Greatest Thunderbolt and USB-C docking stations for MacBook Air and Professional 2025

• Sort: 80Gbps Thunderbolt 5 Dock
• Ports: 12
• Energy: 140W PD 3.1; 180W max
• Exterior shows: 2x 4K at 60Hz or 1x 6K at 60Hz

This is likely one of the first Thunderbolt 5 docking stations, and it seems laborious to beat, with a bunch of quick USB ports becoming a member of the 4 80Gbps Thunderbolt 5 licensed, and with bonus built-in inner SSD storage of as much as 4TB.

That inner SSD is put in at buy and isn’t person upgradeable, so pushes the worth to the high-end of all of the docks reviewed right here. Nevertheless, it’s effectively price it should you can afford to pay the additional. This inner SSD is super-fast, and in our checks practically matched the native storage within the Mac itself! Having additional storage that’s so quick will prevent cash in your subsequent MacBook buy as Apple’s SSD choices value practically as a lot as shopping for considered one of these docks by itself.

Sonnet provides port flexibility by not swapping one of many Thunderbolt 5 ports for a devoted DisplayPort or HDMI video port. You’ll be able to connect as much as exterior 6K shows utilizing both direct Thunderbolt connections to supporting screens or including video adapters for DisplayPort or HDMI screens.

When you have the best router, you may make the most of super-fast wired Web entry with the Echo 13’s 2.5GbE Gigabit Ethernet—2.5x sooner than commonplace Gigabit Ethernet, with which it additionally works on commonplace networks.

• One upstream Thunderbolt 5 port (80Gbps, 140W)
• Three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports (80Gbps, 1x 60W, 2x 15W)
• Two USB-A ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)
• One USB-A port (5Gbps, 7.5W)
• Inner M.2 NVMe SSD (1TB / 2TB / 4TB)
• Ethernet (2.5Gb)
• UHS-II SD card reader (312MBps)
• UHS-II microSD card reader (312MBps)
• 3.5mm combo audio jack (entrance)
• 180W energy provide

Who should purchase the Sonnet Echo 13?

If you would like a dock with the very quickest ports, for the time being that is the one to go for. Even when your Mac doesn’t have Thunderbolt 5, it’s backwards suitable and will likely be prepared for while you do improve your Mac. This can be a top-end answer for homeowners of Thunderbolt 5 Macs who wish to add a variety of additional quick ports and super-charge their storage, however homeowners of Thunderbolt 3 or 4 Macs can future-proof their buy (as TB5 is backwards suitable with TB4 and TB3) for a similar consequence. Sonnet provides an identical Thunderbolt 4 docking station, the Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock (see later on this listing), which additionally provides an inner SSD, however that is non-compulsory, user-installed and never as tremendous speedy, and so is extra inexpensive.

• Sort: 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 may 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 considered one 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 knowledge 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 knowledge 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

Who should purchase the Wavlink Triple Show Dock?

If you would like a beneficiant set of additional ports and to attach a few 4K shows, this inexpensive but ready Thunderbolt 4 dock is a good answer even for budget-conscious TB5 Mac customers.

• Sort: 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.

In contrast to the Thunderbolt Sonnet Echo 13 or Echo 20, it is a USB-C dock with a 10Gbps moderately than 40Gbps or 80Gbps bandwidth, however it’s considerably cheaper in consequence, and is a really moderately priced for a twin 4K 60Hz USB-C docking station. With one DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0 ports, you may join as much as two 4K shows in Prolonged mode at a good 60Hz refresh fee. The Echo 20 has only one video port. Though that port is the superior HDMI 2.1, you need to add a second exterior display through one of many Thunderbolt ports, which would require an adapter with that dock.

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. It is advisable to 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 high quality—simply slower than smaller MacBooks. Observe that you will want to attach your personal USB-C charger to the dock: try our really helpful MacBook chargers.

• 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

Who should purchase the Satechi Twin Dock Stand?

When you 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 model and provides 9 helpful ports. It’s not as speedy because the Thunderbolt docks we’ve got examined however that is an inexpensive and discreet dock that also provides plenty of ports and dual-display performance.

• Sort: 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 formidable 19 top-rated ports, Thunderbolt 4 licensed and with an non-compulsory inner SSD storage function, the Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt SuperDock provides exceptional worth for cash. It may not provide the very quickest Thunderbolt 5 hosted by its Echo 13 sibling, however it’s cheaper and in some methods extra versatile.

It has probably the most ports and equals the quickest ports seen available in the market. Its nearest competitor is the wonderful CalDigit TS4, reviewed under. Sonnet clearly focused the TS4 and the specs are remarkably related—however the cheaper Echo 20 has a helpful SSD enclosure which means you may add as much as 8TB of inner storage through the dock. When you don’t want this function and like DisplayPort to HDMI, otherwise you want probably the most highly effective ports on provide, the TS4 remains to be a terrific contender, though it prices a good quantity extra.

The Satechi Twin Dock Stand, reviewed under, is a fair cheaper non-Thunderbolt possibility 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 suitable and can work along with your subsequent laptop computer when it’s time to improve. Even when your Mac does boast Thunderbolt 5, this good-value dock will work with it, simply at Thunderbolt 4 speeds.

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 at 60Hz. Except your second show can join straight with its USB-C port, you’ll want a USB-C-to-DisplayPort or HDMI adapter cable to hook up with one of many downstream TB4 ports.

• 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

Who should purchase the Sonnet Echo 20?

The newer Sonnet Echo 13, reviewed above, may need Thunderbolt 5 and a a lot sooner inner SSD, however the Echo 20 has extra ports—albeit TB4 moderately than TB5—and extra versatile, user-installed choices for including additional storage.

• Sort: 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 no less than boasts 7.5W charging energy in comparison with the sooner USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port’s 4.5W), Gigabit Ethernet, SD Card reader, and three.5mm audio jack.

It might 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 ability provide is greater than most docks examined right here however not as nice as discovered on the CalDigit TS4. It’s important in case you are powering a number of units related to the dock. And the On/Off energy button (uncommon on docks) means you can provide the laptop computer battery’s relaxation while 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 reside costs above as this dock is usually on sale for lower than the listed worth and might 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

Who should purchase the Kensington SD5700T?

Different docks have extra ports, however this inexpensive Thunderbolt 4 docking station has sufficient for most individuals and is a brilliant alternative. A variant mannequin, the Kensington SD5780T dock (accessible 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.

• Sort: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 Hub
• Ports: 8
• Energy to laptop computer: 60W PD 3.0; 150W max
• Exterior shows: 2x 6K at 60Hz

Like its newer sibling, the Factor 5 Hub reviewed above, the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Factor Hub may not be labelled a docking station as its Thunderbolt and USB ports solely, however with the best adapters it may simply be used as a mini dock—connecting screens and different helpful units.

There are 4 TB4 ports and 4 quick 10Gbps USB-A ports. The newer Factor 5 has one additional USB port, with two USB-C and three USB-A.

With video adapters, it may deal with a formidable two 6K shows at 60Hz.

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 bigger MacBook Professional fashions will in all probability nonetheless reply on the laptop computer’s personal charger through MagSafe.

It’s the identical dimension because the Factor 5, and so is sufficiently small to be moveable, however its chunkier 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

Who should purchase the CalDigit Factor Hub?

Extra inexpensive however rather less highly effective than the Thunderbolt 5-toting Factor 5 Hub reviewed under, this mini dock has eight quick ports and might deal with twin 6K shows. Its the worth choose of the 2 CalDigit Thunderbolt mini docks.

Learn our full Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Factor Hub overview.

• Sort: 80Gbps Thunderbolt 5 Hub
• Ports: 9
• Energy to laptop computer: 90W PD 3.0; 180W max
• Exterior shows: 2x 6K at 60Hz; 2x 4K at 240Hz

The CalDigit Thunderbolt 5 Factor 5 Hub isn’t a full 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 which you could customise it to your each need. It has another than its Thunderbolt 4 predecessor, the 8-port Factor 4 Hub, reviewed under.

There are 4 TB5 ports (one upstream to your laptop positioned handily on the aspect, and three downstream to different units), two quick 10Gbps USB-C and three 10Gbps USB-A ports.

You need to use two of the three downstream TB5 ports to attach on to USB-C- or Thunderbolt-equipped screens or HDMI or DisplayPort screens utilizing cheap adapters. It might hook up with twin 6K/60Hz or twin 4K/240Hz prolonged shows on Macs.

That also leaves you a spare TB5 port and the 5 USB ports so as to add additional units, similar 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.

Its 90W laptop computer charger is highly effective sufficient for many MacBook charging wants, and beats the Factor 4’s moderately underpowered 60W PD. Its 180W energy provide can also be beneficiant for what calls itself only a hub.

It’s sufficiently small to be moveable, and its exterior energy provide can also be fairly dinky.

• One upstream Thunderbolt 5 port (80Gbps/120Gbps, 90W)
• Three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports (80Gbps, 15W)
• Two USB-C ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)
• Three USB-A ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)
• 180W energy provide

Who should purchase the CalDigit Factor 5 Hub?

That is probably the most inexpensive and compact entry level for Thunderbolt 5 customers and other people planning forward (it’s backwards suitable). It’s a hub because it doesn’t provide quite a lot of port varieties however it has 9 TB/USB that may (with the best adapters) deal with something you want.

• Sort: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 Dock
• Ports: 11
• Energy: 96W PD 3.0; 180W max
• Exterior shows: 4x 4K at 60Hz

This inexpensive 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 help three exterior shows.

Except for the mighty iVanky dock reviewed under, it’s the one dock accessible with three downstream speedy 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports and two HDMI 2.0 ports—all of which might 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 help 4 4K screens at 60Hz at a significantly cheaper worth. 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 suitable, and might every provide 15W energy output (though solely two at one time). The 2 USB-A ports are quick however provide little gadget charging energy.

The SD card reader is quick, and can settle for MicroSD playing cards with an adapter.

• 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

Who should purchase the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Show Docking Station?

If you would like handfuls of USB ports and a pair of.5Gb Ethernet, there are different docks in your future, however this DisplayLink dock is near good for non-Max M-series customers who need plenty 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 units, in addition to lower your expenses on the pricier iVanky different.

• Sort: 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 whole) than any equal docking station we’ve examined, the iVanky FusionDock Max 1’s twin Thunderbolt 4 chips mark it aside from the competitors with not simply extra however sooner connections. No different dock can match it for variety of Thunderbolt ports and its capability to host a number of screens.

Packing two Thunderbolt chips provides 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 may deal with as much as 4 6K shows at 60Hz utilizing each its Thunderbolt 4 chipsets. It prices greater than some other docking station however it’s a novel 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 could possibly have as much as 4 40Gbps downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports at your disposal.

Its different ports are loads 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’d have most popular extra USB-C than USB-A, however one of many Sort C ports included boasts 30W gadget 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

Who should purchase the iVanky FusionDock Max 1?

This tremendous dock has extra quick ports and might join probably the most high-end shows than some other, together with 4 downstream Thunderbolt ports… should you can afford it.

• Sort: 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 tough to look previous the Caldigit Thunderbolt Station 4, aka TS4. Sure, it’s costly, however it’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 very 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 at 60Hz.

The TS4 additionally matches the Echo 20 with super-fast 2.5GbE Gigabit Ethernet–2.5x sooner 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

Who should purchase the CalDigit TS4?

Every of the 18 ports is tremendous speedy, and the TS4’s 230W energy provide is unequalled if it is advisable to connect and energy plenty of exterior units. Observe that CalDigit is readying two new Thunderbolt 5 docks, the TS5 and mega-port TS5 Plus.

Learn our full CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 (TS4) overview.

• Sort: 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 just about 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 TBT-6950PD dock provides over the Satechi: it comes with a 1m moderately than 0.8m Thunderbolt 4 cable, includes 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

Who should purchase the Plugable TBT-6950PD Docking Station?

Just like the Satechi four-display dock reviewed above, this DisplayLink dock is for MacBook customers who yearn for a wall of screens on their desk.

• Sort: 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. Nevertheless, with the addition of third-party DisplayLink software program, this dock can help 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, similar to three USB-A and a spare downstream USB-C port, plus quick SD and MicroSD card readers and Gigabit Ethernet.

It might energy the related laptop computer at 100W and has a good 135W exterior energy provide so doesn’t require an additional USB-C charger like many DisplayLink USB-C docks do. For related choices try our listing of the finest USB-C DisplayLink docks.

The DisplayLink obtain hyperlink is clearly proven within the person guide, 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

Who should purchase the Alogic DX3?

When you don’t want the quickest data-transfer charges however do fancy a bunch of exterior screens, this USB-C DisplayLink dock provides first rate ports and external-display redemption for homeowners of plain M1 and M2 MacBooks.

Slightly cheaper, the Alogic DX2 helps two 4K shows at 60Hz and lacks a number of the different ports discovered on the DX3. When you simply want two exterior screens to your M1/M2/M3 MacBook this can be a less expensive possibility.

• Sort: 40Gbps USB4 Hub
• Ports: 7
• Energy: 96W PD 3.0
• Exterior shows: 6K at 60Hz

Nearly all of moveable USB-C hubs are suitable with the Mac’s Thunderbolt ports, however most function slower USB-C connections (5Gbps or 10Gbps) in comparison with Thunderbolt (40Gbps).

The Satechi Professional Hub Max, accessible in both Silver or House Grey, options USB4 ports which are each suitable with Thunderbolt and might attain the identical 40Gbps most throughput.

Connecting straight to 2 of the MacBook’s Thunderbolt ports, it boasts a bunch of ports that needs to be sufficient for many of us. The hub receives 40Gbps from every of the Thunderbolt ports on the Mac (so a complete of 80Gbps). 40Gbps is used for the USB4 pass-through port, whereas the second Thunderbolt port distributes 40Gbps of bandwidth to the remainder of the ports on the hub.

The USB4 port helps as much as 96W charging—simply high quality for a 14-inch MacBook Professional and punchy sufficient to maintain a 16-inch Professional going and charged fairly rapidly. This similar USB4 port can be utilized to hook up with an exterior show—as much as 6K at 60Hz show output, transferring knowledge at 40Gbps. The HDMI 2.0 port can be used to attach a 4K 60Hz show, so you may obtain a twin 4K monitor setup on any Professional or Max MacBook.

Additionally onboard are a 5Gbps USB-A port and a 5Gbps USB-C port—though neither can cost related units. There are each SD and MicroSD card readers (UHS-I), a Gigabit Ethernet port, and three.5mm combo audio jack port.

• One USB4 port (40Gbps, 96W PD)
• One HDMI port
• One USB-C (5Gbps) port
• One USB-A (5Gbps) port
• SD Card Reader (UHS-I, 104MBps)
• microSD 4.0 Card Reader (UHS-I, 104MBps)
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• Hybrid 3.5mm audio port

Who should purchase the Satechi Professional Hub Max Adapter?

The Professional Hub Max calls itself simply an adapter however this super-portable gizmo is as practical as most desktop-based docks, though it may deal with only one exterior show.

In the identical household, Satechi additionally provides the Professional Hub Mini (the identical because the Max however with out the HDMI port) and the Professional Hub Slim (which swaps the Ethernet port for an additional USB-A port, and boasts 10GBps USB-A and USB-C ports in comparison with the Mac and Mini’s 5Gbps). When you don’t want wired Web entry, the Professional Hub Slim edges out the Professional Hub Max. When you don’t want a couple of exterior display otherwise you wish to save the USB4 for passthrough charging solely, contemplate the Professional Hub Mini or the Plugable 5-in-1 USB-C Hub reviewed under.

Observe that each one three requires a MacBook with two adjoining Thunderbolt ports on one aspect, so some older MacBook Air fashions may not be suitable.

A single Thunderbolt to Mac connection is accessible with the CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 mini Dock that provides full Thunderbolt 40Gbps bandwidth and dual-4K HDMI show help at 60Hz in a light-weight moveable kind. It connects to the laptop computer through an built-in TB3 cable, and 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). Its draw back is an absence 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 moveable however a passthrough energy port would have been most popular.

• Sort: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 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 Factor Hub on its variety of old-school USB-A ports, however it’s cheaper and provides the identical 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports—one upstream to your laptop positioned on the entrance, and three downstream to different units on the again.

You need to use two of the three downstream TB4 ports to attach on to USB-C-equipped 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

Who should purchase the OWC Thunderbolt Hub?

If you would like a bunch of quick Thunderbolt 4 ports and never a lot else, the OWC Thunderbolt Hub is a cute, inexpensive answer.

• Sort: 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 enduring granddaddy of Thunderbolt 3 docks. Its compact form and 15 ports made it our favourite top-end Thunderbolt 3 docking station for its sheer practical flexibility and energy at a terrific worth.

Different docks boast sooner USB ports, however few have seven just like the TS3 Plus—besides its successor, the TS4, which makes even the TS3 Plus look underpowered. When you can afford the additional, we suggest the TS4, or look forward to the TS5 and TS5 Plus.

The TS3 Plus isn’t unsuitable for non-Thunderbolt laptops—however as most MacBooks have no less than TB3, that shouldn’t matter until you’re employed in a blended Mac/Home windows setting.

And whereas Thunderbolt 5 is the most recent connection commonplace, its top-end advantages received’t be seen by most MacBook homeowners as TB3 matches TB4 on 40Gbps data-transfer velocity and TB5’s 80Gbps might be too quick for a lot of wants.

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 related shows can run 4K shows at 60Hz. You might additionally run one 5K show on the similar body fee.

The TS3 Plus’s digital audio ports set it aside from most different Thunderbolt docks.

It fees your laptop computer at 87W so makes it a terrific companion to even Apple’s bigger MacBook Professional fashions.

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)
• 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

Who should purchase the CalDigit TS3?

Whereas apparently archaic with its Thunderbolt 3 ranking, the TS3 remains to be a terrific dock and provides the identical 40Gbps speeds as TB4 docks, with some moderately arcane technical limitations (see our Thunderbolt velocity chart on the cease of this text).

• Sort: 10Gbps USB-C Dock
• Ports: 11
• Energy: 100W PD 3.0; 180W max
• Exterior shows: 4K at 60Hz

Why not make your MacBook much more highly effective and enhance your workspace and posture on the similar time?

That is an ready USB-C dock and handsome monitor stand which you could 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 finest sit close by in a closed laptop computer stand—see our roundup of the finest 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 might share 45W of gadget 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 (almost 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 which you could 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

Who should purchase the Anker 675 Dock and Monitor Stand?

If it is advisable to create a extra ergonomic and tidy workspace this dual-function monitor stand and USB-C dock provides quite a bit, though not on the very quickest speeds you can find on the Thunderbolt docks.

• Sort: 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), and it may 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. 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 mentioned, it’s nonetheless going to cost a tool sooner 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

Who should purchase the HyperDrive GEN2 14-Port Dock?

That is one other older dock (Thunderbolt 3) that also provides a quick path to including a number of units and as much as two 4K screens. Its listing worth is excessive however it’s usually tremendously discounted so examine the costs listed above.

Learn our full HyperDrive GEN2 16-Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock overview.

• Sort: 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 Dock
• Ports: 13
• Energy: 90W PD 3.0; 180W max
• Exterior shows: 2x 4K at 60Hz

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 greater than the TS4, reviewed above, however has fewer USB ports. Each help two 4K shows at 60Hz, however the TS4 can deal with a single 6K show, whereas the Revodok Max is restricted to 4K even with only one show related.

• 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

Who should purchase the Revodok Max 213?

The CalDigit TS4, reviewed above, undoubtedly wins on ports and specs, so we’d name the Revodok over-priced. If Ugreen dropped the worth this might be a compelling different, because it provides nearly every thing most customers want in a sturdy and nice design.

• Sort: 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 can help you join screens, laborious drives and different equipment to your Mac, however the Logi Dock casts its internet wider than that. It’s pretty costly, at $399/£399.99, however it’s designed to offer an all-in-one desktop system for individuals who do plenty of video-conferencing when working at residence or within the workplace.

The compact USB-C dock (3.3-x-6.3-x-5.2 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 may join just one 4K show should you’re utilizing Prolonged mode, though you may join two 4K shows in Mirrored mode.

The Logi Dock can work as a speaker for voice and video calls, or you may simply take heed to some music whilst you’re working utilizing both the USB-C connection along with your Mac, or utilizing Bluetooth to hook up with your cellular units. It sounds fairly good too, with a set of 55mm stereo audio system that ship a pleasant agency bass.

You may also use Logitech’s Tune app to hyperlink the Logi Dock with conferencing apps similar to Microsoft Groups and Zoom, and there’s a set of buttons on the highest of the Logi Dock that can help you rapidly mute the mic and switch off the digicam.

• 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

Who should purchase the Logi Dock?

With a built-in speaker the Logi Dock is a dual-function gadget that saves you having extra in your desk than it is advisable to whereas supplying a good vary of low-speed ports.

• Sort: 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 geared 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 probably the most from this degree of Ethernet it is advisable to have suitable community units.

It additionally includes 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’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

Who should purchase the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Professional Dock?

This Thunderbolt 3 dock might sound to lag behind newer docks, it’s nonetheless rated at 40Gbps and uniquely—till the CalDigit TS5 Plus arrives—provides the quickest 10Gb Ethernet community speeds.

• Sort: 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 fees at a top-end 85W—highly effective sufficient for a 15-inch MacBook Professional. 85W will likely be sufficient to cost even the 96W 16in MBP fairly quick and positively not drain even when related to a number of units.

The 5 USB-A ports are all 5Gbps, and there’s a 10Gbps Gen 2 USB-C port on the entrance of the most recent 14-port mannequin, which not many Thunderbolt docks have.

The curiously old 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 hook up 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

Who should purchase the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock?

Ignore the older TB3 ranking, this 40Gbps dock remains to be an ready performer that’s accessible at inexpensive costs.