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Microsoft Surface Dock 2 vs Wavlink Universal Docking Station: Comparison
Microsoft Surface Dock 2 vs Wavlink Universal Docking Station: the host power delivery difference
The first real difference is host power delivery: Microsoft Surface Dock 2 120 W against Wavlink Universal Docking Station None. Total ports runs the same way, 7 on the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 versus 9 on the Wavlink Universal Docking Station, another win for Wavlink Universal Docking Station.
Which should you buy, Microsoft Surface Dock 2 or Wavlink Universal Docking Station?
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. The same goes for IT admins who want a single-SKU dock across a Surface deployment. It is not the one for any non-Surface laptop, since it has no generic USB-C or Thunderbolt host port. The Wavlink Universal Docking Station is the one to take for older Windows laptops and desktops with only USB-A ports and budget dual-monitor upgrades without replacing existing hardware, though it is not the pick for Mac users, since DisplayLink support here is Windows-only and anyone needing the dock to also charge the host laptop. Our rating of the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 (7/10): the right dock only if your fleet is already standardized on Surface hardware. Our rating of the Wavlink Universal Docking Station (6/10): A niche but genuinely useful fix for older USB-A-only Windows machines needing dual monitors.
Microsoft Surface Dock 2 vs Wavlink Universal Docking Station price
The Microsoft Surface Dock 2 asks 144% more, $220 against $90.00 for the Wavlink Universal Docking Station.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 and Wavlink Universal Docking Station differ on connection type?
Yes. Connection Type reads Surface Connect on the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 versus USB-A on the Wavlink Universal Docking Station.
Is the Ethernet the same on the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 and Wavlink Universal Docking Station?
It is. Both are listed at Yes, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Surface Dock 2 or Wavlink Universal Docking Station?
The Microsoft Surface Dock 2 asks 144% more, $220 against $90.00 for the Wavlink Universal Docking Station.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Microsoft
- Wavlink Universal Docking Station
- Wavlink
Connection Type
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Surface Connect
- Wavlink Universal Docking Station
- USB-A (DisplayLink, no USB-C required on host)
Model Number
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Surface Dock 2
- Wavlink Universal Docking Station
- Universal Docking Station
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
- Wavlink Universal Docking Station
- 1x USB-A upstream, 2x HDMI (DisplayLink), 4x USB-A, 1x GbE, 3.5mm audio
Max Display Support
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Dual 4K
- Wavlink Universal Docking Station
- Dual display
Max Display Resolution
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Dual 4K@60Hz
- Wavlink Universal Docking Station
- Dual 4K@30Hz (DisplayLink)
Total Ports
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- 7-22%
- Wavlink Universal Docking Station
- 9Best
Host Power Delivery
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- 120 W
- Wavlink Universal Docking Station
- None (bus-powered, no host charging)
Ethernet
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Yes
- Wavlink Universal Docking Station
- Yes
OS Compatibility
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- Windows (Surface devices)
- Wavlink Universal Docking Station
- Windows only
Price
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2
- ~$220
- Wavlink Universal Docking Station
- ~$90
Which one should you pick?
Choose Microsoft Surface Dock 2 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Wavlink Universal Docking Station if you want the higher total ports (9 vs 7).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Microsoft Surface Dock 2 | Wavlink Universal Docking Station |
|---|---|---|
| Newegg | $220.00 View on Newegg | |
| Consumercarts listing | $90.00 View on Consumercarts listing |
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.
Wavlink Universal Docking Station
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A niche but genuinely useful fix for older USB-A-only Windows machines needing dual monitors.