Head-to-Head: Plugable UD-6950Z vs. Anker 563
Alberto F. | September 03, 2026
Choosing the right docking station can have a major impact on how smoothly your workstation, hotdesk, or managed laptop fleet performs. Today, we’re comparing the Plugable UD-6950Z with the Anker 563 (Model A8395) USB-C Docking Station. At first glance, these docks may appear similar: both offer DisplayLink technology to bypass native display limitations, both feature Gigabit Ethernet, and neither supports HDCP-protected content playback. But a closer look shows that they are built around different priorities.
The core question is: which dock is better suited for your specific daily workflow and desk setup?
Let’s compare the specifications, then look at what those differences mean in day-to-day use.
Feature Comparison: Plugable UD-6950Z vs. Anker 563 (Model A8395)
| Feature | Plugable UD-6950Z | Anker 563 DisplayLink (Model A8395) |
|---|---|---|
| Price Class | $149.99 USD (As of July 2026) | $199.99 USD (As of July 2026) |
| Host Connection | USB 3.0 or USB-C (Cables included) | USB-C (Requires USB-C Power Delivery & USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode) |
| Host Charging | 0W (Does not charge host) | Up to 85W |
| Maximum Displays | 2 | 3 |
| Max Display Resolution | 2x 4K @ 60Hz | 1x 4K @ 30Hz + 2x 2048x1152 @ 60Hz |
| Video Outputs | 2x HDMI 2.0 or 2x DisplayPort 1.2 | 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort |
| USB Ports | 6x USB-A 3.0 (5Gbps) | 2x USB-C, 3x USB-A |
| Card Readers | None | SD and microSD |
| Audio | 1x 3.5mm TRRS Headset Jack | Audio connectivity |
| Ethernet | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| Operating Systems | Windows 7+, macOS 10.14+, ChromeOS 100+ | Windows 7+, macOS 10.14+ |
| Orientation | Vertical | Horizontal |
Where the Anker 563 (Model A8395) May Be a Better Fit
Before looking at where the Plugable UD-6950Z stands out, it’s worth noting where the Anker 563 may be a better fit. If your setup depends on keeping your laptop charged without using its factory power brick, the Anker dock provides up to 85W of host charging. Additionally, if you are a creative professional who needs fast access to SD or microSD cards, or if you absolutely must have three external displays connected simultaneously, the Anker 563 offers benefits worth considering.
For users who need 4K dual-displays, and plenty of USB-A ports, the Plugable UD-6950Z offers a more flexible path.
The Anker 563 Disadvantage
The Anker 563 (Model A8395) is more limited in compatibility as Anker states that the connected laptop must support Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alt Mode to function correctly. This limits compatibility as not all laptops support DisplayPort Alt Mode or Power Delivery.
Its triple-display resolution configuration is very limited as your 1st display can support 4K 30hz and the 2nd/3rd display resolution are limited to 2048x1152 60Hz which is an uncommon resolution found on monitors. Practically the 2nd and 3rd display will be most used with 1920x1080p 60hz setups.
The Plugable UD-6950Z Advantage
Buy the Plugable Universal Docking Station for Dual 4K Monitors
List Price: $159.99
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Display Support: More Room to Work
Both docks use DisplayLink software to enable additional extended displays, which is especially useful on Mac systems that natively support fewer external monitors. However, the Plugable UD-6950Z focuses on high-resolution fluidity, supporting dual 4K monitors at a smooth 60Hz (3840x2160). By contrast, connecting three displays to the Anker 563 forces the setup down to one 4K monitor locked at 30Hz, alongside two 1080p monitors at 60Hz.
Simpler Desk Setup
The UD-6950Z features a flexible array of outputs on the back panel: two HDMI 2.0 ports and two DisplayPort 1.2 ports. This means you can plug in two HDMI monitors, two DisplayPort monitors, or one of each without needing to hunt down active adapters. It features a sleek vertical orientation that aids in clean cable management.
Built for Mixed Fleets
In a mixed-device workplace, the best dock is often the one that reduces exceptions. The Plugable UD-6950Z is highly adaptable to older and newer hardware alike, shipping with both a USB 3.0 and a USB-C cable in the box. It also supports Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS 100+. Because the Plugable dock relies on the standard USB data connection and does not demand Power Delivery or DisplayPort Alt Mode from the host computer, it is an exceptionally practical choice for shared desks where anyone might sit down and plug in. The option for either USB 3.0 and USB-C on the UD-6950Z also expands compatibility to desktops as well, where the Anker 563 is absent and does not support desktop compatibility.
Better Expansion for Daily Work
If you have a heavy collection of legacy peripherals, the Plugable UD-6950Z provides massive connectivity with six standard USB-A 3.0 (5Gbps) ports. This helps reduce the need for extra hubs if your workflow requires a dedicated mouse, keyboard, external webcam, USB headset, and flash drives all plugged in simultaneously.
Final Decision
For users who want true Dual 4K 60Hz displays, the Plugable UD-6950Z is the stronger choice. It offers superior display flexibility by allowing you to mix and match between two HDMI 2.0 and two DisplayPort 1.2 outputs, meaning you can connect your existing monitors without needing to purchase extra active adapters. At a lower price point, the Plugable UD-6950Z is a stronger value that also delivers distinct host connection advantages. Because it relies on standard USB data rather than requiring USB-C Power Delivery or DisplayPort Alt Mode, it is highly adaptable. It can be easily used with desktops, all-in-one PCs, or older laptops using the included USB 3.0 and USB-C cables, making it an incredibly flexible solution for mixed-device environments.
Whereas the Anker 563 triple display configuration forces significant resolution drops, limiting your primary 4K monitor to 30Hz, and capping the other two screens at 1080p. For users who have a narrow use case of a mix of monitors at different resolutions or have a need for their dock to charge the Anker 563 will work.
For professionals and IT teams looking for the widest compatibility for displays, computers, and USB-A peripheral expansion, the Plugable UD-6950Z is the more practical docking station.
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