Although the latest MacBook Pros are powerhouse devices that are perfect for all kinds of work on-the-go, one drawback is that they lack legacy ports. This brings about the need for USB-C hubs and docking stations for those times when you're at home or work and need to connect multiple peripherals to your device such as monitors, keyboards, etc. Do more with your machine with these best docking stations for MacBook Pro.
1. Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock Station – Editor's Choice
I have a MacBook Pro 15 inch Touch Bar and a Dell D6000 dock. I was able to find this solution from a colleague at work and it worked well for me and some of my users as well. USB C Hub,GIKERSY USB Type C Adapter Docking Station Compatible with MacBook Pro,Dell XPS13 &15',with 2 HDMI,VGA,USB3.0/2.0,87W PD,SD/TF Card Reader,Audio Output(Different Displays Only for Windows) 3.7 out of 5 stars 296.
Create a powerful workstation with this compact dock that connects to your laptop through a single tethered cable. You can connect two 4K monitors using the dual HDMI ports at 60Hz.
LandingZone Docking Station. This dock is only compatible with the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. It connects to the USB Type-C and Audio port on your laptop. The included 96W LandingZone US Power Adapter powers the docking station and can also charge your MacBook under most conditions. Make Offer - StarTech Dual 4K Dock USB-C MacBook Windows Mac Pc Thunderbolt Dock DisplayPort Startech DK30A2DH 4K DisplayLink Plug and Display USB 3.0 HDMI Docking Station $55.00.
It's perfect for enjoying fast, HD visuals across multiple screens. Use peripherals like a keyboard, mouse, etc., via the USB-A 3.0 and USB-A 2.0 ports. And enjoy a reliable and secure network connection through the gigabit ethernet port.
Pros
- 40 Gbps data transfer speed
- Dual 4K video support
- Compact size
Cons
- No memory card reader
Price: $127.16
2. Kensington Docking Station
You can quickly convert your MacBook into a powerful desktop computer by using this Thunderbolt 3 docking station from Kensington. The powerful Thunderbolt 3 technology helps you transfer your data at speed up to 40Gbps. You can easily download a 4K movie in just 30 seconds.
With multiple ports, an SD card reader, and single 5K/4K video output, you can connect monitors, hard drives, mouse, keyboard, and other USB peripherals. Moreover, you can charge your laptop with up to 60W power delivery.
Pros
- Thunderbolt 3 (2.3 foot) cable included.
- Perfect for photo transfers
- SD card reader
Cons
- HDMI does not work without an adapter
Price: $248.63
3. LINEDOCK USB-C Docking station
Here's a sleek charging dock that features nine ports for your MacBook Pro/Air or iPad Pro. Moreover, it doubles up as a massive portable battery: hard-drive and 100W charger.
It offers up to 8 hours of extra battery life, 60W Power Delivery, 100W Pass-Through Charging, and up to 1TB onboard SSD storage. This makes it an ultra-convenient all-in-one choice.
Pros Freeware macro software.
- Also, a hard drive, charger, and portable battery
- Sleek and lightweight
- 99 percent plastic-free
- One year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
Price: $349.00
4. LandingZone Docking Station
This dock is only compatible with the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. It connects to the USB Type-C and Audio port on your laptop. The included 96W LandingZone US Power Adapter powers the docking station and can also charge your MacBook under most conditions.
You can connect multiple monitors to the HDMI 1, HDMI 2, Mini DisplayPort, or USB Type-C Passthrough port. A total of 3 external monitors can be connected to this charging dock.
Pros
- Elegant design
- Range of ports
- Comes with power adaptor
Cons
- Build not sturdy
Price: $237.15
5. WAVLINK Thunderbolt 3 Dock
This charging dock provides 180 Watt DC Power Supply and delivers 85W power to charge your laptop and USB peripherals. The secondary Thunderbolt 3 port provides 15W of power for downstream devices.
It boasts 4x USB 3.0 ports for a super transfer speed of up to 5Gbps and 900mA of power. At the same time, it's got an integrated SD/Micro SD card reader that makes it easy to copy photos and videos from your camera to your laptop.
Pros
- 12 ports
- Integrated SD Card reader
- Compact size
Cons
Best Docking Station For Macbook Pro
- Slows down with multiple devices consented
Price: $195.86
6. Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock
Connect everything to your MacBook Pro at once with this handy docking station. It has two Thunderbolt 3 ports for extended Thunderbolt versatility, including a 5K display.
How to install adobe photoshop in macbook pro. It supports dual displays of up to 4K at a smooth frame rate of 60Hz. There are also two dedicated USB-C ports and two front USB 3.0 ports. Further, it has a Dock utility app that eliminates the need to keep ejecting devices one by one.
Pros
- One cable
- Dual display
- Has a Dock utility app
Cons
- Expensive
Price: $339.99
7. Cable Matters Aluminum Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Check out this 60W single-cable docking solution that supports dual 4K displays at 60Hz displays. It is compatible with an HDMI port and a Thunderbolt 3 port using an active USB-C to video adapter.
It's an essential companion for professionals and lets you maximize the utility of a single Thunderbolt 3 port to add dual [email protected] displays, 5 USB 3.0 ports, a memory card slot, Gigabit Ethernet network connectivity, and a combo audio port.
Pros
- Sleek look
- SD card reader
- Fully-featured
Cons
- A bit pricey
Price: $229.99
8. Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Connect everything to your MacBook Pro with this handy dock that's got all the ports you need. Elgato dock boasts extended versatility, including 5K display support, dual display support, and up to 2x 4K resolution.
It has high-power device support for iPad, SuperDrive, and more. It extends connectivity, audio, video, and networking. Further, it has an easy ejection software button to ensure data safety.
Pros
- Versatility
- Easy ejection button
- Compact size
Apple Docking Station Macbook
Cons
- Slows down with multiple devices connected
Price: $249.99
9. StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station
This charging station is great for video editing and other Ultra HD tasks. This dual-4K monitor docking station supports 40Gbps speeds and 4K resolution on two monitors.
It's easy to set up and deploy with universal Thunderbolt 3 Dock with automatic driver setup & MAC address changer utility, including Thunderbolt 3 host cable and USB-C to DisplayPort cable to connect a second DP monitor.
Pros
- Easy installation and deployment
- 85W power delivery
- Variety of ports
Cons
- Slows down with too many devices connected
Price: $249.97
10. CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock
As a pro user, you need a dock that helps you connect multiple devices and peripherals. CalDigit successfully fulfills your requirements as this docking station has ten ports of connectivity.
A striking feature is 85W powerful laptop charging. Moreover, you can also charge other USB peripherals. Even if you are not connected to a Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C laptop, the pro dock charges a computer to 85W.
Pros
- Stand-alone charging
- 85W laptop charging
- Ethernet connection
Cons
- Internet speed issues
Price: $249.99
Summing Up
So, did this help you pick out the best docking station for your MacBook Pro? Let us know your choice in the comments below.
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I have been writing about tech for over 10 years now. I am passionate about helping people solve their tech problems with easy and practical solutions. At iGeeksBlog, I write and edit how-to guides and accessory reviews for all things Apple. My work has previously appeared in Live IT and Woman's Era magazines. When not working, I love reading and traveling.
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If you have the latest MacBook Pro, you may have noticed that you're missing a lot of ports found on legacy laptops and those classic peripherals (even those made by Apple!) can no longer be connected to your Mac. How do you right click on a macbook pro.
So what's up with these new ports, and how do you use your external displays, work equipment, or even a wired mouse with this MacBook?
When you think of USB, you probably picture the flat rectangular piece that takes a few tries to insert the right way but is used for dozens of devices.
This is actually technically called USB-Type A and is gradually being replaced by USB-C ports which are much smaller and reversible (so no more struggling to insert it correctly).
Thunderbolt 3 is a technology that works through the new USB-C terminals to transfer data 4 times faster than on the latest USB-A and is being utilized in the ports on your new MacBook. You can learn more about Thunderbolt by watching this short video on YouTube.
The only downside to USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 is that many devices have not made the switch to USB-C outputs, which means you still need to connect to ports such as HDMI or SD slots that no longer exist on your Mac.
This problem can be solved by purchasing a ton of dongles or just a single dock, which is a device that contains all the legacy ports but connects to your Mac via the USB-C port. It allows you to use everything you normally would without worrying about the lack of built-in ports on your Mac.
Quick Summary
A lot goes into picking the right docking station, but a lot of times it comes down to connection type. That's why I will be highlighting these docks by which Mac they were made for.
- Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock — for any MacBook Pros using Thunderbolt 3, this dock has you covered with all the basic ports such as Ethernet, HDMI, SD reader, and USB-A 3.0 and USB-C.
- VAVA USB C Hub 8-in-1 Adapter — compatible with any Mac using USB-C tech, this dock is also fairly versatile and includes everything you need to act like your ports never disappeared in the first place.
- Anker USB C Hub Adapter — integrates seamlessly and appears to be an extension of your Mac, making it a truly sleek accessory. Includes the basic HDMI, SD, and USB slots (no ethernet).
- LandingZone 15″ Secure Docking Station — built for the 15″ MacBook Pro from 2012/2013, it's meant for creating your optimal workstation at a single location.
Who Should Get This?
A dock for MacBook Pro is definitely going to be most useful if you're using the latest MacBook Pro and can't do your normal work without the legacy ports. Even if all you need is a USB-A mouse, a dock will be key to running that.
If you're on an older MacBook Pro model, there are docks made for Thunderbolt 2 (has a different port and tech than Thunderbolt 3) but they may be less useful since many of the ports you need will be built in. On the other hand, if you're using specialty ports or simply need more than are built in, a dock is still a great choice.
Buying a Dock for MacBook Pro: What to Look For in 2020?
Connection Type
For new MacBook Pros, you need a dock that runs on USB-C Thunderbolt 3 both because of the port type and because of the electronic technology it is using. Older MacBooks must utilize a Thunderbolt 2 dock, which has a specialty port. Purchasing the wrong type dock for your Mac will render it unusable since the two types of ports are not both found and different models of Macs.
Available Ports
Docks come with a variety of ports, but there's no point in paying for extra ports you'll never use. For example, if you just need a few classic USBs, you'd be better off with a smaller dock than one that includes a half-dozen video connections for display extension and presenting. Alternatively, if you need a wide variety of ports make sure to look for a dock that has you completely covered so that you don't have to go searching for additional dongles unless absolutely necessary.
Size/Type
The majority of docks are freestanding and can be placed wherever you like on your desk while you're using your MacBook. For these, make sure to pick something that fits in your current bag if you plan to use it at more than one location (such as home and the office). However, some docks also double as desktop stands which may be more useful if you don't like to have many loose wires or have a limited workspace. These do tend to be less portable though, so it is a compromise.
The Best Dock for MacBook Pro in 2020: Our Picks
Please note: all the docks/hubs listed below are chosen based on the criteria above, plus our our personal take and preferences. They are by no means intended to rank in this order.
1. Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock
Using a MacBook with the new Thunderbolt 3 (you probably are)? The Elgato dock has you covered. With four USB 3.0 ports, two USB-C ports, Ethernet, and HDMI, its got all the basics to keep you on track.
Pros:
- Plenty of USB-A 3.0 connections to use with legacy equipments and keeps a sleek design.
- Includes the most commonly needed types of ports without adding too many unnecessary features.
- Supports 4k resolution (dual).
Cons:
- Dual displays are only supported when using a Thunderbolt display and HDMI connector.
- It's definitely on the pricer side for some people who are on a budget.
2. VAVA USB C Hub 8-in-1 Adapter
If you were looking for a powerhouse, you've found it. This hub from VAVA includes extra ports for anything you could ever be worried would disappear, even an extra audio jack that can be used for recording equipment. Creative professionals will also appreciate the revival of the SD card slot.
Pros:
- Covers all the bases in regards to port variety while also allowing you to charge your MacBook through the hub while it is in use.
- The metallic design will match your laptop and blend in with the desk.
Cons:
- Short connecting wire forces you to keep things close to home, which may be undesirable for some users.
3. Anker USB C Hub Adapter
Laying flush with the edge of your MacBook so that it almost appears to have been built in, this dock from Anker offers you a little bit of everything. You'll regain the Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C ports it plugs into since these are also built into the dock, as well as gather an HDMI and SD slot in addition to the classic USB.
Pros:
- Integrates seamlessly with your MacBook for a sleek design that's sure to catch eyes.
- Contains standard ports one would hope to recover such as HDMI and SD/TF card reader.
- Designed specifically for the 2015 (or newer) MacBook Pros with touch bar.
Cons:
- Doesn't work with hard drives larger than 4TB.
4. LandingZone Dock 15″ Secure Docking Station
Planning to keep your dock mainly in one location? This nifty option doubles a stand and lets you keep all your cords plugged into one place rather than having to unplug all each time you move your laptop elsewhere. Now, it's just pick up and go. Designed for 2012-2015 MacBook Pro.
Pros:
- Keeps your cords in place and your laptop portable, and even offers a comfortable incline for you to work on.
- With plenty of USB-A ports, Ethernet, HDMI, and additional Thunderbolt ports, you're set to make your workstation work for you.
Cons:
- Designed to be stationary, so don't expect this one to come easily with you on excursions.
Additional Tips & Resources
So, what if you already have a Thunderbolt 2 dock but just purchased a new MacBook? Luckily, you don't need to buy a whole new dock. Apple sells a bi-directional Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 dongle, which means all your Thunderbolt 2 gear can be used with your new Mac. Check it out here.
Can't find a dock with the right mix of ports to serve your needs? This list from Macworld tells you exactly which dongles to purchase for which devices and needed ports, which can then be plugged into your computer and skip the dock altogether if needed.
Final Words
While it's annoying to wait for the rest of the tech industry to catch up with the technology Apple has implemented, there are still plenty of ways to use your accessories with the modern MacBook. Do you already have a favorite dock or Thunderbolt peripheral? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below.
