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HP USB-C/A Universal Dock G2 Review 2026 - Specs, Pros & Cons

6.9 Good
Adrian Cel By Adrian Cel

The HP USB-C/A Universal Dock G2 is HP's older DisplayLink business dock for offices that still need to support both USB-C and USB-A laptops. The 5TW13AA#ABA model connects to a host through the fixed USB-C cable, or through the included USB-A adapter when the laptop does not have USB-C. HP's official data sheet positions it as a universal dock for HP, Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and other notebooks, with DisplayLink handling video output instead of relying only on the laptop's native USB-C display lanes. Around the square chassis you get a front USB-C data and charging port, four USB-A 5 Gbps ports with HP Sleep and Charge, two DisplayPort outputs, HDMI 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5 mm combo audio jack. HP lists up to 100W charging over USB-C Alt Mode, but USB-A hosts need their own power adapter because the USB-A adapter cannot charge the computer. The useful trick here is mixed fleet support. The catch is the driver layer: DisplayLink gives the dock broader compatibility, but it also adds software setup, CPU and compression overhead, and more caveats for protected video and macOS permissions than a native USB-C or Thunderbolt dock.

Pros & Cons

What We Like

  • Works with USB-C and USB-A host laptops, which is useful for older office fleets
  • DisplayLink video avoids depending entirely on the laptop's native display output
  • Up to 100W USB-C host charging for compatible USB-C systems
  • Two DisplayPort outputs, HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, audio, USB-C, and four USB-A ports cover most business desks
  • HP fleet features include PXE Boot, LAN and WLAN switching, Wake-on-LAN, MAC address pass-through, and electronic asset tagging on supported HP notebooks
  • Compact 122 x 122 mm footprint fits easily on crowded desks

What Could Be Better

  • DisplayLink driver is required for full display support

    Workaround: Install the current DisplayLink Manager or HP-supported driver package before relying on external monitors.

  • USB-A host mode does not charge the laptop

    Workaround: Keep the laptop's original AC adapter connected when using the included USB-A host adapter.

  • Customer feedback is mixed on reliability, power behavior, and long-term value

    Workaround: Buy from a seller with easy returns, update firmware, and test sleep, wake, Ethernet, and monitor reconnect behavior during the return window.

  • Not the best fit for gaming, protected streaming video, or color-critical display work

    Workaround: Use a native USB-C, Thunderbolt 4, or Thunderbolt 5 dock for low-latency or HDCP-sensitive workloads.

  • Newer HP USB-C docks are cleaner choices for modern USB-C only fleets

    Workaround: Compare it with the HP USB-C Dock G5 or HP USB-C 100W G6 Dock unless USB-A host support is required.

Display Support

Max Displays: 3
1 display (Single 4K output through DisplayLink over DisplayPort or HDMI on supported hosts.)
3840x2160 @ 60Hz
2 displays (HP says the included USB-A adapter can access accessories and up to two 4K displays, with support described as including the notebook screen or two external displays depending on configuration.)
3840x2160 @ 60Hz
3 displays (HP marketing and Amazon list three-display support, but HP footnotes say the three-display claim includes the notebook screen and requires a Thunderbolt or USB-C video-capable host. Treat triple 4K as host-dependent, not guaranteed on every laptop.)
3840x2160 @ 60Hz

Ports & Connectivity

USB Ports

1x USB-C 3.0
4x USB-A 3.0

Video Outputs

2x DisplayPort
1x HDMI 2.0

Network

1x Ethernet (1 Gbps)

Audio

1x 3.5mm combo

Full Specifications

General
Manufacturer HP
Model 5TW13AA#ABA
Release Date 2019-05
Connectivity
Host Connection USB-C
Max Data Rate 5 Gbps
Driver Required DisplayLink
Display Output
Max Displays 3
1x Display 3840x2160 @ 60Hz (Single 4K output through DisplayLink over DisplayPort or HDMI on supported hosts.)
2x Display 3840x2160 @ 60Hz (HP says the included USB-A adapter can access accessories and up to two 4K displays, with support described as including the notebook screen or two external displays depending on configuration.)
3x Display 3840x2160 @ 60Hz (HP marketing and Amazon list three-display support, but HP footnotes say the three-display claim includes the notebook screen and requires a Thunderbolt or USB-C video-capable host. Treat triple 4K as host-dependent, not guaranteed on every laptop.)
Ports (8+ total)
USB-C 3.0 1x
USB-A 3.0 4x
DisplayPort 2x
HDMI 2.0 1x
Ethernet (RJ45) 1x 1 Gbps
Audio (3.5mm-combo) 1x
Power
Power Input DC-barrel
Laptop Charging Up to 100W

Compatibility

Windows (7+)

HP's product collateral lists Windows 7 and Windows 10 compatibility. DisplayLink software and HP firmware support are part of the normal setup.

macOS

HP lists macOS support, but HP also says it does not provide Ethernet and audio drivers on Mac PCs. DisplayLink Manager permissions are required for external displays on current macOS versions.

ChromeOS

HP lists Chrome OS compatibility, though the dock power button does not work on Chromebooks.

Linux (Ubuntu 18.04+)

HP collateral lists Ubuntu Linux v18.04 support. Actual behavior depends on DisplayLink driver support for the distribution and kernel.

Known Issues

USB-A host laptops

The dock cannot charge the laptop through USB-A

Mobile workstations that need more than 100W

Dock charging is not enough for high-power systems

Protected video and latency-sensitive monitor workloads

DisplayLink compression and driver behavior can limit the experience

6.9 /10

Our Verdict

Good

The HP USB-C/A Universal Dock G2 makes sense when the laptop fleet is messy. It can keep older USB-A notebooks, USB-C business laptops, and some Thunderbolt systems on the same desk dock, which is exactly why HP sold it into offices. The port layout is still practical: two DisplayPort outputs, HDMI, Ethernet, audio, four USB-A ports, and a front USB-C accessory port cover most hot desks. Amazon still has a live listing for ASIN B07YYF6BH9 with a 4.3-star average from 276 ratings, and the review summary is split in the way I would expect for an older DisplayLink dock. Plenty of buyers like the connectivity and plug-and-play feel once drivers are installed, while others report reliability, power, or monitor wake issues. I would not buy this as the best new dock for a modern USB-C laptop. HP's newer USB-C Dock G5 and USB-C 100W G6 are cleaner native-video options for USB-C systems. I would consider the USB-C/A Universal Dock G2 for a refurbished or low-cost office setup where USB-A host support matters more than perfect display latency. If you plan to use USB-A, remember that the laptop will not charge through the dock. If you plan to use macOS, budget time for DisplayLink Manager permissions and expect more friction than with a native Thunderbolt dock.

Available at Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the HP USB-C/A Universal Dock G2 require DisplayLink?
Yes. HP describes the USB-C/A Universal Dock G2 as a DisplayLink-driven dock, and the user guide includes DisplayLink software setup for external monitor configuration.
Can the HP USB-C/A Universal Dock G2 charge a laptop?
It can provide up to 100W to compatible USB-C laptops. If you connect through the included USB-A adapter, the dock cannot charge the laptop and you need the notebook's own power adapter.
How many monitors does the HP USB-C/A Universal Dock G2 support?
HP and Amazon list support for up to three displays, but HP's footnotes say the claim includes the notebook screen and depends on a Thunderbolt or USB-C video-capable host. With USB-A, HP describes support for up to two displays including the notebook screen or two external displays, depending on setup.
Does the HP USB-C/A Universal Dock G2 work with MacBooks?
HP lists Apple and macOS compatibility, and Amazon reviews include MacBook users. The main caveats are the DisplayLink Manager permission setup and HP's note that it does not provide Ethernet and audio drivers for Mac PCs.
What ports are on the HP USB-C/A Universal Dock G2?
The dock has a fixed USB-C host cable, one front USB-C accessory port, four USB-A 5 Gbps ports, two DisplayPort outputs, HDMI 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5 mm combo audio jack. It also ships with a USB-A host adapter.

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