Apple makes the best laptops, and there is no doubt about it. With every new version of MacBook, they are introducing newer features. But we cannot deny that they are on the mission of removing every port from their device. So if you want to attach different accessories to your MacBook, you have to use a Thunderbolt dock. So the question is, what is the best Thunderbolt 3 docks for MacBook Pro & Air?
Well, to help you out with this question, I have handpicked some of the best options for you. So let’s quickly go ahead and check them out:
Best Thunderbolt 3 Dock For MacBook Pro & Air
1. CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock
At first, there is the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock. This is one of the best docks that you can buy. It comes with 15 ports of connectivity, including 2x Thunderbolt 3 40Gb/s, DisplayPort 1.2, 5x USB-A & 1 USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gb/s), and many other ports.
It also features strong aluminium construction that comes with an integrated heat sink. This will help the dock remain cool.
The dock also delivers power up to 87W. So you can charge your laptop and other USB devices with ease. There is also a secondary Thunderbolt 3 port that provides 15W of power for downstream devices.
CallDigit TS3 also supports dual 4K@60Hz (4096 x 2160 30-bit colour) monitors via DisplayPort. Or you can use a Single 5K@60Hz display using the Thunderbolt 3 port.
What’s more? It also comes with the latest UHS-II SD card slot that supports SD/SDHC/SDXC at up to 312 MB/s bus speed.
2. Dell Thunderbolt Dock
You can also look at the Dell Thunderbolt Dock, which is designed for Dell commercial laptops. Plus, it works amazingly well with Macbooks.
It offers you ultimate connectivity, and it would be super easy for you to get power, data transfer speed, audio, and video out of it.
It also provides you support for up to three displays. You can connect a single 5K display or use dual 4K monitors. Also, check out Best Thunderbolt 4 Dock & Hubs For MacBook Pro & Air
The dock also has a pretty slim design which doesn’t really occupy much space on your desk. Plus, it easily gets slid into your bag. So you can carry it around easily.
Moreover, it comes with the Dell ExpressCharge feature. As a result, you will be able to charge your devices up to 80% in one hour. Also, it delivers up to 130W of power.
3. Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Mini
If you are looking for something affordable, then do check out the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Mini. It comes with a compact design which you can carry around pretty easily.
Along with that, it works amazingly well with macOS and Windows USB-C devices. Also, it allows you to connect up to two 4K UHD displays @ 60Hz.
It also allows you to connect and power multiple devices through the dock. Plus, it supports a data transfer rate of 40GBPS.
Furthermore, it also comes with a premium aluminium enclosure. This makes the dock extremely sturdy and protected against drops.
Overall, being a mini dock, it doesn’t have tons of ports. But it definitely has the ones you are going to need the most.
What’s more? It also comes with two years of warranty and has an affordable price tag.
4. Monoprice Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station
Up next, there is the Monoprice Thunderbolt 3 dock. This one delivers a data transfer rate of 40GBPS. Also, you will be able to connect multiple data and video devices to it.
It also supports Dual 4K@60Hz displays. So you can enjoy a multi-monitor setup with your Mac. However, with Mac M1 models, you can only use one additional monitor.
The dock is also MFDP compatible. This means that the dock supports the DisplayPort/USB-C Alternate Mode.
Also, it’s USB-C connector supports USB power delivery standards up to 60W. So you can connect all your USB devices with ease and charge your laptop or other devices.
However, it has a limited number of ports which might be a downside to you. But it comes with an affordable tag.
5. Tobenone Thunderbolt 3 Dual Monitor Docking Station
Tobenone is also the best thunderbolt 3 dock for MacBook Pro & Air that you can check out. It comes with 16 ports which expands your MacBook’s connectivity options.
It features 1xDisplayPort monitors, 1xThundebolt 3 for display, high speed data transfer, 2x USB-C (10Gbps), 1x USB3.1 (10Gbps),2x USB 3.0 (5Gbps), 2xUSB 2.0(for wireless devices) and more.
Also, you can connect a single 5K@60Hz or use dual 4K@60Hz (3840 x 2160 @60Hz) extended displays. Plus, it provides you high speed data transfer rate of up to 40 Gbps.
The dock also offers you strong and stable power delivery. It provides 60W of power to charge the host. Also, you can charge your laptop, phone or other devices using the dock.
6. Kensington SD2500T Thunderbolt 3
This one is another excellent option for all your connectivity needs. The Kensington SD2500T Thunderbolt 3 is compatible with both MacBooks and Windows devices. And it offers you a data transfer speed of up to 4Gbps.
The dock supports 4K ultra HD (4096 x 2160 30-bit colour @60 Hz) to two monitors. Or you can use a single 8k @30Hz monitor. Even, it also supports 4K @30Hz dual monitors for devices with the DisplayPort 1.4 port.
It also comes with a 120W power supply that delivers up to 60W of power. This would be enough to charge your laptop using the power delivery 3.0. Also, check out Best External Hard Drive For MacBook Pro & Air
In addition to that, it comes with an SD card reader and Micro SD card reader and has a bunch of other ports.
7. WAVLINK Dual Display Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock
I have the WAVLINK Dual Display Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock for my next pick. This one too delivers power up to 60 watts and supports dual DisplayPort. Plus, it comes with all the important ports you will need.
The total number of ports it has is 12 which includes 2 x Displayport 1.4( 32.4Gb/s), 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (Rj45), 1 x USB C 3.1 (10Gb/s), 2 x USB A 3.1 (10Gb/s) and a few more.
It offers you a maximum video output resolution at 8K (7680 x 4320) @30Hz. Or you can use a single 5K (5120 x3200)@30Hz display. Plus, the dock provides support for dual 4K resolution at 60Hz output.
The docking station also comes with some of the advanced features like host charging and Alt mode video output. Plus, it is extremely reliable and offers steady performance. All thanks go to the JHL7440 chipset Titan Ridge solution.
8. OWC 14-Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Next, there is the OWC 14-Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock. As you can see in the name, it comes with 14 ports for all your connectivity needs. It features the USB 3.1 Gen 2 / Gen 1, Thunderbolt 3, microSD and SD Reader, mini DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, and more.
Plus, it provides you with multi-display support. It supports up to dual 4K or single 5K monitor. Also, it offers you 85W notebook charging, which charges notebook computers with up to 85W power.
Also, it features 2 High-Powered USB Type-A ports, which deliver 5Gb/s speed and up to 7.5W power to additional devices.
Along with that, it offers you up to 312MB/s, SD 4.0 spec SD and microSD card reader slots. So you can copy photos and videos at a rapid speed.
9. Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock
You can also have a look at the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock. This offers you an easy solution to connect different devices to your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air.
With the help of the dock, you will be able to charge your MacBook Pro with up to 85W of power. Along with that, it comes with 2 Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports.
This offers you extended versatility and offers you up to 5K display support and dual display support. Also, it features 3 USB 3.0 ports.
It also comes with a built-in, amplified stereo audio port. So you can connect to a high-quality microphone for crystal clear conference calls.
10. TOTU Upgraded Docking Station
In the end, I have the TOTU Upgraded Docking Station. This one is a super affordable dock that comes with tons of features.
It comes with MST support which can mirror or extend three-screen on both macOS and Windows devices. Also, its HDMI ports support a resolution of up to 4K@30Hz.
Also, it features a wide range of ports, such as RJ45 Ethernet, Type C PD charging port, USB 3.0 Ports, USB 2.0, Dual HDMI, VGA, Mic/Audio port, and Micro SD & TF card readers.
Plus, it provides you with 100w safe power delivery. This offers enough power to charge your laptop and other devices with ease.
Also, it comes with a super-smart chip that prevents overload, over-voltage, over current or short circuit like issues.
What’s more? 5Gbps of transfer speed on USB 3.0 devices, and with USB 2.0 you will enjoy a 480Mbps transfer speed.
Closing Words:
So those were the 10 best Thunderbolt 3 dock for MacBook Pro & Air. All of these docks offer you different ports and have a different number of ports. So go through them and check which one meets your requirements to pick the right one for yourself.
