The Anker 5‑in‑1 USB‑C hub is everywhere in 2025—often priced around $17—and it promises to turn a single USB‑C port into the essentials you need on the go. In this Anker 5‑in‑1 USB‑C hub review, we test ports, speeds, 4K HDMI, and travel readiness across Windows laptops, MacBooks, iPads, and big Android tablets to see if this tiny adapter is the best budget upgrade of the year.
If your new laptop or tablet dropped legacy ports, a compact hub is the easiest fix. Anker’s 5‑in‑1 keeps things simple: one HDMI for displays, multiple USB‑A for accessories, and pass‑through USB‑C for modern gear. The question is whether it’s reliable at 4K, fast enough for external drives, and durable for daily carry. Let’s dig in.
Overview & key features
- Form factor: pocketable, bus‑powered USB‑C hub
- Typical ports: 1× HDMI, 3× USB‑A, 1× USB‑C (data; models may vary)
- Use cases: external displays, keyboards/mice, flash drives/SSDs, card readers (via USB)
- Compatibility: Windows, macOS, iPadOS, Android tablets with USB‑C
Ports and power
This hub’s appeal is coverage without clutter. For office and travel, HDMI + USB‑A is the right blend: plug in a projector or monitor, add a receiver for your mouse, and connect storage. Bus power keeps cables light—no wall brick to carry. If you need laptop charging (USB‑C Power Delivery) through the hub, you’ll want a PD‑capable model or a larger 6–8‑in‑1 dock; most 5‑in‑1 budget units focus on data + display, not passthrough charging.
Build and travel readiness
The enclosure feels denser than no‑name hubs, with strain relief at both ends to tolerate backpack life. A short, fixed USB‑C pigtail is typical; if you prefer replaceable cables, step up to a modular hub. Thermal behavior is calm under normal use—warm during 4K output, not hot.
Performance testing
We tested this 5‑in‑1 class hub with a 14‑inch Windows ultrabook, a MacBook Air, an iPad (USB‑C), and a Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra in DeX. We focused on three basics: display stability, USB transfer speeds, and power draw.
- HDMI display: 4K at 30 Hz was the most consistent outcome across hosts; 1080p at 60 Hz was rock solid. Some systems negotiated 4K/60 depending on GPU/USB‑C alt mode, cable quality, and display EDID. For smooth desktop use, 1080p/60 on projectors and office monitors felt great.
- USB storage: External SSDs hit typical USB 3.x hub speeds for this class, fast enough for document libraries and light media. If you move multi‑gig video daily, a higher‑spec hub or direct USB‑C connection is better.
- Input devices: Keyboards, mice, card readers, and dongles behaved predictably without dropouts.
Tip: Use short, certified HDMI cables. Long or unshielded runs are a common culprit when 4K/60 won’t lock or flickers.
Compatibility and real‑world use
Where a pocket hub shines is flexibility. We swapped it between a MacBook Air, a Windows laptop, an iPad, and a big Android tablet without drivers.
- Windows/macOS: Plug‑and‑play for displays and USB 3 peripherals. If your laptop supports DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB‑C, HDMI works immediately.
- iPadOS: External display mirroring is straightforward; extended “Stage Manager” layouts depend on iPad model and iPadOS version.
- Android tablets: Samsung DeX on the Tab S11 Ultra ran smoothly at 1080p/60 over HDMI. USB‑A ports handled keyboards, mice, and drives as expected.
Students and analysts who live in research apps benefit most. Pair your laptop or tablet with a display for documents and keep your primary screen for notes and chat. If you’re building a study stack, see our hands‑on with Google NotebookLM—it’s a great companion to a dual‑screen setup.
Who is it for?
- Travelers who present often and need a reliable HDMI output
- Students and consultants who juggle USB accessories and external displays
- Tablet users who want a “mini desktop” without carrying a dock
Who should skip: Power users who need multi‑monitor 4K/60, 100W USB‑C passthrough charging, Ethernet, or SD slots baked in. You’ll want a larger 7–10‑in‑1 dock.
Comparison & alternatives
| Adapter | Best for | Strengths | Trade‑offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anker 5‑in‑1 USB‑C Hub | Everyday travel & presentations | Compact, affordable, reliable basics | No PD passthrough; limited total I/O |
| Anker 7‑in‑1 (with PD) | Single‑cable laptop charging + I/O | Adds power delivery, card reader | Larger and pricier |
| UGREEN 6‑in‑1 USB‑C | Budget multiport | Often includes Ethernet or SD | Varies by model; check 4K support |
| Satechi Slim Aluminum | Mac‑matching aesthetics | Sturdy build, premium feel | Higher price for similar I/O |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Great value for core I/O (HDMI + USB‑A + USB‑C data)
- Solid build and calm thermals for a pocket hub
- Reliable 1080p/60 output; 4K works on capable hosts
- Works across laptops, iPad, and Android tablets
Cons
- No USB‑C power delivery passthrough on most 5‑in‑1 variants
- Single HDMI limits multi‑monitor setups
- SSD transfers are “good enough,” not dock‑class fast
Pricing
The headline price you’ll see in 2025 is around $17, with occasional swings between $15–$25 depending on sales and the exact port mix. If you need PD passthrough or Ethernet, expect to spend $30–$60 for higher‑tier models. Always confirm the SKU’s port list and supported resolutions on the retailer or manufacturer’s page.
- Best value: entry 5‑in‑1 for students, frequent presenters, and light travelers
- Step‑up: 7‑in‑1 with PD if you want single‑cable charging at your desk
Best practices and setup tips
- Display first: Plug HDMI into the hub before connecting the hub to your device for a cleaner handshake.
- Use certified cables: High‑quality USB‑C and HDMI cables reduce flicker and handshake issues.
- Mind power: If your laptop has few USB‑C ports, consider a PD‑capable hub to keep charging simple.
- Tablet desktop mode: Samsung DeX and iPad external display features pair well with compact hubs—see our Tab S11 Ultra review for DeX ergonomics and battery habits.
Final verdict
If you want a simple, trustworthy way to add a screen and a few ports, the Anker 5‑in‑1 USB‑C hub is easy to recommend. It nails the basics—HDMI for presentations and monitors, USB‑A for peripherals, and a USB‑C data port—without adding bulk or cost. For many students, consultants, and travelers, it’s the best $17 you can spend to make a modern laptop or tablet less fussy.
Power users will outgrow it. If you need passthrough charging, Ethernet, SD slots, or guaranteed 4K/60 on every host, step up to a bigger dock. Everyone else can pocket this hub and stop worrying about which adapter a meeting room uses.
FAQs
Does the Anker 5‑in‑1 USB‑C hub support 4K at 60 Hz?
It depends on your laptop/tablet’s USB‑C DisplayPort Alt Mode capability, the hub variant, and your HDMI cable. 1080p/60 is reliably supported; 4K often negotiates at 30 Hz on entry‑class hubs.
Can I charge my laptop through this hub?
Most budget 5‑in‑1 hubs don’t support USB‑C power delivery passthrough. If you want single‑cable charging plus I/O, get a 7–8‑in‑1 hub with PD.
Will it work with iPad or Android tablets?
Yes. iPads with USB‑C and many Android tablets output video via USB‑C. On Samsung tablets, DeX provides a desktop‑style experience—see our Tab S11 Ultra review for details.
Is it fast enough for external SSDs?
For documents, photos, and light media, yes. If you constantly move large video projects, connect SSDs directly to USB‑C or choose a higher‑spec dock.
Does it need drivers?
No drivers were required in our tests on Windows, macOS, iPadOS, or Android. It’s plug‑and‑play for displays and USB 3 peripherals.
How many devices can I plug in at once?
You can use all ports simultaneously, but heavy bus‑powered devices may push the hub’s power budget. Use self‑powered drives or a PD‑capable hub if you see disconnects.
What’s the difference between USB‑C and Thunderbolt hubs?
Thunderbolt offers higher bandwidth and features like dual 4K/60 or 8K support on capable hosts, typically at higher cost. USB‑C hubs target affordability and core I/O.
Where can I confirm specs?
Check the exact model page on the manufacturer’s site and review USB/HDMI standards at the USB‑IF and HDMI.org. Links below.
Sources and further reading
- Anker (hub lineup and specs): anker.com
- USB Implementers Forum (USB‑C & USB 3 standards): usb.org
- HDMI (video spec guidance): hdmi.org/spec
- Thunderbolt overview (capabilities & bandwidth): intel.com
