Thunderbolt docks are ideal for creative professionals and other people who demand a lot from their computers, including the fastest possible transfer speeds and the widest port selection. For the sake of this guide, we consider Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 to be interchangeable. A great Thunderbolt dock extends the functionality of a computer by offering additional connections, each capable of the fastest data-transfer speeds.
These docks are particularly practical for computers that have a limited number and variety of ports, such as the current M1-equipped MacBook Air , but docks are also useful for more conveniently connecting peripherals to a desktop or laptop computer.
In evaluating our picks, we looked for the following features:. For our testing, we used a inch MacBook Pro to test performance and speeds, and we confirmed compatibility with a inch, M1-based MacBook Pro and an HP Spectre laptop. Specifically, we ran the following tests:. Almost every other Thunderbolt dock we tested is long and flat, designed to lie horizontally on your desk. The TS3 Plus, in contrast, can sit horizontally or stand vertically. The fifth port the lowest one on the back of the CalDigit dock produced faster speeds.
The USB-C 3. Again, these numbers are comparable with our test results across the rest of the docks, and these figures still indicate blazing-fast speeds next to those of most connection types. Most Thunderbolt 3 docks, including this one, use DisplayPort for video output.
When the dock was connected to two 4K monitors, we measured a proper 60 Hz refresh rate on both displays; one was connected directly to the DisplayPort, while the other was attached through a USB-C—to—DisplayPort cable plugged into the Thunderbolt port.
The TS3 Plus can charge connected laptops at up to 87 watts. Some other docks offer similar charging speeds, but less expensive models usually top out around 60 watts. Thunderbolt docks require large power bricks, and the TS3 Plus is no exception.
CalDigit offers a two-year warranty on the TS3 Plus, which is as good as the coverage length on any of our other picks. Reviews of the TS3 Plus have been positive, matching our findings.
Occasionally it requires a restart. Although its port selection is more limited than that of the CalDigit TS3 Plus, it still has plenty of options to suit most needs, including the ability to connect to multiple monitors at full resolution. We had no issues running two monitors on the DisplayPort connectors. Depending on your computer, you may also sacrifice laptop charging speed.
The Monoprice dock can power a computer at up to 60 W, which is top speed for pretty much any inch computer. Not only can a Thunderbolt 3 port help you transfer data to and from a compliant external hard drive more quickly than a plain USB-C port, but it can also unlock additional capabilities for connecting external monitors and expansion docks. A USB-C port with support for Thunderbolt 3 means that a single cable is all you need to push power and transfer a large amount of information such as video data for two or more 60Hz 4K external monitors to and from a computer.
Some companies have been quick to take advantage of these capabilities. Apple was among the earliest adopters of Thunderbolt 3 for computers, and now these ports are available on all late-model Mac desktops and laptops. More and more Windows PCs and peripherals are now coming with Thunderbolt 3 support, as well. The same is true of cables. Many other Thunderbolt 3-equipped devices, especially laptops, have a mix of USB-C ports with and without Thunderbolt 3 capabilities. In those situations, there are usually clearly identifiable depictions of a bolt of thunder located next to the relevant ports.
In some cases, as mentioned, the port will just be unmarked, and the documentation for the device will be your best guide. To see why, take the most basic capability of either port: charging a battery. USB-C provides unique charging capabilities. The power output allows larger devices to be charged as well as your everyday smartphone- eliminating excess charging wires.
However, if you were to connect a Thunderbolt 3 cable to a USB-C port you would have restrictions on capabilities. Thunderbolt 3 has greater performance when it comes to speed and video display. It's speed allows for quicker access more data when compared to USB-C. Satechi believes that technology should be limitless, timeless, and forever evolving to fit your modern lifestyle. The brand produces tech products and accessories that make everyday life more convenient for the fast-paced world we live in.
Satechi strives for efficiency without compromising style. Again, the similarities between USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 often lead to confusion. Both share a USB-C connector. Both can transmit data at 40Gbps, deliver up to W of power, audio, and video. So, USB4 vs. Thunderbolt 4, what's the difference? Although both deliver similar functionality, USB4 allows for variations in deployment. Consider a USB4 port; it can either support 20Gbps or 40Gbps and, critically, there is no requirement that devices go through certification or validation to claim a device as USB4 capable.
To be certified as Thunderbolt 4, a port must be capable of 40Gbps and must pass rigorous design validation, testing, and certification. No need to check your computer specs. No confusion. Thunderbolt 4 guarantees support for one 8K display or two 4K displays. A USB4 port can only support one display with no mention of resolution minimums. A Thunderbolt device in a USB4 port, however, may see limited functionality.
USB4 is a fast, capable connection. However, because USB4 does not require certification, and it allows for variations in deployment, consumers will struggle to match devices with computers. Learn how to get around the M1 display limitation here. Thunderbolt 4, on the other hand, does a great job of setting expectations.
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