11-in-1 Docking Station Review
Simplify your tech life with the Anker 11-in-1 Docking Station. Fast data, dual monitors, and power delivery turn any laptop into a productivity powerhouse!
Eleven ports, dual monitors, 10 Gbps USB, Ethernet, card readers, audio, and laptop charging, all from one USB-C cable in a metal body that weighs 0.3 lbs. The Anker 565 is the Anker hub that has everything the Anker 7-in-1 does not: a second video output via DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet for wired network, an AUX port for headphones, SD/microSD card readers, and two extra USB-A ports for peripherals. If the 7-in-1 is the travel hub, the 565 is the desk hub. It is the dock you leave plugged in at your workstation with two monitors, wired network, and everything connected.
One correction upfront: the product title says “100W Power Delivery” but the bullet says “up to 85W pass-through charging.” The dock accepts up to 100W input from your charger but delivers 85W to the laptop. 15W powers the dock’s own operations. The charger is not included. Mac users get identical displays on both external monitors, not extended. Linux is not supported. 18-month Anker warranty.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Ports | 11 |
| HDMI | 1 (4K) |
| DisplayPort | 1 (4K) |
| USB-C Data | 1 (10 Gbps) |
| USB-A Data (fast) | 1 (10 Gbps) |
| USB-A Data (standard) | 2 (480 Mbps) |
| USB-C PD | 100W input, 85W output to laptop |
| Gigabit Ethernet | 1 |
| AUX (3.5mm) | 1 |
| SD Card | 1 (104 MB/s) |
| MicroSD Card | 1 (104 MB/s) |
| Dual Display | 2K@60Hz (DP 1.4 laptop) or 1080p@60Hz (DP 1.2 laptop) |
| Mac Display | Identical on both monitors (mirror only) |
| Display Output Restriction | HDMI and DP only. USB-C does not output video. |
| Enclosure | Metal |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs / 136g |
| Dimensions | 5.39″ L x 2.24″ W x 0.55″ H |
| Compatible OS | macOS 12+, Windows 10/11, ChromeOS |
| NOT Compatible | Linux |
| Warranty | 18 months (Anker) |
Anker USB C Hub, 11-in-1 Docking Station Dual Monitor, 10 Gbps USB-C and USB-A Data Ports, 4K HDMI and DisplayPort, 85W Power Delivery, 2 Data Ports, Ethernet, for XPS
Dual Display: Resolution Depends on Your Laptop
The HDMI and DisplayPort outputs combine for dual-monitor support. The maximum resolution on both screens depends on your laptop’s DisplayPort version. With a DP 1.4 laptop, both external monitors run at 2K@60Hz. With a DP 1.2 laptop, both run at 1080p@60Hz. Neither configuration reaches 4K@60Hz on dual screens simultaneously, despite the product title mentioning “4K HDMI and DisplayPort.”
Single-monitor use through either port can reach 4K. The dual-monitor limitation applies when both HDMI and DisplayPort are active simultaneously. For Windows users, both monitors extend independently with different content on each screen. For Mac users, both external monitors display identical content (mirror mode). This is a macOS limitation that Anker cannot override without DisplayLink.
The bullet also states: “The hub supports display outputs only through HDMI and DP ports; it does not support display outputs through USB-C ports.” This means the USB-C data port is for data and peripherals only. Do not connect a USB-C monitor to the data port expecting video output. For USB-C display requirements, see our USB-C portable monitor guide.
10 Gbps on Two Ports, 480 Mbps on Two Others
The 565 has a mixed USB layout. One USB-C and one USB-A run at 10 Gbps for fast file transfers from external SSDs. Two additional USB-A ports run at 480 Mbps for peripherals that do not need high bandwidth: keyboard, mouse, webcam, wireless receiver. This split is deliberate. The 10 Gbps ports handle storage. The 480 Mbps ports handle input devices. You do not waste fast ports on a mouse.
At 10 Gbps, a 5 GB file transfers in about 4 seconds through the fast ports. At 480 Mbps through the slow ports, the same file takes over a minute. Use the right port for the right device.
85W Charging, Not 100W
The title says 100W. The bullet says 85W pass-through. Both are technically correct but the number that matters is 85W: that is what reaches your laptop. 15W powers the dock’s Ethernet controller, video outputs, USB hub, and card readers. At 85W, the dock charges MacBook Air (30-45W), most ultrabooks (45-65W), and many workstation laptops (65-85W) at full speed during use. MacBook Pro 14″ at 96W charges below full speed but the battery still gains rather than drains.
Ethernet and Audio: The Desk Features
Gigabit Ethernet provides wired network for video calls, cloud sync, and large downloads. The AUX port connects headphones or speakers for audio without using Bluetooth. These two ports separate the 565 from travel hubs that skip Ethernet and audio to save space. For a desk where you need wired network and wired audio, the 565 provides both. For docking stations with different Ethernet speeds, see our docking stations hub page.
How the 565 Fits in Anker’s Lineup
Anker makes three hubs reviewed on this site. The 7-in-1 (dual 1080p HDMI, no Ethernet, 96g) is the travel hub. The 565 11-in-1 (HDMI + DisplayPort, Ethernet, audio, 136g) is the desk hub. The 778 Thunderbolt 4 is the premium dock. If you travel, the 7-in-1 is lighter. If you sit at a desk with two monitors, wired network, and headphones, the 565 is built for that setup. If you need Thunderbolt 4 bandwidth, the 778 is the step up. For the Anker 7-in-1 review, see the Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub review.
What’s in the Box
| Item | Included |
|---|---|
| Anker 565 USB-C Hub (11-in-1) | 1 |
| Welcome Guide | 1 |
No charger included. No monitor cables. No Ethernet cable. You supply everything that connects to the dock’s output ports.
Drawbacks
| Consideration | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dual Display Not 4K | 2K@60Hz max with DP 1.4 laptop. 1080p@60Hz with DP 1.2. |
| Mac: Mirror Only | Both external monitors show identical content. |
| 85W, Not 100W | Title says 100W. Actual pass-through is 85W. |
| USB-C Does Not Output Video | Display through HDMI and DP only. |
| Linux Not Supported | Excluded. |
| No Charger Included | You supply your own USB-C PD charger. |
| 480 Mbps on Two USB-A Ports | Not all USB ports are fast. Two are USB 2.0 speed. |
Who This Hub Is For
Windows users who want a full desk setup with dual monitors, Ethernet, audio, card readers, and fast USB from Anker: The 565 provides everything a desk workstation needs: HDMI + DisplayPort for two monitors, Gigabit Ethernet, AUX audio, SD/microSD, two fast 10 Gbps ports, two peripheral ports, and 85W laptop charging. Metal build at 136 grams. 18-month Anker warranty. If your desk has two monitors, a wired network connection, and headphones, the 565 connects all of it through one USB-C cable. For the Anker desk dock with Thunderbolt 4, see the Anker 778 Thunderbolt Docking Station review.
Mac users who need extended dual displays, Linux users, or users who need 4K dual monitors: Mac mirrors only. Linux excluded. Dual display caps at 2K. For those needs, DisplayLink docks or Thunderbolt 4 docks serve better. See our docking stations hub page.
Final Verdict
The Anker 565 is the desk version of Anker’s hub lineup. Eleven ports covering dual monitors, Ethernet, audio, card readers, fast and slow USB, and 85W charging. It fills the gap between Anker’s lightweight 7-in-1 travel hub and the premium 778 Thunderbolt 4 dock. The mixed-connector dual display (HDMI + DisplayPort) gives flexibility for different monitor types. The 10 Gbps fast ports handle storage while the 480 Mbps ports handle peripherals.
The honest limitations: dual display tops out at 2K@60Hz, not 4K. Mac users get mirror mode only. 85W reaches the laptop, not the 100W in the title. Linux is excluded. For Windows users who need a comprehensive desk hub at Anker reliability and 136 grams, the 565 provides it all in one cable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get 4K on both monitors simultaneously?
No. Dual display runs at 2K@60Hz with a DP 1.4 laptop or 1080p@60Hz with a DP 1.2 laptop. A single monitor through either port can reach 4K. The 4K limitation applies when both video outputs are active.
Why does the title say 100W but the bullet says 85W?
The dock accepts 100W input from your charger. It passes 85W to the laptop and uses 15W for its own operations. 85W is what your laptop actually receives.
Can I use the USB-C port for a monitor?
No. The bullets explicitly state display output is through HDMI and DP only. The USB-C port is for data and peripherals.
How does this compare to the Anker 7-in-1?
The 7-in-1 has dual 1080p HDMI, no Ethernet, no audio, no card readers, 96 grams. The 565 has HDMI + DisplayPort (2K@60Hz dual), Ethernet, AUX, SD/microSD, four USB ports, 136 grams. The 565 provides a full desk setup. The 7-in-1 provides a minimal travel setup.
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: