Anker PowerExpand 6-in-1 Review: Ultra-Compact USB-C Hub for Travel

The Anker PowerExpand 6-in-1 has 50,000+ reviews on JD.com with a 4.7/5 rating at ¥169 ($24). Users love the compact size and reliable performance. Common complaints include 4K@30Hz (not 60Hz) HDMI and limited USB-A ports. Conclusion: ✅ Worth Buying — the best ultra-compact hub for travelers who prioritize portability.

Introduction

Anker’s PowerExpand 6-in-1 (model A8352) is designed for one thing above all else: maximum portability. Weighing just 52g with a footprint smaller than a credit card, it’s the hub you can forget in your laptop bag until you need it. Despite its tiny size, it packs HDMI, Ethernet, SD/TF reader, two USB-A ports, and 100W PD pass-through.

At ¥169 ($24), it sits at a competitive price point in the compact hub segment. It targets travelers, remote workers, and minimalists who need essential ports without the bulk of full-size hubs. The 4K@30Hz limitation on HDMI is the main trade-off for the small form factor.

Specifications

Spec	Anker PowerExpand 6-in-1	UGREEN 6-in-1	Baseus 8-in-1	Satechi Slim Hub
Price	¥169 ($24)	¥129 ($18)	¥199 ($28)	¥349 ($49)
Ports	6	6	8	8
HDMI	4K@30Hz	4K@30Hz	4K@30Hz	4K@60Hz
USB-A	2 (5Gbps)	2 (5Gbps)	3 (5Gbps)	2 (5Gbps)
Ethernet	Gigabit	Gigabit	Gigabit	Gigabit
SD Reader	SD/TF	SD/TF	SD	SD + microSD
PD Pass-through	100W	60W	100W	60W
Weight	52g	48g	68g	75g
JD Rating	4.7/5 (50,000+)	4.7/5 (20,000+)	4.6/5 (3,000+)	4.5/5 (200+)

Design and Build Quality

The PowerExpand 6-in-1 is genuinely tiny — 10.5cm x 3cm x 1.2cm, barely larger than a USB-A flash drive. The body is matte black plastic with a soft-touch finish that resists scratches. The attached USB-C cable is 10cm, the shortest in its class, optimized for close-tether use with laptops.

Despite the plastic construction, build quality is solid with no creaking or flex. The SD/TF card slots are recessed, preventing accidental card damage. A small LED indicator shows power status. The hub runs cool even during extended use thanks to the low thermal output of 6-port designs.

“Incredibly small — fits in the tiny pocket of my laptop sleeve. Build quality is typical Anker: solid, no loose parts. The short cable is actually perfect for keeping things tidy on my desk.” — JD.com verified buyer ★★★★★

Performance

HDMI output at 4K@30Hz is the main limitation — fine for presentations, video streaming, and productivity tasks, but noticeable for gaming or 4K video editing. USB-A ports deliver consistent 5Gbps speeds. The gigabit Ethernet port is reliable at 940Mbps.

The 100W PD pass-through is a standout feature at this price point — most compact hubs offer only 60W. This means the PowerExpand can charge a MacBook Pro 16 at full speed while using other ports. The SD card reader handles UHS-I cards at ~80MB/s.

“Perfect for my work setup — plug my MacBook Air into one monitor via HDMI, use the Ethernet for stable connection, charge through PD, and access my SD card. All in a package smaller than my phone.” — Tmall verified buyer ★★★★☆

User Reviews by Theme

Theme 1: Portability

“This thing is tiny. Barely takes up any space in my bag. I travel 3-4 times a month and this hub comes with me every time. The short cable means less clutter.” — JD.com verified buyer

💡 Summary: Portability is the standout feature. No other hub at this price point matches the PowerExpand’s tiny footprint.

Theme 2: HDMI Limitations

“4K at 30Hz is noticeable. Mouse cursor isn’t as smooth as 60Hz. Fine for work and presentations but I wouldn’t use this for gaming or video editing on an external display.” — JD.com verified buyer

💡 Summary: 4K@30Hz is adequate for office work but a real limitation for media professionals.

Theme 3: Value and Pricing

“¥169 for 6 ports with 100W PD is excellent value. SD card reader included is a bonus. Baseus has more ports at ¥199 but Anker’s build quality is better.” — Tmall verified buyer

💡 Summary: At ¥169 ($24), the PowerExpand offers strong value considering Anker’s build quality and the 100W PD support.

Theme 4: Port Selection

“Two USB-A ports are just barely enough — keyboard and mouse takes both. No USB-C data port means I can’t connect a USB-C drive without unplugging something. Wish it had one more port.” — JD.com verified buyer

💡 Summary: Port selection is minimalist. Users with many peripherals will find 6 ports limiting.

Purchase Recommendations

✅ Worth Buying: Travelers, remote workers, and minimalists who need essential ports (HDMI, Ethernet, SD, USB-A) in the smallest possible package.

💰 Premium Pick: The Satechi Slim Hub at ¥349 ($49) offers 4K@60Hz and more ports but is larger and 2x the price.

⚠️ Budget Warning: If 4K@60Hz is essential, consider the Anker 655 8-in-1 at ¥359 ($50) or skip compact hubs entirely for a desktop station.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Ultra-compact — smallest hub in its class	HDMI limited to 4K@30Hz
100W PD pass-through (rare at this size)	Only 6 ports — limited expandability
SD/TF card reader included	Only 2 USB-A ports
Anker build quality and reliability	No USB-C data port
Gigabit Ethernet with stable connection	Plastic build (not as premium as Anker 655)
Great value at ¥169 ($24)	10cm cable very short
50,000+ reviews with 4.7/5 rating	No 3.5mm audio output
Runs cool even under load	Limited to single external display

FAQ

Q1: Can I use this hub with my iPhone 15/16 Pro? A: Yes. iPhone 15/16 Pro with USB-C supports HDMI output and USB peripherals through the hub. Note that PD charging is also supported for pass-through to the phone.

Q2: Does the PowerExpand 6-in-1 support 4K@60Hz? A: No — it’s limited to 4K@30Hz due to the compact chipset. If you need 4K@60Hz, look at the Anker 655 8-in-1 or Satechi Slim Hub Pro.

Q3: Will the 100W PD work with my 96W MacBook Pro charger? A: Yes. The hub passes through up to 100W. With a 96W charger, your MacBook Pro will receive ~90W (after hub power consumption), sufficient for full-speed charging even under load.

Q4: Is this hub compatible with Steam Deck? A: Yes. Steam Deck works with the HDMI output at up to 4K@30Hz and USB ports for peripherals. PD charging also works for the Steam Deck.

Q5: Does the SD card reader support UHS-II cards? A: No — it supports UHS-I up to ~80MB/s. For UHS-II speeds (300MB/s+), you need a dedicated card reader or a premium hub like the CalDigit TS4.

Rating

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)

• Portability: 5.0/5
• Build Quality: 4.5/5
• Video Output: 3.5/5
• Value for Money: 4.7/5
• Port Selection: 3.5/5