HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 review: extreme connectivity

If you’re looking for the most comprehensive USB-C docking station, look no further than the HP Thunderbolt Dock G4. Even if you don’t have an HP laptop, the dock is interesting. As long as you don’t miss an SD card slot.

Since the arrival of USB-C, the world of electronic devices looks a lot more practical. Almost every manufacturer embraced the standard and will from 2024 also mandatory in Europe† USB-C is a multifunctional cable where you can transfer both data and a lot of charging power. That makes it the ideal connector to build a docking station around.

The HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 (from 176.21 euros excl. VAT) is not the first example that HP is bringing to the market. It was four years ago HP Thunderbolt Dock G2 we tested extensively† The latest copy is very similar, but HP is making a few important innovations and adjustments.

Kind of account are the modules that you could optionally add to the original design. For example, you had a speaker with shortcuts for better video calling. In return, you do get a top that no longer rattles because the modular valve at the top is no longer needed.

The modularity was a cool idea, but we suspect HP hasn’t sold enough modules to extend the same concept to the latest version of the Thunderbolt Dock.

Why do you need Thunderbolt?

Today you can choose from two types of docking stations: USB-C (USB 3.1 or higher) and USB-C (Thunderbolt). Both have the same USB-C connector, which is confusing. A USB-C (USB 3.1 or higher) docking station is cheaper because the transfer speed (10 Gbps) is lower. You can therefore also connect fewer monitors at the same time and high resolution Thunderbolt monitors do not use.

USB-C (Thunderbolt) provides the maximum throughput that USB-C supports today. Today that is Thunderbolt 4 at 40 Gbps. Because of that higher speed and the additional licensing costs to implement Intel’s technology, such docking stations cost more.

To make things even more confusing, USB-C (Thunderbolt) is always compatible with USB-C (USB 3.1), but not the other way around. Do you have a laptop that doesn’t support Thunderbolt? Most peripherals that are Thunderbolt certified will also work fine on USB-C (USB 3.1) connections within a so-called Alt Mode† The HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 supports this mode, but your laptop should be able to feed it too.

How do you know if your laptop is too Alt Mode supports over USB-C when it doesn’t support Thunderbolt? Read on, because unfortunately it gets even more complex.

USB-C with Alt Mode support

First things first, how do you know if a laptop is Thunderbolt compatible? Look for the lightning bolt next to the USB-C port or dive into your PC’s specs. No Thunderbolt? To Alt Mode In order for it to work, your laptop must support the DisplayPort Alt Mode protocol. You can recognize that by the little D symbol next to the classic USB logo next to the USB-C port. No logo? Dive into your device’s specs again to be sure. Laptops without Thunderbolt that do not Alt Mode support do not have to knock on the door of the HP Thunderbolt Dock G4.

Sorry for the complicated situation. While USB-C is universal, the technology behind it certainly isn’t.

Do you have a compatible device without Thunderbolt? Then you are only limited in the maximum throughput (10 Gbps instead of 40 Gbps) and you can only connect two monitors at the same time thanks to the Alt Mode† Everything else works like a Thunderbolt connection.

Windows (often), Chrome OS (sometimes), and macOS (partly)

The HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 is compatible with Mac (macOS), Chromebook (Chrome OS), and Windows. Mac devices with USB-C support de facto Thunderbolt to unleash the full potential of the docking station. Only limitation is that HP does not provide network drivers for macOS.

Chromebooks with USB-C can make the most of the docking station with all its functionality, but here you are more likely than with Windows laptops that you have a device that has USB-C (Gen 3.1 or higher) but no Alt Mode supports.

Sorry for the complicated situation. While USB-C is universal, the technology behind it certainly isn’t. Be sure to do your homework before purchasing, because extensive docking stations such as the HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 are not dirt cheap. Ready to actually read the review now? We left!

Two versions: 120 watts and 280 watts

The HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 is available in two versions: 120 watts (100 watts charging power, 176.21 euros excl. VAT) and 280 watts (230 watts charging power, 213.96 euros excl. VAT). With the latter, HP supplies a double cable that you can connect seamlessly (via a magnetic contact between both plugs) in an HP Zbook to deliver the higher charging power that workstations often require. If you don’t have an HP but do have a workstation, it’s better to look further at a branded docking station to provide the extra charging power. All traditional (thin) laptops have more than enough at 120 watts.

You don’t need an HP laptop to use this docking station optimally as long as it’s not a powerful workstation. The only thing you’re missing is a power button at the top that doesn’t work and certain networking options for IT admins within organizations. An HP machine can be activated via Wake-on LAN (WoL) and supports MAC address pass-through and Intel vPro to update systems remotely, for example.

Lots of connections

A docking station needs connections, the more the better. Fortunately, HP has understood this well and provides no less than 11 connections: 2x USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), 1x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0, 4x USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 1), 1x RJ45 (Ethernet) and a Kensington lock.

We still miss an SD card slot on the device and possibly a second USB-C Thunderbolt 4 connection. Now you won’t gain a connection to your laptop after you lose one by connecting the docking station.

Remarkable is the support for two network speeds thanks to two internal NIC cards: 1Gb and 2.5Gb Ethernet.

Fixed cable

The main drawback to the HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 is the fixed USB-C cable (0.8 meters) in the front. Anyone who damages the USB-C connector may have to return the entire box for repair. It’s hard to understand why HP doesn’t provide an extra USB-C port in the front with Thunderbolt 4.

On the one hand, you run the risk of experiencing poor performance with a wrong USB-C cable. In that regard, we understand that HP wants to exclude that variable. On the other hand, HP can include one cable in the box as standard and display a clear message on your laptop that you should always use a Thunderbolt 4-compatible USB-C cable if you want to replace the supplied one. Wear and tear is a realistic problem because you may be pulling the plug in or out of the laptop once or more every working day.

Conclusion

The most important improvement compared to the previous generation is without a doubt the long-awaited introduction of an HDMI connection that replaces the VGA connector. In combination with two DisplayPort connections and via USB-C, you can connect up to four 4K monitors simultaneously thanks to Thunderbolt. Via USB-C Alt Mode you can only use a maximum of two 4K monitors at the same time, in addition to your own laptop screen, of course.

The HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 (from 176.21 euros excl. VAT) is an extremely complete docking station that offers value for money despite its high asking price. Anyone with a Thunderbolt-compatible laptop that doesn’t need an SD card reader should not hesitate to get the HP Thunderbolt Dock G4. If you don’t have a compatible laptop, you should first do your homework to make sure you can get the most out of this docking station.