There are tons of reasons why you would need the best ports. Most computers don’t have as many ports as you’ll need for good connectivity. And that is the reason this is the best product for you to experience the best and most seamless connectivity. The greatest thing that it does is it allows you to, essentially, add multiple ports to your computer by connecting an external connection box to it with a single host cable. It will literally extend the capabilities of your host device and even prepare it for future expansions if you have fewer ports depending on your requirements. Also, best ports can move data at much higher transfer speeds than a USB C stations.
Not Thunderbolt docks, or USB C hub for that matter, are created equal. What should you look for in the best Thunderbolt 3 dock? For starters, you’ll look for the dock Thunderbolt data transfer rate, at least 40Gbps. The other three important factors are the ports, the cables, and the peripherals. You may only want a few kinds of ports, or you’ll look for the whole gamut of connections. Also, consider the cables you’ll need. Look into what comes with the docking station and pay attention to the length of them. In terms of peripherals, you want to look for something that will accommodate all the peripheral items you intend to use with your computer.
Most Thunderbolt docks can come in handy for both desktop and laptop computers. You want to choose one that fits your needs the better, though. So, let’s talk more about how you do that.
Best Thunderbolt Docks
You may not be sure if you need the 3 docks Thunderbolt. If you’re working from home on a laptop that sits on a desk, one Thunderbolt dock will give you convenience and more flexibility with regard to port options.
Some laptops, such as the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air, have only a few USB-C ports to use with them. This is something all Mac users know. Thunderbolt Docking Stations make it so that Mac user don’t have to figure out how you’re going to connect the peripherals you’d like to use with your computer.
You’ll have to make sure your laptop is Belkin Thunderbolt 3 port enabled, but if you have a fairly recent host laptop model that has a USB C dock, there’s a good chance it’s compatible with Thunderbolt 3 docks. A USB A port won’t work. Having a good port gives you access to other ports so you can connect multiple devices. This means you’ll be able to connect to an HDMI adapter, external storage devices, bus powered devices, televisions, and more.
The Best Docking Stations
Best Best Thunderbolt Docks – Important Features
You don’t want the data transfer speed to be too slow going through your Thunderbolt dock. When you’re using a dock, you’re adding a bunch of options for inputs and outputs. That means you want the data to be able to travel from the peripheral you’re connecting to your computer, through the docking station, and into the Thunderbolt 3 port on your laptop without slowing down too much. Generally, you’ll find the new generation of Thunderbolt 3 docks to have a data transfer rate of 40Gbps.
You shouldn’t go with a station that is lower than that because it will cause hiccups that ultimately lead to frustration for you dealing with lagging. You’ll be able to get up to 10Gbps for USB hub speeds and have the ability to connect two 4K monitors, rather than just one.
Obviously, all the ports included on the docking station you choose are important. You can get one that is very basic and only carries some HDMI displays ports so you can connect two 4K same connector displays. Alternatively, you can choose a Thunderbolt 3 port docking station that has the HDMI ports, an storage space slot, several USB ports, multiple Thunderbolt connections, an ethernet port, and more in some cases. Multiple Thunderbolt connection ports allow you to piggyback another docking station for even more connection options.
The cables you’ll need are often overlooked by those looking for the right docking station. The Thunderbolt 3 port box you choose should come with a Thunderbolt cable, at a minimum. Some Thunderbolts will only have one DisplayPort and one HDMI port. If you’re planning to connect two multiple monitors to your Thunderbolt station, you’ll have to either have one that has two of each connection or you’ll have to get a braided DisplayPort cable to tether the two external displays together before connecting them to the Thunderbolt docking station.
Length is also very important when it comes to considering cables. You should pay special attention to how long the Thunderbolt cable connecting the laptop to the Thunderbolt 3 port is. Also, the cable has to be long enough for your preferred positioning of the monitors. It’s wise to have your placement configuration decided on before obtaining any cables so you know how long they need to be.
Try to think of all the possible peripherals you’ll want to connect to your host connected laptop. A good thunderbolt dock will accommodate your external display, dual monitors, mice you intend to use, any keyboards, graphics cards, SD cards, speakers, you name it. Most also have a headphone jack.
The Best Thunderbolt Dock Options for You
CalDigit TS3 Plus Best Thunderbolt Dock
This is one of the top Thunderbolt docks for those who want a lot of connectivity choices. This station has seven USB C docks 3.1 ports, along with two USB C ports. Few docks also has a DisplayPort and an SD card slot. There’s a connection for ethernet, too. On top of all of that, the dock is Thunderbolt 4 docking station compatible. You’ll have a total of 15 connection ports. It comes with 87W for thunderbolt laptop charging power input, has a very small physical footprint, and comes with a power supply adapter, a power cord, and a Thunderbolt 3 cable. This is ranked high among other thunderbolt 4 dock.
Pros:
15 connection ports
Very fast SD card reader
Has a digital 3.5mm audio jack connection
Compatible with Thunderbolt 4
Horizontal or vertical orientation
Cons:
Only one DisplayPort
No HDMI ports
Pricey
Anker Dock Station, PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1
Anker is a good brand, especially for USB hubs and other charging accessories. The Anker Docking Station entire dock gives you 13 options for connectivity. It includes extra Thunderbolt ports, 3.2 Gen 1 port, a USB A 3.2 Gen 1 port, 2 dual USB A ports, an HDMI port, microSD and SD card slots, and an ethernet port. Also, this Thunderbolt station has USB C charger for laptops at 85W and has options for charging all of your devices connected at fast speeds. The docking station comes with a Thunderbolt USB C cable, a power adapter, a welcome guide, and an 18-month warranty.
Pros:
Has HDMI port to support non-USB-C display monitors
Plenty of connections, including a headphones jack
Fast charging for laptop and all devices
Fast data transfer
Can support up to three displays
Cons:
No DisplayPort
Exterior gets very hot
Slow ethernet port speed
CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock
This mini dock has fewer connection ports and thus comes at a lower price. It also doesn’t work for charging devices. This Thunderbolt dock comes with two HDMI ports for setting up dual 4K displays, one USB 3.0 and a USB 2.0 port, and a gigabit ethernet port. It’s also backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 4. The mini dock doesn’t need much space at all and gives just enough connectivity to allow for a small amount of expansion.
Pros:
Budget-friendly
Fast data transfer speed
Super small physical footprint
Two HDMI ports
Ethernet port
Cons:
Limited connection options
No charging capability
Best Thunderbolt Dock
Lenovo USA ThinkPad, Best Thunderbolt Dock
This station is one of the leading options for those who really want to use dual 4K displays. This station has two actual HDMI ports, as well as two actual DisplayPort connection. There is also the USB C port, a USB 3.1 connection with always-on charging, more thunderbolt ports and more than three USB 3.1 ports without the always-on charging. With this Thunderbolt dock, you’ll have an ethernet connection, audio connection, and a security lock slot, however, you have to purchase the lock separately. This dock supports Lenovo ThinkPad users.
Pros:
Dual ports for connecting two monitors directly to dock
Security lock option
Always-on charging port included
Well packaged
Plenty of expansion options
Cons:
Limited compatibility
If the laptop is in sleep mode, all peripherals go to sleep mode
Some issues with having to reboot
Thunderbolt Conclusion
The top Thunderbolt 3 docks will give you the connections you need to expand your home office setup to the point you want to. You can go with a dock that is basic just so you can have a dual-screen setup, or with one that allows you to use 15 ports, or more. You’ll want to make sure that Thunderbolt station has a data transfer rate of 40Gbps for everything to flow smoothly. You’ll also have to get all the Thunderbolt cables necessary to make your expansions with a station seamless. Once you do, though, you’ll have so much more than just a simple laptop. Indeed, with other thunderbolt docks, your capabilities will be endless and, hopefully, with even more room for future expansions when they’re needed.
Best Thunderbolt Docks FAQs
Is A Thunderbolt Dock Worth It?
These are worth it for people who will benefit from a dual-monitor setup or those who need to connect a lot of external displays to their laptops.
Why Is A Thunderbolt Dock So Expensive?
These Thunderbolt little boxes contain a lot of advanced technology. A Thunderbolt turns laptops into a virtual supercomputer.
Is USB C And Thunderbolt The Same Thing?
Essentially, yes, Thunderbolt is the same as USB C docking station. The ports of Thunderbolt and USB-C are the same size and shape. The difference comes in the port speeds as Thunderbolt is faster. The Thunderbolt 3 can do what the USB-C does at a faster speed.
Which Is Faster, USB-C Ports Or Thunderbolt Port?
Thunderbolt is better. The Thunderbolt is about twice as fast as the USB-C.
Can I Add A Thunderbolt 3 Station To My PC?
You can’t add Thunderbolt to just any PC. The motherboard has to allow for an add-in card for the Thunderbolt 3.
What Can I Plug Into A Thunderbolt 3 Port?
You can plug in 4K monitors, HDMI cables, USB cords, audio wires, headphones, SD cards, and ethernet cables to a Thunderbolt station.
Can A Docking Station Charge A Laptop?
Yes, a Thunderbolt can normally charge a laptop. There may be some stations that don’t support power delivery supply through USB, though.
Is A Mini DisplayPort The Same As A Thunderbolt?
The Mini DisplayPort is different from a Thunderbolt station. They look to be the same, but you’ll notice a different symbol indicating what each port is. The Mini DisplayPort is so that you can connect the appropriate type of monitor with a Mini DisplayPort cable.
Does Apple Make A Thunderbolt Dock?
Why Are There No Thunderbolt Hubs?
What Is The Use Of Kensington Lock Slot?
What Is II SD Card Reader?
Is The HP Thunderbolt Dock Compatible With A MacBook?
Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Shulammite Jan Languido
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