#1 Top Pick
Connection Thunderbolt 4
Displays Up to 2
Power 98W PD
Driver Native
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Best Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station 2026 — Top 5 Ranked
By Adrian CelWhy Thunderbolt 4 Is the Best Standard for Docking
If you have done any research into docking stations, you have seen the acronym TB4 everywhere. Thunderbolt 4 is a guaranteed minimum performance tier that eliminates the guesswork from buying a dock.
Every certified Thunderbolt 4 dock must deliver: 40 Gbps bandwidth (enough for dual 4K@60Hz displays plus high-speed data simultaneously), USB-C Power Delivery for laptop charging, PCIe tunneling for external storage at near-native speeds, and Intel VT-d DMA protection for enterprise security. Where USB-C docks vary wildly in capability depending on chipset and manufacturer choices, Thunderbolt 4 sets a high floor that every certified product must meet.
For the user, this means one cable handles everything: monitors, peripherals, networking, storage, and laptop charging. No drivers to install, no compatibility guesswork, no wondering if your specific USB-C port supports “Alt Mode” or “Power Delivery.” Plug in a Thunderbolt 4 cable and it works.
We analyzed every major Thunderbolt 4 docking station on the market to rank the five best. Our evaluation covers the areas where TB4 docks actually differ: port count and variety, Power Delivery wattage, Ethernet speed, build quality, video output options, and platform-specific compatibility (particularly Mac support).
What Separates Good TB4 Docks from Great Ones
All Thunderbolt 4 docks share the same fundamental bandwidth (40 Gbps) and display capability (dual 4K@60Hz minimum). The differences come down to what each manufacturer builds around that Thunderbolt foundation.
Port Count and Variety
The range is dramatic: from 5-port Thunderbolt hubs to 18-port docking stations. More ports means fewer adapters and USB hubs cluttering your desk. Pay attention to the mix of port types. USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), USB-C data, Thunderbolt 4 downstream, and dedicated video outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort) all serve different purposes.
Power Delivery Wattage
TB4 docks range from 60W to 98W for laptop charging, with Dell’s WD22TB4 delivering 130W to Dell laptops via ExpressCharge. For a 13-14 inch laptop, 60W is adequate. For a 15-16 inch workstation, you want 90W or higher to maintain charge during demanding work. The CalDigit TS4 and Plugable TBT4-UDZ both deliver 98W, the highest available in standard TB4 docks.
Ethernet Speed
Most TB4 docks include Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps), which is sufficient for typical use. Premium docks like the CalDigit TS4, Plugable TBT4-UDZ, and UGREEN Revodok Max 213 include 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, which is a meaningful upgrade for users with compatible routers and who regularly transfer large files or use network-attached storage.
Build Quality and Thermals
Thunderbolt 4 docks generate heat. Better docks use thicker aluminum enclosures that act as passive heatsinks, keeping temperatures manageable without fans. Cheap plastic enclosures can throttle under sustained load. The CalDigit TS4, UGREEN Revodok Max 213, and Plugable TBT4-UDZ all use aluminum chassis designs.
Mac Compatibility
All TB4 docks technically work with macOS, but some manufacturers invest more in Mac support. CalDigit consistently delivers day-one firmware updates for new Apple hardware. OWC has decades of Mac accessory experience. Dell, by contrast, does not officially support macOS for its WD22TB4. If Mac is your primary platform, manufacturer commitment to Mac firmware matters.
Our Top 5 Thunderbolt 4 Docks
1. CalDigit TS4: Best Overall Thunderbolt 4 Dock
The CalDigit TS4 has held the top spot in Thunderbolt 4 dock rankings since its launch in January 2022, and nothing released since has managed to dethrone it. At 18 ports, it is the most connected Thunderbolt 4 dock available, a distinction it has held for over four years.
The port breakdown is remarkable: 3x Thunderbolt 4 downstream (40 Gbps each), 3x USB-C 3.2 (10 Gbps), 5x USB-A 3.2 (10 Gbps), 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, SD + microSD UHS-II card readers (312 MB/s), and 3x 3.5mm audio jacks (combo, headphone, microphone). The 98W Power Delivery charges even a 16-inch MacBook Pro without issue.
For Mac users especially, the CalDigit TS4 is the definitive recommendation. CalDigit has built its brand on Mac compatibility, delivering firmware updates on day one of every new macOS release and Apple Silicon chip launch. No other dock manufacturer matches this level of Mac support.
The three Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports are a major differentiator. Each delivers full 40 Gbps bandwidth for connecting high-speed external SSDs, Thunderbolt displays, or daisy-chaining additional Thunderbolt peripherals. Most competing docks (including the Plugable TBT4-UDZ) offer USB-C 3.2 downstream ports instead, which cap out at 10 Gbps.
The TS4’s weaknesses are few: no HDMI port (only DisplayPort 1.4), a premium $379.99 MSRP, and the 0.8m host cable is short for some desk layouts. The lack of HDMI means you need a DisplayPort cable or a DP-to-HDMI adapter for most monitors. At its regular sale price of $299-329, the CalDigit TS4 offers outstanding value for the connectivity it provides.
Key specs: 18 ports | 98W PD | 2.5 GbE | 3x TB4 downstream | DP 1.4 | UHS-II SD + microSD | 3x audio | $379.99
Best for: Users who want the most complete, most reliable Thunderbolt 4 dock available, especially Mac users.
Read our full CalDigit TS4 review
2. Plugable TBT4-UDZ: Best for Video Output Flexibility
The Plugable TBT4-UDZ takes a different approach than the CalDigit TS4. Instead of maximizing Thunderbolt downstream ports, Plugable focused on dedicated video outputs: 2x HDMI 2.0 and 2x DisplayPort 1.2 are built directly into the dock. This means you can connect up to four monitors without buying a single adapter, a significant convenience and cost savings.
On compatible Thunderbolt 4 Windows laptops with DP 1.4 HBR3 DSC support, the TBT4-UDZ drives four 4K@60Hz displays simultaneously. No other Thunderbolt 4 dock in this roundup can do that. Mac users get the standard dual 4K@60Hz (M1 Pro/Max or later required).
With 16 ports total, the TBT4-UDZ is second only to the CalDigit TS4 in connectivity. It matches the TS4 on Power Delivery (98W) and Ethernet (2.5 GbE), and includes UHS-II SD and microSD card readers plus a 3.5mm combo audio jack. The aluminum chassis includes a vertical stand for desk space savings, and the included Thunderbolt 4 cable is a generous 1.0m (vs. 0.8m on most competitors).
The trade-offs compared to the CalDigit TS4: no Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports (only USB-C 3.2 Gen 2), video outputs limited to HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2 (not 2.1/1.4), and some reviewers have reported occasional display stability issues. Plugable’s firmware update utility is Windows-only, which is a limitation for Mac-primary users. The front-mounted host port can also make cable management awkward.
At $419.00 MSRP, the TBT4-UDZ is the most expensive dock in this roundup. But for Windows users who need quad 4K displays and want built-in HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, it is uniquely capable.
Key specs: 16 ports | 98W PD | 2.5 GbE | 2x HDMI 2.0 + 2x DP 1.2 | UHS-II SD + microSD | Quad 4K (Windows) | $419.00
Best for: Windows users who need dedicated video outputs and quad display support without adapters.
Read our full Plugable TBT4-UDZ review
3. Dell WD22TB4: Best for Enterprise and Dell Ecosystems
The Dell WD22TB4 is an enterprise-first dock that shines in corporate and managed IT environments. Its standout feature is 130W ExpressCharge for Dell laptops, the fastest dock-based charging available for any laptop brand. Non-Dell laptops receive 90W USB-C PD, which is respectable but not class-leading.
The WD22TB4 takes a lean approach to ports with 11 total: 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB-C 3.2, 1x USB-C 4.0 (Thunderbolt downstream), 3x USB-A 3.2, 1x USB-A 2.0, and Gigabit Ethernet. The dedicated DP and HDMI outputs are a practical advantage: dual 4K@60Hz displays connect directly without adapters.
Dell’s modular design is forward-thinking. The Thunderbolt host module detaches from the dock base, which means it can theoretically be upgraded to Thunderbolt 5 or a future standard without replacing the entire unit. The 3-year warranty is the longest in this category and reflects Dell’s confidence in the hardware.
The trade-offs are significant for non-Dell users: no audio jack, no SD card reader, no microSD reader, and only 1 Gbps Ethernet. The macOS experience works but is not officially supported. Dell’s support team will not troubleshoot Mac-specific issues. If you are in a Dell laptop environment, the WD22TB4 integrates seamlessly with Dell Command Update for firmware management. If you are platform-agnostic, the CalDigit TS4 delivers more features for a similar price.
Key specs: 11 ports | 90W PD (130W Dell) | 1 GbE | 1x TB4 downstream | 2x DP 1.4 + 1x HDMI 2.0 | 3-year warranty | $319.99
Best for: Dell laptop users and IT-managed environments that value ExpressCharge and warranty coverage.
Read our full Dell WD22TB4 review
4. OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock: Best Value Thunderbolt 4 Dock
The OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock was one of the first certified TB4 docks to market in mid-2021, and it remains one of the best values in the category. At $249.00 MSRP (frequently available for $200-229 on sale), it delivers genuine Thunderbolt 4 performance for $130+ less than the CalDigit TS4.
The OWC dock packs 11 ports: 3x Thunderbolt 4 downstream (matching the CalDigit TS4’s three TB4 ports), 3x USB-A 3.2 (10 Gbps), 1x USB-A 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, a UHS-II SD card reader (312 MB/s), and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. Power Delivery is 96W, which charges even large 16-inch laptops comfortably. Display support includes dual 4K@60Hz, dual 5K@60Hz, or a single 8K@60Hz, all via the Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports.
The three Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports are the OWC dock’s strongest selling point at its price. Each delivers the full 40 Gbps bandwidth for high-speed storage, Thunderbolt displays, and daisy-chaining. The only other dock in this roundup with three TB4 downstream ports is the CalDigit TS4, which costs $130 more.
OWC is a Mac-first company with decades of Apple accessory experience. Firmware updates are available through OWC Dock Ejector (macOS) and Innergize (Windows), and compatibility with new Apple hardware is typically solid.
The compromises compared to the CalDigit TS4: no dedicated video output (you need USB-C to HDMI/DP adapters for every monitor), 1 Gbps Ethernet instead of 2.5 GbE, no microSD card reader, fewer total USB ports (7 vs. 11), and the host port is on the front of the dock rather than the rear. These are real limitations, but at a $130 price difference, many users will find them acceptable.
Key specs: 11 ports | 96W PD | 1 GbE | 3x TB4 downstream | UHS-II SD reader | 3.5mm audio | $249.00
Best for: Budget-conscious users who want full Thunderbolt 4 performance with three TB4 downstream ports.
Read our full OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock review
5. Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station: Best Non-Thunderbolt Alternative
Wait, a USB-C dock in a Thunderbolt 4 ranking? Here is why the Anker 575 earns a spot: not everyone with a Thunderbolt laptop needs to spend $250+ on a TB4 dock. The Anker 575 at $249.99 (and frequently lower on sale) delivers 13 ports with impressive display capability on Windows, and it works with any USB-C laptop, Thunderbolt or not.
The Anker 575 connects via USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode at 10 Gbps. On Windows, it supports triple displays (2x HDMI 2.0 + 1x DisplayPort 1.4) via MST, something most Thunderbolt 4 docks cannot match without adapters. It delivers 85W Power Delivery, Gigabit Ethernet, SD and microSD card readers, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack.
Why include it here? Because for a subset of Thunderbolt 4 laptop owners (specifically Windows users who prioritize monitor connections over raw bandwidth), the Anker 575’s built-in triple display output with HDMI and DisplayPort is actually more convenient than a TB4 dock that requires adapters for every monitor. At $100-130 on sale, it is also dramatically cheaper than any full TB4 dock.
The limitations are clear: 10 Gbps shared bandwidth (vs. 40 Gbps on TB4), no Thunderbolt downstream ports, only single display on macOS, and UHS-I card readers instead of UHS-II. If you transfer large files, use external SSDs, or work on a Mac, a Thunderbolt 4 dock is the better choice. But if your priorities are multiple monitors, basic peripherals, and value (and you are on Windows), the Anker 575 deserves consideration even if your laptop has Thunderbolt 4.
Key specs: 13 ports | 85W PD | 1 GbE | 2x HDMI 2.0 + 1x DP 1.4 | Triple display (Windows) | USB-C 10 Gbps | $249.99
Best for: Windows users who want built-in triple display output and do not need Thunderbolt-speed data transfer.
Read our full Anker 575 review
Quick Comparison
| Dock | Ports | PD Wattage | Ethernet | Video Outputs | TB4 Downstream | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CalDigit TS4 | 18 | 98W | 2.5 GbE | 1x DP 1.4 | 3 | $379.99 |
| Plugable TBT4-UDZ | 16 | 98W | 2.5 GbE | 2x HDMI + 2x DP | 0 (USB-C 3.2) | $419.00 |
| Dell WD22TB4 | 11 | 90W (130W Dell) | 1 GbE | 2x DP + 1x HDMI | 1 | $319.99 |
| OWC TB4 Dock | 11 | 96W | 1 GbE | None (adapters) | 3 | $249.00 |
| Anker 575 | 13 | 85W | 1 GbE | 2x HDMI + 1x DP | N/A (USB-C) | $249.99 |
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare detailed specs with live Amazon prices.
Thunderbolt 4 vs. Thunderbolt 3: Should You Upgrade?
If you already own a Thunderbolt 3 dock, here is the honest answer: you probably do not need to upgrade. Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 3 share the same 40 Gbps maximum bandwidth. The main improvements in TB4 are:
- Guaranteed dual 4K@60Hz. TB3 docks could support only single 4K depending on the controller. TB4 mandates dual 4K support.
- Minimum 32 Gbps PCIe tunneling. Faster for external SSDs. TB3 could go as low as 16 Gbps PCIe.
- Intel VT-d DMA protection. A security improvement for enterprise environments.
- Hub support. TB4 allows hubs that split one port into multiple TB4 connections. TB3 required daisy-chaining.
If your TB3 dock handles dual 4K and charges your laptop adequately, there is no compelling reason to replace it. If you are buying your first dock, buy Thunderbolt 4. The price difference is negligible and you get the better standard.
Thunderbolt 4 and Apple Silicon: The Display Limitation You Need to Know
This is the single most important caveat for Mac users considering a Thunderbolt 4 dock:
- M1/M2/M3 (base): Maximum one external display via Thunderbolt. This is a chip limitation that no dock can bypass. The only workaround is DisplayLink (software-based, adds CPU overhead).
- M1/M2/M3 Pro: Up to two external displays. Any TB4 dock in this roundup supports this natively.
- M1/M2/M3 Max: Up to three or four external displays depending on chip variant.
- M4 MacBook Air/Pro: Apple expanded external display support. Check the specific model for display limits.
Before buying a Thunderbolt 4 dock for your Mac, verify your chip supports the number of displays you want. Our best docking stations for dual monitors guide covers this in detail.
How We Evaluated These Docks
Our Thunderbolt 4 dock rankings are based on comprehensive spec analysis, manufacturer documentation review, and aggregation of user feedback from verified purchasers. We do not perform hands-on hardware benchmarks. Our research approach focuses on comparing documented specifications, analyzing patterns in user reviews, and evaluating manufacturer support histories.
Port count and variety (30% weight): More ports with diverse types means fewer adapters and hubs. We valued Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports highly since they provide the full 40 Gbps bandwidth that makes TB4 docks worth buying.
Power Delivery (25% weight): Higher wattage means more laptops can charge at full speed. The 90-98W range covers the majority of users.
Display capability (20% weight): Dedicated video outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort) scored higher than requiring adapters. Quad display support on the Plugable TBT4-UDZ scored highly for Windows users.
Ethernet and networking (10% weight): 2.5 GbE is a meaningful advantage over 1 GbE for users with capable networks.
Build quality and reliability (10% weight): Aluminum chassis, thermal management, and firmware update track records.
Value (5% weight): Price relative to the features delivered. A dock does not need to be cheap, but it should justify its price tag.
For more context on the differences between connection types, read our USB-C vs. Thunderbolt docking stations guide. Browse all Thunderbolt 4 docks with live pricing on our Thunderbolt 4 docking stations filter page, or visit our home page to compare every dock in our database side-by-side.
Our Top Picks
#2
Connection Thunderbolt 4
Displays Up to 4
Power 98W PD
Driver Native
#3
Connection Thunderbolt 4
Displays Up to 2
Power 90W PD
Driver Native
#4
Connection Thunderbolt 4
Displays Up to 2
Power 96W PD
Driver Native
#5
Connection USB-C
Displays Up to 3
Power 85W PD
Driver Native
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thunderbolt 4 and why does it matter for docking?
Thunderbolt 4 is Intel's connectivity standard that delivers 40 Gbps bandwidth, native dual 4K@60Hz display output, Power Delivery charging, and data transfer all through a single USB-C-shaped cable. For docking, this means one cable replaces your charger, display cables, and USB hub. Every Thunderbolt 4 dock is guaranteed to support dual 4K displays and at least 15W device charging on downstream ports, a baseline that USB-C docks cannot match.
Is Thunderbolt 4 backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3?
Yes. All Thunderbolt 4 docks work with Thunderbolt 3 laptops at full performance (40 Gbps, dual displays). They also work with USB-C and USB4 laptops, though at reduced bandwidth and without guaranteed Thunderbolt features like daisy-chaining. If your laptop has Thunderbolt 3, a Thunderbolt 4 dock is a worthwhile investment.
Do Thunderbolt 4 docks work with Mac?
Yes. Every MacBook Pro since 2021 and every MacBook Air since 2022 has Thunderbolt 4 ports. TB4 docks are plug-and-play on macOS with no drivers required. The main caveat is Apple Silicon display limits: base M1/M2/M3 chips support only one external display natively. You need M1 Pro/Max or later for dual displays through a Thunderbolt dock.
Do I need a Thunderbolt 4 dock or will USB-C work?
If your laptop has a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port, a Thunderbolt dock is the best choice. It delivers native dual displays, 40 Gbps bandwidth, and reliable charging without drivers. USB-C docks work with any USB-C laptop but are limited to 10 Gbps shared bandwidth, single display on Mac, and may require MST support for dual monitors on Windows. For a full comparison, read our guide on USB-C vs. Thunderbolt docking stations.
Will Thunderbolt 5 make Thunderbolt 4 docks obsolete?
Not anytime soon. Thunderbolt 5 docks are expected to launch in late 2025-2026, but they will be expensive and the first-generation hardware may have growing pains. Thunderbolt 4 docks will remain fully compatible with Thunderbolt 5 laptops (backward compatible). For dual 4K@60Hz, the performance is identical. TB5 primarily benefits users who need triple 4K, 8K displays, or 80+ Gbps data speeds. For most users, Thunderbolt 4 will be the sweet spot for years to come.