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Anker A8380 vs Plugable UD-3900 for a Windows Desk

Choose Anker A8380 when your laptop supports its USB-C video path and you want PD pass-through charging. Choose UD-3900 when a USB data connection with DisplayLink fits your Windows productivity setup and separate laptop power is acceptable. Plugable requires DisplayLink software and excludes gaming and HDCP-protected playback from its supported uses.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-06

Source checked 2026-10-06 18:05 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Which video connection can your laptop support, and must the dock connection also charge it?

Anker uses the host’s USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode and can pass through charging power. Plugable carries DisplayLink video over a USB data connection, with required software, and does not charge the laptop.

Quick verdict

Choose Plugable UD-3900 Dock, Dual-HDMI Version if

  • Your available host connection is USB-A, or USB-C data without the video mode Anker requires, and DisplayLink is permitted.
  • Separate laptop charging fits your desk arrangement.
View Plugable UD-3900 Dock, Dual-HDMI Version on AmazonPaid link
When the recommendation changes
  • The host lacks USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode.
  • Your computer’s software policy prevents DisplayLink from being installed or used.
  • Charging the laptop through the dock becomes a requirement.

The differences that matter

Host Video Connection And Software Requirements

Anker PowerExpand A8380 USB-C Hub, A83800A1

A8380 connects to a USB-C host and explicitly requires DisplayPort Alt Mode for display output. Supported monitor combinations depend on the host’s DP capability and operating system.[1, 2]

Plugable UD-3900 Dock, Dual-HDMI Version

The current dual-HDMI UD-3900 uses its supplied USB-A/USB-C hybrid data cable and requires DisplayLink software for Windows video. Drivers may install through Windows Update. Plugable lists dual displays up to 1920 × 1200 at 60 Hz and excludes gaming and HDCP-protected playback.[4, 6]

What this changes: For a USB-A-only laptop, Plugable supplies the relevant video route if its software and display limits fit. On a managed computer, verify DisplayLink is permitted before selecting Plugable. Anker’s different video path is not a promise that all its functions never need drivers.[1, 4]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Host Laptop Charging

Anker PowerExpand A8380 USB-C Hub, A83800A1

Anker’s current specification lists up to 100 W PD input and up to 85 W pass-through power to a compatible laptop, using a suitable 100 W PD charger and USB-C cable. The selected hub package excludes the charger.[1, 2]

Plugable UD-3900 Dock, Dual-HDMI Version

UD-3900 explicitly does not charge the host. Its included power adapter powers the dock; Plugable directs users to connect the computer’s own power adapter when charging the laptop.[5, 4]

What this changes: Once video compatibility is settled, charging remains a separate choice. Anker can combine the hub connection and compatible host power; Plugable requires a separate laptop charging connection. Neither claim establishes charging speed or guaranteed delivered wattage.[1, 5]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Best for your routine

Compatible USB-C video and a preference for charging through the hub

Best fit: Anker PowerExpand A8380 USB-C Hub, A83800A1

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

A8380 supports the specified video path and PD pass-through when the laptop, charger and cable meet its requirements.

View Anker PowerExpand A8380 USB-C Hub, A83800A1 on AmazonPaid link

Windows productivity displays from an available USB-A host port

Best fit: Plugable UD-3900 Dock, Dual-HDMI Version

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

UD-3900 uses USB data with DisplayLink; this fits only if the required software is permitted and separate laptop power is acceptable.

View Plugable UD-3900 Dock, Dual-HDMI Version on AmazonPaid link

Value and trade-offs

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

Compare the full setup you need, including any suitable Anker PD charger and cable. Plugable’s dock power adapter does not replace the laptop’s charger. No performance or total-cost winner is established.

There is not enough price history here to recommend buying now or waiting.

Limitations

  • No hands-on latency, image-quality, transfer-speed, charging or reliability testing was performed. This is a Windows productivity configuration comparison, not a gaming recommendation.
  • For Anker, confirm the exact host port’s DP capability, the required monitor modes and the HDMI cables. Its current table is host-dependent, while its older linked guide and simplified retail wording describe different resolution limits. This article does not promise dual 4K output.
  • Anker’s current specification separates 100 W input from up to 85 W laptop output. A retail description also contains 100 W pass-through wording; it is not used here as a laptop-output promise. Charging depends on compatible host PD input, charger and cable.
  • For UD-3900, DisplayLink software is required even when Windows installs it automatically. Check your organization’s software policy. Plugable does not support gaming, DisplayPort monitors or HDCP-protected content such as protected streaming through this dock.
  • This comparison covers the dual-HDMI UD-3900 introduced in February 2025. The selected listing currently describes that configuration, but the same model name was also used for an older HDMI-plus-DVI version. Confirm the actual seller package and rear video ports; current manufacturer production does not identify every retail unit.
  • Plugable’s page contains different macOS minimums of 10.14, 11 and 14 in different sections. No blanket Mac compatibility recommendation follows from this Windows-focused comparison.
  • The selected Anker A83800A1 listing calls its color Gray, while the manufacturer’s A8380 storefront selection says Black. The comparison uses the matched model and port configuration, without resolving the color label or assuming every bundle is identical.
  • Anker’s linked guide says to keep the hub away from liquids and open flames, not disassemble it, and clean it only with a dry cloth or brush. Use the applicable instructions and supplied power equipment for your exact unit.

Questions shoppers ask

Does plugging UD-3900 into USB-C let it charge my laptop?

No. Plugable explicitly says the dock cannot charge the host. Its dock adapter and your laptop’s charger serve different devices.

Can Plugable work if I cannot use DisplayLink software?

Its Windows display function requires DisplayLink. Automatic installation through Windows Update does not remove that requirement. Ask your administrator whether the software is allowed before choosing it.

Which fits a USB-A-only laptop that also needs dock charging?

Neither meets that combination. Anker’s video route requires a compatible USB-C port, while UD-3900 can connect by USB-A but does not charge the laptop.

Does Anker’s USB-C video path mean no drivers are ever involved?

That is not established here. The comparison identifies DisplayPort Alt Mode as Anker’s video requirement and DisplayLink software as Plugable’s. Other functions and the computer’s own graphics software still need their applicable support.

Methodology and sources

Compared the documented Windows video connections and whether each device powers the laptop, keeping software and version restrictions explicit.

AI helped organize manufacturer information and draft this comparison. No hands-on testing was performed.

View 7 sources
  1. 1.Anker A8380 Product Specifications and CompatibilityAnker · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-06 17:59 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Model table, PD input/output and DP Alt Mode notes: Establishes the video path and conditional pass-through charging. The display table depends on host capability.
  2. 2.Anker A83800A1 Product DetailsAnker · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-06 18:01 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Exact item table and manufacturer product description: Identifies the selected package and Windows support. The description names A8380; its older charging wording is distinguished from current specifications.
  3. 3.Anker A8380 Welcome GuideAnker · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-06 18:01 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • English port table, specifications and safety instructions: The current product page links this V03 guide with an August 2020 download label. It supports physical connections and care; older resolution and OS wording are not promoted to current universal compatibility.
  4. 4.Plugable UD-3900 Configuration, Setup and Revision DetailsPlugable · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-06 18:01 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Features, Windows setup, box contents and version identification: Describes the dual-HDMI revision, USB data connection, DisplayLink requirements and product-specific limitations. Different macOS minimums remain unresolved.
  5. 5.Plugable UD-3900 Host-Charging ExplanationPlugable · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-06 18:00 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Article 706467, updated September 29, 2026: Explicitly says the dock does not charge the computer and directs separate host power.
  6. 6.Plugable DisplayLink Support for WindowsPlugable · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-06 18:02 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Introduction and required driver discussion; updated August 13, 2026: Explains the required DisplayLink software and manufacturer troubleshooting scope for Windows.
  7. 7.Plugable UD-3900 Selected Product DetailsPlugable · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-06 18:00 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Exact item table and active product comparison column: The selected ASIN is identified as UD-3900 with two HDMI ports. This listing description does not certify the revision of every seller’s physical stock.

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