Head-to-head · Best Docking Stations

Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub vs Dell WD25TB4 Thunderbolt Dock

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Dell WD25TB4 Thunderbolt Dock comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Dell laptop users seeking enhanced productivity — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #6 in Best Docking Stations

Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub

4.1

3 sources2 derived$48.16as of Aug 1

Creatives who need several connections at once are the target for the Anker 555 USB-C Hub. Fstoppers praised the 4K 60Hz HDMI output and PC Tech Bits found the data transfer speeds reliable. It handles pass-through charging up to 85 watts and includes Ethernet, USB-A, USB-C, and card readers. PC Tech Bits cautioned that it needs a quality charger to avoid performance issues, and Reddit users reported occasional compatibility quirks. MacBook Air and Pro owners get the most out of it; Linux users and people with older devices may not.

Strengths

— Compact and lightweight design at 4.5 ounces with small footprint
— 4K HDMI output at 60 Hz supporting high-definition displays
— 85-watt pass-through charging capability for power delivery

Watch-outs

— No rubber feet provided, causing potential sliding on surfaces
— Requires separate USB-C cable and power adapter for full functionality
— Charging performance drops with power-hungry laptops or overloaded ports

$48.16 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Docking Stations

Dell WD25TB4 Thunderbolt Dock

4.3

4 sourcesall derived$231.99as of Aug 3

Dell laptop owners are the whole audience for the WD25TB4 Thunderbolt Dock, which supports dual 4K displays, fast USB-C charging, and a modular upgrade system. Laptop Mag, reviewing the previous-generation WD22TB4, praised that dock's 'unrivaled power delivery' and 'excellent performance,' and Mini PC Reviewer highlighted its 'sturdy design' and 'seamless integration.' Compatibility is restricted to Dell devices, and reviewers noted limited USB-A ports plus occasional coil whine. Professionals who want more connectivity out of a Dell machine will benefit; anyone on another brand or needing lots of legacy ports should look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Supports dual 4K displays at 60Hz for enhanced multitasking and productivity
— Fast USB-C charging with SuperBoost technology reduces downtime
— Modular design allows easy upgrades with swappable modules for future technology

Watch-outs

— Full 130W charging and Dell-specific features need a Dell laptop; other Thunderbolt 4 hosts are capped at 96W
— Only two USB-A ports available, which may be insufficient for some users
— Some users reported coil whine noise under specific conditions

$231.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub

The Anker 555 8-in-1 Hub is more compact and affordable than the CalDigit TS4, but lacks the 98W power delivery and 18-port configuration that makes the CalDigit a powerhouse for demanding users. Compared to the Plugable USBC-9IN1E, it offers more ports and better charging capabilities, though the Plugable has a more plug-and-play design and doesn't require a separate power adapter. Unlike the Anker 563, it provides better HDMI output and pass-through charging but is less versatile in terms of port variety.

Dell WD25TB4 Thunderbolt Dock

The Dell WD25TB4 excels in dual 4K display support and SuperBoost charging but is limited to Dell devices, unlike the CalDigit TS4 which supports any Thunderbolt laptop. While it offers a modular design that the Anker 563 lacks, it only provides two USB-A ports compared to the Anker's more extensive port selection. The UGREEN Revodok Max surpasses it in Thunderbolt 4 performance and build quality, though the Dell dock offers better integration with Dell laptops and more reliable power delivery.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub	Dell WD25TB4 Thunderbolt Dock
Power Delivery	100-watt input, 85-watt pass-through charging	130W
Ports	HDMI, USB-A 3.2, USB-C 3.2, Ethernet, SD, microSD	2
Display Support	4K at 60 Hz HDMI output	Dual 4K@60Hz
Ethernet	Gigabit Ethernet	10GbE
USB Speed	10 Gbps USB throughput	USB 3.2 Gen 2
Thunderbolt	No	4
Weight	0.28 lb	0.99 lb
Audio	3.5mm Audio Jack	3.5mm Combo Jack
Dimensions	—	12"L x 12"W x 3"H
Wattage	—	180 watts

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