Much as we talk about hating all the cables dangling around in our workspaces, truth is, we probably use more wired peripherals than ever. From drawing tablets and external drives to webcams and desktop mics, there are just way too many accessories that need plugging into our desktops and laptops. And we haven’t even talked about all the gadgets you need to charge. As such, having more ports never hurt, which is why we love the new Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station, a monitor riser that adds a veritable gaggle of ports to your work area.
A handy addition to any desk, the device is designed to elevate your main display to eye level, much like similar products you’ve probably seen in the past. Except, this one also comes with a whole load of ports to complement the lack of ports on your ultraportable or the hard-to-reach slots on your desktop under the desk.
The Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station has a pretty standard monitor riser form factor. You get legs on either side to keep it stable on the desk and a wide platform for setting down your monitor stand. It has aircraft-grade aluminum construction, too, so you get a durable yet lightweight accessory that should hold up to any monitor you can throw its way. Yes, even that 55-inch monstrosity that Samsung released last year.
Of course, what makes it a lot more useful are all the extra ports it adds to your work setup. On one side, you get two 45W USC-ports, two USB-A ports, a memory card slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack, while the underside of the riser surface gives you a 100W USB-C port you can use to charge your laptop, a USB-A slot, an Ethernet port, and a 4K HDMI slot. It powers via a 180W DC port that you’ll need to hook up to a wall outlet.
The Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station also gets a wireless charging pad at one side of the riser surface, so you just set down a compatible phone to keep it charging while being able to easily see any notifications that come in. There’s also a built-in cable management system on the underside, where you can secure any dangling wires to keep them out of sight. Sadly, it doesn’t come with a robot hand that will tuck the wires in for you one by one, so you’ll have to do each of them all by yourself.
Other features include a silicone strip at the feet to keep it from slipping, clear space at the bottom for stashing peripherals you want to keep out of the way, and curved edges everywhere, so there’s no risk of hitting a sharp corner at any point. If you already use a monitor riser to add some height to your primary display, this will probably make for a worthy upgrade, especially if you find yourself needing a few more easily accessible ports in your workspace.
The Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station is slated to launch at the end of the month, priced at $250.