Anker Laptop Docking Station Dual Monitor, 8-in-1 USB C Hub, 4K Dual Monitor with 2 HDMI (A83800A1)
Quick take
This Anker USB-C docking hub expands one port into dual HDMI (4K output options), USB-A, gigabit Ethernet, and SD card reading, making it well suited for dual-monitor desk setups. Buyers report straightforward plug-and-play setup on compatible laptops and reliable monitor output, but macOS users should expect the two external displays to mirror rather than extend. Also, to get the advertised charging performance, you need the right USB-C PD power source and cables.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Dual HDMI support for external displays, with 4K output options (with mirror behavior on macOS).
- Includes 1 Gbps Ethernet plus USB-A ports and an SD card reader for everyday connectivity.
- Pass-through USB-C power delivery up to 85W for charging the laptop while docked.
- Plug-and-play setup reported by buyers, including compatibility with Dell XPS laptops.
Cons
- macOS dual-monitor behavior is limited to mirroring on both external screens.
- Full charging performance depends on using a compatible USB-C PD wall charger and the right cable.
- Not compatible with Linux.
- May run warm with heavier, continuous use.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence for this docking hub centers on three practical themes: (1) day-to-day reliability, where many people report stable dual-monitor operation once connected, (2) ease of setup, with multiple buyers describing plug-and-play behavior without extra drivers on their systems, and (3) real-world functionality, including the ability to run both HDMI monitors and keep the laptop charged from the same USB-C connection. The most consistently highlighted limitations are macOS mirroring behavior and the dock’s dependence on having the proper power setup to realize its charging capability.
How the Anker dock expands one USB-C port
At a glance, this is an 8-in-1 USB-C hub designed to turn a single connection into a desk-friendly set of ports. You get two HDMI outputs for external displays, gigabit Ethernet for wired networking, and a mix of USB-A ports plus an SD card reader. There is also a USB-C PD input so your laptop can charge while the dock powers and routes your accessories.
Dual-monitor performance and the macOS mirroring caveat
The dock supports dual HDMI connections, with 4K output options depending on how you’re driving one versus two displays. For buyers who want “two separate desktops” on macOS, the important caveat is that both external monitors mirror the same image instead of extending your desktop across both screens. Windows users typically have more flexibility for multi-monitor workflows, but it still comes down to your laptop’s display capabilities over DP Alt Mode and USB-C Power Delivery.
Best use case: workstations that need a tidy dual-monitor setup
If your goal is to connect two monitors, a mouse, and Ethernet through one cable, this dock is built for that kind of desk routine. Buyers also specifically mention success pairing it with Dell XPS laptops, and running full display resolution for common monitor sizes through HDMI.
Charging through the dock, up to 85W
This dock supports USB-C Power Delivery pass-through, with support up to 85W charging for compatible laptops. The catch is that the dock’s charging performance is not solely determined by the dock itself. You’ll need a suitable 100W PD wall charger and a USB-C to C cable to reach the higher charging expectations, and you’ll want to confirm your laptop’s PD requirements.
What to check before buying
- Your laptop supports USB-C video output (DP Alt Mode) and Power Delivery.
- Your intended monitors work with HDMI and your target resolutions or refresh needs.
- You can supply the PD wall charger and USB-C cable required for the charging level you want.
Connectivity extras: Ethernet and SD card reading
Besides dual HDMI, the dock includes 1 Gbps Ethernet, which is a common requirement for stable work connections, and it also adds an SD card reader for transferring files from cameras, media cards, and other accessories. For many buyers, these “secondary” ports are what make a USB-C hub feel like a true dock rather than just a video adapter.
Compatibility and limitations
This dock is intended for laptops that support USB-C, USB4, or Thunderbolt connections with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. It’s listed for Windows 10 and 11, and ChromeOS is supported as well. The major limitations to know are that it is not compatible with Linux, and macOS dual-monitor behavior is mirroring rather than extending.
Pros and cons summary (who it’s for)
Buy it if you want a compact dual-monitor USB-C dock
This is a good fit for Windows users and many USB-C/Thunderbolt laptop owners who want to connect two HDMI monitors, Ethernet, and everyday USB accessories through a single cable, while also charging from the dock.
Skip it if you need extended dual displays on macOS
If your primary goal is to extend different content across two external monitors on a Mac, the mirroring behavior means it will not match that workflow.
Skip it if you’re using Linux
If you need a Linux-compatible dock, this one is not the right choice.
Price and availability
Pricing and stock can change quickly. Check the current listing for the latest price and the easiest way to confirm compatibility with your specific laptop model and power adapter setup.
FAQs
Does this Anker dock support dual monitors?
Yes. It includes two HDMI ports for connecting two external displays, with 4K output options depending on whether you use one or both HDMI connections. On macOS, the external displays mirror each other rather than extending.
Can it charge my laptop while I use the dock?
Yes. It supports USB-C Power Delivery pass-through charging up to 85W, but you’ll need a compatible USB-C PD wall charger (100W) and a USB-C to C cable to achieve the higher charging performance.
Is it compatible with macOS?
It works with macOS-equipped systems, but the two external monitors will display identical mirrored content instead of extending your desktop across both screens.
Does this dock work with Linux?
No. It is not compatible with Linux.
What ports are included besides the HDMI outputs?
In addition to two HDMI ports, it includes 1 Gbps Ethernet, multiple USB-A ports, and an SD card reader.
Do I need to install drivers?
Many buyers report plug-and-play setup on compatible laptops without driver installation. Still, performance and features depend on your laptop’s USB-C DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery support.
Specifications
| Product Title | Anker Laptop Docking Station Dual Monitor, 8-in-1 USB C Hub, 4K Dual Monitor with 2 HDMI, 1 Gbps Ethernet Hub, 85W Power Delivery, SD Card Reader, for XPS and More (Charger not Included) |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Laptop Accessories > Docking Stations |
| Brand | Anker |
| Manufacturer | Anker |
| Model Number | A83800A1 |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Item Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Color | Gray |
| Hardware Interface | Ethernet, HDMI, MicroSD, USB 3.0 |
| Additional Features | HDMI™️, Powered |
| Compatible Devices | Full Functional USB C Lenovo/HP/Dell laptops, Macbook/iMac (For macOS, the displays on the both external monitors are identical) |
| Total Usb Ports | 3 |
| Data Transfer Rate | 5120 Megabytes Per Second |
| Number of Ports | 8 |
| Minimum Required Operating System Version | Windows 10 |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Not Smart Home Compatible |
| Enclosure Material | Aluminum |
| UPC | 194644032081 |
| Mfr Part Number | A83800A1 |
| Warranty Description | 18 months |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 4.65"L x 2.01"W x 0.69"H |
| Special Feature | HDMI™️, Powered |
Available variants
Style
- 8 in 1 【2 HDMI + Ethernet】
- 7 in 1 【1 HDMI】
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