a suitably specified USB 4 replacement. A random USB-C cable is not equivalent merely because its ends fit. The cable is part of the documented host arrangement, not an optional detail after choosing the hub.

The original manual lists Windows 10/11 and macOS 12 and above. Those are operating-system references, rather than an exact list of every supported Mac chip or a promise of every USB-C host fallback. Confirm that the actual computer supplies the supported route before assigning the hub's highest display modes to it.

Single 8K and dual 4K are different arrangements

Anker's exact product page describes up to 8K30 for a single monitor through HDMI or DisplayPort, and up to 4K60 for a dual-monitor arrangement. Those are separate simultaneous modes. It would be incorrect to take each socket's individual 8K headline and promise two 8K screens together.

An 8K setup also needs an appropriately capable computer, cable and monitor, as the manufacturer explicitly notes. A hub cannot create an unsupported source signal or turn an unsuitable display cable into an 8K connection.

The complete physical arrangement has one HDMI and one DisplayPort output. If two monitors both require a native HDMI socket, the hub does not provide that pair. An adapter would be another component with its own requirements, rather than a second built-in HDMI connection.

Do not turn the Mac connection into an independent-dual-screen promise

The manufacturer explicitly notes that macOS does not support the hub's multi-stream display-extension arrangement. A Windows dual-screen mode therefore should not be copied into a MacBook result as though the computer and operating system made no difference.

The reviewed exact sources do not identify each individual Apple chip or its simultaneous-display limits. Treat the supported Mac reference as a reason to check an exact arrangement, not permission to group all base, Pro, Max or later chips together. For two separate external Mac desktops, require positive evidence for that specific computer and mode.

Three ordinary data sockets, each up to 10 Gbps

Both USB-A data sockets and the downstream USB-C data socket are USB 3.2 Gen 2 connections advertised at up to 10 Gbps. That is a useful mixed-connector set when a suitable drive or other accessory needs those interface capabilities.

The advertised rates are not measured copying speeds. Storage, network and display traffic also use the host connection, so the upstream headline should not be divided into invented independent guarantees. Anker's description of simultaneous display and data use is a supported capability statement, not our benchmark.

The data sockets are expressly not for charging or video. The separate USB-C PD inlet must not be counted as another data socket, nor should the upstream USB 4 connection be counted as a spare accessory port after it is connected to the computer.

Power reaching the laptop is lower than the input rating

The dedicated PD inlet supports up to 100 W input, while Anker specifies up to 85 W for the laptop because the hub needs 15 W. Use a suitable separate 100 W source and cable for that stated arrangement. The supplied USB 4 host cable does not mean a wall charger is included.

The computer also determines the power it accepts. Keep that charging question separate from whether the USB 4 data and display route is supported. An adapter with the right power rating cannot supply a missing computer display capability.

Who should shortlist 556?

The complete layout includes Gigabit Ethernet but no SD, microSD or audio socket. Anker gives a body around 130 × 54 × 17 mm and a weight around 150 g. Consider A83A8 for a documented compatible USB 4 computer, one HDMI plus one DisplayPort arrangement and three 10 Gbps ordinary data sockets.

Choose another layout for built-in camera-card readers, two native HDMI sockets, ordinary USB data at an unverified 20 Gbps, or two independent external Mac desktops without exact evidence. Its value is the supported high-capability host arrangement, not the largest number printed beside USB 4.

Manufacturer references: A83A8 exact USB 4, display, power and package specifications; original A83A8 operating guide.