★★★★★ 5
Quality 100W capable all-in-one USB-C hub from Anker
Style: 7-in-2 4K@30Hz, Style: 7-in-2 4K@30Hz
I recently added a 16" MacBook Pro to the family and with the extra size/weight wanted to slim down on carrying adapters. I also have a 13" MacBook Pro (2018) and wanted something that would work for both of these without any shortfalls.
The Anker delivers and works flawlessly on both of my MacBooks.
Charging - It offers full rate charging on either unit and so far - hasn't gotten all that warm in the process. I expected a bake fest and me returning it, so was surprised there.
Plugs/Ports - I skipped the Hyper-hub craze as I just never liked the fit into my MacBooks. So this is the first dual-port type device I have used on my Mac's, but it fits very well and doesn't feel like anything needs to be forced to work. Likewise on the receiving side, the card slots are friendly and you won't lose your cards, but it still holds them well. The USB-C ports respond well and have worked with all charger cables and dongles that I have. The USB-A's are classic Anker quality.
Thinking about this more...I think I actually like plugging and unplugging things in this. There are some brands (cough: UNI) that I wonder if "this is the time" when it breaks on me or keeps my cable end. So far so good on the Anker.
Peripherals and what works - I have only used portables on it a few times so I do not have much testing with NVME there yet, but SSD is just fine and works as normal.
Only (1) port of this has Displayport active on it (the charge port). So if you are plugging in two screens to one side of the MacBook - that will need to change. At the same time, if you can convert one of those to HDMI you can connect the HDMI and then Displayport (via USB-C) over the charge port.
In addition to fitting the ports well I should also mention - on the 13" MacBook Pro and Air this should lie mostly flush with the work surface you are on and the laptop edge. On the 16" MacBook Pro it does have a little gap under it due to the height of that unit. But it still does not protrude past the top edge and won't bug you if you brush your hand over it.
TL;DR:
At the time of this review I am about a week in. and have removed all the "docks" from my office and home so I can give this a decent test.
At 60$ it is more expensive than other options, but performs very well for my needs.
Cons: price I guess. I wouldn't mind a GigE Ethernet port on it at the same price point of 60$, or wait for it on sale if you don't care about the port. Big ANKER on the top of It sort of annoying, if I am picking nits.
Pros: Quality interface, known brand, works well on multiple years of MacBook with no weirdness or driver problems. Compatible with latest models and software. Color matches the Apple Space Gray acceptably.
I hope you found this review helpful, if not - leave a comment and let me know how we can change that!
Thanks for reading my review,
Chris
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Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2020