Anker 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1) Review — A seemingly standard dongle proves its worth by delivering verified high-speed performance that leaves cheaper alternatives in the dust

Don't let Anker's confusing naming scheme trick you into buying a slower hub—the 555 is the 10Gbps powerhouse you actually want. It’s easy to look at a pile of identical-looking aluminum dongles on Amazon and assume they’re all the same, but this specific model is one of the few that actually delivers on the high-speed promises printed on the box.

What you're actually getting

I’ve cycled through more USB-C hubs than I care to admit, and most of them are glorified paperweights that choke the moment you plug in a high-speed SSD. The Anker 555 is different. It’s a workhorse designed for people who are tired of waiting for file transfers to crawl or dealing with the stuttery mess of a 30Hz external monitor. It feels dense, well-built, and—most importantly—it doesn't lie about its throughput.

When you plug this into your laptop, you aren't just getting a port multiplier; you're getting a genuine 10Gbps data bridge. While many cheaper hubs claim "high speed" but top out at 5Gbps, the 555 actually hits the numbers that matter for modern workflows. As Filterless Tech noted in their testing, the HDMI output is a highlight: "This HDMI port does 4K at 60Hz... 30 is almost unbearable to use." Having that extra fluidity makes a massive difference if you’re using your handheld or laptop as a desktop replacement.

However, it isn't perfect. Anker’s marketing department seems to have a loose relationship with the truth regarding power delivery. You’ll see "100W" plastered on the packaging, but you need to understand that the hub itself is a power-hungry device. It siphons off 15W to keep its own controllers and ports running, meaning your laptop only sees 85W. It’s still plenty for most ultrabooks and handhelds, but if you’re running a high-performance workstation that demands the full 100W, you’ll notice the slower charging speeds.

Performance — what reviewers actually measured

Specs are just numbers until you put them under a load. Here is how the Anker 555 holds up when you actually push data through it.

Where it actually wins

The real strength of the 555 is its reliability. Many hubs get hot enough to fry an egg and start dropping connections once they get warm. The 555 manages thermal output well enough that I haven't experienced a single disconnect during long file transfers. The inclusion of an Ethernet port and both SD and MicroSD card readers makes it a legitimate "everything" tool for creators who are tired of carrying a bag full of adapters.

I also appreciate the restraint in the design. There’s a tiny, subtle indicator light that tells you it’s active without turning your desk into a neon-lit nightclub. It’s a small detail, but when you’re working in a dim room or trying to focus, you’ll appreciate that Anker didn't slap a blindingly bright blue LED on the chassis.

Where it falls short

The biggest headache is the cable. It is frustratingly short and incredibly stiff. It feels like Anker designed this for a very specific, very narrow use case where the hub sits perfectly flush against the side of your device. If you want to tuck the hub behind your monitor or move it even a few inches away from your laptop port, you’re going to struggle. As Filterless Tech put it, "The cable's pretty stiff on this and really short, so what I would recommend is an extension."

Then there is the naming nightmare. Anker has a habit of releasing multiple hubs that look identical but have vastly different internal capabilities. If you aren't careful, you might accidentally buy a 5Gbps version that looks exactly like this 10Gbps model. You have to double-check the model number (555) specifically, or you’ll end up paying for performance you aren't actually getting.

Should you buy it?

Buy if you

• Are a video editor or photographer who moves large files between external SSDs and your computer daily.
• Need a reliable 4K/60Hz output for a secondary monitor.
• Want a single, durable hub that includes both Ethernet and card readers for travel.

Skip if you

• Need a stationary dock that sits on your desk with a long cable reach.
• Are running a high-power laptop that strictly requires a full 100W power delivery.
• Are looking for the cheapest possible dongle and don't care about data transfer speeds.

The Anker 555 delivers true 10Gbps speeds and 4K/60Hz video, making it a highly capable hub if you can look past its stubby cable.

Sources consulted

• Anker — Docking Station vs Hubs Explained
• Filterless Tech — Anker 555 USB-C HUB | 👌

Synthesis combines independent reviews above. Verdicts and quotes attributed to original creators. Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases via Amazon links.