As anyone with a modern MacBook, ultrabook or gaming handheld knows, the struggle of lacking ports on our devices often requires the use of a dongle if we want to connect anything more than a USB-C device. With many laptops only having a couple of these ports, a hub or dock is sometimes necessary to connect multiple devices through a single port on the laptop. While many options are available on the market, not all are as reliable as they appear.
I’ve spent the last few weeks putting the BenQ Ultimate USB4 Mobile Dock through its paces to see whether it’s worth your hard-earned dollars. While many hubs and docks tend to look fairly similar, BenQ has added a couple of nifty features to their dock, making it stand out. The BenQ Ultimate USB4 Mobile Dock offers six ports to the user: two USB-A, one USB-C, one HDMI 2.1, one RJ-45 Ethernet port and one USB-C Power Delivery port, making connecting to most devices easy. However, I would have liked to see an SD/MicroSD card slot for added versatility.
BenQ has also built in a foldable stand for mobile gaming handhelds or potentially thinner and lighter laptops, tablets or even smartphones if size permits. While I did not have a mobile gaming handheld to make proper use of the dock, I did try using it with my HP Elitebook laptop. However, the weight of the laptop made the dock a little unsteady, so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for laptops of this size. Lighter and smaller systems are likely to work better in this regard.
“BenQ has added a couple of nifty features to their dock, making it stand out.”
While using the dock with my Motorola ThinkPhone in the stand, my case didn’t have enough girth to fill the space adequately, so the phone wouldn’t stand up unless I found a way to add extra thickness behind the case.
All the added convenience is great, but I did find the BenQ Ultimate USB4 Mobile Dock to be a bit on the chunky side, measuring approximately 130 mm x 55 mm x 25.5 mm and weighing 187 g. Those wanting a slimmer, pocket-sized dock may want to look elsewhere if they do not require the stand feature. This dock is more suited for keeping in a laptop bag or stationed wherever you plan to use it, such as a desk or entertainment unit.
That being said, the overall build quality felt about on par with what I would expect. The main body of the dock is made of sturdy aluminum, which helps dissipate extra heat, while the ends and stand are made of rigid plastic. BenQ has also included rubber padding around the dock to protect the surfaces it sits on and prevent unintended movements on a desk or table.
“BenQ has also built in a foldable stand for mobile gaming handhelds or potentially thinner and lighter laptops, tablets or even smartphones if size permits.”
The BenQ dock is also a solution for those who own mobile gaming handhelds such as the Asus ROG Ally, Steam Deck, or MSI Claw. For these devices, BenQ has done an excellent job designing it to easily dock and expand their limited port availability, and it can likely be tucked away in a case for travel. The built-in magnetic 90-degree USB-C connector allows for a cleaner appearance when connected.
For use with laptops or handhelds connecting to external monitors, users have the choice of using either the USB-C port or the HDMI 2.1 port, both of which are capable of outputting 4K at 120 Hz, making video playback or gaming very enjoyable. This is also useful for multiple monitor setups in office environments, allowing users to connect their entire setup to the dock and easily transition from using a laptop to a full desktop setup. I regularly found myself charging my laptop through the 100W PD USB-C port while using a couple of additional USB devices simultaneously when other ports on my laptop were occupied or not the right type for the task at hand.
Priced at $109, the BenQ Ultimate USB4 Mobile Dock isn’t exactly cheap, especially with other hubs—without docking capabilities—currently flooding the market. For laptops, I feel this could be a tougher sell; however, for gaming handhelds, this could be a game changer and add significant versatility, even if just used to keep the system propped up.
The overall feel and build quality of the dock are above average, and I appreciated the added port selection it provided while in use. However, for the average user, the price may be a little too high and could, unfortunately, deter people from taking a second look. If BenQ were able to lower the overall price, I could see them selling more units while remaining competitive.
