The best dock for MacBook Pro

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Three of the best docks for MacBook Pro on a dark blue background

(Image credit: Future / Corsair / CalDigit / HP)

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1.
Best overall: Corsair TBT200
2. Most ports: CalDigit TS4 18-in-1
3. Best budget: HP USB-C G5
4. Best USB-C: Revodok Pro 312
5. Best USB-A: Satechi TB4
6. Best mountable: SD5200T 4K
7. Best compact: Belkin TB3
8. Bus-powered: CalDigit TB3
How to choose
How we test
FAQs

The best dock for MacBook Pro can immediately expand the range of things you can connected to your laptop. All models of MacBook Pro come with quite a limited number of ports considering the number of  things most people need to connect. So if you want to connect a lot of peripherals simultaneously – anything from a mouse to an external monitor, you'll need a decent dock. And you'll ideally want one that can do several things at once and transfer data at the fastest possible speeds.

To help you out, we've picked out the best docks for MacBook Pro based on our own reviews and testing. We selected reliable brands, thoroughly compared the specs available and put the devices through their paces in real-life use cases. We compared build, features, connectivity, performance, aesthetics and cost to pick out the best option for different needs, whether you're looking for a Thunderbolt 4 dock for recent MacBook Pro, Thunderbolt 3 for an older laptop or a USB-C dock for MacBook.

Check out our list of the best MacBook Pro accessories and the best Apple deals to further build out your Apple kit. In the meantime, here are the best docks for MacBook Pros today.

Quick list

We'll start with a quick overview of our top six picks. Click 'read more' to jump to more of our evaluation of each one, or scroll down for our full guide.

The best dock for MacBook Pro overall

Corsair TBT200 Thunderbolt 4 Dock on white backgroundCreative Bloq endorsed

(Image credit: Corsair)
The best Thunderbolt 4 dock for MacBook Pro

Specifications

Dimensions: 22.2 x 8.3 x 2.5cm
Weight: 410g
Ports: 3x Thunderbolt 4, 3x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 1x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, 1x SD card reader, 1x 3.5mm audio jack

Reasons to buy

+
Huge array of ports
+
Solid aluminium build
+
Quick and easy to set up

Reasons to avoid

-
A fairly pricey option
-
Power supply is quite bulky

Based on the overall performance and ease of use in our testing, we rate the Corsair TBT200 as the best Thunderbolt 4 dock for MacBook Pro overall. Replacing the TBT100 and its slightly ageing Thunderbolt 3 connection, provides a formidable array of ports, including four Thunderbolt 4.

There's also USB-A, USB-C, an SD card reader and a headphone jack. We found that the sleek design and one-piece aluminium construction makes it feel like a premium product, and it's relatively light (although the included power supply is an absolute lump of a thing). There is software bundled in should you need it, but we found it good to plug in and go on both MacBooks and PCs.

The only real strike against the Corsair TBT200 in our review is the cost. At around £289 / $300, it's one of the pricier docks and we haven't seen many discounts, but then it's hard to expect a lower price for what it provides. We call it the Rolls Royce of docking stations in our full Corsair TBT200 Thunderbolt 4 Dock review.

The best MacBook Pro dock with lots of ports

CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 dock on deskcb badge

(Image credit: Tom May)
The best USB-C dock for MacBook Pro with all the ports

Specifications

Dimensions: 14.1 x 11.33 x 4.19cm
Weight: 640g
Ports: 3x Thunderbolt 4 ports, 3x 10Gb/s USB-C ports, 5x 10Gb/s USB-A ports, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x 2.5Gbps Ethernet, SD UHS-II and microSD UHS-II card slots, 1x 3.5mm audio in, 1x 3.5mm audio out, 1x 3.5mm combo audio in and out

Reasons to buy

+
Includes 18 (!) ports
+
Super-fast connectivity
+
Ergonomic, stylish form factor

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks HDMI
-
Bulky and overkill for most

CalDigit's TS4 has an massive 18 ports, providing all sorts of options and allowing us to charge multiple devices at once even when our laptop isn't connected. We had no problem using everything at once when we put it to the test, nor did the plugs get in the way of each other. 

We found the Thunderbolt 4 connections are speedy and efficient, able to output up to two 6K 60Hz displays or a single 1440p 240Hz display. We liked that flexibility when it comes to display options. We also thought the build quality was excellent, justifying the relatively expensive price (it's easily the most expensive dock on this list at ‎£399.99 / $399.99 when there's no discount. In our full CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 review, we recommended it for software engineers, web developers, video producers and other professionals that need this many options.

The best cheap dock for MacBook Pro

A black HP USB-C Dock G5 sitting on a wooden tablecb badge

(Image credit: Future/Erlingur Einarsson)
The best USB-C dock for MacBook Pro at a budget price

Specifications

Dimensions: 12.2 x 12.2 x 4.5cm
Weight: 750g
Ports: 1 USB-C port with data and power out (15W), 1 USB-C cable to connect to host system, 4 USB 3.0 charging ports, 1 combo audio jack, 2 DisplayPort ports, 1 RJ45 port, 1 HDMI 2.0 port, 1 standard lock slot

Reasons to buy

+
Lots of ports
+
Neat size
+
DP and HDMI ports

Reasons to avoid

-
Layout of ports can make a tangle
-
Security lock not standard

With the stark black colour and big HP branding emblazoned on the top, we admit this isn't the best visual match for a MacBook Pro. But if you're looking for a budget USB-C dock for a MacBook, it has what you need. Namely, ports. There are USB-C ports on three sides for five in total.

We found their locations to be useful, and we were able to use them all with no issues in our testing, both for MacBook and PC. The HDMI and DisplayPort connections mean, you can connect up to two monitors to your MacBook Pro, and the fast-charge port, serving to charge a phone or peripherals  links up fuss-free with a cable attached to the front.

Our one quibble was that the front cable can get in the way when not plugged in to a laptop. However, with such compact dimensions, we found it the dock very neat overall, easily tucking away under a laptop stand). As long as you don't need advanced security features or Thunderbolt, we think this is a great option as a relatively cheap dock for MacBook Pros (we often see it on sale at Amazon, Walmart or HP Direct). You can read more about our experience in our HP USB-C Dock G5 review.

The best USB-C dock for MacBook Pro

A silver Ugreen USB-C Triple Display Docking Station sitting on a desk

(Image credit: Future)
An triple-display dock with lots of ports, including HDMI 8K

Specifications

Dimensions: 175.3 x 116.8 x 81.3cm
Weight: 748g
Ports: 1x HDMI 8K, 1x HDMI 4K, 1x DP 4K, 1x PD 3.0 100w, 1x USB A 3.2 10Gbps, 1x USB C 3.2 10Gbps, 2x USB A 3.0 5Gbps, 1x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x SD slot, 1x TF slot, 1x 3.5mm aux

Reasons to buy

+
12 ports, including 4 USB-C
+
Three display ports, one supporting 8K
+
Fast and versatile

Reasons to avoid

-
More expensive than other option on our list
-
No Thunderbolt

This Ugreen USB-C triple-display docking system is another large dock with a lot of ports – 12 of them. It's not a cheap dock, but if you want the flexibility of three display options, this has you covered with one 4K HDMI, one DisplayPort and an 8K HDMI too. There are also 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A on the front, a headphone jack and both micro and full-sized SD card slots, and, on the back, 5Gbps USB-A slots for wired keyboards and such. There's an Ethernet port too.

In our testing, the 8K port delivered at 30Hz as well as 1440p at 144Hz with no noticeable lag. We noted that this makes it an option for smooth video editing and gaming. We did start to notice a little lag when placing severe loads on the dock, steaming 4K on multiple monitors, for example. But overall, we found it to perform well and to be highly usable, with our only other gripe being that the USBs provide 3.7W, not enough for fast charging. 

 See our full Ugreen Triple Display USB-C dock review for more details.

The best for USB-A

A grey Satechi Thunderbolt 4 dock sitting on a wooden desk

(Image credit: Future)
A user-friendly MacBook Pro dock with lots of USB-A ports

Specifications

Dimensions: 19.5 x 10.5 x 4.7cm
Weight: 693g
Ports: 2x DisplayPort, 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-C 3.2 10Gbps 3x USB-A 3.2 10Gbps, 2x USB-A 3.2 5Gbps, 1x USB 2.0, SD and Micro SD card slots 3.5mm Audio In/Out, Ethernet, Kensington Lock

Reasons to buy

+
Loaded with ports (especially USB-A)
+
Easy to set up and use
+
Great for ever-changing workflows

Reasons to avoid

-
Only one Thunderbolt 4 port
-
Expensive
-
No UK availability

We found the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock to be a capable and easy-to-use multimedia dock if you want a lot of USB-A ports. These account for five of the 16 total ports, with three of them providing 10Gbps data transfer and two 5Gbps. 

The downside for some will be that there's just the one Thunderbolt 4 port (the host port). However, some people will be able to overlook that. We had a seamless plug-and-play experience, and the addition of the included stand is a nice touch, allowing the dock to be stood up vertically to save desk space. We do think it's a little expensive for these specs however. See more in our Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock review.

The best mountable dock

Product shot of the Kensington SD5200T Dual 4K docking station, one of the best docking stations for MacBook Pro

(Image credit: Kensington)

06. Kensington SD5200T Dual 4K docking station

The best TB3 dock for a tidy desk

Specifications

Dimensions: 21.7 x 8.5 x 2.6cm
Weight: 337g
Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, 2x USB-A, 3.5mm audio in, 3.5mm audio out, Gigabit Ethernet

Reasons to buy

+
Zero footprint mounting
+
85W power delivery and up to 40Gbps data speed
+
Good price

Reasons to avoid

-
Thunderbolt 4 would be more future-proof

We think this dual 4K dock from Kensington is a suitable choice for older MacBook Pros as it uses Thunderbolt 3 rather than the newer, faster Thunderbolt 4. It will still work with Thunderbolt 4 connections on newer MacBooks, as they're backwards compatible, you just won't get the extra speed.

The 'Dual 4K' in the name  refers to the fact that the dock allows for the attaching of two 4K monitors, both of which can be running at 60 Hz, via the Thunderbolt 3 port and DisplayPort. We found that it delivers well on its promises, while perhaps the best thing about this dock today is the very reasonable price. It's also a great option for those who like to keep their desk clear. A mounting plate can be bought separately to mount it to the back of a VESA-compatible monitor.

The best compact and portable

Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core with USB cable attached

(Image credit: Belkin)

07. Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core

The best compact and portable dock for MacBook Pro

Specifications

Dimensions: 3.8 x 13.2 x 16.5cm
Weight: ‎220g
Ports: USB-A 3.2, USB-A 2.0, USB-C PD, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, 3.5mm Audio in/out, Gigabit Ethernet

Reasons to buy

+
60W power delivery
+
Supports dual monitors
+
Reasonably priced

Reasons to avoid

-
Tethered Thunderbolt 3 cable

This is another Thunderbolt 3 dock, but we think it's still a very worthy contender for older MacBooks, especially for those who prioritise portability. The dinky piece of kit delivers 40W of charging power and it doesn't skimp on connectivity despite its compact size. 

With its assorted ports you can attach up to two 4K monitors at 60Hz via DisplayPort and HDMI 2.0, and for other devices, there's a pair of USB-A ports and a Thunderbolt 3/USB-C port for fast data speeds. We weren't so keen on the tethered Thunderbolt 3-cable, which we feels a little fragile – and if it breaks your dock's ruined. Apart from that, we found this to be a great little dock and well-priced too.

The best bus-powered dock

CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock with USB cable attached

(Image credit: CalDigit)

08. CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock

A neat little dock with a choice of video ports

Specifications

Dimensions: 12.4 x 1.9 x 6.3cm
Weight: 220g‎
Ports: USB 3.0, USB 2.0, 2x DisplayPort or HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet

Reasons to buy

+
Two video ports
+
Compact design

Reasons to avoid

-
Tethered Thunderbolt 3 cable

The CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock is another neat, compact MacBook Pro dock with a tethered Thunderbolt 3 cable. Again, that cable is worrying, but this is a another lightweight and portable solution that offers more ports for your MacBook Pro. It gives you a USB-3.0 and USB-2.0 port and Gigabit Ethernet as well as a pair of video ports – you can choose between HDMI and DisplayPort. It's bus-powered so it won't charge your MacBook Pro, but we found that it will do the job for attaching a pair of 4K displays and gaining some extra connectivity while you're at it. And it costs under $150 / £150.

How to choose the best MacBook Pro dock

The best dock for MacBook Pro for you will depend on what MacBook Pro you have and what you want to do with it. If charging is a priority, look for at least 90W for charging at a decent rate. What you most need to consider, however, is what connections you want. Do you want to hook up multiple monitors? And do you need Thunderbolt 3 or 4? (or will you settle for USB-C and more compatibility)

M2 and M3 MacBook Pros have Thunderbolt 4 ports rather than Thunderbolt 3, and even if you have an earlier model, you might still want a Thunderbolt 4 dock since TB4 is backwards compatible and it will futureproof you for future years. Functionally, there's not a huge difference, but TB4 is faster and TB4 docks can have up to four, rather than two, Thunderbolt ports, including the upstream port that connects to your laptop. (The M1 13in MacBook can only connect to one external display, while the 14in and 16in can support multiple displays.)

The new MacBook Pro M3 is outfitted with two Thunderbolt ports but only supports one monitor at a time. The higher-end MacBook Pro M3 Pro sports three Thunderbolt ports and can support dual monitors. The top-of-the-line MacBook Pro M3 Max also has three Thunderbolt ports but will be able to support as many as four external displays.

If you're looking for the right display for your needs, we can help with our breakdown of the best monitors for MacBook Pro.

CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 dock on desk with multiple leads plugged into it

(Image credit: Tom May)

How we test the best MacBook Pro docks

We MacBook Pro docks with both standardised benchmark tests and through real-work use in our reviewers own daily workflows. This allows us to give the most accurate representation of how a product will perform in real-world settings, especially for creatives who rely on multiple monitors and peripherals. In our testing, we'll exhaust every port to see a) how it'll impact a dock's overall performance and b) if you'll have to worry about wires getting tangled.

We also take into consideration the types (and quantity) of ports each dock has. Of course, everyone's needs are different and you'll ideally want to buy what you know you'll use. That's why our list includes a mix of multi-port powerhouses to totally overhaul your workstation as well as compact docks for mild upgrades. 

Aesthetics are important, too. You'll likely want something that won't look out of place at your workstation but we also understand that you may need to sacrifice form for function (see: bulky power stations). If you want to save space, seek something you can mount on a wall – or find a dock with a stand to place it upright.

FAQs

Is a dock for MacBook Pro worth buying?

A MacBook Pro dock is worth it if you need more ports than your machine comes with – given how slim newer laptops can be, you usually won't get much these days. A dock will give your Apple machine much greater capability by adding ports that aren't native to it or increasing the number of ports it already has. A MacBook Pro dock will also streamline your workstation by serving as a hub for your peripherals, monitors, internet connection and even smaller devices like smartphones or tablets since you'll be able to charge them. 

Why are docks for MacBook Pros so expensive?

As MacBooks become thinner, there's not a lot of room to accommodate a multitude of ports. Docking stations complement this newer, sleeker tech by offering additional ports – and the more there are, the higher the cost will be. Wattage is another factor; if a dock needs a massive power brick to operate, you're likely going to have to pay a premium for it. However, going the refurb or OEM route can help keep some extra cash in your wallet.

Can you dock a MacBook Pro to a monitor?

Yes, you can connect your MacBook Pro to either a single monitor or dual screens. However, this depends on your machine's capabilities – for example, a dock won't increase the number of screens an M1 MacBook can connect to. Apple Support has a full breakdown of monitor docking according to MacBook model and OS version.

Jim McCauley

Jim McCauley is a writer, performer and cat-wrangler who started writing professionally way back in 1995 on PC Format magazine, and has been covering technology-related subjects ever since, whether it's hardware, software or videogames. A chance call in 2005 led to Jim taking charge of Computer Arts' website and developing an interest in the world of graphic design, and eventually led to a move over to the freshly-launched Creative Bloq in 2012. Jim now works as a freelance writer for sites including Creative Bloq, T3 and PetsRadar, specialising in design, technology, wellness and cats, while doing the occasional pantomime and street performance in Bath and designing posters for a local drama group on the side.

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