Just over a month ago we reviewed Anker’s 5-in-1 USB-C hub, which we found it to be the perfect companion for staying connected to older USB-A devices whilst also allowing the ability to share your screen onto a bigger display over its HDMI port. One major thing it lacked though was the ability to charge your device through it. So when the Premium 7-in-1 USB-C hub from Anker appeared I was eager to see if it ticked all the boxes.
Out of the box, the Anker 7-in-1 USB-C hub still packs a relatively small form factor. Its size is around 2.5x the size of its (already very little) 5-in-1 brother at 4.6-inches by 2.1-inches. It’s striking grey exterior may not match the same space grey
It’s connecting USB-C cable is around 1.5-inches longer and it feels a little more robust than the one on the 5-in-1. This is likely due to the extra data, and now power, that this hub has to pass through its 8-inch long cable.
This hub packs a lot of tech in something the size of a Nokia 8210. Only four of the ports on the 7-in-1 share the same IO as the 5-in-1 hub. You have one less USB-A 3.0 port on the 7-in-1 and you have the same 4K 30Hz HDMI port.
At this point, the similarities end. In addition to the three mentioned ports, you have a full-size SD slot and a tiny microSD slot just below it. Rounding up the two remaining ports are a single charging USB-C port with Power Delivery, and over on the other side of the hub is a single USB-C data port.
Other than the absent ethernet port from the 5-in-1 hub, the 7-in-1 offers a well rounded IO port setup that suits the everyday needs on your MacBook or the latest 11” and 12.9” iPad Pro. If you’re a budding photographer you’ll relish access to the two SD card ports, whilst the iPad Pro user can charge via the USB-C Power Delivery charging port.
The 7-in-1 this has you covered in many ways, seven in fact! I personally like simultaneous access to the two SD card slots, which has helped me load up different dash camera content during our dash camera comparison reviews.
The HDMI port allowed me to cast spreadsheets to a nearby boardroom display when a blurred Chromecast stream didn’t cut it. Finally there is the USB-C ports, which I am sure would benefit any device that’s limited to a single USB-C port, such as the latest Apple iPad Pros or the early retina MacBooks.
Overall the Anker USB-C 7-in-1 Hub is a handy gadget to have in your backpack or laptop bag alongside your MacBook or iPad Pro. You just never know what situation you face where you may rely on the various ports it offers. Retailing at $99.99 from Amazon, it’s priced a little higher than some unknown brand hubs, but you get the usual build quality and reliability you come with expect with Anker products and an 18-month warranty for your peace of mind. There is very little not to like about the Anker 7-in-1 hub.
