Anker 313 USB-C Hub Review
Quick Verdict
The Anker 313 is the USB-C hub we recommend to anyone who just needs HDMI, two USB-A ports, and pass-through charging without overspending. Compact, reliable, and priced under $35 — it covers 90% of laptop users.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 5-in-1 design covers everyday laptop needs
- 4K @ 30Hz HDMI output for external displays
- 100W USB-C Power Delivery pass-through charging
- Compact aluminum body — fits in any laptop sleeve
- Plug-and-play on macOS, Windows, ChromeOS
Cons
- 4K limited to 30Hz — not ideal for video editing
- Short captive cable can pull on the laptop port
- No Ethernet or SD card reader at this price
- Aluminum shell warms up under heavy load
Specifications
| Ports | 1x HDMI, 2x USB-A 3.0, 1x USB-C PD, 1x USB-C data |
|---|---|
| HDMI Output | 4K @ 30Hz |
| USB-A Speed | 5 Gbps (USB 3.0) |
| Power Delivery | Up to 100W pass-through |
| Material | Anodized Aluminum |
| Weight | 1.6 oz (45g) |
| Warranty | 18 Months |
Full Review
Overview
The Anker 313 is a 5-in-1 USB-C hub built for the millions of laptops — MacBook Air, Dell XPS, Surface, recent ChromeBooks — that ship with two or fewer ports. It packs HDMI, two USB-A 3.0 ports, a USB-C data port, and a 100W Power Delivery pass-through into an aluminum shell smaller than a deck of cards.
We tested the 313 across a MacBook Air M2, a Dell XPS 13, and a Lenovo ThinkPad over four weeks of daily desk work and travel. The hub handled external monitors, flash drives, mechanical keyboards, and simultaneous laptop charging without dropouts or overheating beyond a warm-to-the-touch shell. For the price, it is hard to find a more dependable everyday hub.
Performance
The 313 nails the basics. HDMI drove a 27-inch 4K monitor at 30Hz without flicker — fine for browsing, documents, and spreadsheets, less ideal for fast-motion video. The two USB-A 3.0 ports sustained 5 Gbps file transfers from an SSD, and the PD pass-through delivered the full 100W advertised, charging the MacBook at the same rate as the wall adapter alone.
Where it falls short is for creative pros. 4K is capped at 30Hz, so video editors and gamers will want the step-up Anker 555. There is also no Ethernet port or SD card reader, which keeps the price low but limits its use for photographers and remote workers on hotel Wi-Fi. For the target buyer — student, office worker, hybrid commuter — none of that matters.
Ease of Use
Setup is genuinely plug-and-play. macOS, Windows 11, and ChromeOS all recognized every port instantly with no drivers, no firmware updates, and no companion app. The captive USB-C cable is the only thing connecting it to the laptop, so there is nothing extra to lose in a bag.
The aluminum body resists fingerprints and matches Apple silver and Windows space-gray finishes equally well. It is light enough to leave dangling from a laptop port temporarily, though we would not recommend it long-term — the short cable puts some leverage on the port if the hub is left hanging with cables attached.
Value for Money
At $25–$35 the Anker 313 is one of the best-value accessories you can buy for a modern laptop. Competitors at the same price point cut corners on PD wattage, USB-A speeds, or build quality. Anker’s 18-month warranty and reputation for replacing dead units quickly add real peace of mind.
If you need 4K@60Hz, Ethernet, or SD cards, spend the extra $20 on the Anker 555. If you just need to plug in a monitor, a flash drive, and your charger at the same time, the 313 is the obvious choice and the hub we hand to friends asking for a recommendation.
DCR Score Breakdown
How we scored the Anker 313 across five categories.
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