A docking station turns a laptop into a desktop with one cable. It charges the laptop, drives the displays, runs Ethernet, and feeds the peripherals. The Anker Prime 14-Port Docking Station is currently listed at ($160-190), placing a 14-port dock with 160W of published total output against smaller hubs. Based on its documented display limits, it fits Windows multi-monitor home offices better than most Mac setups. This research-backed review uses Anker's current A83B6 product documentation to explain the specifications, compatibility limits, and situations that justify a different dock.
Bottom line
For compatible Windows multi-monitor setups: The Anker Prime 14-Port Dock at ($160-190) provides dual HDMI, 160W of manufacturer-listed total output, and 10Gbps data ports. Confirm your laptop's DisplayPort version before buying because it determines the dual-display ceiling.
For Mac users wanting extended dual displays: This isn't the right pick. macOS only mirrors across the dual HDMI outputs. Look at the Anker Prime DL7400 ($220-260) or another verified DisplayLink or Thunderbolt alternative.
For Linux users: Linux is not included in Anker's published compatibility list for this model. Do not assume full display, charging, or peripheral support without confirmation from Anker.
The Headline Specs
The two relevant Prime models for this decision are:
- Prime 14-Port (this product): dual 2K@60Hz HDMI, USB-C, and live price at $160-190
- Prime DL7400: DisplayLink-based multi-monitor option at $220-260
Spec sheet for the 14-port:
- 14 connections total: 1 USB-C upstream, 2 HDMI 2.0, 2 USB-C 10Gbps data, 1 USB-A 10Gbps data, 3 USB-A 480Mbps data, 2 USB-C charging, 1 USB-A charging, 1 Gigabit Ethernet, and 1 audio combo jack
- 160W maximum total output with up to 100W through the upstream USB-C connection
- 10Gbps maximum data transfer through the upstream connection and designated USB-C and USB-A data ports
- Dual display: 2 × HDMI at up to 2K@60Hz with a DP 1.4 laptop, 1080p@60Hz with DP 1.2
- Compatibility listed by Anker: Windows 10/11, macOS 11 or later, and ChromeOS
Price: $160-190
Setup Requirements and Physical Design
The remaining requirements are a power outlet, a compatible host cable, a laptop whose USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, and the displays. Monitor detection and available resolutions depend on the laptop's DisplayPort version, operating system, cables, and display configuration.
Anker lists the dock at 5.51 by 3.82 by 1.85 inches and 1.96 lb. It uses a vertical design with an integrated GaN power module. The A83B6 does not include DisplayPort, SD, or microSD connections. Those ports belong to other Anker Prime models, including the DL7400.
What It Does Well
160W of total power, well distributed
The published 160W total output is distributed across the upstream connection and charging ports, with up to 100W available through the upstream USB-C connection. Actual allocation depends on the connected devices and Anker's power-distribution rules. This review does not claim a measured simultaneous-load test.
10Gbps data ports
The USB-C upstream connection, two USB-C data ports, and one USB-A data port are listed at up to 10Gbps. The remaining three USB-A data ports are listed at 480Mbps. Use a host cable that supports both the required power and data rates; a charging-only cable cannot carry the dock's display and data signals.
Real port count, not the Anker-Prime-mini-charger marketing version
The 14 connections are the upstream USB-C connection, two HDMI outputs, four USB-C downstream ports, five USB-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and one audio combo jack. The split matters: two USB-C and one USB-A connection are dedicated to charging, while the other data ports have either 10Gbps or 480Mbps limits. Check the labels before assigning permanent peripherals.
Verify the warranty with the seller
Anker's US warranty guidance directs buyers to the exact product page or invoice for model-specific coverage and handles AnkerDirect purchases separately from third-party reseller support. Confirm the seller and written warranty term before ordering rather than assuming that every marketplace listing has identical coverage.
Where It Falls Short
macOS is mirroring-only on dual displays
This is the biggest catch. Anker states that on macOS the two external displays show identical content because macOS does not support MST for this dock. If you want independent extended external displays, use a verified DisplayLink option such as the Anker Prime DL7400 ($220-260) and account for its required DisplayLink software.
The Anker product page is now upfront about this. Worth re-reading before you buy if you're on a Mac.
Dual display caps at 2K@60Hz
If both HDMI outputs are in use, Anker lists up to 2K at 60Hz with a DP 1.4 laptop or 1080p at 60Hz with DP 1.2. Each HDMI port is rated up to 4K at 60Hz, but that does not mean the A83B6 can drive two independent 4K displays at that resolution simultaneously.
Not a Thunderbolt-bandwidth dock
The A83B6 uses a 10Gbps USB-C upstream connection. Connecting it to a laptop with a Thunderbolt port does not turn it into a higher-bandwidth Thunderbolt dock. Choose another verified model if your workflow requires bandwidth or display modes beyond the A83B6's documented limits.
Linux is not officially supported
Anker's compatibility list names Windows 10/11, macOS 11 or later, and ChromeOS. Linux is not listed. Confirm the exact distribution, laptop, and display path with Anker before treating the dock as compatible with a production Linux workstation.
Who Should Buy This
- Windows or ChromeOS users with two monitors at 2K or below who want a single-cable dock with strong power delivery
- Anyone charging multiple USB-C devices who can work within the manufacturer-listed 160W shared total
- Users who need a mix of fast and basic USB data ports and can assign devices according to the 10Gbps and 480Mbps labels
- Buyers willing to commit to a non-Thunderbolt USB-C ecosystem
If your real goal is sharing one desk between a MacBook and a Windows laptop, compare the MacBook and Windows KVM path before buying a single-host dock.
Who Should Skip
- Mac users wanting two independent monitors. The mirroring limitation is a hard blocker. Look at the Anker Prime DL7400 or another verified DisplayLink-based dock.
- 4K dual-monitor workflows. Choose a model whose official simultaneous-display table supports your exact resolutions and refresh rates.
- Thunderbolt workflows that need more than this dock's documented 10Gbps data ceiling.
- Linux production environments. Buy something with explicit Linux support.
How It Compares Within the Anker Prime Lineup
| Feature | 14-Port (this product) | DL7400 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $160-190 | $220-260 |
| Display approach | Native dual HDMI through DP Alt Mode | DisplayLink with 1 DisplayPort and 2 HDMI outputs |
| Max data transfer | 10Gbps | 10Gbps |
| Mac external displays | Two outputs mirror | Extended displays with DisplayLink software |
| Upstream charging | 100W max | 140W max |
| Total output | 160W max | 160W max |
If you're on the fence between this and the DL7400, the deciding factors are the host operating system, whether you accept DisplayLink, and whether you need more than the 14-Port model's documented display ceiling. For a compatible Windows laptop with dual 2K displays, the 14-Port model is the simpler value path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this work with a MacBook Pro?
For charging, peripherals, and a single external display, yes. For dual extended displays across the two HDMI outputs, no. macOS will mirror the two displays. If you want true dual-extend on Mac, look at the Anker Prime DL7400 or use a DisplayLink-based USB-C dock.
Can it drive a 5120×1440 ultrawide?
Anker's product documentation explicitly notes that this dock does not support 5120×1440 monitors. Choose a different model whose official compatibility table lists that exact resolution and refresh rate.
Can it charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro?
It can supply up to 100W through the upstream USB-C connection. Current 16-inch MacBook Pro models use a 140W power source for their fastest supported charging, so this dock should not be described as a full-speed 140W charging path.
Does the Anker Prime 14-Port dock go on sale?
Anker changes marketplace pricing and promotions over time. Use the live price shown on this page and compare it with the DisplayLink and Thunderbolt alternatives on the day you buy rather than relying on an old list-price discount.
What cable should I use with the upstream port?
Use the supplied host cable or a replacement that explicitly supports the required power, 10Gbps data, and display signal. A charging-only cable cannot carry the dock's display and data traffic.
How long is the warranty?
Check the exact product listing or invoice and confirm who provides support. Anker's US warranty guidance distinguishes purchases from Anker or AnkerDirect from purchases through other authorized resellers.
Source checked July 11, 2026: Anker's official A83B6 product documentation.
Related Guides
- Best Wireless Mouse for Productivity: pair this dock with a multi-device mouse
- Best Monitor Arms for Desk Space: clean monitor mounting alongside a clean cable run
- Multi-Monitor Desk Setup Guide: the broader workflow this dock fits into
- Desk Cable Management Setup Guide: hide the dock and the cables underneath your desk