Anker 332 5-in-1 USB-C Hub Review: Check Display and Power Compatibility First

This review analyzes published product information. We have not performed detailed research of this unit.

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A port expansion hub, not a gaming dock upgrade

The Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1) combines one HDMI output, three USB data ports and a dedicated USB-C power input. Its strongest use case is a laptop setup that needs USB accessories, an external display and pass-through charging without moving to a more elaborate dock. For a gaming-oriented desk, however, the display specification deserves more attention than the port count: Anker lists a maximum HDMI output of 4K at 30Hz.

This review is based on the supplied retailer specifications, not detailed research. Those specifications describe a useful connection hub, but they do not establish gaming performance, sustained transfer speeds or behavior under simultaneous charging, display and storage workloads. Buying it sensibly means matching each connection to a specific job.

The exact configuration and its stated limits

Check the laptop port before planning the installation

The host connector is only the first compatibility check. Anker names USB-C, USB4 and Thunderbolt connections, but also specifies laptops with DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Do not interpret the presence of a USB-C socket alone as confirmation that every function will work. Before buying, check the laptop documentation for display output and charging support on the particular port you intend to use.

The operating-system list is also consequential. Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS and MacBooks running macOS 12 or later are included; Linux is expressly excluded. A Linux gaming laptop therefore falls outside the stated compatibility, regardless of whether its connector appears suitable. The evidence does not describe driver installation or firmware requirements, so there is no basis here to promise a particular setup process.

For the planned desk layout, identify the host connection, the display’s HDMI connection and the charger separately. The package description names the hub and guide, but does not establish a complete cabling bundle. Host-cable length is also unspecified, making exact placement beside a laptop stand or behind a monitor an unresolved detail.

HDMI is the only route to an external screen

Despite the retailer title’s splitter wording, the supplied port list establishes just one HDMI output. This is not evidence of a multi-monitor splitter configuration. Neither USB-C port supports video, so a USB-C monitor cannot receive a display signal from those downstream connections. Plan around one HDMI-connected external screen rather than assuming that every USB-C socket can act as another display output.

The stated 4K-at-30Hz ceiling is the main reason to separate this hub from a gaming-display upgrade. If your objective is 4K at 60Hz or higher, the specification does not meet it. For a secondary screen used for reference material or less motion-sensitive work, accepting that limit may be reasonable. Anker does not supply lower-resolution refresh-rate modes here, so higher-refresh gaming at another resolution should not be assumed.

Likewise, the evidence does not document adaptive sync, HDR or display-related latency. Those omissions do not prove defects; they mean this listing is insufficient to validate a feature-sensitive gaming monitor setup.

100W input does not mean 100W reaches the laptop

The charging port is labeled for 100W PD input, while laptop pass-through charging is specified at up to 85W. Keep those two figures separate. The input label is not a promise that the laptop receives 100W, and the charger needed for pass-through operation is not included.

Compare the 85W ceiling with your laptop’s documented charging requirements. If the machine requires more power for its intended workload, this hub should not be treated as a replacement for its normal power arrangement. Actual charging behavior with a particular laptop and charger is not established by these specifications.

For iPad use, Anker recommends a 45W wall charger to achieve full power, but the supplied evidence does not identify compatible iPad models. That recommendation should not be stretched into universal tablet compatibility. Also, the PD-IN port cannot double as a connection for USB headphones, speakers or storage: it is reserved for charging.

Three data ports, with clear role separation

The two USB-A ports and single USB-C data port are each advertised for transfers up to 5 Gbps. That gives a laptop room for a mix of peripherals and storage, while keeping the charging input separate. The USB-C data port cannot carry video, but unlike PD-IN it is intended for data devices.

These are interface ceilings, not measured file-copy results. The listing does not establish aggregate bandwidth, simultaneous-port throughput or downstream power budgets. If your setup depends on several demanding USB devices operating together, those unknowns matter more than the headline port count.

For a broader desk-maintenance project, our PC cleaning equipment guide covers a separate part of keeping hardware serviced; it does not replace the connection checks required here.

Frequently asked questions

Is a charger included with the Anker 332?

No, the charger is not included. The hub has a USB-C 100W PD-IN charging input, while laptop pass-through charging is listed at up to 85W. The package description names the hub and a welcome guide, but it does not establish a complete cabling bundle or specify that a host cable is included.

Which operating systems are listed as compatible?

The listed operating systems are macOS 12 or newer, Windows 10 and 11, and ChromeOS. Linux is expressly listed as incompatible. The article also notes that the laptop should have USB-C, USB4 or Thunderbolt connectivity with DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery for the relevant display and charging functions.

Can the hub connect to an iPad?

The article mentions iPad charging, with Anker recommending a 45W wall charger to achieve full power. However, the supplied evidence does not identify compatible iPad models, so that recommendation should not be treated as universal tablet compatibility. The article does not establish broader iPad connection or display behavior.

What comes in the package, and how long is the warranty?

The listed package contains the hub and a welcome guide. It also lists an 18-month warranty. The article does not establish that a charger or complete cabling bundle is included, and host-cable length is unspecified. Those details should be confirmed separately if they matter for placing the hub beside a laptop stand or monitor.

How large and heavy is the hub?

The hub is listed at approximately 4.78 × 1.59 × 0.45 inches and 0.09 pounds. These are the published dimensions and weight supplied in the article. The article does not provide additional information about materials, construction, cable length or how the physical size would suit a particular desk arrangement.

Verdict: buy for missing ports, not assumed capabilities

The Anker 332 makes sense for a supported laptop needing three USB data connections, one HDMI screen within the stated display limit and no more than 85W of pass-through charging. Look elsewhere if your requirements include Linux support, downstream USB-C video, multiple display outputs or 4K at a higher refresh rate. Its value is straightforward port expansion, provided the laptop, charger and monitor fit the published boundaries.

Sources: Anker 332 retailer listing and supplied specifications.

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