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UGREEN recently released a new duet Thunderbolt 5 docking stationsand I got a Maxidok 17-in-1 (U716) powerhouse to test before I started.
It’s been sitting on my multi-monitor, multi-accessory work setup for a few weeks now, and it’s proving to be a capable competitor even to the mighty CalDigit TS5 Plus. Is the right Thunderbolt 5 dock for you?
Cale Hunt
Ever since I discovered a utility that unlocks laptop docking stations, I’ve been obsessed with finding the best dock for every type of user. If you’re short on ports and want to get the most out of your laptop on your desktop, you can count on me to give you the right advice.
This review was made possible by a case study from UGREEN. He had not seen and had no knowledge of the content of this review prior to publication.
Where can I buy UGREEN’s 17-in-1 Maxidoc?
UGREEN’s new Maxidok 17-in-1 docking station is available to purchase directly here UGREEN or Amazon. It retails for $499.99 at both outlets, and at the time of writing you can save 22% thanks to a promotional offer.
That’s a $109.99 discount, bringing the total down to $390, which is more than reasonable considering the dock’s feature set and the price of its main competition.
👉 See UGREEN ($499.99 now $390)
👉 Check out Amazon ($499.99 now $390)
For example, CalDigit TS5 Plus I reviewed It retails for $499.99. It offers superior laptop charging, a few more ports, faster 10Gbps Ethernet, and passive cooling, but it lacks an internal M.2 SSD slot.
Can UGREEN’s Maxidok 17-in-1 (U716) compete with high-end options?
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UGREEN’s Maxidock 17-in-1 is an impressive Thunderbolt 5 dock that competes at the high end of the market. Not only does it offer 15 downstream ports, but it also incorporates one of my favorite features in a dock recently: an internal M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD slot.
This allows you to turn your dock into a storage hub for any connected laptop, which is more useful than I expected as someone who frequently switches between computers. It fits M.2 sizes 2230 to 2280 with up to 8 TB capacity.
Perfect ports for power users
The Maxidoc 17-in-1 earns its name with a wide range of I/O options. On the front, the three USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) ports run at 10Gbps, and two of them can charge connected accessories at just 60W – divided equally, that’s 30W each.
The front also provides easy access to microSD/SD card readers of the UHS-II variety, and I had no problem using both readers at the same time. This is a boon for multitaskers.
A 3.5mm combo audio/volume jack completes the front I/O, but the power button and LED indicator are useful additions that keep you in dock status.
UGREEN’s Maxidock 17-in-1 is an impressive Thunderbolt 5 dock that competes at the high end of the market.
The power of Maxidok U716 is more evident on the back. Here you’ll find a dedicated 3.5mm input for audio and microphone, three USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2) ports at 10Gbps/4.5W each, DisplayPort 1.4, 2.5Gb Ethernet and two downstream. Lightning 5 ports with 15W charging power each.
An upstream Thunderbolt 5 port can charge a connected laptop at up to 140W, and a Kensington lock slot makes it easy to keep the dock in place if you’re working in the office.
Triple 4K@144Hz external display support
With this mix of DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 5, you can run three external 4K monitors each at 144Hz or dual 8K displays each at 60Hz. If you drop down to dual 4K, they’ll each hit a 240Hz refresh rate.
This assumes you have a Thunderbolt 5 laptop. falls to Lightning 4/USB4 covering it on dual 2K displays, each at 120Hz.
Does UGREEN’s 17-in-1 Maxidoc have any problems?
The Maxidok 17-in-1 is an attractive (but bulky) device with a two-tone finish and angled vents. Wish it could be used horizontally or vertical directions.
The 15W Thunderbolt 5 charging is a bit weak compared to the competition, but certainly not a deal breaker. For those using HDMI monitors, native downstream DisplayPort will require a separate adapter.
If you can’t get fast enough internet, the 2.5Gb Ethernet port might not be enough. CalDigit’s TS5 Plus boosts that to 10Gb.
Should you buy UGREEN 17-in-1 Maxidoc?
✅ You should buy if…
- You’re a Windows power user who needs a Thunderbolt 5 dock that can keep up with a heavy workload.
- You can use the internal M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD slot.
❌ You should not buy it if…
- You don’t have a Thunderbolt 5 laptop and don’t plan to upgrade anytime soon.
- All you need is a dock to run an extra monitor or two and add some extra USB ports.
UGREEN’s Maxidok 17-in-1 (U716) is a premium Thunderbolt 5 docking station that competes quite well with the $500 CalDigit TS5 Plus.
One of the biggest differences here is the additional M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD slot, which is a feature I like to see in every high-end dock.
The fact that Maxidok is 17-in-1 already 22% off at launch It can’t be overlooked either, as prices are usually firmly locked in the high-end docking station market.
UGREEN
Maxidoc 17-in-1 (U716)
With 15 downstream ports, a built-in M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD slot, and triple 4K@144Hz display support, UGREEN’s Maxidok 17-in-1 is a high-end Thunderbolt 5 dock option that will suit many creators and power users.
