Thunderbolt Docks: Buying Guide & Reviews

A review of Thunderbolt docks (Thunderbolt 3, 4, and 5) and DisplayLink docking stations for PCWorld. Cost, display ports and adapter considerations are discussed. Plugable's TBT4-UDX1 is highlighted.

Mark has created for PCWorld for the last years, with three decades of experience covering modern technology. He has authored over 3,500 posts for PCWorld alone, covering computer microprocessors, peripherals, and Microsoft Windows, to name a few topics. Mark has written for magazines consisting of PC Magazine, Byte, eWEEK, Popular Science and Electronic Buyers’ News, where he shared a Jesse H. Neal Honor for breaking news. He recently handed over a collection of numerous lots Thunderbolt anchors and USB-C hubs because his office simply runs out space.

Thunderbolt Generations: A Transitional Period

For the last five years, I’ve examined several Thunderbolt docks and DisplayLink docking stations for PCWorld, putting them with a battery of tests. We’re still in an unusual transitional period in between Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 5, but the latest Thunderbolt 5 specification just isn’t commonly supported by laptops. And for me, a Thunderbolt dock is already valued high sufficient (hi, tariffs) without requiring consumers like you to get additional wires for it.

We’re still in a strange transitional duration between Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 5, however the newest Thunderbolt 5 requirements merely isn’t widely sustained by laptop computers. That rules out the latest, most costly TB5 equipment. And for me, a Thunderbolt dock is currently priced high sufficient (hi, tariffs) without needing customers like you to get added cords for it.

Display Ports and Docking Choices

A variety of makers have actually adopted Plugable’s strategy of putting a boatload of display screen ports into their anchors. A dock maker can create in an HDMI or DisplayLink port to connect to your monitor– if they do not, that normally suggests they’re using Thunderbolt results instead. If you’re an EV proprietor, you already comprehend the value of having the right adapter, and the requirement to buy one if it isn’t supplied. In this case, a Thunderbolt dock without the appropriate display screen outcome forces you to make that purchase.

Plugable’s TBT4-UDX1 ships with just one HDMI display screen outcome and 2 various other Thunderbolt 4 port links. Plugable likewise includes a display screen adapter in the box, a courtesy I do not assume any kind of other dock manufacturer offers at the moment.

Plugable TBT4-UDX1: Cost and Flexibility

For the last 5 years, I have actually evaluated many Thunderbolt anchors and DisplayLink docking stations for PCWorld, placing them with a battery of examinations. Annually, I are accountable for poring via prices on Black Friday, Prime Day, and other sales occasions to find the very best worth picks. Simply put, Plugable’s TBT4-UDX1 wins on cost and adaptability, currently valued at $175.96 (that’s 20% off) on Amazon.