Anker 551 USB-C Hub Review 2026 - A8387 Specs

Name: Anker 551 USB-C Hub (8-in-1, Tablet Stand)
Brand: Anker
SKU: A8387

The Anker 551 USB-C Hub, model A8387, combines an adjustable tablet stand with eight useful connections. It is made for a USB-C iPad or tablet that needs to act more like a small desk computer. The stand rotates between landscape and portrait and folds to 143 by 141 by 28 mm. Anker includes a 1.47-foot USB-C to USB-C cable, rather than building a fragile short cable into the stand. At 650 g, it is much heavier than a normal USB-C dongle, but that weight is part of what keeps a tablet steady while HDMI, USB, and charging cables are attached. The port list is practical for the intended setup. There is one HDMI 2.0 port for a 4K display at 60Hz, two 5Gbps USB-A ports for a keyboard, mouse, storage, or controller, UHS-I SD and microSD slots, a 3.5 mm combo audio jack, and a USB-C Power Delivery input. The PD port accepts up to 100W from a charger, and Anker recommends a 45W to 100W charger for high-speed pass-through charging. The charger is not included. This is an iPad-first accessory, not a substitute for a Thunderbolt desktop dock. It has one external display path, no Ethernet, no USB-C data port, and no included power brick. Amazon's US listing for ASIN B09MK6DBQL showed a 4.4-star average from 1,003 global ratings during this review. Its review summary points to generally positive feedback on the stand, ports, build quality, and iPad use, with less agreement about charging performance, weight, and value. That split makes sense. The Anker 551 is unusually capable if you want an iPad or USB-C tablet on a raised, adjustable screen with a keyboard and external monitor. It is less compelling if all you need is a small hub in a laptop bag.

Adjustable USB-C tablet stand with 4K 60Hz HDMI

Pros & Cons

What We Like

Foldable, adjustable stand supports portrait and landscape tablet use
HDMI 2.0 supports one 4K@60Hz external display from a compatible USB-C host
Two USB-A ports provide 5Gbps data for common desktop peripherals and storage
SD and microSD UHS-I slots reduce the need for a separate card reader
100W USB-C Power Delivery input supports high-power pass-through charging with a suitable charger
3.5 mm combo audio jack is useful on tablets without a headphone port

What Could Be Better

No Ethernet port or USB-C data port
Workaround: Use separate Ethernet and USB-C adapters, or choose a conventional dock with those ports built in.
Only one external display is supported through HDMI
Workaround: Use a dual-display dock if you need more than one external monitor.
A 45W to 100W USB-C charger is needed for high-speed pass-through charging, but no charger is included
Workaround: Pair the hub with a quality USB-C PD charger. Anker says a 20W charger is the minimum, while 45W to 100W is recommended for full-speed iPad charging.
650 g stand is far heavier than a normal USB-C hub
Workaround: Treat it as a portable desk stand rather than a pocket dongle. Choose a small cabled hub if bag weight is the priority.
USB-A data is limited to 5Gbps
Workaround: Use a 10Gbps or Thunderbolt dock if fast external SSD transfers are more important than the integrated stand.

Display Support

Max Displays: 1

1 display (One external display through HDMI 2.0 at up to 4K@60Hz. The USB-C host must support video output.)

3840x2160 @ 60Hz

Ports & Connectivity

USB Ports

1x USB-C 3.0 100W

2x USB-A 3.0

Video Outputs

1x HDMI 2.0 / HDCP 2.2

Audio

1x 3.5mm combo

Card Readers

1x SD (UHS-I)

1x microSD (UHS-I)

Full Specifications

General
Manufacturer	Anker
Model	A8387
MSRP	$99.99
Connectivity
Host Connection	USB-C
Max Data Rate	5 Gbps
Driver Required	No (native)
Display Output
Max Displays	1
1x Display	3840x2160 @ 60Hz (One external display through HDMI 2.0 at up to 4K@60Hz. The USB-C host must support video output.)
Ports (4+ total)
USB-C 3.0	1x (100W)
USB-A 3.0	2x
HDMI 2.0 / HDCP 2.2	1x
Audio (3.5mm-combo)	1x
SD Card Reader	1x
microSD Card Reader	1x
Power
Power Input	USB-C
Laptop Charging	Up to 100W

Compatibility

macOS

MacSources tested the hub as a plug-and-play USB-C accessory with MacBooks. External display behavior remains limited by the host Mac and its USB-C display support.

Android

Anker lists other USB-C tablets as compatible. USB-C tablets need video output support to use HDMI.

Known Issues

USB-C tablets or computers without DisplayPort Alt Mode video output

HDMI display will not work

Dual-monitor workstations

Only one video output

Wired Ethernet setups

No RJ45 port

USB-C data peripherals

USB-C port is for Power Delivery input only

7.4 /10

Our Verdict

Very Good

The Anker 551 earns its place when the stand matters as much as the ports. A regular USB-C hub can add HDMI and USB-A, but it will not hold an iPad at a comfortable angle, rotate it to portrait, or let you lower the screen for drawing and note taking. The A8387 does all of that while keeping the cable setup simple. HDMI is specified for 4K at 60Hz, the two USB-A ports run at 5Gbps, and the card readers plus audio jack cover the peripherals that tablet users often end up connecting with separate adapters. There are real compromises. The PD USB-C connector only takes power in, so it cannot connect a USB-C SSD or monitor. There is no wired Ethernet, and the 5Gbps USB-A ports are fine for common accessories but not the fastest option for a demanding external SSD workflow. A 45W to 100W charger is needed to get the best charging result, yet Anker does not include one. The stand is also a bulky 650 g accessory, which is reassuring on a desk but noticeable in a travel bag. Reddit posts and Amazon feedback include complaints about charging behavior when the setup uses a lower-power charger, while other buyers specifically like the stable stand and added ports. MacSources' hands-on review praised the aluminum build, 4K HDMI output, plug-and-play setup, and foldable form, but also called out the missing Ethernet and lack of a USB-C data port. That is the right framing. Buy the Anker 551 if an iPad, Android tablet, or compact USB-C laptop needs to become a one-screen desk with a keyboard, mouse, storage, audio, and a 4K display. It is particularly sensible for Stage Manager on compatible iPads, a hotel desk, light creative work, or a tablet kiosk. Skip it if your desk needs Ethernet, two external monitors, USB-C data peripherals, or a lighter travel hub. For those jobs, a conventional cabled dock gives you more connections for less weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Anker 551 support a 4K monitor?

Yes. Anker lists its HDMI 2.0 port at up to 4K@60Hz. The connected iPad, tablet, or computer must support video output through USB-C.

Can the Anker 551 charge an iPad while it is in use?

Yes. The USB-C Power Delivery input accepts up to 100W. Anker says to use at least a 20W charger and recommends a 45W to 100W charger to charge an iPad at full speed. The charger is not included.

Does the Anker 551 have a USB-C data port?

No. Its USB-C connector is a Power Delivery input. The hub's data connectors are two USB-A 5Gbps ports, plus the SD and microSD readers.

Does the Anker 551 have Ethernet?

No. The 551 does not have an RJ45 Ethernet port. Buyers who need wired networking should choose a dock with Ethernet or add a separate adapter.

How many monitors can the Anker 551 run?

One. It has a single HDMI 2.0 port for one external display up to 4K at 60Hz on a compatible USB-C host.

Is the Anker 551 useful for travel?

It can be useful as a compact tablet workstation because the stand folds and the ports cover HDMI, USB-A, audio, and card readers. At 650 g, it is much heavier than a normal USB-C dongle, so it suits people who value the built-in stand more than minimum carry weight.