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Best Docking Stations for MacBook are important add-ons that can turn your laptop into a powerful workspace. If you have one of the newest MacBook models, like the 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro or the M2 MacBook Air, you know that it has great power, speed, and a sleek design. But as Apple keeps making their laptops thinner and lighter, the amount of ports they have is getting smaller. Here’s where a good docking station comes in handy.
It changes the way you use your MacBook by letting you connect extra monitors, tools, and external storage devices. Also, the best MacBook docking stations help you get the most out of your workspace by saving room and keeping things neat. They also make it possible to use older products that don’t have Thunderbolt ports. Some docking stations even have extra features like built-in storage or wireless charging, which make your setup even more convenient and useful.
Best Docking Stations for MacBook Comparison Table
| Product | Ports | Power Delivery | Display Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock | Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, SD card, Audio | Up to 100W | Dual 4K or single 8K |
| Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Dock | Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, SD card, Audio | Up to 90W | Dual 4K or single 8K |
| Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station | USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, SD card, Audio | Up to 85W | Single 4K |
| Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Mini HD | Thunderbolt 3, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, Audio | Up to 60W | Dual 4K |
| Corsair TBT200 Thunderbolt 4 Dock | Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, SD card, Audio | Up to 90W | Dual 4K or single 8K |
Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock
| Product Name | Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock |
|---|---|
| Ports | Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, SD card, Audio |
| Power Delivery | Up to 100W |
| Display Support | Dual 4K or single 8K |
The Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Best Docking Stations for MacBook is a versatile dock that focuses on Thunderbolt 4 links. It won’t let you down if you want one. Its simple design makes it easy to use at work or at home, and the placement of its ports lets you keep your desk relatively wire-free.
Even though it came a little late, that doesn’t make it less strong. This Thunderbolt 4 Dock gives you the ability to connect to two 4K displays while your laptop charges with 96W Power Delivery, have multiple PC devices ready to use without taking up laptop ports, and charge your phone or tablet on the go. This makes for a flexible setup.
The Good
- Thunderbolt 4 connectivity for fast data transfer and high-performance capabilities
- Versatile port selection for connecting various peripherals and accessories
- Power Delivery of up to 100W to charge your MacBook and other devices
- Supports dual 4K or a single 8K display for immersive viewing experience
The Bad
- Relatively higher price compared to standard USB docking stations
Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Dock
| Product Name | Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Dock |
|---|---|
| Ports | Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, SD card, Audio |
| Power Delivery | Up to 90W |
| Display Support | Dual 4K or single 8K |
The Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Best Docking Stations for MacBook goes well with a current MacBook that has Thunderbolt 4 support. Not only does it give some of the best computers on the market a lot more ports and slots, but it also gives 90W of power.
This is a great addition to the current 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros because it gives you the extra ports you need without interfering with the HDMI port that just came back. If you have more specific video or other needs, one of the other options below may be better for you, but the Kensington SD5700T should be at the top of your list if you want to turn your MacBook Pro into a command center.
The Good
- Thunderbolt 4 connectivity for fast data transfer and high-performance capabilities
- Comprehensive port selection for versatile connectivity options
- Power Delivery of up to 90W to charge your MacBook and other devices
- Supports dual 4K or a single 8K display for exceptional visual experience
The Bad
- The dock may get warm during extended use
Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station
| Product Name | Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station |
|---|---|
| Ports | USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, SD card, Audio |
| Power Delivery | Up to 85W |
| Display Support | Single 4K |
We have a secret to tell: we once put a monitor on a stack of books. With the Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station, a $249.99 metal alloy display stand with plastic legs that is also a 12-in-1 connection hub, you can do a lot better. In addition to the 100-watt USB-C link to your laptop, the nonskid stand has five 10Gbps USB ports (two Type-C and three Type-A), SD and microSD flash card slots, a 3.5mm audio jack, a gigabit Ethernet port, and an HDMI port for a 4K, 60Hz monitor.
In addition to helping your posture by raising your screen, the stand has built-in wire management to keep your desk from getting cluttered. It’s also a Qi wireless charging station that can charge a Samsung phone with up to 10 watts or an iPhone with up to 7.5 watts.
The Good
- USB-C connectivity for fast data transfer and device charging
- Compact and portable design for easy transportation
- Supports a single 4K display for clear and vibrant visuals
- Affordable price point compared to Thunderbolt docks
The Bad
- Limited port selection compared to Thunderbolt docks
Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Mini HD
| Product Name | Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Mini HD |
|---|---|
| Ports | Thunderbolt 3, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, Audio |
| Power Delivery | Up to 60W |
| Display Support | Dual 4K |
The Thunderbolt 3 Dock Mini HD from Belkin costs $139.99 and measures 0.8 by 5.1 by 3.1 inches. It comes with a cable that measures 6.8 inches and features a docking station that offers a USB 3.0 Type-A port, a USB 2.0 port, a gigabit Ethernet port, and two HDMI ports that support a resolution of 4K at 60 frames per second.
The guarantee on the dock is good for two years and it is protected by a strong housing made of aluminum. And with a weight of only 6.3 ounces, it won’t add significantly more bulk to your day bag than a wireless mouse would.
The Good
- Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for fast data transfer and high-performance capabilities
- Dual 4K display support for immersive multitasking or multimedia experience
- Compact and portable design for easy mobility
- Compatible with Thunderbolt 3 enabled MacBooks
The Bad
- Limited power delivery compared to higher wattage docks
Corsair TBT200 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
| Product Name | Corsair TBT200 Thunderbolt 4 Dock |
|---|---|
| Ports | Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, SD card, Audio |
| Power Delivery | Up to 90W |
| Display Support | Dual 4K or single 8K |
The Corsair TBT200 Thunderbolt 4 Best Docking Stations for MacBook replaced the TBT100 and its Thunderbolt 3 connection. This MacBook Pro dock has an impressive number of ports. The TBT200 is easy to set up and has four Thunderbolt 4 ports to handle all data transfers. You can connect it in or use the included software.
USB-A, USB-C, SD card reader, and headphone jack are elsewhere. The TBT200’s one-piece aluminum build makes it feel expensive and light, but the dock’s power supply is huge. The Corsair TBT200’s only drawback is price. It’s one of the more expensive docks at £289 / $319, and since it’s new, we don’t anticipate it to drop.
The Good
- Thunderbolt 4 connectivity for high-speed data transfer and superior performance
- Comprehensive port selection for versatile connectivity options
- Power Delivery of up to 90W to charge your MacBook and other devices
- Supports dual 4K or a single 8K display for stunning visual experience
The Bad
- Relatively higher price compared to standard USB docking stations
FAQs
Yes, many MacBook docking stations can handle more than one display. But based on the docking station model, the number and arrangement of displays that can be used may be different. Some docking stations can hold two TVs, and others may be able to hold even more. Check the docking station’s specs to make sure it meets your needs for multiple monitors.
Yes, most docking stations for MacBook support Power Delivery (PD), which lets you charge your MacBook while it’s attached to the docking station. But different docking station models may be able to give different amounts of power. Make sure that the docking station you choose can charge your MacBook at the speed you want.
Even though docking stations are very useful and easy to use, there are a few things to keep in mind about them. There may be problems with older MacBook models, restricted power delivery, driver/software compatibility issues, and the need to update the firmware every so often. It’s important to do study and choose a docking station for your MacBook that fits your needs and model.