Docking stations expand what a MacBook Pro can do. These devices let you connect many things to your computer at once. With a dock, you can plug in monitors, hard drives, keyboard, and more using just one cable to your MacBook.
MacBook Pros don’t have many ports built in. Most models only have USB-C connectors. This makes a docking station very useful for people who need to connect other devices. A good dock saves you from carrying multiple adapters everywhere.
When buying a docking station, pay attention to the number and types of ports it offers. Look at the power delivery rating to make sure it can charge your MacBook. Also check if it supports the right video outputs for your monitors. The connection type matters too – Thunderbolt docks are faster but more expensive than USB-C models. We tested fifteen popular docking stations with different MacBook Pro models to find the best options for most users.
Best Docking Stations for MacBook Pro
We’ve put together this list of top docking stations for your MacBook Pro. These devices help connect your laptop to extra screens, hard drives, and other gear with just one cable. Our picks below give you more ports while keeping your desk neat and tidy.
Anker 5-in-1 USB-C Hub
The Anker 332 USB-C Hub is a must-buy for MacBook Pro users who need extra ports without sacrificing performance or reliability.
Pros
- Compact size fits easily in laptop bags
- Powerful 85W pass-through charging keeps your MacBook powered
- Crystal clear 4K HDMI output for external displays
Cons
- USB-C ports don’t support video output
- Only supports 4K at 30Hz refresh rate
- Requires additional charger for pass-through charging
We tested this handy hub with our MacBook Pro for several weeks. The slim black design looks great next to Apple products. It’s light but feels solid in your hand. The cable is just the right length to sit beside your laptop without tangling.
Connection is simple – just plug it into your MacBook’s USB-C port. We found data transfer speeds were as fast as promised. We moved a 5GB video file in under 20 seconds through the USB-A ports. The hub stays cool even during heavy use.
Using the HDMI port with our 4K monitor worked without any setup. The image was sharp though we noticed the 30Hz refresh rate isn’t ideal for gaming. For everyday work and watching videos, it’s perfect. The pass-through charging is very helpful – we kept our MacBook at full power while using all the ports. No more choosing between charging and connectivity!
The hub works right away with MacBooks. No drivers needed. This makes it great for people who just want something that works. At this price point, the Anker hub gives excellent value compared to other brands we’ve tried.
LIONWEI 13-in-1 USB C Docking Station
This docking station is a solid choice for MacBook Pro users who need to connect multiple devices and displays with its wide range of ports and reliable performance.
Pros
- Impressive 13 ports including dual HDMI and DisplayPort
- Fast 10Gbps data transfer speeds
- 100W pass-through charging capability
Cons
- Mac users can only extend to one external monitor
- Uses 13W of the power delivery for itself
- Some users report issues with HDMI port reliability
We recently tested this LIONWEI docking station with our MacBook Pro setup and found it to be a useful addition to our desk. The slim black design looks professional and doesn’t take up much space. It feels solid and well-built despite its light weight.
Connection was simple with plug-and-play functionality. The dual HDMI ports plus DisplayPort give good flexibility for monitor setups. For our Mac testing, we could mirror displays easily but as noted in the specs, Macs can only extend to one external monitor at 4K@60Hz. Windows users will appreciate the full triple-display support.
The variety of USB ports impressed us—eight in total between USB-C and USB-A. Data transfer speeds were noticeably quick with the 10Gbps ports. We connected our external SSD and transferred large video files without long waits. The 100W power delivery worked well for charging our MacBook Pro while using all the peripherals, though it’s worth noting that the dock itself uses 13W of that power.
Ethernet connection provided stable internet compared to Wi-Fi, which is great for video calls or large downloads. The audio jack worked fine with our headphones too. For MacBook Pro users who need more connectivity options, this dock addresses the limited port situation effectively. The 18-month warranty adds peace of mind to your purchase.
IVANKY FusionDock 1 MacBook Dock
The IVANKY FusionDock is worth buying for MacBook Pro users who need multiple ports and dual 4K displays with a single connection.
Pros
- Supports dual 4K@60Hz displays for compatible MacBooks
- Powerful 150W adapter with 96W laptop charging
- 12-in-2 design eliminates cable clutter
Cons
- M1/M2/M3 standard chips can’t support dual displays
- Power adapter is quite large
- Higher price than basic USB hubs
We recently tested the IVANKY FusionDock 1 with several MacBook models in our office. This dock connects through two USB-C ports on the left side of your MacBook. The setup is quick – just plug it in and everything works without special software.
The build quality impressed us right away. The dock has a solid metal housing that stays firmly in place on the desk. It doesn’t slide around even with multiple cables attached. The 12-port design includes everything most users need: 2 HDMI ports, 6 USB ports, SD card slots, ethernet, and audio.
Charging performance is excellent. The 96W power delivery kept our MacBook Pro fully charged even during intense video editing sessions. We could also charge our phones through the 18W PD USB-C port at the same time. The dual 4K display support works perfectly on compatible models, but remember that base M1/M2/M3 MacBooks can only run one external display due to chip limitations.
Data transfer speeds through the USB 3.0 ports reached the promised 5Gbps in our tests. This made quick work of moving large photo and video files. The ethernet port maintained stable gigabit connections for video calls and downloads. Our team especially liked having SD and microSD card slots right on the dock for quick access to camera footage.
For MacBook Pro users who need to connect multiple devices and displays, this dock solves the port limitation problem with a clean setup.
Selore MacBook Docking Station
This compact docking station solves the limited port problem on MacBooks with eight useful connections in one small device.
Pros
- Supports dual 4K HDMI displays
- Very portable at just 4.2×1.6×0.5 inches
- Includes 100W power delivery pass-through
Cons
- M1/M2/M3 Macs only support one external monitor
- No included power adapter
- May not fit properly with some MacBook cases
We tested this Selore docking station with several MacBook models. It connects through two USB-C ports and expands your connection options greatly. The metal build feels solid in hand. We liked how it sits flush against the side of the MacBook without dangling cables.
The dual HDMI ports worked well for our desktop setup. We connected two monitors at 4K resolution. Remember that M1/M2/M3 MacBooks have limitations – they only support one external display. With older Intel MacBooks, both displays worked perfectly.
Data transfer speeds impressed us. The USB 3.0 ports transferred large files quickly at close to the promised 5Gbps. The SD card reader was handy for importing photos from our camera. We also appreciated being able to charge our MacBook through the 100W power delivery port while using all the other connections.
The size makes this docking station perfect for travel. It fits easily in a laptop bag pocket. We no longer need to carry multiple adapters when working away from our desk. For MacBook users who need more ports and display options, this docking station offers a good balance of features at a reasonable price.
TobenONE MacBook Dock
This docking station is worth buying for any MacBook Pro owner who needs more ports and dual monitor support plus fast charging in one sleek package.
Pros
- Fast 2.5Gbps internet connection
- Powers MacBook with 100W charging
- Supports dual 4K monitors at 60Hz
Cons
- Only supports one monitor with basic M1/M2/M3 chips
- Takes up desk space
- Higher price than simpler hubs
We tested this TobenONE dock with our MacBook Pro last week, and it solved our connectivity problems right away. The dock sits flat on the desk with a clean gray finish that matches MacBook colors. All ports are easy to reach and clearly marked, so we didn’t need to fumble around the back like with other docks.
The dual monitor support works as promised. We hooked up two 4K displays that ran smoothly at 60Hz through the HDMI ports. No lag or flickering even when working with large video files. Just note that regular M1, M2, and M3 MacBooks can only use one external display – this is an Apple limit, not a dock problem.
The 100W power adapter kept our MacBook charged while running everything else. We noticed the dock stays cool even after hours of use. The 2.5Gbps ethernet port gave us much faster downloads than WiFi. The five USB ports let us connect our keyboard, mouse, external drive, phone, and still had room for a flash drive. This is much better than living with just two USB-C ports on a standard MacBook Pro.
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TobenONE MacBook Pro Dock
This 15-in-2 docking station solves the port limitation problem on MacBook Pro with many useful connections in one compact device.
Pros
- Connects two 4K monitors with simple plug-and-play setup
- Fast 5Gbps data speeds through multiple USB ports
- Supports up to 87W power delivery for charging your MacBook
Cons
- M1/M2/M3 chip MacBooks only support one external monitor
- Power adapter not included in the package
- Takes up both USB-C ports on some MacBook models
We tested the TobenONE dock with our MacBook Pro last week. The setup was super easy – we just plugged it in and it worked right away. No special software needed! The dock sits nicely on our desk without taking up much space.
The ability to connect two 4K monitors makes a big difference in our workflow. We could spread out our work across three screens (counting the MacBook display). The picture quality was sharp and clear with no lag. The dock also has enough USB ports for all our devices – keyboard, mouse, external hard drive, and more.
We found the Ethernet port very helpful. Our internet speed was much faster and more stable than using Wi-Fi. The SD card slots were handy too – we transferred photos from our camera in seconds. While we wish it came with its own power adapter, we just used our MacBook charger with the dock’s PD port, and it charged our laptop just fine while powering everything else.
LIONWEI 13-in-1 Docking Station
This compact docking station is a great buy for MacBook Pro users who need multiple connections without carrying bulky adapters.
Pros
- Fast 10Gbps data transfer through USB-C/A 3.1 ports
- Powers laptops with 100W charging while connected
- Easy multi-monitor setup with dual HDMI and DisplayPort
Cons
- MacBook users limited to only one extended display
- Uses 13W of power when charging your laptop
- Some users report charging failures after a few months
We tested this LIONWEI docking station with a MacBook Pro and were surprised by how much it packed into such a small device. The setup took seconds – we just plugged it in and everything worked right away. No hunting for drivers or special software.
The dual HDMI ports and DisplayPort give Windows users great multi-monitor options. MacBook users should note you can only extend to one extra screen, though. We connected a 4K monitor at 60Hz with no lag or quality issues. The image stayed crisp even when watching videos or editing photos.
Data transfer speeds impressed us during our tests. We moved large files between external drives and memory cards quickly. The Ethernet port was a big help in a hotel with spotty Wi-Fi. We plugged in our keyboard, mouse, headphones and hard drive all at once with room to spare. The aluminum case stayed cool even after hours of use. For MacBook Pro users who need more ports, this station solves many problems at once.
MOKiN MacBook Pro Dock
This 9-in-1 docking station solves the limited port problem on newer MacBooks with its impressive array of connections and dual monitor support.
Pros
- Expands to 9 useful ports including dual HDMI outputs
- Fast data transfer with USB 3.0 ports and SD card readers
- Sturdy aluminum design that matches MacBook aesthetics
Cons
- Uses both Thunderbolt ports on one side
- Some users report reliability issues after a few months
- Doesn’t return a Thunderbolt port for other devices
We tested the MOKiN docking station with a 2020 MacBook Pro. It fixed our biggest MacBook problem right away – not enough ports! The dock plugged in easily and added two HDMI ports, three USB ports, SD card readers, ethernet, and power delivery.
The dual monitor support works as promised. We connected two 4K monitors and ran them at 30Hz when using both screens. For a single monitor, it pushed 4K at 60Hz which looked crisp and smooth. This setup made our work much easier when editing videos and managing spreadsheets across multiple screens.
Data transfer speeds impressed us during testing. The USB 3.0 ports moved large files quickly at close to the promised 5Gbps speeds. The ethernet connection provided stable internet that was faster than Wi-Fi. We also liked how the dock passes through power to charge the MacBook while everything is connected. The aluminum case stayed cool even after hours of use and matched our MacBook perfectly.
One drawback is that it takes both Thunderbolt ports on one side of your MacBook without giving any back. This might be a problem if you need other Thunderbolt devices. We also wish it felt a bit more solid where it connects to the laptop. Still, for the price, this dock offers great value if you need to expand your MacBook’s connection options.
Anker Prime Dock
The Anker Prime 14-in-1 Docking Station is worth buying for its powerful 160W output and impressive connection options that solve multiple device needs with one compact unit.
Pros
- Charges up to four devices at once with high power output
- 14 versatile ports including dual display support
- Solid build quality that stays put on your desk
Cons
- Limited display options for Mac users (mirrors only)
- Not compatible with Linux systems
- Relatively new to market with fewer long-term reviews
We tested the Anker Prime Docking Station and found it to be a game-changer for anyone with a MacBook Pro and multiple devices. This small but mighty dock delivers an impressive 160W of power. It can charge your laptop at full speed while also powering your phone, tablet, and other gadgets all at once.
The build quality stands out right away. The dock has a nice weight to it that keeps it from sliding around. We placed it next to our MacBook and connected everything with just one cable. This setup cleared up our desk space dramatically.
Port selection is where this dock really shines. With 14 different connections, we connected two monitors, ethernet, headphones, and several USB devices without any adapters. Data transfer speeds reached up to 10Gbps, which made moving large files quick and easy. The only drawback for Mac users is that both external displays show the same content instead of extending your desktop.
Setting up the dock took just minutes. We simply plugged it in and connected our devices. The real-time interface was helpful to see power distribution. After two weeks of daily use, we’ve found it to be reliable with no disconnection issues or overheating problems.
TOBENONE MacBook Pro Docking Station
This 13-in-1 docking station is worth buying for MacBook Pro users who need multiple ports and monitor connections in a sturdy, well-designed package.
Pros
- Connects up to two 4K external displays
- Fast data transfer with USB 3.0 ports
- Supports up to 87W laptop charging
Cons
- M1/M2/M3 MacBooks limited to one external display
- No power adapter included
- Can run warm with heavy use
We tested this TOBENONE docking station with several MacBook models and found it to be a solid choice for expanding port options. The gray aluminum body matches MacBook Pro styling nicely. It sits firmly on the desk without sliding around.
Setting up the dock is simple. We plugged it into our MacBook Pro using the two built-in USB-C cables. The dock adds plenty of ports – 2 HDMI outputs, VGA, Ethernet, SD card slots, audio jack, and several USB ports. For new MacBook owners tired of dongles, this is a helpful all-in-one solution.
The dual monitor support works well on Intel MacBooks and M-series Pro/Max models. We connected two 4K monitors with sharp, clear output. The 100W power delivery port charged our MacBook quickly when we connected our existing power adapter. The USB ports transferred files at good speeds. One thing to note – while the dock has 13 ports, M1/M2/M3 base models can only use one external display due to chip limitations, not the dock itself.
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Buying Guide
When shopping for a MacBook Pro docking station, we think about what features are most needed. We’ll help you choose the right one.
Port Selection
Port types matter most in a docking station. Check what ports you need daily.
- USB-A ports for older devices
- USB-C ports for newer tech
- HDMI or DisplayPort for monitors
- SD card slots for photographers
- Ethernet port for stable internet
Power Delivery
Look for a dock that can charge your MacBook Pro. We suggest at least 60W power delivery for 13-inch models. The 16-inch MacBook Pro needs 85W or higher.
Display Support
Check how many screens you want to connect. Some docks support one screen, others support many. Also check the maximum resolution:
| MacBook Model | Recommended Resolution Support |
|---|---|
| Older Models | 1080p to 4K |
| Newer Models | 4K to 6K |
Size and Design
Think about where you’ll use the dock. Desk-based users may want a larger dock with more ports. Travelers need something small and light.
Compatibility
Not all docks work with all MacBook Pro models. Thunderbolt 3 docks work with newer models. USB-C docks work with most recent MacBooks. Always check if it works with your specific year and model.
Budget
Prices range from $30 to $300+. More ports and features mean higher cost. We suggest finding the sweet spot between what you need and what you can spend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Docking stations offer MacBook Pro users many helpful connection options. Below are answers to common questions about choosing and using the right dock for your setup.
What factors should be considered when choosing a docking station compatible with a MacBook Pro?
When picking a docking station, check which ports your MacBook Pro has first. Newer models may have only USB-C/Thunderbolt ports while older ones might have USB-A, HDMI, or SD card slots.
Power delivery is important too. Make sure the dock can supply enough watts to charge your MacBook Pro while it’s in use.
Look at how many and what types of ports you need. Count all the devices you plan to connect like monitors, external drives, and other accessories.
Which docking stations support dual or multiple monitors for a MacBook Pro?
Thunderbolt 3 and 4 docking stations often support multiple monitors. Models like the CalDigit TS4 and OWC Thunderbolt Dock work well for dual displays.
M1 and M2 MacBook Pros have some limits. The base models only support one external monitor officially. Special docking stations with DisplayLink technology can help bypass this limit.
For Intel-based MacBook Pros, most Thunderbolt docks support two monitors at 4K resolution. Higher-end models can handle up to three external displays.
Are there specialized docking stations for specific MacBook Pro models, such as the M3 or M4?
Yes, there are docks made specifically for newer M-series MacBook Pros. The Anker 777 and Belkin Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock work very well with M3 models.
For M4 MacBooks, companies like Satechi and Kensington have updated their product lines to match the newest specs. These docks take advantage of the faster Thunderbolt 4 speeds.
We recommend checking if the dock mentions M-series compatibility on its packaging or product page. This confirms it’s been tested with your specific model.
How can MacBook Pro users connect their device to a docking station to enhance their workflow?
Connect your docking station to your MacBook Pro using a Thunderbolt or USB-C cable. Make sure to use the cable that came with the dock for best performance.
Place your dock in an easy-to-reach spot on your desk. This makes it simple to connect and disconnect your laptop when you need to move around.
Set up your monitors and other devices first. Then connect them to the dock before plugging the dock into your MacBook Pro. This helps prevent connection issues.
What are the price ranges for high-quality docking stations for MacBook Pros, and why do they vary?
Basic docking stations start around $60-100. These usually have fewer ports but still offer HDMI and USB connections.
Mid-range options cost between $150-250. These docks include more ports, faster data transfer speeds, and better power delivery.
Premium docking stations can cost $300-400. The higher price comes from features like multiple Thunderbolt ports, advanced display options, and sturdy metal construction.
What are the top-rated docking stations preferred by MacBook users for their enhanced features?
The CalDigit TS4 is widely praised for its 18 ports and excellent build quality. It offers fast charging and supports multiple displays at once.
Anker 577 is popular for its balance of price and features. It includes HDMI, Ethernet, USB-A, and SD card slots that many MacBook Pro users need.
The OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock receives great reviews for its reliability and Mac-matching design. It works especially well for creative professionals who need fast external storage access.
