Find The Best Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station Reviews & Comparison
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Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station Purchasing is not an easy task to do. Different manufacturers are introducing hundreds of Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station in the market which can make you puzzled. In terms of performance, quality, longevity, and overall user experience that you may find it difficult to make a final purchasing decision. At that point, all you need is a good buying guide to help you find the best Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station for your needs.
In this useful article, we will discuss a few important factors to consider before purchasing a Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station. You can think of it as a proper review guideline for you, covering the pros and cons of your desired product, such as its sustainability, affordability, functions, and practical benefits. Another feature will be a thorough comparison of a few similar products. As a result, you can easily pick the best one for your demands. Let’s take a look at it from the inside.
Best Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station : Top 10 Picks
Last update on 2023-12-15 at 01:01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station’s – Expert Recommended
We tried to determine the top ten Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station from hundreds of products in this section. This list will make you feel assured that you will be able to acquire your desired Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station in a matter of minutes. We emphasized their usefulness, performance, durability, outlook, affordability, and previous user experiences. We are sure that this top 10 Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station list will help you in finding the perfect one that matches your requirements.
- 12-in-1 Expansion - With a compatible USB-C, USB4 or Thunderbolt laptop running Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS, this laptop docking station can charge your device, connect up to 3 HDMI monitors while providing Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm combo audio jack, and 6x USB 3.0 ports
- Triple Display Docking Station - This USB C docking station features 3 HDMI video outputs including 1x HDMI output capable of 4K 30Hz, and 2x HDMI outputs capable of 1080p 60Hz using DisplayLink USB Graphics Technology. Supports 3 extended displays even on systems that would otherwise support 1, like Apple M1, M2, and M3 systems
- USB-C Features - Along with DisplayLink graphics technology, this triple monitor docking station supports native USB-C video path (“DP Alt Mode”) for an external display at the full native performance of your system's graphics processor, and USB-C Power Delivery to charge the connected system
- Compatibility - Compatible with USB Type-C, USB4, and Thunderbolt Macs (macOS 11 and newer, with driver installation), Windows , ChromeOS 100 and newer, and other laptops which support USB-C Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Not supported with Linux. HDCP is not supported.
- 2 Year Warranty - We love our Plugable products, and hope you will too. All of our products are backed with a 2-year limited parts and labor warranty as well as Seattle-based email support
- Ports: 2x HDMI; 2x DisplayPort; 1x Thunderbolt 3 Gen 2.
- Ports: 1x USB-C (Thunderbolt 3 compatible); 4x USB 3. 1 Gen 2; 1x USB 3. 1 Gen 2 with Always-on charging.
- 1x RJ-45 Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T; 1x Audio Connector (3. 5mm). 1x Security-lock slot (lock sold separately).
- The dock is supported on the following operating systems: Microsoft Windows 7; Microsoft Windows 10.
- In the Box: Dock; 135W Power Adapter and Power Cord; Thunderbolt 3 cable; Documentation.
- Max Number of External Monitors: 3, including TBT Monitor.
- Video Ports: 2x DisplayPort, 2x HDMI, 1x Thunderbolt 3 DownStream (video/data).
- USB Ports: 5x USB 3. 1 Gen 2 (1 provide always-on mobile device charging).
- Item Dimensions: 1. 18 x 8. 66 x 3. 15 inches. Weight: 1. 16 Lbs.
- What’s in the Box: ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Workstation Dock Gen 2, ThinkPad 230W Power Adapter and Power Cord, Thunderbolt Split Cable (5C10V25713), Slim Tip Y-Cable (5C10V25716), Setup Guide and User Guide.
- Compatibility Information: Works with Windows laptops or non-M1 MacBooks equipped with a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port. Not compatible with M1 MacBooks or Linux or Chrome OS laptops.
- Incredible Expansion: Equipped with dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, 2 USB-C ports, 4 USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, SD/microSD card slots, and a 3.5 mm AUX port.
- Unparalleled Charging Options: With 85W and 15W Thunderbolt 3 ports plus an 18W USB-C Power Delivery port, PowerExpand offers multiple ways to get a high-speed charge for anything from laptops to phones and more.
- Dual Display: The Thunderbolt 3 port supports 5K@60Hz while the HDMI port supports a resolution of 4K@60Hz. Connect to both simultaneously to enjoy crystal-clear streaming or mirroring across 2 displays in 4K@60Hz.
- Anker 577 Thunderbolt Docking Station (13-in-1, Thunderbolt 3)/PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock, 180W power adapter, Thunderbolt 3 cable (2.3 ft), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and great customer service.
- [15 PORTS OF CONNECTIVITY]: 2x Thunderbolt 3 40Gb/s, DisplayPort 1.2, 5x USB-A & 1 USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gb/s), 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen2 (10Gb/s data only), Gigabit Ethernet, UHS-II SD Card Slot (SD 4.0), Optical Audio (S/PDIF), 3.5mm Stereo Audio In & Out. Vertical or horizontal orientation. Sturdy full aluminum construction with integrated heat sink without a fan.
- [IMPROVED from 85W to 87W LAPTOP CHARGING]: Provides up to 87W to charge your laptop and power all of your USB peripherals. The secondary Thunderbolt 3 port provides 15W of power for downstream devices. Please note: Firmware update required for 87W
- [DUAL 4K EXTENDED DISPLAYS]: Connect up to two 4K@60Hz (4096 x 2160 30-bit color) monitors via DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C port, OR a Single 5K@60Hz display can be supported via the Thunderbolt 3 port. **M1 Macs cannot support dual display over Thunderbolt! (***DisplayPort to HDMI/DVI/VGA adapter / cable must be an ACTIVE type. Passive dongle/cable wil not work.***)
- [UHS-II SD 4.0 CARD SLOT]: Latest UHS-II SD card slot supports SD/SDHC/SDXC at up to 312 MB/s bus speed. Transfer full days of footage from your camera 3x faster than UHS-I counterpart!
- [MAC & WINDOWS COMPATIBLE]: Ideal for M1 and M2 Macs, 2016+ MacBook Pro, 2017+ iMac Pro, on Mac OS 10.12 or Windows 8/10 with a Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 port.
- Thunderbolt 3 connectivity: The Thunderbolt 3 standard delivers 40Gbps bandwidth, which allows you to connect multiple data and video devices to your Windows or Mac OS X computer using single USB Type C /Thunderbolt 3 cable. A USB-C cable is included with the dock, so you won't need an additional cable to connect to your computer.
- Dual 4K@60Hz: Connect two DisplayPort displays at resolutions up to 4K@60Hz each to your Thunderbolt 3 equipped Mac or Windows PC or laptop. Experience uncompressed, vibrant, 4K@60Hz video and embedded audio for gaming, video streaming, or multiple monitor desktop configurations.
- MFDP compatible for USB-C computers: The dock is MFDP compatible, which means that it supports the DisplayPort/USB-C Alternate Mode, which allows it to carry two DisplayPort video signals at resolutions up to 1080p@60Hz on any USB-C computer.
- USB-C Power Delivery (PD): In addition to carrying data and video, the USB Type-C connector supports the USB Power Delivery standard with up to 60 watts of power, allowing you to charge your laptop's battery during use.
- Connect 2 external displays to any kind of host computer.
- Charge your mobile device with the always-power-on USB 3.0 port
- UHD video experience with dual video output or with up to three FHD displays
- Perfect pairing for ThinkPad X1 rapid charging, up to 40Gbps data transfer speeds
- Immediate connection to peripherals with a single cable, 4 times faster than the average dock
- Min Operating Temperature 5 C. Max Operating Temperature 40 C
- THUNDERBOLT-CERTIFIED: The Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core brings the speed, high-definition, and performance of Thunderbolt technology to Mac and Windows laptops. This dock is a streamlined way to create an expanded, high-performing desktop through a single tethered cable
- THE ULTIMATE WORKSTATION: This windows and mac docking station has 7 ports including DisplayPort, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet connection, Thunderbolt, USB-A, USB-C, and Audio ports - all through a single cable
- DUAL-POWERED DOCK: This charging dock keeps both your laptop and peripheral devices charged and ready to go. Also known as "upstream charging," this docking station keeps your laptop, keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals charged while in use, without a separate power cable
- ULTRA-HIGH DEFINITION MONITOR SUPPORT: Enjoy ultra-high-definition 4K dual monitor support to create a versatile working station. This Belkin docking station makes it easy to connect and use two monitors at once, while also charging your device at the same time
- THUNDERBOLT CABLE INCLUDED: The dock also includes a thunderbolt cable, which is 7.87in/20 cm long. This allows you to connect your laptop to the dock making it more versatile for different desk configurations
- Triple Monitor Support: Supports triple monitors at 4K@60Hz resolution for an exceptional visual experience. Note: HDMI (Alt Mode) port requires your laptop's type-c port to support video output.
- Powerful Charging Capability: Comes with a powerful 160W power adapter, the USB-C (host) charges your laptop with max.100W to keep it running all day, as well as powering your connected peripherals while displaying or transferring data. Worry-free about any low battery situation. Please make sure that the type-c port of your host supports power delivery.
- Multiple Ports for Versatile Connectivity: Equipped with 6 USB Gen2 (10G) ports, 1Gbps Ethernet for fast data transfer to and from your connected devices.
- Enhanced Audio Experience: Includes an audio port, allowing you to connect headphones or speakers for enhanced audio experience.
- Wide Compatibility: Perfect for laptops with USB 3.1 full-function type c port or thunderbolt 3/4 port. Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7; Mac OS 10.14-13.x and latest, Chrome OS, Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, Android and Harmony OS. Unsupported with Unix systems, Linux and iPad OS. (Follow the instructions to download the latest DisplayLink drivers before use.)
Last update on 2023-12-15 at 01:01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What To Consider Before Buying Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station
As a human being you can guess some well but it is quite impossible to know everything well. Being the jack of all trade is not a matter of joke. After go through the byuing the guide this time you may being a less fool from more than purchasing Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station without knowing anything.
Not necessarily you have to be a master on that particular product for purchasing only. Just focus on a few key points that we’ll go over later. Taking those simple considerations into account may make your buying experience more pleasant and straightforward. Let’s jump to the main topic
Be aware of your requirements.
The very first thing you should know is your needs or requirement. If you aren’t aware of your needs, there’s a big chance you’ll spend a lot of money on the wrong things at the wrong time. So, first of all and probably most important, we suggest that you take time to consider your necessities for a Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station. Make a short list of your requirements. This simple task will lead you to simplifying your purchasing process. Only after that you can be assure about your priorities.
Budget Vs Price
Budget is that one issue which you can’t ignore before you decide to purchase anything else. Any amount can be set on the price tag of your desired product. That mainly depends on their brand value and different expences like purchasing raw materials, manufacturing, logistics and other operational costs. The higher quality you demand, the higher amount of money you may have to spend for that. It’s vice versa. And your enlisted Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station couldn’t bypass this universal truth too.
“Cut your coat, according to your cloth”- one of the most popular proverb goes in our society. Fristly, take your wishlist on your hand and search those products on the internet. Check the features and costs carefully.Make a comparison between them and choose one. Now ask yourself that you are capable enough to buy that particular Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station or not? If yes, then you don’t need to think twice. Just Go for it. You may think about the second best option if your answer is no.
Choosing the Best Brand
Most of the time, we are biased toward certain brands due to emotional attachments. But not everytime this practice results get good. However, there’s no denying that depending on well-known brands is a good idea. When you have enough money in your pocket you can easily make yoiur decesion. But remember, not every brand is good for everything. As a result, you must exercise extreme caution when determining whether or not you are selecting the appropriate brand for your specific product.
There are two categories of people in the world. One is completely reliant on a specific brand, while the other is unconcerned. All he requires is the proper product for the price he is paying. May be we are not aware of the category that you belong to.However, there are a few guidelines that may be useful to the both of you when it comes to choosing the right brand for the right product.
- Be sure, you know well about the Brand.
- What others have to say about this brand.
- And what’s the average rating for that brand’s particular product?
- Contrast the features with those of competitors.
- Are you satisfied with the features?
Take a look on the Features Part
Whether you buy it online or offline, the first thing you should check is while buying is the features of Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station. If you want to know about the product clearly, then this is the best way. You will be able to understand, this product is going to meet your demands or not.
This part will help you to identify the differences with others. Then, by using features, you can compare this to similar products. One will gain a better understanding of quality as a result of this work, which will make it easier for us to reach a final decision.
Check the Advantages and Risks
Each product has benefits and drawbacks. It is our duties to carefully examine them out first before buying them. Hence, remain cool because you need to figure out the drawbacks which you demanded from the Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station that you are looking forward to buy. Perhaps another manufacturer created the ideal one for you. Just don’t be too lazy to compare yourself to them before making a final decision.
The part of Pros and Cons can be found on most websites. Read that part with care. If you have any further questions, you can contact them via email or phone.
Quality and Endurance
Color, Style, Performance, Materials, and, most importantly, Durability are all factors that contribute to quality. Before you buy anything, you must check those quality related issues carefully. Don’t you think that you are paying for it? Do you think this Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station is worthy enough against the investment you did? It completely depends on the quality that you are going to experience.
Warranty and Return Policy Are Important
Lots of companies are making products. Good quality products are being maintained by some of them. After then they are letting us know those products through making creative advertisements. Nothing found wrong yet. But here comes the “After Sales Service”. This thing is capable enough to make huge difference and for many, it’s a big deal yeah.
Warranty, gurantee and return policies are those facts which you should never ignore even by mistake. Anything can happen even after purchasing the highest quality product. We know that nothing lasts forever. Still a minimum return of value you deserve from the Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station you will pay for. That’s why don’t forget to be careful at the time of checking policies. Sometimes, there may be some hidden issues which they won’t make you clear with words. One simple thing you can do is to ask their representative about those unintelligible facts and be clear before you buy.
Checking FAQ & Customer Reviews make your task easy
Checking customer reviews and FAQ answers are so savior of time that you can’t understand unless you try it. FAQs are few common questions that were asked frequently by mass people like you and they have been answered as well. On the other hand, you will get a real life experience through the customer reviews in which they share their sotries about the product.
So, checking out these two things, you will get the idea of both. You may find so many answers which might not come to your mind before. You will be able to decide whether this Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station will come handy or not without any hesitaton.
Finally
Afterwards, You should consider the value that the Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station providing you is viable enough against the price you paying for it. Is it enough to make you pleased? Does your demands be fullfilled with that? We guess, that is the fact of great importance.
We hope that you enjoyed the article in which we tried to provide you a proper guideline to help you to buy the best Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station. If this article come useful to you, then nobody can be more happy than us. End of the day, your satisfaction makes us feel happy.