When shopping for a Thunderbolt dock, the primary concern is compatibility. Make sure the dock will work with your computer’s operating system (both the type and version) and its version of Thunderbolt. If you have existing peripherals like a display or audio setup, you’ll also want to make sure the dock has the right kind of ports available. Some feature HDMI connections, others feature DisplayPort, DVI/VGA connections, or a combination of the three. Others have multiple audio options. It’s important to read the dock’s specifications carefully before you buy. Read on for our list of the best Thunderbolt docks available for different kinds of computers and workstation setups. This model from Belkin isn’t just a dock. It also has a built-in 170W power supply unit that you can use to charge your laptop directly from the dock. It can support two 4K displays at 60Hz and 40Gbps transfer speedings, making it a great option for those who have complex workstations for video and audio editing, graphic design, 3D rendering, and more. The only downside is the port arrangement — some may not like that there are ports on multiple sides of the device because it can make cable management a little less streamlined. This dock can be oriented vertically or horizontally to fit seamlessly into your setup. The aluminum body is both lightweight and durable, and most of the ports are on the back of the device for easier cable management. It’s compatible with Windows and most Mac laptops, but will not work with Macbooks that have Retina Displays. Though this dock is best for Macbooks with USB-C ports, it has surprisingly wide compatibility with other kinds of devices — even if your computer only has USB-A ports, you can still connect to the dock with some limitations on functionality. It also works with tablets. This makes the CalDigit USB-C Pro Dock the best option for Macs and a very solid option if you have a mix of devices to connect to your peripherals. The Cable Matters dock is compatible with multiple Dell, Acer, Intel and Macbook models. If you use your workstation with multiple devices, this dock’s flexibility is a big plus. It’s also quite small at 8.8 x 3.1 x 1.1 inches and weighs about three pounds, making it a portable option for taking your workstation on the go. The Plugable Triple Display dock is mainly a Windows device. It isn’t compatible with Chromebooks or Linux machines, and it can only support macOS 10.10 to 10.13.3 (that’s two versions behind as of the time of this writing). But if you have a Windows 10, 8.x or 7 device you’re good to go.
What to Look For in Thunderbolt 3 and 2 Docks
Thunderbolt 2 vs. 3
What kind of ports does your laptop have? If you’re working on a late 2016 MacBook Pro or newer, you’ll need a Thunderbolt 3 (or USB-C) dock. If your machine is an earlier model, then you should pick up a Thunderbolt 2 dock.
Windows vs. Mac
While the term “Thunderbolt” immediately brings to mind Macs, many of these docks are compatible with Windows machines as well. If you need a dock that works with both Mac and Windows, then you should take that into account. If you’re looking for just a Windows dock, though, you may want to look at a USB 3.0 model instead of a Thunderbolt.
Ports and Size
Do you need to be able to stick your dock in a bag and travel with it? If so, you’ll likely be looking for more of a dongle than what is traditionally thought of as a dock. These are powerful little docks, but they have a limited number of ports. If your dock will remain at a desk, you may want to look at a larger model that will give you options for dual monitors, an Ethernet port, an SD card slot, and more. However, these are often more pricey, so it’s important to balance what you need with the cost.
