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Dell WD22TB4 vs Plugable TBT4-UDZ - Thunderbolt 4 Dock Comparison 2026
By Adrian Cel| Specification | Dell WD22TB4 | Plugable TBT4-UDZ |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 7.5/10 | 8/10 |
| Connection | Thunderbolt 4 | Thunderbolt 4 |
| Max Data Rate | 40 Gbps | 40 Gbps |
| Max Displays | 2 | 4 |
| Driver | Native | Native |
| USB Ports | 6 | 7 |
| Video Ports | 3 | 4 |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| Card Reader | No | Yes |
| Power Delivery | 90W | 98W |
| Power Input | DC-barrel | DC-barrel |
| MSRP | $319.99 | $419 |
Dell WD22TB4 vs Plugable TBT4-UDZ: Enterprise Focus Meets Multi-Monitor Powerhouse
The Dell WD22TB4 and Plugable TBT4-UDZ are both premium Thunderbolt 4 docking stations, but they serve different needs. The Dell prioritizes enterprise integration and fast charging for Dell laptops. The Plugable goes all-in on connectivity, packing 16 ports and quad 4K display support into a single dock.
The short verdict: The Plugable TBT4-UDZ wins this comparison for most users. Its quad display support, 16-port count, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, SD card readers, and audio jack make it the more capable dock overall. The Dell WD22TB4 earns its place if you own a Dell laptop and want the 130W ExpressCharge or if you value the 3-year warranty and modular upgrade path.
For background on how Thunderbolt docking stations work, see our USB-C vs Thunderbolt docking station guide.
Quick Specs Comparison
| Feature | Dell WD22TB4 | Plugable TBT4-UDZ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $319.99 | $419.00 |
| Total Ports | 11 | 16 |
| Host Connection | Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) | Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) |
| Max Displays | 2x 4K@60Hz | 4x 4K@60Hz (Windows TB4/USB4) |
| Power Delivery | 130W Dell ExpressCharge / 90W USB-C PD | 98W USB-C PD |
| USB-C Ports | 2 (1x USB-C 3.2, 1x USB-C 4.0) | 1x USB-C 3.2 |
| USB-A Ports | 4 (3x USB-A 3.2, 1x USB-A 2.0) | 6 (3x USB-A 3.2, 2x USB-A 3.0, 1x USB-A 2.0) |
| Video Outputs | 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0 | 2x HDMI 2.0, 2x DisplayPort 1.2 |
| Ethernet | 1 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps |
| SD Card Reader | None | SD + microSD (UHS-II, 312 MB/s) |
| Audio Jack | None | 3.5mm combo |
| Cable Length | 0.8m | 1.0m |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
| Drivers Required | None | None |
| Our Score | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
Display Support: Where the Plugable Pulls Ahead
Display count is the biggest technical gap between these two docks. The Plugable TBT4-UDZ supports up to four 4K@60Hz displays on compatible Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Windows laptops using DisplayPort MST with DSC. It achieves this through its 2x HDMI 2.0 and 2x DisplayPort 1.2 outputs. The Dell WD22TB4 maxes out at two 4K@60Hz displays via its 2x DisplayPort 1.4 and 1x HDMI 2.0.
On Mac, both docks support dual 4K@60Hz on M1 Pro/Max and later chips. Base M1/M2/M3 Macs are limited to a single external display on either dock due to Apple Silicon limitations.
The Dell has a minor edge in video output quality: its DisplayPort 1.4 outputs can push a single display up to 8K@30Hz or 5K@60Hz on Windows. The Plugable’s DisplayPort 1.2 outputs are adequate for 4K@60Hz but lack the bandwidth for higher resolutions on a single screen.
Display winner: Plugable TBT4-UDZ. Quad 4K support on Windows is a genuine differentiator that no amount of port version advantage can match. If you need three or four monitors, the Plugable is the only option here.
Port Comparison: 16 vs 11
The Plugable TBT4-UDZ packs noticeably more connectivity into its chassis.
USB Ports
The Dell WD22TB4 offers 6 USB ports: 1x USB-C 3.2, 1x USB-C 4.0 (with 15W charging), 3x USB-A 3.2, and 1x USB-A 2.0. This covers a basic office setup with keyboard, mouse, webcam, and maybe one external drive.
The Plugable TBT4-UDZ provides 7 USB ports: 1x USB-C 3.2, 3x USB-A 3.2, 2x USB-A 3.0, and 1x USB-A 2.0. The Dell has the advantage of a USB-C 4.0 (Thunderbolt) downstream port, which the Plugable lacks entirely. That downstream Thunderbolt port on the Dell can handle Thunderbolt storage or daisy-chaining.
Networking
The Plugable provides 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, which is 2.5 times faster than the Dell’s 1 Gigabit Ethernet. This matters for large file transfers on a local network or NAS access.
Card Readers and Audio
The Plugable includes SD and microSD card readers at UHS-II speeds (312 MB/s) and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. The Dell has neither. If you need wired audio or work with camera media, you will need separate USB adapters with the Dell, which further reduces its already smaller USB port count.
Port winner: Plugable TBT4-UDZ. More USB-A ports, faster Ethernet, card readers, and an audio jack. The Dell’s only advantage here is its downstream Thunderbolt 4 port and DisplayPort 1.4 outputs.
Power Delivery
This is the Dell WD22TB4’s strongest category, but only for Dell laptop owners.
The Dell WD22TB4 delivers up to 130W via ExpressCharge to compatible Dell business laptops, charging them to 80% in about an hour. No other Thunderbolt 4 dock matches this. For non-Dell laptops, the Dell provides 90W via standard USB-C Power Delivery.
The Plugable TBT4-UDZ delivers 98W of USB-C Power Delivery to any laptop. It uses a 135W power supply, which means that connecting many high-power USB devices at once can reduce laptop charging to around 60W.
Power delivery winner: Conditional. Dell wins if you own a Dell laptop (130W vs 98W). For everyone else, the Plugable’s 98W beats the Dell’s 90W standard PD.
Design and Build
The Dell WD22TB4 has a compact plastic chassis measuring 8.1 x 3.5 x 1.1 inches. Its standout design feature is the modular Thunderbolt host module that can be swapped for newer connectivity standards as they become available. The design is functional and professional, built for enterprise desk setups.
The Plugable TBT4-UDZ uses an anodized aluminum chassis and ships with a vertical stand for space-saving desk placement. The dock measures 7.7 x 4.1 x 1.4 inches. The front-mounted host port can create cable management challenges depending on your desk layout.
Both docks require an external power adapter and neither needs drivers for basic operation.
Design winner: Tie. The Plugable has a more premium aluminum build and included vertical stand. The Dell is more compact and offers the modular upgrade path. Neither has a decisive edge.
Compatibility
Both docks support Windows 10+, macOS Big Sur+, and ChromeOS on Thunderbolt-equipped devices. Neither requires drivers.
The Dell WD22TB4 integrates with Dell Command Update for firmware management and monitoring on Dell systems. However, Dell does not officially support macOS, meaning no Mac-optimized firmware updates and no Dell technical support for Mac issues. Linux works but lacks Dell management tools.
The Plugable TBT4-UDZ supports macOS with dual 4K@60Hz on M1 Pro/Max and later, as well as M4/M5 MacBook Air/Pro models. Plugable offers a firmware update utility for Windows only, and Linux is not officially supported.
Compatibility winner: Tie with caveats. The Dell is the better choice in a Dell-managed enterprise environment. Neither dock is the strongest Mac option. Both work reliably on Windows without drivers.
Pricing and Value
The Dell WD22TB4 at $319.99 costs $99 less than the Plugable TBT4-UDZ at $419.00. That is a significant price gap.
However, the Plugable delivers 16 ports for $419 (roughly $26 per port), while the Dell gives you 11 ports for $320 (roughly $29 per port). The Plugable also bundles 2.5GbE, UHS-II card readers, and a 3.5mm audio jack that would cost $50-80 in separate USB adapters with the Dell.
The Dell’s 3-year warranty vs the Plugable’s 2-year warranty partially offsets the price difference for enterprise buyers who value long-term coverage.
Value winner: Depends on your needs. The Dell is the cheaper dock by a wide margin. The Plugable costs more but delivers substantially more features. If you need quad displays, 2.5GbE, or card readers, the Plugable’s premium is justified. If you want a straightforward dual-display Thunderbolt dock for a Dell laptop, the Dell is the smarter spend.
Verdict: Plugable TBT4-UDZ Wins for Most Users
The Plugable TBT4-UDZ (scored 8.0/10) edges out the Dell WD22TB4 (7.5/10) by offering more displays, more ports, faster networking, and features the Dell simply lacks. The quad 4K display support is a unique selling point in the Thunderbolt 4 dock market, and the 16-port count covers nearly every peripheral you could connect.
The Dell WD22TB4 remains a strong pick for Dell laptop owners who benefit from 130W ExpressCharge and enterprise management integration. Its modular design and 3-year warranty are genuine advantages for IT departments standardizing on Dell hardware.
Choose the Plugable TBT4-UDZ if:
- You need three or four external monitors on a Thunderbolt 4 Windows laptop
- You want 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, SD card readers, or a 3.5mm audio jack
- You prefer an aluminum build with a vertical stand
- You use a non-Dell laptop and want 98W of universal USB-C charging
- You want the most connectivity from a single Thunderbolt 4 dock
Choose the Dell WD22TB4 if:
- You own a Dell business laptop and want 130W ExpressCharge
- You work in a Dell-managed IT environment with Dell Command Update
- The modular design and future upgrade path are important to you
- You value a 3-year warranty over raw feature count
- You want a lower upfront cost and do not need quad display support
For more details on each dock, read our Dell WD22TB4 review and Plugable TBT4-UDZ review. If you are exploring other options in this category, see our best Thunderbolt 4 docking stations roundup.