Anker USB C Hub, PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB C Hub Adapter, with 4K HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, USB-C and 2 USB-A 5Gbps Data Ports, microSD and SD Card Reader, for MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, XPS, and More

Can my USB-C hub output a DP video signal?

I just bought this Anker hub, which has both an HDMI out and a USB-C "data" port, for my Surface Laptop 3. My laptop has a single USB-C port (non-Thunderbolt). I have been using a USB-C to display port (DP) cable to drive an external monitor with no issue. I want to add a second monitor. This second monitor is older, with no DP, so I can't do DP daisy chaining.

When I use the same USB-C to DP cable with the hub's USB-C "data" port, I get nothing out. The HDMI and USB-A ports work fine, so the hub appears to be working and I'm definitely not plugging my monitor into the hub's PD port. I am not powering this hub at the moment. I am still charging my laptop with its own separate charging port.

Do I need to return this hub and get one with two dedicated video ports or can I use a different type of video cable with the USB-C "data" port or maybe the USB-A ports? Both monitors are 1920x1080. The newer one has multiple DP and HDMI inputs while the older one has HDMI and DVI inputs.

Edit:

Laptop: Surface Laptop 3

Monitors: Dell U2414H, ASUS VW266H

Thanks!

I have been a fan of Anker products, mainly bc of their customer service if something breaks. They have a USB-C hub on amazon that is a 7 in 1 with 2 usb 3.0, 1 usb c, 1 hdmi, and a micro and regular SD card slot. Also has a power in plug. With this single hub I run a USB hub into the usb port, power, and hdmi for my 1st external monitor. I then have a usb c adapter for my second external screen directly into the computer. Ive tested all the ports at once and they work well. Cant go wrong for 40 bucks. I didn't need the thunderbolt 3's data transfer power, nor the money for a more powerful hub. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZVKTP53/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Battery drain by idle USB-C hub

This post over on MacRumors brought up a question regarding battery utilization by a connected USB-C while the iPad is in idle state -

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/tested-usb-c-hub-with-usb-c-data-port.2252497/post-28877868

I ran a short test and would agree that there is battery usage by at least some USB-C hubs. Using this hub with nothing connected to it -

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53

I saw 4% battery drain in 3 hours while idle, screen off, connected to WiFi (2018 12.9 Pro, 13.7). I started fully charged and ended at 96%. Over that time under idle conditions with no hub, I'd usually see little to no change in battery measurement. Since I almost always use a hub with connected power I'm not really concerned but it is interesting and unexpected. I'll test overnight but with a 500GB SSD attached to see what happens.

Edit: With a longer run, I definitely see about 1.5% per hour drain with an unused hub attached to an idling iPP.

Does anyone have any recommendations on good "travel cable" setups for hooking up to monitors/televisions with HDMI ports? I assume I need a USB-C to HDMI, with an input for the charging cable. Something along the line of this product? Only chose that because I use Anker brand cables and external batteries.

Thanks!

Thanks!!. I just bought your recommended anker to try. . I had tried this anker one previously but the 2nd monitor didn't display

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This is the one I got. Have only had the MBP M1 for about a week, but the reviews are good and it’s 20% off right now.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Upgraded-Delivery-Pixelbook-A83460A2/dp/B07ZVKTP53

This works for me. Anker USB C Hub

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Upgraded-Delivery-Pixelbook-A83460A2/dp/B07ZVKTP53/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=usb+c+hub&qid=1605315116&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyTk4wVzBMVDhaTEFOJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTc1MjI3MURISDhTMUxKWUVQMyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDQ2MDI5MkxUSFBZNkg3NU1GRSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

Something like this? A multi-port adapter. You can just use a USB A keyboard that way, much more common

It doesn’t need to be thunderbolt. Just look for a usb c hub

Anker USB C Hub, PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB C Hub Adapter, with 4K HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, USB-C and 2 USB-A 5Gbps Data Ports, microSD and SD Card Reader, for MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, XPS, and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_Dr15Fb36G168J?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I also wonder the same general assumption, so I went ahead and bought this and am hoping that it will suffice once adapted. I really have no idea what I'm doing, but I recently gave my gaming rig away and this is the same type of adapter/host adapter to extending monitor reach with monitors:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rbkQFbATVXR4P?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Forgive me if I'm off topic.

I'll go with "neither". I bought something similar to this for my Surface Book 2 a while back.

I repurposed it on a 2nd monitor for Dex on my Fold2 and Xbox Game Stream and it works fine. Since my monitor is USB-C capable, designed for a MacBook, it provides plenty of power to the phone and makes for a clean setup (all the cables are just right behind the monitor). Shoot, sometimes I just use it as a fast charger on my desk for whatever USB-C ported device I have. Even on my surface book it handled a mouse, keyboard, ethernet cable, and monitor handily.

The only thing I am holding out for would be a 100% guaranteed way to get Dex at 60hz 4k... This only gets me to 2560x1440 60hz.

Stand?

mStand Laptop Stand - Space Gray (10072) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F01DRW6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_YNbUFbM9SH66V?psc=1

Usb C hub?

Anker USB C Hub, PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB C Hub Adapter, with 4K HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, USB-C and 2 USB-A 5Gbps Data Ports, microSD and SD Card Reader, for MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, XPS, and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_dRbUFbJJAGR90?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_h.n-EbQYC2MVW

This one has a data usbc port and a charging usbc port (and hdmi, sd cards and 2 usb 3.0 ports) and it’s only $40. Anker products are exceptional in my opinion. I own some chargers, batteries, a hub similar to this one, and a flashlight by them. Excellent quality.

No, there's no point in doing that, what I described with two adapters gives you 5gbps USB data without a problem , try https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53 this one for a second one. Get a 100W charger for maximum performance.

I’ve used this hub with my wired mechanical keyboard and it works perfectly. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53/

This is the hub I use for my MacBook Air. Anker 7 in 1 USB-C Hub

Deal link: Amazon

^^Note: ^^The ^^deal ^^may ^^have ^^expired ^^by ^^the ^^time ^^you ^^see ^^this ^^post.

As far as ethernet, there is an official adapter that replaces the power brick. So it doesn't include the other stuff you're looking for, but it doesn't connect to the USB-C port either, so you still have that available for a different adapter. As far as the USB, as far as I know, any USB hub will work IF it is getting enough power (which, as I understand it, some will, some won't). So if you had both of those products, and they work as expected, you'd have power, a USB connection, and ethernet.

I would suggest trying a powered USB hub, maybe something like this, although I'm just speculating that it would work, I can't confirm it. In any case, Amazon is pretty good about returns, so may be worth trying. And if you do, let us know! I may be interested in something like that myself later down the line.

EDIT: Okay, I gave in and ordered it 😂 if you don't need it right away, wait a couple days and I'll let you know how it works out. Assuming I remember to post back. Should be here Thursday. And I have already pre-ordered the ethernet adapter, though it'll probably be a while before that arrives. So when it does, I'll try to post back again as to whether it creates any conflicts (such as not generating enough power for the hub)

Anker USB C Hub, PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB C Hub Adapter, with 4K HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, USB-C and 2 USB-A 5Gbps Data Ports, microSD and SD Card Reader, for MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, XPS, and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_Z1GBFbH54DFY0

This is the one I am using

There are plenty of USB-C adapters which also supply power, like this one

I was just coming to ask the same question in case there was something I was missing. My MBP isn't here yet and the one I got rid of had 4 USB-C ports so I didn't need to get as picky with a hub. There are only 2 ports in this new device so I'm not sure the "get a USB-C to USB dongle" is much of an answer. The hub I'm looking at is on sale on Amazon right now; the Anker 7-in-1 Hub for \~$22 US.

My goal is to have power pass through, but also get extra ports. This hub has 100w power pass-thru, then an additional USB-C port for Data, 2 USB 3.0 ports, a 4K HDMI port, a SD card reader and a Micro SD card reader. Its just bonus that it's Anker who I've always had great results with. I also like that it's a dongle, so it plugs in and gets out of the way so you still have access to the 2nd port on the device as well. (I have a couple of hubs that plug into the USB-C and feel super wobbly when I plug other things in... I don't like that.)

I can't find any hubs that support (or say they support) USB 4... this is a new thing to me and I don't know how much USB 4 matters or it's just a fancy way to say USB-C. *shrug*

Oh I gotcha. In that case, I would recommend this Anker Hub. I use the hub to plug in my usb amp and still have an available USB port to plug in flash drives as well. It also has a 100W (which outputs 85W) charging input. The DisplayPort cable and hub only take up two usb spots, and keeps my desk looking clean.

Mine is on order so I haven't actually tried it but this is the the best I could find for the money that is a trusted brand: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_orv0Fb5MEESXE

This Hub may work. Plugs into USB C

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XF9EFbKE3ADJZ

Yes, you need a powered dock to run 2 monitors from one USB-C port (hdmi & Display port etc.)

Non powered docks with 2 monitor outputs can only do mirror mode.

You could run this to get a usb-c port back

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AUEHFbY067PAR

Would this setup work?

MBA M1 has this anker usb c hub plugged in: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_ej3TFbZCZT7TT and has a monitor connected via the only hdmi port on the hub. If I have another monitor and buy something like a display link usb 3.0 to HDMI adapter, would it work if i plug it directly onto the anker hub as well?

Here’s the link!

Yee. I bought an Anker one that has all of those ports awhile back that seems to work great! (Non-affiliate) https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Upgraded-Delivery-Pixelbook-A83460A2/dp/B07ZVKTP53

Good suggestion on Anker, this one seems like a good option; I would just use the second USB-C port on the MBA to charge my phone and use the hub for everything else (watch, headphones), assuming my other devices will charge through the USB-A slots /w no problem.

A single USB-C hub can do power, display, and data without relying on Thunderbolt. A hub like this one doesn't require any special USB port at all, and even works with certain smartphones.

A much more expensive hub like this one does allow for more expansion, passthrough Thunderbolt, and is less likely to run into bandwidth issues, though.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Upgraded-Adapter-Delivery-Pixelbook/dp/B07ZVKTP53/

Yep.. you're in the correct ballpark.

Basically the point of a Docking Station or etc.. is so you can come home,.. put your Laptop down on the Desk and plug in a single Cable (typically USB-C) .. and the Docking station then connects everything else (Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, etc). So it's really just an "ease of use" or convenience thing (IE = "Sit down and plug in 1 connection and you're "good to go")

How cheap or expensive of a Dock you end up going with.. is really more of a personal preference thing.

The Lenovo Laptop and LG Monitor both have USB-C ports.. so if (at a very minimal/basic level) all you wanted to do was plug 1 USB-C cable directly from the Laptop to the back of the Monitor,. that would get you external Video (but you'd need Wireless Keyboard and Mouse, since with the Laptop lid-closed, you couldn't get to Laptops Keyboard and Mouse)

But the above is a very bare-bones way of doing it.

There's plenty of other USB-C Docking Stations/adapters on the market at a variety of prices

• Anker makes a small 7-in-1 for $30 (https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Upgraded-Delivery-Pixelbook-A83460A2/dp/B07ZVKTP53/) . that provides HDMI and 2 x USB-A ports.. so that would do all you need.

• Or you can go all the way up to $200 for something like the Cal-Digit TB3 = https://www.caldigit.com/ts3-plus/

It's just a matter of personal preference and how many Ports or Peripherals you end up needing to plug in.

Yes it should. but I am not familiar with that hub from lazada. however, as long as the hub from lazada has USB 3.0, it should be fine to plug the dongle into it.

I use this personaly

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Upgraded-Delivery-Pixelbook-A83460A2/dp/B07ZVKTP53/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=anker+hub&qid=1606255207&s=electronics&sr=1-4

​

the anker hub has usb 3.0, and it worked perfectly fine.

​

also that displaylink hub that you chose from my list is a really good one. better than the other one with 2 hdmi honeslty. I tested both, and that one is great (the one you linked)

I bought https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_mjlHFbRM608V7 for it's size and because it was $25. If you really need ethernet they have a slightly pricier version with it as well but to me, if you're going all-out for the best dock I'd go with https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086DS5Q6K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_YklHFb7BRWCR5

I'll likely pick one up once I finish upgrading the living room but given the size I think the Vava unit is better suited to a desk, media or living room setup than a mobile hub. The Anker is definitely better on the go due to its size despite having less capability (dual 4k 60Hz HDMI out, ethernet etc...) which is why I went that route for now...because when am I really going to need dual 4k out on the go?

I have a similar 7-in-1. With USB-C data (the newer version) and the USB-C is great. I use it with the apple usb-c 1/8" line out, or other USB-C things I have like the apogee jam+.

It's actually really good. Anker is solid and the feature set is great. USB-C works great, charging works great. I use it with an Anker 60W PIQ 3.0 charger and a Uni 100w PD cable.

When I got it in April there weren't enough resources on Amazon to indicate that everything would work out of the box, so I was happy to find it's a really great hub.

I also looked at the "Uni USB C Hub Ethernet 8-in-1" which I think would've also been a good choice.

I think in general, you need to make a list of the features the hub must have. Then find a brand you like that offers that feature set.

I also use this one (when don't need ethernet). A bit more solid build and reliably works with my G14 and MacBook Pro. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_ujkFFb4WJWGM8

I have an order in for the new air as well and just ordered an anker hub. They have two 7-in-1 versions available, one with and Ethernet cable and one without.

Linker here is the one I purchased (I didn't need an Ethernet port) : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_7q3GEbHH8RAG1

Linked here is the one with the ethernet port: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PPGWQ15/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_xt3GEbBDNRN0R

They also have one available that sits flush with the laptop. My only worry was that it wouldn't sit as flush as I wanted it to. Also with the above two options, they could be used with other computers too.

Good luck!

I've had no issues with 2004 on my Surface Book 2. You can force it via the Update Assistant (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10) if you'd like, but, your mileage may vary especially if you haven't been offered it yet, could be conflicting software installed.

I also have an Anker USB-C hub with HDMI out (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HMLTCPL) and have had no issues using it with my Surface Book 2. Although, it looks like its been replaced with this newer model (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53)

Either this one or this one. If budget isn’t a problem then this one or this one

I'm just jumping onto your comment. I got it working as well using some slightly different devices (giving people options).

Hub: Anker PowerExpand+ (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZVKTP53)

USB C Cable: Anker USB C 100W (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086DMNK8R)

Power Supply: RAVPower USB C Charger, 61W PD Charger (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TC53ZYD)

Webcam: I've had success with two, the Aukey /u/BigBoyLaroux recommended (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072MMH33F) as well as my Logitech Brio (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N5UOYC4). One thing to note is my sister mentioned I sounded like I was in a tunnel with the Aukey, not sure if it is the microphone array or the acoustics of my living room. Other than that the video looks great, the grainy footage you are greeted with on the calling screen seems to disappear on the call itself.

NOTE: Like /u/BigBoyLaroux mentions, you need to restart the chromecast before the audio feed will work. I mention this because I excitedly ignored that on my first attempt to get it to work.

Pretty nice having the ability to place calls from my living room for less than $200 in equipment. I'm sure other people will be able to get it for cheaper. Big thanks for figuring it out first /u/BigBoyLaroux.