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Dell WD19S vs WD22TB4 - USB-C vs Thunderbolt Dock Comparison 2026
By Adrian Cel| Specification | Dell WD19S | Dell WD22TB4 |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Connection | USB-C | Thunderbolt 4 |
| Max Data Rate | 10 Gbps | 40 Gbps |
| Max Displays | 4 | 2 |
| Driver | Native | Native |
| USB Ports | 5 | 6 |
| Video Ports | 4 | 3 |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| Card Reader | No | No |
| Power Delivery | 90W | 90W |
| Power Input | DC-barrel | DC-barrel |
| MSRP | N/A | $319.99 |
Dell WD19S vs WD22TB4: The Short Version
The Dell WD19S and Dell WD22TB4 look like close relatives because they are. Both are Dell business docks with DC barrel power, Dell management features, Gigabit Ethernet, dual DisplayPort outputs, HDMI, and up to 130W charging for compatible Dell laptops.
The difference is the host connection. The WD19S is a USB-C dock using DisplayPort Alt Mode at up to 10 Gbps. The WD22TB4 is a Thunderbolt 4 dock with up to 40 Gbps of bandwidth.
The short verdict: The Dell WD22TB4 wins for most modern Dell laptop owners. It scores higher in our testing, has Thunderbolt 4 bandwidth, handles dual 4K@60Hz more predictably, and is a better long-term match for newer Latitude, Precision, and XPS systems. The WD19S is still worth buying when price matters more than bandwidth and your display setup fits its USB-C limits.
Quick Specs Comparison
| Feature | Dell WD19S | Dell WD22TB4 |
|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Host Connection | USB-C | Thunderbolt 4 |
| Max Data Rate | 10 Gbps | 40 Gbps |
| Best Display Setup | Dual 4K@60Hz only with HBR3 + DSC | Dual 4K@60Hz via Thunderbolt 4 |
| Listed Max Displays | Up to 4 with major host caveats | Up to 2 |
| Single Display Max | 4K@60Hz with HBR3 + DSC | 8K@30Hz or 5K@60Hz |
| Dell Charging | Up to 130W with compatible Dell laptop and 180W adapter | Up to 130W ExpressCharge with compatible Dell laptop |
| Non-Dell Charging | Up to 90W USB-C PD | Up to 90W USB-C PD |
| USB-C Ports | 2x USB-C 3.2, one is rear MFDP | 1x USB-C 3.2 + 1x Thunderbolt 4 downstream |
| USB-A Ports | 3x USB-A 3.2 | 3x USB-A 3.2 + 1x USB-A 2.0 |
| Video Outputs | 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x rear USB-C MFDP | 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0 |
| Ethernet | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| Audio Jack | None | None |
| Card Reader | None | None |
| Drivers Required | None | None |
Connectivity: USB-C vs Thunderbolt 4 Is the Real Decision
The WD19S connects over USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode. That is fine for office work, but it puts a lot of pressure on the laptop’s own DisplayPort bandwidth. Dell’s display tables for the WD19S vary sharply depending on whether the host supports HBR2, HBR3, and Display Stream Compression.
The WD22TB4 is much simpler. Thunderbolt 4 gives it 40 Gbps of bandwidth and a cleaner path to dual 4K@60Hz displays. If your laptop has Thunderbolt 4 or USB4, the WD22TB4 is the dock that better matches the machine.
Connectivity winner: Dell WD22TB4. Four times the listed data rate is not a small upgrade. It affects displays, storage, and general headroom.
Display Support: WD22TB4 Is Easier to Trust
This is where the WD19S can look better on paper than it feels in real setups.
The WD19S lists support for up to four displays, but the fine print matters. Dual 4K@60Hz requires an HBR3 host with Display Stream Compression. Triple QHD@60Hz also requires HBR3 with DSC. On older HBR2 laptops, the dock can drop to single 4K@30Hz or dual 1080p@60Hz. Dell also notes that HDMI and the rear USB-C multifunction DisplayPort output are toggled, so they cannot both be active as display outputs at the same time.
The WD22TB4 lists fewer total displays, but its main promise is more useful: dual 4K@60Hz through Thunderbolt 4. It also supports a single 8K@30Hz display on Windows or a single 5K@60Hz display via DisplayPort 1.4.
Display winner: Dell WD22TB4. The WD19S can be flexible with the right Dell laptop, but the WD22TB4 is the safer choice for dual 4K monitors.
Charging: Mostly a Tie for Dell Owners
Both docks can deliver the Dell charging behavior people buy these docks for.
The WD19S can provide up to 130W to compatible Dell laptops when paired with the 180W adapter. With a 130W adapter, Dell lists up to 90W for Dell systems. Non-Dell laptops receive up to 90W over standard USB Power Delivery 3.0.
The WD22TB4 also delivers up to 130W for compatible Dell laptops through Dell ExpressCharge. Non-Dell laptops again top out at 90W USB-C PD.
Charging winner: Tie. If you have a compatible Dell laptop, both can reach 130W. If you have a non-Dell laptop, both are capped at 90W.
Ports: Similar Office DNA, but WD22TB4 Has Better Expansion
Neither dock is trying to be a creator workstation. Neither has an SD card reader. Neither has a 3.5mm audio jack. Both are built for office desks with monitors, Ethernet, keyboard, mouse, webcam, and laptop charging.
The WD19S has two USB-C ports, three USB-A ports, two DisplayPort 1.4 outputs, HDMI 2.0, rear USB-C multifunction DisplayPort, and Gigabit Ethernet. That is a practical mix, especially if your desk already uses DisplayPort monitors.
The WD22TB4 has one USB-C 3.2 port, one downstream Thunderbolt 4 port, three USB-A 3.2 ports, one USB-A 2.0 port, two DisplayPort 1.4 outputs, HDMI 2.0, and Gigabit Ethernet. The downstream Thunderbolt 4 port is the important upgrade because it can handle faster accessories and more flexible expansion than a normal USB-C data port.
Port winner: Dell WD22TB4. The raw layouts are close, but Thunderbolt 4 downstream expansion makes the WD22TB4 more useful with modern gear.
Mac, Windows, and Dell Fleet Compatibility
Both docks are best with Dell Windows laptops. That is where you get firmware tools, enterprise management features, power button integration, Wake-on-LAN, MAC address pass-through, and Dell’s high-wattage charging.
For Mac users, the WD22TB4 is the better of the two, but neither is ideal. Dell does not officially support macOS on the WD22TB4, though basic displays, USB, Ethernet, and charging work. Base M1, M2, and M3 MacBooks are still limited to one external display natively.
The WD19S is weaker for Mac because it relies on USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode and MST-style display routing. The YAML notes are blunt here: Mac users should usually assume one external display.
Compatibility winner: Dell WD22TB4. It is still a Dell-first dock, but Thunderbolt gives it broader compatibility than the WD19S.
Value: When the WD19S Still Makes Sense
The WD19S is not obsolete. It is just more conditional.
Buy the WD19S if you have a known-compatible Dell laptop, a basic office setup, and a lower price than the WD22TB4. It is especially reasonable for single-monitor desks, dual 1080p setups, or Dell fleet deployments where IT already standardizes on the WD19 family.
Buy the WD22TB4 if you are buying today for a newer laptop. The score difference in our database is not huge, 7.5 vs 6.8, but the practical difference is clear: Thunderbolt 4 removes a lot of the display guessing that comes with the WD19S.
Value winner: Dell WD22TB4 for new purchases, WD19S only when discounted. The WD19S needs a meaningful price advantage to make sense.
Verdict: Dell WD22TB4 Wins
The Dell WD22TB4 is the better dock in this comparison. It has the higher score, faster host connection, more predictable dual 4K support, and better expansion through Thunderbolt 4. It keeps the Dell-specific benefits that matter, including up to 130W charging for compatible Dell laptops, while avoiding many of the USB-C display limitations that make the WD19S harder to recommend broadly.
Choose the Dell WD22TB4 if:
- Your laptop has Thunderbolt 4 or USB4
- You want dual 4K@60Hz with fewer caveats
- You use a newer Dell Latitude, Precision, or XPS system
- You want the more future-proof Dell dock
- You plan to connect Thunderbolt accessories
Choose the Dell WD19S if:
- You found it much cheaper than the WD22TB4
- Your laptop only has USB-C, not Thunderbolt
- You use one external monitor or basic dual-monitor resolutions
- You need Dell fleet features but not Thunderbolt bandwidth
- Your current WD19S setup already works reliably
For deeper individual notes, read our Dell WD19S review and Dell WD22TB4 review. If you are comparing dock standards rather than just Dell models, start with our USB-C vs Thunderbolt docking stations guide.