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 the perfect Thunderbolt and USB-C docks obtainable to homeowners of the MacBook Air and MacBook Professional.
Beneath we assist you select the perfect dock for you by explaining the totally different options on supply. You wish to bounce straight to the complete Finest Dock suggestion chart or click on beneath for our high three decisions. Notice that one of many different choices amongst our opinions may be a more in-depth match to your wants.
- Finest Thunderbolt 4 dock for Macs: Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock – verify at Amazon
- Finest USB-C dock for Macs: Satechi Twin Dock Stand – verify at Amazon
- Strongest Thunderbolt 4 dock: CalDigit TS4 – verify at Amazon
Thunderbolt 3, 4, USB4 or USB-C
The connectors all look the identical (technically often known as a “Kind-C connector”), however there are important variations, significantly on data-transfer velocity—with USB-C maxing out at 10Gbps (often 5Gbps) in comparison with the 40Gbps of Thunderbolt 3 and 4. Extra like Thunderbolt than USB-C, USB4 might be both 20Gbps or 40Gbps. That additional bandwidth permits not only for quicker information switch however larger body charges to exterior shows, plus another sensible advantages.
Of Apple’s current laptop computer ranges, the M1/M2/M3 MacBook Air and 14-inch M3 MacBook Professional function two ports that Apple specifies as “Thunderbolt / USB 4” ports, whereas the 14in and 16in M1/M2/M3 Professional, plain M4 MacBook Professional, and M1/M2/M3 Max MacBook Professional fashions include three Thunderbolt 4 (TB4) ports. Ignore Apple’s twin designation of non-4 Thunderbolt and USB4—it simply implies that the ports don’t certify as pure Thunderbolt 4, and that shouldn’t fear most customers apart from the variety of exterior shows every helps.
Apple’s newest M4 Professional and Max MacBook Professional fashions function three of the most recent Thunderbolt 5 ports, that are backwards appropriate with TB4, TB3 and USB-C. Thunderbolt gadgets and docks are extraordinarily uncommon proper now however promise 80Gbps information switch and 120Gbps video charges. Till the know-how finds its manner into extra gadgets and the Thunderbolt 5 dock market matures, you might be nonetheless going to do very effectively with a 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 dock.
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 can purchase a TB4 dock when you want extra ports than these 14/16in laptops already possess. USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 docks will work as Thunderbolt 4 is backwards appropriate. Certainly, shopping for a Thunderbolt 4 dock is a smart determination for everybody, primarily based on future-proofing even for homeowners of Thunderbolt 3 (TB3) Macs.
That stated, there are nonetheless some nice—and infrequently extra reasonably priced—TB3 and USB-C docks obtainable, and most Apple customers gained’t see a lot distinction between TB3 and TB4—the Thunderbolt 4 commonplace was primarily about getting Home windows laptops on top of things, though there are technical advantages for MacBook Professional customers, equivalent to smarter daisy-chaining and quicker PCI hard-drive connections.
For extra element, learn our Thunderbolt 4 vs Thunderbolt 3 vs USB4 explainer.
We’ve got included some cheaper (non-Thunderbolt) USB-C docks. For those who don’t require the final word bandwidth for the quickest information switch and greatest display screen body charges or resolutions, a USB-C dock may fit your functions and prevent cash.
Add exterior shows to your MacBook
For those who use your laptop computer as your principal laptop, you’ll do effectively to think about attaching not less than 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’ll be able to flip that 13in laptop computer’s display screen real-estate into an iMac-sized 27in and even bigger monitor by including an additional show—or join two and even 4 massive screens to increase your display screen throughout your complete desk. Check out our beneficial greatest screens and shows for Mac.
If you wish to join a couple of exterior show to your MacBook with out including third-party software program you’ll want a Thunderbolt dock, moderately than a USB-C dock—until you put in third-party DisplayLink software program. Natively over USB-C, Macs can solely join to 1 exterior show in Prolonged mode (the place the display screen extends past what you’ll be able to 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 M-series Silicon chips are tremendous speedy in comparison with the fashions sporting Intel processors, fashions with plain (non-Professional or -Max) M1 and M2 chips include an unbelievable limitation: they don’t assist a couple of exterior show in Prolonged Mode even through their Thunderbolt ports. Plain M3 MacBooks can assist two shows however solely with their lids closed.
This limitation implies that when utilizing any docking station, M1 and M2 MacBook customers can’t lengthen their desktop over two or extra shows, and can be restricted to both twin Mirrored shows or one exterior show—though including third-party DisplayLink or InstantView software program to the Mac and connecting to a devoted USB-C dock will let you add a couple of exterior monitor to an M1, M2 or M3 MacBook. Observe that hyperlink for our roundup of the greatest USB-C DisplayLink docks, and we’ve included our favourite in our roundup beneath.
Fortunately, the superior M1/M2/M3 “Professional” and M1/M2/M3 “Max” MacBook Professional fashions—plus the plain M4—can assist a number of shows. Beneath our listing of the perfect MacBook docking stations, we’ve listed the native exterior show choices for every MacBook. One dock helps as much as 4 6K shows when you personal a Max MacBook Professional.
Whereas some docking stations promise assist for 8K shows, Macs are restricted to 6K assist through the dock. Macs with an M2/M3/M4 Professional or Max chip can assist an 8K show at 60Hz however solely when it’s related through the Mac’s personal HDMI port and never any port on the dock.
Do I would like a docking station?
All the most recent MacBook Professional fashions boast a wider vary of built-in ports, so lighter customers won’t want a docking station in any respect. Beneath the listing of our beneficial Mac docks is an in depth have a look at the ports that every current MacBook contains as commonplace.
With three TB4 and an HDMI port, a MacBook with a Max chip might hook up with as much as 4 exterior shows with out the necessity for a dock, though such an influence person would doubtless require additional Thunderbolt ports for different gadgets to make up for utilizing all of the laptop computer ports for a number of screens. See beneath our listing of beneficial docking stations for extra element on the exterior show choices with every current MacBook.
All docks include a bunch of USB ports: some old-school USB-A and newer, extra succesful USB-C.
MacBook Execs 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 when you want one), a dock will doubtless be a more sensible choice for memory-card use whether it is rated at UHS-II moderately 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 not less than Gigabit Ethernet, though you possibly can add a Thunderbolt-to-Ethernet adapter when you have a spare TB port. Some later docks embrace quicker 2.5Gb Ethernet however you’ll want a 2.5GbE router or different machine to get the profit. As Gigabit Ethernet’s velocity is 1Gbps, a less expensive 5Gbps USB-C to Ethernet adapter will work simply as effectively.
Dock or hub?
For those who simply want a number of additional ports, a USB-C hub or Thunderbolt 4 hub may be your best option—see our roundup of the greatest USB-C and Thunderbolt hubs for Mac. Nonetheless, when you require a bunch of quick ports together with Gigabit (or quicker) Ethernet and a number of video ports plus extra highly effective charging functionality, then search for a full dock that fulfills your wants, and you might be in precisely the best place to find which dock is greatest on your and also you MacBook.
USB-C and Thunderbolt speeds
Foundry
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’ll be able to hook up a Thunderbolt laptop computer to a USB-C dock however you gained’t entry the quicker speeds until you purchase a real Thunderbolt dock. Thunderbolt 5, providing 80Gbps, has now joined the social gathering with the M4 Max MacBooks, however precise TB5 gadgets and docks are very uncommon.
• USB and Thunderbolt speeds defined
USB PD: Energy Supply on your laptop computer
Look out for a dock with USB PD. The PD stands for Energy Supply.
Charging the laptop computer: The M1/M2/M3 MacBook Air requires a PD charger with not less than 30W energy, however you’ll be able to fast-charge an M2 Air with a charger rated at over 70W. You’ll want 67W for the 13-inch MacBook Professional and 14-inch MBP (with 8-, 10- or 11-core CPU), 96W for 14-inch MBP (with 12-core CPU), and 96W (ideally 140W) for the 16-inch MBP. The older 15in MacBook Professional requires a 87W PD charger.
An 85W/96W MacBook Professional might be charged by a 30W or 60W charger, however slower than it might be with its native charger. A bigger MacBook with a heavy workload may begin fading even whereas being costs on a decrease wattage.
For those who personal a bigger MacBook Professional, purchase a dock with a PD (Energy Supply) potential of not less than 85W when you can. Moveable hubs are often rated at a decrease energy equivalent to 60W.
USB PD 3.0 maxes at 100W, whereas USB PD 3.1 can assist as much as 240W of energy. The 16-inch MacBook Professional requires 140W to fast-charge through its MagSafe 3 cable, so homeowners of that laptop computer ought to search for a PD 3.1 charger.
For those who simply want a spare charger, we’ve examined the greatest MacBook chargers for you.
Dock, hub or dongle: Entire lotta ports
You want one (“upstream”) Thunderbolt or USB-C port for connecting to and charging your laptop computer (though the 14/16in MacBooks can even energy through the MagSafe port), and certain not less than one other (“downstream”) to connect additional gadgets (arduous drives, exterior show, and others).
There are various cheap USB-C dongles/hubs that allow you to add extra gadgets to a MacBook (see our roundup of the greatest USB-C adapters for Macs) or a Thunderbolt hub providing a number of additional ports may be all of your want, however for optimum flexibility take a look at a docking station that takes care of all of your additional port necessities, and means that you can merely connect it to your laptop computer with only one cable whenever you get to the workplace or come residence.
Right here we consider Thunderbolt docks, but additionally embrace cheaper USB-C docks—which Thunderbolt MacBooks can use, however at the price of decreased bandwidth and show limitations. We’ve additionally included our favourite Thunderbolt hubs for smaller and cheaper alternate options. 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 opinions 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 reasonably priced manner 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 underneath £100 within the UK. That’s a really low-cost manner of including half a terabyte of transportable storage. For extra particulars learn up on our greatest microSD playing cards.
A few of the docks reviewed beneath embrace an built-in SSD enclosure that allows you to add as much as 8TB of quick storage to your related MacBook.
Finest docks for Mac
Right here we listing the Thunderbolt and USB-C docks that we have now reviewed and examined. Learn the descriptions for particulars on all of the options and features supplied by every docking station.
Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock – Finest Thunderbolt 4 dock for Macs
Execs
- Thunderbolt 4
- 19 ports
- Constructed-in speedy SSD enclosure
- 100W PD laptop computer charging
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
Kind: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Ports: 19
Energy: 100W PD 3.0; 150W max
Exterior shows: 2x 4K at 60Hz or 1x 6K at 60Hz
Boasting a powerful 19 top-rated ports, Thunderbolt 4 licensed and with a bonus inside SSD storage function, the Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt SuperDock affords exceptional worth for cash.
It has essentially the most ports and equals the quickest ports seen available in the market. Its nearest competitor is the superb Caldigit TS4, reviewed beneath. Sonnet clearly focused the TS4 and the specs are remarkably comparable—however the cheaper Echo 20 has a helpful SSD enclosure meaning you’ll be able to add as much as 8TB of inside storage through the dock. For those who don’t want this function and like DisplayPort to HDMI, otherwise you want essentially the most highly effective ports on supply, the TS4 continues to be a terrific contender, though it prices a good quantity extra.
The Satechi Twin Dock Stand, reviewed beneath, is a less expensive non-Thunderbolt choice if the concept of an built-in SSD enclosure is interesting.
Even when your MacBook is Thunderbolt 3, as a Thunderbolt 4 dock the Echo 20 is backwards appropriate and can work along with your subsequent laptop computer when it’s time to improve.
Whereas you need to use Thunderbolt ports so as to add exterior shows, Sonnet has swapped one of many downstream TB4 ports for a devoted HDMI port. You’ll be able to add as much as two 4K shows at 60Hz or a single 6K display screen at 60Hz. Except your second show can join instantly with its USB-C port, you’ll want a USB-C-to-DisplayPort or HDMI adapter cable to connect with one of many downstream TB4 ports.
If in case you have the best router, you’ll be able to make the most of super-fast wired Web entry with the Echo 20’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, 100W PD)
- Two Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports (40Gbps, 15W)
- As much as two exterior shows (4K at 60Hz)
- HDMI 2.1 port
- 4 USB-C ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)
- 4 USB-A ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)
- SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II, 312MBps)
- 2.5GbE Gigabit Ethernet port
- 3.5mm Combo Audio In/Out port (entrance)
- Two (proper and left channels) line out RCA jacks (again)
- 3.5mm microphone jack (again)
- 150W energy provide
Learn our full
Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock overview
Satechi Twin Dock Stand – Finest USB-C dock for Macs
Execs
- 9 ports
- Constructed-in speedy SSD enclosure
- 100W PD laptop computer charging
- Zero-footprint docking station
Cons
- USB-C not Thunderbolt
- USB ports can’t cost gadgets
- No card reader
- Requires USB-C charger
Kind: 10Gbps USB-C Dock
Ports: 19
Energy: 100W PD 3.0; 150W max
Exterior shows: 2x 4K at 60Hz or 1x 6K at 60Hz
One other dock with an SSD enclosure is the Satechi Twin Dock Stand that doubles up as an open-MacBook stand that raises the keyboard to a extra comfy angle..
Not like the Thunderbolt 4 Sonnet Echo 20, reviewed above, it is a USB-C dock with a 10Gbps moderately than 40Gbps bandwidth, but it surely’s considerably cheaper consequently. The MSRP of the Satechi Twin Dock Stand is $150, which is a really cheap worth for a twin 4K 60Hz USB-C docking station.
With one DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0 ports, you’ll be able to join as much as two 4K shows in Prolonged mode at an honest 60Hz refresh price. The Echo 20 has only one video port. Though that port is the superior HDMI 2.1, you must add a second exterior display screen through one of many Thunderbolt ports, which would require an adapter.
The SSD enclosure is the star of the present. Positioned on the underside of the dock, that is simply accessed and helps each NVMe and SATA SSDs. You could purchase the SSD individually. Amazon is promoting NVME SSDs for round $50 (1TB), $80 (2TB) or $300 (4TB).
One USB-C port is for passthrough PD energy at as much as 75W to the laptop computer, which is sufficient for all however the 16-inch MacBook Professional at full pelt. Even that mannequin will cost advantageous—simply slower than smaller MacBooks. Notice that you will want to attach your individual USB-C charger to the dock: take a look at our beneficial MacBook chargers.
For those who use your MacBook’s personal keyboard and need as much as two high quality exterior shows, plus want to extend your base storage with quick SSD drives, the Satechi Twin Dock Stand is a neat, zero-footprint docking station that matches your MacBook for type and provides 9 helpful ports.
- Twin-USB-C upstream connector to laptop computer (10Gbps, 75W PD 3.0)
- Passthrough energy USB-C port
- Two USB-C (one at 10Gbps, one at 5Gbps)
- Two USB-A (one at 10Gbps, one at 5Gbps)
- One DisplayPort 1.4
- Two HDMI 2.1 ports
- Gigabit Ethernet
Learn our full
Satechi Twin Dock Stand overview
Wavlink Thunderbolt 4 Triple Show Docking Station – Finest finances Thunderbolt 4 dock
Execs
- Thunderbolt 4
- 13 quick ports
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
- Two HDMI 2.1
- 30W USB-C port
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Solely two prolonged shows for Mac
- Upstream port at entrance
Kind: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Ports: 13
Energy: 96W PD 3.0; 160W max
Exterior shows: 2x 4K at 60Hz
The Wavlink Thunderbolt 4 Triple Show Docking station is a little bit of a misnomer for Mac customers as it might probably deal with solely two exterior 4K shows in Prolonged Mode on Macs at 60Hz. The third show would simply mirror one of many others. That’s a Mac limitation, not one by Wavlink.
That apart, the dock is a well-priced and loaded Thunderbolt 4 dock. It sacrifices two of the potential three downstream TB4 ports in favor of two HDMI 2.1 ports. Use one in every of these for one exterior show and the downstream TB4 port for the opposite. The spare HDMI port would host the mirrored show, or a 3rd prolonged show on Home windows PCs.
The USB ports are quick, as are the 2 card readers and the backwards-compatible 2.5Gb Ethernet. Thunderbolt 4 permits for 40Gbps information switch to the laptop computer.
Energy supply to the laptop computer is 96W, sufficient for the 16-inch MacBook Professional. There’s a useful 30W USB-C charging port on the entrance, which additionally helps 10Gbps information switch.
- One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 96W)
- One downstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 15W)
- Two HDMI 2.1 video ports (4K at 60Hz)
- One USB-C port (10Gbps, 30W)
- Two USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W)
- Two USB-A ports (5Gbps, 4.5W)
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
- UHS-II SD Card reader (312MBps)
- UHS-II MicroSD Card reader (312MBps)
- 3.5mm audio jack
- 160W energy provide
Learn our full
Wavlink Thunderbolt 4 Triple Show Docking Station overview
CalDigit TS4 – strongest Thunderbolt 4 dock
Execs
- Thunderbolt 4
- 18 ports
- 98W PD laptop computer charging
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
- 230W energy provide
Kind: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Ports: 18
Energy: 98W PD 3.0; 230W max
Exterior shows: 2x 4K at 60Hz or 1x 6K at 60Hz
With 18 top-rated ports and Thunderbolt 4 licensed, it’s troublesome to look previous the Caldigit Thunderbolt Station 4, aka TS4. Sure, it’s costly, but it surely’s an ultra-impressive dock.
It compares effectively to the Sonnet Echo 20 with only one fewer port—the Echo 20’s built-in SSD enclosure. For port speeds the TS4 matches the Echo 20, and it boasts the best energy provide that we’ve seen on any dock that we’ve examined—a whopping 230W to be unfold among the many ports, together with a front-mounted 20W USB-C that may fast-charge an iPhone and 98W laptop computer PD charging.
We additionally love this dock’s versatile vertical or horizontal format.
As with the Echo 20, whereas you need to use Thunderbolt ports so as to add exterior shows. Caldigit swaps one of many downstream TB4 ports for a devoted video port—on this case, DisplayPort. You’ll want an adapter in case your monitor requires HDMI. You’ll be able to add as much as two 4K shows at 60Hz or a single 6K display screen at 60Hz.
The TS4 additionally matches the Echo 20 with super-fast 2.5GbE Gigabit Ethernet–2.5x quicker than commonplace Gigabit Ethernet.
- 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.
Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station – Nice alternative for 2x 4K shows
Execs
- 11 quick ports
- 4x Thunderbolt 4 ports
- 90W PD laptop computer charging
- 180W energy provide
- Energy button
Kind: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Ports: 11
Energy: 90W PD 3.0; 180W max
Exterior shows: 2x 4K at 60Hz or 1x 6K at 30Hz
The Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station has every thing a dock ought to have: 4 TB4 ports, three quick USB-A and one gradual one (that not less than 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.
It may possibly provide two exterior 4K shows at 60Hz or one 6K monitor however at 30Hz moderately than 60Hz just like the Caldigit TS4, so single-screen avid gamers ought to in all probability look elsewhere.
At 180W, the facility provide is larger than most docks examined right here however not as nice as discovered on the Caldigit TS4. It’s important if you’re powering a number of gadgets related 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 related.
Take a look at the most recent dwell costs above as this dock is usually on sale for lower than the listed worth and may characterize nice worth for cash.
• 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 (UHS-II, 312MBps)
• 3.5mm audio jack
• 180W energy provide
A variant mannequin, the Kensington SD5780T dock (obtainable within the US solely), drops one of many three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports in favor of an HDMI 2.1 however prices an additional $50.
Learn our full Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station overview.
iVanky FusionDock Max 1 – Finest Thunderbolt 4 dock for 4 6K shows
Execs
- 21 ports
- Two Thunderbolt 4 chips
- As much as 4 6K shows at 60Hz
- 2.5 gigabit ethernet
Cons
- Dear
- Requires Max processor for 4 shows
Kind: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Ports: 21
Energy: 96W PD 3.0; 180W max
Exterior shows: 4x 6K at 60Hz
Packing extra ports (a whopping 21 in complete) than any equal docking station we’ve examined, the iVanky FusionDock Max 1’s twin Thunderbolt 4 chips mark it other than the competitors with not simply extra however quicker connections. No different dock can match it for variety of Thunderbolt ports and its potential to host a number of screens.
Packing two Thunderbolt chips offers the FusionDock Max 1 the flexibility to double up on video-capable ports.
Related to a MacBook Professional with an M1 Max, M2 Max or M3 Max processor it might probably deal with as much as 4 6K shows at 60Hz utilizing each its Thunderbolt 4 chipsets. It prices greater than every other docking station but it surely’s a singular dual-Thunderbolt 4 system that solutions the desires of multi-screen Mac professionals. It doesn’t work with Intel Macs and even any Home windows laptop.
This can be a dock constructed for the top-end MacBook Professional Max. Macs with Professional moderately than Max processors can join to 2 4K shows at 60Hz. Whereas that may lose the show profit that is nonetheless is sweet alternative as you possibly can have as much as 4 40Gbps downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports at your disposal.
Its different ports are lots and top-end, too. We’re undecided who wants six USB-A ports today, however they’re there and all are rated at 10Gbps. We might have most popular extra USB-C than USB-A, however one of many Kind C ports included boasts 30W machine charging energy.
On high of all that you just get 2.5Gb Ethernet and two quick UHS-II SD card readers.
- Two upstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 96W)
- 4 downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)
- Two HDMI 2.0 video ports
- Six USB-A ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)
- Two USB-C ports (10Gbps, one at 30W, one at 7.5W)
- 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
- UHS-II SD card reader (312MBps)
- UHS-II MicroSD card reader (312MBps)
- 3.5mm combo Audio jack (entrance)
- 3.5mm Audio out jack (again)
- Optical Audio
- 180W energy provide
Learn our full
iVANKY FusionDock Max 1 overview
Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Show Docking Station – Finest Thunderbolt 4 DisplayLink dock for 4 4K shows
Execs
- 11 quick ports
- As much as 4 4K at 60Hz shows
- 6K at 60Hz show
- 180W energy provide
Cons
- U.Ok. patrons require native plug
Kind: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Ports: 11
Energy: 96W PD 3.0; 180W max
Exterior shows: 4x 4K at 60Hz
This reasonably priced Thunderbolt 4 docking station is constructed for individuals who require three or 4 screens. Utilizing DisplayLink software program, it permits M1/M2/M3/M4 Professional MacBook Professional and M3 MacBook Air customers to attach as much as 4 4K shows, and even plain M1/M2/M3 MacBooks will assist three exterior shows.
Apart from the mighty iVanky dock reviewed above, it’s the one dock obtainable with three downstream speedy 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports and two HDMI 2.0 ports—all of which may hook up with an exterior show, though 4 is the utmost. Freely downloadable DisplayLink software program is required to make the HDMI ports work.
Whereas the $500 iVanky helps 4 6K shows, the $299 Satechi can nonetheless assist 4 4K screens at 60Hz. For 3 shows, you will get one 6K at 60Hz and the opposite two 4K/60Hz.
It lacks spare USB-C ports however the three TB4 ports are backwards appropriate, and may every supply 15W energy output (though solely two at one time). The 2 USB-A ports are quick however supply little machine charging energy.
The SD card reader is quick, and can settle for MicroSD playing cards with an adapter.
If you’d like handfuls of USB ports and a couple of.5Gb Ethernet, there are different docks in your future, however this dock is near good for non-Max M-series customers who need a number of screens. Even Max homeowners can use this dock to present them 4 shows and go away their MacBook’s built-in ports free for different gadgets, in addition to get monetary savings on the pricier iVanky various.
- One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 96W)
- Three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)
- Two HDMI 2.0 video ports
- Two USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- UHS-II SD card reader (312MBps)
- 3.5mm combo Audio jack (entrance)
- 180W energy provide
Learn our full
Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station with DisplayLink overview
Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station for 4K Quad Displays
Execs
- 11 quick ports
- As much as 4 4K at 60Hz shows
- 6K at 60Hz show
- 180W energy provide
Kind: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Ports: 11
Energy: 96W PD 3.0; 180W max
Exterior shows: 4x 4K at 60Hz
This Thunderbolt 4 docking station is nearly an identical to the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 dock reviewed above. Like that dock, it’s constructed for individuals who require three or 4 screens and makes use of DisplayLink software program to get previous Apple’s multi-monitor limitations.
It has three TB4 ports and two quick USB-A ports, plus an SD card reader and Gigabit Ethernet.
There are some benefits that this Plugable dock affords over the Satechi: it comes with a 1m moderately than 0.8m Thunderbolt 4 cable, encompasses a Kensington lock slot, and boasts a two-year moderately than one-year guarantee.
- One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 96W)
- Three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)
- Two HDMI 2.0 video ports
- Two USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- UHS-II SD card reader (312MBps)
- 3.5mm combo Audio jack (entrance)
- 180W energy provide
Learn our full
Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station for 4K Quad Displays overview
Alogic DX3 Triple 4K Show Common Docking Station – Finest USB-C show dock for Macs
Execs
- 12 ports
- 100W PD laptop computer charging
- Triple 5K shows
Cons
- USB-C not Thunderbolt
- Requires DisplayLink software program
Kind: 10Gbps USB-C Dock
Ports: 12
Energy: 100W PD 3.0; 135W max
Exterior shows: 3x 5K at 60Hz
This Alogic DisplayLink docking station is a USB-C moderately than Thunderbolt docking station, so lacks the data-transfer bandwidth you’d get from a TB dock. Nonetheless, with the addition of third-party DisplayLink software program, this dock can assist as much as three exterior 4K 60Hz shows even on a restricted plain M1/M2/M3 MacBook.
The video ports are all top-end DP. 1.4. In case your monitor is HDMI as a substitute of DisplayPort, you’ll want so as to add an adapter between dock and show—however you’d want to purchase video cables anyway. If HDMI is all you want, contemplate the Satechi Triple 4K dock.
It additionally packs a bunch of non-display ports, equivalent to three USB-A and a spare downstream USB-C port, plus quick SD and MicroSD card readers and Gigabit Ethernet.
It may possibly energy the related laptop computer at 100W and has an honest 135W exterior energy provide so doesn’t require an additional USB-C charger like many DisplayLink USB-C docks do. For comparable choices take a look at our listing of the greatest USB-C DisplayLink docks.
The DisplayLink obtain hyperlink is clearly proven within the person handbook, and directions make sense—though you want a magnifying glass to learn them!
- One USB-C port (10Gbps, 100W PD)
- Three DisplayPort 1.4 port
- One USB-C (10Gbps) port (7.5W)
- Three 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
- 135W energy provide
A little bit cheaper, the Alogic DX2 helps two 4K shows at 60Hz and lacks among the different ports discovered on the DX3. For those who simply want two exterior screens on your M1/M2/M3 MacBook this can be a less expensive choice.
Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Ingredient Hub – Finest Thunderbolt 4 hub
Execs
- 4x TB4
- 4x 10Gbps USB-A
- 150W complete energy
- Compact
Cons
- 60W energy possibly mild for bigger laptops
Kind: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 Hub
Ports: 8
Energy to laptop computer: 60W PD 3.0; 150W max
Exterior shows: 2x 6K at 60Hz
The Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Ingredient 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.
Nevertheless it boasts so many top-end Thunderbolt and USB ports that you may customise it to your each need.
There are 4 TB4 ports (one upstream to your laptop positioned handily on the aspect, and three downstream to different gadgets) and 4 quick 10Gbps USB-A ports.
You should utilize two of the three downstream TB4 ports to attach on to USB-C-equipped screens or HDMI or DisplayPort screens utilizing cheap adapters. It may possibly deal with two 6K shows at 60Hz or one 6K monitor on the similar refresh price.
That also go away you a spare TB4 port and the 4 USB-A ports so as to add additional gadgets, equivalent to an adapter for Gigabit Ethernet and/or SD card reader, SSDs, reminiscence sticks and so forth as your necessities demand, so there isn’t any port wastage.
As a hub moderately than a dock, its 60W laptop computer charger is just a little underpowered for bigger laptops, however the general 150W energy provide will assist with all of the hub’s ports. House owners of the 16-inch MacBook Professional will probbaly nonetheless reply on the laptop computer’s personal 140W charger through MagSafe. Not one of the different docks examined right here can provide the 140W required for 16in MBP fast-charging so it’s not as large a limitation as first seems.
It’s sufficiently small to be transportable, however don’t neglect 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 Ingredient Hub overview.
OWC Thunderbolt Hub – Finest finances Thunderbolt 4 hub
Execs
- 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports
- One quick USB-A port
Cons
- 60W energy possibly mild for bigger laptops
Kind: 40GbpsThunderbolt 4 Hub
Ports: 5
Energy to laptop computer: 60W PD 3.0; 110W max
Exterior shows: 2x 6K at 60Hz
Additionally a hub moderately than a full dock, the OWC Thunderbolt Hub doesn’t match the Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 and even the TB4 Ingredient Hub on its variety of old-school USB-A ports, however it’s cheaper and affords the identical 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports—one upstream to your laptop positioned on the entrance, and three downstream to different gadgets on the again.
You should utilize two of the three downstream TB4 ports to attach on to USB-C-equipped screens or HDMI or DisplayPort screens utilizing cheap adapters. It helps twin 6K shows at 60Hz.
As with the its rival 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
Twelve South StayGo – Finest transportable USB-C dock
Execs
- Moveable
- 85W passthrough charging
Cons
- USB-C not Thunderbolt
- Help for just one exterior show
Kind: 5Gbps USB-C Dock
Ports: 8
Energy: 85W PD 3.0; requires USB-C charger
Exterior shows: 2x 4K at 30Hz
It calls itself only a hub however the StayGo USB-C Hub is just a little light-weight field of ports that has sufficient to go to battle with larger, costlier laptop computer docking stations—and is sufficiently small to slot in your pocket and go travelling with you.
It boasts three USB-A ports (one at 7.5W), a USB-C port for connecting to the laptop computer and one other for 85W passthrough PD charging, one HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet and SD/Micro SD card readers.
The HDMI port will assist a 4K show however at 30Hz moderately than 60Hz that you just’ll discover on extra highly effective docks.
It’s 5Gbps USB-C moderately than 40Gbps Thunderbolt however will work with both kind of laptop computer connection. After all, you’ll lose that full 40Gbps bandwidth and the choice of a second exterior show, and newer USB-C hubs and docks have moved to 10Gbps moderately than 5Gbps, however lighter customers won’t care, and it’s good 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)
For those who don’t want as many additional USB-A ports, Twelve South additionally affords the cheaper StayGo mini USB-C Hub, which has the USB-C connection to your laptop computer, 85W passthrough USB-C port and 4K HDMI however only one USB-A port.
Learn our full Twelve South StayGo USB-C Hub overview.
CalDigit TS3 Plus – Glorious Thunderbolt 3 dock for Macs
Execs
- 15 ports
- 87W PD laptop computer charging
- Digital audio
- 180W energy provide
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 not 4
- Doesn’t work with USB-C laptops
Kind: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Ports: 15
Energy: 87W PD 3.0; 180W max
Exterior shows: 2x 4K at 60Hz or 1x 5K at 60Hz
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 purposeful flexibility and energy at a terrific worth.
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. when you can afford the additional, we suggest the TS4.
It’s a more sensible choice than the Anker 577 dock as it really works with all trendy Macs that use M1/M2/M3 chips.
The TS3 Plus isn’t unsuitable for non-Thunderbolt laptops—however as most MacBooks have not less than TB3, that shouldn’t matter until you’re employed in a blended Mac/Home windows setting.
And whereas Thunderbolt 4 is the most recent connection commonplace, its top-end advantages gained’t be seen by most MacBook homeowners as TB3 matches TB4 on data-transfer velocity.
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 have got a USB-C monitor. To keep away from this want for an adapter, search for a dock with two video ports.
Each related shows can run 4K shows at 60Hz. You might additionally run one 5K show on the similar body price.
The TS3 Plus’s digital audio ports set it other than most different Thunderbolt docks.
It costs your laptop computer at 87W so makes it a terrific companion to Apple’s bigger MacBook Professional fashions.
This dock is dinky so gained’t take up an excessive amount of area 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)
- 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) overview
CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 mini Dock – Finest transportable Thunderbolt 3 dock
Execs
- Moveable
- Twin 4K show HDMI ports
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 not 4
- No downstream TB3 port
- Unpowered
Kind: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Ports: 18
Energy: attracts energy from laptop computer
Exterior shows: 2x 4K at 60Hz
The CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 mini Dock affords full Thunderbolt 40Gbps bandwidth and dual-4K HDMI show assist at 60Hz in a light-weight transportable kind. It connects to the laptop computer through an built-in TB3 cable.
The Mini Dock Twin HDMI options two 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 a scarcity of energy provide (which it attracts from the host laptop computer), so that you’ll must energy your laptop computer through one other port, and the USB ports actually aren’t for fast-charging functions. No energy provide means it’s tremendous transportable however a passthrough energy port would have been most popular.
Moveable USB-C hubs typically 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
CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 miniDock overview
Anker 675 USB-C 12-in-1 Docking Station and Monitor Stand – Finest dock and monitor stand combo
Execs
- Trendy Stand / 11-port Hub
- Raises monitor top
- 5x 10Gbps USB ports
- Wi-fi cellphone charging
- HDMI 4K at 60Hz
- 180W complete energy
Why not make your MacBook much more highly effective and enhance your workspace and posture on the similar time?
That is an in a position USB-C dock and handsome monitor stand that you may place your exterior show on high of and desk-based gear beneath in a lift to create an ergonomic and decluttered office.
Your MacBook will in all probability greatest sit close by in a closed laptop computer stand—see our roundup of the greatest MacBook stands—and join through USB-C to the dock/stand.
The roster of ports is spectacular, with 4 quick (10Gbps) downstream USB ports on the aspect (two of which may share 45W of machine charging energy), plus storage card readers and audio jack, in addition to the upstream 100W PD USB-C port positioned beneath.
Additionally on the cable-management underside are the HDMI and Gigabit Ethernet ports in addition to a low-powered USB-A port (most definitely for a wired keyboard or mouse) and the meaty 180W energy provide port.
On the highest there’s a (non-magnetic) Qi wi-fi charger that you may relaxation your iPhone or AirPods case on for 7.5W charging.
- One USB-C upstream port (10Gbps, 100W PD)
- Two USB-C ports (10Gbps, shared 45W)
- One exterior show (4K at 60Hz)
- HDMI 2.0 port
- Three USB-A ports (10Gbps, one at 7.5W)
- Qi wi-fi charging pad (10W max, 7.5W iPhone)
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- SD Card Reader (SD UHS-I, 104MBps)
- microSD Card Reader (SD UHS-I, 104MBps)
- 3.5mm Combo Audio In/Out port
- 180W energy provide
Learn our full
Anker 675 USB-C 12-in-1 Docking Station and Monitor Stand overview
Ugreen Revodok Max 213 Thunderbolt 13-in-1 Docking Station
Execs
- Thunderbolt 4
- 13 top-end ports
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
- Devoted DisplayPort 1.4 port
- 90W PD on 180W energy provide
Cons
- Just one USB-C port
- Costly
This stable, handsome dock is aimed towards the mighty CalDigit TS4, with a bunch of quick ports and the identical vertical or horizontal design—and sadly the identical excessive worth.
It’s just a little larger than the TS4, reviewed above, however has fewer USB ports. Each assist two 4K shows at 60Hz, however the TS4 can deal with a single 6K show, whereas the Revodok Max is proscribed to 4K even with only one show related.
The TS4 undoubtedly wins on ports and specs, so we’d name the Revodok over-priced. If Ugreen dropped the worth this might be a compelling various, because it affords nearly every thing most customers want in a sturdy and nice design.
- One Thunderbolt 4 upstream port (40Gbps, 90W PD)
- Two Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports (40Gbps, 15W)
- As much as two exterior shows (4K at 60Hz)
- DisplayPort 1.4 port
- Two USB-A ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)
- Two USB-A ports (5Gbps, 7.5W)
- One USB-C port (10Gbps, 20W)
- 2.5GbE Gigabit Ethernet port
- SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II, 312MBps)
- microSD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II, 312MBps)
- 3.5mm Combo Audio In/Out port at entrance
- 180W energy provide
Learn our full
Ugreen Revodok Max 213 Thunderbolt 13-in-1 Docking Station overview
Logi Dock – USB-C dock for distant working and video calls
Execs
- 3x USB-C, 2x USB-A ports
- 100W PD laptop computer charging
- Constructed-in audio system and noise-cancelling mics
- Works with Zoom and different video apps
Cons
- USB-C not Thunderbolt
- Costly
- Just one show in Prolonged mode
Kind: 5Gbps USB-C Hub
Ports: 8
Energy: 100W PD 3.0; 230W max
Exterior shows: 1x 4K at 60Hz
There are many docks and hubs that let you join screens, arduous drives and different equipment to your Mac, however the Logi Dock casts its web wider than that. It’s pretty costly, at $399/£399.99, but it surely’s designed to offer an all-in-one desktop system for individuals who do quite a lot of video-conferencing when working at residence or within the workplace.
The compact USB-C dock (3.34-x-6.3-x-5.18 inches) will match neatly in your desk alongside your Mac’s show. The Logi Dock’s chunky energy adaptor implies that that is very a lot a dock that’s designed to remain in your desk the entire time.
There’s one USB-C upstream port that’s used to attach the Logi Dock to your Mac, and each HDMI and DisplayPort interfaces for exterior show. Considerably, you’ll be able to solely join one 4K show when you’re utilizing Prolonged mode, though you’ll be able to join two 4K shows in Mirrored mode.
The Logi Dock can work as a speaker for voice and video calls, or you’ll be able to simply take heed to some music whilst you’re working utilizing both the USB-C connection along with your Mac, or utilizing Bluetooth to connect with your cell gadgets. It sounds fairly good too, with a set of 55mm stereo audio system that ship a pleasant agency bass thud on Kate Bush’s Operating Up That Hill.
You can too use Logitech’s Tune app to hyperlink the Logi Dock with conferencing apps equivalent to Microsoft Groups and Zoom, and there’s a set of buttons on the highest of the Logi Dock that let you shortly mute the mic and switch off the digital camera.
- 1x USB-C upstream port (5Gbps, 100W)
- 2x USB-C downstream ports (5Gbps, 4.5W)
- 1 x USB-C downstream ports (5Gbps, 7.5W)
- 1x USB-A (5Gbps, 4.5W)
- 1x USB-A (5Gbps, 7.5W)
- 1x HDMI 2.0
- 1x DisplayPort 1.4
- 2x 55mm audio system (stereo)
- 6x noise-cancelling microphones
- 230W energy provide
- Licensed for Zoom, MS Groups, Google Meet
HyperDrive GEN2 14-Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Execs
- 14 ports
- 85W PD laptop computer charging
- Digital audio
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 not 4
- Costly exterior US
Kind: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Ports: 14
Energy: 85W PD 3.0; 180W max
Exterior shows: 2x 4K at 60Hz
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 might probably lie both upright or horizontal relying in your wants and choice.
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. Whereas the Fast Cost port’s 36W is spectacular, iPhone fast-charging requires a USB-C port moderately than USB-A as discovered right here. That stated, it’s nonetheless going to cost a tool quicker than the 4.5W or 7.5W ports discovered on many different docks.
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)
- 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.
OWC Thunderbolt 3 Professional Dock – Finest dock for 10Gb Ethernet
Execs
- 11 ports
- 10Gb Ethernet
- 6Gbps eSATA port
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 not 4
- 60W energy possibly mild for bigger laptops
- Costly exterior US
Kind: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Ports: 11
Energy: 60W PD 3.0; 150W max
Exterior shows: 2x 4K at 60Hz or 1x 5K at 60Hz
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 moderately than the usual 1Gb (Gigabit) connection discovered on the opposite docking stations reviewed right here. The Caldigit TS4 options 2.5Gb Ethernet.
To get essentially the most from this stage of Ethernet it’s essential have appropriate community gadgets.
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’ll be able to 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
OWC Thunderbolt 3 Professional Dock overview
OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock – ports aplenty
Execs
- 14 ports
- 85W PD laptop computer charging
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 not 4
- MiniDP
Kind: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Ports: 14
Energy: 85W PD 3.0; 180W max
Exterior shows: 2x 4K at 60Hz or 1x 5K at 60Hz
OWC’s commonplace Thunderbolt 3 docking station has a terrific set of ports, and costs at a top-end 85W—highly effective sufficient for a 15-inch MacBook Professional. 85W can be sufficient to cost even the 96W 16in MBP fairly quick and definitely not drain even when related 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 alternative 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 connect with shows—which provides to the general value.
That apart, the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock has every thing 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
Which ports are on every MacBook?
Apple
MacBook Air and Professional built-in ports
13-inch and 15-inch M1/M2/M3 MacBook Air: Two Thunderbolt/USB4 ports and one MagSafe 3 charging port, plus headphone jack
13-inch M1/M2 MacBook Professional: Two Thunderbolt/USB4 ports and one MagSafe 3 charging port, plus headphone jack
14-inch M3 MacBook Professional: Two Thunderbolt/USB4 ports, one HDMI port, one SDXC card slot, plus headphone jack
14-inch M1/M2/M3 Professional, M1/M2/M3 Max and plain M4 MacBook Professional: Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, one HDMI port, one SDXC card slot, plus headphone jack
14-inch M4 Professional or M4 Max MacBook Professional: Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports, one HDMI port, one SDXC card slot, plus headphone jack
16-inch M1/M2/M3 Professional or M1/M2/M3 Max MacBook Professional: Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, one HDMI port, one SDXC card slot, plus headphone jack
16-inch M4 Professional or M4 Max MacBook Professional: Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports, one HDMI port, one SDXC card slot, plus headphone jack
What number of exterior shows can every MacBook assist with out a dock?
M1/M2: One exterior show with as much as 6K decision at 60Hz.
M3: Two exterior shows, one with as much as 6K decision at 60Hz and one at 5K/60Hz when the MacBook lid is closed.
M4: Two exterior shows, one with as much as 6K decision at 60Hz and one at 5K/60Hz.
M1/M2/M3/M4 Professional: As much as two exterior shows with as much as 6K decision at 60Hz over Thunderbolt, or one exterior show with as much as 6K decision at 60Hz over Thunderbolt and one exterior show with as much as 4K decision at 144Hz over HDMI. Or one exterior show supported at 8K decision at 60Hz or one exterior show at 4K decision at 240Hz over HDMI.
M1/M2/M3/M4 Max: As much as 4 exterior shows: As much as three exterior shows with 6K decision at 60Hz over Thunderbolt and one exterior show with as much as 4K decision at 144Hz over HDMI. As much as three exterior shows: As much as two exterior shows with 6K decision at 60Hz over Thunderbolt and one exterior show with as much as 8K decision at 60Hz or one exterior show with 4K decision at 240Hz over HDMI.
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 maintain your MacBook/Air/Professional upright and out of the way in which: additional saving worthwhile desk area, decreasing muddle, maintaining your laptop computer cool, and saving it from spills.
Learn our greatest MacBook equipment function for extra important laptop computer gear.