**Expert’s Rating**
**Pros**
14 ports
Supports up to 4x 4K displays at 60Hz
Can handle 2x 8K displays at 60Hz
Equipped with 2.5Gb Ethernet
Offers 100W Power Delivery for laptop charging
Includes 30W USB-C output
**Cons**
USB-C port is not Thunderbolt compatible
Somewhat expensive for a USB-C docking solution
**Our Verdict**
The Wavlink USB-C DisplayLink DL7400 Docking Station (WL-UG75PD1-DH) provides an impressive selection of fast connectivity options and dedicated video output capabilities, enabling even the less powerful M-series Mac models to connect up to four external displays while maintaining high refresh rates.
Contents
Pricing Information
The current retail price for the Wavlink USB-C DisplayLink (DL7400) Docking Station is $299.99, with some offers available for $215.99. This docking station is designed to deliver extensive connectivity with a total of 14 ports, including two DisplayPort++ 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 ports, allowing support for up to four external 4K displays at 60Hz—an impressive feat even for Apple’s M1 MacBook Air, which is typically limited to a single external display. Previous tests of other DisplayLink docks have shown they can handle multiple external monitors, but none have managed to do so with Apple’s M1 and M2 MacBook Air models.
Apple’s restrictions limit M1 and M2 MacBook models to a single external display, but utilizing a DisplayLink dock can circumvent this limitation. DisplayLink is a third-party solution that enables Macs to support additional monitors beyond Apple’s native capabilities, requiring a dock that features a DisplayLink chipset for proper connectivity. For further guidance on this topic, check our tutorial on connecting multiple monitors to M1 or M2 MacBooks.
In comparison, the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station with DisplayLink can support four displays for the M3 MacBook Air when in Clamshell Mode, while M1 and M2 models are restricted to three displays (one 6K and two 4K). The Wavlink DL7400’s chipset allows M1 and M2 MacBooks to connect to four displays seamlessly, achieving refresh rates of 1x 4K at 120Hz and 3x 4K at 60Hz.
Specifications and Features
The Wavlink USB-C DisplayLink dock offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options including:
– One upstream USB-C port (10Gbps, 100W)
– One additional USB-C port (10Gbps, 30W)
– One standard USB-C port (10Gbps)
– Three USB-A ports (10Gbps)
– Two DisplayPort++ 1.4 video outputs
– Two HDMI 2.1 video outputs
– Ethernet (2.5Gb)
– SD card reader (UHS-II, SD 4.0, 312MBps)
– microSD card reader (UHS-II, SD 4.0, 312MBps)
– 3.5mm audio jack (front)
– 160W power supply
This dock connects via a 10Gbps USB-C interface, which is compatible with the Thunderbolt ports on modern Macs. However, it does not match the data transfer speeds of Thunderbolt connections, which can reach up to 40Gbps with Thunderbolt 3 and 4, or 80Gbps with Thunderbolt 5. For users requiring extremely fast data transfer rates, a Thunderbolt docking station is advisable. Our recommendations for the best Thunderbolt docks for Mac can provide further insights. Nonetheless, a 10Gbps USB-C dock is sufficient for most users who do not require top-tier studio-level storage solutions. USB-C docks tend to be more affordable, making them an attractive option.
Most DisplayLink docks utilize USB-C, although certain models, like the Satechi dock and the Plugable TBT-6950PD, are equipped with Thunderbolt capabilities. As of now, there are no DisplayLink docks compliant with the latest Thunderbolt 5 standard, but the aforementioned models support the impressive Thunderbolt 4. The Wavlink dock comes with numerous USB ports, all operating at 10Gbps—adequate for most users’ data transfer needs, even if not as fast as Thunderbolt. The dock features a USB-C port at the back for connecting to your Mac, providing 100W passthrough power, which is sufficient for even the Pro MacBook models. The package includes a 1-meter USB-C cable, along with an optional USB-A adapter.
On the front side of the dock, one USB-C port can deliver 30W to connected devices, making it ideal for quick charging of devices like iPhones or iPads. Remarkably, even some Thunderbolt docks lack this quick-access USB-C charging option. Additionally, the front features two card readers for flash memory: SD and microSD, both rated at UHS-II SD 4.0, with a transfer rate of 312MBps—outpacing the built-in card reader of the MacBook Pros. Such card readers offer a cost-effective means of expanding portable storage options, with fast UHS-II 512GB cards available for under $100 online.
If you seek a stable wired network connection, the dock provides an Ethernet port that supports 2.5 times the speed of standard Gigabit Ethernet, a feature becoming increasingly common in modern docks. To fully leverage the 2.5x speed enhancement, your network must be rated at least 2.5GbE; however, it remains backward compatible with standard Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE), ensuring readiness for future network upgrades. An audio jack port is also included, suitable for connecting headphones, speakers, or microphones.
Exceptional Display Capabilities
The variety of ports on the Wavlink dock is impressive for a USB-C docking station, but its main selling point is the ability to connect more external displays than Apple’s typical limitations allow. At the rear, the dock features two DisplayPort and two HDMI ports for monitor connections. In contrast, the Satechi Thunderbolt DisplayLink dock only provides two HDMI ports, necessitating the use of two of its Thunderbolt downstream ports for any additional displays.
The Wavlink dock connects to monitors through its dedicated video ports, with two HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs. Users will need monitors with compatible connections or adapters to convert, for example, DisplayPort to HDMI. The dock employs DisplayPort++ technology, which is superior to standard DisplayPort, allowing for easy conversion of DisplayPort signals to HDMI or DVI with simple passive adapters. However, more expensive active adapters are required for DisplayPort to HDMI conversion. Don’t worry if this sounds complicated; the dock simplifies the process. To maximize the use of its dedicated video ports, installation of the DisplayLink software is necessary, circumventing Apple’s software restrictions that prevent the use of Multi-Stream Transport (MST) technology, which allows Windows PCs to handle multiple displays effortlessly. The DisplayLink software is well-established and widely used by many reputable accessory manufacturers, and installation on your Mac is generally straightforward. The Quick Start Guide provides comprehensive instructions, albeit in small print that may require a magnifying glass or a camera zoom feature to read.
Compatibility with MacBook Variants
MacBook Pro models featuring the Max versions of Apple’s M-series processors (M1/M2/M3/M4) can support up to four external 4K displays at 60Hz without the need for a dock; three displays at 6K resolution at 60Hz can be connected through Thunderbolt, while one display can achieve up to 4K at 144Hz via its built-in HDMI. Utilizing a docking station conserves Thunderbolt ports, using only one for multiple displays. For users with M-series Max processors, a dock with a greater number of ports is advisable, such as the 20-port CalDigit TS5 Plus or the Sonnet Echo 13. If additional Thunderbolt and USB ports are desired, a Thunderbolt hub like the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub is worth considering.
MacBook Pro models equipped with Pro variants of the M1/M2/M3/M4 processors are limited to connecting two external displays. However, the Wavlink dock, utilizing DisplayLink technology, presents the opportunity to connect three or four external monitors. For MacBooks with standard M series processors (M1/M2/M3), which natively support only one external display, the need for a DisplayLink dock is even more pronounced. It’s important to note that M3 Macs can support two displays when the laptop lid is closed, while the M4 models can support two displays with the laptop display being an additional option. Although the Satechi DisplayLink Thunderbolt 4 dock enables three-display support for these devices, the Wavlink dock excels by supporting four displays: one at 4K 120Hz via DP++ and three at 4K 60Hz (one via DP++ and two via HDMI).
The M3 MacBook Air can connect four external displays using a Thunderbolt dock, but this requires its lid to be closed (Clamshell Mode), necessitating the use of an external keyboard and mouse, which can connect wirelessly or through the dock’s USB-A ports. Direct connections to displays can be made via the Mac’s Thunderbolt ports if the monitors support USB-C. If not, USB-C-to-HDMI or USB-C-to-DisplayPort adapters will be required (not included) to connect to the Thunderbolt 4 ports. Users can still connect two 4K displays at 60Hz to a Pro or Max MacBook Pro using two of the dock’s Thunderbolt ports, provided that DisplayLink is installed to facilitate HDMI output. Non-Pro/Max MacBooks require DisplayLink for connecting more than one external display.
A notable limitation of DisplayLink technology is its incompatibility with HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), which affects playback of copy-protected content from streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, iTunes, and Hulu on both external and the MacBook’s built-in screen. This limitation applies universally to all DisplayLink docks, not just the one under discussion. Another dock utilizing the DisplayLink DL7400 chip, the Plugable UD-7400PD Docking Station, can support up to five high-resolution displays (1x 8K + 4x 4K), offering up to 140W laptop charging alongside 30W device charging, 2.5Gbps Ethernet, and multiple USB ports. Although this dock has two HDMI ports and additional USB-C ports suitable for display connections, those seeking DisplayPort links may find the Wavlink more fitting, while the Plugable is better suited for USB-C monitors. We will be evaluating the Plugable dock shortly.
Design and Construction
The Wavlink USB-C DisplayLink dock features a sleek, horizontal aluminum design, characterized by a slim profile that is slightly longer than many other docks we have assessed. This design aspect may be a concern for those with limited desktop space. Its dimensions are 7.8 x 3.75 x 0.72 inches (20 x 10 x 2.8 cm) and it weighs 17.3 ounces (490 grams) without the power supply. The front of the dock includes a power button, allowing users to easily switch off the power supply to their MacBook without the hassle of unplugging the cable, thereby helping to preserve battery health. A Kensington lock is situated on the side for enhanced physical security.
Final Thoughts on Pricing
The Wavlink USB-C DisplayLink (DL7400) Docking Station, officially known as the Wavlink 10G USB-C Docking Station WL-UG75PD1-DH, is priced at $299.99. While this may seem steep compared to full Thunderbolt docks—such as the $299 Satechi four-screen DisplayPort dock—it stands out as the only DisplayLink dock capable of managing four 4K displays (including one at 120Hz) on M1 and M2 MacBooks. More affordable dual-monitor DisplayLink USB-C docks are available, and if you only require two external displays, several alternatives exist within our reviews. Wavlink also provides its own Dual 4K DisplayPort & HDMI Adapter for less than $100. Most competing DisplayLink docks can accommodate only two monitors, making the Wavlink DL7400 an ideal choice for users seeking a dock that can handle three or more displays. Its capability to support four 4K displays (with one at 120Hz and others at 60Hz) is unmatched in our testing. Additionally, it is one of the few USB-C DisplayLink docks currently featuring 2.5Gb Ethernet. For the latest pricing, be sure to check our price-comparison tool, as Wavlink has indicated varying prices across regions compared to those listed by online retailers.
**Should You Consider the Wavlink USB-C DisplayLink DL7400 Docking Station?**
For those not requiring a Thunderbolt dock, the Wavlink USB-C DisplayLink DL7400 Docking Station (WL-UG75PD1-DH) delivers an exceptional array of fast connectivity options and dedicated video outputs, enabling even the most basic M-series Macs to connect up to four high-resolution external displays.
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