Dockcase has combined its USB-C hub and SSD enclosure prowess to make a formidable all-in-one USB-C accessory.
SSD enclosures are useful for extra storage, and USB-C adapters let you connect to monitors and other acessories. This hub and enclosure combo shows how much you can get away with, allowing you to be connected to the storage and peripherals you’d need for work or recreation.
As a company, the 7-in-1 is Dockcase’s 14th successful Kickstarter after 8 years of making USB-C products. I’ve reviewed their USB-C hub and more recently their SSD enclosure, both of them standing out for their LCD screens that convey important technical information.
Dockcase 7-in-1 USB-C Hub with SSD Enclosure – Design
Out of the box, you get the hub, a screwdriver, and extension board for SSD adjustments, and a 40Gbps braided cable. After removing the plastic film off the top of the screen with a satisfying pull, I plugged in the hub, and the screen winked open.
Unlike Dockcase’s previous hubs, this one has done away with the all-in-one button for switching menus in exchange for a touchscreen. Each section of the screen is partitioned to show power status, SSD information, and connectivity.
If you want to see live use, I recommend watching Dockcase’s short video on getting your setup connected.
What makes this hub “7-in-1” is the six ports and SSD enclosure. There’s one of each of the essentials: 10 Gbps USB-A and USB-C, 100W USB-C PD, 4K@120Hz HDMI, TF, and SD.
The maximum storage NVMe the enclosure can hold is 2TB, supporting both B&M Key M.2 and M Key M.2 SSDs. My review unit has an SK Hynix BC711 128GB, which is an M key type.
Dockcase 7-in-1 USB-C Hub with SSD Enclosure review: The inside of the Dockcase 7-in-1, featuring the fan and NVMe.
There’s SSD health monitoring through counting unsafe shutdowns, power-on hours, and other info. As for security, there’s a read-only mode for those moments you only want to share what’s on your drive.
The hub can connect to your MacBooks, iPads, and iPhones, but I’d recommend having an external power source for use with smaller devices. Most OS’ and hardware are compatible, but a handful of devices are not, such as the Nintendo Switch and Microsoft Surface.
Dockcase 7-in-1 USB-C Hub with SSD Enclosure – Specs
Product Detail | Spec |
---|---|
Color | Matte Black |
Display Support | Up to 4K@120Hz |
Material | Aluminum alloy, tempered glass |
PD | 100W |
Ports | 10 Gbps USB-C & USB-A, UHS-II SD&TF, HDMI 2.1 |
SSD Capacity | 2TB |
Screen | 1.90 in 16-bit LCD |
Size | 97.8mm x 55.0mm x 20.9mm |
Supported SSD Length | 2230/2242 |
Supported SSD Type | M Key M.2, B&M Key M.2 |
Weight | 113g |
Supported OS | Windows, MacOS, iPadOS, Linux, Android, ChromeOS, Harmony |
Not Compatible | Nintendo Switch, Dell G Series, Alienware Gaming laptops, Microsoft Surface products |
Dockcase 7-in-1 USB-C Hub with SSD Enclosure – Use
After a few weeks of use, I’ve enjoyed the interactive and descriptive experience that comes with using the hub. If you want to know how your devices are, you just pick up the hub and tap to find out.
I’ve found that the fan can be a bit loud, creating a bit of a whirring noise in the background while you work. This is the case because it’s constantly trying to keep the system at 39 degrees Celsius, which is admirable when there’s so much sensitive tech packed inside a rectangle the size of my palm.
It is possible to turn down or turn off the fan, or even turn it up to 100% if you want to ensure long-term safety for your SSD while transferring lots of files. And when it comes to that, it has a nice read/write speed of around 1000 MB/s for 1GB, going down to around 850 MB/s for 5GB.
This makes it much better than a thumb drive, but not as fast as a more optimized SSD solution. (link PNY and other SSD review)
At its size and with a detachable cable, the hub is easy to pocket and take wherever for whatever you need it for.
Speeds are acceptable for the price point. Don’t bother getting a M.2 PCI-E 4 drive, as you won’t get speeds anywhere near what the drive on its own can provide.
Dockcase 7-in-1 USB-C Hub with SSD Enclosure – A necessary combination of tech
For people who need ports for basic needs but also want space for video, music, or photos for fun or for business. The use cases seem particularly intriguing for people who need to have their storage and extra ports on them at all times: musicians, photographers, hybrid workers, and more.
Dockcase 7-in-1 USB-C Hub with SSD Enclosure review: Very specific details are displayed on the touchscreen.
This hub and enclosure combo hits a lot of the right features without muddying what’s most important, keeping connectivity and good read/write speeds. It’s not just decent, it excels at its two responsibilities.
People who need storage and ports at the same time are going to love having this, and still have the second port on their MacBook free.
Dockcase 7-in-1 USB-C Hub with SSD Enclosure Pros
- Lots of connectivity for size
- LCD touchscreen makes use very easy
- Impressive fan and SSD safety measures
Dockcase 7-in-1 USB-C Hub with SSD Enclosure Cons
- Fan can be a bit distracting
- Jack of all trades, master of none
Rating: 4 out of 5
Where to buy the Dockcase 7-in-1 USB-C Hub with SSD Enclosure
The Dockcase 7-in-1 USB-C Hub with SSD Enclosure is available on Kickstarter until March 7, 2025 at 8am EST. Mass production is estimated to happen in April, with shipping happening in May, since the funding goal is long past.
It will likely also be available later in the year on their website.
As a matter of course, we don’t review crowdfunded projects without hardware in hand. Dockcase has produced and delivered a great number of products through the platform, so we’re not worried about shipment.
However, even so, crowdfunding campaigns don’t always deliver. Caveat emptor.