Best Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 hubs and docking stations

One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 100W)

Two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)

One HDMI 2.1 video port

4 USB-A ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)

4 USB-C ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)

Inside M.2 NVMe SSD slot

2.5 Gigabit Ethernet

UHS-II SD card reader (312MBps)

3.5mm combo audio jack (entrance)

3.5mm microphone jack (again)

Two (proper and left channels) line out RCA jacks (again)

150W energy provide

The Sonnet Echo 20 SuperDock justifies its “Tremendous” title by having essentially the most ports of any Thunderbolt 4 dock we’ve examined, together with one thing lacking from most others.

It matches the wonderful Caldigit TS4 on port velocity with 10Gbps US-A and USB-C, UHS-II SD card reader and a couple of.5Gb Ethernet alongside the 2 downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports— differing primarily by its selection of the extra fashionable HDMI video port in comparison with the TS4’s DisplayPort.

The place as soon as DisplayPort 1.4 was superior to HDMI, HDMI 2.1, as seen right here, is as highly effective if no more so than the highest DisplayPort.

What makes the Echo 20 additional particular, I imply Tremendous, is its built-in SSD enclosure that means that you can add as much as 8TB of inside storage through your selection of M.2 NVMe (the SSD itself is included with the dock). For those who want additional storage in your laptop computer, this can be a nice characteristic, and is less expensive than configuring the laptop computer with such a big capability at buy.

After all, the storage doesn’t transfer with you while you’re uncoupled from the dock, but it surely’s helpful for off-laptop backups and archiving when the laptop computer’s inside storage is proscribed.

If you’d like extra transportable storage, you need to use the SD card reader. The TS4 does win right here with each SD and MicroSD readers however most MicroSD playing cards include an SD adapter so the Echo 20’s lack of the smallest format issues little.

If it’s good to hold all of your related gadgets powered up similtaneously your laptop computer, the Echo 20’s 150W energy provide ought to suffice however is nowhere close to the TS4’s mighty 230W provide.

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 98W)• Two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)• One DisplayPort 1.4 video port• 5 USB-A ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)• One USB-C port (10Gbps, 20W)• Two USB-C ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)• 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet• UHS-II SD and microSD card readers (312MBps)• 3.5mm combo audio jack (entrance)• 3.5mm Audio In and Audio Out ports (again)• 230W energy provide

For years, Caldigit dominated the Thunderbolt 3 roost with its compact however highly effective Thunderbolt Station 3 Plus (TS3 Plus). Its Thunderbolt 4 successor, the Thunderbolt Station 4 (TS4) is bodily and stylistically comparable however boasts much more ports at even sooner speeds.

All of the USB (5x USB-A, 3x USB-C) and Thunderbolt ports (3x TB4) are tremendous quick and supply spectacular gadget charging—on the entrance, there’s a USB-C port with 20W energy.

Caldigit has sacrificed one of many TB4 ports for a devoted DisplayPort, which is ok if you happen to want that video port however not as versatile as leaving three downstream TB4 ports with which you’ll be able to add adapters for exterior shows.

Home windows customers with a TB4 or USB4 pc can join a single 8K show at 60Hz, or two 4K at 60Hz; Mac customers, a single 6K show at 60Hz, or 2 4K at 60Hz—Macs utilizing an M2 Extremely chip help as much as a 8K single show. Older Intel Macs and newer M1 Professional and M1 Max MacBooks can join two 4K shows at 60Hz, though plain M1 MacBooks are sadly restricted to simply the one exterior show. Boasting model 1.4 of DisplayPort, this dock can help very excessive refresh charges on a single monitor: 144Hz on 4K, and 240Hz at 2560×1440-pixel decision.

Wired Web is 2.5 occasions sooner than you’ll discover on every other dock or hub examined right here, you probably have 2.5GbE (or above) appropriate gadgets.

The 230W energy provide is essentially the most highly effective of any dock we’ve examined, and the dock can cost a laptop computer at 98W.

The Caldigit TS4 matches the Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock for many ports on the quickest speeds. It lacks the Echo 20’s SSD enclosure however boasts the best energy.

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 60W)• Three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)• 4 USB-A ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)• 150W energy provide

You gained’t discover any extra fashionable USB ports on a hub or docking station than you get with Caldigit’s compact and well-priced Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Factor Hub, and they’re all rated at prime speeds.

It boasts 4 Thunderbolt 4 (all at 40Gbps bandwidth and 15W charging) and 4 USB-A 3.2 Gen.2 (10Gbps and seven.5W) ports. That’s greater than every other Thunderbolt 4 hub we have now seen or examined.

One of many TB4 ports is Upstream, for connection to your pc. The opposite three are Downstream, for connecting different gadgets.

Caldigit’s Thunderbolt 4 Factor Hub will not be a docking station by strict definition but it surely has so many USB ports (each Sort A and Sort C) that it will possibly definitely be used as a dock you probably have the appropriate exterior gadget ports or adapters for including exterior shows.

If used as a dock, the Factor Hub is likely one of the smallest you’ll discover with its personal energy provide

At 150W, the ability provide ought to accommodate most of your wants, with as much as 60W reserved for powering the laptop computer or pill—sufficient for all however the largest, meanest laptops.

One upstream USB4 port (40Gbps, 96W)

One downstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 15W)

Two HDMI 2.1 video ports

One USB-C port (10Gbps, 30W)

Two USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W)

Two USB-A ports (5Gbps, 4.5W)

2.5Gb Ethernet

UHS-II SD Card reader (312MBps)

UHS-II MicroSD Card reader (312MBps)

3.5mm audio jack

160W energy provide

The well-priced Wavlink Thunderbolt 4 Triple Show Docking Station has one upstream Thunderbolt 4 port to connect with your pc, and only one downstream Thunderbolt 4 port to attach different gadgets, together with exterior shows.

Two of the Thunderbolt ports have been sacrificed for devoted HDMI 2.1 ports For Macs, the dock will help three 4K shows at 60Hz, however one of many two displays related through HDMI will solely mirror the display of the opposite whereas the opposite two will show prolonged screens. Home windows TB4 laptops help three Prolonged Mode 4K 60Hz shows or one monitor at 8K 60Hz.

Whereas it might lack many downstream Thunderbolt ports, the Wavlink dock does supply up 5 quick USB ports alongside the only TB4 port—two at 10Gbps and two at 5Gbps—and a front-located 10Gbps USB-C port that may output as much as 30W, sufficient to fast-charge a telephone.

Wired Web entry may be as quick as 2.5Gb Ethernet in case your community is rated at this velocity, but it surely’s backwards appropriate with extra normal Gigabit Ethernet.

Our sister website Macworld has a full Wavlink Thunderbolt 4 Triple Show Docking Station overview.

One upstream USB4 port (40Gbps, 100W)

Two HDMI 2.1 video ports

Two USB-A ports (10Gbps)

One USB-A port (5Gbps)

One USB-C port (10Gbps, 20W)

2.5Gb Gigabit Ethernet

UHS-II SD card reader (312MBps)

UHS-II MicroSD card reader (312MBps)

3.5mm combo audio jack (entrance)

170W energy provide

Though it’s not full Thunderbolt and lacks any downstream 40Gbps ports, the Plugable US-4VPD is a great-value USB4 docking station that gives each 40Gbps upstream information and 100W energy to the host, plus some critically top-end options.

USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 are functionally equal, however a laptop computer with a Thunderbolt 3 connection in all probability gained’t work with this dock and it’s not beneficial to work with Macs. That market ought to take a look at the Thunderbolt 4 docks reviewed right here or Plugable’s Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 HDMI Docking Station (TBT4-UDX1).

One market that can sit up and take discover is the gaming group, who will admire the chance to attach two exterior 4K shows at a speedy 120Hz refresh fee—an enormous step up on most different docks examined right here. Alternatively, you possibly can join one monitor at 8K 60Hz. 3D artists and video professionals will even benefit from the increased show scores.

That apart, the US-4VPD is a tempting supply, with 2.5Gb Ethernet future-proofing for quick wired community entry because it turns into extra mainstream.

We might have most well-liked to swap one of many USB-A ports for a second USB-C, however admire the highly effective 20W charging functionality of that USB-C—sufficient to fast-charge a telephone or different smaller gadget.

The SD and MicroSD card readers are additionally top-spec, and the 170W energy provide is spectacular.

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 90W)• Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)• Three USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W)• One USB-A port (480MBps, 7.5W)• Gigabit Ethernet • UHS-II SD Card reader (312MBps)• 3.5mm audio jack• 180W energy provide

As you’d count on from Kensington, the SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station is a high quality construct with every part a dock ought to have: 4 TB4 ports, three quick USB-A and one gradual one (that at the least boasts 7.5W charging energy in comparison with the sooner USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports’ 4.5W), Gigabit Ethernet, SD Card reader, and audio jack.

At 180W, the ability provide is nice in case you are powering a number of gadgets related to the dock. Solely the Caldigit TS4 has a extra spectacular energy provide.

There are helpful lights telling you when the dock is powered and when it’s related, and we just like the On/Off button, too.

We predict paying just a little additional for this dock is worth it, particularly while you issue within the three-year guarantee.

Within the US there may be one other variant mannequin, the Kensington SD5780T dock, that drops one of many three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports in favor of an HDMI 2.1 port. Energy through the host Thunderbolt 4 port additionally barely will increase, from 90W to 96W, but it surely’s additionally $50 costlier.

One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 96W)

Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)

Two USB-A ports (10Gbps)

Gigabit Ethernet 

UHS-II SD Card reader (312MBps)

3.5mm audio jack

180W energy provide

This dock depends on you putting in DisplayLink software program to make the most of its a number of show choices. That is particularly useful for Mac customers, and significantly these with a plain M1, M2 or M3 processor, which often restricts such MacBooks to only one exterior show. With DisplayLink, this dock offers M1 and M2 MacBook Air customers entry to a few shows (one 6K at 60Hz through one of many Thunderbolt ports, and two 4K at 60Hz through the 2 HDMI ports).

It affords three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports and two DisplayLink-enabled HDMI 2,0 ports. Just one different dock affords that many Thunderbolt ports and multiple video port, and that’s the mighty dual-chip iVanky FusionDock Max 1, reviewed beneath, that can set you again $500/£500.

Its ports are topped out with GigabIt Ethernet, quick SD Card reader, two speedy USB-A, and an audio jack.

As such the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Show Docking Station affords nice worth for cash for Mac customers seeking a number of exterior shows. Even house owners of M1/M2/M3 Professional MacBook Execs profit from three as an alternative of their traditional two supported shows.

It represents good worth for house owners of Thunderbolt 4 Home windows laptops, too, though such individuals also needs to contemplate the corporate’s Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Professional Dock, reviewed beneath. That mannequin is costlier but it surely doesn’t require DisplayLink software program to run 4 shows on appropriate Home windows PCs, affords a selection of devoted video ports, and boasts sooner Ethernet (in case your community helps it).

Nonetheless, the DisplayLink Satechi dock is cheaper, additionally runs 4 4K shows (with DisplayLink put in) and hosts three 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports and sooner USB-A.

One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 96W)

Two DisplayPort 1.4 video ports

Two HDMI 2.1 video ports

Three USB-A ports (10Gbps, 5.5W)

Two USB-A ports (5Gbps, 5.5W)

One USB-A ports (480MBbps, 7.5W)

One USB-C port (10Gbps, 7.5W)

2.5 Gigabit Ethernet

UHS-II SD and microSD card readers (312MBps)

3.5mm combo audio jack (entrance)

135W energy provide

This Thunderbolt 4 docking station differs from most others reviewed right here in a single very particular approach: it lacks any downstream Thunderbolt ports. This may increasingly strike you as loopy, however there’s an excellent cause for the lacking TB4 ports—it’s constructed for multiple-screen setups utilizing each HDMI and DisplayPort slightly than Thunderbolt/USB-C monitor connections, and may deal with as much as 4 exterior shows (Home windows solely).

Home windows customers with Thunderbolt 4 and plenty of USB4 laptops can join as much as 4 4K (3840×2160) 60Hz shows utilizing this dock, mixing the show connectors as they see match.

Home windows and Mac customers can join a single show at 8K (7680-x-4320) at 30Hz.

MacBook Professional (M1/M2 Professional and M1/M2 Max) customers and house owners of much less superior Home windows laptops, then again, are restricted to at most two 4K 60Hz shows. And plain M1 and M2 Macs are restricted to only one exterior show, so this isn’t the dock you’re in search of if you happen to personal a Mac.

The Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Professional Dock seems nearly equivalent to Plugable’s TBT4-UDZ reviewed beneath, however its DisplayPorts are the superior 1.4 normal slightly than 1.2 and HDMI 2.1 slightly than 2.0.

The opposite 11 ports embrace super-fast 2.5Gb Ethernet, quick SD, audio and 7 USB connectors, so it’s specced out on the prime finish, though we’d have most well-liked extra USB-C ports than USB-A.

Two upstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 96W)

4 downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)

One HDMI 2.0 video ports

Six USB-A ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)

Two USB-C ports (10Gbps, one at 30W and one at 7.5W)

2.5 Gigabit Ethernet

UHS-II SD card reader (312MBps)

UHS-II MicroSD card reader (312MBps)

3.5mm combo audio jack (entrance)

3.5mm microphone jack (again)

Optical Audio

180W energy provide

This dock is for Mac customers solely and comes into its personal when paired with a top-end M1/M2/M3 Max MacBook Professional. A MacBook with an M1/M2/M3 Professional can help solely two displays. You want a Max to get 4 exterior shows related, or look to a dock that works with DisplayLink, such because the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Show Docking Station reviewed increased up this chart.

A Max-level MacBook twinned with this dock helps 4 6K shows, and has loads of ports left over to play with.

It has two video ports and 4 downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports—greater than different docks that supply both three downstream TB4 ports or two downstream TB4 and a video port. The FusionDock Max 1 has so many spare Thunderbolt ports as a result of it has twin built-in Thunderbolt 4 chips.

All this comes at a worth—at $500 it’s the priciest docking station we’ve examined. In case your necessities are very excessive, and also you personal a $3,000 MacBook Professional with an M1/M2/M3 Max processor., that is the final word Mac dock for 4 high-resolution exterior shows.

Extra particulars and a full iVanky FusionDock Max 1 overview over at Macworld.

One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 98W)

Two DisplayPort 1.2 video ports

Two HDMI 2.0 video ports

Three USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W)

Two USB-A ports (5Gbps, 4.5W)

One USB-A ports (480MBbps, 7.5W)

One USB-C port (10Gbps, 7.5W)

2.5 Gigabit Ethernet

UHS-II SD and microSD card readers (312MBps)

3.5mm combo audio jack (entrance)

135W energy provide

This Thunderbolt 4 docking station seems similar to the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Professional Dock reviewed above. Linked Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Home windows laptops may be linked as much as as much as 4 exterior 4K shows at 60Hz.

Nonetheless, the TBT4-UDZ’s DisplayPorts are 1.2 slightly than 1.4, so can’t join a single show at 5K, 6K or 8K. This dock is for a number of high-resolution shows slightly than fewer super-resolution screens.

We admire the ability button, which makes preserving the laptop computer’s battery life a better process.

It’s cheaper than the Satechi—we choose the opposite dock’s extra spectacular video port specs, but when 4K at 60Hz is greater than sufficient for you, then the worth saving is sensible.

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 60W)• Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)• One USB-A port (10Gbps, 7.5W)• 110W energy provide

The OWC Thunderbolt Hub delivers with an upstream Thunderbolt 4 port, three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports, and an additional USB-A port thrown in for good measure.

The worth is the bottom we’ve seen for one among these newest Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 hubs.

All 4 Thunderbolt 4 are rated at 40Gbps bandwidth and 15W charging, and one USB-A 3.2 Gen.2 (10Gbps and seven.5W) port. The TB4 ports can be utilized for including SSDs and different USB-C, TB3 or TB4 gadgets or exterior shows, relying in your wants.

It has a 110W energy provide, which is all you must want for the variety of ports on supply, and it will possibly cost a laptop computer at as much as 60W.

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 96W)• Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)• One USB-A port (10Gbps, 4.5W)• 150W energy provide

The Belkin Thunderbolt 4 Core Hub affords the usual upstream Thunderbolt 4 port, three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a USB-A port. The place it differs from the opposite Thunderbolt 4 hubs reviewed right here is its 96W laptop-charging, backed up with an exterior 150W energy provide.

It’s priced the identical because the Caldigit Factor Hub, which continues to be our favourite Thunderbolt 4 hub, with its 4 40Gbps/18W Thunderbolt 4 and 4 10Gbps/7.5W USB-A ports. Nonetheless, if you happen to personal a big power-hungry laptop computer, the Belkin’s 96W USB PD charging will impress.

Full docking stations supply comparable energy, however a hub is smaller and customarily cheaper if all you want is additional TB4 ports.

The 10Gbps USB-A port is quick for information switch however affords little device-charging output—4.5W is sufficient for a smartwatch, headphones, keyboard or mouse however little else. The TB4 ports can be utilized for including two 4K exterior shows at 60Hz, with one spare for SSDs and different USB-C, TB3 or TB4 gadgets, or an Ethernet adapter if you wish to mimic a dock’s wired entry suport.

One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 90W)

Two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)

HDMI 2.1 video port

Two USB-A ports (10Gbps, 10W)

One USB-A port (480MBps, 7.5W)

One USB-C port (10Gbps, 15W)

2.5 Gigabit Ethernet

UHS-II SD and microSD card readers (312MBps)

3.5mm combo audio jack (entrance)

120W energy provide

A Thunderbolt hub provides as many Thunderbolt ports because the connection expertise permits, however solely a full docking station comes with devoted video ports, wired Web entry, card readers and extra USB ports—though the Calldigit Thunderbolt Factor Hub packs 4 TB4 and 4 quick USB-A ports. With the appropriate adapters and a good energy connection, that may be all you want.

The “Go” in OWC’s Thunderbolt Go Dock signifies that this absolutely outfitted dock is extra transportable than different docking stations, because it doesn’t require a cumbersome exterior energy brick to be carried with it. As a substitute, it has its personal 120W energy provide constructed into its case.

This does make it moderately hefty however nonetheless a lot simpler to journey with, and is ideal for laptop computer professionals typically on the transfer and dealing on location.

It’s vary of ports is spectacular, together with super-speedy 2.5Gb Ethernet.

One upstream USB4 port (40Gbps, 100W)

HDMI 2.0 video port (4K at 60Hz)

Two DisplayPort 1.4 video ports (8K at 30Hz)

Two USB-C ports (10Gbps, 30W)

Two USB-A ports (5Gbps)

Two USB-A ports (480MBps)

Gigabit Ethernet

180W energy provide

This 11-port USB4 dock is appropriate with Thunderbolt computer systems, and is constructed for multiple-display options slightly than Thunderbolt growth because it has three video ports (two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, and a single HDMI 2.0 video port) however no downstream 40Gbps ports.

Both of the DisplayPort connections helps 8K resolutions at 30Hz. You’re in all probability contemplating this dock for a 4K show, nevertheless, and you may join two 4K shows at 60Hz decision to any two of the dock’s video ports. You possibly can even join a 4K show to every of the three ports, although solely much less comfy 30Hz refresh charges can be found underneath that state of affairs.

There are two front-mounted USB-C ports however at 10Gbps slightly than 40Gbps. Every can energy a related gadget at as much as 30W, sufficient for a big pill and any telephone. With its 180W energy provide, this dock can energy a laptop computer at 100W and two 30W gadgets utilizing all its Sort-C connectors.

We just like the side-mounting of the upstream USB4 port, in comparison with some docks that insist on the upstream port being messily positioned on the entrance.

This isn’t the dock for you in case you are utilizing a Mac or need the quickest downstream information connections, but it surely works effectively for a number of shows and accessible 10GBps 30W USB-C ports.

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 85W)• Three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)• One USB-A port (10Gbps)• 100W energy provide

The Anker PowerExpand 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Mini Dock is much like the opposite Thunderbolt 4 hubs however calls itself a “mini dock”, which is ok as all of the hubs can act as docks you probably have the appropriate adapters for Ethernet and exterior shows.

It beats most comparable Thunderbolt 4 hubs with its 85W laptop-charging energy (in comparison with 60W elsewhere). That mentioned, its whole 100W exterior energy provide feels just a little mild given the potential 67.5W energy drain if all of the ports required charging concurrently.

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 60W)• Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)• One USB-A port (10Gbps)• 100W energy provide

Plugable’s USB4-HUB3A calls itself a USB4 hub however, because the branding on the entrance suggests, can also be a totally licensed Thunderbolt 4 hub that’s competitively priced and boasts a quick USB-A port in addition to the one upstream and three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports. in that respect, it’s a higher resolution than the corporate’s costlier TBT4-HUB3C, reviewed afterward.

It prices across the identical because the OWC Thunderbolt Hub, reviewed above, and matches that hub on ports, with the one distinction being that the OWC’s 10Gbps USB-A port can cost a tool at 7.5W, whereas Plugable’s USB-A port is equally quick however doesn’t supply gadget charging. For that, OWC’s hub wins our greatest price range suggestion.

The USB4-HUB3A continues to be a superb Thunderbolt 4 hub, although, and is one among our favorites examined right here. It’s noticeably slimmer than the OWC so if portability is excessive in your record of necessities, then this would possibly enchantment to you—though just like the others it comes with a reasonably hefty energy provide.

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 90W)• One downstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 15W)• Two HDMI 2.0 video ports (4K at 60Hz)• Two USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W)• Two USB-A ports (480MBps, 2.5W)• One USB-C port (10Gbps, 18W)• Gigabit Ethernet• UHS-II SD card reader (312MBps)• 3.5mm combo audio jack (entrance)• 120W energy provide

The Belkin Professional Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a gorgeous-looking however dear laptop computer docking station, boasting 12 ports together with two HDMI for Home windows customers to rapidly add as much as three exterior shows. Mac customers, nevertheless, ought to keep away.

It sullies its Professional title, nevertheless, with a few the ports being slightly common, and the ability provide may do with being increased, however it’s in any other case effectively outfitted.

Belkin has included two HDMI ports as most customers need to join a few exterior shows to get previous the restrictions of their laptop computer display house. Nonetheless, which means that there’s only one downstream Thunderbolt 4 port. If you’d like extra flexibility, search for a dock with much less devoted show connections and extra TB4 ports.

Home windows customers can add as much as three shows, utilizing the 2 HDMI and one Thunderbolt 4 port. The TB4 port can connect on to a USB-C monitor or you should buy a USB-C adapter to connect with a DisplayPort or HDMI show. One 8K show can run at 30Hz, or you possibly can have two 4K at 60Hz. Video decision for as much as three shows depends in your laptop computer’s capabilities.

The shortage of port flexibility is worse for Mac customers, as they’ll’t use each HDMI because of the approach Macs deal with video.

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 90W)• One downstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 15W)• One USB-C port (10Gbps, 20W)• Two USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W)• Two USB-A ports (480MBps, 4.5W)• Two HDMI 2.0 ports (4K at 60Hz)• Gigabit Ethernet • UHS-II SD Card reader (312MBps)• 3.5mm audio jack• 120W energy provide

The Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station is a good selection if it’s good to join multiple exterior show to a Home windows laptop computer—much less so for Mac customers.

Different Thunderbolt 4 docks we’ve examined rely solely on the TB4 ports for show connections. Because of this if you’d like two exterior screens, you lose two of the three downstream TB4 ports, plus you will have HDMI or DisplayPort adapters until the shows have a USB-C connection.

Anker’s inclusion of two HDMI ports means you don’t want any adapters to attach shows. There’s only one downstream TB4 port, however that’s all you’d have left if you happen to related two shows to one of many different docks or hubs.

There’s a snag for Mac customers, nevertheless. They will use solely one of many HDMI ports, so having two on the dock slightly than one other TB4 port is only a waste of house. Home windows customers can use each, and, certainly, the spare TB4 port to attach as much as three shows.

For those who aren’t planning on including two screens, this dock is much less versatile than different hubs and docks the place the TB4 ports can be utilized for show or no matter else you want.

The only real downstream TB4 port can be used to attach an exterior monitor, so it’s potential for house owners of Thunderbolt 4 Home windows laptops to have as many as three shows working out of the dock: two HDMI and one TB4. Mac house owners might want to add third-party DisplayLink software program to realize three shows.

If it’s good to energy gadgets through the USB-A ports, search for a dock with superior charging specs as these ports are actually for information solely, and even then two of them are gradual USB 2.0.

An additional mark for including an influence button on the entrance in order that your laptop computer isn’t receiving a possible cost when it’s not wanted, and holding the dock’s temperature down at night time.

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 96W)• Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)• One USB-A port (10Gbps)• 150W energy provide

It’s tough to inform some Thunderbolt 4 hubs from the subsequent. Specs are sometimes equivalent, and so differentials come right down to construct high quality and worth.

The Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub comes from one among our favourite producers and the construct and design are premium. It’s slim (much less deep however just a little longer than the Caldigit Factor Hub) and its Thunderbolt 4 ports are all current with a speedy USB-A port on the entrance.

It’s as slim because the Plugable USB4-HUB3A, reviewed above.

Within the US solely in the intervening time, Satechi sells the improved Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub, which has the identical spectacular Thunderbolt and USB specs however can now energy a laptop computer at as much as 96W.

Different international locations nonetheless supply the non-Professional mannequin, so examine on the 96W PD laptop computer charging and 150W energy provide if you’d like the most effective model. The older, non-Professional Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub can cost at 60W and has a 100W energy provide. The 60W on supply will probably be superb for many medium-sized laptops however, if you will discover the Professional model it’s priced the identical and extra highly effective.

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 96W)• Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)• Three USB-A ports (10Gbps, 5.5W)• One USB-A port (480MBps, 7.5W)• Gigabit Ethernet• UHS-II SD Card reader (312MBps)• 3.5mm audio jack• 135W energy provide

The Alogic Thunderbolt 4 Blaze Docking Station is a good and inexpensive TB4 dock with every part you must want—aside from any show adapters to make use of with the three downstream ports.

The three back-mounted USB-A ports are rated at 10Gbps and supply affordable 5.5W charging, though you’ll in all probability use the entrance 7.5W USB-A port for powering your telephone, however definitely not for information switch because it’s fairly weedy at 480MBps.

Gigabit Ethernet frees you from dodgy Wi-Fi and the quick SD card reader is an effective way so as to add cheap transportable storage.

It’s a effectively constructed and good wanting docking station.

Like many of the docks reviewed right here, the upstream port is on the entrance, which we will’t fathom however perhaps we’re alone in wanting that tidied away on the again with the ability provide port.

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 85W)• Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)• One USB-A port (10Gbps, 7.5W)• 100W energy provide

The Sonnet Echo 5 Thunderbolt 4 Hub affords spectacular 85W laptop computer charging, which is among the many highest we’ve seen with a humble dock.

Not that three downstream 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports and a 10Gbps USB-A port (with 7.5W charging energy) are all that humble.

There’s an influence button on the again, which we admire, though we’d have most well-liked the upstream TB4 port to be tucked away there, too. That mentioned, this hub is dinky so there merely isn’t the house to suit 4 in on the again until perhaps the ability button and upstream port had been swapped spherical.

There are two useful LEDs on the entrance that present when the hub is powered and when it’s related.

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 60W)• Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)• 110W energy provide

Plugable’s Thunderbolt 4 Hub contains the utmost Thunderbolt 4 ports (one upstream to the pc, and three downstream for different gadgets) however nothing else.

Handily there’s a USB-C-to-HDMI-2.0 adapter that you need to use to connect an exterior show. Different hubs require you to purchase such an adapter. 

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 60W)• Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)• One USB-A port (10Gbps, 7.5W)• 110W energy provide

The Alogic Thunderbolt 4 Blaze Hub is a cut-down model of the corporate’s Blaze Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station.

As a substitute of 11 ports, the Blaze Hub has simply 5, however they’re all state-of-the-art, together with one upstream and three downstream 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports and a front-mounted 10Gbps USB-A port for older gadgets.

Some individuals don’t want a full docking station and a hub similar to that is cheaper and rather more compact—though like most hubs it should cost a laptop computer at 60W, which isn’t a number of bigger laptops.

It’s one of many smarter Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 hubs in seems.

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 90W)• Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)• Three USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W)• One USB-A port (480MBps, 7.5W)• Gigabit Ethernet • UHS-II SD Card reader (312MBps)• Entrance-facing 3.5mm audio jack• 135W energy provide

OWC doesn’t embrace Thunderbolt 4 within the title of its Thunderbolt 4 Dock, which can confuse some patrons. I perceive what it’s doing: it’s saying this common USB-C/Thunderbolt docking station works with TB3 and TB4 (in addition to USB4 and USB-C).

It doesn’t contemplate swapping a TB4 port for HDMI or DisplayPort, as an alternative permitting you to decide on both a direct USB-C show—or one of many different video connections through a third-party adapter.

You possibly can add as much as two 4K shows at 60Hz or a single 5K/6K/8K monitor.

It is a well-built and durable docking station with all of the ports you’re prone to want

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 90W)• Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps)• Three USB-A ports (10Gbps)• Gigabit Ethernet • UHS-II SD Card reader (312MBps)• 3.5mm audio jack• 135W energy provide

With its glowing underbelly, the 10-port Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma seems completely different to many of the docks and hubs we examined.

Razer is well-known for making tech kits fashionable with avid gamers, who just like the quickest expertise matched with glow-in-the-dark lighting, and this dock will match proper in with the aesthetic.

It has the identical port association (together with Gigabit Ethernet, quick SD card reader and a bunch of USB-A ports) as lots of the docks we have now examined however misses a front-mounted USB-A port for telephone charging.

Like many TB4 docks and hubs you will have a show adapter or two in case your displays don’t have a USB-C connector.

Razer seems at energy distribution otherwise from different producers and we nonetheless can’t fairly perceive how every port shares its charging capability, but it surely labored effectively in testing.

The RGB mild present will delight avid gamers however others might need most well-liked one other port as an alternative.