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Microsoft Surface Dock 2 vs Twelve South StayGo mini: Comparison
What is the difference between Microsoft Surface Dock 2 and Twelve South StayGo mini?
Start with host power delivery, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Microsoft Surface Dock 2 120 W against Twelve South StayGo mini 85 W, 29% in favour of Microsoft Surface Dock 2. Microsoft Surface Dock 2 also leads on total ports, 7 on the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 versus 4 on the Twelve South StayGo mini.
Which should you buy, Microsoft Surface Dock 2 or Twelve South StayGo mini?
The Microsoft Surface Dock 2 suits Surface Pro and Surface Laptop fleets in Windows-only offices and desk setups that value the fast magnetic snap-on connection, though it is the wrong buy for Mac or Linux users and buyers who want more than two simultaneous external displays. It is equally the pick for 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. The Twelve South StayGo mini is the one to take for frequent travelers who want a single-display, single-card-slot setup, though it is not the pick for Windows or Linux laptop users, since it's Mac-specific hardware and multi-display desk setups needing more than one external monitor. The same goes for MacBook owners who want ports permanently attached rather than a loose dongle. Our rating of the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 (7/10): the right dock only if your fleet is already standardized on Surface hardware.
Microsoft Surface Dock 2 vs Twelve South StayGo mini price
Cost splits them too. Twelve South StayGo mini sits at $100, Microsoft Surface Dock 2 at $220, 120% more.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 and Twelve South StayGo mini differ on ethernet?
Yes. Ethernet reads Yes on the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 versus No on the Twelve South StayGo mini.
Is the Thunderbolt Version the same on the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 and Twelve South StayGo mini?
It is. Both are listed at None, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Microsoft
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- Twelve South
Connection Type
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Surface Connect
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- USB-C (plug-in mini hub with 0.5 m extension cable)
Model Number
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Surface Dock 2
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- StayGo mini
Port Configuration
- 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
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- 1x USB-C PD input (85W pass-through), 1x HDMI (4K@30Hz), 1x USB-A 2.0 (7.5W), 1x 3.5mm audio
Thunderbolt Version
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- None
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- None
Max Display Support
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Dual 4K
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- Single display
Max Display Resolution
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Dual 4K@60Hz
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- Single 4K@30Hz
Host Cable Length
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- 0.8 m
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- 0.5 m
Total Ports
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- 7Best
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- 4-43%
Host Power Delivery
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- 120 W
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- 85 W-29%
Ethernet
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Yes
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- No
DisplayLink Driver Required
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- No
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- No
Max Displays Windows
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- 2
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- 1
DisplayPort Port Count
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- 0
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- 0
Downstream Thunderbolt Port Count
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- 0
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- 0
USB-A Port Count
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- 2
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- 1
USB-C Data Port Count
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- 4
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- 0
Ethernet Speed
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- 1GbE
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- None
OS Compatibility
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Windows (Surface devices)
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- Mac, iPad Pro
Price
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- ~$220
- Twelve South StayGo mini
- ~$100
Which one should you pick?
Choose Microsoft Surface Dock 2 if you want the higher total ports (7 vs 4) and the higher host power delivery (120 W vs 85 W).
Choose Twelve South StayGo mini if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Microsoft Surface Dock 2 | Twelve South StayGo mini |
|---|---|---|
| Newegg | $220.00 View on Newegg | |
| Amazon | $100.00 View on Amazon |
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
Microsoft Surface Dock 2
7 / 10 Expert Rating
The right dock only if your fleet is already standardized on Surface hardware.
Twelve South StayGo mini
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A clever, MacBook-specific alternative to a loose dongle for people who hate managing a separate hub cable.