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10 Best Thunderbolt Docking Stations 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Plugable USB-C Triple Monitor Docking Station: 13-in-1 Laptop Dock with 100W Charging for Mac (DisplayLink Driver Required), Windows, Chrome, 3 HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, SD, USB-C 20W, 4 USB - UD-ULTCDL

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,278
Power Delivery
Compatibility

Most important from
1439 reviews

Power Delivery
The dock charges my MacBook Air and connects all peripherals, even though it uses both USB-C slots.
Compatibility
Works well but make sure your computer has the necessary drivers. Tricky for Macs, super easy for PCs.

The Plugable 13-in-1 USB-C Triple Monitor Docking Station offers a versatile and powerful expansion solution for users needing multiple monitors and high-speed connectivity. With 13 ports, including three HDMI ports, four USB 3.0 ports, and an SD card reader, it provides ample options for connecting various devices. This docking station supports up to three monitors, making it ideal for professionals requiring extensive screen real estate.

It delivers a clear 4K display on one monitor and up to 1920x1200 resolution on the other two, thanks to DisplayLink technology, which also supports M1 and M2 Mac systems with driver installation. The 100W power delivery ensures your laptop stays charged while you work, and an additional USB-C port offers 20W charging for smaller devices like phones. Compatibility is broad, covering Windows, macOS (with drivers), and Chrome OS systems that support USB4, Thunderbolt, or video-capable USB-C.

MacOS users need to install drivers, which could be a drawback for some. The build quality is solid, and the design is functional but may be bulkier compared to some sleeker alternatives. Data transfer speeds are good, with USB 3.0 ports offering up to 5 Gbps, but it's not the fastest option available. For users needing a robust and comprehensive docking solution with wide compatibility and strong multi-monitor support, this Plugable docking station is a reliable choice. Just be mindful of the driver requirements for Mac users and the bulkier design if desk space is a concern.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,278
Power Delivery
Compatibility

Most important from
1439 reviews

Power Delivery
The dock charges my MacBook Air and connects all peripherals, even though it uses both USB-C slots.
Compatibility
Works well but make sure your computer has the necessary drivers. Tricky for Macs, super easy for PCs.
#2

TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station Triple Monitor with 120W Power Adapter, Triple 4K Display for MacBook Pro/Air, Thunderbolt 4/3, USB-C Windows(3X HDMI, 3X DP, 2xUSB-C, 4xUSB 3.2, SD/TF)

Rating
9.8
Number of Ports
Port Types
Power Delivery

Most important from
696 reviews

Number of Ports
Comprehensive port selection eliminates the need for additional dongles, covering almost every connectivity need.
Port Types
A minor improvement would be relocating more USB ports to the rear to keep front ports free for temporary devices and reduce clutter.
Power Delivery
The 120W power adapter reliably charges laptops and supports fast charging for phones, making it a versatile power hub.
Compatibility
Effortless setup with DisplayLink software enables multiple monitors and drives to work seamlessly right after connection.
Data Transfer Speed
High refresh rates across multiple DisplayPort monitors run smoothly, even when integrated with KVM switches.
Build Quality and Design
The dock's substantial weight and sturdy metal enclosure prevent movement and aid heat dissipation during heavy use.

The TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station is a strong choice for users who need to connect multiple monitors and peripherals through a single USB-C or Thunderbolt cable. It offers an impressive total of 18 ports, including 3 HDMI, 3 DisplayPort, 2 USB-C, 4 USB 3.1 Type-A, and slots for SD/TF cards, plus Ethernet and audio connections. This variety covers most connectivity needs, making it ideal for expanding laptop capabilities. The dock supports triple 4K monitors at 60Hz, which is great for multitasking and visual work, especially on Thunderbolt 4/3 compatible laptops. However, macOS users should note it supports only three monitors and cannot use all HDMI and DisplayPort outputs simultaneously. Windows users can connect up to four monitors if their laptop’s USB-C supports video output.

It’s compatible with many systems including macOS 11+, Windows 10+, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Android but does not support Linux/Unix and requires installing DisplayLink drivers. The included 120W power adapter can charge laptops at up to 100W, covering most power-hungry devices, and also provides fast charging for phones. Data transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps via USB 3.1 ports allow quick file transfers. The dock’s build is compact and practical, weighing just over a pound with a sturdy design in neutral grey.

Users should keep in mind some limitations like the need for driver installation, the complexity of monitor output combinations on macOS, and that streaming services like Hulu or Netflix may not work on extended displays. This dock is well suited for professionals or anyone who requires extensive connectivity and multiple high-resolution displays with fast charging capabilities, especially users with Thunderbolt 3 or 4 laptops.

Rating
9.8
Number of Ports
Port Types
Power Delivery

Most important from
696 reviews

Number of Ports
Comprehensive port selection eliminates the need for additional dongles, covering almost every connectivity need.
Port Types
A minor improvement would be relocating more USB ports to the rear to keep front ports free for temporary devices and reduce clutter.
Power Delivery
The 120W power adapter reliably charges laptops and supports fast charging for phones, making it a versatile power hub.
Compatibility
Effortless setup with DisplayLink software enables multiple monitors and drives to work seamlessly right after connection.
Data Transfer Speed
High refresh rates across multiple DisplayPort monitors run smoothly, even when integrated with KVM switches.
Build Quality and Design
The dock's substantial weight and sturdy metal enclosure prevent movement and aid heat dissipation during heavy use.
#3

HP USB-C Dock G5-11-in-1 Adapter for Both USB-C and Thunderbolt-Enabled Laptops, PCs, & Notebooks - Single Cable for Charging, Networking, or Data Transfers - Great for Secure & Remote Management

Rating
9.7
Compatibility
Build Quality and Design

Most important from
932 reviews

Compatibility
Universal compatibility, functioning well with different laptops.
Build Quality and Design
Works smoothly with multiple 4K monitors, enhancing productivity.

The HP USB-C Dock G5-11-in-1 Adapter offers a robust solution for those needing a versatile docking station compatible with USB-C and Thunderbolt-enabled laptops, PCs, and notebooks. With 12 ports, including HDMI, DisplayPort, USB Type C, and USB 3.0, it provides ample connectivity options for various devices such as headphones, mice, monitors, and laptops.

This dock supports up to three displays, simplifying multi-tasking and enhancing productivity. The single-cable solution helps reduce desk clutter, and its compact design (4.8 x 4.8 inches) takes up minimal space, making it ideal for maintaining a tidy workspace. With a power delivery of 45 watts, it ensures your laptop stays charged while in use.

Compatibility is one of its strong suits, functioning seamlessly with both HP and non-HP devices across multiple operating systems like Chrome OS, Windows 7, MacOS, and Windows 10. Additionally, advanced network manageability features make it suitable for secure remote management, appealing to professionals working in IT and remote environments. Some drawbacks include its weight of 1.65 pounds, which might be considered heavy for portable use. Also, while the dock supports a wide range of devices, the power delivery may not be sufficient for more power-intensive laptops. In terms of build quality, it has a solid construction but lacks the premium feel of some higher-end models.

Rating
9.7
Compatibility
Build Quality and Design

Most important from
932 reviews

Compatibility
Universal compatibility, functioning well with different laptops.
Build Quality and Design
Works smoothly with multiple 4K monitors, enhancing productivity.

Buying Guide for the Best Thunderbolt Docking Stations

When choosing a Thunderbolt docking station, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the device. A docking station can greatly enhance your productivity by expanding the connectivity options of your laptop or desktop. To make the best choice, you should understand the key specifications and how they align with your requirements.
Number of PortsThe number of ports on a docking station determines how many devices you can connect simultaneously. This is important because it affects your ability to connect peripherals like monitors, keyboards, mice, external drives, and other USB devices. If you have many devices, look for a docking station with a higher number of ports. For basic use, a docking station with fewer ports may suffice.
Port TypesDifferent port types offer various connectivity options. Common ports include USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and audio jacks. The importance of each port type depends on the devices you plan to connect. For example, if you need to connect multiple monitors, ensure the docking station has multiple HDMI or DisplayPort outputs. If you require fast data transfer, look for USB-C or Thunderbolt ports.
Power DeliveryPower delivery refers to the docking station's ability to charge your laptop or other devices while connected. This is crucial if you want to avoid using multiple chargers. Docking stations with higher power delivery (measured in watts) can charge more power-hungry devices. If you have a high-performance laptop, look for a docking station with at least 60W of power delivery.
CompatibilityCompatibility ensures that the docking station works seamlessly with your laptop or desktop. This includes both the operating system (Windows, macOS, etc.) and the hardware (Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, USB-C). Check the specifications of your device and the docking station to ensure they are compatible. Some docking stations are designed specifically for certain brands or models, so make sure to verify this before purchasing.
Data Transfer SpeedData transfer speed is important if you frequently move large files between devices. Thunderbolt docking stations typically offer high data transfer speeds, but it's important to check the specific speed ratings (measured in Gbps). Higher speeds (e.g., 40 Gbps) are beneficial for tasks like video editing or transferring large datasets. For general use, lower speeds may be sufficient.
Build Quality and DesignThe build quality and design of a docking station can affect its durability and ease of use. Look for a docking station with a sturdy build, especially if you plan to carry it around frequently. The design should also be user-friendly, with ports that are easily accessible. A compact and lightweight design is ideal for portability, while a larger, more robust design may be better for a stationary setup.

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