While the modern MacBook Pro is powerful and portable, there may be times where you want more of a desktop setup, with a larger monitor and tons of peripherals.

Thanks to Thunderbolt 3 technology, you can have the best of both worlds. While the ports look identical to USB-C, there are some significant differences between Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C.

Thunderbolt 3 docks plug into a compatible port and can solve the dongle dilemma by offering USB, HDMI, and many other connections. We're highlighting some of the best Thunderbolt 3 docks to transform your MacBook Pro into a desktop workstation.

There's no need to worry about getting enough power to your MacBook with the Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Dock. It provides up to 96 watts of power, enough to charge every model at full speed. Another great option is the dual monitor design. The dock features twin HDMI and DisplayPorts, so you can easily use a monitor without the need for an external adapter.

To help fit the dock in your workspace, you can place it in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. In total, there are 14 ports on the docks, including five USB 3.0 ports. The dock's front allows quick access to a microSD and SD card slot, a USB-C port, a 10GBps USB-A port, and an audio in/out jack.

Key Features
  • 96W of power can charge every MacBook model at full speed
  • Offers flexibility to use HDMI or DisplayPort
  • Five USB 3.0 ports
Specifications
  • Brand: Plugable
  • Connection: Thunderbolt 3
  • Ports: Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, USB-A 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio In/Out, SD/microSD
Pros
  • Two-year warranty
  • The dock can be placed in either a horizontal or vertical orientation
Cons
  • Expensive compared to other options
Buy This Product
Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Editors choice

2. Anker PowerExpand Elite

8.20 / 10
Read Reviews

An excellent all-around choice is the Anker PowerExpand Elite. It provides 85W of power, which can charge most MacBooks at full speed. And you can even quickly charge your iPhone using the 18W USB-C port with a compatible Lightning cable.

If you can't get enough monitors in your workspace, the dock makes it possible to simultaneously use three external monitors. Another great plus is the dock's SD and microSD card reader. In total, the dock sports 13 ports. Anker backs the dock with an 18-month warranty.

Key Features
  • 18 watt USB-C port can quickly charge your iPhone
  • 85 watts from Thunderbolt 3 port can charge most MacBooks at full speed
  • SD and microSD card reader
Specifications
  • Brand: Anker
  • Connection: Thunderbolt 3
  • Ports: Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, USB-C, USB-A 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio In/Out, SD/microSD
Pros
  • Can connect up to three displays
  • 18-month warranty
Cons
  • Needs external adapter to use DisplayPort monitor
Buy This Product
Anker PowerExpand Elite

Docking stations aren't just for home use. The CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock is perfect for traveling. Just insert the built-in Thunderbolt 3 cable into your MacBook Pro, and you'll be ready to go. There's no need for an additional power plug. And instead of having to battle dodgy or non-existent hotel Wi-Fi, the dock has Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.

With its dual HDMI connections, you can easily connect up to two 4K displays simultaneously running at 60Hz. There is also a USB-A 3.0 and USB-A 2.0 port for additional legacy devices. A version of the dock with dual DisplayPorts, a single USB 3.0 port, and Gigabit Ethernet is also available. Both types are made with aluminum to help the dock withstand the rigors of travel.

Key Features
  • Dual HDMI ports for two simultaneous 4K displays
  • Two different types available
  • Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
Specifications
  • Brand: CalDigit
  • Connection: Thunderbolt 3
  • Ports: HDMI, USB-A 2.0, USB-A 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet
Pros
  • Doesn't require a power plug
  • Made with aluminum for extra protection while traveling
Cons
  • Doesn't feature as many ports as other options
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CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock

There's no need to worry about a power brick and cable when using the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock. The dock provides up to 85 watts of power, more than enough for most MacBook Pro models at full power. An additional Thunderbolt 3 port offers up to 15 watts of power for downstream devices.

In total, there are 15 ports on the dock, including five USB-A 3.1 ports and two USB-C 3.1 ports. Thanks to a DisplayPort 1.2 port, you can attach dual 4K monitors at 60HZ or a single 5K 60Hz display. A digital optical audio port allows you to connect directly to an amplifier, speakers, or a home theater receiver.

There is also an SD card reader to transfer photos and videos. Other ports include audio in/out and Gigabit Ethernet. As a nice touch, with two sets of feet, you can place the dock in a horizontal or vertical orientation on a desk.

Key Features
  • 15 ports
  • 85 watts of power to charge most MacBook Pro models at full speed
  • Gigabit Ethernet port
Specifications
  • Brand: CalDigit
  • Connection: Thunderbolt 3
  • Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3, 5x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x DisplayPort 2.1, 1x gigabit ethernet, 1x SD card reader, 1x Digital Optical Audio (S/PDIF), 1x 3.5mm headphone jack, 1x mic jack
  • USB-C Power Delivery: 87W
Pros
  • SD reader to transfer photos and videos
  • Can be placed in a horizontal or vertical orientation
Cons
  • Large size isn't made for travel
Buy This Product
CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock

For a small workspace or traveling, take a look at the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core. Weighing less than a pound, the Thunderbolt 3 cable is tethered in, so it will always be connected to the dock.

As an excellent advantage to help save space, you can plug your laptop's power cable into the USB-C power input on the dock. There are seven ports on the dock, including both a DisplayPort and HDMI input for dual monitors and a Gigabit Ethernet connection.

Key Features
  • Offers a DisplayPort and HDMI port
  • Connect up to two 4K monitors at 60Hz
  • Powered by your laptop
Specifications
  • Brand: Belkin
  • Connection: Thunderbolt 3
  • Ports: DisplayPort, HMDI, Gigabit Ethernet, USB-A, Audio Out
Pros
  • Small and portable
  • Thunderbolt 3 plug is tethered into the dock and can't be removed
Cons
  • Not as many ports as larger dock options
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Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core

The OWC Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock features several ports hard to find on other docks. An eSATA port provides access to multi-bay external drives. Another great feature is a CFast 2.0 Card Reader that can import media at up to 370MB/s on the dock's front.

The device provides 60 watts of power, which is the maximum amount for a 13-inch MacBook Pro. The DisplayPort 2.1 port allows you to connect two 4K monitors or one 5K display. Other ports include three USB-A 3.1 ports, an SD card slot, a 10GB Ethernet port, a security slot, and two Thunderbolt 3 ports.

A fan switch allows you to work temporarily with no noise from the dock. The dock's power connection is designed to be secure, so there won't be any unexpected disconnections.

Key Features
  • Security slot to help protect dock from theft when using correct hardware
  • eSATA port for access to multi-bay drives
Specifications
  • Brand: OWC
  • Connection: Thunderbolt 3
  • Ports: Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort, USB-A 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, SD, CFast 2.0, Security Slot
Pros
  • Secure power connection
  • Can temporarily switch off dock fan
Cons
  • Not enough to provide maximum power for larger MacBooks
Buy This Product
OWC Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock

If one of your main drivers for purchasing a dock is to use multiple monitors, take a look at the StarTech.com TB3DK2DHV Thunderbolt 3 Dock. The dock offers a trio of monitor port options with dual DisplayPorts along with an HDMI and VGA option.

You can use two 4K 60Hz monitors simultaneously. Other ports on the dock include Gigabit Ethernet and two USB-A 3.0. The dock provides 85 watts of power, more than enough to charge most MacBooks fully.

Key Features
  • VGA, DisplayPort, HDMI options
  • Two USB-A 3.0 ports
  • Gigabit Ethernet port
Specifications
  • Brand: StarTech.com
  • Connection: Thunderbolt 3
  • Ports: Thunderbolt 3, USB-A 3.0, Ethernet, VGA, DisplayPort, HDMI
Pros
  • Two DisplayPorts
  • Provides up to 85 watts of power for your MacBook
Cons
  • No additional Thunderbolt 3 ports
Buy This Product
StarTech.com TB3DK2DHV Thunderbolt 3 Dock

FAQ

Q: Are Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C the Same?

While a Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C port are visually identical, the two technologies are different. There are two major advantages of Thunderbolt 3. First, Thunderbolt 3 allows for data transfer as fast as 40Gbps. That's twice as fast as the 20Gbps of USB-C.

Thunderbolt 3 also brings several other advantages, including the ability to power other devices and use and provide video data for two 4K monitors or a single 5K monitor, all from a single cable.

Q: What is a Thunderbolt 3 Dock?

A Thunderbolt 3 Dock allows you to make the most of the technology. You'll plug in the dock to a single Thunderbolt 3 dock on your Mac. Then you can take advantage of a vast number of ports and other features of the dock.

Q: Can You Daisy Chain Thunderbolt 3 Docks?

Another significant advantage of Thunderbolt 3 is that you can daisy chain multiple docks. That means you can plug a Thunderbolt 3 dock into another dock, and both will work without any issue. The ability to daisy chain is definitely useful if your Mac just has a single Thunderbolt 3 port.