Looking for the latest laptop or tablet with compatible ports for all your devices can be frustrating. In recent years, there have been rapid developments in cable connections, and manufacturers have been designing more streamlined laptops. Therefore, they often have fewer ports; and chunky legacy ports are becoming obsolete.

As a result, Thunderbolt 4 docking stations are now essential devices. Not only do they deliver fast transfer speeds and charging over a single cable, but you can also hook up multiple displays of high resolution. Your system will run smoothly and efficiently; the cherry on top is that they help declutter your desk.

Here are the best Thunderbolt 4 docks available today.

The Dell WD22TB4 Dock is primarily for Dell laptops. It provides up to 130W of power with the Dell ExpressCharge technology. One hour of charging with this dock will see a Dell laptop reach an 80 percent charge. According to Dell, it works with other brands, too, as long as they are "notebooks from other manufacturers which support industry standards for Thunderbolt docking."

The best feature of this dock is its modular design. This design ensures the docking station will be compatible with future cable connection developments. You can also replace this module to upgrade the station to align with your devices. The majority of Dell's docking station rivals lack this feature.

It is also the best dock choice for connecting external displays. You can link multiple 4K displays (three at 60Hz) or even higher resolutions of 5K or 8K at 60Hz. There are numerous ports for this, including two 1.4 DisplayPorts, one USB multifunction display port, and one HDMI 2.0. The two Thunderbolt-4 ports are also suitable for this purpose.

The docking station also sports a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port and three USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports. One of which has the Dell PowerShare feature, which means it can wirelessly charge your phone while you work.

Additionally, it is slim and lightweight; you can easily slip it into your luggage or bag in the provided travel case to comfortably travel or commute with it.

Key Features
  • High-speed data transfers
  • 80 percent battery charge in one hour
  • 130W power delivery
Specifications
  • Brand: Dell
  • Connectivity: 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 with PowerShare, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x USB-C Multifunction DisplayPort, 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet RJ45, 2 x Thunderbolt 4
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 1lb
  • Dimensions: 8.1 x 3.5 x 1.1 inches
  • Power Supply: 130W
  • Compatible with: Dell products and notebooks from other manufacturers which supports Thunderbolt docking
Pros
  • Easy customization with swappable modules
  • Charges Dell laptops quickly
  • Lightweight and slimline
Cons
  • Cannot connect audio device
  • No SD card reader
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Dell WD22TB4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

The CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element hub is a lightweight dock small enough to keep your desk clutter-free. The design is identical on each side, so you can flip it and place it anywhere on your desk for convenient connections. Although it isn't exactly a docking station, with so many USB-A and USB-C ports, it functions similarly, especially if you fit it out with the proper adaptors.

It supports both Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 with three downstream ports and one upstream to connect to your laptop. Previously, there was no hub with this many T4 ports. The transfer rates go up to 40Gbps when used individually, although this may slow down a bit when using multiple ports simultaneously.

The four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports transfer data at 10Gbps, meaning you can comfortably drive several smaller accessories such as a mouse or storage device.

It can drive two 4K displays at 60Hz, or you can drive an 8K display at 30Hz. M1 Macs and iPad Pros aren't dual-display compatible, but dual 4K displays are possible if you use Macs with the M1 Pro or Max chips or older Mac models.

The hub has a total power supply of 150W, 60W of which goes directly into powering your laptop. However, It may struggle with more powerful laptops such as Razer gaming machines, but it's perfectly fine for standard laptops. However, It is the ideal hub to travel with as it is very compact and the weight of less than half a pound is barely noticeable.

Key Features
  • Sturdy aluminum build
  • Numerous USB-A ports
  • Three downstream T4 ports
Specifications
  • Brand: CalDigit
  • Connectivity: 4 x Thunderbolt 4, 4 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2
  • Color: Silver
  • Weight: 0.39lbs
  • Dimensions: 4.48 x 2.75 x 0.70 inches
  • Power Supply: 60W
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac
Pros
  • Compact
  • Unnoticeable weight
  • Reversible design
Cons
  • No SD card or ethernet ports
  • 60W power delivery to laptop
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CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub
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3. Plugable USB4 Hub 3A

8.80 / 10
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Although not as lightweight and compact as the CalDigit T4 Element Hub, the Plugable USB4 3A is also an excellent option. It has three T4 downstream ports with 15W of power delivery and one upstream at 60W for charging your laptop. What it doesn't have are many USB-A ports. So, if you want to connect many legacy devices, then the CalDigit hub may be a better choice.

However, this Plugable model has a more economical price, and the T4 downstream ports have a standard transfer speed of 40GB/s. The single USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port transfers data at 10GB/s, making it altogether good value.

It does lack an HDMI port. However, it includes a USB-C to HDMI adaptor, meaning that you can connect just about any monitor. For displays, it can drive two 4K displays, where available, at 60Hz or one 8K at 30Hz via the T4 ports.

It's another hub with a bulky battery brick, so you may not wish to include it on your travel checklist. However, you can easily hide the brick away when using it at home or in the office.

Key Features
  • Three downstream T4 ports
  • USB-C to HDMI adaptor included
  • Drives 2x 4K at 60Hz or 1x 8K at 30Hz displays
Specifications
  • Brand: Plugable
  • Connectivity: 3 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB-A, 1 x upstream Thunderbolt 4
  • Color: Silver
  • Weight: ‎1.91lbs
  • Dimensions: ‎8.35 x 5.59 x 2.32 inches
  • Power Supply: 60W
  • Compatible with: M1, Laptops, Windows, Mac
Pros
  • Slimline and lightweight
  • 40Gbps transfer speeds
Cons
  • Maximum 60W power delivery
  • Large battery brick
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Plugable USB4 Hub 3A

With new Mac laptops being more streamlined with uncluttered designs, those numerous ports have become a thing of the past. You can revolutionize your Apple laptop with this Razer Thunderbolt 4 dock for Mac. However, Windows users will be happy to know that it is also compatible with their operating systems, although marketed more towards Mac users.

It has a 135W power supply and will charge your laptop at 90W, enough for just about any laptop size. The location of the upstream port to the host is conveniently on the front of the device, separate from the other ports.

There are three downstream T4 ports with transfer rates of 40Gbps, while there are enough USB-A ports for up to three of your older devices. The dock comes complete with a gigabit Ethernet port and a UHS-II SD card reader.

In addition, it drives two 4k displays at 60Hz on Macs with Intel processors or M1 Pro and Max chips (one for Macs with older M1 chips) or a single 8K display at 30Hz.

Finally, it's available in classic black with RGB lighting for a colorful, vibrant look or in classic mercury white and has a solid aluminum build.

Key Features
  • Fast transfer rates
  • 90W host charging power
  • Nine downstream ports
  • Separate upstream port on the front
Specifications
  • Brand: Razer
  • Connectivity: 4x Thunderbolt 4 ports, 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 1x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x UHS-II SD memory card slot, and 1x 3.5 mm audio combo jack
  • Color: Black or white
  • Weight: 0.75lbs
  • Dimensions: 7.48 x 2.95 x 1.06 inches
  • Power Supply: 90W
  • Compatible with: Mac, Windows 10
Pros
  • Two contrasting designs
  • Robust aluminum build
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • No HDMI or DisplayPort
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Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock for Mac

The Anker 777 Apex docking station has a wide variety of ports to support all sorts of devices. Its unique feature is the two HDMI ports for connecting external displays. This feature is uncommon in TB4 docking stations as most rely on a solitary HDMI or Thunderbolt 4 ports.

However, given that HDMI ports are for displays only, this feature is only helpful to users of HDMI displays. Therefore, you could consider docks that rely solely on TB4 ports for external monitors to be more versatile. However, this dock only has one Thunderbolt 4 downstream port.

You can connect a single 8K monitor at a 30Hz refresh rate or two 4K displays at 60Hz. Windows users can have three displays connected to the dock, with the third connection coming from the single downstream Thunderbolt 4 port.

Mac users will be disappointed to hear that you can only use Intel-based Macs using Big Sur or later with this dock. M1 MacBooks are officially incompatible, as are Linux, Chrome OS, and Thunderbolt 3 Windows laptops.

The versatile design allows you to stand the station vertically on its dock or lie it flat, depending on your preference. It is a well-built and eye-catching docking station that looks great on any desk among your devices.

Key Features
  • On/off button
  • Versatile design
  • SD card reader
Specifications
  • Brand: Anker
  • Connectivity: 1 x Thunderbolt 4 upstream, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 downstream, 1 x USB-C Power Delivery, 2 x HDMI, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x SD card slot, 1 x 3.5 mm AUX port, 4 x USB-A
  • Weight: 16.5oz
  • Dimensions: 7.3 x 2.9 x 1.3 inches
  • Power Supply: 90W
  • Compatible with: Windows 10 laptops with Thunderbolt 4 port (Intel Evo Platform), non-M1 MacBooks running macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later
Pros
  • Two HDMI display ports
  • 20W USB-C charging
  • 90W power delivery
Cons
  • Solitary downstream Thunderbolt 4 port
  • 4.5W USB-A charging
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Anker 777 Thunderbolt Docking Station

The Stone Pro TB4 docking station by Brydge is another excellent option that offers 90W of power with 12 connections.

Display connections are via the Thunderbolt 4 ports as there are no HDMI ports to be seen. However, it does support dual 4K displays at 60Hz or a single 8K display at 30Hz. Unfortunately, the dock doesn't support multiple displays for some Mac users, namely the 2020 MacBook Air and the M1-chip MacBook 13-inch machines.

This powerful docking station can simultaneously provide fast data transfer as well as high-resolution video. It also has a combined total of 130W charging power; 90W for laptop charging and 40W for up to four connected devices.

The design is similar to the Anker 777 Apex in that it comes with a stand for vertical use, freeing up some valuable desk space, or it can lie flat, whatever your preference. It has a sturdy aluminum and plastic build with a minimalist look.

Key Features
  • Versatile design
  • Good compatibility
  • High-speed file transfers
Specifications
  • Brand: Brydge
  • Connectivity: 3 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB-A (2.0 5V/1.5A), 3 x USB-A (3.3 Gen 2, 10 Gb/s), 1 x Thunderbolt 4 PD 3.0 90W, 1 x SD Card (SD4.0UHS-II), 1 x Ethernet (Gigabit), 1 x Audio/Mic
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 1lbs
  • Dimensions: 7.8 x 3 x 2 inches
  • Power Supply: 90W
  • Compatible with: MacBook Air, Windows 10/11, Surface Pro 8, MacBook Pro, TB4 and TB3 Laptops
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Various ports
  • 90W power supply
Cons
  • No HDMI or DisplayPort
  • Only one design
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Brydge Stone Pro TB4 Docking Station

The Kensington SD5700T is another powerful machine offering many options for turning your laptop into an office workstation. This model has bracket mounting options that enable you to further unclutter your desk and keep everything seamless.

It is fully endorsed by Microsoft and was designed specifically for the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and Surface Laptop Studio. Therefore, it will work best with Microsoft Surface devices, although it is compatible with other brands, too.

The upstream T4 port will charge a Surface laptop at 90W, while there are three downstream ports. Those with a lot of older devices will be delighted to hear that it has support for up to four USB-A devices, so there is no need to upgrade them just yet. Additionally, there is also a port for a UHS-II SD 4.0 card reader.

This docking station is another not to feature HDMI ports. However, you can simply use the Thunderbolt 4 ports for displays, and, as other models do, it offers a single display resolution of 8K at 30Hz or dual resolutions of 4K at 60Hz.

Key Features
  • Multiple T4 ports
  • Four USB-A ports
  • 90W power delivery
Specifications
  • Brand: Kensington
  • Connectivity: 3 x Thunderbolt 4 downstream, 1 x SD card reader (UHS-II SD 4.0), 4 x USB-A ports (one 5V/1.5A charging port and three Gen 2 10Gbps); 1 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x audio combo jack
  • Color: Silver
  • Weight: 3.27lbs
  • Dimensions: 8.58 x 5.83 x 4.29 inches
  • Power Supply: 90W
  • Compatible with: Thunderbolt 4 Windows laptops, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 MacBooks (macOS 11 or later), non-Thunderbolt USB-C laptops
Pros
  • Works well with Microsoft Surface devices
  • Robust
  • Simplistic look
Cons
  • Only T4 ports for displays
  • Can't stand vertically
Buy This Product
Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station

FAQ

Q: Are USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 the Same?

The connectors are identical. However, performance is not the same. Thunderbolt 4 offers much faster data speeds at a maximum of 40GB/s, while the last iteration on T3 maxed out at 20GB/s. Thunderbolt 4 can also drive two 4K displays and even a single 8K display.

Q: Is Thunderbolt 4 Backward Compatible With USB-C?

Yes, and not only that, since the connector is the same design, you can use USB-C cables in T4 ports, although they won’t operate at T4 speeds.