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Head-to-head · Best Docking Stations

Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub vs Plugable USBC-9IN1E

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

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The short answer

Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.2). Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub is best for: MacBook Air/Pro users needing multiple connections. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub
Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Docking Stations
Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub
2 sourcesall derived$48.16as of Oct 20

Creatives who need several connections at once are the target for the Anker 555 USB-C Hub. Fstoppers praised the 4K 60Hz HDMI output and PC Tech Bits found the data transfer speeds reliable. It handles pass-through charging up to 85 watts and includes Ethernet, USB-A, USB-C, and card readers. PC Tech Bits cautioned that it needs a quality charger to avoid performance issues, and Reddit users reported occasional compatibility quirks. MacBook Air and Pro owners get the most out of it; Linux users and people with older devices may not.

Strengths
  • — Compact and lightweight design at 4.5 ounces with small footprint
  • — 4K HDMI output at 60 Hz supporting high-definition displays
  • — 85-watt pass-through charging capability for power delivery
Watch-outs
  • — No rubber feet provided, causing potential sliding on surfaces
  • — Requires separate USB-C cable and power adapter for full functionality
  • — Charging performance drops with power-hungry laptops or overloaded ports
$48.16 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Plugable USBC-9IN1E
Ranked #7 in Best Docking Stations
Plugable USBC-9IN1E
1 source$49.95as of Oct 20

The Plugable USBC-9IN1E is a compact nine-port hub that works the moment it is plugged in - no drivers, no vendor software, no configuration. How-To Geek scored it 8 out of 10 after running flash drives, an SD card and an audio interface off it at once without the hub losing track of any of them. It drives one 4K display at 60Hz over HDMI, passes power through to the laptop, and warms up noticeably when everything is in use. Portable workers who need one screen and a lot of ports are the fit; anyone running two monitors is not.

Strengths
  • — Plug-and-play - devices appear the moment it is connected, with no drivers or vendor software
  • — Single HDMI output drives a 4K display at 60Hz with HDR
  • — 0.29 pounds with a captive cable, small enough to live in a laptop sleeve
Watch-outs
  • — Built-in USB-C cable is rather short
  • — Only one video output (HDMI) limits multi-monitor setups
  • — Hub gets warm with multiple connections
$49.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub

The Anker 555 8-in-1 Hub is more compact and affordable than the CalDigit TS4, but lacks the 98W power delivery and 18-port configuration that makes the CalDigit a powerhouse for demanding users. Compared to the Plugable USBC-9IN1E, it offers more ports and better charging capabilities, though the Plugable has a more plug-and-play design and doesn't require a separate power adapter. Unlike the Anker 563, it provides better HDMI output and pass-through charging but is less versatile in terms of port variety.

Plugable USBC-9IN1E

The Plugable USBC-9IN1E offers a plug-and-play design and 140W pass-through charging that outperforms the Anker 555. Unlike the CalDigit TS4, it's more compact and affordable but provides fewer ports. Compared to the UGREEN Revodok Max, it's more affordable and easier to use, though it lacks the Thunderbolt 4 performance and vertical stand capability of the UGREEN.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAnker 555 8-in-1 USB-C HubPlugable USBC-9IN1E
Power Delivery100-watt input, 85-watt pass-through charging140W input / 125W to host (PD 3.1 EPR); 100W / 85W on PD 3.0
PortsHDMI, USB-A 3.2, USB-C 3.2, Ethernet, SD, microSDUSB-C, USB-A, SD, microSD
Display Support4K at 60 Hz HDMI output4K@60Hz
EthernetGigabit Ethernet1 Gbps
USB Speed10 Gbps USB throughputUSB 3.2 Gen 2
ThunderboltNoNo
Weight0.28 lb0.29 lb
Audio3.5mm Audio Jack3.5mm Combo
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