Verdict
Head-to-head · Best USB-C Docks

Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Dock vs HyperDrive 12 USB-C Dock

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Dock and HyperDrive 12 USB-C Dock score essentially the same (4.2 vs 4.2). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Dock
Ranked #2 in Best USB-C Docks
Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Dock
$50

The Anker 555 USB-C 8-in-1 Hub offers significant upgrades over cheaper alternatives with its 4K60Hz HDMI output, full 10Gbps USB speeds across all ports, and dual card readers. Blogged Off reviewer noted it's bulkier than older hubs but provides better heat dissipation and reliable performance. Fstoppers reviewer praised its compact size and pass-through charging capabilities, though both reviewers mentioned the lack of rubber feet and awkward dangling design. This hub is ideal for creatives needing high-speed data transfer and display output, but those seeking a slimmer form factor or Thunderbolt connectivity should consider more expensive docking stations.

Strengths
  • Supports 4K at 60 Hz over HDMI, which is superior to most competitors that max out at 30 Hz
  • All USB ports (2x USB-A 3.2 and 1x USB-C 3.2) deliver 10 Gbps throughput
  • Includes both SD and microSD card readers with 104 MBps speed
Watch-outs
  • No rubber feet or grip mechanism, causing it to slide around on surfaces
  • Relatively bulky design compared to slim alternatives, awkwardly dangling from laptop
  • Ethernet port is included but may not be frequently used by many consumers
HyperDrive 12 USB-C Dock
Ranked #3 in Best USB-C Docks
HyperDrive 12 USB-C Dock
$149

The HyperDrive 12-Port USB-C Dock offers excellent value with its 12-port connectivity including dual HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 outputs, 10Gbps USB ports, and 100W power delivery passthrough. TechRadar praised its driver-free operation and triple display support on Windows and ChromeOS. However, reviewers noted the lack of included power adapter and limited macOS display support. The dock's 10Gbps host connection creates bandwidth bottlenecks when running multiple displays simultaneously, making it best suited for users who primarily work on Windows or ChromeOS systems rather than Mac users needing triple displays.

Strengths
  • Supports triple extended display on Windows and ChromeOS via MST without requiring drivers
  • 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A ports enable fast external drive transfers
  • Compact and lightweight design at just 480 grams with aluminum-look chassis
Watch-outs
  • Power adapter not included, required separately for PD charging
  • Triple display not supported on macOS due to lack of MST support
  • Two USB-A 2.0 ports limit transfer speeds to 480Mbps

How they stack up

Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Dock

The Anker 555 excels in 4K60Hz HDMI output and full 10Gbps USB speeds, surpassing the UGREEN Revodok Pro and HyperDrive 12 in display and data transfer capabilities. However, it lacks Thunderbolt support and is bulkier than the Satechi 15-in-1, which offers wireless charging and vertical device organization. Compared to the Dell D6000, it's more affordable but doesn't support triple 4K displays without DisplayLink drivers.

HyperDrive 12 USB-C Dock

The HyperDrive 12 provides driver-free triple display support on Windows and ChromeOS, unlike the Dell D6000 which requires DisplayLink drivers. It's more compact than the CalDigit TS4 and offers 10Gbps USB speeds, but lacks Thunderbolt support and has limited macOS compatibility. Compared to the Anker 555, it's less expensive but doesn't support 4K60Hz HDMI output.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAnker 555 8-in-1 USB-C DockHyperDrive 12 USB-C Dock
Host ConnectionUSB-CUSB-C
USB-A Ports2 ports with 10 Gbps2x 2.0
USB-C Ports1 port with 10 Gbps2x 10Gbps
Display Outputs4K at 60 Hz3 displays
Ethernet1 Gbps bandwidth10/100/1000 Mbps
Power Delivery85 watts pass-through100W
Card SlotsSD, microSDSD, microSD
Build MaterialPlasticAluminum
← See the full ranking of best usb-c docks