The OWC USB-C Travel Dock Gen 2 USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps supports up to 100W of pass-through power and has the expansion ports you need when travelling.
It has HDMI 2.0 (4K@30Hz), 2 x USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps), SDXC card reader and up to 100W power USB-C power passthrough, so it works with devices up to 15” MacBook’s and most Window’s laptops.
We put the OWC USB-C Travel Dock Gen 2 through its paces and happily report it lives up to OWC’s great name and standards.
OWC USB-C Travel Dock Gen 2 with 4K and 100W power pass-through
Note this is not the Gen 1 with 60W power pass-through
| Website | Product Page |
| Price | $84.99 plus shipping $9.90 |
| Distributed by | Macfixit |
| Warranty | 2-years OWC and ACL warranty from Macfixit and authorised resellers |
| Country of origin | Taiwan |
| Company | OWC (Other World Computing Est 1988) is an American computer hardware company and online store for Mac upgrades and accessories. |
| More | GadgetGuy OWC News and Reviews |
Why a dock or dongle?
Most modern PCs and Macs have USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 5Gbps ports. It is a step up from USB-A 2.0 (480Mbps) and carries power, data and ALT DP video. If you need to know what USB-C, Thunderbolt and PD charging is (and you will) read our Dummies Guide here. This also supports Thunderbolt 3 and 4.
This mini-dock uses 8W and power Pass-through means just that – it sends the balance (92W) power upstream to the PC. Regrettably, it does not come with a USB-C charger so make buy a 100W or use your laptop charger.
HDMI – 4K – yes
It supports one 4K@30Hz (or lower resolutions) via HDMI 2.0. We also tested with a 1080p@60Hz, and it was fine.
USB-C – to/from EXCEED
It will also work with Thunderbolt 3 devices, so it’s a low-cost way to add some dock functionality.
APPLE support
To enable support for the Apple Super Drive, Apple USB Keyboard, and charging for iPad 1/2/3 generation devices on the dock’s USB ports, install the Dock Ejector application for Mac.
SDXC card support
Supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC media cards. Compatible with UHS-II (Ultra High Speed). Can achieve speeds up to 156MB/s (SDHC) or 312MB/s (SDXC).
Smartphones as well
If your smartphone supports OTG, then you may be able to use this to add a =n external monitor, keyboard and mouse (tested with Samsung Galaxy S10 but most brands should be fine).
Build
OWC makes good gear, and this is a keeper. We like the stowable cable.
GadgetGuy’s take
OWC USB-C Travel Dock Gen 2 is now part of my travel kit
I have been using a variety of lower-cost dongles but beginning to see the limitations, especially with Thunderbolt 3 Window and Mac devices.
This solves a lot of angst and provides just enough expansion for a traveller or a desk jockey. And adding smartphone support is the icing on the cake.
