Consumercarts

Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more

Microsoft Surface Dock 2 vs StarTech.com 2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub: Comparison

Microsoft Surface Dock 2 and StarTech.com 2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub separate most on total ports: Microsoft Surface Dock 2 at 7, StarTech.com 2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub at 2, 71% in favour of Microsoft Surface Dock 2.

Microsoft Surface Dock 2 (USB4/USB-C / 6 Ports / 100W Host Charging / Dual 4K@60Hz / Windows / ~$220)
MicrosoftMicrosoft Surface Dock 2
StarTech.com 2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 2 Ports / No Charging / No Display Output / Mac/Windows / ~$70)
StarTech.comStarTech.com 2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub

Specs

Specification
Microsoft Surface Dock 2 (USB4/USB-C / 6 Ports / 100W Host Charging / Dual 4K@60Hz / Windows / ~$220)
Microsoft Surface Dock 2
StarTech.com 2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 2 Ports / No Charging / No Display Output / Mac/Windows / ~$70)
StarTech.com 2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub
Connection TypeSurface ConnectThunderbolt 4
Port Configuration1x 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 audio1x TB4 upstream, 1x TB4 downstream (daisy chain / port expansion only)
Max Display SupportDual 4KNone (pass-through only, relies on host GPU)
Max Display ResolutionDual 4K@60HzN/A (pass-through)
Total Ports72-71%
Power Delivery120 WNone (no host charging)
EthernetYesNo
BrandMicrosoftStarTech.com
ModelSurface Dock 22-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub
OS CompatibilityWindows (Surface devices)Mac, Windows
Price~$220~$70

Verdict

Microsoft Surface Dock 2

7 / 10 Expert Rating

The right dock only if your fleet is already standardized on Surface hardware.

StarTech.com 2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub

5 / 10 Expert Rating

Does exactly one job, adding a second Thunderbolt port, and does it cheaply; not a dock replacement.

More comparisons in Docking Stations and USB-C Hubs