Anker 556 USB-C Hub Review 2026 - USB4 8-in-1 A83A8

Name: Anker 556 USB-C Hub (8-in-1, USB4)
Brand: Anker
SKU: A83A8

The Anker 556 USB-C Hub (8-in-1, USB4), model A83A8, is a compact USB4 hub for Windows laptops and handheld PCs that need more display bandwidth than a normal 10Gbps USB-C adapter can provide. The upstream link is rated at 40Gbps over the included 1.6 ft USB4 cable, and Anker's support page lists the physical port set as one USB4 upstream port, one USB-C PD-IN port, one 10Gbps USB-C data port, two 10Gbps USB-A ports, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and Ethernet. The display spec is the main reason to consider it: Anker's FAQ says the hub can run a single external monitor at up to 8K@30Hz through HDMI or DisplayPort, or two external monitors at up to 4K@60Hz through HDMI plus DisplayPort. Charging is passthrough only. The PD-IN port accepts up to 100W from a separate USB-C charger, the hub reserves about 15W for itself, and the laptop can receive up to 85W. Amazon's B0BM46RVL8 listing currently shows the product as unavailable, but it confirms the ASIN, a 4.1-star rating from 132 global ratings, and the same 8-in-1 spec. Treat the 556 as a Windows-first USB4 desk hub for people who want dual 4K without buying a larger powered Thunderbolt dock.

Best compact Anker USB4 hub for Windows dual 4K

Pros & Cons

What We Like

40Gbps USB4 upstream link gives it more bandwidth than typical 10Gbps USB-C travel hubs
Can run a single 8K@30Hz display or dual 4K@60Hz displays on a capable host
USB-C and both USB-A data ports are rated at 10Gbps
85W passthrough charging works well for many ultraportables and handheld PCs when paired with a 100W charger
Included 1.6 ft USB4 cable gives more desk placement flexibility than a short built-in pigtail

What Could Be Better

USB-C charger is not included
Workaround: Pair it with a 100W USB-C PD charger and a 100W-rated cable if you want the full 85W passthrough result.
Mac display support is mixed and not the main advertised use case
Workaround: Mac users should pick a Thunderbolt dock for native display output or a DisplayLink dock for extra displays on base Apple Silicon.
No SD reader, microSD reader, or audio jack
Workaround: Choose the Anker 565 or a larger dock if card readers or audio are part of your daily setup.
Amazon buyers mention power sensitivity and occasional display signal issues
Workaround: Use a proper 100W charger, the included USB4 host cable, and certified HDMI or DisplayPort cables before troubleshooting the hub itself.
Currently unavailable on Amazon.com at the time of review
Workaround: Check authorized retailers, but keep the B0BM46RVL8 ASIN in mind when comparing listings and bundles.

Display Support

Max Displays: 2

1 display (Anker's FAQ lists single 8K@30Hz through HDMI or DisplayPort. Actual support depends on the host GPU, cable, and monitor.)

7680x4320 @ 30Hz

2 displays (Anker's FAQ lists dual 4K@60Hz using HDMI plus DisplayPort. Amazon customer feedback suggests this is most reliable on Windows USB4 systems with proper power.)

3840x2160 @ 60Hz

Ports & Connectivity

USB Ports

1x USB-C 3.2

2x USB-A 3.2

Video Outputs

1x HDMI 2.0 / up to 8K@30Hz

1x DisplayPort 1.4 / DisplayPort++ / up to 8K@30Hz

Network

1x Ethernet (1 Gbps)

Full Specifications

General
Manufacturer	Anker
Model	A83A8
Release Date	2023-01
MSRP	$149.99
Connectivity
Host Connection	USB-C
Max Data Rate	40 Gbps
Driver Required	No (native)
Display Output
Max Displays	2
1x Display	7680x4320 @ 30Hz (Anker's FAQ lists single 8K@30Hz through HDMI or DisplayPort. Actual support depends on the host GPU, cable, and monitor.)
2x Display	3840x2160 @ 60Hz (Anker's FAQ lists dual 4K@60Hz using HDMI plus DisplayPort. Amazon customer feedback suggests this is most reliable on Windows USB4 systems with proper power.)
Ports (5+ total)
USB-C 3.2	1x
USB-A 3.2	2x
HDMI 2.0 / up to 8K@30Hz	1x
DisplayPort 1.4 / DisplayPort++ / up to 8K@30Hz	1x
Ethernet (RJ45)	1x 1 Gbps
Power
Power Input	USB-C
Laptop Charging	Up to 85W

Compatibility

Windows (10+)

Officially listed by Anker and Amazon as compatible with Windows 10 or later. Best fit for dual-display use on USB4, Thunderbolt, or full-function USB-C hosts.

macOS

Not the official focus of the Amazon compatibility table. Some Amazon buyers report successful single-display MacBook use, but others report video issues. Do not buy it for dependable dual extended Mac displays.

ChromeOS

May work on Chromebooks with USB4 or full-function USB-C display output, but Anker's listing does not make ChromeOS a primary supported platform.

Known Issues

USB-C ports without display output

No monitor output

MacBook dual-monitor extended desktop setups

Dual external display behavior is not dependable

Low-wattage USB-C chargers

Charging and display instability

7.1 /10

Our Verdict

Very Good

The Anker 556 is useful because it fills the gap between tiny USB-C adapters and full-size desktop docks. Compared with the Anker 555 or 565, the 556 gets a faster 40Gbps USB4 upstream link, faster 10Gbps USB-A ports, and a cleaner high-resolution display story: single 8K@30Hz or dual 4K@60Hz when the host can drive it. It is also still a hub, not a complete dock. There is no included charger, no SD reader, no audio jack, and no dedicated power brick. If you want the advertised charging behavior, bring a real 100W USB-C PD charger and a cable that can carry it. Amazon review themes are split in the way I would expect for a compact high-bandwidth hub. Buyers like the speed, build quality, ROG Ally compatibility, and 85W charging when they use a strong charger. The recurring complaints are just as important: some users report display signal problems with underpowered chargers, mixed MacBook results, no VRR on HDMI, stiff included cable, and a few early failures. Buy it for a Windows USB4 laptop, Surface, HP EliteBook, Lenovo, or ROG Ally style setup where one cable needs to handle Ethernet, fast USB, charging, and one or two monitors. Skip it for Mac dual-display work, Linux-first setups, or desks where a powered Thunderbolt dock with more ports makes more sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Anker 556 support dual monitors?

Yes. Anker's FAQ says the 556 can connect two external monitors, one through HDMI and one through DisplayPort, at up to 4K@60Hz. The cleanest target is a Windows laptop with USB4 or another full-function USB-C port that supports native display output.

Can the Anker 556 charge my laptop?

Yes, but the wall charger is not included. The PD-IN port accepts up to 100W, the hub uses about 15W, and up to 85W can pass through to the laptop. Use a 100W USB-C PD charger for best results.

Is the Anker 556 a Thunderbolt dock?

No. It is a USB4 hub with a 40Gbps upstream connection. It can work from compatible USB4, Thunderbolt, or full-function USB-C host ports, but it does not add downstream Thunderbolt ports or include a dedicated power supply.

Does the Anker 556 work with MacBooks?

Basic hub functions and single-display output may work on some MacBooks, and Amazon reviews include successful MacBook use. It is still advertised mainly for Windows, and Mac dual-display behavior is not dependable. Mac users who need two extended external screens should choose a Thunderbolt or DisplayLink dock instead.

What ports are on the Anker 556 USB-C Hub?

The 556 has a USB4 upstream port, USB-C PD-IN, one 10Gbps USB-C data port, two 10Gbps USB-A ports, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and Gigabit Ethernet. Anker includes a 1.6 ft USB4 cable but not a wall charger.