For many desks, yes; for some, not yet. A USB-C docking monitor such as the Philips 27B2U3601 does most of what a dock does for a single-screen setup: one cable carries the picture, charges the laptop at up to 90 W, connects USB devices and provides wired Ethernet, and this model can even daisy-chain a second monitor. A separate dock still makes sense for two or three high-resolution screens from laptops that cannot daisy-chain, for laptops that need more than 90 W, for Thunderbolt storage and for desks where the monitor changes but the dock stays. At SourceIT the 27B2U3601 is S$362.40 and the 4K Philips 27B1U3900 is S$381.60 (listed 30 Oct 2026).
Docking monitor vs separate dock
| Need | USB-C docking monitor | Separate USB-C or Thunderbolt dock |
|---|---|---|
| One external screen | Yes, one cable | Yes, plus a display cable |
| Laptop charging | Up to 90 W on Philips B-line (100 W on the 49B2U5900CH) | Varies; workstation docks offer more |
| Wired Ethernet | Yes on most Philips USB-C business models | Yes |
| USB-A peripherals | 3 to 4 ports | Usually more |
| Second monitor | Daisy-chain on models with DP out (24B2U3301, 27B2U3601) | Yes, often two or three outputs |
| Two computers, one keyboard | KVM on 34B2U3600C and 49B2U5900CH | Rarely |
| Thunderbolt devices | Not on Philips USB-C models listed here | Yes with a Thunderbolt dock |
| Desk clutter | Lowest | Extra box and power supply |
Philips features from 2026 product leaflets.
When does the monitor replace the dock?
- Single-monitor desks with business laptops that charge at 90 W or less.
- Hot-desking floors, where staff plug in one cable at any desk.
- Dual-monitor desks with daisy-chain support: the 24B2U3301 and 27B2U3601 list DisplayPort out with Smart Link Sync, so a second compatible monitor connects from the first.
- Two-computer desks: the 34B2U3600C and 49B2U5900CH include a KVM switch.
The dock is not dying. It is moving into the monitor for most desks and staying on the desk for the demanding ones.
When do you still need a dock?
- MacBooks with two external screens. Base Apple silicon MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models support a limited number of external displays, and macOS does not support DisplayPort daisy-chaining (MST), so a second screen usually needs a separate connection or a DisplayLink dock.
- High-power laptops. Mobile workstations and gaming laptops can draw well over 90 W.
- Thunderbolt peripherals such as fast external SSDs and audio interfaces.
- More ports than a monitor hub offers, such as SD card readers or multiple USB-C devices.
- Mixed fleets where some laptops lack DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C.
Dock troubleshooting is covered in Your New Docking Station Doesn't Work? Here's What You Missed, and the case for docks in Are Docking Stations Becoming the Most Underrated IT Purchase?
What about the Ethernet speed?
Philips leaflets state that the RJ45 port on several USB-C models runs at 10/100 Mbps when the USB-C link operates at USB 2.0 and up to 1 Gbps at USB 3.x. When a laptop sends 4K video over USB-C, it may use more of the cable's lanes for video and leave the data link at USB 2.0 speed. For most office traffic that is enough, but if staff move large files over the wired network, test with your laptop model or choose a QHD docking monitor, which leaves more bandwidth for data. Our post HDMI vs DisplayPort vs USB-C explains the cable side.
Which Philips model replaces which dock?
| Desk type | Philips model | SourceIT price |
|---|---|---|
| Single 24" screen | 24B2U3301 (FHD 120Hz, 90 W, Ethernet, daisy-chain) | S$247.20 |
| Single or dual 27" QHD | 27B2U3601 (QHD 120Hz, 90 W, Ethernet, daisy-chain) | S$362.40 each |
| Single 27" 4K | 27B1U3900 (4K 60Hz, 90 W, Ethernet) | S$381.60 |
| Ultrawide with two computers | 34B2U3600C (WQHD 120Hz, 90 W, KVM) | S$477.60 |
| Super-ultrawide with webcam | 49B2U5900CH (5120x1440, up to 100 W, KVM, 5MP camera) | S$1,339.20 |
Prices listed 30 Oct 2026.
Buying in Singapore
SourceIT supplies Philips USB-C docking monitors, including the 24B2U3301, 27B2U3601, 27B1U3900, 34B2U3600C and 49B2U5900CH, as well as docking stations, with a GST invoice. Prices listed 30 Oct 2026. Browse Philips Business & Office Monitors. For a quotation, use Request for Quotation on the product page, call (65) 6978 3502, email Sales@sourceit.com.sg or use our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Can a USB-C monitor replace a docking station? For a single-screen desk, usually yes. It charges the laptop, carries the display and provides USB and often Ethernet over one cable.
Can I connect two monitors through a USB-C docking monitor? On models with DisplayPort out, such as the Philips 24B2U3301 and 27B2U3601, a compatible second monitor can be daisy-chained if the laptop supports it. macOS does not support daisy-chaining.
How much power does a Philips USB-C monitor give? Up to 90 W on the Philips B-line USB-C business models listed here, and up to 100 W on the 49B2U5900CH.
Why is my USB-C monitor's Ethernet slow? Philips states its LAN port runs at 10/100 Mbps when the USB-C link operates at USB 2.0, which can happen when 4K video takes most of the cable's bandwidth.
When do I still need a separate dock? For laptops needing more than 90 W, Thunderbolt devices, multiple screens without daisy-chain support, or more ports than a monitor hub provides.
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Researched and verified by the SourceIT team for Singapore buyers.
