I’ve been using the Anker USB-C Hub 7-in-2 for over a year, and today I’ll share my experience. It’s easily become one of my favorite Mac accessories. I originally purchased it for my MacBook Pro M4, primarily because it supports Thunderbolt 4 connectivity—ensuring the fastest data transfer speeds and seamless multi-device performance. Now, I can easily use it with the new MacBook Pro M5 as well.
Whether it’s transferring large files from an SSD, connecting multiple USB drives, or connecting my desktop to an external 4K monitor, this compact $54 hub handles everything seamlessly. It’s a simple yet powerful solution that transforms my MacBook into a complete workstation—all while maintaining Apple-like quality and stability. So let’s find out more about the Anker USB-C Hub 7-in-2 with Thunderbolt 4. Should you get it for your MacBook Pro M5?
Quick Verdict
- After a full year of daily use, the Anker USB-C Hub 7-in-2 continues to deliver stable Thunderbolt 4-level performance, handling 4K displays, SSD transfers, and power delivery without breaking a sweat.
- Its solid aluminum build, perfect MacBook fit, and proven reliability make it one of the most dependable $54 accessories for Apple laptops.
- Fully compatible with MacBook Pro and Air models from M1 through M5, this compact hub remains the ideal plug-and-play expansion for creators and professionals alike.
Pros
- Durable and Premium aluminum design
- Works flawlessly with all MacBook models from M1 to M5
- 100W Power Delivery passthrough supports charging
- Full Thunderbolt 4 compatibility
- 4K@60Hz HDMI output delivers sharp
- Affordable price
Cons
- Lacks an Ethernet port
- Slight heating under heavy multi-port usage
- Not ideal for iPad or single-port USB-C laptops
- No dedicated audio jack
Design and Build Quality
Anker has always maintained its reputation for creating accessories that feel as premium as Apple’s own products, and this USB-C hub is no exception. The Anker USB-C Hub 7-in-2 is made of solid aluminum alloy, which perfectly matches the color and finish of the MacBook.
Its compact and lightweight size makes it ideal for both travel and everyday desk setups. It also fits snugly when connected to the MacBook’s dual USB-C ports, ensuring a stable connection without any wobble. I’ve used it for a full year,
But even after this, the ports remain tight and show very little wear and tear—a clear testament to Anker’s manufacturing quality. Overall, the design and build quality are good. I’m using the gray USB-C Hub, which matches the color of my MacBook, so it never feels like it’s made by Anker rather than Apple. So let us now talk about its ports and connectivity.
Ports And Connectivity
This Anker hub has all the essential connectivity options that the new MacBook lacks. You get:
- 2× USB-C connectors (for MacBook attachment)
- 1× HDMI port – supports video output up to 4K@60Hz
- 2× USB-A 3.0 ports – for flash drives, keyboards, or external HDDs
- 1× USB-C Power Delivery port – supports up to 100W PD passthrough
- 1× SD card slot and 1× microSD slot – for photographers and creators
It’s specifically designed for MacBook Pro and Air models with two adjacent USB-C ports on the same side. This includes all versions from the M1 (2020) to the M5 (2025).
Thunderbolt 4 Compatibility And Performance
One of the biggest strengths of this Anker hub is how seamlessly it integrates with Apple’s Thunderbolt-equipped MacBooks.
Although the hub itself isn’t a full-speed Thunderbolt dock (it’s technically a USB-C/Thunderbolt-compatible expansion hub), it fully supports the Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 port standards for connectivity, power, and display.
Works Perfectly with Thunderbolt 4 Ports on M4 and M5 Macs
When connected to the new MacBook Pro M4 and M5 models, both USB-C connectors plug into the machine’s Thunderbolt 4 ports, giving the hub access to the full 40 Gbps channel bandwidth. This means:
1. Data Transfer
In my testing, both USB-A 3.0 ports consistently achieved data transfer speeds of 380-420 MB/s when copying large files to and from the SSD. It’s worth noting that even with all ports in use simultaneously, there wasn’t any noticeable slowdown.
2. Display Output
The HDMI port easily handles a 4K monitor at 60Hz, and its output is clear and precise. For users connecting ultra-wide or dual monitors, the hub works smoothly without screen flicker or signal drops—even on the new MacBook Pro M5 I tested.
3. Power Delivery
USB-C PD passthrough supports charging up to 100W, which means even power-hungry MacBooks like the 16-inch M3 Pro and M5 Pro models can charge using other ports. Temperatures remain under control even during extended charging and data transfers.
The hub communicates via Thunderbolt 4’s backward-compatibility layer (USB 4 protocol), so there’s no drop in reliability or data rate when moving from older M1/M2/M3 machines to M4/M5. I’ve personally tested on all of these models and haven’t encountered any issues.
Compatibility
This Anker USB-C hub has been extensively tested on multiple generations of MacBook models, and the results are impressive. It works seamlessly with MacBook Air and MacBook Pro powered by Apple’s M1, M2, and M3 chips, providing full port functionality—including HDMI output, high-speed USB transfer, and 100W Power Delivery charging. Even with the latest M4 and M5 MacBook models, expected to be introduced in 2025, this hub works smoothly without any driver or connection issues.
When connected to a MacBook Air (M1-M5), all ports function perfectly, and the hub fits well with Apple’s dual USB-C port layout. On MacBook Pro models from M1 to M5 (13-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch), users can expect full compatibility, including stable 4K@60Hz external display output and continuous power passthrough. Overall, this hub is best suited for MacBook users, especially those who want a plug-and-play experience without worrying about compatibility or firmware updates.
Thermals And Durability
After a year of daily use, I can say that the Anker Hub exhibits only minor surface heat during heavy workloads (e.g., 4K output + charging + SSD transfers). No overheating, no connection drops, and no throttling were observed. The aluminum casing effectively dissipates heat, ensuring stable performance even during prolonged use.
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Final Verdict
Even after a full year of use, this Anker USB-C Hub for MacBook 7-in-2 holds its own among newer and more expensive options. Its premium aluminum construction, excellent compatibility with Apple’s M1-M5 laptops, and reliable all-day performance make it one of the best $54 accessories you can buy in 2025.
If you have any MacBook from the M1 to the M5, this is a great hub recommendation from me. Finally, let me tell you that this is the best USB-C Hub for your MacBook, compact, powerful, and long-lasting.
SEE ALSO: UtechSmart 6-in-1 USB-C Hub Long-Term Review: Still Worth Buying?
