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

• Kind: 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 among the first Thunderbolt 5 docking stations, and it appears to be like exhausting to beat, with a bunch of quick USB ports becoming a member of the 4 80Gbps Thunderbolt 5 licensed, and with bonus built-in inside SSD storage of as much as 4TB.

That inside SSD is put in at buy and isn’t consumer upgradeable, so pushes the value to the high-end of all of the docks reviewed right here. Nevertheless, it’s properly value it if you happen to can afford to pay the additional. This inside SSD is super-fast, and in our exams almost 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 price almost as a lot as shopping for one in every of these docks by itself.

Sonnet gives 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 displays or including video adapters for DisplayPort or HDMI screens.

When you have the appropriate router, you may make the most of super-fast wired Web entry with the Echo 13’s 2.5GbE Gigabit Ethernet—2.5x quicker 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)
• Inside 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 need a dock with the very quickest ports, in the intervening time that is the one to go for. Even when your Mac doesn’t have Thunderbolt 5, it’s backwards appropriate and shall be prepared for if you do improve your Mac. It is a top-end answer for house owners of Thunderbolt 5 Macs who wish to add a spread of additional quick ports and super-charge their storage, however house owners of Thunderbolt 3 or 4 Macs can future-proof their buy (as TB5 is backwards appropriate with TB4 and TB3) for a similar end result. Sonnet gives an identical Thunderbolt 4 docking station, the Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock (see later on this record), which additionally gives an inside SSD, however that is non-obligatory, user-installed and never as tremendous speedy, and so is extra reasonably priced.

• 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 may well 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 helpful 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

Who should purchase the Wavlink Triple Show Dock?

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

• 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.

In contrast to the Thunderbolt Sonnet Echo 13 or Echo 20, this can be a USB-C dock with a 10Gbps fairly than 40Gbps or 80Gbps bandwidth, but it surely’s considerably cheaper in consequence, and is a really fairly 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 an honest 60Hz refresh price. 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 screen 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. You’ll want 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 tremendous—simply slower than smaller MacBooks. Be aware that you’ll want to attach your individual USB-C charger to the dock: take a look at our beneficial 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?

In the event you use your MacBook’s personal keyboard and want 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 now we have examined however that is an reasonably priced and discreet dock that also gives loads of ports and dual-display performance.

• 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 an non-obligatory inside SSD storage function, the Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt SuperDock gives exceptional worth for cash. It won’t provide the very quickest Thunderbolt 5 hosted by its Echo 13 sibling, but it surely’s cheaper and in some methods extra versatile.

It has essentially the most ports and equals the quickest ports seen available in the market. Its nearest competitor is the wonderful CalDigit TS4, reviewed beneath. 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 inside storage through the dock. In the event you don’t want this function and like DisplayPort to HDMI, otherwise you want essentially the most highly effective ports on provide, the TS4 remains to be an ideal contender, though it prices a good quantity extra.

The Satechi Twin Dock Stand, reviewed beneath, 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 appropriate and can work together 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 screen at 60Hz. Until your second show can join immediately 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.

• 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 quicker inside SSD, however the Echo 20 has extra ports—albeit TB4 fairly than TB5—and extra versatile, user-installed choices for including additional storage.

• 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 sluggish 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 well provide two exterior 4K shows at 60Hz or one 6K monitor however at 30Hz fairly 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 larger 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 linked to the dock. And the On/Off energy button (uncommon on docks) means you can provide the laptop computer battery’s relaxation if you’re away.

There are helpful lights telling you when the dock is powered and when it’s linked.

Try the newest stay costs above as this dock is commonly on sale for lower than the listed value 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

Who should purchase the Kensington SD5700T?

Different docks have extra ports, however this reasonably priced Thunderbolt 4 docking station has sufficient for most individuals and is a brilliant selection. 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 evaluation.

• Kind: 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 Component 5 Hub reviewed above, the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Component Hub won’t be labelled a docking station as its Thunderbolt and USB ports solely, however with the appropriate adapters it may well simply be used as a mini dock—connecting displays and different helpful units.

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

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

As a hub fairly than a dock, its 60W laptop computer charger is a little bit 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 measurement because the Component 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 Component Hub?

Extra reasonably priced however rather less highly effective than the Thunderbolt 5-toting Component 5 Hub reviewed beneath, this mini dock has eight quick ports and may deal with twin 6K shows. Its the worth decide of the 2 CalDigit Thunderbolt mini docks.

Learn our full Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Component Hub evaluation.

• Kind: 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 Component 5 Hub isn’t a full dock as a result of it doesn’t function something aside from Thunderbolt and USB ports—no Ethernet, SD card reader or audio port.

But it surely boasts so many top-end Thunderbolt and USB ports that you may customise it to your each want. It has yet another than its Thunderbolt 4 predecessor, the 8-port Component 4 Hub, reviewed beneath.

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 displays or HDMI or DisplayPort screens utilizing cheap adapters. It may well connect 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, equivalent to an adapter for Gigabit Ethernet and/or SD card reader, SSDs, reminiscence sticks and so forth as your necessities demand, so there is no such thing as a port wastage.

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

It’s sufficiently small to be moveable, and its exterior energy provide can 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 Component 5 Hub?

That is essentially the most reasonably priced and compact entry level for Thunderbolt 5 customers and folks planning forward (it’s backwards appropriate). It’s a hub because it doesn’t provide a wide range of port sorts but it surely has 9 TB/USB that may (with the appropriate adapters) deal with something you want.

• 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 displays. Utilizing DisplayLink software program, it allows 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 beneath, it’s the one dock accessible with three downstream speedy 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports and two HDMI 2.0 ports—all of which might connect 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 value. For 3 shows, you may 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 provide 15W energy output (though solely two at one time). The 2 USB-A ports are quick however provide little system 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 need handfuls of USB ports and a couple 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 loads of displays. Even Max house owners can use this dock to provide them 4 shows and depart their MacBook’s built-in ports free for different units, in addition to get monetary savings on the pricier iVanky different.

• 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 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 quicker connections. No different dock can match it for variety of Thunderbolt ports and its means to host a number of displays.

Packing two Thunderbolt chips offers the FusionDock Max 1 the power to double up on video-capable ports.

Linked to a MacBook Professional with an M1 Max, M2 Max or M3 Max processor it may well 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 goals of multi-screen Mac professionals. It doesn’t work with Intel Macs and even any Home windows laptop.

It is a dock constructed for the top-end MacBook Professional Max. Macs with Professional fairly than Max processors can join to 2 4K shows at 60Hz. Whereas that might lose the show profit that is nonetheless is nice selection as you might 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 lately, however they’re there and all are rated at 10Gbps. We’d have most well-liked extra USB-C than USB-A, however one of many Kind C ports included boasts 30W system charging energy.

On prime 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 may join essentially the most high-end shows than every other, together with 4 downstream Thunderbolt ports… if you happen to can afford it.

• 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 tough to look previous the Caldigit Thunderbolt Station 4, aka TS4. Sure, it’s costly, but it surely’s an ultra-impressive dock.

It compares properly 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

Who should purchase the CalDigit TS4?

Every of the 18 ports is tremendous speedy, and the TS4’s 230W energy provide is unequalled if you should connect and energy loads of exterior units. Be aware that CalDigit is readying two new Thunderbolt 5 docks, the TS5 and mega-port TS5 Plus.

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

• 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 equivalent to the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 dock reviewed above. Like that dock, it’s constructed for individuals who require three or 4 displays 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 gives over the Satechi: it comes with a 1m fairly than 0.8m Thunderbolt 4 cable, incorporates a Kensington lock slot, and boasts a two-year fairly 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.

• 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 fairly 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 an alternative 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, take into account 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 well energy the linked 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 related choices take a look at our record of the greatest USB-C DisplayLink docks.

The DisplayLink obtain hyperlink is clearly proven within the consumer 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?

In the event you don’t want the quickest data-transfer charges however do fancy a bunch of exterior screens, this USB-C DisplayLink dock gives respectable ports and external-display redemption for house owners of plain M1 and M2 MacBooks.

A bit of cheaper, the Alogic DX2 helps two 4K shows at 60Hz and lacks a few of the different ports discovered on the DX3. In the event you simply want two exterior displays in your M1/M2/M3 MacBook this can be a less expensive possibility.

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

Nearly all of moveable USB-C hubs are appropriate 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 appropriate with Thunderbolt and may attain the identical 40Gbps most throughput.

Connecting immediately 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 tremendous 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 connect with an exterior show—as much as 6K at 60Hz show output, transferring information at 40Gbps. The HDMI 2.0 port will also 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 linked 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 useful as most desktop-based docks, though it may well deal with only one exterior show.

In the identical household, Satechi additionally gives 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). In the event you don’t want wired Web entry, the Professional Hub Slim edges out the Professional Hub Max. In the event you don’t want multiple exterior display screen otherwise you wish to save the USB4 for passthrough charging solely, take into account the Professional Hub Mini or the Plugable 5-in-1 USB-C Hub reviewed beneath.

Be aware that every one three requires a MacBook with two adjoining Thunderbolt ports on one aspect, so some older MacBook Air fashions won’t be appropriate.

A single Thunderbolt to Mac connection is obtainable 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 type. 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 well-liked.

• Kind: 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 fairly than a full dock, the OWC Thunderbolt Hub doesn’t match the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 and even the TB4 Component Hub on its variety of old-school USB-A ports, however it’s cheaper and gives 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 displays 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 need a bunch of quick Thunderbolt 4 ports and never a lot else, the OWC Thunderbolt Hub is a cute, reasonably priced answer.

• 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 long-lasting granddaddy of Thunderbolt 3 docks. Its compact form and 15 ports made it our favourite top-end Thunderbolt 3 docking station for its sheer useful flexibility and energy at an ideal value.

Different docks boast quicker USB ports, however few have seven just like the TS3 Plus—besides its successor, the TS4, which makes even the TS3 Plus look underpowered. In the event you can afford the additional, we advocate the TS4, or watch for the TS5 and TS5 Plus.

The TS3 Plus isn’t unsuitable for non-Thunderbolt laptops—however as most MacBooks have not less than TB3, that shouldn’t matter except you’re employed in a blended Mac/Home windows atmosphere.

And whereas Thunderbolt 5 is the newest connection commonplace, its top-end advantages received’t be seen by most MacBook house owners as TB3 matches TB4 on 40Gbps data-transfer pace 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 except 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 linked 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 aside from most different Thunderbolt docks.

It prices your laptop computer at 87W so makes it an ideal companion to even Apple’s bigger MacBook Professional fashions.

This dock is dinky so received’t take up an excessive amount of area in your desk. Obtainable 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 an ideal dock and gives the identical 40Gbps speeds as TB4 docks, with some fairly arcane technical limitations (see our Thunderbolt pace chart on the cease of this text).

• Kind: 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 that you may place your exterior show on prime 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 might share 45W of system 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

Who should purchase the Anker 675 Dock and Monitor Stand?

If you should create a extra ergonomic and tidy workspace this dual-function monitor stand and USB-C dock gives lots, though not on the very quickest speeds you will see that on the Thunderbolt docks.

• 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 type is neat (identical to the CalDigit TS4 and TS3 Plus), and it may well 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 fairly than USB-A as discovered right here. That mentioned, it’s nonetheless going to cost a tool quicker than the 4.5W or 7.5W ports discovered on many different docks.

On prime 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 gives a quick path to including a number of units and as much as two 4K screens. Its record value is excessive but it surely’s usually tremendously discounted so examine the costs listed above.

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

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

This strong, handsome dock is aimed in opposition to the mighty CalDigit TS4, with a bunch of quick ports and the identical vertical or horizontal design—and sadly the identical excessive value.

It’s a little bit larger 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 linked.

• 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 value this could be a compelling different, because it gives nearly every thing most customers want in a sturdy and nice design.

• 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 help you join displays, exhausting 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, but it surely’s designed to offer an all-in-one desktop system for individuals who do loads 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 if you happen to’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 hearken to some music when you’re working utilizing both the USB-C connection together with your Mac, or utilizing Bluetooth to connect with your cellular units. It sounds fairly good too, with a set of 55mm stereo audio system that ship a pleasant agency bass.

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 help you rapidly 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

Who should purchase the Logi Dock?

With a built-in speaker the Logi Dock is a dual-function system that saves you having extra in your desk than you should whereas supplying an honest vary of low-speed ports.

• 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 fairly 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 you should have appropriate community units.

It additionally incorporates 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

Who should purchase the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Professional Dock?

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

• 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 an ideal set of ports, and prices at a top-end 85W—highly effective sufficient for a 15-inch MacBook Professional. 85W shall be sufficient to cost even the 96W 16in MBP fairly quick and definitely not drain even when linked to a number of units.

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

The curiously old style selection of Mini DisplayPort over DisplayPort isn’t a technical hurdle however you’ll require adapters for including exterior shows. Different docks have multiple port for exterior shows, however this one wants adapters to connect with shows—which provides to the general price.

That apart, the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock has every thing a dock ought to have in a slick-looking slim case that can look good in any laptop computer setup.

• One Thunderbolt 3 upstream port (40Gbps, 85W PD)
• One Thunderbolt 3 downstream port (40Gbps)
• As much as two exterior shows (2 x 4K at 60Hz; or 1 x 5K at 60Hz)
• Mini DisplayPort 1.2 port
• One USB-C port (10Gbps)
• 5 USB-A ports (5Gbps; two at 7.5W)
• SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II, 312MBps)
• MicroSD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II, 312MBps)
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• Hybrid 3.5mm audio port
• S/PDIF digital audio output port
• 180W energy provide

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 reasonably priced costs.