Plug your MacBook out and in of a multi-port docking station to swiftly add units and exterior shows to your laptop computer. We examined a bunch to search out one of the best Thunderbolt 3 and 4 and USB-C docks out there to house owners of the MacBook Air and MacBook Professional.
Thunderbolt 3, 4 or USB-C
The connectors all look the identical, however there are vital variations, notably on pace—with USB-C maxing out at 10Gbps (often 5Gbps) in comparison with the 40Gbps of Thunderbolt 3 and 4. That further bandwidth permits not only for sooner knowledge switch however larger body charges to exterior shows, plus another sensible advantages.
Of Apple’s present laptop computer vary, the M1 and M2 MacBook Air and 13in M1 MacBook Professional function two Thunderbolt 3 (TB3) ports, whereas the 14in and 16in M1 Professional or M1 Max MacBook Professional fashions include three Thunderbolt 4 (TB4 ports.
Apple’s older 12in MacBook options one 5Gbps Gen 1 USB-C port, whereas the later Intel MacBook Air (2018 and later) and MacBook Professional (from 2016) boast both two or 4 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 ports.
In case your MacBook is provided with Thunderbolt 4, then you definitely actually can purchase a TB4 dock in case you want extra ports than these 14/16in laptops already possess.
Shopping for a Thunderbolt 4 dock is a smart determination primarily based on future-proofing even for house owners of TB3 Macs as the usual is backwards suitable with TB3 and USB-C. That mentioned, there are nonetheless some nice—and sometimes extra reasonably priced—TB3 docks out there, and most Apple customers received’t see a lot distinction between TB3 and TB4—the Thunderbolt 4 normal was primarily about getting Home windows laptops on top of things, though there are technical advantages for MacBook Professional customers, comparable to smarter daisy-chaining and sooner PCI hard-drive connections.
We’ve included some cheaper non-Thunderbolt USB-C docks. In the event you don’t require the last word bandwidth for the quickest knowledge switch and finest display screen body charges or resolutions, a USB-C dock would possibly fit your functions and prevent cash.
Add exterior shows to your MacBook
In the event you use your laptop computer as your principal pc, you’d do effectively to contemplate attaching at the least one bigger show to create a hybrid desktop/laptop computer setup (with a keyboard, mouse and printer all out there through a single connection to your MacBook). You possibly can flip that 13in laptop computer display screen into an iMac-sized 27in and even bigger monitor by including an additional show—or join two giant screens to increase your display screen throughout your complete desk.
If you wish to join a couple of exterior show to your MacBook you’ll want a Thunderbolt dock, somewhat than a USB-C dock. Natively over USB-C, Macs can solely join to at least one exterior show in Prolonged mode (the place the display screen extends past what you possibly can see on the laptop computer display screen, versus Mirrored mode that replicates precisely what you get on the laptop computer display screen) however you’ll get two Prolonged mode screens over a Thunderbolt connection.
Whereas Apple’s MacBooks that includes the corporate’s personal M1 or M2 Silicon chip are tremendous speedy in comparison with the fashions sporting Intel processors, early fashions include an unimaginable limitation: they don’t assist a couple of exterior show in Prolonged Mode even through their Thunderbolt 3 ports. Which means that when utilizing any docking station, M1 MacBook customers can not lengthen their desktop over two or extra shows, and might be restricted to both twin Mirrored shows or one exterior show—though there are software program workarounds and devoted docks that assist you to add a couple of exterior monitor to an M1 or M2 MacBook.
Fortunately, the superior M1 Professional and M1 Max MacBook Professional fashions can assist a number of shows.
Do I want a docking station?
The brand new M1 Professional/Max MacBook Professional fashions boast a wider vary of built-in ports, so lighter customers won’t want a docking station in any respect.
With three TB4 and an HDMI port, a MacBook with an M1 Max might hook up with as much as 4 exterior shows with out the necessity for a dock, though such an influence consumer would doubtless require further Thunderbolt ports for different units to make up for utilizing all of the laptop computer ports for a number of displays.
These MacBooks even have an SD card reader. Though that is rated as UHS-II (312MBps), Apple has pegged it again at 250MBps, so for the quickest speeds (and a microSD slot in case you want one), a dock will doubtless be a better option for memory-card use whether it is rated at UHS-II somewhat than UHS-I (104MBps).
MacBooks additionally lack wired Web entry through a Gigabit Ethernet port, so if you wish to escape flaky Wi-Fi, purchase a dock with at the least Gigabit Ethernet, though you may add a Thunderbolt-to-Ethernet adapter when you’ve got a spare TB port. Some later docks embody sooner 2.5Gb Ethernet however you’ll want a 2.5GbE router or different machine to get the profit. As Gigabit Ethernet’s pace is 1Gbps, a less expensive 5Gbps USB-C to Ethernet adapter will work simply as effectively.
In the event you simply want a couple of further ports, a USB-C hub or Thunderbolt 4 hub could be your most suitable option. In the event you require a bunch of quick ports together with Gigabit Ethernet, then search for a docking station that fulfils your wants.
USB-C and Thunderbolt speeds
Thunderbolt vs USB-C dock compatibility
Plain USB-C runs at both 5Gbps or 10Gbps, whereas Thunderbolt (TB3 and TB4) hits speeds of 40Gbps. You possibly can hook up a Thunderbolt laptop computer to a USB-C dock however you received’t entry the sooner speeds except you purchase a real Thunderbolt dock.
• USB and Thunderbolt speeds defined
Docks with a Titan Ridge or Goshen Ridge chipset will work with each Thunderbolt and USB-C laptops. Different Thunderbolt docks received’t work with USB-C laptops, such because the 12in MacBook. With Titan Ridge and Goshen Ridge, you get all the advantages of a Thunderbolt dock, however can use it with non-Thunderbolt laptops, too.
Within the evaluate record beneath, we state on the high which sort of laptop computer (USB-C or Thunderbolt) every docking station is suitable with.
Our sister web site Tech Advisor has individually examined all one of the best Thunderbolt 4 hubs and docks.
USB PD: Energy Supply to your laptop computer
Look out for a dock with USB PD. The PD stands for Energy Supply.
Charging the laptop computer: The M1 and M2 MacBook Air require a PD charger with at the least 30W energy. You’ll want 67W for the 13-inch MacBook Professional and 14-inch MBP (with M1 Professional with 8-core CPU), 96W for 14-inch MBP (with M1 Professional with 10-core CPU or M1 Max), 96W (ideally 140W) for the 16-inch MBP. 13in MacBook Air. The older 15in MacBook Professional requires a 87W PD charger.
An 85W/96W MacBook Professional could be charged by a 30W or 60W charger, however slower than it will be with its native charger. A bigger MacBook with a heavy workload would possibly begin fading on a decrease wattage charger and never final all day even when plugged into an influence supply.
In the event you personal a bigger MacBook Professional, purchase a dock with a PD (Energy Supply) potential of at the least 90W in case you can. Extra moveable hubs are often rated at decrease energy.
Charging the docked units: Some docks don’t function an exterior energy provide however really use your laptop computer to attract energy from. Add too many units to one in all these docks and you could effectively expertise energy points, as USB-C can deal with simply 7.5W bus-device energy whereas Thunderbolt can move again 15W.
In the event you simply want a spare charger, we’ve examined one of the best MacBook chargers for you.
Complete lotta ports
You want one (“upstream”) Thunderbolt port for connecting to and charging your laptop computer (though the 14/16in MacBooks can even energy through the MagSafe port), and sure at the least one other (“downstream”) to connect additional units (onerous drives, exterior show, and others).
There are numerous low-cost adapters that allow you to add extra units to a USB-C or Thunderbolt MacBook (see our roundup of one of the best USB-C adapters for Macs), however for max flexibility take a look at these docking stations that care for all of your further port necessities, and assist you to merely connect it to your laptop computer with only one cable if you get to the workplace or come house.
Right here we focus on Thunderbolt docks, but additionally embody cheaper USB-C docks—which Thunderbolt MacBooks can use, however at the price of diminished bandwidth and show limitations. For extra non-Thunderbolt USB-C-only docks take a look at Tech Advisor’s roundup of one of the best USB-C docking stations for laptops. Tech Advisor additionally critiques all of the out there Thunderbolt 4 docks.
Docks aren’t only for MacBooks. Mac mini (2018 and later) and iMac (2017 and later) house owners may take into account increasing their ports with a Thunderbolt docking station.
The inclusion of an SD or microSD card reader isn’t only for digital camera buffs. It’s a handy and reasonably priced approach so as to add storage to your laptop computer setup. We discovered a 512GB Samsung Evo microSD card on Amazon for round $100 within the US and beneath £100 within the UK. That’s a really low-cost approach of including half a terabyte of moveable storage. For extra particulars learn up on our greatest microSD playing cards.
CalDigit TS4 – Greatest Thunderbolt 4 dock for Macs
Execs
- Thunderbolt 4
- 18 ports
- 98W PD
- 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
- 230W energy provide
Cons
- Solely two downstream TB4 ports
- Costly
Value When Reviewed:
$399.95
Works with Thunderbolt and USB-C laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
With 18 top-rated ports and Thunderbolt 4 licensed, it’s tough to look previous the Caldigit Thunderbolt Station 4, aka TS4. Sure, it’s costly, however in case you’re after one of the best then that is it.
It has probably the most ports, the quickest ports, and the best energy provide (a whopping 230W to be unfold among the many ports, together with a 20W USB-C and the 98W laptop computer charging). And we love its versatile vertical or horizontal format.
Even when your MacBook is Thunderbolt 3, the TS4 is backward suitable and can work along with your subsequent laptop computer when it’s time to improve.
Whereas you should use Thunderbolt ports so as to add exterior shows, Caldigit has swapped one of many downstream TB4 ports for a devoted DisplayPort. You’ll want an adapter in case your monitor requires HDMI. You possibly can add as much as two 4K shows at 60Hz or a single 6K display screen at 60Hz. Once more, except your show can join straight with its USB-C port, you’ll want a USB-C-to-DisplayPort or HDMI adapter cable.
In case you have the suitable router, you possibly can make the most of super-fast wired Web entry with the TS4’s 2.5GbE Gigabit Ethernet–2.5x sooner than normal Gigabit Ethernet, with which it additionally works on normal networks.
- One Thunderbolt 4 upstream port (40Gbps, 98W PD)
- Two Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports (40Gbps, 15W)
- As much as two exterior shows (4K at 60Hz)
- DisplayPort 1.4 port
- 5 USB-A ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)
- One USB-C port (10Gbps, 20W)
- Two USB-C ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)
- SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II, 312MBps)
- microSD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II, 312MBps)
- 2.5GbE Gigabit Ethernet port
- 3.5mm Combo Audio In/Out port at entrance
- 3.5mm Audio In & Out ports at again
- 230W energy provide
Learn our full Caldigit Thunderbolt Station 4 (TS4) evaluate.
Anker 577 PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock – Greatest Thunderbolt 3 dock for Intel Macs
Execs
- 13 ports
- 85W PD
- 18W USB-C
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 not 4
- No assist for Apple Silicon (M1/M2)
Value When Reviewed:
$299.99
Works with Thunderbolt and USB-C laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
Anker’s 577 PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock is a superb Titan Ridge docking station for Intel-based Thunderbolt and USB-C laptops–with a lot of top-rated ports in a compact, handsome case. Sadly, it doesn’t play properly with the newer M1 and M2 MacBooks, which guidelines out all latest Macs.
It’s a critical contender for the crown of one of the best Thunderbolt 3 dock. The Caldigit TS3 Plus boasts yet another USB-A port, however the Anker has one sooner USB-C port plus the flexibility to additionally work with non-Thunderbolt USB-C laptops.
All of the Energy Broaden Elite’s ports are top-end: each USB-C ports, for instance, are Gen. 2 at 10Gbps, whereas some docks boast simply 5Gbps C-type ports.
The On/Off button on the entrance is a pleasant contact we haven’t seen on different docks, and there’s actually nothing besides value to tell apart it from the opposite advisable docking stations now we have examined. Within the battle of the Titan Ridge hybrid docks, the Anker wins on a cute compact design and amount of ports, together with two quick USB-C ports in addition to two TB3.
- One Thunderbolt 3 upstream port (40Gbps, 85W PD)
- One Thunderbolt 3 downstream port (40Gbps, 15W)
- Titan Ridge chipset (USB-C and T3)
- As much as two exterior shows (2 x 4K at 60Hz; or 1 x 5K at 60Hz)
- One HDMI 2.0 port
- Two USB-C (10Gbps) ports (one at 18W)
- 4 USB-A (5Gbps) ports (one at 7.5W)
- SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II, 312MBps)
- microSD 4.0 Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II, 312MBps)
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- Hybrid 3.5mm audio port
- 180W energy provide
Learn our full
Anker PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock evaluate
CalDigit TS3 Plus – Wonderful Thunderbolt 3 dock for Macs
Execs
- 15 ports
- 87W PD
- Digital audio
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 not 4
- Would not work with USB-C laptops
Value When Reviewed:
$299.95
Works with Thunderbolt laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
Caldigit’s TS3 Plus is the granddaddy of Thunderbolt 3 docks. Its compact form and 15 ports made it our favourite top-end Thunderbolt 3 docking station for its sheer useful flexibility and energy at an excellent value.
Different docks boast sooner USB ports, however few have seven just like the TS3 Plus—besides its successor, the TS4, which makes even the TS3 Plus look underpowered. in case you can afford the additional, we suggest the TS4.
It’s a better option than the Anker 577 dock as it really works with all trendy Macs that use M1 or M2 chips.
The TS3 Plus exhibits its age by not having a Titan Ridge or Goshen Ridge chipset. It’s due to this fact unsuitable for non-Thunderbolt laptops—however as most MacBooks have at the least T3, that shouldn’t matter except you’re employed in a combined Mac/Home windows atmosphere.
And whereas Thunderbolt 4 is the most recent connection normal, its top-end advantages received’t be seen by most MacBook house owners as TB3 matches TB4 on data-transfer pace.
So as to add the second exterior show you’ll require an HDMI or DisplayPort USB-C video adapter to run from the USB-C port except you’ve a USB-C monitor. To keep away from this want for an adapter, search for a dock with two video ports.
Each linked shows can run 4K shows at 60Hz. You can additionally run one 5K show on the similar body fee.
The TS3 Plus’s digital audio ports set it other than most different Thunderbolt docks.
It expenses your laptop computer at 87W so makes it an excellent companion to Apple’s 15in or 16in MacBook Professional.
This dock is dinky so received’t take up an excessive amount of house in your desk. Obtainable in Silver and Area Grey, it matches the colours of Apple’s laptops.
- One Thunderbolt 3 upstream port (40Gbps, 87W PD)
- One Thunderbolt 3 downstream port (40Gbps, 15W)
- As much as two exterior shows (4K at 60Hz)
- DisplayPort 1.2 port
- 5 USB-A ports (5Gbps, 7.5W)
- One USB-C (10Gbps) port
- One USB-C (5Gbps) port
- SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II, 312MBps)
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- Entrance-facing 3.5mm Audio In & Out ports
- One Digital Optical Audio (S/PDIF) port
- 180W energy provide
Learn our full
CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 3 Plus (TS3 Plus) evaluate
CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 mini Dock – Greatest moveable Thunderbolt 3 dock
Execs
- Transportable
- Twin show ports
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 not 4
- No downstream TB3 port
- Unpowered
Value When Reviewed:
From $149.99
Works with Thunderbolt laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
The CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 mini Dock presents dual-4K HDMI show assist at 60Hz in a light-weight moveable type. It connects to the laptop computer through an built-in TB3 cable.
The Mini Dock Twin HDMI options the 2 HDMI ports, plus Gigabit Ethernet and two USB-A: one at 5Gbps (4.5W); one on the a lot slower 480Mbps (2.5W).
It runs 4K shows at 60Hz in Prolonged mode—finest for high-action motion pictures and gaming. Plainer USB-C docks can deal with two 4K shows, however solely at 30Hz, and just one Prolonged.
Its draw back is an absence of energy provide (which it attracts from the host laptop computer), so that you’ll have to energy your laptop computer through one other port, and the USB ports definitely aren’t for fast-charging functions.
Transportable USB-C hubs usually boast extra ports (though simply the one exterior show choice) however lack the sooner Thunderbolt 3 connection.
- Bus-powered, so no PD charging
- Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) upstream cable
- As much as two exterior shows (4K at 60Hz)
- Two HDMI 2.0 ports (4K at 60Hz)
- Two USB-A port (5Gbps & 4.5W, one 480Mbps & 2.5W)
- Gigabit Ethernet port
Learn our full
CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 miniDock evaluate
Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station
Execs
- 11 quick ports
- 4x TB4
- 180W energy provide
- Energy button
Value When Reviewed:
$369.99
Works with Thunderbolt and USB-C laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
The Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station has the whole lot a dock ought to have: 4 TB4 ports, three quick USB-A and one gradual one (that at the least boasts 7.5W charging energy in comparison with the sooner USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port’s 4.5W), Gigabit Ethernet, SD Card reader, and three.5mm audio jack.
At 180W, the ability provide is excessive however not as nice as discovered on the Caldigit TS4. It’s important if you’re powering a number of units linked to the dock. And the On/Off energy button (uncommon on docks) means you may give the laptop computer battery’s relaxation if you’re away.
There are helpful lights telling you when the dock is powered and when it’s linked.
• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 90W PD)
• Three Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports (40Gbps, 15W)
• Three USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W)
• One USB-A port (480Mbps, 7.5W)
• Gigabit Ethernet
• SD Card reader (USHS-II, 312MBps)
• 3.5mm audio jack
• 180W energy provide
Learn our full
Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station evaluate.
Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Aspect Hub – Greatest Thunderbolt 4 hub
Execs
- 4x TB4
- 4x 10Gbps USB-A
- 150W complete energy
- Compact
Cons
- 60W energy perhaps gentle for bigger laptops
Value When Reviewed:
$249.99
Works with Thunderbolt and USB-C laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
The Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Aspect Hub isn’t a dock as a result of it doesn’t function something aside from Thunderbolt and USB ports—no Ethernet, SD card reader or audio port.
However it boasts so many top-end Thunderbolt and USB ports that you may customise it to your each want.
There are 4 TB4 ports (one upstream to your pc positioned handily on the aspect, and three downstream to different units) and 4 quick 10Gbps USB-A ports.
You need to use two of the three downstream TB4 ports to attach on to USB-C-equipped displays or HDMI or DisplayPort screens utilizing cheap adapters.
That also go away you a spare TB4 port and the 4 USB-A ports so as to add additional units, comparable to an adapter for Gigabit Ethernet and/or SD card reader, SSDs, reminiscence sticks and so forth.
As a hub somewhat than a dock, its 60W laptop computer charger is a bit of underpowered for bigger laptops, however the general 150W energy provide will assist with all of the hub’s ports.
It’s sufficiently small to be moveable, however don’t overlook that the exterior energy provide will crush your journey bag.
• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 60W PD)
• Three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)
• 4 USB-A ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)
• 150W energy provide
Learn our full
Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Aspect Hub evaluate.
OWC Thunderbolt Hub – Greatest funds Thunderbolt 4 hub
Execs
- 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports
- One quick USB-A port
Cons
- 60W energy perhaps gentle for bigger laptops
Value When Reviewed:
$159
Works with Thunderbolt and USB-C laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
Additionally a hub somewhat than a full dock, the OWC Thunderbolt Hub doesn’t match the Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Aspect Hub on its variety of old-school USB-A ports, however it cheaper and presents the identical 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports—one upstream to your pc positioned on the entrance, and three downstream to different units on the again.
You need to use two of the three downstream TB4 ports to attach on to USB-C-equipped displays or HDMI or DisplayPort screens utilizing cheap adapters.
As with the Caldigit Aspect Hub, its 60W laptop computer charger is underpowered for bigger laptops.
• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 60W PD)
• Three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)
• One USB-A port (10Gbps, 7.5W)
• 110W energy provide
Orico TB3-S2 Thunderbolt 3 Dock – Dock with built-in SSD enclosure
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 not 4
- Noisy
Value When Reviewed:
$299.99
The Orico TB3-S2 is a Thunderbolt 3 docking station that provides one thing no different dock examined right here can boast: an M.2 dual-bay solid-state drive (SSD) enclosure.
Beneath, there’s a hatch that means that you can add one or two SSDs for as much as 4TB of additional storage–a boon for laptops with smaller storage capacities. This enclosure consists of one bay for M.2 NVMe 2280 SSD and the opposite for an M.2 NGFF 2280 SSD.
For instance, you may add the Samsung 970 EVO Plus PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, with 1TB round $200/£130 and 2TB from $256/£200. In order for you a 4TB SSD added to your MacBook Professional, Apple will cost you $1,000/£1,000.
Because the SSDs require a fan, the dock does make an audible buzzing sound, which might be drowned out by air-conditioning however would undoubtedly be heard in a quiet room.
The dock itself is extremely slim regardless of the storage bays, and fabricated from aluminum.
On the TB3-S2 there’s only one upstream TB3 port (that connects to your laptop computer) and a downstream TB3 port that can be utilized to connect suitable units or an exterior show.
The included DisplayPort 1.4 connection is one of the best show hyperlink, however so as to add two exterior displays it is advisable use the spare TB3 downstream port. It may deal with two 4K shows at 60Hz or as much as an 8K single show.
There’s, nevertheless, a quick USB-C port on the dock’s entrance, in addition to three various pace USB-A ports. The charging functionality of the USB-A ports is somewhat weak however you possibly can energy a tool at 7.5W utilizing the USB-C port. The Thunderbolt 3 port can cost a laptop computer at as much as 60W, which is okay for many mid-sized laptops however not the 16in MacBook Professional.
The Orico TB3-S2 is a slim—if barely noisy—Thunderbolt 3 dock with the enviable potential to assist as much as 4TB of reasonably priced solid-state storage.
• One Thunderbolt 3 upstream port (40Gbps, 60W PD)
• One Thunderbolt 3 downstream port (40Gbps, 15W)
• As much as two exterior shows (2 x 4K at 60Hz; or 1 x 8K at 60Hz)
• One DisplayPort 1.4 port
• One USB-C (10Gbps) ports (one at 7.5W)
• Two USB-A (5Gbps) ports (one at 2.5W)
• One USB-A (10Gbp) ports (one at 4.5W)
• Two NVMe SSD slots (max 4TB storage)
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• Hybrid 3.5mm audio port
• 120W energy provide
Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station
Execs
- 12 ports, inc two HDMI ports
- TB4
- 20W USB-C
- Energy button
Cons
- No assist for Apple silicon (M1/M2)
- Macs cannot absolutely use each HDMI ports
- Just one downstream TB4 port
- 4.5W USB-A charging
Value When Reviewed:
$299.99
Works with Thunderbolt and USB-C laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
With its two HDMI ports, the Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station seems an excellent selection if it is advisable join a couple of exterior show to your laptop computer.
Most different Thunderbolt 4 docks we’ve examined rely solely on the TB4 ports for show connections. Which means that in order for you two exterior screens, you lose two of the three downstream TB4 ports, plus you will want HDMI or DisplayPort adapters except the shows have a USB-C connection.
In case your exterior shows use HDMI, you don’t want any USB-C adapters to attach shows. One draw back is that there’s only one downstream TB4 port, however that’s all you’d have left in case you linked two shows to one of many different docks or hubs.
The opposite is extra vital for Mac customers. There are methods across the limitation however, out of the field, Macs can’t use each HDMI ports with Prolonged mode shows; solely Mirrored. And Anker warns off house owners of Macs that boast an M1 or M2 processor.
In the event you aren’t planning on including two screens, this dock is much less versatile than different hubs and docks the place the TB4 ports can be utilized for show or no matter else you want.
We’re followers of the inclusion of an influence button in order that your laptop computer isn’t receiving a possible cost when it’s not wanted, and protecting the dock’s temperature down at evening.
• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 90W PD)
• One downstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 15W)
• One USB-C port (10Gbps, 20W)
• Two USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W)
• Two USB-A ports (480Mbps, 4.5W)
• Two HDMI 2.0 ports (4K at 60Hz)
• Gigabit Ethernet
• SD Card reader (UHS-II, 312MBps)
• 3.5mm audio jack
• 120W energy provide
Learn our full
Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station evaluate.
HyperDrive GEN2 14-Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Execs
- 14 ports
- 85W PD
- Titan Ridge
- Digital audio
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 not 4
- Costly exterior US
Value When Reviewed:
$349.99
Works with Thunderbolt and USB-C laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
This Titan Ridge (Thunderbolt and USB-C) docking station is bristling with 14 high-performance ports.
Its compact type is neat (identical to the Caldigit TS4 and TS3 Plus or the Anker PowerExpand Elite), and it may lie both upright or horizontal relying in your wants and desire.
There are six USB-A ports in complete: 4 USB-A ports at 5Gbps and an extra two at 10Gbps, plus one fast-charging QC 3.0 USB-A port.
On high of that is one 10Gbps USB-C port that you just’ll want if you wish to complement the DisplayPort for a second exterior show.
You’ll additionally get extra professional-level digital audio ports, in addition to the analogue 3.5mm headphone/mic jack on the entrance.
- One Thunderbolt 3 upstream port (40Gbps, 85W PD)
- One Thunderbolt 3 downstream port (40Gbps, 15W)
- Titan Ridge chipset (USB-C and TB3)
- As much as two exterior shows (4K at 60Hz)
- One DisplayPort 1.4 ports (4K at 60Hz)
- Three USB-A ports (5Gbps, 4.5W)
- Two USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W)
- One USB-A port (QC 3.0, 36W)
- One USB-C port (10Gbps, 7.5W)
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- Entrance-facing 3.5mm Analogue Audio In & Out port
- One Digital Optical Toslink Audio (S/PDIF) port
- One Digital Coaxial Audio (S/PDIF) port
- 180W energy provide
Learn our full
HyperDrive GEN2 16-Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock evaluate.
Twelve South StayGo – Greatest moveable USB-C dock
Execs
- Transportable
- 85W passthrough charging
Value When Reviewed:
$99.99
Works with USB-C and Thunderbolt laptops (TB at diminished bandwidth)
It calls itself only a hub however this little light-weight field of ports has sufficient to go to battle with greater, costlier laptop computer docking stations—and is little sufficient to slot in your pocket and go travelling with you.
It boasts three USB-A ports (one with Quick Charging), USB-C ports for connecting to the laptop computer and likewise 85W of PD charging, one HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet and SD/Micro SD card readers.
It’s USB-C somewhat than Thunderbolt however will work with both kind of laptop computer connection (we examined it with a 15in MacBook Professional). After all, you’ll lose that full 40Gbps bandwidth and the choice of a second exterior show, however lighter customers won’t care, and it’s excellent for portability.
- One USB-C upstream port (5Gbps)
- One USB-C port (5Gbps) for passthrough 85W PD charging; requires charger
- One exterior show (4K at 30Hz)
- HDMI port (4K at 30Hz)
- Three USB-A ports (5Gbps; one at 7.5W)
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- SD Card Reader (UHS-I, 104MBps)
Learn our full
Twelve South StayGo USB-C Hub evaluate.
OWC Thunderbolt 3 Professional Dock – Greatest dock for 10Gb Ethernet
Execs
- 11 ports
- 10Gb Ethernet
- 6Gbps eSATA port
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 not 4
- Costly exterior US
Value When Reviewed:
$379.99
Works with Thunderbolt laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
The OWC Thunderbolt 3 Professional Dock is aimed toward digital picture professionals and has final efficiency at its coronary heart.
Principally, it options super-fast 10Gb Ethernet somewhat than the usual 1Gb (Gigabit) connection discovered on the opposite docking stations reviewed right here. The Caldigit TS4 options 2.5Gb Ethernet.
To get probably the most from this degree of Ethernet it is advisable have suitable community units.
It additionally encompasses a CFast 2.0 card reader for folks nonetheless utilizing CompactFlash in its newest model.
There are Thunderbolt docking stations with extra ports and beefier chargers, however none have 10Gb Ethernet or CFast 2.0. You possibly can add these to different docks through devoted adapters, however the Professional Dock has all of it built-in, plus a very safe power-supply connection in case it’s used on a professional DIT cart.
- One Thunderbolt 3 upstream port (40Gbps, 60W PD)
- One Thunderbolt 3 downstream port (40Gbps, 15W)
- As much as two exterior shows (2 x 4K at 60Hz; or 1 x 5K at 60Hz)
- DisplayPort 1.2 port
- Three USB-A ports (5Gbps)
- SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II, 312MBps)
- CFast 2.0 Card Reader
- 10Gb Ethernet port
- 6Gbps eSATA port
- 150W energy provide
Learn our full
OWC Thunderbolt 3 Professional Dock evaluate
OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock – ports aplenty
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 not 4
- MiniDP
Value When Reviewed:
$249.99
Works with Thunderbolt laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
OWC’s normal Thunderbolt 3 docking station has an excellent set of ports, and expenses at a top-end 85W—highly effective sufficient for a 15in MacBook Professional. 85W might be sufficient to cost even the 96W 16in MBP fairly quick and definitely not drain even when linked to a number of units.
The 5 USB-A ports are all 5Gbps, and there’s a 10Gbps Gen 2 USB-C port on the entrance of the most recent 14-port mannequin, which not many Thunderbolt docks have.
The curiously old style selection of Mini DisplayPort over DisplayPort isn’t a technical hurdle however you’ll require adapters for including exterior shows. Different docks have a couple of port for exterior shows, however this one wants adapters to hook up with shows—which provides to the general price.
That apart, the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock has the whole lot a dock ought to have in a slick-looking slim case that can look good in any laptop computer setup.
- One Thunderbolt 3 upstream port (40Gbps, 85W PD)
- One Thunderbolt 3 downstream port (40Gbps)
- As much as two exterior shows (2 x 4K at 60Hz; or 1 x 5K at 60Hz)
- Mini DisplayPort 1.2 port
- One USB-C port (10Gbps)
- 5 USB-A ports (5Gbps; two at 7.5W)
- SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II, 312MBps)
- MicroSD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II, 312MBps)
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- Hybrid 3.5mm audio port
- S/PDIF digital audio output port
- 180W energy provide
Learn our full
OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock evaluate
StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 Twin-4K Docking Station – Filled with ports
Value When Reviewed:
$329.99
Works with Thunderbolt laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
The StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 Twin-4K Docking Station is, because the title suggests, for laptops that sport the quick (40Gbps) Thunderbolt 3 model of USB-C. It received’t work for slower (5-10Gbps) USB-C laptops, such because the 12in MacBook, however will hook up with newer Thunderbolt 4 laptops.
It’s additionally suitable with Home windows laptops and Chromebooks like the opposite Thunderbolt docks now we have examined.
Being constructed for Thunderbolt 3, it may join two exterior 4K shows at 60Hz, so is nice for wealthy graphics and quick gaming motion. One of many displays can join through the DisplayPort. You’ll doubtless want an adapter to attach the second port through the spare Thunderbolt 3 port except the show has a USB-C port too.
The record value is steep, however you’ll discover it cheaper at Amazon.
- One Thunderbolt 3 upstream port (40Gbps, 85W PD)
- One Thunderbolt 3 downstream port (40Gbps)
- As much as two exterior shows (4K at 60Hz)
- DisplayPort 1.2 port
- One USB-C port (5Gbps)
- 5 USB-A ports (5Gbps; one at 7.5W)
- SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II, 312MBps)
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- Entrance-facing mixture 3.5mm Audio In & Out port
- 180W energy provide
Learn our full
StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 Twin-4K Docking station evaluate.
Linedock – Greatest USB-C dock for desk house
Execs
- 10 ports
- Additional battery
- Additional SSD storage choices
Cons
- USB-C not Thunderbolt
- Costly
Value When Reviewed:
From $479
Works with USB-C and Thunderbolt laptops (TB at diminished bandwidth)
The Linedock seems to be totally different to most USB-C docks. In truth, you’ll hardly discover it because it sits beneath a 13in, 15in or 16in MacBook Professional or Air.
It seems to be identical to a closed MacBook, apart from a row of ports on both aspect, and a charging USB-C port on the again (it requires a separate charger, however the one which shipped along with your MacBook might be wonderful).
It connects to the MacBook with a nifty little U-shaped connector, with one USB-C connector for the dock and one other for the laptop computer.
It’s a desk-space saver however not a cash saver. It doesn’t simply seem like an Apple product, it’s priced like one, and is the costliest dock on check right here. For the 16in MacBook Professional the value goes from $479 to $839 absolutely specced.
However it does have two distinctive and extremely helpful options lacking from different docking stations: as much as a 27,000mAh battery and the choice so as to add as much as 2TB of SSD reminiscence inside it – an virtually unbelievable quantity of battery capability and storage for a laptop computer. You possibly can go away the Linedock with no SSD, or add a 256GB, 1TB or 2TB SSD relying on the mannequin.
These are nice concepts, however in different methods the Linedock appears a bit of old-fashioned in locations.
The 13in mannequin has a Mini DisplayPort (in addition to the extra frequent HDMI) however no Gigabit Ethernet, for instance. Including a fats Ethernet port would perhaps make this flat dock too excessive for its goal.
Whereas the 13in Linedock can assist just one exterior show, the 15in and 16in fashions can deal with two – though, for now, all M1 Apple laptops can assist just one exterior monitor anyway.
The newer 16in mannequin is aimed toward M1 / M1 Professional / M1 Max ditches the MiniDP for full-size DisplayPort and HDMI ports, though it might have disbursed with video ports fully if customers have been advisable to make use of a USB-C-to-USB-C cable for suitable shows or an adapter for HDMI or DisplayPort displays.
And it’s USB-C somewhat than Thunderbolt, so nowhere close to the top-end 40Gbps bandwidth of the Apple laptops. That is meant to maintain prices down, and the Linedock is already lots costly sufficient.
In the event you can afford it, the Linedock is a superb hybrid of dock, battery and storage. The shortage of Thunderbolt received’t hassle lighter customers, and respectable Wi-Fi will imply the lacking Ethernet port received’t matter both.
- Move-through laptop computer charging at as much as 100W
- Two exterior shows (4K at 60Hz)
- HDMI 2.0 port (on all fashions)
- DisplayPort (on 15in and 16in mannequin)
- Mini DisplayPort 1.4 (on 13in mannequin)
- Three USB-C (5Gbps) ports (13in)
- Three USB-C (10Gbps) ports (15/16in)
- Three USB-A (5Gbps) ports (13/15/16in)
- SD Card Reader (UHS-I, 104MBps) on 13in
- Two SD Card Readers (UHS-II, 312MBps) on 15/16in
- 19,350mAh battery (13in)
- 27,000mAh battery (13in)
- 0GB, 256GB or 1TB SSD choices (13in)
- 0GB, 1TB or 2TB SSD choices (15/16in)
Learn our full
Linedock evaluate
Moshi Symbus Q Compact USB-C Dock – Greatest USB-C dock with wi-fi charging
Execs
- 15W Wi-fi charging
- Compact
Value When Reviewed:
$219.95
Works with USB-C and Thunderbolt laptops (TB at diminished bandwidth)
The Symbus Q compact USB-C dock has a genius, distinctive promoting level.
The highest of the dock encompasses a cushioned and non-slip wi-fi charging pad that you may relaxation your telephone on and begin charging it with out the necessity to take up one of many USB slots or discover that pesky charging cable.
It options one HDMI (4K@30Hz, 1080p@60Hz), one Gigabit Ethernet, and two old-school USB-A ports (5Gbps USB 3.1 Gen 1).
Qi-certified, it may cost by instances as much as 5mm in thickness, and helps Apple’s 7.5W and Samsung’s 10W quick charging.
It helps full USB PD (Energy Supply) performance for fast-charging (as much as 50W) your laptop computer.
- PD laptop computer charging at as much as 60W
- One exterior show (4K at 30Hz)
- HDMI port
- Two USB-A ports (5Gbps)
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- Qi wi-fi charging (15W)
Now take into consideration a stand to go alongside the dock
These MacBook docking stations look and work nice with a laptop computer stand, and we’ve additionally examined some
MacBook-friendly stands that lack all the additional ports however hold your MacBook/Air/Professional upright and out of the best way: additional saving precious desk house, decreasing litter, protecting your laptop computer cool, and saving it from spills.
Learn our greatest MacBook equipment function for extra important laptop computer gear.
