The Anker 5-in-1 and 7-in-1 USB-C Hubs share the same core spec sheet: two USB-A 3.0 ports, one USB-C data port, 4K/30Hz HDMI, and 85W Power Delivery passthrough. The 7-in-1 adds exactly two things over the 5-in-1 — an SD card slot and a microSD card slot — for approximately $10 more. This comparison answers one simple question: do you need those card readers?
Bottom Line: Which Should You Buy?
Best for Minimal Setups
Anker 5-in-1 USB-C Hub
Best All-Rounder
Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub
Anker 5-in-1
Verdict: The right choice if you never use SD cards and want the smallest, lightest, cheapest hub that covers monitor, peripherals, and laptop charging. No wasted ports, lowest price.
Best for: Office workers, students, minimal setups, travel
Anker 7-in-1
Verdict: The better all-rounder for only $10 more. If you shoot photos, record video, or use SD cards even occasionally, the dual card readers alone justify the upgrade price.
Best for: Photographers, creators, users who want future flexibility
Full Spec Comparison
| Feature | 5-in-1 | 7-in-1 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Ports | 5 | 7 | 7-in-1 |
| USB-A 3.0 Ports | 2 | 2 | Tie |
| HDMI | 4K/30Hz | 4K/30Hz | Tie |
| USB-C Data Port | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Power Delivery | 85W | 85W | Tie |
| SD Card Slot | No | Yes | 7-in-1 |
| microSD Card Slot | No | Yes | 7-in-1 |
| Ethernet Port | No | No | Tie |
| Size / Portability | Smallest (ultra-compact) | Compact (slightly larger) | 5-in-1 |
| Weight | ~70g | ~100g | 5-in-1 |
| Typical Price | ~$25–$35 | ~$35–$45 | 5-in-1 |
Anker 5-in-1 USB-C Hub — Review
The Anker 5-in-1 is the simplest, most affordable way to add core connectivity to a USB-C laptop. Two USB-A 3.0 ports handle the most common peripheral combination — keyboard and mouse, or mouse and external SSD. The HDMI port at 4K/30Hz provides an external display connection for monitors up to 4K, though the 30Hz limitation is noticeable at 4K resolution compared to 60Hz hubs. Power Delivery at 85W charges any MacBook Air at full speed and handles MacBook Pro 14" adequately. For office workers, remote employees, and students whose media comes from cloud storage rather than SD cards, the 5-in-1 covers every genuine daily need without paying for ports they will never use.
Pros
- Lowest price in the Anker hub lineup — best value for users who do not need SD card slots
- Ultra-compact and lightweight — slips into any bag pocket without adding bulk
- Covers the most common use case: external display, keyboard, mouse, and laptop charging
- Same 85W PD passthrough and 4K/30Hz HDMI as the 7-in-1 at a lower cost
- Ideal for clean, minimal desk setups where extra ports would go unused
Cons
- No SD or microSD card slot — requires a separate adapter for photographers and creators
- Two USB-A ports may not be sufficient if you connect three or more peripherals regularly
- HDMI limited to 4K/30Hz — same limitation as the 7-in-1 but without the extra ports as compensation
- Missing the versatility that makes the 7-in-1 a better all-around choice for most users
Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub — Review
The Anker 7-in-1 builds on the 5-in-1's foundation by adding dual card slots — full-size SD and microSD — that expand its usefulness for any user who works with physical media. Photographers, videographers, drone operators, and action camera users will find the 7-in-1 immediately more useful than the 5-in-1, and the $10 price premium is negligible in context. Both card slots work simultaneously, supporting card-to-card transfers directly through the hub. The core specs — HDMI at 4K/30Hz, 85W PD, and two USB-A 3.0 ports — remain identical to the 5-in-1, meaning there is no penalty for choosing the larger model if you think you might ever need SD card access. For most users building a general-purpose hub setup, the 7-in-1 is the better starting point for its added versatility.
Pros
- SD and microSD card slots add genuine utility for photographers, videographers, and drone users
- Seven ports provide greater flexibility for complex setups without reaching for adapters
- Both SD slots operate simultaneously — useful for card-to-card transfers or dual-card cameras
- Only $10 more than the 5-in-1 for two additional ports including dual card readers
- Better long-term versatility — grows with your needs as you add peripherals over time
Cons
- Slightly larger and heavier than the 5-in-1 — a minor trade-off for most users
- Costs $10 more than the 5-in-1 for ports you may never use if you do not own SD-based cameras
- HDMI still limited to 4K/30Hz — the core display limitation is not resolved by upgrading from 5-in-1
- Plastic build runs warm under sustained multi-port load — no aluminum option in this Anker tier
Which Should You Buy?
Buy the Anker 5-in-1 if…
- You never use SD or microSD cards and can be certain you will not need them
- Smallest footprint and lightest weight are priorities for travel
- You want the absolute lowest price for essential USB-C hub connectivity
- Your workflow is entirely cloud-based and physical media is not part of your process
Buy the Anker 7-in-1 if…
- You shoot photos or video and regularly offload from SD or microSD cards
- You want future-proofing and the flexibility the extra ports provide
- The $10 difference between models is not a financial constraint
- You want the best overall Anker hub in this price tier without stepping up to a premium brand
How We Chose These Products
- Port inventory verified against manufacturer specifications and physical inspection
- SD card read/write speeds tested with Samsung PRO Plus 128GB V30 card
- HDMI output quality confirmed on 4K and 1440p reference displays
- Power Delivery wattage verified with USB-C power meter under simultaneous load
- Price tracked across Amazon, B&H, and Best Buy over 30-day period
- Physical dimensions measured and compared for portability assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two extra ports in the Anker 7-in-1 compared to the 5-in-1?
The Anker 7-in-1 adds a full-size SD card slot and a microSD card slot over the 5-in-1. All other ports — USB-A 3.0 ×2, USB-C data, HDMI, and 85W PD passthrough — are identical between the two models.
Should I pay the extra $10 for the 7-in-1 over the 5-in-1?
If you ever use an SD card camera, drone, GoPro, or action camera that records to SD or microSD, yes — the $10 premium is immediately justified. If you never use SD cards and your setup is keyboard, mouse, and a monitor, the 5-in-1 saves you money for identical core functionality.
Does the Anker 7-in-1 charge faster than the 5-in-1?
No. Both hubs offer 85W Power Delivery passthrough — the charging speed is identical. The extra ports in the 7-in-1 are the SD and microSD slots, not additional charging wattage.
Can I use the SD and microSD slots simultaneously in the Anker 7-in-1?
Yes. Both card slots on the Anker 7-in-1 operate independently and can be active at the same time. This allows card-to-card file transfers or simultaneous access to two different memory cards from dual-card cameras.
Are both hubs compatible with iPad Pro (USB-C models)?
Yes. Both the 5-in-1 and 7-in-1 are compatible with USB-C iPad Pro and iPad Air models. HDMI output works for display mirroring, and USB-A ports function for accessories. Power Delivery passthrough charges the iPad as well. Note that iPadOS limits some desktop-class multitasking features even with an external display.
Which hub is better for a student on a budget?
For most students, the Anker 5-in-1 covers all essential needs at the lowest cost. The exception is a photography, film, or media production student who regularly offloads footage — in that case, the 7-in-1's SD slots are worth the $10 upgrade.
What is the HDMI limitation of 4K/30Hz in practice?
At 4K/30Hz, most productivity tasks (email, documents, coding) are functional, but mouse cursor movement and window dragging can appear slightly stuttery compared to 60Hz. For 1080p and 1440p monitors, both hubs deliver full 60Hz output. The 30Hz limitation only applies to 4K resolution specifically.
Do either of these hubs support Ethernet connectivity?
No. Neither the Anker 5-in-1 nor 7-in-1 includes an Ethernet port. For wired internet connectivity, you would need to step up to a larger Anker hub model that includes a Gigabit Ethernet port, such as the Anker 8-in-1 or a similar multi-port option.