Plug your MacBook out and in of a multi-port docking station to swiftly add gadgets 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 obtainable to homeowners of the MacBook Air and MacBook Professional.
Thunderbolt 3, 4 or USB-C
The connectors all look the identical, however there are important variations, notably on pace—with USB-C maxing out at 10Gbps (often 5Gbps) in comparison with the 40Gbps of Thunderbolt 3 and 4. That additional bandwidth permits not only for quicker knowledge switch however increased body charges to exterior shows, plus another good 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 supplied with Thunderbolt 4, then you definitely actually should purchase a TB4 dock for those who want extra ports than these 14/16in laptops already possess.
Shopping for a Thunderbolt 4 dock is a clever resolution based mostly on future-proofing even for homeowners of TB3 Macs as the usual is backwards appropriate with TB3 and USB-C. That mentioned, there are nonetheless some nice—and infrequently extra inexpensive—TB3 docks obtainable, and most Apple customers received’t see a lot distinction between TB3 and TB4—the Thunderbolt 4 commonplace was primarily about getting Home windows laptops up to the mark, though there are technical advantages for MacBook Professional customers, resembling smarter daisy-chaining and quicker PCI hard-drive connections.
Now we have included some cheaper non-Thunderbolt USB-C docks. In case you don’t require the last word bandwidth for the quickest knowledge switch and greatest 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 case you use your laptop computer as your principal pc, you’ll do properly to think about attaching at the very least one bigger show to create a hybrid desktop/laptop computer setup (with a keyboard, mouse and printer all obtainable 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 massive screens to increase your display screen throughout your entire desk.
If you wish to join multiple exterior show to your MacBook you’ll want a Thunderbolt dock, relatively 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 multiple exterior show in Prolonged Mode even through their Thunderbolt 3 ports. Because of this when utilizing any docking station, M1 MacBook customers can not lengthen their desktop over two or extra shows, and shall be restricted to both twin Mirrored shows or one exterior show—though there are software program workarounds and devoted docks that permit you to add multiple 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 would like a docking station?
The brand new M1 Professional/Max MacBook Professional fashions boast a wider vary of built-in ports, so lighter customers may not want a docking station in any respect.
With three TB4 and an HDMI port, a MacBook with an M1 Max may connect with as much as 4 exterior shows with out the necessity for a dock, though such an influence consumer would possible require additional Thunderbolt ports for different gadgets 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 for those who want one), a dock will possible be a more sensible choice for memory-card use whether it is rated at UHS-II relatively 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 very least Gigabit Ethernet, though you can add a Thunderbolt-to-Ethernet adapter in case you have a spare TB port. Some later docks embody quicker 2.5Gb Ethernet however you’ll want a 2.5GbE router or different gadget to get the profit.
In case you simply want just a few additional ports, a USB-C hub or Thunderbolt 4 hub is perhaps your most suitable option. In case 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 quicker speeds until 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 overview checklist beneath, we state on the high which sort of laptop computer (USB-C or Thunderbolt) every docking station is appropriate with.
Our sister web site Tech Advisor have individually examined all of the greatest 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 very 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 will be charged by a 30W or 60W charger, however slower than it could 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 case you personal a bigger MacBook Professional, purchase a dock with a PD (Energy Supply) potential of at the very least 90W for those who can. Extra moveable hubs are often rated at decrease energy.
Charging the docked gadgets: Some docks don’t function an exterior energy provide however really use your laptop computer to attract energy from. Add too many gadgets to certainly one of these docks and you could properly expertise energy points, as USB-C can deal with simply 7.5W bus-device energy whereas Thunderbolt can cross again 15W.
Entire 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 very least one other (“downstream”) to connect additional gadgets (laborious drives, exterior show, and others).
There are numerous low cost adapters that allow you to add extra gadgets to a USB-C or Thunderbolt MacBook (see our roundup of the greatest USB-C adapters for Macs), however for max flexibility take a look at these docking stations that deal with all of your additional port necessities, and permit you to merely connect it to your laptop computer with only one cable whenever you get to the workplace or come dwelling.
Right here we focus on Thunderbolt docks, but additionally embody cheaper USB-C docks—which Thunderbolt MacBooks can use, however at the price of decreased bandwidth and show limitations. For extra non-Thunderbolt USB-C-only docks take a look at Tech Advisor’s roundup of the greatest USB-C docking stations for laptops. Tech Advisor additionally evaluations all of the obtainable Thunderbolt 4 docks.
Docks aren’t only for MacBooks. Mac mini (2018 and later) and iMac (2017 and later) homeowners may contemplate 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 inexpensive method so as to add storage to your laptop computer setup. We discovered a 512GB Samsung Evo microSD card on Amazon for beneath £100 within the UK and $100 within the US. That’s a really low cost method of including half a terabyte of moveable storage. For extra particulars learn up on our greatest microSD playing cards.
CalDigit TS4 – Finest Thunderbolt 4 dock for Macs
Professionals
- Thunderbolt 4
- 18 ports
- 98W PD
- 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
- 230W energy provide
Cons
- Solely two downstream TB4 ports
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.
It has probably the most ports, the quickest ports and the very 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 backwards appropriate and can work together 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, until your show can join immediately with its USB-C port, you’ll want a USB-C-to-DisplayPort or HDMI adapter cable.
When you have the precise router, you possibly can benefit from super-fast wired Web entry with the TS4’s 2.5GbE Gigabit Ethernet–2.5x quicker than commonplace Gigabit Ethernet, with which it additionally works on commonplace 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) overview.
Anker 577 PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock – Finest Thunderbolt 3 dock for Macs
Professionals
- 13 ports
- 85W PD
- 18W USB-C
Works with Thunderbolt and USB-C laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
Anker’s 577 PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock is a good Titan Ridge docking station for Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C laptops–with a lot of top-rated ports in a compact, handsome case.
It’s a severe contender to 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 quicker USB-C port plus the power 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, the place 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 differentiate it from the opposite really helpful docking stations we now have examined.
This can be a nice choice for perfecting your TB3 or USB-C laptop computer to a desktop setup.
Within the battle of the Titan Ridge hybrid docks, the Anker wins on a cute compact design, variety of ports, and having 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
Evaluation Anker PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock
CalDigit TS3 Plus – Wonderful Thunderbolt 3 dock for Macs
Professionals
- 15 ports
- 87W PD
- Digital audio
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 not 4
- Does not work with USB-C laptops
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 incredible value.
Different docks boast quicker USB ports, however few have seven just like the TS3 Plus—besides its successor, the TS4, which makes even the TS3 Plus look underpowered. for those who can afford the additional, we suggest the TS4.
The TS3 Plus exhibits its age by not having a Titan Ridge or Goshen Ridge chipset. It’s subsequently unsuitable for non-Thunderbolt laptops—however as most MacBooks have at the very least T3, that shouldn’t matter until you’re employed in a combined Mac/Home windows surroundings.
And whereas Thunderbolt 4 is the most recent connection commonplace, its top-end advantages received’t be observed by most MacBook homeowners 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 until you’ve got 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 may 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 prices your laptop computer at 87W so makes it an incredible 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. Out there in Silver and House 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
Evaluation CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 3 Plus (TS3 Plus)
CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 mini Dock – Finest moveable Thunderbolt 3 dock
Professionals
- Transportable
- Twin show ports
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 not 4
- No downstream TB3 port
- Unpowered
Works with Thunderbolt laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
The CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 mini Dock gives dual-4K HDMI show assist at 60Hz in a light-weight moveable kind. 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—greatest 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 actually aren’t for fast-charging functions.
Transportable USB-C hubs usually boast extra ports (though simply the one exterior show choice) however lack the quicker 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
Evaluation CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 miniDock
Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station
Professionals
- 11 quick ports
- 4x TB4
- 180W energy provide
- Energy button
Works with Thunderbolt and USB-C laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
The Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station has all the pieces a dock ought to have: 4 TB4 ports, three quick USB-A and one sluggish one (that at the very least boasts 7.5W charging energy in comparison with the quicker 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 gadgets linked to the dock. And the On/Off energy button (uncommon on docks) means you can provide the laptop computer battery’s relaxation whenever 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 overview.
Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Aspect Hub – Finest Thunderbolt 4 hub
Professionals
- 4x TB4
- 4x 10Gbps USB-A
- 150W whole energy
- Compact
Cons
- 60W energy possibly mild for bigger laptops
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 apart from Thunderbolt and USB ports—no Ethernet, SD card reader or audio port.
Nevertheless it boasts so many top-end Thunderbolt and USB ports that you would be able to 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 gadgets) and 4 quick 10Gbps USB-A ports.
You should 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 depart you a spare TB4 port and the 4 USB-A ports so as to add additional gadgets, resembling an adapter for Gigabit Ethernet and/or SD card reader, SSDs, reminiscence sticks and so forth.
As a hub relatively than a dock, its 60W laptop computer charger is a bit of underpowered for bigger laptops, however the total 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 overview.
OWC Thunderbolt Hub – Finest price range Thunderbolt 4 hub
Professionals
- 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports
- One quick USB-A port
Cons
- 60W energy possibly mild for bigger laptops
Works with Thunderbolt and USB-C laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
The OWC Thunderbolt Hub doesn’t match the Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Aspect Hub on its variety of old-school USB-A ports, nevertheless it cheaper and gives the identical 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports—one upstream to your pc positioned on the entrance, and three downstream to different gadgets on the again.
You should 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
The Orico TB3-S2 is a Thunderbolt 3 docking station that gives 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 can add the Samsung 970 EVO Plus PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, with 1TB round $200/£130 and 2TB from $256/£200. If you need 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 positively be heard in a quiet room.
The dock itself is extremely slim regardless of the storage bays, and manufactured 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 appropriate gadgets 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 you’ll want to use the spare TB3 downstream port. It will possibly 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 relatively 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 ok 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 capacity to assist as much as 4TB of inexpensive 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
Professionals
- 12 ports, inc two HDMI ports
- TB4
- 20W USB-C
- Energy button
Cons
- Macs cannot totally use each HDMI ports
- Just one downstream TB4 port
- 4.5W USB-A charging
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 incredible selection if you’ll want to join multiple exterior show to your laptop computer.
Most different Thunderbolt 4 docks we’ve examined rely solely on the TB4 ports for show connections. Because of this if you’d like two exterior screens, you lose two of the three downstream TB4 ports, plus you will want HDMI or DisplayPort adapters until 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 for those who linked two shows to one of many different docks or hubs.
The opposite is extra important 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.
In case 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 holding the dock’s temperature down at night time.
• 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 overview.
HyperDrive GEN2 14-Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Professionals
- 14 ports
- 85W PD
- Titan Ridge
- Digital audio
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 not 4
- Costly exterior US
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 kind is neat (similar to the Caldigit TS4 and TS3 Plus or the Anker PowerExpand Elite), and it will possibly lie both upright or horizontal relying in your wants and desire.
There are six USB-A ports in whole: 4 USB-A ports at 5Gbps and an additional 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 simply’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.
Shopping for from exterior of the US brings excessive transport prices, so makes this an unappealing buy within the UK and EU.
- 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 overview.
Twelve South StayGo – Finest moveable USB-C dock
Professionals
- Transportable
- 85W passthrough charging
Works with USB-C and Thunderbolt laptops (TB at decreased bandwidth)
It calls itself only a hub however this little light-weight field of ports has sufficient to go to battle with greater, dearer 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 in addition 85W of PD charging, one HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet and SD/Micro SD card readers.
It’s USB-C relatively than Thunderbolt however will work with both kind of laptop computer connection (we examined it with a 15in MacBook Professional). In fact, you’ll lose that full 40Gbps bandwidth and the choice of a second exterior show, however lighter customers may not 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 overview.
OWC Thunderbolt 3 Professional Dock – Finest dock for 10Gb Ethernet
Professionals
- 11 ports
- 10Gb Ethernet
- 6Gbps eSATA port
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 not 4
- Costly exterior US
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 relatively 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 you’ll want to have appropriate community gadgets.
It additionally encompasses a CFast 2.0 card reader for individuals 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 extremely 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
Evaluation OWC Thunderbolt 3 Professional Dock
OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock – ports aplenty
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 not 4
- MiniDP
Works with Thunderbolt laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
OWC’s commonplace Thunderbolt 3 docking station has an incredible set of ports, and prices at a top-end 85W—highly effective sufficient for a 15in MacBook Professional. 85W shall be sufficient to cost even the 96W 16in MBP fairly quick and definitely not drain even when linked to a number of gadgets.
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 school selection of Mini DisplayPort over DisplayPort isn’t a technical hurdle however you’ll require adapters for including exterior shows. Different docks have multiple port for exterior shows, however this one wants adapters to connect with shows—which provides to the general value.
That apart, the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock has all the pieces a dock ought to have in a slick-looking slim case that may 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
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Evaluation OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock
StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 Twin-4K Docking Station – Full of ports
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 connect with newer Thunderbolt 4 laptops.
It’s additionally appropriate with Home windows laptops and Chromebooks like the opposite Thunderbolt docks we now have examined.
Being constructed for Thunderbolt 3, it will possibly 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 possible want an adapter to attach the second port through the spare Thunderbolt 3 port until the show has a USB-C port too.
The checklist 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 overview.
Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Dock – Upright stand dock
Professionals
- 10 ports
- vertical or horizontal
Works with Thunderbolt laptops (TB at full bandwidth)
Plugable’s Thunderbolt 3 Dock (TBT3-UDV) is a succesful dual-display Thunderbolt 3 docking station that may delight many with its capacity to face upright or lie horizontally.
It’s acquired plenty of USB-A ports, and two Thunderbolt 3 ports—one for the host laptop computer and the opposite for quick gadgets or a second exterior 4K show alongside one hooked up to the DisplayPort. A non-USB-C monitor would require an adapter.
Be aware that whereas generally labelled a “Single Show” docking station, that refers back to the single show port. You should use the spare TB3 port. with an adapter so as to add a second monitor.
At 60W, it’s a bit of underpowered for Apple’s bigger 15in and 16in MacBook Professional laptops, however nice for the 13in MacBook Professional or Air.
- One Thunderbolt 3 upstream port (40Gbps, 60W PD)
- One Thunderbolt 3 downstream port (40Gbps)
- As much as two exterior shows (4K at 60Hz)
- DisplayPort 1.2 port
- 5 USB-A ports (5Gbps, one at 7.5W)
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- Entrance-facing mixture 3.5mm Audio In & Out port
- 135W energy provide
Learn our full
Evaluation Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Dock (TBT3-UDV)
Linedock – Finest USB-C dock for desk house
Professionals
- 10 ports
- Further battery
- Further SSD storage choices
Cons
- USB-C not Thunderbolt
- Costly
Works with USB-C and Thunderbolt laptops (TB at decreased bandwidth)
The Linedock seems completely different to most USB-C docks. Actually, you’ll hardly discover it because it sits beneath a 13in, 15in or 16in MacBook Professional or Air.
It seems similar 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 together with your MacBook shall be nice).
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 appear to be an Apple product, it’s priced like one, and is the most costly dock on check right here. For the 16in MacBook Professional the value goes from $479 to $839 totally specced.
Nevertheless 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 depart 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 widespread HDMI) however no Gigabit Ethernet, for instance. Including a fats Ethernet port would possibly make this flat dock too excessive for its function.
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 may have disbursed with video ports fully if customers have been really helpful to make use of a USB-C-to-USB-C cable for appropriate shows or an adapter for HDMI or DisplayPort displays.
And it’s USB-C relatively 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 a lot costly sufficient.
In case you can afford it, the Linedock is a good hybrid of dock, battery and storage. The shortage of Thunderbolt received’t hassle lighter customers, and first rate 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
Evaluation Linedock
Moshi Symbus Q Compact USB-C Dock – Finest USB-C dock with wi-fi charging
Professionals
- 15W Wi-fi charging
- Compact
Works with USB-C and Thunderbolt laptops (TB at decreased 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 would be able to relaxation your cellphone 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 will possibly cost by means of 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 preserve your MacBook/Air/Professional upright and out of the best way: additional saving priceless desk house, lowering litter, holding your laptop computer cool, and saving it from spills.
Learn our greatest MacBook equipment function for extra important laptop computer gear.
