HyperDrive GEN2 18-in-1 USB-C Dock Review

USB-C docks are fairly common today. We’ve grown past the stage of messy desks and uncountable wire cables tangled together. Still just the concept of an 18-in-1 dock is exciting. Just the thought of a single adapter being able to host 18 different ports for 18 different uses sounds pretty insane. Fortunately, we were able to get our hands on such a dock. Today, we’re looking at one of  Hypershop’s latest releases, their HyperDrive 18-in-1 USB-C dock.  Hosting ports for memory card insertion, HDMI and 3.5mm audio cable, the dock is the perfect addition to a hardcore gamer’s gaming setup. It will ensure less chaos and greater efficiency.

Highly Impressive Practicality

I could probably spend hours talking about the the practicality of this dock. The HyperDrive dock just does so much. It has a single USB-C input port and 18 output ports. These include two SD card slots. One is an SD UHS-II port with a 300MB/s speed and the other is a MicroSD UHS-II slot providing the same incredible speed. By sporting two slots of varying SD card sizes, the HyperDrive dock offers immense convenience and practicality.

With lack of storage becoming the massive problem it is today, the HyperDrive dock makes things incredibly easier by hosting not one but two microSD slots that are compatible with not just phones but consoles too.

Then we have what was once the most common audio port, the 3.5mm jack. It’s starting to gradually disappear from our lives because of the wireless era. Adding said port really assists those who haven’t gone fully wireless yet. Next up, we have three USB-A ports, all delivering a speed of 10Gbps, which is quite impressive as well. These ports are an excellent addition to charge phones and gaming consoles with. USB-A ports, just like USB-C, ports are very common and no docking station is complete without that. Very similar to USB-A ports are USB-A 2.0 jacks, which are essentially for the same purpose, but just a more recent version. The HyperDrive dock gives us two of those as well in its generous supply of ports. There is also a USB-A QC 3.0 port for supporting Quick Charge from Qualcomm with an 18W power supply.

More Impressive Features

Then we have what is an excellent tool for mirroring content onto bigger screens these days: an HDMI port. Providing an above-average performance of 4K60Hz HDR, both the HDMI ports on the HyperDrive dock are very necessary and a brilliant addition. There’s also a DisplayPort of 4K60Hz that’s much needed alongside the HDMI ports. Mirroring games to play on a big screen has become increasingly common these days and two HDMI ports along with a display port ensures the job is done smoothly. I love how Hypershop was strategic about adding ports according to their importance. The absolute essentials can be found in pairs and that’s what enhances the functionality of the dock by multiple times as the most essential ports are greater in number.

For the ultimate lag-free wireless connection, there is also a Gigabit Ethernet port. This ensures seamless gaming on gaming headsets that come with a USB dongle and the option of a port to go in. It also guarantees fast wired connection in places where wireless networks are weak or absent. For professionals in the audio industry who require first-rate sound, there is a Digital Coaxial Audio port and an optical Toslink Audio jack. Lastly, we have a VGA port for brilliant video output and two power delivery ports; a USB-C 100W power port and a DC Power Port.

Lightning Speed

The HyperDrive 2^nd gen dock leaves its 1^st gen version way behind. It has a video refreshing rate that is two times faster,  , 4K60Hz  compared to the 4K30Hz on the 1^st gen, and a two-times-faster USB speed, 10Gbps as compared to the 5Gbps on the 1^st gen. I tested the MicroSD/SD slots by transferring test data to and from the dock. All my content, including heavy videos and large files, were transferred within seconds. According to the advertised speed, the 2^nd gen HyperDrive dock’s SD card slot is supposed to have a three-times-faster speed than the one on the 1^st gen. And I had no trouble believing this looking at its performance.

Power-wise, the 2^nd gen dock is also significantly better than its first counterpart by providing a power delivery that’s supposed to be two times better than the 1^st version. The latter offers 50W while the former provided a generous 100W. So  the HyperDrive dock works as an excellent battery bank as well. I could charge both my computer and mobile phone while using it for its primary functions.

Made to Last

Just hold the HyperDrive dock in your hands and you’ll know that it’s made to last. It is a sturdy and robust tool that weighs more than a pound. It’s quite heavy and that may be a con for some, but considering that it’s not a tool that is supposed to be carried, it’s not the biggest sin of omission. The HyperDrive dock is meant to just sit on your work station. The inclusion of high-quality metal that makes it heavy ensures it’s sturdy enough to last a lifetime. It also comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty so you really have nothing to worry about in terms of reliability.

Aesthetics-wise, the HyperDrive dock is as good-looking as you’d expect a dock to be. It’s not extra flashy or sleek; it’s a 1.33-pound block of metal. But then again, at the end of the day, it’s an adapter designed for professional use. So, it’s boring look is forgivable. Design-wise, the HyperDrive dock ticks all the boxes though. It has a minimal and highly practical design. Its   ridged exterior apparently helps to dissipate heat faster thus keeping it cool. By the looks of it, the dock looks like it’s made for serious business.

The HyperDrive dock’s looks aren’t misleading in any way. It really is made for serious business and was highly impressive in terms of both functionality and speed. It’s a highly recommendable tool for professionals who are sick of chaotic working stations.