The Best Thunderbolt Docking Stations
The world moves fast, and mobility is of utmost importance. That's why laptops have become such popular devices in our everyday lives, as they put the power of computing in a portable, easy-to-use package. And while our lives become more efficient and on the move, many people use laptops as their primary computer. But despite their convenience, some laptops still struggle to keep up with the power of desktops. That's where the beauty of Thunderbolt docking stations begins, as an innovative way to expand the functionality of your laptop and even transform it into a desktop-like workstation. By serving as an external interface between various devices, including monitors, mice, and keyboards, it will save you from having to plug all those pieces into your laptop itself so you can open up its full connectivity. And since they're equipped with Thunderbolt and USB-C ports, these handy devices can work with the latest laptop models and operating systems. We looked high and low to find the very best Thunderbolt docking stations on the market. In our search for the top-notch Thunderbolt docking stations, we looked for a combination of three important qualities: versatility, a durable build, and super fast speed. That's why the docking station from TOTU quickly stood out as our favorite. It's a strong and sturdy build, with a ton of different ports that fit a wide variety of devices. Also, it allows you to plug into three monitors at once to keep your workflow organized. If speed's the name of your game, however, then check out the awesome Thunderbolt mini dock. It features incredibly fast transfer speeds for lightning-fast efficiency. It also has a compact design with multiple ports, so you can keep connected no matter where you set up. Read on below to see our full list of the top picks for Thunderbolt docking stations and the reasons why we loved each of them so much.
TOTU Upgraded Universal USB-C 4K Triple Display Docking Station
Performance meets price
One of the most difficult things about shopping for a docking station is finding one with the right balance of features and affordability. A cheap model may lack all the ports you need daily, while a more expensive one full of advanced features may feel like overkill. The TOTU Universal Docking Station, however, achieves the perfect middle ground between price and function. It has all the usual connectivity options, including an SD card slot, headphone and mic jacks, and an Ethernet port, plus an HDMI and two DisplayPort outputs that all support 4K video transmission. Finally, they’re all housed in a cube-like body that has a premium feel and will look great sitting on any desk.
Pros:
- The build quality is strong and sturdy, which allows you to plug and unplug devices without moving the unit.
- You can connect your laptop to separate monitors, so you’ll be able to keep your computer work spread out if you have multiple windows and programs open.
- It comes with a USB-C cable to support a multitude of devices.
Cons:
- The design feels a little bulky.
Kensington SD5500T Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station
Faster speeds, fewer features
If you don’t need as many connection options but do need to be able to transfer data quickly between the ones you have, get the Kensington SD5500T Docking Station. It’s not quite as feature-rich as our #1 pick, since it lacks things like an HDMI port and SD card slot, but it is just as powerful, boasting transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps for Thunderbolt 3, and up to 10Gbps for USB-C. When considered alongside its two DisplayPorts, which both offer a max resolution of 4K at 60Hz, all of that makes it an especially ideal choice for offices and other high-productivity workplaces.
Pros:
- It supports fast charging for phones and tablets, so you’ll be able to get a quick battery charge if you’re short on time.
- Its compatibility with both macOS and Windows operating systems means you can use it across a variety of computers at work and home.
- The compact and minimalist design frees up space on your desk.
Cons:
- Compared to other docking stations, the port selection is limited.
CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock
The ultimate Thunderbolt 3 dock
When it comes to sheer port selection, few models out there can hold a flame to the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock. The premium model boasts a whopping 15 different connection options, including everything from Ethernet to a DisplayPort to a huge arsenal of both USB 3.0 and USB-C ports. It’s perfect for creators and designers with elaborate desktop systems, even more so when you consider the 5K-supporting DisplayPort. On top of that, it’s also pretty flexible from a design standpoint, since you can position it either vertically or horizontally on your desk.
Pros:
- It boasts a staggering 87W of power charging to speedily charge up your devices.
- You can plug speakers, headphones, and earbuds into its optical audio port.
- The card reader supports high-speed SD cards, so you’ll be able to import pictures, videos, and files from your camera to your computer.
Cons:
- Because of its high-quality features, it runs a little more expensive than its competitors.
Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Mini
Take your desktop anywhere
If you want to keep your docking station as portable as your own laptop, get the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Mini. It’s one of the most space-efficient models on the market, with a compact body that will easily slip into a briefcase or backpack. It’s also one of the most versatile, thanks to a thoughtful selection of essential ports like two 4K resolution HDMI outputs and two USB connections. It’s enough to power a whole desktop system including two screens, a mouse, a keyboard, and Ethernet, and is also small enough to take literally anywhere.
Pros:
- If your top priority is speed, then this one is what you’re looking for. It’s able to transfer videos, photos, and any other data at a whopping 40Gbps.
- It has a sleek ergonomic design that complements any home office or work desk.
Cons:
- It doesn’t have an SD card slot.
Plugable USB C Dock with Charging Compatible with Thunderbolt 3
Basic but reliable
Users that mostly use their laptop alone but occasionally need the functionality of a desktop system should check out the Plugable USB C Dock with Thunderbolt 3. For just half the price of more premium options, it will provide all the ports you need to connect to an external monitor, hard drive, mouse, or any other periphery device. The HDMI port supports 4K resolution, albeit at a slightly lower refresh rate than some of the more expensive models on this list, and the rectangular body comes with a small stand that allows you to position it both vertically or horizontally on the desk.
Pros:
- We were surprised at how compatible and efficient it was, with a great value despite its lower price compared to other models.
- It doesn’t require any additional software to work, so you’ll be able to simply plug it in and get right to work.
Cons:
- The design is uninspired and bulky compared to other models.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a docking station?
A docking station is a device interface that allows you to turn your laptop into a desktop workstation. Normally, if you want to run peripherals like a monitor, keyboard, or mouse of your laptop, you’d have to connect them directly to the computer itself. But with a docking station, you can plug those devices into the station, then plug the station into your laptop. Not only does that allow you to connect and disconnect from your desktop peripherals quickly and easily, but it can also expand the number of ports you have access to since many docking stations offer connection options that you may not have on your laptop. Docking stations can come in several different varieties, including those designed to be used with USB 3.0-equipped laptops or, in the case of this list, USB-C and Thunderbolt 3-equipped ones.
What should I look for in a Thunderbolt Docking Station?
Because there is such a sheer number of ports that make up a desktop system, finding a docking station with the right balance of features can be tough, especially if you’re on a budget. Even premium docking stations vary widely in terms of their port selections, so you’ll have to look closely at what is being offered. If you’re a gamer or someone else that needs high-definition visuals out of their system, or if you use more than one monitor, you’ll want to make sure the docking station offers more than one video output and supports 4K resolution. Likewise, if you’re doing a lot of data uploading and downloading, you’ll need a model that offers fast transfer speeds. Finally, depending on where you plan on using the station, you may also want to consider its size and portability.
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