Head-to-Head: Plugable TBT4-UDZ vs. Dell WD22TB4

The Docking Station Head-to-Head Series continues with the Plugable TBT4-UDZ VS the Dell WD22TB4. Overall these two docking stations offer similar capabilities, but there are some differences to note when considering your needs. 

Both the TBT4-UDZ and the WD22TB4 are powerful multi-display docking stations. Both can be utilized for maximizing productivity and leveraging the incredible bandwidth available from Thunderbolt 4 systems. Let’s take a closer look at the technical specifications for both

Feature Comparison: Plugable TBT4-UDZ vs. Dell WD22TB4

Before we start exploring the advantages the Plugable TBT4-UDZ offers, there are a few scenarios when the Dell WD22TB4 may be a better choice – particularly if you own a Dell laptop. In some instances using a first-party Dell dock may be worthwhile. The most notable is that for some Dell systems, the WD22TB4 can offer up to 130W of Power Delivery charging. 

This is done via a proprietary Power Delivery implementation that third-party docks like the TBT4-UDZ cannot offer. So if you know you need the full 130W charging for your Dell system this may be a stand-out feature. Just keep in mind that for non-Dell systems, the WD22TB4 is limited to just 90W vs the 98W from the TBT4-UDZ.
The WD22TB4 can also support up to a single 5K display, whereas the TBT4-UDZ is limited to a maximum of 4K. So if you have or are considering using a 5K display, the WD22TB4 may be a particularly well-suited option. However, if using a 5K display, the WD22TB4 is limited to just that single 5K screen.

The TBT4-UDZ Advantage

Host Connectivity

Standard Thunderbolt 4 cable: The TBT4-UDZ uses a standard off-the-shelf 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 cable, whereas the WD22TB4 uses expensive and proprietary cable modules only available from Dell.

USB-C and Apple Mac compatibility: The TBT4-UDZ can support a wider range of hosts versus the WD22TB4, offering backward compatibility with USB-C DP Alt Mode systems. Additionally, the TBT4-UDZ supports Apple systems, whereas the WD22TB4 does not officially support Macs. Note that at a technical level, the WD22TB4 hardware can support Macs, but it requires specific connections and the correct Apple-certified firmware installed on the dock.

Video and Display Options

Designed for Quad Display: The Plugable TBT4-UDZ has 2x DP 1.2 and 2x HDMI 2.0 ports onboard that are capable of supporting up to a total of four 4K extended displays at 60Hz with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Windows systems right out of the box. Or, up to 2x 4K 60Hz extended displays from Mac and USB-C DP Alt Mode systems using any mix of HDMI+HDMI, DP+DP, or HDMI+DP. 

The Dell WD22TB4 offers a mix of 2x DP 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB-C DP 1.4 Alt Mode, and 1x Thunderbolt 4. But for the WD22TB4 to achieve four displays in most common configurations, an additional USB-C video adapter (not included) would be required. The WD22TB4 will not work with USB-C DP Alt Mode systems. While the WD22TB4 can technically support up to two displays with Mac, it requires specific combinations of video outputs to be used to output simultaneously in extended mode (vs operating in mirrored mode if incorrect outputs are used together).

Downstream Ports and Expansion

More USB: The TBT4-UDZ offers a total of six USB ports versus the WD22TB4’s five. Two of the USB ports on the TBT4-UDZ additionally support up to 7.5W charging which is great for charging a phone or tablet faster than a standard USB port.

Integrated SD Card Reader: Unlike the Dell WD22TB4, the Plugable TBT4-UDZ includes a built-in SD and MicroSD card reader, simplifying multimedia file access. This is particularly useful in creative, educational, and collaborative work settings where SD and MicroSD cards are commonly used.

Audio Jack: While Bluetooth and USB headphones and headsets are popular many users still prefer a traditional 3.5mm connection. The TBT4-UDZ offers a front-facing 3.5mm TRRS audio jack that supports headphones, speakers, microphones, or combination headsets (headphones with mic). The WD22TB4 lacks a 3.5mm connection and would require an external audio adapter.

Networking

2.5 Gigabit Ethernet: If you require fast networking the TBT4-UDZ offers up to 2.5x the Ethernet performance on a 2.5Gbps network compared to the WD22TB’s Gigabit Ethernet connection.

Compatibility and Testing

Extensive Interoperability Testing: Compatibility is a top priority for Plugable. The TBT4-UDZ has undergone rigorous testing across various operating systems, including Windows and macOS, and is Thunderbolt-certified by Intel. Additionally, it’s tested with multiple models of major laptop brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Apple to ensure seamless functionality in diverse environments. 

Dell's docking stations often focus on ensuring compatibility with Dell systems, offering a shorter list of third-party system support and with compromises. While this narrower scope may suit organizations 100% standardized on Dell hardware, the TBT4-UDZ’s broader compatibility provides a more flexible and inclusive solution for mixed-device environments.

Firmware Updates: The TBT4-UDZ offers the capability to be updated via any Windows 10+ system with Thunderbolt or USB-C DP Alt Mode support, whereas the WD22TB4 requires that it be connected to a Dell-branded Thunderbolt system to perform firmware updates, limiting support with non-Dell hosts.

サポート

Dedicated Customer Support: The Plugable support team—comprised of the engineers who helped design and test our products—is always ready to assist. With easy evaluation, return, and warranty policies, as well as extensive resources like updated knowledge base articles, community forums, and FAQs, we are committed to providing reliable, accessible support when you need it most. 

Where Dell often requires users to sign in for support and limits some contact options to devices with an active warranty, Plugable ensures that professional support is accessible to all users. Additionally, Plugable's Watts AI chat is available 24/7, offering a convenient self-serve option for troubleshooting and questions at your fingertips.

Final Decision?

The Plugable TBT4-UDZ offers vast expansion options to meet the needs of IT professionals and power users across Windows and Mac. Its selection of ports was carefully selected to provide well-rounded connectivity for almost any scenario.

Plugable TBT4-UDZ uses a standard Thunderbolt 4 cable versus a proprietary cable used with the Dell WD22TB4. This means greater uptime and lower costs if the cable needs to be replaced, and offers the ability to upgrade to a longer cable if required (sold separately, up to 6.6ft).

The TBT4-UDZ comes with Plugable’s highly experienced US-based support team and a 2-year hardware warranty. Rest assured that any setup questions or issues you may have will be quickly addressed. making the TBT4-UDZ an excellent choice.