Best MacBook docking stations in 2023

The best MacBook docking stations can transform Apple’s impressive range of laptops into fully-fledged workstations, ready to tackle anything you can throw their way.

Those who own one of the latest MacBooks, like the M2 MacBook Air and 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro, will attest to their power, performance, and sleek design. However, as laptops like the MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Air become thinner and lighter, so too does the selection of available ports.

With the potential to add additional monitors, peripherals, or external storage, a good dock can overhaul how you make use of your MacBook. The best Macbook docking stations will also save you space, keep your workspace organized, and breathe life back into your pre-Thunderbolt legacy devices. Some even have advanced features, such as onboard storage or wireless charging.

At Laptop Mag, we’ve scoured the net and pulled from our reviewed products to bring you our selection of the best docking stations for MacBook. We’ve focused on docks that make the most of the limited number of ports found on Apple’s MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, though a number of these devices work great with the iPad Pro and numerous Thunderbolt 3-compatible Windows machines. 

For MacBook owners, M1- or M2-equipped, it’s important to note that they only support a single external display. Those with M1 Pro or M1 Max get dual monitor support, but both M1 and M2 chips can run multiple displays with DisplayLink adapters. 

Quick list

Best overall

If you own a MacBook housing an Apple Silicon chip then the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 dock is everything you need and more. From the first M1 SoC, right the way through to the M2 Max, CalDigit’s dock has you covered for ports, speed, power, and displays.

The TS4’s 98W of Power Delivery will ensure your machine is topped to the brim with juice no matter how hefty your workload gets. There’s even a 20W USB-C port available to keep your phone or tablet powered at the same time. If you choose, you could even connect an Apple MagSafe charger and have a dedicated space for all your wireless power needs.

The CalDigit TS4 can support two 6K external displays for M1/M2 Pro MacBooks and above Macs, or a single 6K external display (@ 60 Hz) for M1/M2 MacBooks. At 4K you’ll be able to enjoy super-fast refresh rates at up to 144Hz no matter which MacBook you own. That’s not to mention its ample amount of ports, Thunderbolt 4 support, and super-fast 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port for a faster and more stable way to connect to the net.

See our full CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 review.

Best budget

Plugable's 5-in-1 USB-C Multiport Adapter might be small, and it might not offer a full spectrum of ports like other hubs and docks, but for its size its an invaluable addition to any MacBook owner's arsenal.

Fitting neatly into the left-hand ports of any 14-inch and 16-inch Apple Silicon MacBook Pro, Plugable's adapter opens up your available I/O offerings with USB Type-A, USB Type-C, Ethernet, and 3.5mm ports – extending your MacBook's potential instantly. Better still, the cutout design still allows you to connect your MagSafe charger, meaning you don't miss out on any regular functionality.

Best premium

Logitech's Logi Dock is the docking station so good, they almost named it twice. Not only is Logitech's offering a fantastic premium product, it excels in connectivity: uniquely offering Bluetooth 5.1 pairing of up to 7 additional accessories and peripherals beyond its eight port expansion.

Pair this with the dock's built in custom 55mm neodymium drivers and you have a single speaker stereo sound system that has no right sounding so incredible for being part of a docking station setup.

But that's the trick Logitech have pulled here, the Logi Dock isn't just a docking station, it's also a fully-fledged conferencing tool with a built-in noise and echo cancelling beamforming mic array — simplifying your setup for both work and entertainment. It's a little bit of everything and it does it all impressively well, but it does come with a challenging price tag.

See our full Logitech Logi Dock review.

Best USB-C

Satechi's Dual Dock Stand is a fantastic product that's much more than its inclusion in this list would have you believe. This device pulls triple duties as a docking station, ergonomic laptop stand, and external SSD enclosure.

Decked out in Space Metal Grey, Satechi's dock is the ideal MacBook companion visually, and a vital accessory in terms of functionality. It offers everything you'd need from a workstation setup with a zero-footprint design that fits snugly under your MacBook greatly expanding on your device's potential, and its comfort.

See our full Satechi Dual Dock Stand review.

Best Thunderbolt 4

If you’re after a versatile dock with a focus on Thunderbolt 4 connections, then the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock won’t disappoint. Its unassuming design easily blends into any work or personal setup, and its port placement allows for a relatively clean, wire-tidy desk.

Sure, it’s a bit late to the game, but that doesn’t make it any less powerful. Connecting to two 4K displays while having your laptop charge with 96W Power Delivery, having multiple PC peripherals ready to use without taking up laptop ports, and recharging your smartphone or tablet on the fly makes for a versatile setup, and this Thunderbolt 4 Dock gives you access to that.

See our full Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock review

Best Thunderbolt 3

The Corsair TBT100’s modern, matte black design is great to look at, but its cable management potential will keep your entire workstation a thing of beauty, too. The TBT100 has an impressive assortment of ports, including two USB 3.2 Type-C ports, a Thunderbolt 3 port, a USB 3.1 Type-A port, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a headset jack, and an SD card reader.

With such an impressive selection of inputs, and support for two 60 Hz 4K displays, you could easily manage a bustling workstation or gaming setup without issues.

In our review, we paired the TBT100 with Apple’s MacBook Pro M1 and saw it perform seamlessly. Even while extending the display, Corsair’s dock kept our device charged and ready to go. Our only real gripe with this dock was its hefty price tag, but if you’re in the market for a heavy-duty dock, it remains hard to beat in terms of port selection and premium build.

See our full Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock review.

Best zero-footprint

Linedock’s range of MacBook docking stations is impressive, consisting of devices that offer you more ports, power and storage. Being able to augment your MacBook with an additional nine ports is the difference between having a powerful laptop at your desk and having a true workstation in front of you.

The Linedock includes three USB-C ports, three USB 3.0 ports, an SD card reader, an HDMI 2.0 port, a Mini DisplayPort, and built-in storage of up to 2TB. The Linedock also includes a 19,350mAh internal battery capable of supplying a full charge to your MacBook Pro or Air while on the go in just two hours. 

Designed with the 13-inch, 15-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro in mind (though still compatible with other devices if you don’t mind a less flush setup), the Linedock sits underneath your MacBook and blends into your workstation as if not there at all. Using the included Cubicable USB-C adapter, the Linedock seamlessly connects to your MacBook and supports data transfer rates of 10GB/s, power delivery of up to 100W, and video output at 4K resolutions. 

Best for Apple ecosystem

Why limit the usefulness of your dock to simply your MacBook? How about a dock that can offer something to a host of your Apple products all in one go? The Moshi Symbus Q is exactly that device. The Symbus Q includes an HDMI 2.0 port that supports 4K HDR, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and two USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 ports with 5Gb/s throughput. That alone isn’t massively impressive, but the Moshi Symbus Q has something else up its sleeve.

At the top of the Symbus Q is a cushioned 15W Qi-EPP certified wireless charging pad capable of reaching devices through cases up to five millimeters in thickness. It’s compatible with a range of devices, including the iPhone and AirPods. It also supports Apple and Samsung's 7.5W and 10W wireless fast charging, respectively. It’s a unique feature that could prove incredibly handy to the right person. Not to mention the fact that it helps to keep your workspace tidy.

Best for Intel MacBooks

Is the Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station too ahead of the curve? Yes, but it’s also a versatile hub that can improve your current work setup while helping you prepare for the next generation of laptops set to become the norm. Its Thunderbolt 4 ports are convenient and speedy, while the 12-in-1 hub’s other ports allow you to charge and connect plenty of PC accessories and monitors.

Anker’s dock is let down by an expensive $300 price point for a device that can’t be fully utilized without a Thunderbolt 4-supported laptop. However, give this suitcase imposter some time and it’s sure to shine. For those looking for a Thunderbolt 4 docking station at a more affordable price while sacrificing extra ports, check out our review of the Anker PowerExpand 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Mini Dock.

See our full Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station review