Anker 5-in-1 USB-C Hub Review — The MacBook Essential
Every MacBook owner needs this hub.
Apple sold you a MacBook with one USB-C port. Anker sells you this hub and suddenly you can charge, connect dual monitors, and have actual ports. $24.99. This is the hub everyone recommends, and for good reason.
Based on Amazon reviews, creator feedback, and product specs—not personal testing.
What it does
It's a USB-C hub (adapter, really). You plug it into your MacBook's one port, and you get:
- 4K HDMI output (plug in a monitor or TV)
- 85W USB-C power delivery (charge your laptop at full speed)
- 2 USB-A ports (keyboard, mouse, external drive)
- 1 USB-C port (second USB-C device)
Basically, it converts your single port into a working desk setup.
For: MacBook owners. Developers, designers, creators, anyone who needs to plug in more than one thing at a time.
What it costs
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $24.99 |
| HDMI | 4K @ 60Hz (dual monitor ready with adapters) |
| USB-C (charging) | 85W PD (full MacBook charging) |
| USB-A ports | 2 (for mouse, keyboard, external SSD) |
| USB-C (data) | 1 additional port |
| Material | Aluminum (feels premium) |
| Warranty | 18 months |
The good
- Does everything you need. HDMI, charging, USB. All in one compact package.
- 85W charging. Full power delivery—no slow charging while working.
- Build quality. Aluminum construction. Feels expensive, costs $25.
- Backward compatible. Works with every MacBook with USB-C (2016+).
- Reviews are solid. 4.5+ stars, thousands of creators use it.
Things to know
- One port per function. You can't charge AND use HDMI AND USB at the same time (the hub only has 5 ports total, they're all in use).
- Dual monitors require adapters. If you want two 4K displays, you need 2 HDMI adapters in the USB-A ports (defeats the purpose a bit).
- Compatibility varies by cable. Works with most USB-C cables, but cheap ones might not cooperate. Use quality cables.
- No Thunderbolt. If you're daisy-chaining Thunderbolt docks, this isn't it. For regular USB-C devices, it's fine.
Who it's for and who should skip it
Get it if: You own a MacBook. You plug in a monitor, charger, and peripherals. You want one compact solution instead of adapters everywhere.
Skip it if: You need Thunderbolt speeds (video editing with external Thunderbolt drives). You want to charge AND use HDMI simultaneously without sacrificing USB.
If you decide to buy it
- Keep it at your desk. It's not portable; it's a stationary dock replacement.
- Use 85W charging cable that comes with your MacBook.
- For dual monitors, invest in USB-C to HDMI adapters (about $15 each).
- Cable management: use a rubber band to keep cables organized.
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Disclosure: Amazon affiliate link. I earn a small commission if you buy, at no cost to you. Review based on creator feedback and user data, not personal testing.