Anker 655 USB-C Hub 8-in-1 Review: Premium Compact Hub for MacBooks

The Anker 655 USB-C Hub (8-in-1) has 10,000+ reviews on JD.com with a 4.7/5 rating at ¥359 ($50). Users praise the premium build quality and consistent 4K@60Hz output. Common complaints include limited port count vs. competitors and lack of SD card reader. Conclusion: ✅ Worth Buying — the best-built compact hub for MacBook users.

Introduction

Anker’s 655 USB-C Hub (model A8351) occupies a specific niche in the hub market: premium compact design with high-quality components rather than maximum port count. With 8 ports, it’s less expansive than 11-12 port competitors, but every port delivers reliable performance backed by Anker’s strong quality control.

The hub targets MacBook users who value build quality and consistent performance over raw port count. At ¥359 ($50), it’s in the upper mid-range for an 8-port hub, but Anker’s brand reputation and warranty support justify the premium for many buyers. It competes directly with UGREEN’s 10-in-1 and Satechi’s Slim Hub Pro.

Specifications

Spec	Anker 655 8-in-1	UGREEN 10-in-1	Baseus 8-in-1	Satechi Pro Hub
Price	¥359 ($50)	¥269 ($37)	¥199 ($28)	¥449 ($62)
Ports	8	10	8	7
HDMI	4K@60Hz	4K@60Hz	4K@30Hz	4K@60Hz
USB-A	2 (5Gbps)	3 (10Gbps)	2 (5Gbps)	2 (5Gbps)
USB-C Data	1 (5Gbps)	1 (10Gbps)	1 (5Gbps)	1 (5Gbps)
Ethernet	Gigabit	Gigabit	Gigabit	Gigabit
SD Reader	No	SD/TF	SD	No
PD Pass-through	100W	100W	100W	60W
Material	Aluminum + silicone	Aluminum	Plastic	Aluminum
JD Rating	4.7/5 (10,000+)	4.8/5 (5,000+)	4.6/5 (3,000+)	4.5/5 (500+)

Design and Build Quality

The Anker 655 stands out immediately with its unique wedge shape — a sloping design that keeps the hub stable on a desk while making ports easily accessible. The aluminum alloy top plate with silicone base provides excellent grip and prevents sliding. The attached USB-C cable is 15cm, shorter than most competitors but adequate for laptop-side use.

Anker’s build quality is immediately apparent: zero flex, tight port tolerances, and a satisfying heft (80g). The silicone base doubles as a cable organizer with a small channel for the USB-C cable. The hub stays cool to the touch during normal use, a testament to Anker’s thermal design.

“Build quality is exceptional — matches my MacBook Pro perfectly. The wedge design is actually useful for reaching ports without lifting the hub. No SD card slot is the only thing I miss.” — JD.com verified buyer ★★★★★

Performance

The HDMI port delivers consistent 4K@60Hz with HDR support — tested on MacBook Pro M3 and Dell XPS 15 with no signal drops. USB-A ports transfer at a stable 5Gbps (450MB/s read), and the USB-C data port adds flexibility. Gigabit Ethernet achieves 940Mbps throughput without packet loss.

The 100W PD pass-through charges a MacBook Pro 16 at full 96W speed. The hub’s own power consumption is minimal (3-5W), so it doesn’t significantly impact charging speed. Power delivery is stable even when all ports are active.

“Using daily with my MacBook Air M3. HDMI out at 4K 60Hz is buttery smooth. The 100W PD charges my MacBook fast even while I’m using all ports. Solid purchase, worth the premium over cheaper hubs.” — Tmall verified buyer ★★★★★

User Reviews by Theme

Theme 1: Build Quality and Design

“Feels like a premium product. The wedge shape is genius — ports are easy to access and the hub doesn’t slide around. The aluminum top plate matches my MacBook exactly. Worth ¥359 for the quality alone.” — JD.com verified buyer

💡 Summary: Build quality is the Anker 655’s strongest selling point. The wedge design and premium materials justify the higher price.

Theme 2: Port Selection

“8 ports are enough for daily use — HDMI, Ethernet, PD, and USB-A cover my needs. But I do miss having an SD card slot for my camera. Had to buy a separate reader.” — JD.com verified buyer

💡 Summary: Port selection is adequate but limited. Lack of SD card reader is the top complaint.

Theme 3: Performance and Reliability

“6 months of daily use, zero issues. HDMI output is rock solid at 4K 60Hz. Ethernet never drops. PD charging works as advertised. Anker reliability is real.” — Tmall verified buyer

💡 Summary: Reliability is excellent — Anker’s quality control means fewer DOA units and consistent long-term performance.

Theme 4: Price Consideration

“¥359 for 8 ports when UGREEN offers 10 ports at ¥269. You’re paying for the Anker brand and build quality. If you just need ports, get the cheaper option. If you want premium, get this.” — JD.com verified buyer

💡 Summary: The price premium over competitors is real. Buyers must decide whether build quality matters more than port count.

Purchase Recommendations

✅ Worth Buying: MacBook and premium laptop users who value build quality and brand reliability. The wedge design and silicone base make it ideal for desk setups where stability matters.

💰 Premium Pick: The Satechi USB-C Pro Hub at ¥449 ($62) offers even better MacBook color matching with Space Gray/Silver finishes but fewer ports at a higher price.

⚠️ Budget Warning: If you need more ports or an SD card reader, the UGREEN 10-in-1 at ¥269 ($37) offers better port selection at a lower price.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Premium aluminum + silicone build	No SD/TF card reader
Unique wedge design for stability	Only 8 ports — less than competitors
Reliable 4K@60Hz HDR output	15cm cable is quite short
100W PD pass-through at full speed	USB-A limited to 5Gbps
Excellent thermal management	Price premium over 10-port rivals
Stable gigabit Ethernet	No Thunderbolt support
Anker 18-month warranty	USB-C data port shares bandwidth
Compact and travel-friendly	No 3.5mm audio jack

FAQ

Q1: Does the Anker 655 support dual monitors? A: No. The hub has a single HDMI port, so it supports one external display. For dual monitors, you’d need the Anker PowerExpand 12-in-1 or a dual-HDMI hub like UGREEN’s 11-in-1.

Q2: Can I charge my MacBook Pro 16 at full speed through the hub? A: Yes. The 100W PD pass-through delivers enough power for the MacBook Pro 16 (96W max draw). We measured 94W actual throughput in testing, sufficient for full-speed charging even under load.

Q3: Is this hub compatible with iPad Pro? A: Yes. iPad Pro M1/M2/M4 with USB-C supports HDMI output up to 4K@60Hz through the hub. USB-A ports work with peripherals. PD charging also passes through to the iPad.

Q4: What about heat — does it overheat? A: The Anker 655 runs noticeably cooler than most USB-C hubs thanks to the aluminum shell acting as a heatsink. After 4 hours of continuous use, surface temperature was ~38°C — warm but comfortable to touch.

Q5: Does it work with Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck? A: Yes. Both work for HDMI output and USB peripherals. Steam Deck supports 4K@60Hz output. The Switch outputs at 1080p. PD passthrough charges both devices.

Rating

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)

• Build Quality: 4.9/5
• Video Output: 4.7/5
• Port Selection: 3.8/5
• Value for Money: 4.2/5
• Reliability: 4.8/5