Same Anker Prime 14-port family. Different display pipes.
The 14-Port (A83B6) is native DisplayPort Alt Mode through two HDMI outs. No DisplayLink install. $160-190.
The DL7400 (A83B3) is DisplayLink: one DisplayPort + two HDMI, built for independent extended displays (including many Mac setups). $220-260.
Short fork:
- Windows or ChromeOS, two HDMI screens inside Anker's limits, no driver drama → 14-Port.
- macOS extended displays, three physical outs, 140W upstream, 2.5G Ethernet, or SD/TF → DL7400.
- Thunderbolt 5 native path instead → /compare/anker-prime-tb5-vs-dl7400.
Standalone 14-Port notes: /reviews/anker-prime-14-port-docking-station-review. Specs from Anker docs. Feature forks, not lab scores.
Specs that matter
| 14-Port (A83B6) | DL7400 (A83B3) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $160-190 | $220-260 |
| Display path | Native DP Alt Mode → 2× HDMI | DisplayLink → 1× DP + 2× HDMI |
| Dual-display notes | Dual 2K@60 (DP 1.4) / dual 1080p@60 (DP 1.2) per Anker | Triple-display support; solo DP up to 8K@60, HDMI up to 8K@30 individually |
| macOS extended | Mirrors two HDMI outs (Anker: no MST here) | Yes with DisplayLink (macOS 13.5+) |
| Upstream charge | Up to 100W on the host USB-C | Up to 140W (PD 3.1 host) |
| Shared power budget | 160W total listed | 160W total listed |
| Ethernet | 1Gbps | 2.5Gbps |
| Card readers | None | SD + TF |
| Front USB-C mix | Differs. See Anker page | 2× 100W/10G + 1× 100W/5G (allocation rules apply) |
| Host OS (Anker) | Win 10/11, macOS 11+, ChromeOS | Win 10/11, macOS 13.5+ (DisplayLink) |
Port headline max ≠ every output at max together. Upstream charging still needs a laptop that accepts the profile.
Display architecture is the fork
14-Port: native Alt Mode video on two HDMI. Anker says macOS mirrors those two externals, not independent extended duals in that MST-limited path. Best when Windows/ChromeOS + two HDMI fits the documented res table and you refuse DisplayLink.
DL7400: DisplayLink compresses over USB so Macs (and others) can run independent extended screens. Three physical jacks. Tradeoff: install DisplayLink Manager; on macOS grant screen-recording permission. No install rights → pick a native path instead.
When the 14-Port wins
Compatible Windows/ChromeOS laptop, two HDMI displays inside Anker's dual-display limits, one-cable expansion, no DisplayLink. Anker lists a 160W shared total with up to 100W upstream USB-C plus downstream charge ports. Allocation moves with what is plugged in.
Gaps: macOS mirror behavior on the two HDMIs, no DisplayPort jack, no card reader, 100W upstream ceiling, 1Gbps Ethernet.
When the DL7400 wins
Independent macOS extended displays, three outs, 140W upstream (PD 3.1), Smart Display status, 2.5G Ethernet, SD/TF. Keep simultaneous resolution honest. Do not stack solo 8K claims into an impossible triple.
Gaps: DisplayLink software + macOS permission; 10Gbps data ceiling even on a Thunderbolt laptop port.
Decision cheat sheet
| Need | Pick |
|---|---|
| Windows/ChromeOS + two HDMI, no driver | 14-Port |
| macOS independent extended displays | DL7400 + DisplayLink |
| Three physical outs | DL7400 |
| 140W upstream | DL7400 (confirm PD 3.1) |
| Card readers / 2.5G Ethernet | DL7400 |
| Native no-driver path that fits dual HDMI limits | 14-Port |
| Linux | Neither page lists it. Ask Anker |
Frequently asked questions
DL7400 with MacBook Pro?
Anker lists macOS 13.5+ and M-series MacBooks in current notes. Extended displays need DisplayLink + screen-recording permission. Verify model and simultaneous layout before ordering.
Does DL7400 need software?
Yes for the extended-display path. Managed laptops may block install. Ask IT first.
Does DL7400 support Thunderbolt?
USB-C upstream at 10Gbps max. A Thunderbolt host port does not raise that ceiling.
Can the 14-Port do one 4K@60?
Yes per Anker on each HDMI 2.0 when running a single display. Dual-active limits are lower.
Same ports on both?
No. Both are "14 connections" with different mixes: 14-Port = two HDMI, five USB-A, 1G Ethernet, no DP/cards; DL7400 = DP+2×HDMI, SD/TF, three USB-A, 2.5G Ethernet.
Wait for a DL7400 discount?
Buy when the DisplayLink path, third out, cards, Ethernet, or 140W solves a real requirement, not because it costs more.
Also: /guides/multi-monitor-desk-setup-guide · /guides/best-monitor-arms-desk-space.
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