Targus DOCK160USZ Review 2026 - Specs, Pros & Cons

Name: Targus Universal USB 3.0 Dual Video 4K Docking Station (DOCK160USZ)
Brand: Targus
SKU: DOCK160USZ

The Targus DOCK160USZ is a USB 3.0 universal docking station built around DisplayLink's DL-6950 chip. It launched in December 2016 as the first USB docking station capable of driving dual 4K@60Hz displays at full 24-bit color over a single USB 3.0 connection. Because it uses DisplayLink rather than Thunderbolt or DisplayPort Alt Mode, it connects over any USB 3.0 port - USB-A, USB-C, or Thunderbolt - regardless of the host laptop's capabilities. The dock provides four video outputs in an "any two from four" arrangement: two DisplayPort 1.2 and two HDMI 2.0 ports, with any combination of two active simultaneously at up to 4096x2160@60Hz. Downstream connectivity includes four USB-A 3.0 ports (one with fast charging), one USB-C data port, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm audio combo jack. An integrated Kensington lock slot is included. Targus ships the dock with a 1m USB-A to USB-B cable; USB-A to USB-C and USB-C to USB-B adapters are not included, so USB-C users need a separate adapter or cable. The DOCK160USZ does not deliver Power Delivery to the host laptop - there is no charging over the dock connection. A 45W power adapter powers the dock itself. Because it relies on DisplayLink, drivers must be installed on every host before video output works. The dock suits IT-managed environments where universal laptop compatibility and dual 4K output matter more than native charging or driver-free setup.

Pros & Cons

What We Like

Works over any USB 3.0 connection - USB-A, USB-C, or Thunderbolt - without requiring special port types
Any-two-from-four video port arrangement allows flexible monitor pairing with DP or HDMI in any combination
Dual 4K@60Hz at full 24-bit color via DisplayLink DL-6950 - first USB dock to achieve this
Broad OS compatibility including Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux, and Android
Integrated Kensington lock slot for securing the dock in shared environments
3-year limited warranty is longer than many competing docks

What Could Be Better

No Power Delivery - the dock does not charge the host laptop; a separate charger is always needed
Workaround: Use the laptop's original charger alongside the dock. If charging over the dock is important, consider the DOCK180USZ (60W) or DOCK182USZ (100W).
DisplayLink software rendering adds CPU overhead and can cause stuttering on older or underpowered machines
Workaround: Keep DisplayLink drivers updated. Lower resolution to 1440p or 1080p on slower hardware. Close unnecessary background applications.
Requires DisplayLink driver installation on every host before video output works - no plug-and-play
Workaround: Download and install the latest DisplayLink Manager from the Targus driver support page before first use.
USB-C downstream port is data only - no charging for phones or tablets
Ships with USB-A host cable; USB-C users need a separate adapter or USB-C to USB-B cable
Workaround: Use a USB-C to USB-A adapter (not included) or purchase a separate USB-C to USB-B 3.0 cable.

Display Support

Max Displays: 2

1 display (Single 4K@60Hz via any one video output port (DP or HDMI))

3840x2160 @ 60Hz

2 displays (Dual 4K@60Hz using any two of the four video outputs. Any-two-from-four: both DP, both HDMI, or one DP + one HDMI.)

3840x2160 @ 60Hz

Ports & Connectivity

USB Ports

1x USB-C 3.0

1x USB-A 3.0 7.5W

3x USB-A 3.0

Video Outputs

2x HDMI 2.0

2x DisplayPort 1.2

Network

1x Ethernet (1 Gbps)

Audio

1x 3.5mm combo

Full Specifications

General
Manufacturer	Targus
Model	DOCK160USZ
Release Date	2016-12
MSRP	$249.99
Connectivity
Host Connection	USB-A
Max Data Rate	5 Gbps
Driver Required	DisplayLink
Display Output
Max Displays	2
1x Display	3840x2160 @ 60Hz (Single 4K@60Hz via any one video output port (DP or HDMI))
2x Display	3840x2160 @ 60Hz (Dual 4K@60Hz using any two of the four video outputs. Any-two-from-four: both DP, both HDMI, or one DP + one HDMI.)
Ports (9+ total)
USB-C 3.0	1x
USB-A 3.0	1x (7.5W)
USB-A 3.0	3x
HDMI 2.0	2x
DisplayPort 1.2	2x
Ethernet (RJ45)	1x 1 Gbps
Audio (3.5mm-combo)	1x
Power
Power Input	DC-barrel

Compatibility

Windows (7+)

Full dual 4K support with DisplayLink drivers. Compatible with Windows 7, 8.1, and 10.

macOS (10.8+)

Requires DisplayLink driver installation. On Apple Silicon Macs (M1-M4), DisplayLink enables the second external display that native hardware limits prevent.

ChromeOS

Supported with varying display output levels depending on Chromebook OEM implementation.

Linux

Tested on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS and later. DisplayLink driver required.

Android (5.0+)

Mirrored output up to 1080p on compatible Android 5.0+ devices.

Known Issues

USB 2.0 hosts

Insufficient bandwidth for video output

All host laptops

No Power Delivery - dock does not charge the laptop

6.5 /10

Our Verdict

Good

The Targus DOCK160USZ made a real technical leap when it launched: first USB 3.0 dock with dual 4K@60Hz. That milestone matters less today because USB-C docks with DisplayLink or Alt Mode are widely available, but the DOCK160USZ still earns its place in specific scenarios. Its "any two from four" video port arrangement is genuinely flexible - you can pair two DisplayPort monitors, two HDMI monitors, or one of each without caring about which socket is port A or port B. The DL-6950 chipset handles 4K@60Hz reliably on current hardware with updated drivers. Universal USB 3.0 compatibility means IT teams can deploy it across mixed laptop fleets without worrying about Thunderbolt support. The biggest limitation is the lack of Power Delivery. Unlike the DOCK180USZ (USB-C, 60W PD) or DOCK182USZ (USB-C, 100W PD), the DOCK160USZ does not charge your laptop at all - you need a separate charger. That makes it less convenient for single-cable desk setups. DisplayLink's software-rendered video pipeline also adds CPU overhead; on older or underpowered machines, scrolling and video can stutter. Setting up a new machine requires downloading and installing DisplayLink drivers, which adds friction compared to native Alt Mode docks. At current street prices the DOCK160USZ is a reasonable choice for shared desks, hot-desking environments, or any setup where universal USB 3.0 compatibility and dual 4K output are required and laptop charging is handled separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Targus DOCK160USZ charge my laptop?

No. The DOCK160USZ does not deliver Power Delivery to the host laptop. You must use a separate charger alongside the dock. If laptop charging over the dock connection is important to you, consider the Targus DOCK180USZ (60W PD via USB-C) or DOCK182USZ (100W PD via USB-C).

Does the Targus DOCK160USZ require drivers?

Yes. The DOCK160USZ uses DisplayLink technology, which requires driver installation on every host. On Windows, download and install the DisplayLink driver from the Targus driver support page. On macOS, install DisplayLink Manager and grant Screen Recording permission in System Settings > Privacy & Security. Without drivers, video output will not work, though USB peripherals and Ethernet will still function.

Can the Targus DOCK160USZ run two 4K monitors at 60Hz?

Yes. The DOCK160USZ supports dual 4K@60Hz at 24-bit color through any two of its four video outputs. You can use both DisplayPort 1.2 ports, both HDMI 2.0 ports, or one of each. The maximum resolution per port is 4096x2160@60Hz.

Does the DOCK160USZ work with USB-C laptops?

Yes, with an adapter. The dock ships with a USB-A host cable. USB-C laptop users need a USB-C to USB-A adapter (not included) or a separate USB-C to USB-B 3.0 cable. Video output and data work normally over USB-C. However, Power Delivery is not available regardless of host port type.

Does the DOCK160USZ work with Apple Silicon MacBooks?

Yes, with driver installation. Install DisplayLink Manager and grant Screen Recording permission in macOS privacy settings. DisplayLink's software rendering bypasses Apple Silicon's native external display limit, allowing a second monitor. Performance is suitable for office work, but may show mild lag during video or fast scrolling on older Mac models.