Skip to content
sudopicks
esc

Anker Nano 13-in-1 Laptop Docking Station (A83C3) vs Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W)

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against docking stations at a similar price

The Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W) scores 5.6/10 overall, ahead of the Anker Nano 13-in-1 Laptop Docking Station (A83C3) at 5.1/10.

The Anker Nano 13-in-1 Laptop Docking Station (A83C3) leads on displays.

The Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W) leads on charging and power, compatibility and reliability and ethernet and value.

They score the same on ports and bandwidth.

Anker Nano 13-in-1 Laptop Docking Station (A83C3)

Anker Nano 13-in-1 Laptop Docking Station (A83C3)

5.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The Anker Nano 13-in-1 suits Windows laptop owners who want a compact dock with a detachable travel hub. It handles up to three external displays and 100W charging from its own power supply. It is a weaker fit for Mac users who want extended desktops or anyone running Linux.

Typically about £99.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W)

Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W)

5.6/10verdict: good, not the best

This dock suits Windows laptop users who want one cable to carry power, data and two screens. It fits people who need strong charging and several 10Gbps ports on the desk. It is a weaker choice for Mac users who want two different displays or anyone who needs a card reader.

Typically about £150 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightAnker Nano 13-in-1 Laptop Docking Station (A83C3)Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W)
Displays25%5/104/10
Charging and power20%6/108/10
Ports and bandwidth20%6/106/10
Compatibility and reliability20%4/105/10
Ethernet and value15%4/105/10
Overall5.1/105.6/10

Specifications

SpecAnker Nano 13-in-1 Laptop Docking Station (A83C3)Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W)
Connects withUSB-C upstream port rated 10Gbps; laptop needs DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery; Windows 10/11 and macOS 13.5 or laterUpstream USB-C 10Gbps, 100W max output
External displaysUp to three external displays: 2× HDMI (4K@60Hz) and 1× DisplayPort (4K@60Hz); dual 4K@60Hz requires DSC; removable hub adds one HDMI2 × HDMI 2.0 listed at 4K@60Hz; Anker's detailed note gives 2K@60Hz with DP 1.4 laptop or 1080p@60Hz with DP 1.2 laptop (conflicting claims)
Laptop charging100W max to laptop160W total dock output; upstream port 100W max
Ports1× USB-C 100W PD, 1× USB-C upstream, 1× USB-C 10Gbps, 2× USB-A 480Mbps, 2× HDMI, 1× DisplayPort, 1× Gigabit Ethernet, 1× 3.5mm audio in/out; SD and TF/microSD slots; hub adds USB-C PD-in, USB-C 5Gbps, USB-AUpstream USB-C 10Gbps; downstream 1 × USB-A 10Gbps, 3 × USB-A 480Mbps, 2 × USB-C data 10Gbps, 2 × HDMI 2.0, 1 × RJ45 1000Mbps, 1 × audio combo jack; charging 2 × USB-C 100W max, 1 × USB-A 12W max
Ethernetnot listed1 × RJ45 1000Mbps (gigabit)
Display techNative video through HDMI and DisplayPort only; no DisplayLink or ThunderboltNative HDMI output (not DisplayLink)
Power supplyOwn supply; 140W DC-IN adapter includedIntegrated GaN AC-DC power module; power cable not removable

Strengths and weaknesses

Anker Nano 13-in-1 Laptop Docking Station (A83C3)

  • + Detachable hub doubles as a travel hub
  • + Own 140W adapter and 100W power to the laptop
  • + Three external displays at 4K@60Hz
  • − macOS mirrors displays rather than extending them
  • − Anker's US page says Linux is not compatible
  • − Gigabit Ethernet and 480Mbps USB-A ports only

Skip it if:

  • Mac users who need extended desktops across external screens
  • Linux laptop users, given Anker's stated incompatibility
  • Buyers who need Thunderbolt, multi-gigabit Ethernet or fast USB-A ports
Read the full Anker Nano 13-in-1 Laptop Docking Station (A83C3) review ›

Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W)

  • + 100W upstream charging with 160W total output
  • + Two 10Gbps USB-C data ports plus one 10Gbps USB-A
  • + Fan is quiet and runs only under high load
  • − macOS shows identical content on both monitors
  • − No SD or microSD card reader
  • − Plastic build wobbles when pressed

Skip it if:

  • Mac users who want two different extended displays
  • Photographers and video editors who need a built-in SD card reader
  • Linux users who want manufacturer-listed support, and Lenovo Legion owners
Read the full Anker Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1, Dual Display, 160W) review ›

More comparisons

Compare all docking stations · Best docking stations