There’s a certain allure to devices that defy expectations, that pack incredible functionality into surprisingly small spaces. Think of the Batpod – a marvel of engineering condensed into a motorcycle. Anker’s Nano Docking Station (13-in-1) attempts a similar feat, immediately captivating with its unique pull-out USB-C hub, designed for ultimate portability.
This isn’t a budget option, however. The flexibility of a dock and a travel hub combined comes at a premium. At around $150, it’s an investment, and one that reveals a surprising trade-off: charging performance isn’t what you’d expect from Anker, a brand known for its power solutions. Don’t anticipate quickly topping up your smartphone here.
The “nano” designation is well-earned. Measuring just 1.57 inches wide and 5.5 inches high, this dock maximizes every millimeter. A subtle blue LED encircles the detachable hub, adding a touch of modern elegance – and can be dimmed if desired. Anker emphasizes vertical operation for stability, a small detail hinting at careful design considerations.
The dock’s capabilities are intrinsically linked to the laptop it serves. Connected to machines boasting Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen AI chips, it effortlessly powered dual 4K, 60Hz displays. However, with older hardware, like a Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, performance scaled back to 4K at 30Hz on one screen and 1440p on the other. DisplayPort Alt Mode and power delivery support are crucial for optimal results.
Beneath the surface, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 port, and two legacy USB-A ports handle display and peripheral connections. A gigabit Ethernet port provides reliable network access. While technically a three-display dock, the 10Gbps bandwidth presents a bottleneck. Display Stream Compression (DSC) can unlock 4K60 across all three screens, but older systems may be limited to 1440p or even 1080p.
The detachable hub expands connectivity further, offering a 5Gbps USB-C port, a 5Gbps USB-A port, and SD/microSD card slots capable of up to 104MB/s transfer speeds. The dock itself delivers a solid 100W of power to the connected laptop via a 1-meter cable, sufficient for most productivity notebooks. However, power output from the hub’s ports is limited – 4.5W via USB-A and 7.5W via USB-C – making it unsuitable for charging power-hungry devices.
Removing the hub reveals an additional HDMI port and a USB-C power input capable of accepting up to 15W for the hub and delivering 85W to the laptop. A small release switch on the dock’s top facilitates easy hub detachment, even while the dock remains powered on. It’s worth noting the hub lacks an integrated Ethernet jack and features only a 5Gbps USB-C data connection.
The entire unit is constructed from plastic, but despite heat concentrating at the top, thermal performance remained stable during testing. A small white LED on the rear indicates power status. Interestingly, the large button on the back controls the hub’s LED illumination, not power on/off functionality.
Extensive testing revealed consistently reliable performance. The dock exhibited near-perfect results when streaming 4K video over Ethernet, losing only 8 frames out of 10,000. Data transfer speeds through the dock were slightly slower than a competing Mokin model – 150MB/s versus 166MB/s – but still respectable.
Anker’s 13-in-1 Nano Docking Station excels in compactness and design, offering a truly portable solution. The limited charging capabilities, however, are a significant drawback. While the combined value of a dock and travel hub is appealing, the price feels steep considering these limitations.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on your priorities. If portability and a streamlined setup are paramount, and you already have dedicated charging solutions, this dock is a compelling option. However, for those seeking a comprehensive docking experience with robust charging, other alternatives may offer better value.
