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Microsoft Surface Dock 2 vs OWC Thunderbolt Dock: Comparison
Microsoft Surface Dock 2 and OWC Thunderbolt Dock separate most on total ports: Microsoft Surface Dock 2 at 7, OWC Thunderbolt Dock at 11, 36% in favour of OWC Thunderbolt Dock. Power Delivery splits them by another 20%, this time favouring Microsoft Surface Dock 2. They match on 12 other specifications, including max display support, ethernet and bus powered.
Specs
| Specification |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Connection Type | Surface Connect | Thunderbolt 4 |
| Port Configuration | 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 | 4x TB4 (1 host, 3 downstream, 15W), 2x USB-A 10Gbps, 1x USB-A 2.0, SD UHS-II, GbE, 3.5mm combo audio |
| Thunderbolt Version | None | 4 |
| Max Display Support | Dual 4K | Dual 4K |
| Max Display Resolution | Dual 4K@60Hz | Dual 4K@60Hz or single 8K@60Hz |
| Total Ports | 7-36% | 11 |
| Power Delivery | 120 W | 96 W-20% |
| Host Power Delivery | 120 W | 96 W-20% |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| Bus Powered | No | No |
| Video Path | DisplayPort Alt Mode | Thunderbolt Native |
| DisplayLink Driver Required | No | No |
| Max Displays Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Max Dual Display Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| Max Dual Display Refresh | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| DisplayPort Port Count | 0 | 0 |
| Downstream Thunderbolt Port Count | 0 | 3 |
| USB-A Port Count | 2 | 3 |
| Max USB Data Rate | 10Gbps | 10Gbps |
| Ethernet Speed | 1GbE | 1GbE |
| Audio Jack Configuration | Single Combo | Single Combo |
| Windows Supported | Yes | Yes |
| Brand | Microsoft | OWC |
| Model | Surface Dock 2 | Thunderbolt Dock (11-Port, OWCTB4DOCK) |
| OS Compatibility | Windows (Surface devices) | macOS 11.1+, Windows 10+ |
| Price | ~$220 | ~$300 |
| Source URL | https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/surface-dock-whats-new ; https://dancharblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/11/microsoft-surface-dock-2/ | https://eshop.macsales.com/manuals/owc-11-port-thunderbolt-4-dock-support-manual |
Verdict
Microsoft Surface Dock 2
7 / 10 Expert Rating
The right dock only if your fleet is already standardized on Surface hardware.
OWC Thunderbolt Dock
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A strong Thunderbolt 4 dock for creative professionals who need built-in card readers.