Anker Prime TB5 vs DL7400: Native Thunderbolt or DisplayLink (2026)

Both are 14-port Anker Prime docks with up to 140W host charging on paper. They are not the same display job.

The TB5 is a native Thunderbolt 5 dock for Thunderbolt 4 and 5 computers: two downstream TB5 ports, native display path, no DisplayLink driver. $349.99−13%.

The DL7400 is a 10Gbps USB-C DisplayLink dock: one DisplayPort + two HDMI, built to add extended displays beyond a host’s native limit. price varies.

Short fork:

• Confirmed TB4/TB5 laptop, want downstream Thunderbolt + native screens → TB5.
• Base M-series (or any host) that needs DisplayLink for more extended displays → DL7400.
• Other Anker 14-port matchup → /compare/anker-prime-14-port-vs-dl7400.

Anker excludes Thunderbolt 3, ChromeOS, and Linux from the TB5 list. DL7400 needs DisplayLink software (and macOS screen-recording permission) for the multi-display story, and DRM streams can go black on DisplayLink screens.

Specs that matter

A port’s headline max is not a promise every output runs max at once. Host GPU, cables, and monitors still decide.

Display architecture is the fork

TB5 rides the computer’s native Thunderbolt pipe. Two downstream TB5 ports plus one conventional HDMI or DP jack. Anker lists single 8K@60 and dual 8K@60 for a compatible TB5 Windows laptop, still host-dependent.

Native display count stays with the host. Anker: base M1/M2/M3 MacBooks → one external through this dock; Pro/Max of those chips and M4 systems → two. Anker also warns M4 TB5 MacBooks do not support three displays over one TB5 connection.

DL7400 compresses display over USB via DisplayLink, so it can add screens past the native limit, which is why it wins for many base M-series desks even with a 10Gbps ceiling. Tradeoffs: driver, CPU/USB overhead, DRM black-screen risk on DisplayLink monitors.

TB5: native Thunderbolt workflows

Two downstream TB5 ports for storage, displays, or daisy chains. Also: three 10Gbps USB-A, two front 10Gbps USB-C (45W shared, no video), 2.5G Ethernet, audio, SD/TF. Up to 140W host charge if the laptop speaks PD 3.1.

Exclusions matter: not TB3, not ChromeOS, not Linux per Anker. USB-C with DP Alt Mode alone ≠ TB4/TB5. Check the laptop manual.

DL7400: DisplayLink flexibility

One DP + two HDMI. Anker documents three externals at up to 4K in supported configs. Do not stack every port’s solo max into one impossible layout. Upstream stays 10Gbps even if you plug into a Thunderbolt port.

Install DisplayLink on Windows and macOS for the multi-display features here; macOS needs screen-recording permission. Prefer TB5’s native path for protected streaming when the host can drive the screens you need.

Charging, ports, shape

Both list up to 140W. The laptop must accept PD 3.1 at that level; downstream charging can steal budget. TB5 wins data expansion (real Thunderbolt downstream). DL7400 adds a clearer three-monitor jack layout and one more front USB-C charge/data port.

TB5: ~4.6″ square tower, ~3″ tall, ~38 oz. DL7400: flatter ~7.68×3.62×1.85 in, ~1.84 lb. Neither is a travel brick.

Get the TB5 if

• Confirmed Thunderbolt 4 or 5 port
• Downstream Thunderbolt for storage/displays/devices
• No DisplayLink install wanted
• Host natively supports your external display count
• You want the faster host data path of these two

Get the DL7400 if

• Base M-series (or similar) needs more extended displays than native
• Three physical outs matter more than Thunderbolt peripheral bandwidth
• You can install DisplayLink Manager and grant permission
• 10Gbps is enough for your gear
• You accept the DRM limitation on DisplayLink screens

Sharing this desk with a second computer? Neither dock choice settles how you switch hosts. Follow the Thunderbolt 5 dock setup for two computers to compare moving the host cable with separate display and peripheral connections before adding a switch.

Checklist before you buy

1. Verify the port logo: USB-C ≠ TB3 ≠ TB4 ≠ TB5.
2. Write the display plan (resolution, refresh, extended vs mirrored).
3. Managed laptops may block DisplayLink or macOS permissions.
4. Use Anker’s included TB5 cable (or certified TB5) with the A83B5.
5. Do not assume every output runs its solo max together.

Frequently asked questions

Which is “better”?

TB5 for compatible TB4/TB5 hosts that need native displays and high-bandwidth downstream devices. DL7400 when DisplayLink is how you beat the native display ceiling. Different architecture, no universal winner.

Three monitors from a MacBook on TB5?

Anker: M4 TB5 MacBooks do not support three over one TB5 link. Base M1/M2/M3 → one external; Pro/Max of those + all M4 → two. Need more → DL7400 DisplayLink path.

Does DL7400 need DisplayLink software?

Yes for the multi-display story. macOS also needs screen-recording permission. No install rights → that advantage is gone.

TB5 with Thunderbolt 3?

Anker says no. Excludes TB3 laptops/monitors, ChromeOS, and Linux.

Protected streaming?

TB5’s native path avoids DisplayLink DRM black-screen warnings Anker lists for Netflix / Prime / Disney+ style streams on DisplayLink screens. Apps can still vary.

Both charge at 140W?

Both list up to 140W. Host must support PD 3.1 at that input; downstream devices can change allocation. Check the laptop’s accepted profile.

Also: /reviews/anker-prime-14-port-docking-station-review.

Adding external storage? Compare the Samsung P9 and T9 and check the dock's downstream data port before paying for SSD speed.

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