If you’re choosing between the Anker 332 and Anker 555, the main question is not simply which hub has more ports. It’s whether you need a compact 5-in-1 adapter for everyday connections or a more versatile 8-in-1 hub with faster data, Ethernet, and SD card support.
Choose the Anker 332 if you mainly need HDMI, USB-A, USB-C data, and pass-through charging in a small and relatively inexpensive hub.
Choose the Anker 555 if you need more connectivity, 10Gbps data, Gigabit Ethernet, SD/microSD card readers, or 4K output at 60Hz.
This comparison is based on current manufacturer specifications and retailer pricing, not hands-on testing.
Anker 332 vs Anker 555: At a Glance
| Feature | Anker 332 | Anker 555 |
|---|---|---|
| Model | A8355 | A8383 |
| Ports | 5-in-1 | 8-in-1 |
| USB-A data | 2 × 5Gbps | 2 × 10Gbps |
| USB-C data | 1 × 5Gbps | 1 × 10Gbps |
| HDMI | Up to 4K@30Hz | Up to 4K@60Hz |
| Ethernet | – | 1Gbps |
| SD card | – | UHS-I |
| microSD card | – | UHS-I |
| PD input | Up to 100W | Up to 100W |
| Laptop charging | Up to 85W | Up to 85W |
| Current listed price | $24.99 at Anker | $49.99 at Anker |
| Best suited to | Basic everyday expansion | More demanding desk and mobile setups |
Specifications are based on Anker’s current product documentation.
The Key Difference: Simplicity vs Expansion
The Anker 332 and Anker 555 solve a similar problem: they turn a single USB-C connection into several useful ports.
The difference is how far they take that idea.
The Anker 332 focuses on the essentials. It provides two USB-A data ports, one USB-C data port, HDMI, and USB-C Power Delivery input. Its data ports support up to 5Gbps, while HDMI supports up to 4K at 30Hz. See official specifications →
The Anker 555 adds three important categories of connectivity: Ethernet, SD/microSD card readers, and faster 10Gbps USB data. Its HDMI output can reach 4K at 60Hz when the host device supports the required display standard. See official specifications →
That means the 555 isn’t simply a larger version of the 332. It is aimed at users with more varied peripherals and higher-bandwidth workflows.
Anker 332: What You Get
The Anker 332 is a 5-in-1 USB-C hub built around a straightforward set of connections:
- 1 × HDMI
- 2 × USB-A data
- 1 × USB-C data
- 1 × USB-C PD input
The USB-A and USB-C data ports support speeds up to 5Gbps. HDMI supports resolutions up to 4K at 30Hz. The PD input accepts up to 100W, with up to 85W available for laptop charging after accounting for the hub’s power requirements.
Strengths
Simple port selection
If your main needs are a monitor, keyboard, mouse, USB drive, and laptop charging, the 332 covers the basic setup without adding ports you may never use.
Compact and relatively inexpensive
Anker currently lists the 332 at $24.99, while Best Buy listings can vary by color and promotion.
4K HDMI support
The HDMI port can drive an external display at up to 4K@30Hz. That’s useful for office work, browsing, documents, and general productivity, although it isn’t equivalent to 4K@60Hz.
Limitations
The biggest limitation is expansion.
There is no Ethernet port, SD card reader, or microSD card reader. The USB data connections are also limited to 5Gbps, and HDMI tops out at 4K@30Hz.
If you regularly move large files, connect wired Ethernet, use SD cards, or want a smoother 4K@60Hz external display, those limitations become more significant.
Anker 555: What You Get
The Anker 555 is an 8-in-1 hub with a considerably broader set of connections:
- 1 × HDMI
- 2 × USB-A data
- 1 × USB-C data
- 1 × Gigabit Ethernet
- 1 × SD card reader
- 1 × microSD card reader
- 1 × USB-C PD input
The USB-A and USB-C data ports support up to 10Gbps. HDMI supports up to 4K@60Hz, while Ethernet supports up to 1Gbps. The SD and microSD readers use the UHS-I standard.
Strengths
More useful ports
Ethernet and SD/microSD can make a major difference for photographers, content creators, office workers with wired networks, and anyone who frequently connects different accessories.
Faster USB data
The 555’s USB-A and USB-C data ports support up to 10Gbps, compared with 5Gbps on the 332. This matters more when you’re transferring large files or using faster external storage.
4K@60Hz HDMI
The 555 supports HDMI output up to 4K@60Hz when the host device supports the appropriate display standard. Anker’s documentation notes that the hub supports only one external display.
Still portable
Despite having eight functions, Anker lists the 555 at about 0.6 inches thick and roughly 4.5 ounces. That makes it more of a portable multiport hub than a traditional desktop docking station.
Limitations
The 555 costs more and includes features that some users simply won’t need.
It also isn’t a replacement for a full docking station. For example, it provides one HDMI display output rather than a multi-monitor desktop setup.
And although it accepts up to 100W USB-C PD input, the laptop receives up to 85W after power used by the hub. The charger itself is not included.
Anker 332 vs 555 for Different Setups
For a Basic Home Office
The Anker 332 makes sense if your setup looks something like:
Laptop → Hub → Monitor + Keyboard + Mouse
You don’t necessarily need Ethernet, SD cards, or 10Gbps transfer speeds for this type of setup.
The 332 gives you the essential connections while keeping the price lower.
For a More Connected Desk
The 555 becomes more useful if your desk includes:
- External SSDs
- Wired Ethernet
- SD cards
- microSD cards
- 4K monitor
- Multiple USB peripherals
Instead of adding separate adapters for different connections, the 555 puts these functions into one device.
For Photography or Video Work
The 555 has a clearer advantage on paper because of its SD and microSD card readers and faster USB data connections.
That doesn’t automatically make it the right choice for every creator, but those specific ports can eliminate the need for additional card readers.
For Travel
Both are portable USB-C hubs, but the right choice depends on what you expect to connect.
If your travel setup is mainly a laptop, display, keyboard, mouse, and a few USB devices, the 332 keeps things simple.
If you regularly connect wired Ethernet, camera cards, or faster external storage, the additional ports on the 555 can reduce the number of accessories you need to carry.
Power Delivery: 332 vs 555
Both hubs accept up to 100W USB-C Power Delivery input and can provide up to 85W to the connected laptop.
The important distinction is that 100W input does not mean 100W reaches the laptop.
Both hubs reserve some power for their own operation. Anker specifies up to 85W laptop charging for the 332 and 555. A compatible USB-C charger is also required; the hub itself does not include one.
For a typical ultraportable laptop, this can be sufficient. For higher-power laptops, you should check the computer’s actual charging requirements before assuming that either hub can provide full-speed charging.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the Anker 332 if
- You want a basic USB-C hub for everyday use.
- You need HDMI but don’t require 4K@60Hz.
- 5Gbps USB data is sufficient.
- You don’t need Ethernet.
- You don’t use SD or microSD cards.
- You want to spend around $25 rather than $50.
At the time of our check, Anker listed the 332 at $24.99.
Choose the Anker 555 if
- You need more than five connections.
- You use wired Gigabit Ethernet.
- You frequently transfer files through external storage.
- You use SD or microSD cards.
- You want 4K@60Hz HDMI output.
- You want 10Gbps USB-A and USB-C data.
- You’re comfortable spending around $50 for the additional connectivity.
At the time of our check, Anker listed the 555 at $49.99.
Current Prices
Anker 332: Anker listed the product at $24.99 when checked. Best Buy listings showed prices varying by color and promotion.
Anker 555: Anker listed the product at $49.99 when checked. Best Buy showed a promotional price of $38.99 on the product page at the time of research, with a listed comparable value of $49.99.
Prices and availability can change, so check the current retailer price before purchasing.
Alternatives
If neither model matches your setup, the next step is not necessarily to buy a more expensive hub.
For a simple setup, a smaller USB-C adapter may be enough.
For a permanent workstation with multiple displays, more USB ports, audio, and a one-cable desktop connection, a docking station may make more sense than either the 332 or 555.
The key distinction is that these products are portable USB-C hubs rather than full desktop docks.
FAQ
Is the Anker 555 worth the extra cost over the 332?
That depends on whether you will use its additional capabilities.
The 555 adds 10Gbps USB data, Gigabit Ethernet, SD/microSD readers, and 4K@60Hz HDMI. If you don’t need those features, the 332 provides a simpler setup for less money.
Does the Anker 332 support 4K?
Yes. Its HDMI output supports up to 4K at 30Hz.
Does the Anker 555 support 4K at 60Hz?
Yes, when the connected host device supports the required display capability. Anker specifies HDMI output up to 4K@60Hz.
Does the Anker 555 have Ethernet?
Yes. It includes a Gigabit Ethernet port supporting up to 1Gbps.
Does the Anker 332 have an SD card reader?
No. The 332 does not include SD or microSD card slots.
Can either hub charge a laptop?
Yes. Both support up to 100W PD input and up to 85W laptop charging, assuming you use a suitable USB-C power adapter.
Can the Anker 555 run two external monitors?
Not through its standard HDMI output. Anker’s documentation specifies support for one external display.
The Takeaway
The Anker 332 and Anker 555 are aimed at different levels of connectivity.
The 332 is the simpler option: five essential connections, 5Gbps data, 4K@30Hz HDMI, and up to 85W laptop charging.
The 555 is designed for a more demanding setup: eight connections, 10Gbps data, Gigabit Ethernet, SD/microSD readers, 4K@60Hz HDMI, and up to 85W laptop charging.
The choice therefore comes down to the ports and performance you actually need. If your setup only requires the basics, the 332 avoids paying for features you may not use. If you need Ethernet, card readers, faster USB transfers, or 4K@60Hz, the 555 provides those capabilities in one hub.
Ready to Choose?
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Sources & Last Updated
Review status: Research-based Comparison
Last updated: October 1, 2026
Primary sources: