Best MacBook Pro Docking Stations in 2023

The reason most people only have laptops versus desktop computers, is due to their portability and on-the-go convenience. But, when it comes to connecting your laptop to accessories, that’s when a docking station comes into play. 

Simply put, a docking station, also described as a “port replicator,” and often referred to as a “hub,” provides a simple and convenient way to plug in common computer peripherals. A peripheral refers to any external devices or equipment that enhance your computer’s functionality. 

A multiple-port docking station bridges the gap between a laptop and a desktop—allowing you to connect several devices such as external monitors, a printer, speakers, and more. That’s why docking stations are often referred to as a “hub” or a “computer hub.” 

Having the ability to easily connect your laptop to multiple devices is just one of the many reasons why a docking station is such a valuable investment. In the next section, we’ll discuss the many key benefits of using a docking station.

In the previous section, we only just scratched the surface as to why a docking station is a must-have for your computer desk setup. For many professionals, having a reliable docking station is essential for daily productivity—and I can attest that it absolutely is for me! 

The following are five key benefits of using a docking station:

1. Adds more ports to your laptop

You may have noticed that laptops have become slimmer and more portable, but now have fewer ports. For example, the M1 MacBook Air has just three ports: two USB Type-C ports and a single 3.5mm headphone jack. And this is the case with many of today’s laptop manufacturers, because they aim to make their devices as lightweight as possible. 

The nice part of having a docking station is that you only need to use a single port on your laptop—enabling access to a wide array of ports. Docking stations vary in size and number of ports, but some offer up to 12 ports.

2. Makes your laptop more ergonomic

Convert your laptop into an ergonomic device by connecting peripherals using a docking station. Some of the more basic accessories may include an external keyboard and mouse, but you may also want to connect an external monitor or speakers, for example.

3. Transitions easily between home and office 

If you use your laptop as both your working device and your home computer (as I do), using a docking station ensures that you don’t have to connect every device when you transition between locations. This provides great convenience, because you only have to plug in one cable from your docking station, and you’re set.

4. Connects older devices with outdated ports

USB Type-C ports are quickly becoming the number one port, making it difficult to connect your laptop to older devices. But if you have a docking station, that will not be a problem. For example, if you have an older MacBook, you can still use your old monitor with a VGA or DVI port—by buying a docking station with those ports. 

You can also use a docking station to access HDMI ports, which are becoming harder to find thanks to the reduction in the size of laptops—especially those with two HDMI ports.

5. Gives you the experience of working on a desktop 

This is my personal favorite feature of using a docking station, because it extends the functionality of your laptop—providing a desktop-like experience. In addition to some of the aforementioned peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse, and monitor(s), you can also connect SD and micro SD cards, external hard drives, and more. 

In addition to the key benefits mentioned above, using a docking station is also great for gaming and can help create a more clutter-free workspace. 

But, as with any computer accessories, there are many different docking stations to choose from. So, how do you select the right docking station for your laptop and your personal needs? 

How to choose a docking station

When it comes to choosing the right docking station for you, there are a few things you should consider before making a purchase including: 

• Compatibility: Check to make sure that your laptop is compatible with the docking station. Docking stations are not all alike, and are often designed to support specific devices. For example, some docking stations work with Windows laptops and non-M1 MacBooks, but not with M1 MacBooks, Linux, or Chrome OS laptops. 

• Video and audio output: Check the supported qualities of the video output ports to ensure the best display quality. For example, if the docking station does not support 4K resolution, you may experience a poor display. The same goes for digital optical audio jack output, as you may need a docking station that supports external speakers with a specific size jack. 

• Number of ports: Check to see how many ports the docking station has, consider how many peripherals you plan to plug in, and what types of ports you need. Most docking stations house between two and six standard USB ports, while some newer models include up to 13 ports (USB-C ports, Thunderbolt 3 ports, USB type A ports, HDMI ports, gigabit ethernet jacks, and more). 

• Ease of use: Choose a docking station that is easy to install and use. Most docking stations are USB-C enabled—making them functional as soon as you connect them to your system. You will typically find up to two USB-C ports in most docs.

• Design: Choose your docking station based on your personal preference and what best fits your workspace. Note that docking stations are designed both horizontal and vertical.

In the next section, we’ll share our pics for the 10 best docking stations for MacBook Pro.

Having the right docking station can really be a game changer—ultimately taking your workstation to the next level. 

While there are many options on the market, the following are our picks for the 14 best docking stations for MacBook Pro in 2023:

1. OWC Thunderbolt Pro Dock

Known as one of the best docking solutions for pro creatives, this dock hosts 10 ports, 10Gb/s Ethernet, CFexpress and SD card readers, two Thunderbolt ports, one USB-C port, and three USB-A ports. It delivers 85W charging power and can ingest content up to 1630MB/s. Priced at $349. 

2. OWC Thunderbolt Hub

With this hub, you can easily add more USB-C ports (up to four), and connect more storage, displays, and accessories. You can also add up to two 4K monitors, portable SSD storage, an SD card reader, a 10GB/s Ethernet adapter, and more. It delivers up to 60W of charging power and is affordably priced at $149. 

3. OWC Thunderbolt mini Dock

This “mini” multi-adaptor features dual 4K HDMI, dual USB, and Gigabit Ethernet. Great for fast file transfers and charging power up to 40Gb/s—all in a small and portable device. Very affordably priced at $109.

4. OWC USB-C Travel Dock

Great dock for those who travel or are often on the go. Features five essential ports including USB Type-A and Type-C, HDMI, and an SD card reader. Delivers up to 100W of pass-through power and display support up to 4K. Very affordably priced at just $49.

5. Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock

Hosts 11 ports and is known for its versatility with a focus on Thunderbolt 4 connections and USB-A ports. It supports Windows and macOS and Thunderbolt 4 laptops, and also has a gigabit ethernet port. You can connect to two 4K displays while simultaneously charging your laptop with 96W PD (power delivery). Note that this dock does not have an HDMI/DisplayPort. Priced at $299. 

6. Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Dock

Hosts 11 ports including USB-A ports and is ideal for a modern MacBook. It supports Windows 10 laptops with Thunderbolt 4 ports and MacBook models running macOS Big Sur 11 with Thunderbolt 3 ports. It delivers 90W of power, has a gigabit ethernet port, and is priced over $300.

7. Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station

Hosts 12 ports including a gigabit ethernet port, USB-C ports, and is known for being a versatile hub that’s ahead of the curve. It supports Windows 10 laptops with Thunderbolt 4 ports and non-M1 MacBook models running macOS Big Sur 11 or later. It delivers 90W of power and is priced at $300.

8. CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 Dock

Hosts a whopping 18 ports and is revered as the best docking station for M1/M2 MacBooks. It supports macOS 11.4 (Big Sur) or later and Windows 10 or later. Its 18-in-1 hub includes USB-A ports, USB-C ports, a gigabit ethernet port, and its Apple Silicon chip has you covered no matter how large your workload. Note that this dock does not have an HDMI port. It delivers 98W of power and is priced at $399.

9. Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock

Hosts 9 ports and is known for being the best Thunderbolt 3 docking station with a modern, durable design. This dock features a gigabit ethernet port, USB-C ports, and a built-in SD card reader. It supports 4K, 60HZ displays, USB-A ports, and 85W host charging. Priced at $249.

10. EZQuest USB-C Multimedia Hub

Hosts 8 ports and is revered as the best MacBook docking station for travel. It supports Windows 10/11 laptops with USB-C ports, USB-A ports, gigabit ethernet, Google Chromebooks, and MacBook models. It also offers 4K support, dual SD card readers, and delivers 100W power delivery. Note that there is no Thunderbolt 4 or dual-screen support. Affordably priced at $69.

11. Plugable USB-C Triple 4K Display Docking Station

Hosts 13 ports and is known as the best docking station for multiple displays. It offers a huge variety of ports and your choice of HDMI or DisplayPort. It supports Windows 10 or later and macOS 11 or later, a gigabit ethernet port, USB-C ports, and delivers 100W power delivery. There is also an SD card reader and an USB-C port with 20W PD. Note that it only stands vertically. Priced at $279.

12. Linedock Docking Station 

Hosts 9 ports and is a great choice for tight workspaces. It’s designed for 13-inch, 15-inch, and 16-inch MacBook Pros and is also compatible with iPad Pro. It includes an 19,350mAh internal battery that can fully charge your MacBook Pro or Air in just two hours, and offers up to 100W PD. Note that there is no gigabit ethernet port. Prices vary by model and size with some models priced over $400.

13. Moshi Symbus Q

Hosts just 4 ports but this USB-C dock is a solid option for fast Apple wireless charging. It supports 4K, 60 Hz displays, has a gigabit ethernet port, and is compatible with a wide range of devices, including iPhone and AirPods. Note that there are no additional Thunderbolt 3 ports. Very unique and portable design and priced at $200. 

14. Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock

Hosts an impressive 19 ports and equals one of the fastest ports on the market. It is Thunderbolt 4 certified with a bonus storage feature and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port. It offers 100W power delivery and is priced at $299.

Bonus option! The belkin Thunderbolt docks are also quite popular, including the belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro. It offers both USB-A ports and USB-C ports, as well as an SD card reader and audio in/out for mic and speaker support. 

We hope this comprehensive list of some of the best docking stations on the market will help you make the right choice for you! 

View all of the available OWC docks and hubs.

• What is a docking station? A docking station provides a simple and convenient way to plug in common computer peripherals or external devices connected to your computer. 
• What are the benefits of using a docking station? There are many benefits to using a docking station, including access to additional ports and easily transitioning between home and office.
• How do I choose a docking station? When choosing a docking station, you’ll want to ensure that your laptop is compatible and determine the number and type of ports that fit your personal needs. 
• What are the best docking stations for MacBook Pro? There are many options on the market when it comes to docking stations. Refer to the final section of the blog for a comprehensive list of our top 10 picks.