As laptops get thinner and lighter for portability, many sacrifice a crucial feature: ports. Mostmodern laptopshave replaced the ports that users really need, such as HDMI, USB-A, and Ethernet, with the slimmer and more versatile Thunderbolt and USB-C connectors. With most desk peripherals still using the legacy ports to connect, your desk can quickly turn into a dongle mess. The best Thunderbolt docks offer a clean and more permanent solution. They are more powerful than universal docks and can instantly add all the ports you need for your desk peripherals.
Plugable UD-4VPD USB4 Docking Station
CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub
Thunderbolt docks are a great addition to any desk setup, but they are more suited for professionals. The higher bandwidth of Thunderbolt 3 and 4 enables these docks to fit many high-quality ports. Whether working with multiple, high-resolution screens, high-performance devices like audio interfaces, or transferring large files, these docks can handle anything thrown at them. The latest options even support4K 120Hz gamingand powerful charging for laptops and phones.
Game Rant’s Picks For The Best Thunderbolt Docking Stations
Plugable TBT4-UD5 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
The Plugable TBT4-UD5 Thunderbolt 4 Dock hits the sweet spot between connectivity and price. It lacks a DisplayPort, but offers nearly every other port you need to connect most desk peripherals, including a downstream Thunderbolt 4 port, HDMI, USB-C, USB-A ports, Ethernet, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll need to spend significantly more to find a similar-spec Thunderbolt 4 dock.
Thunderbolt docks can get expensive, with the top Thunderbolt 4 models reaching over $300. At just $200, the Plugable TBT4-UD5 Thunderbolt 4 Dock presents remarkable value for those looking for a well-rounded Thunderbolt 4 docking station. It’s a 13-port dock with a huge array of port options and is officially Thunderbolt 4 certified, so you know the performance is going to be reliable and consistent whether using it with a MacBook or Windows laptop.
The dock sports two Thunderbolt 4 ports, with one used to connect to the host laptop, and the other meant for peripherals like high-speed external SSDs orpremium monitors. Users can also connect up to two 4K displays via HDMI for a multi-monitor setup. Plugable did a great job with the rest of the ports. It has everything from 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A ports to SD card slots, Ethernet, plus a headphone and microphone combo, making it one of the most versatile Thunderbolt docks.
In addition to ports, the Plugable TBT4-UD5 can deliver up to 100W to charge the connected laptop. It also fits neatly under your monitor, thanks to the slim horizontal design. The only downside is that the all-plastic construction makes it feel a bit cheap, but if you can look past that, the Plugable TBT4-UD5 is a surprisingly powerful and affordable docking station that offers a great balance of features and value.
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
The CalDigit TS4 dock can turn a single Thunderbolt 4 or 3 port on your laptop into a whopping 18 ports. It has a combination of high-quality ports like three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports, 10Gbps USB-A and USB-C ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and 2.5G Ethernet, making it a great pick for professionals.
For users who want even more connectivity and performance, the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a great option. It’s an upgraded model of the previous CalDigit TS3 Plus from 2018—an already reliable and powerful dock that withstood the test of time. The new TS4 has exactly the same design as its predecessor, but upgraded the host connection to Thunderbolt 4, opening up room for more and faster ports, faster charging, and better display support.
For connectivity, the TS4 offers 17 ports for connecting various peripherals. It has two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports, a whopping eight USB ports (including three USB-C), faster UHS-II SD card slots, and a bunch of headphone and microphone connectors. Unlike other Thunderbolt docks, all the USB ports on the TS4 support faster 10Gbps speeds, and you’ll also find upgraded 2.5G Ethernet and a DisplayPort 1.4 port suitable for high-resolution or high-refresh-rate displays.
Speaking of displays, the TS4 can drive two 6K monitors like the Apple Pro Display XDR with no issues, making it a perfect companion for creative professionals. CalDigit also upgraded the power delivery on this model. It can charge laptops up to 98W and power phones and other devices at 20W and 15W via the USB-C and other Thunderbolt 4 ports. It’s a pricey and overkill dock, but the CalDigit TS4 is a solid option for anyone who can take advantage of its power and capabilities.
Cable Matters Hybrid 14-in-1 Thunderbolt Dock
The Cable Matters Hybrid 14-Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock is a standout option for those looking for a budget-friendly Thunderbolt dock. It has all the ports users need to get stuff done, along with dual 4K display support and 96W power delivery, making it an excellent value for under $200.
Cable Matters Hybrid 14-Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock is a solid option for anyone looking for an affordable Thunderbolt dock. It massively undercuts most Thunderbolt docking stations while offering a wealth of ports, with a few reasonable exceptions. It connects via Thunderbolt 3 and offers 13 usable ports for accessories like monitors, USB-A devices, Ethernet, SD cards, and headphones.
One of the standout features of the Cable Matters Hybrid 14-Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock is the inclusion of both DisplayPort and HDMI ports. Users can connect up to two 4K external monitors via HDMI, DisplayPort, or a combination of both, ensuring compatibility with different displays. It also adds six USB-A ports (one 10Gbps) for connecting everything from wired keyboards to external mic, flash drives, and other legacy USB devices.
Like the CalDigit TS4, this dock offers the flexibility of vertical or horizontal placement to suit your desk space. It also delivers up to 96W of laptop charging power for a clean, single-cable setup. The lack of a downstream Thunderbolt 3 port can be a deal-breaker, but the dock offers a 10Gbps USB-C port, which works well for high-speed USB-C devices. Still, if you’re a creative professional who frequently transfers large files, thePlugable TBT4-UD5with a downstream Thunderbolt 4 port might be a better option.
Dell Thunderbolt Dock WD22TB4
This modular Thundebolt 4 dock from Dell can drive four external 4K displays at 60Hz and offers decent port expansion with a mix of USB-C and USB-A ports, Thundebolt 4 ports, and Ethernet, making it an unrivaled option for multitaskers. Add Dell’s reliability, and you find the perfect dock for office and enterprise environments.
Dell’s docking stations have been a staple for offices, and the latest WD22TB4 Thunderbolt 4 dock is another home run for business professionals and multi-taskers. This dock stands out for its incredible display support, supporting up to four external monitors at 4K 60Hz resolutions without any lag or flickering. With most other docks supporting up to two external displays, the WD22TB4 is a game changer for professionals working with three external monitors or more.
The Dell WD22TB4 boasts two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports, a mix of USB-C and USB-A ports for modern and legacy accessories, and an Ethernet jack, along with two DisplayPorts and HDMI for easy connection to your favorite monitors. However, there are no SD card slots or audio connectors. Video editors or photographers who rely on SD cards and dedicated audio connections might want to consider alternatives like theCalDigit TS4.
Beyond the impressive display capabilities, the WD22TB4 also delivers exceptional power delivery. It’s the only dock that can charge laptops past 100W via USB-C, offering up to 130W for Dell laptops and 90W for other laptops. It might not have the most connectivity, but for users working with more than two displays, the port selection and display support make the Dell Thunderbolt Dock WD22TB4 an exceptional offering at $300.
The Plugable UD-4VPD USB4 Docking Station stands out as the only option that supports 4K 120Hz displays, making it ideal for gamers. It also offers a wide variety of ports, including a mix of USB-C and USB-A inputs, and can charge laptops up to 100W.
The Plugable UD-4VPD USB4 Docking Station is the docking station gamers have been waiting for. While most docks support a 60Hz refresh rate at 4K, this slim and surprisingly affordable dock bumps it up to 4K 120Hz via HDMI 2.1, making it a nice addition to a gaming setup. Whether you have a lightweight notebook orgaming laptop with an RTX 4090 GPU, this dock will let you pair your laptop with a proper gaming monitor or 4K 120Hz TV for a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
The UD-4VPD uses a USB4 host connection, but offers consistent performance with Thunderbolt devices, since both support 40Gbps transfer speeds. In addition to two HDMI 2.1 ports, the dock has everything from USB-C and USB-A ports to SD card slots and a headphone/microphone port. Throw in the supercharged 2.5G Ethernet port and up to 100W for charging, and you get the perfect docking station for future-proofing your laptop gaming setup.
The CalDigit Element Hub is perfect for users looking for an ultra-compact Thunderbolt dock. It is tiny but packs a big punch with four Thunderbolt 4 ports, and four USB-A ports, along with many benefits like dual 4K display support and laptop charging.
The CalDigit Element Hub looks deceivingly small due to its compact form factor, but it’s far from a simple hub. Powerful despite its size, the dock can drive two external 4K monitors or even a high-resolution 6K or 8K display. Measuring 0.70 x 2.75 x 4.48 inches and weighing less than half a pound, it is an excellent pick for users withsmall desksor anyone looking for a portable Thunderbolt dock.
The Element Hub features more ports than hubs of its size, with three Thunderbolt 4 ports for peripherals and four USB-As for your legacy devices. It offers reliable and consistent performance for both Mac and Windows laptops, like its bigger CalDigit TS4 cousin, and can charge compatible laptops, albeit at only 60W. However, this dock has a chunky 150W external power brick that might weigh you down when traveling.
Choosing The Best Thunderbolt Dock
Finding the ideal Thunderbolt dock for your setup depends on a few factors, including the number of ports, display support, laptop charging capabilities, and budget. The best docks, like CalDigit’s TS4, command higher prices, but they also offer the most ports and features. For users looking to add a few essential ports, they are also good alternatives that can get the job done for much less.
ThePlugable TBT4-UD5 Thunderbolt 4 Dockis our favorite Thunderbolt dock thanks to its huge port selection and excellent features like dual 4K monitor support. It can meet the needs of most people without breaking the bank. For users looking for something even cheaper, theCable Matters Hybrid 14-Port Thunderbolt 3 Dockis a compelling option with 14 ports, including DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A ports, but it lacks a Thunderbolt 3 port for peripherals.
FAQ
Q: Do I really need a Thunderbolt 4 dock?
You’ll need a Thunderbolt 4 dock if you want to connect multiple high-resolution displays, transfer large files frequently, or if you’re a gamer who wants high refresh rates. Additionally, since most modern laptops come with Thunderbolt 4 ports, opting for a Thunderbolt 4 dock offers better futureproofing.
Q: Is a Thunderbolt dock better than a USB-C dock?
Thunderbolt docks have more bandwidth than USB-C docks, so they can offer more and faster connectivity with features like multiple 4K display support. However, USB-C docks that use the latest USB4 standard can match the performance of Thunderbolt docks in some areas.
Q: What is the fastest Thunderbolt port?
The fastest Thunderbolt port currently available is Thunderbolt 4, which offers data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps. While Intel announced a newer Thunderbolt 5 standard with double the speed at 80Gbps, no docks or hardware are using it.
