TLDR Review: Anker 535 USB-C Hub for iMac
Pros
- •Very well made with a sleek, attractive design that complements the iMac’s aesthetic.
- •Easy and secure fronount installation, especially on 24" M1 iMac and iMac Pro models.
- •Clamps onto the front of the iMac with simple wheel adjustment, blending nicely near the Apple logo.
- •Provides two US 10 Gbps ports and one USB-C 10 Gbps port, delivering fast and reliable data transfer speeds at up to 10 Gbps, outperforming many competitors’ 5 Gbps ports.
- •Supports charging devices while connected, making it practical for everyday use.
- •USB and US ports work reliably without reported issues, with tight fits that feel durable.
- •Made for seamless integration with iMacs (21.5”, 24”, and 27”) providing additional accessible ports without clutter.
- •Convenient SD and microSD card readers add versatility, allowing quick data access for photographers or video editors.
- •Powered solely through a single Thunderbolt US cable, no extra power adapters needed.
Cons
- •The SD card slot requires an iMac reboot with the card inserted for it to work properly on M1 devices, which can be frustrating.
- •Clamping design may block cooling vents on tapered iMac models, potentially affecting heat dissipation and causing highehan-usual temperatures for heavy processing users.
- •Limited mounting placement near the front Apple logo with a short 1nch cable, restricting flexibility in positioning the hub.
- •Only available in silver, which matches some iMac colors but lacks variety for other preferences.
- •Constructed from plastic, despite some listings suggesting aluminum, which might feel less premium.
- •Offers only one US port; heavier USB-C port users may find this limiting since more USB-C options would be beneficial.
- •Mainly suitable for light to moderate use; power users might need a hub with better heat management or more ports.
- •Two SD card slots may be unnecessary for users who don’t frequently transfer card data.
Bottom Line
The Anker 535 USB C Hub is a clever, well-crafted solution for anyone looking to add accessible, high-speed USB-A, USB-C, and SD card ports directly to their iMac without cluttering the desk. It’s particularly suited for light to moderate users who want seamless integration and fast data speeds right at their fingertips. However, if you rely heavily on SD card access without rebooting or need multiple USB-C ports or better heat management, you might want to explore other multiport hubs designed for power users or those with more robust port options. Overall, it’s a solid choice to expand your iMac’s connectivity neatly and efficiently.
How we researched this
About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.
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