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Anker 553 vs 555: Choose Your Display and Data Setup

Choose the Anker 553 for two HDMI connections after checking your host and display modes. Choose the Anker 555 for one HDMI screen and USB-C data peripherals. Neither the extra HDMI socket nor the 10Gbps rating guarantees the result on its own.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-14

Source checked 2026-10-14 10:57 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Is a second HDMI connection more useful than native USB-C data and higher-rated data links?

The 553 provides a second HDMI output; the 555 provides USB-C data and higher-rated USB data links.

Quick verdict

When to skip: You require two independent external Mac desktops through this hub. You require both two HDMI outputs and a native USB-C data socket in one of these hubs.
When the recommendation changes
  • You need two different external Mac desktops.
  • Your required dual-monitor mode is not confirmed for the exact host.
  • Your peripherals need neither USB-C data nor the higher data-link rating.

The differences that matter

Dual Hdmi Topology And Host Modes

Anker 553 USB-C Hub (8-in-1, A83800A1)

Two HDMI outputs. Compatible Windows hosts can use separate external desktops; on Mac, the two external screens show the same image. Video requires a host USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode.[1, 4]

Anker 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1, A83830A1)

One HDMI output. Its USB-C data socket cannot provide a second video output.[2]

What this changes: Choose the 553 only when its second HDMI serves your intended display layout; it does not solve a requirement for two independent external Mac desktops.[1, 4, 2]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Usb C Data And Link Rate Workflow

Anker 553 USB-C Hub (8-in-1, A83800A1)

Two USB-A data ports rated up to 5Gbps; the USB-C socket is charging-only, not a data connection.[3, 5]

Anker 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1, A83830A1)

One USB-C data port plus two USB-A data ports, each specified up to 10Gbps; a separate USB-C socket accepts charging input.[6]

What this changes: The 555 accommodates a USB-C peripheral directly. Its higher data-link rating is a reason to consider it for compatible storage, not proof of faster copies or full-rate simultaneous transfers.[3, 5, 6]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Best for your routine

A Windows desk needing two HDMI connections

Best fit: Anker 553 USB-C Hub (8-in-1, A83800A1)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

The 553 provides the required sockets, provided Anker confirms the intended host and display mode. You give up native USB-C data.

View Anker 553 USB-C Hub (8-in-1, A83800A1) on AmazonPaid link

One HDMI monitor and a USB-C storage device

Best fit: Anker 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1, A83830A1)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

The 555 supplies a native USB-C data socket and higher-rated data links. Its trade-off is losing the second HDMI; achieved transfer rates remain untested.

View Anker 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1, A83830A1) on AmazonPaid link

Value and trade-offs

One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.

Pay extra only for the connection your setup will actually use. A second HDMI has little value if the host cannot deliver your intended desktop layout.

There is insufficient verified price history for a purchase-timing recommendation.

Limitations

  • No hands-on transfer, simultaneous-load or reliability tests were performed; data rates are manufacturer limits.
  • Exact A83800A1 and A83830A1 selections are retained. A8383 documentation supports base-model technical claims, not equivalence of A1/A2 colors or retail packages.
  • The 553’s official dual-resolution statements conflict. No universal dual-4K or dual-4K60 capability is promised.

Questions shoppers ask

Can the 555’s USB-C socket replace the missing HDMI?

No. Its USB-C data socket does not output video, even though its connector shape matches the host cable. Use its HDMI output for the display.

What should I check before buying for two monitors?

Specify whether the external screens must show different desktops, then check the exact laptop and OS, DisplayPort Alt Mode, DP version and required refresh rate. The 553’s current US table and older/regional documentation disagree on some resolution limits; confirm your particular combination rather than treating two HDMI sockets as a dual-4K guarantee.

Methodology and sources

Matched the selected models to documented display connections and peripheral data roles, retaining host-mode conflicts and distinguishing link ratings from measured results.

AI assisted source research, comparison drafting and consistency checks.

View 6 sources
  1. 1.Anker 553 USB-C Hub (8-in-1)Anker · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-14 10:53 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Specifications; Model A8380; Notes 1–3: Two HDMI outputs; DP/OS-dependent modes; DP Alt Mode required; Mac externals mirror; specific DSC-incompatible laptops cannot reach 4K60.
  2. 2.Anker 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1)Anker · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-14 10:53 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Specifications; Model A8383; Notes 1 and 4: One HDMI, separate USB-C data and PD ports, two USB-A data ports; data ports rated up to 10Gbps; USB-C data does not output video.
  3. 3.PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C PD Media Hub A83800A1Anker · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-14 10:53 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Product specifications; model number; cautions: Exact A83800A1; charging-only USB-C, two 5Gbps USB-A ports; dual 4K30 statement differs from US Windows table. Regional package claims excluded.
  4. 4.Differences between the 553 and 555 USB-C hubsAnker · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-14 10:53 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Port specifications, sections 1 and 2: 553 Windows dual modes depend on DP version; 555 has one HDMI. Confirms 5Gbps versus 10Gbps data ratings.
  5. 5.A8380 PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C PD Media Hub Welcome GuideAnker · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-14 10:53 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • PDF sheet 1, English At a Glance; sheet 2 Specifications: Older manual shows charging USB-C and 5Gbps USB-A; HDMI description says up to 4K30 without current host-mode table.
  6. 6.A8383 PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C PD 10Gbps Data Hub Welcome GuideAnker · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-14 10:53 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • PDF sheet 1, English At a Glance; sheet 2 Specifications: Separate PD-IN and USB-C data; USB-C and USB-A data up to 10Gbps, HDMI up to 4K60. Base-model technical evidence, not suffix/kit equivalence.

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