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UGREEN recently unveiled a duo of new Thunderbolt 5 docking stations, and I got my hands on the powerhouse Maxidok 17-in-1 (U716) for testing ahead of launch.
It’s been on my desk for a couple of weeks now, handling my multi-monitor, multi-accessory work setup, and it’s proving to be a capable competitor to even the mighty CalDigit TS5 Plus. Is it the right Thunderbolt 5 dock for you?
Cale Hunt
Since discovering the utility that laptop docking stations unlock, I’ve been obsessed with finding the best dock for every type of user. If you’re short on ports and want to make the most of your laptop in a desktop situation, you can trust me to deliver apt advice.
This review was made possible with a review sample from UGREEN. It had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.
Where can I buy UGREEN’s 17-in-1 Maxidok?
UGREEN’s new Maxidok 17-in-1 docking station is available now to buy directly from UGREEN or Amazon. It retails for $499.99 at both outlets, and at the time of writing, you can save 22% thanks to a launch offer.
That’s a $109.99 discount, bringing the total down to $390, which is a lot more reasonable considering the dock’s set of features and the price of its main competition.
👉 See at UGREEN ($499.99 now $390)
👉 See at Amazon ($499.99 now $390)
For example, CalDigit’s TS5 Plus I reviewed retails for $499.99. It offers superior laptop charging, a few more ports, faster 10Gbps Ethernet, and passive cooling, but it lacks a built-in M.2 SSD slot.
Is UGREEN’s Maxidok 17-in-1 (U716) able to compete with high-end options?
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UGREEN’s Maxidok 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 that I’ve recently been using in a dock: a built-in M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD slot.
This allows you to turn your dock into a storage hub for any connected laptop, something that is way more useful than I expected as someone who often switches between PCs. It fits M.2 sizes from 2230 up to 2280 with capacities up to 8TB.
Perfect ports for power users
The Maxidok 17-in-1 earns its name with a wide selection of I/O. On the front, three USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) ports run at 10Gbps, and two of them can charge connected accessories at up to 60W total — that’s 30W each if divided evenly.
The front also provides easy access to microSD/SD card readers of the UHS-II variety, and I had no problems using both readers simultaneously. That’s a boon for multitaskers.
A 3.5mm combo audio/voice jack rounds out the front I/O, but a power button and an LED indicator are useful additions that keep you on top of the dock’s status.
UGREEN’s Maxidok 17-in-1 is an impressive Thunderbolt 5 dock that competes at the high end of the market.
The Maxidok U716’s power becomes more apparent on the back side. Here you’ll find dedicated 3.5mm inputs 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 Thunderbolt 5 ports with 15W of charging power each.
The host upstream Thunderbolt 5 port can charge a connected laptop with up to 140W of power, and a Kensington lock slot makes it easy to keep the dock in place if you’re working in an office.
Triple 4K@144Hz external display support
With this mix of DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 5, you can run three external 4K monitors at 144Hz each, or dual 8K displays at 60Hz each. If you drop to dual 4K, they’ll each hit a 240Hz refresh rate.
That’s assuming you have a Thunderbolt 5 laptop. Dropping down to Thunderbolt 4/USB4 caps it at dual 2K displays at 120Hz each.
Does UGREEN’s 17-in-1 Maxidok have any issues?
The Maxidok 17-in-1 is an attractive (but big) piece of hardware with a two-tone finish and angled venting. I only wish it could be used in horizontal or vertical orientations.
The 15W Thunderbolt 5 charging is a tad skimpy compared to the competition, but certainly not a dealbreaker. And for those who use HDMI monitors, the 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 it to 10Gb.
Should you buy the UGREEN 17-in-1 Maxidok?
✅ You should buy it if …
- You’re a Windows power user who needs a Thunderbolt 5 dock that can keep up with a heavy workflow.
- You can make use of a built-in 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 soon.
- You only need 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 CalDigit TS5 Plus, also priced at $500.
One of the biggest differences here is the additional M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD slot, which is a feature I want to see in every high-end dock.
The fact that the Maxidok 17-in-1 is already discounted by 22% at launch also can’t be ignored, as the high-end docking station market usually has prices locked in firmly.
UGREEN
Maxidok 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 docking option that will suit plenty of creators and power users.