Dell DA305 Review 2026 - Specs, Pros & Cons

Name: Dell 6-in-1 USB-C Multiport Adapter DA305
Brand: Dell
SKU: DA305

The Dell DA305 is the simpler 6-in-1 sibling to Dell's round DA310 travel adapter. It is a pocket-size USB-C hub with an integrated wraparound host cable, two USB-A ports, one multifunction USB-C port, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Gigabit Ethernet. Dell positions it as a compact adapter for travel, conference rooms, and hot desks, not as a full desktop docking station. The USB-C downstream port can handle data, video, and USB-C power input, and Dell lists up to 90W passthrough charging when the connected power adapter has enough output. Display support is the spec to read carefully: the DA305 has HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C display output, but Dell's user guide says it supports only one display at a time. On a compatible USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode host, 4K at 60Hz is possible when the PC supports DisplayPort 1.3 or newer. The USB-C display path is commonly listed as up to 4K at 30Hz. That makes the DA305 useful for one monitor, Ethernet, keyboard, mouse, and power from one small puck, but it is the wrong tool for dual-monitor desks.

Dell Travel Adapter

Pros & Cons

What We Like

Compact 6-in-1 port mix with HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, dual USB-A, and Gigabit Ethernet
Up to 90W USB-C passthrough charging when paired with a strong enough USB-C power adapter
Can drive a single 4K display from a compatible USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode laptop
Integrated wraparound cable keeps the travel setup tidy
Three-year Dell limited warranty is strong for a small travel adapter

What Could Be Better

Only supports one external display despite having three display-capable outputs
Workaround: Connect one monitor only. For two displays, choose a real USB-C, DisplayLink, USB4, or Thunderbolt dock.
No VGA port, unlike the Dell DA310
Workaround: Choose the DA310 if you still need legacy projector support.
No SD card reader or 3.5mm audio jack
Workaround: Carry a small USB reader or audio adapter if those ports matter.
Value depends heavily on sale price
Workaround: Compare Amazon, Dell, and business resellers before buying. At full price, a larger dual-display hub may make more sense.
Passthrough charging output depends on the charger connected to the adapter
Workaround: Use a 100W or larger USB-C charger if you want the laptop to receive close to the DA305's maximum passthrough output.

Display Support

Max Displays: 1

1 display (Single 4K@60Hz through HDMI or DisplayPort when the host supports DisplayPort 1.3 or newer over USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode. Dell's guide says the DA305 supports only one display at a time.)

3840x2160 @ 60Hz

1 display (Single 4K@30Hz through the multifunction USB-C display output, based on Dell and retailer descriptions of the downstream USB-C port.)

3840x2160 @ 30Hz

Ports & Connectivity

USB Ports

1x USB-C 3.2 90W

2x USB-A 3.2

Video Outputs

1x HDMI

1x DisplayPort

1x USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode

Network

1x Ethernet (1 Gbps)

Full Specifications

General
Manufacturer	Dell
Model	DA305
Release Date	2022-08
MSRP	$109.99
Connectivity
Host Connection	USB-C
Max Data Rate	10 Gbps
Driver Required	No (native)
Display Output
Max Displays	1
1x Display	3840x2160 @ 60Hz (Single 4K@60Hz through HDMI or DisplayPort when the host supports DisplayPort 1.3 or newer over USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode. Dell's guide says the DA305 supports only one display at a time.)
1x Display	3840x2160 @ 30Hz (Single 4K@30Hz through the multifunction USB-C display output, based on Dell and retailer descriptions of the downstream USB-C port.)
Ports (6+ total)
USB-C 3.2	1x (90W)
USB-A 3.2	2x
HDMI	1x
DisplayPort	1x
USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode	1x
Ethernet (RJ45)	1x 1 Gbps
Power
Power Input	USB-C
Laptop Charging	Up to 90W

Compatibility

Windows (10+)

Best supported platform. Dell lists Windows 10 and Windows 11 support and the adapter works as a USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode hub on compatible PCs.

macOS

May work for USB, Ethernet, charging, and one external display when the Mac supports the requested USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode output. It is not a dual-display workaround for MacBooks.

Linux

Basic hub functions may work on systems with USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode and USB Ethernet support, but Dell does not market Linux as the main platform for this adapter.

ChromeOS

May work with Chromebooks that support USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode, USB Ethernet, and USB-C charging.

Known Issues

Multiple external displays

Only one display output works at a time

USB-C ports without DisplayPort Alt Mode

No video output

High power laptops connected through small USB-C chargers

Reduced passthrough charging

7 /10

Our Verdict

Very Good

The Dell DA305 is a practical travel hub if your checklist is simple: one external monitor, wired Ethernet, a couple of USB-A accessories, and passthrough charging in a bag-friendly shape. It keeps the best part of the DA310 design, the round body with a captive cable, while dropping the VGA port that most people no longer need. That makes it a little cleaner for modern offices. The port mix is still stronger than a cheap HDMI-only dongle, and the three-year Dell warranty is better than what you usually get on small adapters. The catch is value. Search results and reseller listings show the DA305 floating from budget-sale pricing up to roughly Dell-direct money, and at the high end it competes with better hubs that support two displays or include more USB-C ports. It also inherits the same single-display limit as the DA310. Best Buy customer summaries are broadly positive about portability, connectivity, and performance, but the product page questions and manual snippets make clear that it is not a multi-monitor dock. Buy it if you want a dependable Dell travel adapter for one display and Ethernet. Skip it if you need dual displays, SD cards, audio, or a permanent desk setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Dell DA305 support dual monitors?

No. Dell's DA305 user guide says the adapter supports only one display at a time. You can use HDMI, DisplayPort, or the USB-C display-capable port, but not multiple monitor outputs at once.

Can the Dell DA305 do 4K at 60Hz?

Yes, but only in the right setup. Dell manual snippets say 4K at 60Hz is supported on PCs with DisplayPort 1.3 or newer, and search result snippets point to HDMI or DisplayPort for that mode. The USB-C display output is commonly listed as up to 4K at 30Hz.

How much power can the Dell DA305 pass through?

Dell lists up to 90W USB-C passthrough charging. The actual power reaching the laptop depends on the USB-C charger connected to the DA305, because the adapter uses some of the incoming power.

Does the Dell DA305 need drivers?

No DisplayLink driver is required. The DA305 uses native USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode for video and standard USB networking for Ethernet. Dell support tools may still help with firmware and troubleshooting on Dell laptops.

What is the difference between the Dell DA305 and DA310?

The DA305 is the 6-in-1 version with HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, two USB-A ports, and Ethernet. The DA310 is the 7-in-1 version that adds VGA for older projectors. Both are travel adapters, both support one display at a time, and both list up to 90W passthrough charging.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Dell DA305 vs DA310: Which Dell USB-C Travel Hub Should You Buy?
Dell DA305 vs DA310 comparison for USB-C travel adapters. We compare ports, display support, charging, compatibility, price, and the one feature that separates them.