Dell WD22TB4 vs OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock - Thunderbolt 4 Comparison 2026

Dell WD22TB4 vs OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock

The Dell WD22TB4 and OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock target a similar buyer: someone who wants a full desktop setup from one Thunderbolt 4 cable. Both support dual 4K displays, both work without drivers, and both include Gigabit Ethernet. But they get there in very different ways.

The Dell WD22TB4 focuses on office practicality with built-in DisplayPort and HDMI outputs, a compact chassis, and special charging advantages for Dell laptops. The OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock leans toward versatility with three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports, 96W charging, an SD UHS-II card reader, and a 3.5mm combo jack.

Short verdict: the OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock wins for most buyers because it has the higher review score in our product data, stronger standard host charging, more downstream Thunderbolt flexibility, and a better mix of creator-friendly ports. The Dell WD22TB4 still makes sense if you use a Dell laptop and want built-in monitor outputs plus Dell-specific charging benefits.

If you are still narrowing down the field, our Thunderbolt vs USB-C docking station guide is a good next stop.

Quick Specs Comparison

Design and Focus

These docks are aimed at different workflows.

Dell WD22TB4

Dell positions the WD22TB4 as an enterprise-friendly Thunderbolt 4 dock. Its standout design feature is the modular host module, which Dell says can be swapped instead of replacing the whole dock base. The port mix is also tuned for office monitors, with two DisplayPort 1.4 outputs and one HDMI 2.0 output built right in.

This is the more convenient option if you want to connect standard monitors without adapters. It also carries a longer 3-year warranty.

OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock

OWC takes a more flexible approach. Instead of built-in HDMI or DisplayPort, it gives you three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports, which can be used for displays, fast storage, or daisy-chained accessories. It also adds an SD UHS-II card reader and a 3.5mm combo audio jack, both missing on the Dell.

The result is a dock that feels more adaptable for mixed desk setups, especially if you use Thunderbolt peripherals or swap accessories often.

Design winner: OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock. The Dell is simpler for direct monitor hookups, but OWC offers the more versatile layout overall.

Ports and Expandability

This is the biggest separation point between the two.

Where Dell wins

The Dell WD22TB4 has native display outputs built in:

• 2x DisplayPort 1.4
• 1x HDMI 2.0

That makes it easier to plug in office monitors without buying adapters. It also includes four USB-A ports and one downstream Thunderbolt 4 port.

Where OWC wins

The OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock gives you:

• 3x downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports
• 4x USB-A ports
• 1x SD UHS-II card reader
• 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack

For users with Thunderbolt storage, capture gear, or other high-bandwidth peripherals, those three TB4 ports are a real advantage. The SD reader and audio jack also make the OWC more self-contained.

Port winner: OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock. Dell is better for direct monitor cabling, but OWC gives you more expansion flexibility and more useful built-in extras.

Display Support

Both docks support dual 4K@60Hz, so for a basic dual-monitor productivity setup they are evenly matched.

The difference is how they reach that result:

• Dell WD22TB4: built-in 2x DisplayPort 1.4 + 1x HDMI 2.0
• OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock: dual displays through downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports

OWC’s YAML also lists a stronger single-display ceiling, up to 8K@60Hz, while Dell tops out at 8K@30Hz in its product data.

If you want the easiest path to connecting ordinary monitors, Dell is simpler. If you want the most flexible high-bandwidth outputs, OWC is stronger.

Display winner: Tie. Dell wins on convenience, OWC wins on maximum flexibility and higher listed single-display ceiling.

Charging and Laptop Compatibility

Standard USB-C Power Delivery slightly favors OWC.

• Dell WD22TB4: 90W standard USB-C PD
• OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock: 96W USB-C PD

That makes the OWC the stronger all-around choice for non-Dell laptops. But Dell has one important exception: its product YAML notes up to 130W ExpressCharge on supported Dell laptops. If you are in the Dell ecosystem, that is a real advantage and one the OWC cannot match.

Compatibility also differs in tone. OWC lists full support on both macOS and Windows. Dell works with macOS too, but the YAML explicitly says macOS is not officially supported by Dell.

Charging winner: Split decision. OWC wins for general-purpose laptop charging, Dell wins specifically for supported Dell laptops.

Value

OWC comes in cheaper at $249 MSRP versus Dell at $319.99, while also carrying the higher review score in the repo at 8.0 vs 7.5.

The Dell gives you a longer warranty and built-in video ports. The OWC gives you more downstream Thunderbolt connectivity, an SD card reader, audio, and slightly higher standard charging, all at a lower list price.

Value winner: OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock. It simply offers more flexibility for less money in the source data.

Verdict

The OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock is the better choice for most people deciding between these two docks. It has the higher score, lower MSRP, more downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports, 96W charging, an SD UHS-II card reader, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack.

Choose the OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock if:

• You want the best overall value in this matchup
• You use a Mac or a non-Dell Windows laptop
• You want three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports
• You need an SD card reader or wired audio jack
• You are comfortable using display adapters when needed

Choose the Dell WD22TB4 if:

• You use a supported Dell laptop and want up to 130W ExpressCharge
• You want built-in DisplayPort and HDMI outputs
• You prefer a more office-focused port layout
• You value the 3-year warranty
• You do not need a card reader or audio jack

For more context, you can also read our full Dell WD22TB4 review and OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock review.