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Manufacturer: Anker Last updated: September 11, 2026
Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock Review
The Anker PowerExpand Elite is a Thunderbolt 4 dock with 13 total ports, 96W host charging, dual 4K@60Hz or single 8K@30Hz display support, and a compact vertical form factor for ~$280.
Packs 13 ports into a stand-up chassis, giving desk space back without giving up port count compared to sprawling horizontal docks. 96W of host charging covers 14-inch and most 16-inch MacBook Pro workloads under sustained load, so a single Thunderbolt 4 cable can carry both power and data for daily use. The included 2.5GbE port and UHS-II card readers make it a strong single-cable hub for creators moving footage off cards regularly, while the vertical footprint keeps a crowded desk usable. Versus the CalDigit TS4, that matches the port count and charging wattage in a horizontal form factor, worth it for buyers who prefer a flatter desk profile. Versus the Anker 777 Thunderbolt Docking Station, that adds a built-in display and SSD bay for a real price premium, worth it for buyers wanting an all-in-one workstation hub.
Compact Vertical Design
Packs 13 ports into a stand-up chassis, giving desk space back without giving up port count compared to sprawling horizontal docks. 96W of host charging covers 14-inch and most 16-inch MacBook Pro workloads under sustained load, so a single Thunderbolt 4 cable can carry both power and data for daily use.
Built for Creators on the Move
The included 2.5GbE port and UHS-II card readers make it a strong single-cable hub for creators moving footage off cards regularly, while the vertical footprint keeps a crowded desk usable.
Comparison to Alternatives
Versus the CalDigit TS4, that matches the port count and charging wattage in a horizontal form factor, worth it for buyers who prefer a flatter desk profile. Versus the Anker 777 Thunderbolt Docking Station, that adds a built-in display and SSD bay for a real price premium, worth it for buyers wanting an all-in-one workstation hub.
Our verdict
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating9 / 10
A compact, vertical Thunderbolt 4 dock that fits 13 ports and 96W charging into minimal desk space.
Best for
- Desk setups where space is at a premium but full Thunderbolt 4 port count still matters.
- Creators who want a fast card reader and 2.5GbE built into their daily dock.
Not for
- Buyers who prefer a flat horizontal dock they can stack a laptop on top of.
Specifications
What these specs meanIdentity
| Brand | Anker |
|---|---|
| Model Number | PowerExpand Elite |
| Connection Type | Thunderbolt 4 |
| Port Configuration | 2x TB4 40Gbps, 3x USB-A 10Gbps, 2.5GbE, SD/microSD UHS-II, 3.5mm audio |
| Max Display Support | Dual 4K |
Ports & Power
| Max Display Resolution | Dual 4K@60Hz or single 8K@30Hz |
|---|---|
| Total Ports | 13 |
| Ethernet | Yes |
Host power
| Host Power Delivery | 96W host charging |
|---|
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock (Thunderbolt 4 / 13 Ports / 96W Host Charging / Dual 4K@60Hz or Single 8K@30Hz / Mac/Windows / ~$280)?
Key specs for the Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock: Power Delivery 96W host charging, Ethernet Yes (2.5GbE), Connection Type Thunderbolt 4, Port Configuration 2x TB4 40Gbps, 3x USB-A 10Gbps, 2.5GbE, SD/microSD UHS-II, 3.5mm audio, Max Display Support Dual 4K, Max Display Resolution Dual 4K@60Hz or single 8K@30Hz.
Who is the Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock (Thunderbolt 4 / 13 Ports / 96W Host Charging / Dual 4K@60Hz or Single 8K@30Hz / Mac/Windows / ~$280) best suited to?
Best suited to: Desk setups where space is at a premium but full Thunderbolt 4 port count still matters; Creators who want a fast card reader and 2.5GbE built into their daily dock.
What are the drawbacks of the Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock (Thunderbolt 4 / 13 Ports / 96W Host Charging / Dual 4K@60Hz or Single 8K@30Hz / Mac/Windows / ~$280)?
Not the best fit for: Buyers who prefer a flat horizontal dock they can stack a laptop on top of.
Compare and read more
- Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock (Thunderbolt 4 / 13 Ports / 96W Host Charging / Dual 4K@60Hz or Single 8K@30Hz / Mac/Windows) vs CalDigit TS4 (Thunderbolt 4 / 18 Ports / 98W Host Charging / Dual 4K@60Hz / Mac/Windows/Chrome)
- Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock (Thunderbolt 4 / 13 Ports / 96W Host Charging / Dual 4K@60Hz or Single 8K@30Hz / Mac/Windows) vs Kensington SD5000T5 EQ (Thunderbolt 5 / 11-in-1 / 140W Power Delivery / Triple 4K@144Hz / 2.5GbE)
- Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock (Thunderbolt 4 / 13 Ports / 96W Host Charging / Dual 4K@60Hz or Single 8K@30Hz / Mac/Windows) vs UGREEN Revodok Pro 209 (USB-C DisplayLink Dock, 9 Ports, 85W Charging)
- Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock (Thunderbolt 4 / 13 Ports / 96W Host Charging / Dual 4K@60Hz or Single 8K@30Hz / Mac/Windows) vs Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Dock (Thunderbolt 4 / 12 Ports / 96W Host Charging / Dual 4K@60Hz or Single 8K@30Hz / Mac/Windows)
- Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock (Thunderbolt 4 / 13 Ports / 96W Host Charging / Dual 4K@60Hz or Single 8K@30Hz / Mac/Windows) vs CalDigit TS5 Plus (Thunderbolt 5 / 20 Ports / 140W Host Charging / Dual 8K@60Hz / 10GbE)
- Best Docking Station for a Single-Cable Laptop Setup
- Docking Station Ethernet Speed: What 1GbE, 2.5GbE and 10GbE Actually Mean
- Why Your Docking Station Only Shows One External Display on a MacBook