Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Docking Stations

Anker 563 10-in-1 Docking Station 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.

The short answer

Anker 563 10-in-1 Docking Station and Plugable USBC-9IN1E score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Anker 563 10-in-1 Docking Station
Ranked #2 in Best Docking Stations
Anker 563 10-in-1 Docking Station
$199

The Anker 563 USB-C Docking Station (10-in-1) earns praise for its sleek design and robust functionality, offering triple display support, 100W charging, and a range of connectivity options including dual HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-A, and Ethernet ports. MacSources rated it 95% for its excellent performance, calling it ideal for work and gaming. However, reviewers noted the lack of a sleep mode and fewer ports than some competitors. The dock's large power brick and unremarkable packaging are also drawbacks. This product suits multitasking enthusiasts and professionals needing reliable connectivity but may not meet users seeking maximum portability or advanced features.

Strengths
  • Sleek and compact design that fits well in office or home workspaces
  • Triple display support with dual HDMI and DisplayPort for multitasking
  • 100W charging capability for fast laptop charging including MacBooks
Watch-outs
  • No sleep mode; continuously supplies power to all devices
  • Limited port selection compared to competitors in the same price range
  • Power brick is described as large and bulky
Plugable USBC-9IN1E
Ranked #3 in Best Docking Stations
Plugable USBC-9IN1E
$50

The Plugable USB-C 9-in-1 Hub delivers strong performance as a compact, plug-and-play solution for expanding laptop connections. Tech reviewer Michael Bizzaco praised its ability to handle multiple devices simultaneously without driver issues, noting reliable 4K/60Hz HDMI output and 140W pass-through charging. Customer reviews on Staples echoed these positives, with users highlighting ease of use and solid build quality. However, some users noted the short built-in cable and single HDMI port as limitations, while a few mentioned the hub gets warm under heavy load. This hub is ideal for professionals seeking a portable, reliable expansion solution but may not suit users requiring multiple video outputs or extensive data transfer.

Strengths
  • Plug-and-play design with no drivers required
  • Supports 4K/60Hz HDMI output and 140W pass-through charging
  • All ports work flawlessly with multiple devices connected
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

How they stack up

Anker 563 10-in-1 Docking Station

The Anker 563 10-in-1 Docking Station offers triple display support and 100W charging, making it more feature-rich than the Plugable USBC-9IN1E which only supports one video output. It's more affordable than the CalDigit TS4 and provides better port variety, though it lacks the 98W power delivery and 18-port configuration of the CalDigit. Compared to the UGREEN Revodok Max, it offers better port selection and more reliable performance, but lacks the Thunderbolt 4 performance and build quality of the UGREEN.

Plugable USBC-9IN1E

The Plugable USBC-9IN1E offers a plug-and-play design and 140W pass-through charging that outperforms the Anker 555, but lacks the HDMI output and USB-A ports of the Anker 563. Unlike the CalDigit TS4, it's more compact and affordable but provides fewer ports and no 98W power delivery. 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 563 10-in-1 Docking StationPlugable USBC-9IN1E
Power Delivery100W PD IN100W
Ports2× USB-A 3.1 Gen 1, 2× USB-A 2.0, 1× USB-C 3.1 Gen 1USB-C, USB-A, SD, microSD
Display Support2K HDMI, 2K DisplayPort4K@60Hz
Ethernet1× 1Gbps RJ451 Gbps
USB SpeedUSB 3.2 Gen 2USB 3.2 Gen 2
ThunderboltNoNo
Weight0.45 kg4.7 ounces
Audio1× 3.5mm Combo Jack3.5mm Combo
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