Most laptops bundle USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, and that’s about it. There are no HDMI ports or DisplayPorts to connect to external monitors displays or Ethernet port to hook to a wired network. And that’s where docking stations come into the picture. These laptop docking stations allow you to connect to a multitude of ports like HDMI, DisplayPort apart from connecting to storage solutions like SD cards and external drives. But at the end of the day, not all laptop docks or docking stations are built equal. While some are slim and easily portable, others are a little bulky, making it a bit difficult to carry them from one place to another. In this post, we will be exploring the former and looking at the best portable Thunderbolt 3 docks that you should buy to extend your laptop usage. But before that,
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USB-C vs. Thunderbolt 3
Both USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 look the same. However, that’s where the similarities end. When it comes to speed, these two have a significant difference. While USB-C transmits at 10Gbps, Thunderbolt 3 steps up the game with up to 40Gbps throughput. This massive step-up lets you hook several peripherals all at the same time. If you look at it, USB-C can connect a maximum of two HD displays, and that’s about it. If we look at Thunderbolt 3 docks, you get the flexibility of connecting two UHD displays (60Hz) without any issues, meaning you can carry on your creative work without compromising on the quality of connection. However, don’t expect the docks to run smoothly from the get-go. Some laptops may require several reboots to recognize the connected dock, while others take time to recognize the connected displays. So, if you are still on board, let’s see some of the best portable Thunderbolt 3 docks that you can get.
1. Cable Matters Aluminum Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Ports: 5x USB-A, Ethernet, 2 x Thunderbolt 3, 1 x HDMI, UHS-I SD card reader, 3.5mm audio jackPower supply: Yes, 60WMaximum video resolution: 4k @ 60Hz
Again the small build doesn’t eat your desk space. You can place it underneath the monitors, connect the necessary ports, and that’s about it. Simple, see. Compared to most docks, you won’t find as many ports. For instance, there are no DisplayPorts or dual HDMI ports or a power supply. But at the end of the day, this dock gets the work done in most cases, with the small (and stylish) build being one of its first advantages. The display support is reliable, and you will be able to hook two 4K monitors seamlessly.
2. Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Mini
Ports: 2 x HDMI, 1 x USB-A 3.0, 1 x USB-A 2.0, 1 x Gigabit EthernetPower supply: NoneMaximum video resolution: 4k @ 60Hz
The best thing is that the ports are distributed evenly between the front and the back of the device. Here, you get the flexibility to route the monitor and power cables as per your preference. The main benefit is that the ethernet port is located at the back of the device, meaning you won’t have a thick cable snaking across your desk. As we noted above, you will have to compromise on some of the features. For example, the Thunderbolt 3 is limited to one. The video link is via the HDMI port. And if you have USB-C devices like mice or keyboards, you will have to hook them to your laptop, since it doesn’t have one. All these limitations are removed if you upgrade to the Belkin TB3 Pro. This one comes fully equipped with multiple ports and SD card readers as well as DisplayPort connectivity. It costs about $100 more than its counterpart above. Buy Belkin TB3 Pro
3. CalDigit USB-C Pro Dock
Ports: 2 x DisplayPort 1.2, 3 x USB-A 3.2, 1 x USB-C 3.2, SD card reader, Ethernet, 3.5mm jackPower supply: Yes, 85WMaximum video resolution: 4k @ 60Hz
More importantly, it delivers power supply up to 85W and will keep the charge on your laptop. When it comes to the display, you’ll be able to get UHD display at 60Hz when connected to the Thunderbolt ports, while plugging to a USB-C laptop will allow you to handle dual FHD displays. The increase in the number of ports means easy connection to peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and wired headphones.
4. Dell WD19TB Thunderbolt Docking Station
Ports: 2 x USB-C, 3 x USB-A 3.1, 1 x Audio, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0b, Ethernet, Thunderbolt 3Power supply: Yes, 180W (130W Power Delivery)Maximum video resolution: 4k @ 60Hz
The Dell WD19TB also hooks seamlessly to non-Dell laptops and supplies up to 90W of power. The two DisplayPort connections mean you can reap the full advantage of this high-speed display tech provided you have monitors with the said port. Do note that this Dell dock is a bit pricier than its counterparts above, but the good news is that it works as advertised on compatible systems.
Give Power to the Bolt
A mention of Thunderbolt 3 docks isn’t complete without mentioning the CalDigit TS3 Plus Dock. This one bundles plenty of ports and is one of the most popular docks out there. Apart from bundling an ample number of ports, this one also packs two Thunderbolt 3 ports, which is a bit uncommon, at least for now. And well, when it comes to performance, it’s one of the best ones out there. However, it’s a tad bit bulky and not as sleek as some laptop docks out there. It measures roughly 5.15 x 1.57 x 3.87-inches, and the height can be an issue for many to carry it around easily. Buy CalDigit TS3 Plus Dock However, if that’s a compromise you are willing to make, the CalDigit TS3 Plus Dock is one of the best Thunderbolt docks you can buy. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
