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*Maximum values depend on the laptop, operating system, power supply and simultaneous display arrangement. They are not universal promises. “Not confirmed” means current sources did not establish the value; it does not mean none.

Published specifications and buying checks for the selected docking stations
What mattersAnker 553 8-in-1 A8380CalDigit TS4Plugable UD-3900PDZ
Laptop connectionUSB-C with DisplayPort Alt ModeThunderbolt or compatible USB4; reduced USB-C modesUSB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode and PD
Display technologyUSB-C / MSTThunderboltUSB graphics / DisplayLink
Maximum displays*2 displays maximum2 displays maximum3 displays maximum
Power to laptop*85W published host power98W published host power100W published host power
HDMI sockets2None3
DisplayPort socketsNone1None
Display conditionsSingle up to 4K60 on capable DP 1.4 host; dual Windows limits vary by hostDual displays on supported hosts; above 4K60 requires the documented DSC/DP capabilities1 × 4K30 native Alt Mode; 2 × 1080p60 DisplayLink
Mac requirementsTwo HDMI screens show the same external imageBase M1/M2 remain limited to one native external screenDisplayLink installation required; Alt Mode needed for the native output
Windows requirementsSupported Windows laptop with required video-capable port; simultaneous displays depend on hostSupported Windows Thunderbolt or USB4 host; check PCIe and display capabilitiesWindows with DisplayLink software; native channel also requires DP Alt Mode
Wired networkGigabit Ethernet2.5GbE; Thunderbolt or USB4 PCIe host requiredGigabit Ethernet
USB peripherals2 USB-A 5Gbps5 USB-A and 3 USB-C, all 10Gbps; 2 downstream Thunderbolt 46 USB-A, 5Gbps
Before buyingMac external screens mirror each other; Charger sold separately; maximum pass-through is 85WHDMI needs an adapter; Ethernet requires PCIe-capable USB4 or Thunderbolt; native Mac display limits remainNot three 4K outputs; DisplayLink outputs are unsuitable for protected streaming and demanding gaming
Current listingCheck on AmazonCheck on AmazonCheck on Amazon