Image: Mark Hachman/ IDG
A Thunderbolt dock is now almost an essential device, supplying I/O gain access to for tradition mice, keyboards, external drives, and more. It’s a crucial component for an efficient workplace, whether at work or home. And now there’s a brand-new upcoming wrinkle: Thunderbolt 5.
Thunderbolt docks or docking stations assist fill the spaces as laptop computer makers lose weight, cut expenses, and get rid of numerous ports in favor of a do-it-all Thunderbolt port rather. That might appear like they’re pressing those expenses on to you (which they are) however it likewise suggests you can choose a dock with precisely the ports you require.
Why purchase a Thunderbolt dock? Since of the bandwidth it supplies. The best USB-C centers and dongles offer tradition ports (USB-A, microSD, and others) for linking PC peripherals like mice, printers, external hard disks, and more. Thunderbolt docks utilize the very same USB-C adapter. (Look for the “lightning bolt” logo design to identify them.) Display screens, particularly 4K screens, take in gobs of bandwidth. A 10Gbps USB-C center can just power a single 4K screen at 30Hz. Thunderbolt 4, with its 40Gbps, permits 2 4K screens at 60Hz each. Thunderbolt 5 will not be offered up until 2024, however will support 3 4K screens, at 144Hz each. Great Thunderbolt docks, whether Thunderbolt 4 or 5, can likewise charge your mobile phone.
This roundup starts with the best Thunderbolt docks, consisting of budget plan alternatives. We’ll nearby advising our preferred DisplayLink USB-C docks— easier, less expensive services that have actually just recently emerged. Our best USB-C centers and dongles are covered in a different story. Baffled? Do not be. We’ll discuss the distinctions in the FAQ that follows our suggestions, clarifying the terms to assist you comprehend what to purchase and how to conserve some cash, too.
Keep in mind that not every Thunderbolt dock we evaluate appears here. Current evaluations consist of the Revodok Pro 13-in-1 Dockwhich is great and appears here in our list.
Kensington Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Dock (SD5780T)– Best general Thunderbolt dock
Pros
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Strong efficiency
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No thermal problems
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Pretty strong mix of ports, consisting of downstream Thunderbolt 4
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Rate cuts have actually assisted make it more economical
Cons
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Among the more costly docks (MSRP) we’ve evaluated
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Rear USB-A ports provide less power than anticipated
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One screen port, needing an extra dongle for 2 screens
Rate When Reviewed:
$399.99
We initially believed our finest choice would be the Kensington SD5760Ta dock that included a perfect mix of ports on paper however likewise some efficiency problems. We then believed that the Plugable UD-4VPD would fit the costs, however an extensive video gaming session triggered the dock to get too hot and close down. We reassessed.
Kensington Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Dock (SD5780T) is the winner. It’s not ideal; this dock just consists of assistance for one display screen port, needing you to purchase a converter cable television or dongle. If versatility is what you desire, we ‘d advise our runner-up choice, the Plugable TBT3-UDZ, rather. Kensington’s dock was likewise worryingly pricey when we initially examined it, however rate cuts have actually brought the rate method below $399 to about $260 or two.
This dock didn’t provide any efficiency or thermal problems, and if you comprehend that one of the Thunderbolt ports can be utilized for charging your mobile phone, you’ll discover this dock provides essentially whatever you’ll require.
Read our complete
Kensington Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Dock (SD5780T) evaluation
Plugable TBT3-UDZ Thunderbolt Dock– Best total Thunderbolt dock runner-up
Pros
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Lots of ports
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Space-saving vertical stand
Rate When Reviewed:
$369.00
Plugable’s TBT3-UDZ utilized to be our choice for the very best general Thunderbolt dock, and we’ve just bumped it down a notch due to the fact that more recent, less costly variations are offered. It’s a credit to Plugable that we merely can’t bump this dock off our list. In part, that’s due to the fact that Plugable has actually minimized its rates, so that a dock that was when priced about $300 is now $230 or two.
While Thunderbolt 4 docks in theory use more stability, we’ve never ever had any issues with this dock. Why purchase it? Due to the fact that it provides essentially every port offered: 2 DisplayPort and 2 HDMI ports, plus a considerable amount of other alternatives. It’s likewise among the couple of docks that can be installed vertically set down on a stand to clean up desk area.
Read our complete
Plugable TBT3-UDZ evaluation
Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core– Best spending plan Thunderbolt dock
Pros
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Compact
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HDMI 2.0 + DisplayPort 1.4 port covers 2 display screens
Cons
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Unlabeled USB-A ports look similar
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Bus-powered
Cost When Reviewed:
$199.99
Belkin’s Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core is a wisely developed “powered” Thunderbolt 3 travel dock, and a low-cost one. We’ve updated it to our finest budget plan choice since of Belkin’s current cost cuts.
At an almost square 5.2 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches, the Thunderbolt Dock Core black does not use up much space, and the consisted of 8-inch Thunderbolt 3 cable supplies sufficient length for versatility. Ports are sufficiently spaced around the flat, black plastic cube, with HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 ports offering a steady 4K/60Hz experience to both of my 4K display screens. There’s gigabit Ethernet and a 3.5 mm audio jack, however best of luck informing the USB 3.1 and USB 2.0 Type A ports apart– they’re not identified.
Read our complete
Belkin Connect Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core evaluation
Ugreen Revodok Pro 13-in-1 Triple Display Docking Station– Best spending plan Thunderbolt dock runner-up
Pros
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Exceptional efficiency
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Terrific worth for the cash
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Enhanced construct
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Totally steady
Cons
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Short, integrated cable
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You’ll require your own power supply/charger
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Needs a fairly contemporary laptop computer
Cost When Reviewed:
129.99
The only factor that this isn’t our finest budget plan Thunderbolt docking station is due to the fact that it appears that it’s utilizing a generic kind of compression referred to as HBR3 (High Bit Rate 3) with DSC (Display Stream Compression), which is developed into the DisplayPort specification. That’s a specific innovation that is more typical within current Intel Core (and Core Ultra) laptop computers, however isn’t ensured to appear on yours. (If you own a laptop computer with a Thunderbolt port, however, this must work simply great.) You’ll likewise need to provide your own USB-C power cable television.
Otherwise, this docking station is great, totally steady, compact, and low-cost. Whatever’s well identified, and the dock uses DisplayPort in addition to HDMI choices. Simply watch out for linking 3 screens. The connected USB-C cable television is too brief for my taste.
Read our complete
Ugreen Revodok Pro 13-in-1 Triple Display Docking Station evaluation
HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G4 (4J0A2AA)– Best Thunderbolt dock for company
Pros
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Ports aplenty, plus charging
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Strong efficiency
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No thermal issues
Cost When Reviewed:
$299.00
This squat little Thunderbolt 4 dock feels a lot more strong than its ranked 1.68 pounds would suggest, and sprouts ports to all sides: a 10Gbps USB-C port efficient in 15W charging on the front, a 5Gbps USB-A port on either side, plus 2 more on the back, all efficient in 7.5 W out. The back likewise houses 2 DisplayPort 1.4 ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, Ethernet, and a USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port developed for video. We just evaluated this dock with 2 4K/60 external display screens, however it’s capable of driving 3 4K/60 shows supplied you have a DisplayPort 1.4-capable laptop computer with Display Stream Compression, or DSC.
The 4J0A2AA provides approximately 100W to the host laptop computer through the Thunderbolt cable television– still amongst the greatest we’ve seen. Even then, there were no thermal concerns at all.
Read our complete
HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G4 (4J0A2AA) evaluation
Kensington SD5780T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station– Best Thunderbolt 4 dock
Pros
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Strong efficiency
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96W (ranked) of downstream laptop computer power
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Pretty strong mix of ports, consisting of downstream Thunderbolt 4
Cons
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Among the most costly docks we’ve evaluated
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Rear USB-A ports provide less power than anticipated
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One screen port, needing an extra dongle for 2 screens
Rate When Reviewed:
$399.99
The Kensington SD5780T changes the Kensington SD5700T as our choice for the very best premium Thunderbolt 4 docking station today, however the rate is likewise extravagantly high. (Amazon knocked 15 percent off the cost at the time of our newest modification, however, decreasing the cost substantially.)
The SD5780T enhances on its predecessor by including a devoted HDMI 2.1 port and more laptop computer charging power. The dock carried out outstandingly in our tests, though the external power was a bit lower in locations than we ‘d hoped. (It counts where it matters, nevertheless, that includes charging a smart device.)
Read our complete
Kensington Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Dock (SD5780T) evaluation
Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma– Best Thunderbolt 4 dock runner-up
Pros
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Rock-solid stability
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The only (?) dock with RGB lighting
Cons
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Typical to somewhat bad efficiency
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Absence of devoted display screen ports
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A greater price than what competitors charge
Cost When Reviewed:
$329.99
Think it or not, we struggled over this. OWC’s Thunderbolt Go Dock was our previous choice, and we liked its trick: an integrated power brick that permits it to be handled the roadway, sort of. And we naturally avoid docks that force users to purchase extra display screen cable televisions, and Razer’s Chroma dock does.
Razer’s dock is steady, if somewhat on the sluggish side. The RGB lighting is enjoyable, and optional– it can be shut off. And yes, the Chroma is more costly: about $10 as we compose this, with an extra $15 approximately each if you require a USB-C to HDMI cable television. We’re splitting the distinction here. We believe the Chroma is the much better dock, however if you do not wish to invest the additional money, think about OWC’s dock rather. Honestly, the Kensington SD5780T that we suggest as our leading choice does share a great deal of the exact same performance as both the OWC and the Razer docks, so cost does play an aspect here.
Read our complete
Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma evaluation
Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt Hub (USB4-HUB3A)– Best Thunderbolt 4 center
Pros
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Extremely compact
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USB-C to HDMI adapter consisted of
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15W/60W of charging power to phones/PCs
Cons
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Minimal ports
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Best for Thunderbolt-attached display screens
Rate When Reviewed:
$189
The Mac world tends to highlight Thunderbolt-connected screens much more than the Windows world does, so this may be a specific niche item for the majority of you. This thing is small (4.75 x 2.88 x 0.5 inches) even if, regrettably, the involved power brick isn’t. It will send out 15W of power through the Thunderbolt/USB-C connections to charge mobile phones, and 60W to the host PC.
We did not have a Thunderbolt-connected display screen at the time of screening. (We have one now, and can verify it works.) The box does consist of a USB-C to HDMI adapter, so you can definitely link one screen natively out of the box, then connect a USB-C center to link another.
Read our complete
Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt Hub (USB4-HUB3A) evaluation
Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station– Best USB4 docking station
Pros
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2 ports for fast-charging smart devices
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Strong worth
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Eighteen-month guarantee
Cons
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Periodic instability on a 2nd screen or linked gadgets
Cost When Reviewed:
$299.99
A USB4 docking station is quite like a Thunderbolt 4 docking station– you can see more description following our item suggestions. If you’re particularly looking for a USB4 docking station, you must purchase the Anker 568 USB-C Dock.
This 11-in-1 docking station prefers DisplayPort, with 2 DisplayPort 1.4 ports, and a single HDMI 2.0 video port. The Anker 568’s differentiating function, nevertheless, is the set of 10Gbps USB-C ports on the front, each providing 30W of power in addition to a different 100W connection to the laptop computer. That’s rather uncommon, and the 2 ports need to fast-charge a mobile phone and perhaps even a tablet.
We discovered a smidgen of instability on celebration, however in basic the Anker 568 supplied a strong connection to a set of 4K screens and other peripherals.
Read our complete
Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station evaluation
Plugable USB4 Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD)– Best USB4 docking station runner-up
Pros
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Excellent cost and worth, even at MSRP
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4K120 screen abilities open video gaming possibilities
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Steady efficiency
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Exceptional charging abilities
Cons
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Considerable thermal problems
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Storage evaluates throughout the dock were lower than typical
Cost When Reviewed:
199.95
Choosing in between the very best USB4 dock is a genuine issue. Plugable’s dock declares double 4K120 ability, however Anker’s 568 dock edges it out in rate and a little in display screen versatility. What sealed the offer for us were the Plugable UD-4VPD’s thermal problems. Plugable’s dock was definitely great for workplace work, just growing rather warm to the touch. After an extended PC RPG video gaming session, the dock warmed up to the point where it shut down. That will be a problem for some users.
What we liked about this powered dock is its strong charging abilities, however the thermal problems offered us stop briefly. Our evaluation enters into more information.
Read our complete
Plugable USB4 Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) evaluation
CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 (TS4)– Best Thunderbolt dock for Apple Mac users
Pros
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Thunderbolt 4
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A massive 18 ports
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98W power shipment to your Mac
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2.5 gigabit ethernet
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230W power supply
Cons
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Just 2 downstream TB4 ports
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Expensive
Rate When Reviewed:
$399.95
This suggestion comes thanks to our associates at Macworld, who have actually assembled their own list of best Thunderbolt docking stations for the Apple Mac market. “All the ports you could desire combined with high-wattage charging validate the cost of this full-featured dock,” and who are we to argue? We can personally guarantee its progenitor, the TS3 Pluswhich we ranked positively to name a few Thunderbolt docks.
While we have yet to evaluate the TS4 ourselves, a basic look at the cost re-affirms our certainty that this is an item for the Mac market.
Read our complete
CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 (TS4) evaluation
Finest DisplayLink USB-C docks
DisplayLink USB-C docks, which we talk about in more information in a different short articledo not use adequate bandwidth for high-refresh rate displays or video gaming, however they work admirably well for daily workplace work, consisting of enjoying motion pictures. Anecdotally, they’ve frequently been more steady than a Thunderbolt dock on older hardware, as in some cases Thunderbolt docks have concerns “getting up” when the host laptop computer gets up from standby.
What we ‘d like to see in a DisplayLink USB-C docking station is a function set that approaches a full-fledged Thunderbolt dock, however that is priced listed below what you ‘d spend for Thunderbolt efficiency. Our existing choice does simply that. Some current evaluations do not appear here; StarTech’s USB-C Triple Monitor Dock failed.
Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615– Best USB-C DisplayLink dock
Pros
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Terrific cost and worth
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Exceptional stability
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Fantastic screen port versatility
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Assistance for 2 4K60 screens
Cons
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Need to offer your own power supply
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Can warm to rather worrying temperature levels
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Obligatory software application chauffeur
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An absence of calling consistency
Cost When Reviewed:
$199.99
Ugreen’s an odd brand name: Its discordant identifying conventions nearly attempt you not to purchase it. This DisplayLink dock uses an outstanding mix of port versatility at a strong rate. There is one catch: It does not have any power input at all, and you’ll require to utilize your laptop computer’s USB-C power supply (or purchase one) to charge both this dock and the laptop computer itself.
Read our complete
Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615 evaluation
Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Display Dock– Best USB-C DisplayLink dock runner-up
Pros
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Superior efficiency
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Assistance for 3 4K60 display screens
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Strong worth
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20W of charging power for smart devices, 100W for laptop computer
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Excellent paperwork
Cons
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Direct display screen connection detached as soon as
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Poor, glitchy periodic audio
Cost When Reviewed:
239.99
Sonnet’s Echo 13 Triple 4K Display Dock follows the appealing course other DisplayLink docks have actually blazed: The dock’s integrated compression suggests you can link to 3 4K screens, without charge. And yes, it works as promoted, though with one concern that holds it back: spotty audio that truly requires to be repaired. (If you utilize your laptop computer’s earphone jack, there’s no problem.)
There was a little bit of instability, however efficiency was outstanding. Plugable’s UD-650PDZ is another triple-display option, too. The benefit Sonnet supplies is a front-mounted USB-C charging/data port (Plugable’s dock does not) and a SD card slot.
Read our complete
Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Display Dock evaluation
Why you ought to trust us
I’ve evaluated over 25 Thunderbolt docks, DisplayPort USB-C docking stations, and associated hardware, with hands-on assessments of each. In between our sis websites, TechAdvisor and Macworld, we’ve examined much more. While we do not declare to have actually evaluated definitely every dock on the marketplace, we have a mutual understanding of what an excellent Thunderbolt dock consists of, the innovation that drives them, and what you’ll wish to purchase. I personally have actually worked as an innovation reporter for over twenty-five years, going back to 1995.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
1.
How do I understand if my laptop computer has Thunderbolt?
The brief response: Look at the laptop computer’s released specs to be sure. A Thunderbolt port might look identical from a USB-C port, considering that they both utilize the exact same physical USB-C connection. Put another method, all Thunderbolt ports are USB-C, however not all USB-C ports are Thunderbolt-equipped.
Thunderbolt ports areexpected to have a little lightning-bolt icon to determine them. Some laptop computer makers utilize a comparable lightning-bolt icon to show that a USB-C port can be utilized for charging your phone, and not for Thunderbolt. Laptop computer makers in some cases do not wish to mess the tidy lines of their items by including extra logo designs, it appears. Most laptop computers now select to highlight their Thunderbolt abilities, so the ports need to be well-marked.
You might likewise see USB-C centers marketed as “Thunderbolt suitable.” That’s real. You can plug a Thunderbolt dock into a non-Thunderbolt, generic USB-C port. It will be restricted by the offered bandwidth that the port supplies, so it’s rather misleading in that regard.
2 laptop computers, both with USB-C ports, and both with lightning-bolt signs. Which laptop computer provides Thunderbolt? The leading one, though it can be challenging to inform. Consulting the producer’s specs is your best bet.
IDG
2.
I currently own a USB-C dongle. Can I utilize it with Thunderbolt?
A 10Gbps USB-C dongle will not change a 40Gbps Thunderbolt dock, as there’s circuitry within the dock that permits it to deal with your laptop computer’s high-speed Thunderbolt port. There’s absolutely nothing stating that you can’t link the dongle to an offered USB-C port on the Thunderbolt dock itself to include even more ports. If your laptop computer has 2 Thunderbolt ports, you can likewise connect a Thunderbolt dock to one port, and the dongle to the other.
That service will include more mess to your desk, however it may permit you to purchase a less expensive, spending plan dock, too. It’s up to you!
3.
How quick is Thunderbolt?
Simply put, 40Gbps.
A lot of USB-C ports are constructed on the second-generation USB 3.1 data-transfer requirement, which moves information at 10Gbps. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports, the most typical requirement, transfer information at approximately 40Gbps. Thunderbolt 4 varies really somewhat because it supports a theoretical optimum of 32Gbps for external storage gadgets, however you most likely will not discover the distinction.
Intel is anticipated to reveal an 80Gbps variation of Thunderbolt this yearcalled Thunderbolt 5, implying that you’ll see even Thunderbolt docks with much more abilities when gadgets launch in 2024.
There are some exceptions, which you can mostly disregard. A brand-new USB 3.2 Gen 2 × 2 specification can match 2 10Gbps channels together, producing an aggregate 20Gbps center. (This is actually just for external gaming-class SSDs) And while the huge bulk of Thunderbolt 3-equipped laptop computers are created with 4 PCIe lanes for an overall of 40Gbps, some laptop computers just deliver with 2 PCIe lanes for an overall of 20Gbps. (A Dell assistance pagefor instance, information its four-lane and two-lane laptop computers.) Basically, a 20Gbps connection ought to suffice for a single 4K display performing at 60Hz, with a little bit of additional bandwidth for other information transfers amongst linked peripherals.)
Intel’s 10th-gen and 11th-gen Core chips introduced in the early days of Thunderbolt, and business agents state that you can depend upon them for 32Gbps of information, not a complete 40Gbps. Intel’s 12th-gen and 13th-gen Core chips provide the most constant Thunderbolt experience, with 40Mbps Thunderbolt 4 speeds, consisting of 32Gbps for information transfers to and from storage gadgets.
4.
What’s the distinction in between Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 5?
The brief response: Not that much! Thunderbolt 3 and 4 are functionally comparable, moving information at 40Gbps.
Thunderbolt 5 is the 80Gbps variation, however it will be in reverse suitable with both Thunderbolt 3 and 4. You will not see it up until 2024. (If you own a laptop computer with a Thunderbolt 4 port, you’ll have the ability to utilize with a Thunderbolt 5 dock, Intel states. The only wrinkle is that a Thunderbolt 4 laptop computers will just pass information at its ranked speed of 40Gbps.)
For the sake of efficiency, we’re going to information a few of the distinctions listed below. If you’re brand-new to this, let us restate: Thunderbolt 3 and 4 are essentially the very same, and Thunderbolt 5 will not be a concern up until 2024. Do not sweat the information.
Think about Thunderbolt 4 as the more limiting variation of Thunderbolt 3, with less space for any gotchas.
Basically, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 permit as much as 40Gbps optimal bandwidth, enough for 2 4K/60 display screens. “Up to” is the crucial expression: Thunderbolt 3 is just needed to support a 10Gbps connection, permitting a single external 4K screen (a 16Gbps PCIe connection, coupled with USB 3.2). A lot of producers surpass this, nevertheless, and our suggested docks assistance the complete 40Gbps requirements (and 2 4K screens) unless kept in mind. Thunderbolt 3 likewise supports a slower (16Gbps) PCIe connection for linking to external storage.
Thunderbolt 3 is likewise the only spec (not Thunderbolt 4) that we’ve seen linking to external GPUsin case you ‘d like to attempt that method.
Thunderbolt 4 does not enable any freedom– you’re getting a full-fledged 40Gbps connection (32Gbps PCIe + USB 3.2), no concerns asked. For external storage, Thunderbolt 4 supports 32Gbps of information transfer– this actually only matters for video, external GPU connections, or potentially video games. Thunderbolt 4 supports “wake on sleep” from an external keyboard or mouse, which enables you to tap your external keyboard or wiggle your mouse to get up your PC, which comes in handy. Thunderbolt 4 permits longer cable televisions and more Thunderbolt ports on laptop computers, too.
Gadget maker Anker has a great summary of all of the technical functions connected with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4, if you truly wish to enter into the great differences (listed below). What’s USB4? We attend to that in the next concern.
Thunderbolt dock and I/O center designer Anker offered this summary of the distinctions in between Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4.
Anker
5.
My laptop computer states it has a USB4 port, not Thunderbolt. Can I utilize it with a Thunderbolt dock?
Most likely. USB4 ports normally appear on laptop computers with AMD Ryzen processors inside. USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 work and functionally comparable. (Though Thunderbolt is an open requirement, Intel decreases to accredit non-Intel hardware. That implies that Ryzen laptop computers wind up with USB4 ports, and Intel Core laptop computers consist of Thunderbolt.)
USB4 is basically a subset of Thunderbolt 4primarily created as an I/O spec.
As a subset of Thunderbolt 4, a USB4 gadget will run simply great plugged into a Thunderbolt 4 port. Dock makers inform us that a Thunderbolt 4 gadget might not work as anticipated when plugged into what is particularly a USB4 port. Rather, the majority of centers and docks are marketed as Thunderbolt 4, while the majority of gadgets (like an external SSD) are developed around USB4. (We evaluate Thunderbolt docks on Thunderbolt laptop computers.) There are USB4 docks, nevertheless, which you’ll discover in our list of finest choices, which we’ve likewise checked.
USB4 Version 2 is an approaching requirement that will move USB4 to 80Gbps, similar to Thunderbolt 5. The very first items will debut (at a guess) in early 2024, however the USB-IO hasn’t provided us a precise timeline or the abilities of USB4V2 docks.
Keep in mind that Thunderbolt 3 and 4 need a minimum of 15W to power gadgets plugged into the Thunderbolt port, such as a bus-powered hard disk. USB4 needs simply half that.
6.
What is so crucial about Thunderbolt 5?
Thunderbolt 5 will debut in 2024both in laptop computers along with docks and gadgets. The specification presses I/O bandwidth from 40Gbps in Thunderbolt 4 to 80Gbps in Thunderbolt 5, and even to 120Gbps in many cases. Another excellent way to consider Thunderbolt 5 remains in the context of what it can do. Thunderbolt 4 enables sufficient bandwidth for 2 4K screens, performing at 60Hz. Thunderbolt 5 will provide sufficient bandwidth to link to 3 4K screens, at 144Hz each. That assists make Thunderbolt 5 a gaming-class innovation, instead of simply for workplace work.
Thunderbolt 5 will likewise enable 64Gbps of devoted bandwidth for storage and external GPUs, double the 32Gbps on Thunderbolt 4.
There’s power. Thunderbolt 5 will supply as much as 240W (140W needed) of charging power for your laptop computer. A lot of laptop computers need 65W to 90W today, however video gaming laptop computers need more. All this suggests is that a Thunderbolt 5 dock will possibly remove the requirement to bring a video gaming laptop computer’s battery charger around. (It will not remain in all cases, however some.)
7.
What cable television should I utilize with a Thunderbolt dock?
Practically every Thunderbolt dock will deliver with its own cable television. We ‘d advise that you utilize Thunderbolt 3 cable televisions with Thunderbolt 3 items, and Thunderbolt 4 cable televisions with Thunderbolt 4 items. Ditto for Thunderbolt 5, when it ships in 2024.
8.
What distinguishes a DisplayLink USB-C docking station from a Thunderbolt dock?
A DisplayLink USB-C docking station is a brand-new classification of docking station. They’re frequently marketed simply as a USB-C docking station, sadly, though the DisplayLink logo design includes plainly on package. The secret here is that the DisplayLink innovation (now owned by Synaptics) utilizes information compression in between your PC and the dock to approximate a Thunderbolt experience (a set of 4K screens at 60Hz, plus extra peripherals) throughout the narrower, slower USB-C bus. You’ll require to set up a software application motorist for your PC to interact with the DisplayLink chip developed into the dock.
The benefit here is twofold. DisplayLink enables you to “cheat” and get a Thunderbolt dock experience on an older laptop computer. Even if you do own a laptop computer with a Thunderbolt port, you might be able to discover a DisplayLink USB-C dock for a more affordable cost than Thunderbolt. This is a feasible option, particularly if you do not mind not playing PC video games.
Our different story on DisplayLink docks has more.
9.
What is HBR3 with DSC?
We’re beginning to see some USB-C docking stations benefit from another innovation: HBR3 (High Bit Rate 3) with DSC (Display Stream Compression). Think about it as the industry-standard, manufacturer-agnostic variation of DisplayLink. It works over the USB-C port, and once again offers a double 4K60 display screen experience.
The issue? It’s wonky. We’ve discovered that assistance for the innovation was extremely undecided in 11th-gen hardware, and actually appears to work regularly in 12th-gen or 13th-gen Core laptop computers (and above, when they deliver). While we can’t truly advise it today, we’re watching on it.
10.
Can I utilize an external graphics card (eGPU) with Thunderbolt?
Yes, you can. Particular producers (Razer is one, though there are others) have actually constructed enclosures that can house a basic desktop graphics card, linked to your laptop computer through a Thunderbolt. A mobile video gaming laptop computer with an external GPU does an excellent task allowing mobile video gaming, a desktop GPU does even much better. Thunderbolt merely links the 2. How can you link an external GPU to your laptop computer through ThunderboltOur story has more.
11.
The only eGPUs I’ve seen with Thunderbolt usage Thunderbolt 3, not Thunderbolt 4. Why is that?
According to an agent for Razer, the distinctions in between Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 were too little. “When we launch any item, we just do so when there can be a product benefit over the previous generation,” we were informed.
Given that Thunderbolt 4 was in reverse suitable and functionally comparable to Thunderbolt 3, Razer just decreased to buy the production and screening of a Thunderbolt 4 eGPU. We presume other makers did the same.
The huge bulk of Thunderbolt docks must consist of a Thunderbolt cable television like this one, which shows that it’s defined for Thunderbolt 3.
IDG
Purchasing Guide: What to search for in a Thunderbolt dock
Ports, cable televisions, peripherals: Those are the 3 significant factors to consider when purchasing a Thunderbolt dock.
We’re starting to see the Thunderbolt dock market break down in a couple of various methods. There’s the spending plan versus full-featured docks we’ve highlighted above. You likewise might see something comparable to the USB centers of old: Devices that take Thunderbolt in and after that offer a number of USB-C (consisting of Thunderbolt) ports outThere are a little number of screens with Thunderbolt inputs, which can be plugged straight into these centers. Do you have an existing low-cost USB-C dongle? You can definitely plug that in into a Thunderbolt dock and include a lot more I/O performance.
Generally, consider what you’ll wish to plug into the dock as a guide for purchasing one. We choose gadgets with ports integrated in (such as HDMI, USB-A, and so on) as the USB-C gadget community is still in its infancy. Ask yourself some concerns. Do you desire a fundamental Thunderbolt dock, with simply a set of HDMI ports for linking 2 display screens? Does an SD card slot matter? The number of USB Type A peripherals do you prepare to connect? Do you wish to utilize the Thunderbolt cable television to charge your laptop computer, too?
Cable televisions can be an all of a sudden crucial factor to consider, too. Essentially every dock ships with a Thunderbolt cable television. Think about the screens you own (normally HDMI or DisplayPort) and think about whether the dock will accommodate them.
Inspect your laptop computer’s power supply. Does it plug into your laptop computer by means of USB-C? If so, a Thunderbolt dock will likely power it. You’ll require to comprehend how the dock products power. Examine your laptop computer’s battery charger to discover just how much power it provides, and just how much the dock will require to provide to change it. If your laptop computer or gadgets aren’t getting sufficient power, you might see a caution appear.
A “bus-powered” dock will not include an external battery charger in the bundle, conserving some expense, area, and power issues. A dock with “power shipment” will provide its own powerand charge your laptop computer and/or a phone by means of your laptop computer’s existing USB-C battery charger. (Chances are that it will not provide the quick-charging abilities exceptional mobile phones provide, however.) The more power your dock products, the higher the capability to charge your laptop computer and any bus-powered gadgets. This is a gotcha many people do not think of, so if you prepare to link numerous bus-powered disk drives or SSDs, purchase a dock with a significant power supply. (USB secrets, on the other hand, need small quantities of power. Do not fret about these.)
Powered Thunderbolt docks, particularly those that power your laptop computer, can deliver with some lovely large power bricks.
Mark Hachman/ IDG
There’s another factor to consider: the length of the Thunderbolt cable television in between your laptop computer and the dock itself. You might have observed or become aware of USB-C ports breaking on smart devices; a loose or shaky adapter on a Thunderbolt dock can trigger a screen to suddenly flicker or lose connection. Think about just how much stress will be placed on a cable television. A Thunderbolt dock that’s hanging from a Thunderbolt port will worry the physical port. You do not desire that!
If you’re a Mac user who has actually come across this post, welcome. Please be mindful that early Apple MacBook Pros powered by Intel silicon supported up to 2 4K screens. The very first MacBook Pros powered by the Apple M1 chip just support a single 4K screen. Lots of Mac users have actually just recently left unfavorable evaluations on Thunderbolt docks on going shopping websites due to the fact that of this. Purchase a PC!
How we check Thunderbolt docks
We’re working from the facility that you’re purchasing a Thunderbolt dock for its distinct capability to link to 2 4K displays at 60Hz. Lower resolutions must be a lot easier to run effectively. Our very first test just linked each dock to a set of 4K/60Hz display screens, each of which might accept DisplayPort and HDMI cabling, and ensured there were no visual artifacts at 60Hz resolution. When it comes to particular DisplayLink docks that can accept 3 4K display screens– yes, we connect 3 4K display screens, too.
Second, we inspected to see whether the offered ports provided the bandwidth we ‘d anticipate, linking them to an external SSD and moving a collection of test files over the Thunderbolt cable television and port. We likewise utilized AJA’s System Test tool (and now PCMark) to confirm our numbers and test whether read and compose speeds corresponded.
We spot-checked the offered power draw of the centers and ports with a USB power meter, as well as just linking them to bus-powered gadgets to see if they might provide adequate power to permit them to run.
This story was upgraded on Dec. 14, 2023 with an upgrade to our suggestions for the very best budget plan Thunderbolt dock.