Kensington SD5560T vs SD5600T Comparison

Kensington SD5560T vs SD5600T at a glance

The Kensington SD5560T and Kensington SD5600T solve the same awkward problem: a desk may serve Thunderbolt laptops one day and ordinary USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode laptops the next. Both are native, driverless hybrid docks. A Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 host gets the full 40 Gbps connection and dual 4K at 60Hz. A compatible USB-C laptop can still use charging, Ethernet, USB peripherals, audio, and at least one external display.

That shared platform makes this a useful comparison, especially for a mixed office that is shopping remaining stock. Kensington marks both models as unavailable or out of stock through its own store, so neither is a straightforward full-price purchase. The decision is mostly about desk layout and host mix rather than buying the newest technology.

The SD5600T is the fuller desktop dock. It has four direct monitor outputs, seven USB ports, UHS-II SD and microSD readers, Gigabit Ethernet, audio, and 96W certified host charging. It also gives a USB-C HBR3 laptop more display flexibility than the SD5560T, including dual 1440p at 60Hz.

The SD5560T is smaller and simpler. Its direct video output is one HDMI 2.0 port, with a downstream Thunderbolt 3 port that can carry a second display on a Thunderbolt host. It has two front USB-C ports and four USB-A ports, along with Gigabit Ethernet, audio, and the same 96W host charging ceiling. The important limitation is its USB-C fallback: it supports one HDMI display, and its downstream Thunderbolt port becomes a USB 2.0 data port without video or daisy chaining.

For most fixed desks, the SD5600T wins because the extra direct display outputs, card readers, and USB ports remove the need for adapters. The SD5560T remains sensible if you find it at a meaningful discount and want the smaller dock, 96W charging, and a clean one-HDMI setup that can expand to two 4K screens when connected to Thunderbolt.

For broader context, see our docking station buying guide, USB-C vs Thunderbolt dock guide, and best docks for dual monitors.

Quick specs comparison

Desk design and port layout

The biggest difference is not raw Thunderbolt bandwidth. Both docks have the same 40 Gbps Thunderbolt 3 host connection, use a 0.8m included cable, need external power, and can sit horizontally or vertically. The difference is what each dock exposes on the desk.

The SD5600T acts like a port-heavy docking station for a desk with several peripherals. Its two HDMI 2.0 ports and two DisplayPort 1.2 ports give you choices before adding adapters. It has one front USB-C 3.2 port and six USB-A 3.2 ports, split between one higher-power USB-A port and five standard-power ports. Add UHS-II SD and microSD readers, Ethernet, and a combo audio jack, and the dock can replace several small accessories.

The SD5560T takes a more compact route. It has one HDMI 2.0 output and one downstream Thunderbolt 3 port. Its USB arrangement is two USB-C 3.2 ports and four USB-A 3.2 ports. One USB-C port can provide up to 20W, while the other provides up to 7.5W. There is still Gigabit Ethernet and a combo audio jack, but no card readers and no DisplayPort connector.

Neither layout is universally better. If you use USB-C accessories or charge a phone from the dock, the SD5560T’s two front USB-C ports are useful. If your monitor cables, camera cards, and legacy peripherals make up the bigger part of your workday, the SD5600T is easier to keep connected. It has more total USB ports, direct HDMI and DisplayPort choices, plus two media slots.

The SD5600T wins the port section because its broader layout works for more desks without a second hub. The SD5560T has a legitimate compact-desk case, but its missing card readers and lack of a direct DisplayPort output matter once you add storage, cameras, or a monitor that is not HDMI.

Display support: the host decides

On a Thunderbolt host, these two docks are close. Both support a single 4K display at 60Hz and dual 4K displays at 60Hz. Both are native display docks, so they do not use DisplayLink to get around host limits. A base M1, M2, or M3 MacBook that supports only one native external display will still support only one external display through either dock.

The monitor wiring is different. The SD5600T has two HDMI 2.0 and two DisplayPort 1.2 outputs. A Thunderbolt laptop can use either the HDMI pair or the DisplayPort pair for two 4K displays at 60Hz. This is straightforward when both monitors use the same connector type.

The SD5560T handles dual 4K differently. It combines its HDMI 2.0 output with the downstream Thunderbolt 3 port. That can work well with a USB-C or Thunderbolt monitor, but it requires planning the second display’s cable or adapter. On a Thunderbolt host, that downstream port can carry video and support daisy chaining. On a USB-C Alt Mode host, it cannot.

USB-C fallback separates the two. The SD5600T gives a compatible HBR3 USB-C laptop one 4K display at 60Hz or two 1440p displays at 60Hz. An HBR2 host drops to one 4K display at 30Hz or dual 1080p displays at 60Hz. The SD5560T supports a single HDMI display over USB-C: up to 4K at 60Hz with an HBR3 host or 4K at 30Hz with HBR2. Its second display path is not available in that mode.

Choose the SD5600T if regular USB-C laptops need two monitors, even at 1440p, or if you want direct connections for HDMI and DisplayPort displays. Choose the SD5560T if Thunderbolt is the usual host and USB-C fallback only needs one display. Users who need multiple external screens from a base Apple Silicon MacBook should look at a DisplayLink option instead, because neither native dock changes that hardware limit.

Compatibility and everyday reliability

Both models work without a required display driver and both list Windows and macOS support. The SD5560T also lists ChromeOS 91 or later. Kensington DockWorks is optional and mainly relevant to Windows management, connection, performance, and security features. It is not necessary for normal video, USB, Ethernet, or audio operation.

The hybrid design is their shared strength. On Thunderbolt, each dock has enough bandwidth for a more capable multi-display desktop. On USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode, each can still turn a laptop into a usable wired desk. That flexibility is useful in a shared office, a hot-desk setup, or a household with different generations of laptops.

The tradeoff is that USB-C must be understood as a fallback, not a second full Thunderbolt mode. The SD5560T is especially clear about this: its downstream Thunderbolt 3 port drops to USB 2.0 data with no video or daisy chaining when the laptop is USB-C only. The SD5600T retains more useful display modes on USB-C HBR3 hosts, but it also drops below its Thunderbolt ceiling.

The SD5600T also has a documented reliability caution. Its product data notes a Windows Central review that reported connection and performance problems. That does not cancel its stronger port list, but it is a reason to buy from a retailer with a usable return process, update Thunderbolt firmware and DockWorks where relevant, and test the exact laptop and monitors promptly. The SD5560T has its own practical risk: Kensington marks it out of stock and directs buyers to a replacement SKU.

Neither dock is a future-facing choice compared with a newer Thunderbolt 4 model such as the Kensington SD5780T. Both use Gigabit Ethernet rather than 2.5GbE, and both are older Thunderbolt 3 designs. Their value comes from a hybrid host connection and the right clearance price, not from being the newest platform.

Power, networking, and media work

Power delivery is a draw. Each dock uses an external barrel-power supply and delivers up to 96W to the host laptop. That is enough for most business laptops, ultrabooks, and many larger productivity machines. Both also have Gigabit Ethernet and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. If host charging and a wired network are the reason for buying a dock, there is no meaningful winner here.

The SD5560T has a small advantage for accessory charging. Its two USB-C ports are listed at up to 20W and 7.5W, while its USB-A ports provide up to 4.5W. The SD5600T has one USB-C port at 7.5W and a USB-A port at 7.5W, with five more USB-A ports at 4.5W. Neither replaces a dedicated fast charger, but the SD5560T is more convenient if a USB-C phone or accessory is frequently connected at the desk.

The SD5600T pulls ahead for media workflows. Its UHS-II SD and microSD readers are built in, so photographers and videographers can import cards without consuming a USB port. The SD5560T has no card readers. It can still work in a media setup with a separate reader, but that removes some of the space and simplicity benefit of choosing a dock.

Value and the verdict

The SD5600T is the better overall dock, and its 7.3 score narrowly reflects that. It has the same 96W host charging, driverless operation, 40 Gbps Thunderbolt connection, dual 4K at 60Hz capability, Gigabit Ethernet, audio, three-year warranty, and included 0.8m cable as the SD5560T. Then it adds four direct video outputs, seven USB ports, UHS-II SD and microSD readers, and more capable USB-C display fallback.

Buy the Kensington SD5600T if:

• Your desk needs direct HDMI or DisplayPort connections.
• You use SD or microSD cards and want their readers integrated into the dock.
• USB-C HBR3 laptops need dual 1440p displays.
• You have several USB-A peripherals and want seven USB ports in the dock.
• The retailer price is low enough to offset the dock’s older platform and availability status.

Buy the Kensington SD5560T if:

• You want a smaller hybrid dock with HDMI and a downstream Thunderbolt display path.
• Your primary laptop has Thunderbolt and you only need one display during USB-C fallback.
• Two front USB-C ports, including one with up to 20W charging, suit your accessories better.
• You do not need card readers, DisplayPort, or a large direct-video layout.
• It is meaningfully cheaper than the SD5600T and newer alternatives.

The SD5600T is not an automatic purchase at any price. Its documented uneven review feedback, discontinued status, Gigabit networking, and native Apple Silicon display limits are worth considering. But between these two hybrid docks, it gives more monitor options and more useful I/O while keeping the same core connection, host charging, and warranty. For a permanent desk, it is the more complete choice.

For more options, visit the docking station homepage, compare the newer Kensington SD5780T, or browse our best docks for home office.

Frequently asked questions

Is the SD5600T a Thunderbolt 4 dock?

No. The SD5600T uses Thunderbolt 3 at up to 40 Gbps. It can connect to Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 hosts, but it is not a Thunderbolt 4 dock. The SD5560T is also a Thunderbolt 3 design with the same 40 Gbps maximum data rate.

Which model is better for two HDMI monitors?

The SD5600T is better for two HDMI monitors because it has two direct HDMI 2.0 outputs. The SD5560T has one HDMI 2.0 output. Its second display on a Thunderbolt host comes through the downstream Thunderbolt 3 port, so it may need a compatible USB-C or Thunderbolt display connection.

Can a USB-C laptop use the SD5560T’s downstream Thunderbolt port for a second monitor?

No. With a USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode host, the SD5560T’s downstream Thunderbolt 3 port drops to USB 2.0 data and does not provide video or daisy chaining. A USB-C laptop can use the dock’s HDMI port for one display instead.

Which dock is better for a base M-series MacBook?

Neither dock bypasses Apple’s native display limitation because neither uses DisplayLink. A base M1, M2, or M3 MacBook remains limited by the Mac model’s support for external displays. Choose based on ports and the number of displays your specific Mac supports, or consider a DisplayLink dock if multiple external displays are essential.