Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock vs Microsoft Surface Dock 2: Comparison
ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock vs Microsoft Surface Dock 2: the host power delivery difference
Host power delivery is the dividing line, ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock 90W host charging against Microsoft Surface Dock 2 120 W.
Who each one is for
The ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock suits quiet home offices wanting fully fanless operation, though it is the wrong buy for single-computer desks with no need for source switching and users needing more than dual display output. The same goes for desks that switch between two computers using the same monitors, keyboard, and mouse. The Microsoft Surface Dock 2 is the one to take for Surface Pro and Surface Laptop fleets in Windows-only offices and desk setups that value the fast magnetic snap-on connection, though it is not the pick for Mac or Linux users and buyers who want more than two simultaneous external displays. It also earns its place with IT admins who want a single-SKU dock across a Surface deployment. It is the wrong buy for any non-Surface laptop, since it has no generic USB-C or Thunderbolt host port. Our rating of the ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock (7/10): A distinctive pick for anyone who regularly switches one monitor setup between two computers. Our rating of the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 (7/10): the right dock only if your fleet is already standardized on Surface hardware.
ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock vs Microsoft Surface Dock 2 price
Cost splits them too. ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock sits at $180, Microsoft Surface Dock 2 at $220, 22% more.
Frequently asked questions
Do the ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock and Microsoft Surface Dock 2 differ on connection type?
Yes. Connection Type reads USB-C on the ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock versus Surface Connect on the Microsoft Surface Dock 2.
Is the Ethernet the same on the ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock and Microsoft Surface Dock 2?
It is. Both are listed at Yes, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock
- ATEN
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Microsoft
Connection Type
- ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock
- USB-C (fanless, with KVM-style input switching)
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Surface Connect
Model Number
- ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock
- UH3238
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Surface Dock 2
Port Configuration
- ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock
- 1x USB-C upstream, 2x DisplayPort, 3x USB-A, 1x GbE, physical KVM switch button
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- 1x Surface Connect host cable, 2x front USB-C 10Gbps (15W), 2x rear USB-C 10Gbps with DP 1.4 Alt Mode, 2x USB-A 10Gbps, 1x GbE, 1x 3.5mm combo audio
Max Display Support
- ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock
- Dual display
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Dual 4K
Max Display Resolution
- ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock
- Dual 4K@60Hz
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Dual 4K@60Hz
Total Ports
- ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock
- 7
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- 7
Host Power Delivery
- ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock
- 90W host charging
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- 120 W
Ethernet
- ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock
- Yes
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Yes
OS Compatibility
- ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock
- Windows, Mac
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Windows (Surface devices)
Price
- ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock
- ~$180
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- ~$220
Which one should you pick?
Choose ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock if you want the higher total ports (7 vs 7).
Choose Microsoft Surface Dock 2 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock | Microsoft Surface Dock 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $180.00 View on Consumercarts listing | |
| Newegg | $220.00 View on Newegg |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
ATEN UH3238 USB-C Dual Monitor Dock
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A distinctive pick for anyone who regularly switches one monitor setup between two computers.
Microsoft Surface Dock 2
7 / 10 Expert Rating
The right dock only if your fleet is already standardized on Surface hardware.