Picking up one of the best docking stations for MacBook Pro is an essential purchase for anyone who wants to turn their Apple laptop into a true workplace juggernaut.
Even with recent improvements to I/O, the general dearth of ports on the entire MacBook lineup is disappointing — particularly for those whose workloads dictate the need to hook up multiple devices at once. A MacBook Pro docking station takes that strain away from your computer, doubling up as both expansion device and power supply. Whether adding more Thunderbolt 4 ports to your machine, or bringing back old favorites like full-size USB-A ports, it can take the headache out of connecting up the many devices we rely upon daily for our work and personal lives.
We've curated this list of the best MacBook Pro docking stations, so you can connect lots of devices and peripherals that need high-speed data transfer, including the best MacBooks. Every one is a winner.
Upgrade your workspace with the best docking stations
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18 ports – including Thunderbolt 4!
The CalDigit TS4 dock has it all. Across its 18 ports you get three Thunderbolt 4 ports, three 10Gb/s USB-C ports , five 10Gb/s USB-A ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 port, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, two UHS-II card slots (in both full size and microSD sizes, 3.5mm audio in and audio out, plus a 3.5mm combo audio in and out on the front. You’ve also got a Kensington lock for keeping the dock safe from thieves, and support for up to two 6K / 60Hz screens. It's not cheap, but as we said in our CalDigit TS4 review, it's the best that money can buy.
Heavy hitter
This docking station by Tobenone was designed specifically for MacBook Pro. It features two 4K@30Hz|60Hz HDMI ports, four USB 3.0 ports, one USB-C PD 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 for wireless keyboard and mouse ports, 3.5mm audio/mic port, SD/TF reader, and a RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port. It gives you the option of adding two external monitors via HDMI, enabling you to watch three screens with different content at once. It offers extra-fast data transmission and supports 100W power input. It can also juice up your laptop with 87W simply by connecting your MacBook Pro’s power adapter to the USB-C PD port.
Two displays and more
The USB-C Multimedia Hub Adapter 12 Ports with Power Delivery 3.0 provides up to 100 watts of power for charging and data transfer. With this dock, you get two HDMI ports so you can connect one or two 3840 x 2160 resolution 4K displays. Other ports include four USB 3.1 Type-A ports, SDHC and microSDHC card readers, an RJ45 Ethernet port, a 3.5mm audio, and a USB Type-C power port. It's the workhorse of multi-port docking stations.
Great for HDMI displays
The Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock is the best way to get the most out of those 4K HDMI displays you have lying around. It can power two of them with the included HDMI ports, and both displays can be 4K @60Hz, giving you lots of screen real estate. With an SD card reader, plenty of USB ports, and a Gigabit Ethernet port, you'll have all the connections for the ultimate MacBook Pro setup.
Vertical expandability
Plugable's reliable docking station provides 96 watts of charging power with six USB-A ports and one USB-C port. It also has a Thunderbolt 3 port for fast data transfer and 4K display support, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. With the included base adapter, you can set this dock in a vertical or horizontal position for the ultimate desktop customization.
5K support
StarTech's docking station has eight ports, including Ethernet, USB-A 2.0, microphone, headphones, Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort, USB-A 3.0 for fast charging, and HDMI. This dock lets you connect a 5K display using the Thunderbolt 3 port or two 4K Ultra HD monitors using the Thunderbolt 3 port and the DisplayPort port.
Cost-effective
If you don't want to spend a ton but still want something to give your MacBook Pro more options, the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Mini is excellent. It may not have all the ports some more extensive docks have, but it has the essentials. With two HDMI ports that can support 4K monitors running at 60hz, a USB 3.0 Type-A port, a USB 2.0 port, and a Gigabit Ethernet jack, you'll get a lot more use out of one of your MacBook Pro's USB-C ports.
Space saver
This dock from Anker helps you save your precious desk space by combining 12 ports into one compact box. Anker's dock features two HDMI ports that support 4K and 8K and 90 watts of power delivery, keeping your MacBook ready to go. Other highlights include Gigabit Ethernet, four USB-A ports, an SD card slot, and one Thunderbolt 4 port.
Best for older MacBook Pros
The iVanky 12-in-2 docking station supports dual external monitors for older MacBook Pros (2017-2021). Note that MacBook Pros with the M1/M2 chip only support one external monitor. It features 96W laptop charging and 18W power delivery 3.0. All ports on the dock share a maximum power supply of 180W. It’s outfitted with two HDMI 2.0 ports, dual USB-C and four USB-A 3.0 ports, 5Gbps data transfer, SD, and microSD slots, one 3.5mm audio port, and one Gigabit Ethernet port.
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Which MacBook docking station should you choose?
The best MacBook Pro docking stations enable multi-display use with charging support, and that's why they typically use Thunderbolt instead of just USB-C. Unlike the best USB-C hubs, Thunderbolt docks usually have a power supply that can charge your laptop and mobile devices while providing fast data transfer and 4K, 5K, or 8K display support.
If you want to get the most from your new Macbook, like the latest MacBook Air with M2, then the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 dock is a must have. With the exception of HDMI ports, it offers multiple sockets for every conceivable physical connection to your MacBook Pro or Mac (or iPad, even!), while lso offering fast charging at 98W. It's expensive, but it's the best.
Belkin's Thunderbolt 3 Dock Mini may be your best bet if portability or price is a concern. This dock sports two HDMI and two USB-A ports, plus Gigabit Ethernet, all in a tiny package that costs almost half the more extensive docks. A built-in cable allows you to unplug this dock and throw it in your bag quickly for your travels, so you will never be left without the ports you need.
If you're keen to make more upgrades to your workspace or home office, then also take a look at our best charging stations and best webcams for Mac guides.
