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Choose by display behavior first, not by port count. The Baseus 10-in-1 Dual Display USB-C Hub has two HDMI outputs and advertises a non-mirrored mode for macOS, but its published material does not establish the resolution and refresh-rate combinations for two monitors together. Anker’s A83C2 is explicitly a mirroring hub, so it cannot provide two independent desktops. Anker’s 563 A8395 is the clearest option of the three for an extended dual-monitor workspace because it documents specific two-screen combinations and uses DisplayLink, provided your laptop supports USB-C Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alt Mode.
The short answer: extended or mirrored?
Before comparing HDMI counts, decide what you want the screens to do:
- Extended desktop: each monitor shows different windows. This is the usual requirement for coding, spreadsheets, editing timelines and research.
- Mirrored desktop: both monitors show the same image. This can be useful for presentations or a public display, but it does not create extra workspace.
The distinction is decisive in this comparison. Anker states that the A83C2 mirrors both connected displays on MacBooks and Windows laptops. Its guide lists a maximum of 1080p at 60Hz for each display when used as a dual-monitor setup, but those outputs remain mirrored. The Baseus hub’s EU specifications say macOS supports SST and a non-mirrored mode; however, they do not state the complete two-monitor resolution and refresh combinations. The Anker 563 A8395 documents separate extended-display combinations and identifies DisplayLink support.
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| Model | Display outputs | What the manufacturer says about two monitors | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseus 10 in 1 Dual Display USB-C Hub | Two HDMI; USB-C data; three USB-A; Ethernet; SD and TF readers; 100W power-delivery input; screen-lock button | Baseus describes dual display. Its EU page says macOS supports SST and a non-mirrored mode. | The published pages do not establish the resolution/refresh combination for both screens. Confirm the exact SKU, host laptop and operating system before buying. The US page showed the product as sold out when crawled. |
| Anker USB-C Hub (10-in-1, Dual Display), A83C2 | HDMI up to 4K@30Hz; VGA up to 1080p@60Hz; USB; card slots; Ethernet; up to 100W PD input | Anker says two connected displays mirror on MacBooks and Windows laptops. The guide lists 1080p@60Hz for each screen in the dual-monitor configuration. | Not suitable when you need two independent desktops. Maximum output also depends on the host. |
| Anker 563 USB-C Docking Station (10-in-1), A8395 | 4K HDMI; 2K HDMI; 2K DisplayPort; USB; Ethernet; audio; PD input | Lists several distinct two-monitor combinations and advertises up to three monitors with DisplayLink. | The laptop must provide USB-C Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alt Mode. DisplayLink software and macOS permissions may be required. |
The specifications above are manufacturer figures, not independent measurements. The model numbers matter: similarly named hubs are not interchangeable.
#1 Best Overall
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 50 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Massive Expansion: Equipped with a USB C PD-IN charging port, 2 USB-A data ports, 2 HDMI ports, an Ethernet port, and a microSD/SD card reader, giving you an incredible range of functions—all from a single USB-C port.
- Dual HDMI Display: Stream or mirror content to a single device in stunning 4K@60Hz, or hook up two displays to both HDMI ports in 4K@30Hz. Note: For macOS, the display on both external monitors will be identical.
- Power Delivery Compatible: Compatible with USB-C Power Delivery to provide high-speed pass-through charging up to 85W. Please note: 100W PD wall charger and USB-C to C cable required.
- Compatibility: Supports USB-C, USB4, and Thunderbolt connections. Compatible with Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
What each hub actually supports
Baseus 10-in-1 Dual Display USB-C Hub
The Baseus design is aimed at people who want two HDMI sockets alongside a broad selection of everyday ports. The US product page lists USB-C data, three USB-A ports, Ethernet, SD and TF card readers, a screen-lock button and up to 100W power-delivery input. The same product family appears on Baseus’s EU specification page, which is the page that explicitly discusses macOS behavior.
“Dual display” on the product name is not enough to establish two independent desktops for every computer. Baseus’s EU wording says macOS supports SST and that the hub supports non-mirrored mode for Mac users. It does not publish a table showing, for example, the maximum refresh rate when both HDMI outputs are active at once. Without that combination, you should not assume that two 4K screens, or even two 1080p screens at a particular refresh rate, will work as expected.
Check the precise regional listing and SKU before ordering. The official US listing was shown as sold out when crawled; that status can change, and it does not prove that a third-party listing is the same hardware.
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- Powerful 7-in-1 Hub: Designed for the multitasker, this 7-in-1 USB-C hub features everything from ultra-fast data transfer to high-definition video output.(No Ethernet port is included.)
- See More, Do More: Easily extend your workspace across two screens with 1080p@60Hz resolution, ideal for enhancing productivity and multitasking capabilities.
- Blazing-Fast 10Gbps Data Transfer: Dramatically reduce transfer times with a 10Gbps port that quickly moves large files and boosts work productivity.
- 100W Fast Charging: Cut down on charging time with the powerful 100W input and 85W output, suitable for all your high-demand technology. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Compatibility: Supports USB-C, USB4, and Thunderbolt connections. Compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
Anker A83C2: a dual-output mirror hub
The A83C2 combines HDMI and VGA with USB, card slots, Ethernet and power delivery. Anker lists HDMI output up to 4K at 30Hz and VGA up to 1080p at 60Hz, with up to 100W entering the hub and up to 85W delivered to the laptop after the hub’s consumption. Those are useful single-output and charging specifications, but they do not turn the product into an extended-display dock.
Anker’s FAQ is unambiguous: “Unfortunately, when connecting dual monitors to either MacBooks or Windows laptops using this hub, the displays will be mirrored and not extended.” The A83C2 user guide lists 1080p@60Hz for each display in the dual-monitor arrangement. Buy it only if mirroring is acceptable or if you plan to use one external screen at a time.
Anker 563 A8395: documented extended combinations through DisplayLink
The A8395 has one HDMI output rated for 4K, a second HDMI output rated for 2K, and a 2K DisplayPort output. Its product page specifies these two-monitor combinations:
Rank #3
- 【9-in-1 USB-C Docking Station】This Acer laptop docking station includes 2 HDMI(4K@60Hz), 3 USB-A (5Gbps), 1 USB-C (5Gbps), 100W PD charging, and SD/MicroSD slots (104Mbps). 📌Note: 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐔𝐒𝐁-𝐂 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐩𝐮𝐭 (𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞) 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭.
- 【Stunning Dual 4K@60Hz Display】This USB-C docking station supports dual monitors via 2 HDMI ports with 4K@60Hz resolution, making screen extension or mirroring easy. 📌Note: ①𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 (𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐩, 𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬) 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐇𝐃𝐌𝐈 𝟐.𝟎 𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. ②𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐜 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐀-𝐀𝐀 𝐨𝐫 𝐀-𝐁𝐁 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬; 𝐀-𝐁𝐂 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝.
- 【Fast Data Transfer & Easy Access】This Acer USB-C docking station offers 1 USB-C (5Gbps), 3 USB-A (5Gbps), and dual SD/MicroSD slots (up to 104Mbps) for fast, reliable file transfers.
- 【100W PD Fast Charging, Efficient Power Supply】This Acer USB-C hub supports up to 100W input and delivers up to 90W to your laptop, allowing you to stay charged while using the docking station. 📌𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: ① 𝐄𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞’𝐬 𝐔𝐒𝐁-𝐂 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 (𝐏𝐃); 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐚 100𝐖+ 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 (𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝).
- 【Thoughtful Details】This docking station has a 0.65FT built-in cable, an aluminum alloy body, and a lock button for device security. Single click locks Windows; press and hold 3s for Mac.
| Connections used | Manufacturer-listed result | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| First HDMI + second HDMI | 4K@30Hz + 2K@50Hz | Two different displays, with the second HDMI limited to the listed 50Hz combination. |
| First HDMI + DisplayPort | 4K@30Hz + 2K@60Hz | The DisplayPort pairing allows the listed 60Hz result on the 2K screen. |
| Second HDMI + DisplayPort | 2048×1152@60Hz + 2048×1152@60Hz | Both displays use the same 2048×1152 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. |
Anker also advertises up to three monitors with DisplayLink. That is a software-assisted architecture rather than a simple passive splitter, so the setup has an extra driver and permission requirement. The laptop still needs USB-C Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alt Mode for the host connection specified by Anker.
Check the laptop before comparing docks
A USB-C-shaped connector does not automatically carry video or accept charging. Before buying any of these products, identify the capabilities of the exact port you will use.
- DisplayPort Alt Mode: required by the A8395’s stated host requirements. Look for a DisplayPort symbol, a Thunderbolt symbol or the laptop manufacturer’s port specification; do not infer it from the connector shape alone.
- USB-C Power Delivery: the A8395 requires it, and the hubs’ wattage figures describe power entering the dock, not necessarily the amount reaching the laptop.
- Operating system: macOS and Windows can expose different display paths. Baseus’s non-mirrored statement is specifically qualified for macOS, while the A83C2 mirroring statement covers both MacBooks and Windows laptops.
- Available graphics bandwidth: the laptop, cable, dock and monitors must all support the selected resolution and refresh rate. A single-monitor “4K” headline does not guarantee the same result with two screens connected.
How to set up an extended dual-monitor workspace
1. Verify the physical path
- Write down the laptop model and the exact USB-C port. Confirm DisplayPort Alt Mode and, where required, USB-C Power Delivery in the laptop’s specifications.
- Check each monitor’s input: HDMI or DisplayPort. Choose cables that match the monitor input and the dock output. A monitor with only DisplayPort cannot connect directly to an HDMI socket without an appropriate active conversion path.
- For the A8395, choose the pair that matches your target refresh rates. The first HDMI plus DisplayPort is the documented 4K@30Hz + 2K@60Hz combination; using both HDMI ports is listed as 4K@30Hz + 2K@50Hz.
2. Connect power and displays
- Connect the laptop charger to the dock’s power-delivery input if you want the dock to pass charging through.
- Connect the dock to the laptop’s capable USB-C port.
- Attach each monitor to the designated HDMI or DisplayPort output, then turn on the monitors and select the matching input.
- Connect Ethernet, USB devices, audio or SD/TF cards only after the display link is stable. This makes it easier to identify whether a fault is video-related or caused by another peripheral.
3. Select extend mode in Windows
- Open Settings > System > Display.
- Select Identify to match the numbered rectangles with the physical screens.
- Under Multiple displays, choose Extend these displays, then select Keep changes.
- Click each display and set a supported resolution and refresh rate under Display resolution and Advanced display. Start with the combination listed for the dock rather than forcing a higher mode.
If Windows offers only duplicate or mirror behavior with the Baseus hub, recheck the SKU and host port. With the A83C2, duplication is the documented design and changing this setting cannot create two independent outputs.
Rank #4
- 7 in 1 USB C Laptop Docking Station: UGREEN Docking station comes with 2 HDMI, 2x10Gbps USB A ports, 2x10Gbps USB C portsand, a PD 100w charging transfer port. To achieve the full capabilities of hub, ensure your laptop's USB-C port is a full-function or Thunderbolt 3/4 port and Ensure that the cables you are using are compatible with the interface
- Dual 4K@60Hz HDMI Display: The Dual HDMI Dock features two 4K@60Hz HDMI ports, allowing dual-screen 4K@60Hz HD configuration. Please ensure your laptop supports DP1.4. Note: Due to macOS limitations, all extended monitors will display the same content
- Lightning Fast Transfer Speeds: This dual HDMI USB C hub docking station comes with two USB A&C ports for connecting keyboards, mice, and transferring data in USB 3.2. Note: The 10Gbps USB A and C ports do not support charging, video or audio transfer, 10G rate requires the cable to also support 10G rate, 10G rate requires the cable to also support 10G rate
- PD100W USB C Adapter: The PD 100W Fast Charging Docking Station boasts 100W, Please note that the charging cable and power adapter are not included. Additionally, the port only supports charging; it does not facilitate data transfer or video output, PD100W requires a 100w+ charger or original charger (100W+ required)
- Wide Adaptability: The Type-C docking station is compatible with ThinkPad X1, ZenBook, Chromebook, Surface, etc. Note: Windows systems can utilize an extended dual-screen display, macOS devices are limited to mirror mode.If you are a macOS user and want two external monitors to display different images, we do not recommend using this dock
4. Select the arrangement in macOS
- Open System Settings > Displays.
- Select a display and use the arrangement controls to position it left or right of the built-in screen.
- Choose the option that extends the desktop rather than mirroring, when that option is available.
- Set each screen to a mode supported by the dock’s two-monitor specification. If the A8395’s DisplayLink software is installed, allow the accessory and screen-recording permissions requested by DisplayLink Manager.
Anker’s FAQ points macOS Ventura users with an A8395-related issue to DisplayLink Manager V1.8 and Ventura accessory-authorization settings. Use the current DisplayLink instructions for your installed macOS version; permissions can change between releases.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which features matter most for your use case?
Separate desktops for productivity
Choose a product with an explicit extended-display specification. The A8395 is the only model in this comparison with published two-monitor combinations that show different content. The Baseus hub may meet this need on a compatible Mac, but the available specification does not tell you the resulting resolution and refresh rate for both outputs. The A83C2 does not meet this requirement because its displays mirror.
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The A83C2 can be appropriate when the same image should appear on two screens. Its 4K@30Hz HDMI single-output figure may suit a static presentation, while the dual-display guide figure is 1080p@60Hz per screen. Do not purchase it expecting an extended desktop later.
Best Value
- One Cable Desk Setup: Turn your laptop into a full workstation with one connection, run two HDMI monitors (up to 4K 60Hz each on supported systems) and keep your desk setup ready for multitasking, spreadsheets, and video calls. Monitor resolution and refresh rate depend on your host system’s capabilities (dual 4K 60Hz requires a host that supports higher-end display output).
- Compatibility Checklist: Designed for Windows 10+ / USB4 / Chromebook systems that support DP Alt Mode + MST. Not recommended for macOS if you need dual extended displays (Mac will be limited to one external monitor).
- Easy Setup, No Drivers: True plug-and-play, no software installation required on supported systems. Just connect power, plug into your laptop, and attach your monitors and accessories. Host must support USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode) for video output (not all USB-C ports support video).
- 10-in-1 Connectivity for a Ready to Go Workstation: Connect your everyday desk essential – keyboard/mouse, external storage, Ethernet, and a headset for calls through one dock. Includes 1x USB-C (5Gbps), 2x USB-A 3.0 (5Gbps), 1x USB-A 2.0 (480Mbps), Gigabit Ethernet, and audio in/out, plus a secure K-Lock slot for office environments.
- What’s Included + Lifetime Support: In the box you’ll get the UD-MSTH2 dock, 110W power adapter, 1m USB-C host cable, and a Quick Start Guide for fast setup. Backed by Plugable’s lifetime support from our North American team of connectivity experts.
High refresh rates and predictable combinations
Read the two-monitor row, not the largest single-port number. On the A8395, the second HDMI plus DisplayPort combination is listed at 2048×1152@60Hz on each screen; the first HDMI plus DisplayPort combination pairs 4K@30Hz with 2K@60Hz. Those combinations are not interchangeable, and the 4K output is specified at 30Hz rather than 60Hz in the listed pairings.
One-cable charging and many peripherals
Count the ports you will use simultaneously. Baseus lists three USB-A ports, Ethernet and both SD and TF readers. The A83C2 lists USB, card slots and Ethernet and specifies up to 100W input with up to 85W laptop output. The A8395 adds audio alongside USB and Ethernet. A 100W input rating is not the same as 100W reaching the computer; reserve headroom for the dock itself and check the laptop’s own charging limit.
Common failure modes and fixes
Both screens show the same image
- If the hub is an A83C2, mirroring is expected and cannot be changed into extension.
- On Windows, return to Settings > System > Display > Multiple displays and select Extend these displays.
- On macOS, check System Settings > Displays for a mirroring toggle and verify that the hub’s model supports non-mirrored output on that host.
One monitor is blank or drops out
- Power the dock and both monitors, then reconnect the laptop USB-C cable.
- Test one monitor at a time to identify a bad cable, input selection or unsupported mode.
- For the A8395, move the second monitor to the documented port pairing. Its two HDMI outputs do not have identical specifications.
- Lower the refresh rate or resolution to the listed combination. A single-display maximum may exceed what the dock can drive simultaneously.
The laptop does not charge
- Confirm that the charger is connected to the dock’s PD input rather than a data-only USB-C port.
- Confirm that the laptop’s USB-C port accepts Power Delivery. The connector alone is not proof.
- Compare the charger’s wattage with the dock’s pass-through rating and the computer’s charging requirement. For A83C2, Anker’s 85W figure is the maximum laptop output after hub consumption, not a guarantee that every laptop will draw 85W.
DisplayLink does not appear on a Mac
Install the DisplayLink Manager version appropriate for the current macOS release, then complete the privacy and accessory permissions it requests. Anker specifically references DisplayLink Manager V1.8 and Ventura accessory authorization for one A8395 issue; do not assume that an older driver is correct for a newer operating system.
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Ethernet, USB or card readers stop working when displays are connected
Disconnect other high-bandwidth peripherals and test the displays alone. If the displays stabilize, reconnect devices one by one. Use the laptop’s own charger and a known-good cable, and check whether the dock is receiving enough power. Avoid treating a display symptom as proof that the HDMI sockets are defective until cables, inputs, host capabilities and output modes have been isolated.
A buying checklist that prevents the wrong model
- Write “extend” or “mirror” on your requirements list. If you need two workspaces, eliminate the A83C2 immediately.
- Record both monitor resolutions and target refresh rates. Match them against a two-monitor row, not a single-port headline.
- Confirm the laptop port. Verify DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery for the A8395; verify the host’s video behavior for the Baseus model.
- Decide whether DisplayLink is acceptable. It adds software installation and, on macOS, permission steps. If you do not want drivers, favor a solution whose documented outputs match your host’s native display capabilities.
- Calculate charging headroom. Compare the charger, dock pass-through figure and laptop requirement. A83C2’s 100W input and 85W maximum laptop output are manufacturer specifications.
- Check every needed port. Count Ethernet, USB-A, card readers, audio and screen-lock controls rather than assuming all “10-in-1” hubs have the same layout.
- Verify the exact SKU and stock. Baseus’s US page showed sold out when crawled, and similarly named regional listings may differ.
Bottom line by scenario
| Your requirement | Best fit among these models | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Two independent external desktops with published modes | Anker 563 A8395 | Documents distinct HDMI/DisplayPort combinations and uses DisplayLink for multi-monitor expansion, subject to host requirements and software setup. |
| Two screens showing the same content | Anker A83C2 | Mirroring is explicitly documented; dual-monitor maximum is listed as 1080p@60Hz per display. |
| Two HDMI outputs plus card readers and Ethernet, with a Mac non-mirrored possibility | Baseus 10-in-1 Dual Display USB-C Hub | Baseus describes dual display and a macOS non-mirrored mode, but you must confirm the exact two-screen resolution, refresh rate, host and current availability. |
Do not choose on “10-in-1” or “dual display” wording alone. The feature that matters is the exact combination of extended versus mirrored behavior, host-port support, simultaneous resolution and refresh rate, driver requirements, and charging delivered to your laptop.
Quick Recap
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