The Best Thunderbolt Docking Stations
If you love your tech, Thunderbolt docking stations are essential for making sure your computer can do everything you want it to. These port replacements allow you to connect a bevy of peripherals to your computer, giving you widely increased functionality for your PC or Mac. But just because there are lots of Thunderbolt docking stations out there doesn't mean all of them will be worth getting. That's why we've made this list of the best of the best. Read on and get ready to plug into power.
What to Look For
There were a few things these Thunderbolt docking stations had to prove in order to earn a recommendation from us: do they replace a wide variety of ports on your computer, will they work reliably with a range of devices, and are they easy for the user to set up and start utilizing immediately? A few of these Thunderbolt docking stations outright zapped our senses with what they were able to pull off. HP wound up making our favorite dock, thanks to its robust range of ports and easy setup. We also thought Belkin produced a standout product with their powerful yet travel-sized system. Read on to see what other Thunderbolt docking stations ended up making the cut.
HP 120W G2 Thunderbolt Docking Station
It’s no surprise that the venerable HP’s entry shot right to the top of our list. With ports for everything from Ethernet to USB inputs, this device makes a fantastic way to declutter your PC workspace. Its size will help, too. At 2.5 pounds in weight and four inches across, it makes for an incredibly portable resource. Whether you’re improving your workstation or your computer media hub, this is one of the best Thunderbolt docking stations to have at your side.
Pros
- Video doesn’t compress or lose quality when connected through the HDMI port.
- It works with a wide array of HP products.
Cons
- Getting it to run dual monitors can be a hassle on Mac setups.
Dell WD19TBS Thunderbolt Docking Station
Keeping it simple
Unlike many other Thunderbolt docking stations, this one works well with a wide variety of different brands and systems. Made by Dell, it’s compatible with just about any system that uses the Thunderbolt interface, including HP and Lenovo. And since it works off a singular firmware program and sports a compact size, it can reduce both digital and physical clutter. Thunderbolt docking stations should always streamline your setup first and foremost, and this one does that in spades.
Pros
- While some Thunderbolt docking stations can only connect two monitors, this one can handle up to four.
- With 130 watts of electricity, it charges laptops and other electronics incredibly fast and can power many peripherals at once without issue.
Cons
- It requires consistent firmware updates to work reliably with some computers.
Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station
Small size, big power
This is one of the only Thunderbolt docking stations you can take on the road thanks to its portable sizing. Better yet, it can transfer data at speeds of up to 40Gbps. And, since it supports 4K resolution, your visual information will be as gorgeous as it is fast. It works with both Apple and Windows products as well, so no one has to feel left out. If your lifestyle requires you to take your Thunderbolt docking stations on the go, make this one a priority.
Pros
- Its miniature size saves production costs and makes it more affordable than many other Thunderbolt docking stations.
- Those who bring their laptops to work will appreciate the ability to plug in monitors without having to plug and unplug many cords per day.
Cons
- It isn’t compatible with DisplayPort or VGA technology.
Plugable Triple Display Thunderbolt Docking Station
More devices need more plugs
If you’re looking for Thunderbolt docking stations that can house as many peripherals as possible, Plugable has you covered. An astonishing 11 ports give you plenty of places to plug-in devices, including USB-C, Ethernet, and HDMI cables. And with three HDMI ports, the number of monitors at your disposal is greater than many competitors offer. This is one of the best Thunderbolt docking stations for those who have lots of cables that need a new home.
Pros
- It can work with any computer system that has a USB-C port.
- It’s very easy to set up and is simpler to sync with Mac systems than many other Thunderbolt docking stations.
Cons
- There can be some latency when gaming on multiple monitors.
Brydge Stone Pro Thunderbolt Docking Station
Feast your eyes
Not many current Thunderbolt docking stations can support 8K video, but this one is ahead of the curve. Letting you choose between running a single 8K monitor or two 4K monitors at once, this option offers the next level of graphical fidelity. And with 130w of power and 40GBPS speed, that beautiful imagery will arrive on your monitors with lightning speed. For Thunderbolt docking stations with the highest fidelity visual output, few can compete with this one.
Pros
- The sleek and sophisticated visual design sets it apart from other Thunderbolt docking stations at a glance.
- It can either be stood vertically or laid horizontally, depending on what works for your computer setup.
Cons
- The dock can sometimes create wireless interference with uninsulated USB dongles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my computer uses Thunderbolt?
Many USB-C ports will have an icon of an actual Thunderbolt next to them if they are compatible with the Thunderbolt interface. Thunderbolt’s website also has a comprehensive list of every computer that can be used with Thunderbolt docking stations. If you’re unsure, a quick web search with your specific computer model should provide the answer.
What sets Thunderbolt docking stations apart from other peripherals that add ports to my computer?
One would technically need a docking station for each separate peripheral they wanted to connect. For instance, you wouldn’t necessarily be able to use an HDMI converter to work with your Ethernet port, and vice versa. Thunderbolt docking stations take the hassle (and tangle) out of this by having a huge variety of ports included on one compact device.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.