A 2-minute guide to the best Thunderbolt docking stations for your laptop — CalDigit, Kensington, Razer, and more

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I’ve spent a lot of time – over 5,000 words, in fact – researching and writing about the best laptop docking stations and USB hubs. Some might think I’m overly enthusiastic! This guide is a simplified version, offering only the top docking stations with current prices, including any Black Friday deals, and getting straight to the point.

For users who need maximum performance with Thunderbolt 5, the CalDigit TS5 is my top recommendation, but it’s quite expensive. The regular TS5 is a good option too, as is the Kensington SD7100T5 EQ Pro, which conveniently includes a slot for fast, removable M.2 SSD storage.

The Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma is a powerful docking station with a slot for an M.2 SSD. If your computer doesn’t have Thunderbolt, the Razer USB4 Dock is another great option.

For those still using Thunderbolt 4 – and many people are – the Kensington SD5780T, UGreen Revodok Max 213, and CalDigit TS4 are still the best choices in 2025.

FAQ

What is a Thunderbolt dock and why might you need one?

Thunderbolt docks help you connect more devices to your laptop. Desktops usually have plenty of ports for things like monitors and hard drives, but laptops often have fewer. A Thunderbolt dock solves this problem by giving you extra connection options.

Thanks to the small size of the USB-C connector, even very thin laptops can now include powerful Thunderbolt 4 or 5 ports.

What’s the difference between USB4 and Thunderbolt 4?

Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 are easy to confuse, not least because both use the same USB-C connector.

USB4 requires a minimum data speed of 20Gbps, while Thunderbolt 4 needs 32Gbps. Thunderbolt 4 also requires more power – a minimum of 15W compared to USB4’s 7.5W.

While many Thunderbolt 4 and 5 docks will work with USB4, it’s not always a sure thing. It’s best to confirm compatibility before you purchase one.

Do USB-C hubs work with Thunderbolt 4 or 5?

USB-C and Thunderbolt 4/5 look alike, but they don’t do the same things. If you need Thunderbolt compatibility, make sure the dock you buy specifically says it supports it.

Regular USB-C hubs are more affordable, but they lack the advanced capabilities of Thunderbolt hubs, such as faster data speeds, increased power, and the ability to transmit video all through one connection.

Is Thunderbolt 4 worth it?

Thunderbolt technology costs more than USB-C, so whether it’s worth the extra money depends on what you plan to use it for.

Thunderbolt 4 lets you quickly move files, with speeds up to 40 Gbps—Thunderbolt 5 doubles that to 120 Gbps. This fast transfer rate is especially helpful when working with big files, high-quality videos, and programs that require a lot of power.

If you’re a creative professional or designer, having the power to use two or three 4K monitors at the same time will be a big benefit.

Should you buy a Thunderbolt 5 dock instead?

Thunderbolt 5 is gradually replacing Thunderbolt 4, and we’re starting to see some excellent new docks that support the latest technology.

PCs are different – most laptops don’t support Thunderbolt 5 yet. So, unless you’re planning ahead for future technology or have money to spare, it’s probably not worth buying a Thunderbolt 5 dock right now.

Thunderbolt 4 will stay useful for a long time, and it will continue to work with your devices even when newer laptops with Thunderbolt 5 become available.

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2025-11-25 00:41