The UGREEN 5 docking station in the U712 version offers a whole range of options: a 140 watt power adapter, 3 USB-A inputs and two new Thunderbolt 5 (TBT 5) ports in conjunction with other connection options for monitors and audio devices. In our test, we take a closer look at the docking station and reveal whether it’s worth buying.
The technical data of the UGREEN U712 docking station
| Model designation | U712 |
| Main interface | USB Type-C |
| Card reader | 1x SD card reader (compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC/micro SD/micro SDHC/micro SDXC)
1x TF card reader (compatible with micro TF) |
| USB-A ports | 3x (up to 10 Gbps) |
| Video interfaces | 1x DisplayPort (maximum 8K resolution)
2x Thunderbolt 5 downstream port (supports up to 8K) |
| Network connection | 1x Ethernet port (up to 1,000 Mbps) |
| Power supply unit | 140 watts / 24 volts / 5.83 amps |
| Laptop power supply | up to 110 watts via USB-C |
| material | aluminum |
| Operating system compatibility | Windows 10/11, macOS 15 and higher |
| The price | 299,99 € |
UGREEN Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station U712 in test: design and workmanship
The U712 docking station from UGREEN doesn’t look particularly different from other models. It reminds us a little of devices like the Beelink GTi13 Ultra. In a simple, matt and dark gray, the UGREEN product blends in perfectly with the rest of the devices on the desk and initially looks inconspicuous in its rectangular shape, on which only the UGREEN Maxidok logo can be seen.
This compact approach is also clearly reflected in the dimensions of the docking station: at around 11 x 15 x 3.2 cm (D x W x H), the device can also be used on smaller desks or in more confined spaces without any problems.
The distribution of all inputs and outputs is also well thought out. The monitors, the power supply unit, any Ethernet cable and the respective end device (laptop, tablet, Steam Deck, etc.) can be connected at the rear. The on/off switch, the card reader inputs and the three USB slots are located on the front.
The scope of delivery of the UGREEN U712 docking station includes all important cables and the UGREEN U712 model is powered by a 140 watt power supply unit, which is included in the impressive scope of delivery.
Connections and other features of the UGREEN U712 docking station
As already mentioned above, the inputs and outputs of the UGREEN Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station U712 are distributed on the front and rear in the test, whereby the front can also be quickly identified visually thanks to the large power button and the indicator light next to it. The 10-in-1 device offers a total of ten different connections:
- 1x Ethernet port (up to 1,000 Mbps)
- 1x DisplayPort (DP) (resolution of up to 8K)
- 2x Thunderbolt 5 downstream port (resolution of up to 8K)
- 1x Thunderbolt 5 upstream port (up to 110 watts of power)
- 3x USB-A 3.2 port
- 1x SD card reader
- 1x TF card reader
This list is rounded off with the option of attaching a security lock and the 140 watt power supply unit.
With regard to the use of external monitors, it is important that the video output is exclusively via USB-C. Depending on the monitor used (DP or HDMI), it may therefore be necessary to connect a corresponding adapter in order to be able to use the two Thunderbolt 5 downstream ports. However, such adapters are not included in the scope of delivery.
A generally positive aspect is that the connections are almost always plug-and-play: Whether external hard drive, mouse, keyboard or other peripherals: the docking station from UGREEN recognizes all devices immediately and thus enables use via laptop, smartphone and co.
Practical test of the UGREEN Thunderbolt 5 docking station
In the various test setups, several end devices were tried out and connected to the docking station in order to test the various possible uses. In addition to two different laptops, this also included a Steam Deck console, a Samsung smartphone and a Samsung tablet.
As many devices as possible were also connected to the docking station itself. A 27-inch monitor was connected via the display port input, as well as a gaming mouse, a mechanical keyboard and an external hard disk. Internet could also be connected directly thanks to the Ethernet cable.
Thanks to a dynamic power output of up to 110 watts, it was absolutely no problem to charge even the Steam Deck or a classic office laptop. There was hardly any noise during use and the heat development of the UGREEN 10-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 docking station is also absolutely manageable. Although the device did get warm, it never overheated and could be left on the desk without any problems.
Transfers from or to the external hard disk are also impressively fast thanks to a rapid speed of up to 10 Gbps. Even large video files could be moved from A to B in no time at all.
What also worked really well was the connection of a Steam Deck console: Plug-and-Play worked perfectly, external monitors were recognized and even a mouse and keyboard connection was accepted immediately. Even the external hard disk could be used to expand the internal memory. This is where the UGREEN Thunderbold 5 docking station really comes into its own and helps, for example, to make perfect use of the Steam Deck desktop mode.
Attention: Not every end device can be used
In the practical test, however, it quickly becomes clear who the U712 model from UGREEN is aimed at: The docking station is mainly suitable for users who are somewhat familiar with the possibilities and requirements of the product in advance. This is because our test showed that some end devices were simply not properly compatible as they did not have the appropriate support.
This can also be found in the operating instructions: If you want to connect and use external monitors, you need Thunderbolt 5 (up to 3 additional monitors), Thunderbolt 4 or USB 4 (up to 2 additional monitors) compatibility on your laptop or at least a USB-C DP Alt Mode laptop (1 additional monitor). macOS users also require corresponding compatibility and should check in advance what exactly is required.
While the gaming laptop had the corresponding options, the simple office laptop did not – and therefore could not use the external monitors. However, reading from an SD card or external hard disk was still unproblematic, albeit somewhat slow – only the monitors could not be expanded without the corresponding compatibility.
The same applies to smartphones and tablets: not all devices recognize the external monitors. Samsung devices require the SamsungDex function, which is only integrated in the flagship models. It is therefore important to find out in advance about compatibility with your own devices.
UGREEN U712 10-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 test: Our conclusion
The 10-in-1 solution of the UGREEN Thunderbolt 5 docking station works: Anyone who wants to expand their options at a stationary workstation and can actually use the various connections will be more than satisfied here. External monitors, peripherals and SD or TF cards are recognized immediately and can then offer corresponding extensions with really high performance and strong processing.
However, the UGREEN Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station U712 in the test is also correspondingly expensive: With an RRP of 299.99 euros(according to the manufacturer), the UGREEN U712 model clearly belongs to the higher price classes and the robustness and speed of the connection points can also be paid for accordingly. You should also check whether your own laptop meets the requirements for using the external monitors connected to the docking station. However, if you want to pay the money for transmission to external monitors in 8K, you will be absolutely satisfied with the performance.
- 10 different connections
- TF and SD card reader
- Space for three monitors
- High-quality finish
- Modern design
- 3 USB-A ports
- Comparatively high purchase price
- Monitor use not for all laptops
- Card reader somewhat slow
UGREEN 10-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 U712 Docking Station
Design & processing
Compatibility & connections
Performance & stability
Price-performance ratio
94/100
The UGREEN Docking Station U712 is ideal for demanding users who want to connect multiple screens and peripheral devices to a laptop, tablet, Steam Deck or smartphone.
