Baseus 10-in-1 vs Anker Hubs for Dual Monitors

When you want to run two external monitors from a laptop, the key difference between a Baseus 10-in-1 dock and most Anker hubs is the video output standard: the Baseus typically uses DisplayLink (a software-driven chipset) while Anker hubs generally rely on the laptop’s native DisplayPort Alternate Mode over USB-C. This matters because DisplayLink works with almost any laptop but adds CPU load and driver requirements, whereas native alt-mode gives smoother performance but only works on laptops that support it. Below is a detailed breakdown of how these two approaches affect dual-monitor setups, what to check before buying, and which one fits your specific hardware.

How Dual Monitors Work Over USB-C

To understand the difference, you need to know the two main ways a USB-C port can carry video. The first is DisplayPort Alternate Mode (Alt Mode), where the USB-C cable directly carries DisplayPort signals alongside USB data and power. This is the native, hardware-level method—no extra drivers, no noticeable latency, and it works with the laptop’s GPU. The catch is that many laptops only expose one or two DisplayPort lanes, which limits how many external displays you can drive and at what resolution. For example, a typical thin-and-light laptop with a single USB-C port may support one 4K monitor at 60Hz, but not two, because the port simply doesn’t have enough bandwidth.

The second method is DisplayLink, a technology that compresses the video signal in software and sends it over USB as data. The hub contains a DisplayLink chip that decompresses the signal and outputs it to HDMI or DisplayPort. This bypasses the laptop’s native video output limits entirely, so you can connect two or even three monitors to a laptop that only has one USB-C port. The trade-off is that DisplayLink requires installing a driver, uses some CPU resources, and can feel slightly less responsive for gaming or high-frame-rate video. For office work, spreadsheets, and web browsing, the difference is often imperceptible.

What the Baseus 10-in-1 Actually Does

The Baseus 10-in-1 docking station is a popular budget option that typically includes two HDMI ports, a USB-C data port, three USB-A ports, an Ethernet port, and SD/TF card readers. Its dual-monitor capability is almost always implemented with a DisplayLink chip. That means you can plug it into any laptop with a USB-C port (even one that doesn’t support Alt Mode) and get two external displays. The resolution is usually capped at 4K@30Hz per port, or 1080p@60Hz if you run both at higher refresh rates. You’ll need to download the DisplayLink driver from the official website, and the dock will not work until that driver is installed.

One common misconception is that the Baseus 10-in-1 is a “plug-and-play� dock. It is not—the DisplayLink driver is mandatory. If you plug it into a Mac, Windows PC, or Chromebook without the driver, the monitors will stay black. Also, because DisplayLink compresses video, the dock adds a small amount of latency, which is fine for productivity but not ideal for fast-paced gaming. The dock also draws power from the laptop’s USB-C port, so it works best with a laptop that can deliver at least 15W of power output—most modern laptops do, but some older models may not.

How Anker Hubs Handle Dual Monitors

Anker makes a wide range of hubs and docks, and their dual-monitor support varies by model. The key distinction is that Anker’s USB-C hubs (like the 8-in-1 or 11-in-1) typically rely on the laptop’s native Alt Mode. They do not include a DisplayLink chip. So, if your laptop supports DP Alt Mode over its USB-C port, the Anker hub will simply split that signal into two HDMI or DisplayPort outputs. This works well for laptops like the MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, and many Windows ultrabooks that have full-featured USB-C ports. However, if your laptop only supports USB data over USB-C (common on some budget Windows laptops and older Chromebooks), the Anker hub’s video outputs will not work at all.

Anker’s higher-end Thunderbolt docks (like the 575 or 777) use a Thunderbolt controller, which carries DisplayPort and PCIe over the same cable, allowing dual 4K@60Hz monitors with a single cable. But those are more expensive and require a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port on your laptop. For the purpose of this comparison, we’re focusing on Anker’s standard USB-C hubs, which are the direct competitors to the Baseus 10-in-1. These hubs are usually plug-and-play on Macs and Windows laptops that support Alt Mode, with no drivers needed.

Key Differences: DisplayLink vs Native Alt Mode

Here’s a quick comparison of the two approaches in the context of dual monitors:

• Compatibility: DisplayLink (Baseus) works with any USB-C port, even those without video support. Native Alt Mode (Anker) only works if your laptop’s USB-C port explicitly supports DisplayPort.
• Performance: Native Alt Mode is smoother, with no CPU overhead and full GPU acceleration. DisplayLink uses CPU and can stutter on 4K video or heavy graphics.
• Resolution limits: DisplayLink hubs often cap at 4K@30Hz per port. Native Alt Mode can do 4K@60Hz on one monitor, but dual 4K@60Hz usually requires Thunderbolt or a high-end laptop.
• Drivers: DisplayLink requires a driver install and updates. Native Alt Mode is driver-free on macOS and Windows (though some Windows laptops need a firmware update).
• Power delivery: Both can pass through power to the laptop, but the wattage varies. Baseus typically offers 85W-100W pass-through, while Anker hubs range from 60W to 100W depending on the model.
• Price: Baseus 10-in-1 is usually cheaper (around $50-70), while Anker hubs with dual video outputs are often $80-150.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice depends entirely on your laptop’s USB-C capabilities. First, check your laptop’s specifications: does the USB-C port support DisplayPort Alt Mode? You can usually find this in the manufacturer’s spec sheet or by looking for a “DP� icon next to the port. If yes, an Anker hub (or any native Alt Mode hub) will give you a cleaner experience with no drivers. If no, or if you’re unsure, the Baseus 10-in-1 with DisplayLink is the safer bet—it will work on virtually any laptop with a USB-C port, including many that don’t officially support external displays.

For Mac users, note that Apple’s M1 and M2 MacBooks only support one external display natively (except for the M1 Pro/Max and M2 Pro/Max). If you have a base M1 MacBook Air or Pro, the only way to get dual monitors is to use a DisplayLink dock like the Baseus. Anker’s standard hubs will only give you one external monitor on those machines. This is a common scenario where the Baseus is the clear winner.

For Windows users, most modern ultrabooks with Intel or AMD processors support Alt Mode on at least one USB-C port, but not all. If you have a ThinkPad or Dell XPS, you’re likely fine with an Anker hub. If you have a budget Acer or HP, you may need DisplayLink.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Both types of hubs have known issues. With DisplayLink docks, the most common problem is that the driver doesn’t install correctly or the monitors flicker after a system update. Solution: always download the latest driver from the DisplayLink website (not the hub manufacturer), and make sure your laptop’s USB-C port is providing enough power. Also, DisplayLink doesn’t work in the BIOS or during boot screens—only after the OS loads.

With native Alt Mode hubs, the most common issue is that one monitor doesn’t work at all. This usually happens because the laptop’s USB-C port only has one DisplayPort lane, which can drive one monitor but not two. Some laptops have a setting in the BIOS to switch between “USB-C with DisplayPort� and “USB-C with Thunderbolt� – make sure it’s set correctly. Another issue is that the hub may not supply enough power to the laptop, causing it to drain the battery even while plugged in. Check the power delivery wattage of the hub and your laptop’s requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Baseus 10-in-1 with a MacBook Pro M1 to get two monitors? Yes, but only if you install the DisplayLink driver. The M1 MacBook Pro natively supports only one external monitor, so the Baseus’s DisplayLink chip is the workaround. It will work, but you may notice slight lag when moving windows or playing video.

Do Anker hubs work with Chromebooks? Only if the Chromebook’s USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. Many Chromebooks do, but some budget models only support USB data and power. Check the specs or try a friend’s hub before buying.

Why does my Anker hub only show one monitor when I plug in two? This is almost always because your laptop’s USB-C port doesn’t have enough DisplayPort lanes. Most laptops have only two lanes, which can drive one 4K monitor or two 1080p monitors. If you’re trying to run two 4K monitors, you need a Thunderbolt dock or a laptop with four lanes.

Is DisplayLink safe to use? Yes, DisplayLink is a legitimate technology used by many enterprise docks. The driver is signed by Microsoft and Apple, and the company is well-established. Just make sure to download from the official DisplayLink website to avoid malware.

Can I use a Baseus 10-in-1 for gaming? It’s not recommended. The DisplayLink compression adds latency and reduces frame rates. For gaming, you want a native Alt Mode hub or a direct HDMI/DisplayPort cable from your laptop’s dedicated video output.

Do these hubs charge my laptop? Both Baseus and Anker hubs can pass through power to your laptop, but the wattage varies. Baseus typically offers 85W or 100W, which is enough for most laptops. Anker hubs range from 60W to 100W. Check your laptop’s charger wattage and make sure the hub’s power delivery meets or exceeds it.

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