Head-to-Head: Plugable UD-6950PDZ vs. Lenovo ThinkPad Universal USB-C Dock

Choosing the right docking station can make all the difference in your workstation’s connectivity and productivity. In this comparison, we put the Plugable UD-6950PDZ and the Lenovo ThinkPad Universal USB-C Dock head-to-head to help you decide which one best fits your

Feature Comparison: Plugable UD-6950PDZ vs. Lenovo ThinkPad Universal USB-C Dock

The UD-6950PDZ Advantage

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Plugable UD-6950PDZ: Stands out for its cross-platform support with Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. This is particularly beneficial for users operating in mixed environments or switching between different operating systems. 

For example, Apple's base M1, M2, and M3 MacBooks natively support only one external display and do not support Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for multiple monitors. The Plugable UD-6950PDZ docking station overcomes this limitation by using DisplayLink technology which enables the connection of up to three external 4K monitors.

Flexibility in Display Setup

By leveraging DisplayLink technology and USB-C Alt Mode, the UD-6950PDZ dock ensures you can use at least two of your displays, regardless of your laptop’s USB-C capabilities, and up to three displays if your USB-C host connection supports Alt Mode. This flexibility is particularly valuable for those with an older or less advanced laptop that doesn’t support DisplayPort Alt Mode or MST.

The Lenovo dock requires your USB-C host to support DisplayPort Alt Mode MST (Multi-Stream Transport) to drive three displays. If your laptop's USB-C port does not support this technology, you won't be able to use all three displays. Some USB-C host ports are limited to a single display.

Additional USB-A Ports and Display Ports

The Plugable UD-6950PDZ features 6 USB 3.0 ports, along with extra HDMI and DisplayPort connections. The robust display connectivity options eliminate the need for adapters, enabling you to connect using HDMI or DisplayPort. The extra USB 3.0 ports can be advantageous if you often connect multiple USB-A devices, such as external hard drives, mice, keyboards, a webcam, and other peripherals.

Power Delivery

The Lenovo dock supports 65W power delivery, which is slightly higher than the Plugable dock's 60W. This might be a factor if you have a high-power laptop that requires more than 60W to charge efficiently, but given how close these docks are in terms of power delivery, this likely won't be a significant factor. See our knowledgebase article to learn why 60W is often enough to charge most laptops.

Compatibility and Testing

Compatibility is a top priority for Plugable. The UD-6950PDZ has undergone rigorous testing across various operating systems, including Windows, ChromeOS, and macOS. Additionally, it has been tested with multiple models from major laptop brands such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Apple to ensure seamless functionality in diverse environments.

In contrast, Lenovo’s docking stations often focus on ensuring compatibility with Lenovo systems, offering a more limited list of third-party system support. While this narrower scope may suit organizations 100% standardized on Lenovo hardware, the UD-6950PDZ's broader compatibility provides a more flexible and inclusive solution for mixed-device environments.

Support

The Plugable support team, comprised of the engineers who designed and tested our products, is always ready to help. With straightforward evaluation, return, and warranty policies, alongside extensive resources like updated knowledge base articles, community forums, and FAQs, we are committed to providing reliable, accessible support when you need it the most.

In contrast to Lenovo, which often requires users to sign in for support and limits some contact options to devices with an active warranty, Plugable guarantees that professional support is accessible to all users. Furthermore, Plugable's Watts AI chat is available 24/7, providing a convenient self-serve option for troubleshooting and inquiries.

Final Thoughts

While the Lenovo ThinkPad Universal USB-C Dock offers solid connectivity options, it does have limitations in cross-platform compatibility and display configurations. In contrast, the Plugable UD-6950PDZ provides a more versatile solution, supporting multiple operating systems and offering flexible display connectivity. If your priority is broad cross-platform compatibility and a comprehensive display setup, the Plugable UD-6950PDZ is the better choice.