The Anker Prime 14-Port at ($160-190) and the Anker Prime DL7400 at ($220-260) solve different display problems. The A83B6 14-Port model uses native DisplayPort Alt Mode through two HDMI outputs. The A83B3 DL7400 uses DisplayLink software and adds one DisplayPort output, card readers, faster Ethernet, and 140W upstream charging.
Choose the 14-Port for: A compatible Windows or ChromeOS laptop, two HDMI displays within Anker's documented limits, and no DisplayLink software requirement.
Choose the DL7400 for: Extended external displays on macOS 13.5 or later, three display outputs, 140W upstream charging, 2.5Gbps Ethernet, or built-in SD and TF card readers.
Evidence: This comparison is based on Anker's official A83B6 and A83B3 product documentation. Matt has not tested either dock hands-on.
The Headline Differences
The defining difference is display architecture. The 14-Port sends native DisplayPort Alt Mode video through two HDMI ports. Anker states that macOS mirrors those two external outputs because MST is not supported in that configuration.
The DL7400 uses DisplayLink, requires its software on macOS, and supports independent external displays. Anker lists three physical display outputs: one DisplayPort and two HDMI. The DL7400 also has a different port mix and a higher upstream charging ceiling.
Spec Comparison
| Feature | Anker Prime 14-Port | Anker Prime DL7400 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $160-190 | $220-260 |
| Total ports | 14 | 14 |
| Display outputs | 2× HDMI | 1× DisplayPort + 2× HDMI |
| Published display summary | Dual 2K@60Hz with DP 1.4; dual 1080p@60Hz with DP 1.2 | Triple-display support; DisplayPort rated up to 8K@60Hz and HDMI rated up to 8K@30Hz individually |
| Mac extended desktop | No (mirrored only) | Yes (macOS 13.5+ with DisplayLink driver) |
| Display tech | Native USB-C / DP Alt Mode | DisplayLink (driver required) |
| Upstream charging | 100W max | 140W max |
| Total power output | 160W max | 160W max |
| USB-C downstream | 2× 100W charging, 2× 10Gbps data | 2× 100W/10Gbps, 1× 100W/5Gbps |
| USB-A downstream | 1× 12W charging, 1× 10Gbps data, 3× 480Mbps data | 2× 5Gbps, 1× 480Mbps |
| Ethernet | 1Gbps | 2.5Gbps |
| Card readers | None | SD and TF |
| Smart Display | Yes | Yes |
| Official OS list | Windows 10/11, macOS 11+, ChromeOS | Windows 10/11, macOS 13.5+ |
When the 14-Port Is the Right Pick
The 14-Port's strongest case is a compatible Windows or ChromeOS laptop with two HDMI displays inside Anker's documented resolution limits. It uses native DisplayPort Alt Mode and does not require DisplayLink software.
Anker lists a 160W shared total, up to 100W through the upstream USB-C connection, two downstream USB-C charging ports, and one USB-A charging port. Power allocation changes with the connected devices, so this comparison does not claim that every charging port can deliver its individual maximum simultaneously.
Where the 14-Port falls short: Anker states that macOS mirrors the two external HDMI outputs. It also has no DisplayPort output or card reader, its upstream charging stops at 100W, and its Ethernet connection is limited to 1Gbps.
Price: $160-190
When the DL7400 Is the Right Pick
The DL7400 uses DisplayLink and provides three physical display outputs: one DisplayPort and two HDMI. Anker lists the DisplayPort at up to 8K at 60Hz and each HDMI port at up to 8K at 30Hz, while warning that actual output depends on the displays and configuration. Do not treat individual port maximums as a promise that every output reaches its maximum simultaneously.
It increases upstream charging from 100W to 140W and retains a manufacturer-listed 160W maximum total output. Anker notes that reaching 140W requires a laptop with PD 3.1 support and limits what can be connected to the front USB-C charging ports at the same time.
The Smart Display shows charging, data-transfer, display, and fan information. The DL7400 also adds 2.5Gbps Ethernet, an SD slot, and a TF slot.
Where the DL7400 falls short: DisplayLink software is required. On macOS, Anker lists macOS 13.5 or later and requires screen-recording permission for DisplayLink screen casting. Buyers who cannot install software or grant that permission should choose a native display path instead.
Price: $220-260
How to Decide
The decision tree is short:
- Windows or ChromeOS plus two HDMI displays within the documented limits: Choose the 14-Port.
- macOS plus independent extended external displays: Choose the DL7400 and install DisplayLink software.
- Three physical display outputs: Choose the DL7400, then verify the exact simultaneous resolution table for your monitors.
- 140W upstream charging: Choose the DL7400 and confirm PD 3.1 support.
- SD or TF card workflows: Choose the DL7400. The 14-Port has no card reader.
- A no-driver native display path: Choose the 14-Port if its display limits fit.
- Linux: Neither official product page lists Linux. Confirm support with Anker before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the DL7400 work with a MacBook Pro?
Anker lists the DL7400 as compatible with macOS 13.5 or later and MacBook models with M1 through M5 chips. Extended displays require DisplayLink software and screen-recording permission. Verify the exact Mac model and desired simultaneous display configuration before ordering.
Does the DL7400 require software?
Yes. Anker requires DisplayLink software for its extended-display path and notes that macOS asks for screen-recording permission. If software installation is restricted on your work laptop, confirm approval with your administrator before choosing it.
Does the DL7400 support Thunderbolt?
The DL7400 uses a USB-C upstream connection with 10Gbps maximum data transfer. Connecting it to a Thunderbolt-equipped laptop does not increase the dock beyond its published 10Gbps data ceiling.
Can the 14-Port drive a single 4K@60Hz monitor?
Yes. Anker lists each HDMI 2.0 output at up to 4K@60Hz. The lower dual-display limits apply when both HDMI outputs are active at the same time.
Are the ports identical between the two docks?
No. Both have 14 connections, but the mixes differ. The 14-Port has two HDMI outputs, no DisplayPort, no card reader, five USB-A ports, and 1Gbps Ethernet. The DL7400 has one DisplayPort plus two HDMI outputs, SD and TF readers, three USB-A ports, and 2.5Gbps Ethernet.
What's the warranty?
Check the exact product listing or invoice and verify who provides support. Anker's US guidance distinguishes purchases made through Anker or AnkerDirect from purchases through other resellers, and model-specific terms can differ.
Should I wait for a discount on the DL7400?
Compare $220-260 with $160-190 when you buy. The more expensive model only makes sense when its DisplayLink path, third display output, card readers, faster Ethernet, or 140W upstream charging solves a requirement you actually have.
Sources checked July 11, 2026: Anker's official A83B6 14-Port documentation and A83B3 DL7400 documentation.
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