Anker 577 Docking Station Review
Discover the Anker 577 Docking Station, a tech harmony hero uniting your devices with ease. Fast charging, dual 4K support, and 40Gbps transfers make life smoother.
Thunderbolt 3 at 40 Gbps, dual 4K displays, 85W laptop charging, and a carrying pouch in the box. The Anker 577 is Anker’s Thunderbolt 3 desk dock — thirteen ports including two TB3, HDMI, three USB-A, USB-C PD, Gigabit Ethernet, and SD/MicroSD readers. It sits below the Anker 778 Thunderbolt 4 in Anker’s dock lineup and above the Anker 555 and 565 USB-C hubs. The difference between TB3 and TB4 for daily desk use is minimal — both run at 40 Gbps, both drive dual 4K — but TB4 guarantees minimum specs that TB3 does not. For a laptop with Thunderbolt 3 that needs a full desk dock from Anker, the 577 matches the connection standard without paying for TB4 capability the laptop cannot use.
Thirteen ports. 85W to laptop. 18W USB-C for phone. Dual 4K or single 5K. Gigabit Ethernet. SD/MicroSD. Three USB-A. Silver aluminum. 1.54 kg / 3.4 lbs. Includes carrying pouch. macOS, Windows, iPadOS, Linux. Anker manufacturer warranty.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Ports | 13 |
| Thunderbolt 3 | 2 (40 Gbps each) |
| USB-C PD | 1 (18W, phone/tablet charging) |
| USB-A | 3 |
| HDMI | 1 |
| Gigabit Ethernet | 1 |
| SD Card Reader | 1 |
| MicroSD Card Reader | 1 |
| Display: Dual | 4K via TB3 + HDMI |
| Display: Single | 5K via TB3 |
| Data Transfer | 40 Gbps (Thunderbolt 3) |
| Power to Laptop | 85W (via Thunderbolt 3) |
| Power to Phone | 18W (via USB-C PD) |
| Compatible OS | macOS, Windows, iPadOS, Linux |
| Requires | Thunderbolt 3 port on laptop |
| Color | Silver |
| Weight | 1.54 kg / 3.4 lbs |
| Dimensions | Not specified |
| Includes | Dock, power adapter, carrying pouch |
| Manufacturer | Anker |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty (duration not specified) |
Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports: Display and Data
Two TB3 ports at 40 Gbps each. One connects to the laptop (upstream). The second serves as a downstream port for a Thunderbolt display, a Thunderbolt storage device, or daisy-chaining additional Thunderbolt peripherals. The HDMI port adds a second display path for monitors that use HDMI. Together, the downstream TB3 and HDMI port provide dual 4K display output. For a single high-resolution monitor, the TB3 port drives 5K.
The 40 Gbps bandwidth handles large file transfers from Thunderbolt storage arrays, direct editing from external Thunderbolt SSDs, and video output simultaneously without bottlenecking. For video editors and photographers who work from fast external storage, TB3 bandwidth means the dock does not slow down the drive.
85W Laptop Charging Plus 18W Phone Charging
The TB3 upstream port delivers 85W to the laptop. A separate USB-C PD port delivers 18W for phone or tablet charging. Two devices charge simultaneously from the dock. 85W covers MacBook Air (30-45W) at full speed and MacBook Pro 14″ (70-96W) at near full speed. MacBook Pro 16″ (140W) charges below full speed. The 18W USB-C port charges most phones at standard PD speed — not the fastest wireless charging replacement, but enough to keep the phone gaining battery throughout a workday.
Where the 577 Fits in Anker’s Lineup
Anker makes five docks and hubs reviewed across the ScreenExtendersHub catalog. The 7-in-1 (dual 1080p HDMI, no Ethernet, travel hub). The 555 8-in-1 (single 4K, Ethernet, card readers, travel hub). The 565 11-in-1 (HDMI + DP, Ethernet, desk hub). The 577 13-in-1 (Thunderbolt 3, dual 4K, 85W, desk dock). The 778 (Thunderbolt 4, premium dock).
The 577 is the first Anker dock in the lineup that provides Thunderbolt bandwidth. Everything below it (555, 565, 7-in-1) runs on USB-C at lower speeds. The 778 above it provides Thunderbolt 4 with guaranteed minimum specs. For a laptop with TB3, the 577 matches. For a laptop with TB4, the 778 takes full advantage of the newer standard. For a laptop with only USB-C, the 555 or 565 are the right match. For the Anker 778 comparison, see the Anker 778 Thunderbolt Docking Station review. For the Anker 555, see the Anker 555 USB-C Hub review.
Carrying Pouch Included
At 3.4 lbs, the 577 is a desk dock. But Anker includes a carrying pouch, which suggests they expect some users to move it between locations — home desk and office desk, for example. The pouch protects the dock’s ports from dust and the aluminum body from scratches during transport. For someone who docks at home in the morning and docks at the office after commuting, the pouch keeps the dock protected in a bag alongside the laptop.
Linux and iPadOS Support
The 577 supports Linux and iPadOS alongside macOS and Windows. Linux support is uncommon for Thunderbolt docks — many docks exclude Linux entirely. iPadOS support means iPads with Thunderbolt (iPad Pro M1 and newer) can connect to the dock for external display output, USB peripherals, and Ethernet. For Linux users who need a Thunderbolt dock from a known brand, the Anker 577 is one of the few that lists Linux as supported.
Drawbacks
| Consideration | Detail |
|---|---|
| Thunderbolt 3, Not TB4 | TB4 provides guaranteed minimum specs that TB3 does not. |
| 3.4 lbs | Desk dock weight. Portable with included pouch but heavy for daily carry. |
| 85W, Not 100W | High-power laptops charge below full speed. |
| Warranty Duration Unknown | “Manufacturer Warranty” listed without specifying months or years. |
| Dimensions Not Listed | Only weight provided. |
| USB-A Port Speeds Not Specified | USB-A count listed but Gbps not stated. |
| Requires Thunderbolt 3 | Standard USB-C laptops without Thunderbolt will not deliver full functionality. |
Who This Dock Is For
Thunderbolt 3 laptop owners who need a 13-port desk dock with dual 4K, 85W charging, Ethernet, card readers, and Anker’s brand behind it: The 577 provides Thunderbolt bandwidth, thirteen ports, and a carrying pouch for moving between desks. macOS, Windows, iPadOS, and Linux all supported. If your laptop has TB3 and you want a full dock from Anker without paying for TB4 capability you cannot use, the 577 matches the connection standard at the right tier. For Anker’s TB4 dock, see the Anker 778 review.
USB-C-only laptop owners or buyers who need 100W+ charging: The 577 requires Thunderbolt 3. USB-C laptops without Thunderbolt will not deliver full functionality. 85W charging may be insufficient for high-power workstations. For USB-C hubs, see the docking stations hub page.
Final Verdict
The Anker 577 is the Thunderbolt 3 entry in Anker’s dock lineup. Thirteen ports, dual 4K, 40 Gbps, 85W charging, Ethernet, card readers, and a carrying pouch in the box. It serves the TB3 laptop owner who needs a full desk dock without stepping up to the 778 Thunderbolt 4. Linux and iPadOS support broaden the compatibility beyond what most Thunderbolt docks offer. At 3.4 lbs, it lives on the desk. The pouch lets it travel between two desks. The 85W charging, unspecified USB-A speeds, and unknown warranty duration are the gaps. For a Thunderbolt 3 dock from a brand with established USB-C hub experience across five products in the category, the Anker 577 provides the connection and the confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Thunderbolt 4?
No. Thunderbolt 3. Both run at 40 Gbps, but TB4 guarantees minimum specs (like mandatory dual 4K support) that TB3 does not require. For Anker’s TB4 dock, the 778 provides that.
Does this work with a USB-C laptop that does not have Thunderbolt?
Partial functionality at reduced capability. Full performance requires Thunderbolt 3 on the laptop. Display output and data transfer speeds will be limited on standard USB-C.
Can I charge my phone and laptop at the same time?
Yes. 85W to the laptop through Thunderbolt 3. 18W to the phone through USB-C PD. Both charge simultaneously.
Why does it include a pouch?
At 3.4 lbs, the dock is heavy for a travel accessory but portable enough to move between a home desk and an office desk. The pouch protects the ports and body during transport.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Docking Station Intelligence
The standards are confusing by design. These three panels decode what manufacturers won’t explain clearly. Applicable to every docking station.
The USB-C Confusion Matrix
The USB-C connector is the single greatest source of buyer confusion in docking stations. The physical plug looks identical whether it carries USB 2.0 at 480 Mbps or Thunderbolt 5 at 120 Gbps — a 250x difference in capability hidden behind the same shape. Manufacturers exploit this by labeling everything "USB-C compatible" without specifying which protocol runs through it. Two docks can look identical on the outside and behave completely differently once you plug them in.
The hierarchy matters because it determines everything: how many monitors your dock can drive, how fast files transfer, whether your laptop charges while docked, and whether you need third-party drivers. Here is the real capability ladder, from slowest to fastest:
The practical takeaway: if your laptop has Thunderbolt 4, buy a Thunderbolt dock. If it only has generic USB-C, verify whether it supports DisplayPort Alt Mode before buying anything with multi-monitor claims. Our buying guide walks through verification steps for every major laptop brand.
Power Delivery: What the Watts Mean
Power Delivery (PD) determines whether your docking station can charge your laptop while you work, or whether you need a separate charger cluttering your desk. The math is simple but rarely explained: your laptop draws a specific wattage under load, and the dock must match or exceed it. If the dock delivers less than your laptop needs, the battery slowly drains even while plugged in — defeating the purpose of a docking station entirely.
Most ultrabooks need 45–65W. Standard business laptops need 65–100W. Gaming and workstation laptops can demand 100–140W or more. The dock’s advertised PD wattage is the maximum it can deliver to your laptop — but this drops if you charge other devices (phones, tablets) through the dock simultaneously. Always leave a 15–20W margin above your laptop’s requirement.
Check your laptop’s original charger wattage — that’s your baseline. Our FAQ covers how to find this for every major brand.
Native Display vs DisplayLink: The Hidden Factor
This is the decision most buyers don’t know they’re making. When a docking station outputs video to your monitors, it uses one of two fundamentally different methods: native (the dock passes your laptop’s GPU signal directly to the monitor) or DisplayLink (the dock compresses video over USB and a software driver renders it). The difference is invisible in marketing materials but profoundly affects your daily experience.
Native output through DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt uses your laptop’s actual graphics hardware. There is zero added latency, full DRM support for streaming services, no CPU overhead, and no driver to install. DisplayLink, by contrast, adds 5–15ms of latency (noticeable in video calls and cursor movement), blocks DRM content on connected monitors (Netflix, Disney+ show black screens), consumes 3–8% of your CPU constantly, and requires a driver that Apple’s macOS security updates occasionally break.
DisplayLink exists for one reason: Apple Silicon base chips (M1, M2, M3) can only drive one external display natively. If you need two or more monitors on a base MacBook Air or 13” MacBook Pro, DisplayLink is your only option. For everyone else — Windows users, Mac Pro/Max chip users, Intel/AMD laptops — native is always the better choice.
Native (Alt Mode / Thunderbolt)
DisplayLink (USB compression)
The bottom line: if your laptop supports native multi-display output, always choose a native dock. DisplayLink is a workaround, not an upgrade. See our glossary for detailed definitions.
COMMAND CENTERCOMMAND CENTER
Six tools that decode the confusion manufacturers create. Port protocols, power budgets, display configurations, compatibility, desk planning, and future-proofing. Full buying guide →
Port Protocol DecoderWhat does your connection type actually support? Glossary
Power Delivery CalculatorCan this dock keep your laptop charged?
Display Configuration PlannerCan your dock push enough pixels?
Laptop-to-Dock CompatibilityWill this dock work with YOUR laptop?
Desk Setup ArchitectWhat ports do you actually need?
Select everything you need to connect: