Kensington SD4700P Review 2026 - Specs, Pros & Cons

Name: Kensington SD4700P USB-C & USB 3.0 Universal Dual 2K Docking Station
Brand: Kensington
SKU: K38240NA

The Kensington SD4700P is a DisplayLink-based USB-C and USB 3.0 docking station that brings dual 2K display output, 60W laptop charging, and a full port selection to virtually any laptop regardless of connection type. Sold under part number K38240NA, it connects via USB-C with a 1M cable included, and ships with a USB-C to USB 3.0 adapter so USB-A laptops can use it too. Thunderbolt 4, USB4, USB-C, and USB-A hosts are all supported on both macOS 11 and later and Windows 10 and later. The DisplayLink chip is what makes that universal compatibility possible - and it's also what makes this dock one of the few that works fully with Apple Silicon MacBooks including M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips, something native Alt Mode docks often cannot do without Thunderbolt. Display output reaches 2560x1600@60Hz on a single monitor via HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2, or 2048x1152@60Hz on both monitors simultaneously. The port lineup covers five USB 3.0 Type-A ports with one delivering 2.1A fast charging, one USB-C charging and data port at 15W, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. The 135W external adapter feeds up to 60W back to the laptop for USB-C PD charging. Kensington rates this dock TAA compliant, which matters for government and education procurement. DisplayLink driver installation is required for macOS and is handled automatically on Windows, a step worth flagging before purchase but a minor hurdle in practice.

Pros & Cons

What We Like

Universal compatibility with USB-C, USB-A, and Thunderbolt hosts on both macOS and Windows
Fully supports Apple Silicon MacBooks (M1 through M4) via DisplayLink for dual display output
Five USB 3.0 Type-A ports cover most desk setups without a separate hub
3-year limited warranty is best in class among USB-C docking stations
TAA compliant - eligible for government, education, and enterprise procurement
Included USB-C to USB 3.0 adapter extends compatibility to USB-A laptops and Surfaces

What Could Be Better

DisplayLink driver installation required - adds a setup step especially on macOS
Workaround: Download the DisplayLink driver from synaptics.com before connecting the dock. Installation takes under five minutes and a system restart may be required on macOS.
Maximum dual display resolution is 2048x1152@60Hz - not suitable for 4K monitors at full resolution
Workaround: If you need 4K display output, consider the Kensington SD4900P or a Thunderbolt 4 dock. The SD4700P is designed for 1080p and 1440p monitor setups.
DisplayLink rendering uses CPU resources which can affect performance during heavy workloads
Workaround: Close unused applications to free CPU headroom during demanding tasks. The overhead is typically 5 to 10 percent on modern processors and is not noticeable in typical office use.
60W power delivery may not fully charge high-power laptops under sustained load
Workaround: For 90W+ workstation laptops, connect the manufacturer charger in addition to the dock, or use the dock for charging during lighter workloads when power draw is lower.
USB-C port on dock delivers only 15W for device charging - not suitable for fast-charging laptops via that port

Display Support

Max Displays: 2

1 display (Single display up to 2560x1600@60Hz via HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2++. DisplayLink required.)

2560x1440 @ 60Hz

2 displays (Dual displays up to 2048x1152@60Hz via HDMI 2.0 + DisplayPort 1.2++. DisplayLink required.)

1920x1080 @ 60Hz

Ports & Connectivity

USB Ports

1x USB-C 3.2 15W

1x USB-A 3.1 10.5W

4x USB-A 3.1

Video Outputs

1x HDMI 2.0

1x DisplayPort 1.2

Network

1x Ethernet (1 Gbps)

Audio

1x 3.5mm combo

Full Specifications

General
Manufacturer	Kensington
Model	K38240NA
Release Date	2018-10
MSRP	$249.99
Connectivity
Host Connection	USB-C
Max Data Rate	5 Gbps
Driver Required	DisplayLink
Display Output
Max Displays	2
1x Display	2560x1440 @ 60Hz (Single display up to 2560x1600@60Hz via HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2++. DisplayLink required.)
2x Display	1920x1080 @ 60Hz (Dual displays up to 2048x1152@60Hz via HDMI 2.0 + DisplayPort 1.2++. DisplayLink required.)
Ports (8+ total)
USB-C 3.2	1x (15W)
USB-A 3.1	1x (10.5W)
USB-A 3.1	4x
HDMI 2.0	1x
DisplayPort 1.2	1x
Ethernet (RJ45)	1x 1 Gbps
Audio (3.5mm-combo)	1x
Power
Power Input	DC-barrel
Laptop Charging	Up to 60W

Compatibility

Windows (10+)

Full support including dual display. DisplayLink driver installs automatically on first connection. Supports USB-C, USB-A, and Thunderbolt hosts.

macOS (11 (Big Sur)+)

Fully supports Apple Silicon MacBooks (M1, M2, M3, M4) including Pro and Max variants via DisplayLink driver. Driver must be downloaded and installed before use. Dual 2K@60Hz works on all supported MacBooks.

Known Issues

Samsung DeX

Not compatible with DeX mode

Linux

Not officially supported

ChromeOS

Not officially supported

6.5 /10

Our Verdict

Good

The Kensington SD4700P earns its place in the lineup by being genuinely universal. Where most docks require at least a specific connection type or fall apart on Apple Silicon, the SD4700P just works - on any modern laptop, any operating system, without compromise. The DisplayLink approach is responsible for both that breadth and for the one real trade-off: a driver install is required, and performance-heavy tasks like video playback can occasionally show the computational overhead of software-based display rendering. For office workflows - documents, spreadsheets, video calls, browser tabs - the dual 2K output is smooth and reliable. The 2K ceiling is the other thing to weigh clearly. If you are coming from a 4K monitor setup, the SD4700P caps at 2048x1152 across two screens or 2560x1600 on one. That is fine for 1080p and 1440p panels but leaves users with 4K displays using them at reduced resolution. The hardware itself is well-built for its class - a compact rectangular chassis with a no-fuss port layout. The five USB 3.0 ports handle most desks without a separate hub, and the Gigabit Ethernet delivers stable wired connectivity. The 60W power delivery is enough for most 13 to 15-inch ultrabooks, though heavy workstation laptops will charge slowly under load. Three-year warranty from Kensington is best-in-class. At its MSRP of $249.99 it faces price pressure from more capable competitors, but street pricing has dropped meaningfully and the TAA compliance makes it uniquely relevant in institutional procurement. For anyone who needs a dock that handles every laptop they might plug in - USB-A Surfaces, M4 MacBooks, USB-C Windows ultrabooks - the SD4700P is one of the few that genuinely delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Kensington SD4700P work with Apple Silicon MacBooks?

Yes, the SD4700P is one of the few docks that fully supports Apple Silicon MacBooks including M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips. Dual display output works via the DisplayLink driver, which you need to install from synaptics.com before use. Both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs function after driver installation. Without the driver, macOS will not detect the displays.

Does the SD4700P require drivers?

On macOS, yes. The DisplayLink driver must be installed before connecting the dock - download it from synaptics.com. Installation takes a few minutes and requires granting screen recording permission in System Settings. On Windows 10 and later, the driver installs automatically when you first connect the dock. No action required on Windows.

Can the Kensington SD4700P run dual 4K monitors?

No. The SD4700P is a dual 2K dock. Maximum resolution is 2560x1600@60Hz on a single display or 2048x1152@60Hz on two displays simultaneously. If you need 4K output on dual monitors, consider a Thunderbolt 4 dock like the Kensington SD4900P or CalDigit TS4.

How does the SD4700P connect to USB-A laptops?

The dock includes a USB-C to USB 3.0 (Type-A) tethered adapter that plugs into the dock's cable and then into a USB-A port on your laptop. This enables full functionality including display output and charging. For Surface devices and USB-A laptops needing up to 60W charging through USB-A, Kensington offers the optional K38310NA power splitter accessory.

What is the maximum power delivery the SD4700P provides?

The SD4700P delivers up to 60W to a connected USB-C laptop through the host cable. The 135W external power adapter provides headroom for running the dock, powering peripherals, and charging the laptop simultaneously. The front USB-C port on the dock delivers 15W for phones and tablets. USB-A ports deliver up to 2.1A on the front fast-charge port.