Anker PowerExpand 13-in-1 USB-C Dock: ports, displays and who it suits

The Anker PowerExpand 13-in-1 USB-C Dock (model A83921A1) turns one USB-C port on a laptop into a full desk setup: monitors, wired network, card readers, USB devices and charging. It is aimed at laptops that have only one or two ports, and at anyone who wants to connect everything with a single cable.

The ports, in plain terms

Anker lists thirteen connections:

• An 85W USB-C port for charging the laptop
• An 18W Power Delivery USB-C port for a phone or other device
• A USB-C data port (10 Gbps)
• Three USB-A ports (5 Gbps)
• Two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort
• An Ethernet port
• SD and microSD card slots
• A 3.5 mm audio port
• A DC input for the power adapter

The 10 Gbps and 5 Gbps figures are the maximum data speeds of those ports, which matter mainly for external drives and fast card readers.

Charging the laptop and a phone together

The dock ships with a 135W power adapter. Of that, Anker rates one USB-C port at 85W for the laptop and another at 18W for a phone. This arrangement lets both charge while the laptop is connected. Check your laptop's own charger's wattage: if it needs more than 85W, it may charge more slowly or not gain charge under heavy load.

Three monitors, with a catch for Apple computers

The dock can send video to up to three monitors through the DisplayPort and the two HDMI ports, at 1080p and 60Hz each. The title mentions 4K on the HDMI ports, so resolution depends on how many displays are in use and on what your laptop supports. Confirm the exact combinations in the manual.

Anker is clear about one limit: macOS and iPadOS only support Single-Stream Transport (SST) mode. In practice that means every connected monitor shows the same content, a mirrored view, instead of three separate extended desktops. Windows laptops are usually the ones that can extend across several screens, subject to their graphics hardware.

Ethernet and card slots

A wired Ethernet port gives a more stable connection than Wi-Fi for video calls and large transfers. The SD and microSD slots suit photographers and anyone who moves files from cameras, drones or action cameras.

What's in the box

The package includes the dock, the 135W adapter, a 1 m (3 ft) USB-C to USB-C cable, a welcome guide and an 18-month warranty with customer service.

Size and placement

It measures about 5.0 x 3.5 x 1.7 inches (12.7 x 8.9 x 4.3 cm) and weighs about 0.8 lb (360 g). That is small enough to carry in a bag, though it needs a wall outlet for its adapter, so it fits a desk better than travel.

Who it suits

It suits home-office and student setups where a laptop connects to one or more monitors, a keyboard, a network cable and accessories. Windows users who want several separate screens are likely to get the most from the three video outputs.

What to check before you buy

• Laptop port: the laptop needs a USB-C port that supports video output and data; check the manual for your model.
• Operating system: on macOS and iPadOS, expect mirrored monitors.
• Charging needs: compare your laptop's charger wattage with the 85W port.
• Monitor inputs: make sure your screens have HDMI or DisplayPort inputs, and that you have the cables.
• Power outlet: the dock needs its own adapter plugged in.

The short version

• A 13-port USB-C dock with 85W laptop charging and an extra 18W USB-C port.
• Two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort for up to three monitors at 1080p, 60Hz.
• macOS and iPadOS show the same content on all monitors.
• Ethernet, SD and microSD slots, three USB-A ports, a 10 Gbps USB-C data port and audio.
• Includes a 135W adapter, a 1 m cable and an 18-month warranty.

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