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Anker 565 vs Plugable UD-3900PDZ: Choose by Displays and Peripherals

Choose by the display path and the devices already on your desk. Anker documents HDMI plus DisplayPort and a card-reader/USB-C data mix; Plugable documents three HDMI outputs, with two relying on DisplayLink software, and six USB-A ports. Check your laptop's display support and the Plugable unit's power label before buying if those details matter.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-19

Source checked 2026-10-19 10:14 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Should you choose the Anker 565's HDMI-plus-DisplayPort and card-reader/USB-C port mix, or the Plugable UD-3900PDZ's three-HDMI layout and six USB-A ports?

Anker documents two display outputs and a broader card-reader/USB-C data mix; Plugable documents a third HDMI output through DisplayLink, which adds software and host-permission requirements, plus six USB-A ports.

Quick verdict

Choose Anker 565 USB-C Hub (11-in-1, A8388) if

  • You want an SD or microSD reader and a downstream USB-C data port in the hub.
  • Two display connections are enough and Anker's operating-system-specific display behavior fits your setup.
View Anker 565 USB-C Hub (11-in-1, A8388) on AmazonPaid link
When to skip: Skip the Plugable for a three-screen workflow if you cannot install DisplayLink or grant the required macOS permission; without DisplayLink, its product page says only the Alt Mode HDMI output works.
When the recommendation changes
  • Your laptop's USB-C display support determines whether the Anker display path works and how many external displays show separate content; confirm the host requirement in its documentation before choosing.
  • If you will not install DisplayLink or grant its required macOS permission, the two DisplayLink-driven Plugable outputs are not a fit for that workflow.
  • The Plugable model has both 60W and 100W revisions; the exact retail unit's power label must be checked if host charging capacity is part of the decision.

The differences that matter

External Display Workflow

Anker 565 USB-C Hub (11-in-1, A8388)

One HDMI plus one DisplayPort; Windows can show different content across multiple displays, while MacBook external monitors mirror the same content; host USB-C must support DP Alt Mode.[1, 2]

Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station (UD-3900PDZ)

Three HDMI outputs: one Alt Mode output up to 4K/30Hz and two DisplayLink outputs up to 1080p/60Hz; DisplayLink software is required for full functionality, and macOS requires Screen Recording permission.[3]

What this changes: The choice depends on whether the buyer needs Anker's two-port arrangement or Plugable's third HDMI output and can use its software-based setup.[1, 2, 3]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Peripheral Port Mix

Anker 565 USB-C Hub (11-in-1, A8388)

Three USB-A data ports, one USB-C data port, SD and microSD UHS-I readers, and 3.5mm AUX.[2]

Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station (UD-3900PDZ)

Six USB-A 5Gbps ports and one 3.5mm TRRS headset port.[3]

What this changes: Match the dock to existing peripheral plugs and card-reader needs; this is a documented port-layout choice rather than evidence of real-world transfer superiority.[2, 3]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Best for your routine

A laptop desk that specifically needs SD/microSD readers and a downstream USB-C data port

Best fit: Anker 565 USB-C Hub (11-in-1, A8388)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

Anker's A8388 support page explicitly lists both card readers and a USB-C data port. This is a port-fit recommendation, not a transfer-speed result.

View Anker 565 USB-C Hub (11-in-1, A8388) on AmazonPaid link

A desk that needs the documented three-HDMI output arrangement and can install DisplayLink

Best fit: Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station (UD-3900PDZ)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

Plugable lists one Alt Mode HDMI output plus two DisplayLink HDMI outputs, with the required software and macOS permission noted.

View Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station (UD-3900PDZ) on AmazonPaid link

Value and trade-offs

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

Compare current offers only after confirming the exact Plugable 60W/100W package revision. A higher offer would need to match the buyer's display and peripheral requirements; this comparison does not establish a fixed premium or value winner.

Treat any displayed offer as a point-in-time amount. There is insufficient price history to recommend buying now or waiting.

Limitations

  • No hands-on connection, display, throughput, latency, charging, image-quality, or reliability tests were performed; the recommendations are based on published configuration and setup requirements.
  • Plugable confirms UD-3900PDZ revisions with either 60W or 100W host Power Delivery. The ASIN B08DDH5CPW does not establish which package revision a buyer will receive; check the box label if charging wattage matters.
  • Host display support, operating-system behavior, resolution, and permissions affect the output path. Confirm the laptop and monitor requirements against the current manufacturer documentation before purchase.
  • The reviewed signal supports a qualitative hub-versus-dock buying question, not exact-pair search volume or a ranking forecast.

Questions shoppers ask

Can the Anker 565 show different content on two external monitors from a MacBook?

Anker says Windows laptops support different content across multiple displays; for MacBooks, the two connected monitors show the same content. Check your host's display protocol and exact monitor setup before relying on a particular mode.

Do all three Plugable HDMI outputs work without DisplayLink?

No. Plugable says DisplayLink software is required for full functionality and that only the Alt Mode HDMI output works without it. On macOS, its instructions also require Screen Recording permission for DisplayLink.

Does every UD-3900PDZ package provide 100W to the laptop?

No. Plugable documents 60W and 100W revisions under the same model number. The wattage is marked on the package and dock; the ASIN alone does not establish which revision a shipment contains.

Methodology and sources

Compared the published output ports, operating-system display behavior, DisplayLink requirements, host-side conditions, and peripheral port layouts. Recommendations are conditional feature-fit guidance, not measured display or transfer performance.

Automation helped locate and organize official product and support pages; claims and recommendations were checked against the cited source text.

View 4 sources
  1. 1.Anker 565 USB-C Hub (11-in-1)Anker · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-19 10:14 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Specifications; Model Number; Supported Display Modes (page sections around lines 29-70 and 197-215 in retrieved text): Anker's US product page identifies model A8388, lists HDMI and DisplayPort outputs and USB/data/card-reader ports, and states that Windows supports different content across multiple displays while MacBook connected monitors show the same content. Host display capabilities remain relevant.
  2. 2.Anker 565 USB-C Hub (11-in-1) — product description and support specificationsAnker Support · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-19 10:14 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Compatibility, Ports, and A8388 User Guide listing: Anker's support record names the 565/A8388 and lists its USB-A and USB-C data ports, PD-IN, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, SD/microSD readers and AUX. It requires USB-C Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alt Mode at the laptop for the documented host setup.
  3. 3.Plugable USB-C Triple Monitor Docking Station, 100W Laptop ChargingPlugable Technologies · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-19 10:14 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • SKU and Features; Tech Specs; DisplayLink Q&A; In the Box: Plugable's exact UD-3900PDZ product page lists three HDMI outputs with one Alt Mode path and two DisplayLink paths, corresponding maximum output modes, six USB-A 5Gbps ports, and a TRRS headset port. It says DisplayLink software is required for full functionality and macOS requires Screen Recording permission.
  4. 4.Did I get the wrong version of the UD-3900PDZ? 60W vs. 100W chargingPlugable Knowledge Base · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-19 10:14 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Updated June 16, 2026; sections 'What's different between the two versions?' and 'How do I tell which version do I have?': Plugable confirms the model number remained the same across 60W and 100W revisions; other features, ports and performance remained the same. It says box and rear host-port labels identify wattage and retailers may have older backstock.

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