Head-to-Head: Plugable UD-ULTC4K vs. Dell WD19S

The Plugable UD-ULTC4K universal docking station for laptops that offers an extensive array of ports and supports triple 4K monitors, aiming to be a universal solution across various laptop brands. In 2025, most modern laptops include at least one USB-C port capable of video output through DisplayPort Alt Mode, making universal docking a realistic expectation rather than a niche feature.

The UD-ULTC4K is designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of systems, including Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS, without locking users into proprietary standards or brand-specific compatibility.

In this head-to-head comparison, we pit the Plugable UD-ULTC4K against Dell’s WD19S docking station to evaluate features, compatibility, and performance. Choosing the best USB-C docking station for multiple monitors is essential for professionals seeking to enhance productivity and streamline their workspace, so let’s delve into which of these two docks comes out on top.

Feature Comparison: Plugable UD-ULTC4K vs. Dell WD19S

Key Differences

• Display Capabilities: The Plugable UD-ULTC4K can drive three 4K@60Hz monitors simultaneously, thanks to its combination of  DisplayLink and USB-C Alt Mode technology. This offers greater flexibility for multi-monitor setups and even allows Mac users (with the DisplayLink Manager application installed) to achieve triple extended displays. The Dell WD19S also supports up to three displays, but bandwidth is shared among outputs. For example, certain laptops can support dual 4K screens, but adding a third may reduce resolution to 1080p or 1440p due to GPU and DisplayPort MST limitations. In short, the Plugable dock delivers more reliable, high-resolution multi-display support across a wider range of platforms.
• Port Variety: The UD-ULTC4K dock offers a broader range of connectivity, simplifying your workspace with extras such as an SD card reader (ideal for photographers or quick file transfers without a separate adapter) and dedicated headphone and mic jacks. The Dell WD19S lacks both an SD card slot and a 3.5mm audio jack, which may be limiting for users who rely on wired headsets or external speakers. On top of that, the UD-ULTC4K stands out for its 3 HDMI and 3 DisplayPort outputs, all of which can be mixed and matched. This level of choice gives users greater flexibility to adapt their setup to existing monitors without needing additional adapters, a significant advantage for IT managers and professionals supporting diverse hardware environments.

Power Delivery: Both docks deliver substantial power, but consistency differs. The Plugable UD-ULTC4K provides up to 100 W to all compatible systems, ensuring that even more power-hungry laptops like the 16-inch MacBook Pro stay fully charged. The Dell WD19S can provide up to 130 W, but only to Dell Latitude, Precision, or XPS systems that support Dell’s proprietary charging protocol. For non-Dell laptops, the WD19S maxes out at 90 W. That means if you are not using a Dell system, the UD-ULTC4K will deliver closer to its full advertised capability, making it a more universally reliable solution.

Who Comes Out On Top

The UD-ULTC4K stands out for its extensive display support (triple 4K screens without compromising refresh rate), its diverse port selection (including SD card, audio I/O, and a generous mix of HDMI and DisplayPort options), and broad compatibility across operating systems and host brands.

This makes it an excellent choice for users with varied setups or IT professionals managing mixed laptop fleets. Whether you need a single dock to work interchangeably with Dell, HP, Lenovo, or MacBook devices, the UD-ULTC4K delivers on flexibility and performance.

Ultimately, while Dell’s WD19S is a valid option for those already invested in Dell systems, the Plugable UD-ULTC4K emerges as the more versatile and broadly compatible solution. It earns the win not by outpowering in every spec, but by offering consistent performance, universal compatibility, and a thoughtful design that adapts to the needs of a broader range of users.