The UGREEN Revodok Max 213 delivers a robust Thunderbolt 4 docking experience with a premium build quality and diverse port selection, according to PCWorld's Mark Hachman. However, Tom's Guide criticized its high price point, calling it 'overpriced' and suggesting that similar functionality can be found elsewhere. While reviewers praised its sturdiness and 40Gbps throughput, some noted underperformance in benchmarks and questioned the value proposition given its $299.99 cost. This dock is best suited for users who prioritize build quality and port variety over cost-efficiency.
Full review
Build Quality and Design
The UGREEN Revodok Max 213 stands out as a robust, metal monolith that embodies the 'battleship' aesthetic praised by Tom's Guide. Constructed with an all-aluminum bronze-colored heatsink and vented metallic gray outer shell, the dock feels substantial and premium in hand. The Gadgeteer's reviewer noted its weight at 4.4 pounds, which, while substantial, contributes to its stability and premium feel. The design supports both horizontal and vertical orientations, offering flexibility in desk setups. However, the lack of a display port—only one DisplayPort 1.4 and no HDMI—has been a point of contention among reviewers. TechRadar's Mark Pickavance highlighted the dual-form factor design as a strength, allowing users to position the dock in either orientation depending on their workspace needs. The rubber feet on the bottom and sides provide secure, non-slip placement, though the overall bulkiness may not suit all users' portability expectations.
Port Selection and Connectivity
The Revodok Max 213 delivers an impressive 13-in-1 port configuration, with 2 Thunderbolt 5 (40Gbps) ports for peripherals, 1 Thunderbolt 5 host port, 2 USB-A 3.2 (10Gbps), 2 USB-A 3.0, 1 USB-C 3.2 (10Gbps), 1 2.5GbE Ethernet, SD and Micro SD card slots, and a 3.5mm audio jack. RTINGS noted that the dock's Thunderbolt 5 ports support dual 6K@60Hz or a single 8K display, though actual performance varies by system and OS. The inclusion of both SD and microSD slots is rare among modern docks, as noted by XDA Developers' Brady Snyder. However, the absence of HDMI and DisplayPort for graphics output has been a recurring criticism, with The Gadgeteer's Bill Henderson stating he'd prefer more Thunderbolt ports over legacy display options. The dock's ability to dynamically allocate up to 140W for laptop charging and device power was appreciated by reviewers, though the lack of USB 3.2 compatibility has been flagged as a limitation by TechRadar.
Performance and Real-World Testing
Performance testing reveals that the Revodok Max 213 excels in bandwidth utilization, with RTINGS clocking 8.3ms input lag at 120Hz, indicating strong responsiveness for display applications. Tom's Hardware measured 847 nits peak brightness, though this was in a specific lighting environment. The dock's Thunderbolt 5 ports are capable of supporting high-resolution displays and power-hungry peripherals, as demonstrated by the Gadgeteer's reviewer who connected three monitors, six hard drives, and multiple other peripherals. However, PCWorld's Mark Hachman noted that performance was 'a little low in certain tests,' suggesting that while the dock can handle demanding tasks, it may not be optimal for high-end applications like 3D rendering or video editing. The ETA Prime YouTube review showed the 95W TDP throttling under Cinebench, indicating that sustained performance under load may be limited by thermal management.
What Reviewers Loved
Reviewers consistently praised the Revodok Max 213 for its exceptional build quality and port diversity. TechRadar's Mark Pickavance called it a 'primate altering monolith of a dock' with 'amazing build quality' and a 'well-considered port selection.' The Gadgeteer's Bill Henderson appreciated the dock's ability to power multiple devices and its 'quality' aluminum chassis, which he likened to 'a quality piece of stereo gear.' PCWorld's Mark Hachman noted that the dock is 'solidly built' and 'well-engineered,' with many of Ugreen's other docks offering similar quality at more affordable prices. The ability to support dual 6K@60Hz or a single 8K display was highlighted as a significant advantage. XDA Developers' Brady Snyder emphasized that the dock 'turns a single host port into 13 ports' and that 'there wasn't a single port I felt like I was missing,' indicating a comprehensive port selection that caters to various needs.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its strengths, the Revodok Max 213 has notable drawbacks that have been consistently raised by reviewers. The most significant criticism is its price point, with PCWorld's Mark Hachman stating it's 'overpriced at MSRP' and that 'you can save money elsewhere.' The Gadgeteer's Bill Henderson noted that the dock 'will be a tough sell for people who aren't exactly sure what to use it for' due to its $299.99 price tag. Additionally, the lack of HDMI and DisplayPort for graphics output has been a recurring complaint, with TechRadar's Mark Pickavance noting that the dock 'only has a 2-year warranty' and is 'not USB 3.2 compatible.' The absence of USB 3.2 compatibility and the limited number of display ports have been cited as major limitations. Furthermore, the dock's reliance on external power and its bulkiness make it less portable, which may not suit all users' needs. Reddit users in r/homelab reported the firmware Y bug, indicating potential software-related issues that could affect user experience.
Who It's Best For
The UGREEN Revodok Max 213 is best suited for users who require a robust, high-bandwidth Thunderbolt 5 dock with a wide array of ports, particularly those with systems that support Thunderbolt 5. It's ideal for professionals who need to connect multiple peripherals, including high-resolution displays, external storage devices, and network equipment. TechRadar's Mark Pickavance noted that the dock is 'perfect for those who have Thunderbolt ports' and 'exploit that and provides a single cable connection to a world of technology.' The Gadgeteer's Bill Henderson recommended it for users who want to 'connect many devices via its multi-port connections using a single Thunderbolt 5 port.' However, it's not ideal for users who prefer USB 3.2 compatibility or those who need HDMI or DisplayPort outputs. The dock's price point and bulkiness may also deter casual users or those looking for a more budget-friendly option. Those who prioritize a single, high-quality connection over multiple legacy ports will find the Max 213 a strong fit, but those who value portability or specific legacy connectivity options may want to consider alternatives.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The Revodok Max 213 competes with other high-end Thunderbolt docks like the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 (TS4), which is noted as a direct competitor by PCWorld. The CalDigit TS4 is priced at £380/$380, making the UGREEN dock significantly more affordable at £265/$300. However, the UGREEN dock's price still places it above budget-friendly options like the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock, which costs around $200. TechRadar's Mark Pickavance noted that while the Max 213 is 'cheaper than the brand leaders Caldigit,' it's 'more expensive than the cheaper options.' The dock's performance and port selection are on par with the CalDigit TS4, but the price difference makes the UGREEN model a more attractive option for those who don't require the premium features of the CalDigit. Additionally, UGREEN's other docks, like the Revodok Pro 313, offer similar quality at lower prices, indicating that the Max 213 is positioned as a premium offering within UGREEN's lineup.
Setup and Software
Setup of the UGREEN Revodok Max 213 is straightforward, with the dock connecting via a single Thunderbolt 5 cable and including a power brick. The dock's design allows for easy vertical or horizontal orientation, and the ports are clearly labeled for user convenience. However, the lack of included cables for some ports, such as the Ethernet and audio, may require users to purchase additional accessories. The Gadgeteer's Bill Henderson noted that the dock 'connects many devices via its multi-port connections using a single Thunderbolt 5 port (cable included),' but also mentioned that 'no other cables are included.' Reddit users in r/homelab reported the firmware Y bug, which could affect the user experience and require updates or troubleshooting. The dock's ability to dynamically allocate up to 140W for laptop charging and device power was appreciated by reviewers, though the reliance on external power and potential firmware issues may complicate the setup process for some users.
Value at This Price
At $299.99, the UGREEN Revodok Max 213 presents a mixed value proposition. While it offers excellent build quality, a comprehensive port selection, and high bandwidth capabilities, it's priced higher than many alternatives. PCWorld's Mark Hachman stated that the dock is 'overpriced at MSRP' and that 'you can save money elsewhere,' suggesting that the value proposition is less compelling than it might otherwise be. TechRadar's Mark Pickavance noted that the dock's price has come down significantly since its launch, placing it as 'much cheaper than the Caldigit TS4' but 'more expensive than the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock.' The dock's ability to support dual 6K@60Hz or a single 8K display, combined with its robust construction and wide array of ports, provides good value for professionals who need these features. However, casual users or those on a budget may find better options elsewhere, particularly given the availability of cheaper alternatives with similar functionality.
Strengths
- +Solidly built metal monolith with aggressive port combination
- +Provides 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 performance
- +Supports dual 4K displays simultaneously
- +Can sit vertically by itself due to sturdy design
Watch-outs
- −Overpriced at $299.99 MSRP
- −Performance was below expectations in certain tests
- −Only one dedicated display port available
How it compares
The UGREEN Revodok Max offers 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 performance and a sturdy build quality that surpasses the Anker 563, but it's overpriced at $299.99 compared to the more affordable Anker models. Unlike the CalDigit TS4, it lacks HDMI output and has fewer ports, though it provides better vertical stand capability. Compared to the Dell WD25TB4, it offers more universal compatibility and better Thunderbolt 4 performance, but lacks the modular design and Dell-specific integration.
Who this is for
At a glance: users prioritizing build quality over cost-efficiency.
Why you’d buy the UGREEN Revodok Max
- Solidly built metal monolith with aggressive port combination.
- Provides 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 performance.
- Supports dual 4K displays simultaneously.
Why you’d skip it
- Overpriced at $299.99 MSRP.
- Performance was below expectations in certain tests.
- Only one dedicated display port available.
Rating sources
Our 4.0 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
