Short answer: yes, if you regularly offload photos or video from fast cards. Get a UHS-II slot, like the one on the Kensington SD5700T. For basic file transfers, the UHS-I slots on the Anker docks are fine and not worth paying extra to avoid.
UHS-I vs UHS-II is a real ceiling on how fast you pull files off a card. Many docks don't say which one you get until you check the fine print.
UHS-I vs UHS-II: What the Standards Allow
- UHS-I: tops out around 104 MB/s.
- UHS-II: roughly 312 MB/s, close to three times the ceiling.
- How: UHS-II adds a second row of physical pins to both the card and the slot.
The slot only sets the maximum. A UHS-I card in a UHS-II slot still runs at UHS-I speeds.
Kensington SD5700T: UHS-II in a Thunderbolt Dock
The Kensington SD5700T is the only dock here with UHS-II.
- Connection: Thunderbolt 4
- Card slot: UHS-II SD
It suits photo and video editors who want fast card offload on the same dock that handles their displays and storage. Many docks skip a card slot or include only UHS-I. The catch: it costs more than basic hubs.
Buy it if: you regularly offload photo or video from fast UHS-II cards.
Skip it if: you only move everyday files; the Anker 555 or Anker 575 costs much less.
Anker 555 and Anker 575: UHS-I Slots
The Anker 555 8-in-1 Hub and the Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station share the same card reader spec.
- Card slots: SD and microSD
- Standard: UHS-I on both
- UHS-II: not claimed by either
They are adequate for everyday transfers at a much lower price. The catch: they are a real bottleneck for large 4K video files off a fast card.
Buy it if: you need a card slot for everyday transfers and want to spend less.
Skip it if: you move large video files often; the Kensington SD5700T has UHS-II.
UGREEN Revodok Pro 209: No Card Slot At All
The UGREEN Revodok Pro 209 skips the card reader.
- Card slot: none
- Instead: two extra 10Gbps USB-A ports
- Displays: DisplayLink dual-display support
Don't assume every dock includes a reader. If card offload matters to your workflow, this is a gap to check.
Buy it if: you never use SD cards and want the extra USB-A ports and DisplayLink dual displays.
Skip it if: you need a card slot; the Kensington SD5700T or the Anker docks have one.
What to Check Before Buying
- Slot label: look for UHS-I or UHS-II in the spec sheet. "SD card slot" alone doesn't tell you the speed ceiling.
- Your cards: confirm your memory cards are UHS-II too. A UHS-I card caps your speed in any slot.
Our Pick
The Kensington SD5700T for anyone offloading photo or video from fast cards. The Anker docks for basic file transfers.
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Are your SD cards UHS-II, or would a UHS-II slot sit idle on your desk? Tell us at hello@consumercarts.com.