Best docking stations for the way you use them

Your laptop model and the screens you want permanently connected come first. Whatever ports are left have to cover your drive, webcam and other accessories. A good dock simplifies the entire desk, including whatever you do once work is over.

Quick picks

Room for every cable: two monitors and a Thunderbolt drive
Plugable TBT-UDM
Two HDMI outputs on the TBT-UDM sit apart from its one downstream TB4 port, so the drive keeps a direct connection on a supported two-screen host. Its 96W certified power and Gigabit Ethernet have to be enough for your laptop and network.
The catch: The 100W headline is 96W certified host charging. Check a high-power laptop before leaving its charger elsewhere.
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CalDigit, TS4-US 500971

CalDigit TS4

Good place to start

If your webcam, microphone, older drives and input devices still plug in over USB-A, this is a sensible desk dock. Five fast USB-A sockets plus a direct DisplayPort connection can spare you some adapters. Before you count on two screens or wired networking, check what your laptop supports.

Best forA supported Thunderbolt or USB4 laptop on a desk crowded with USB-A gear you already own

Why it suits you

One DisplayPort 1.4 output and two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Rated for 10Gb/s are five USB-A and three ordinary USB-C ports. Video does not come out of ordinary USB-C ports.
98W host power comes with a 230W supplied power adapter and 0.8m Thunderbolt 4 cable.

What you give up

Charging the laptop tops out at 98W, so a demanding model may still need its original charger.
There is no HDMI socket, so an HDMI screen needs the right adapter. A plain USB-C-only host also loses the built-in Ethernet connection.

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CalDigit, TBT5-TS5-US-AMZ

CalDigit TS5

With three downstream Thunderbolt ports, two compatible USB-C screens and a fast drive can all connect without picking a display adapter first. A heap of older USB-A accessories is a poorer fit, and the faster connection does not lift your laptop’s screen limit.

Best forUSB-C or Thunderbolt displays that work with it, plus Thunderbolt storage that stays plugged in

Why it suits you

A 140W host connection, plus three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports with up to 15W each.
One USB-A 10Gb/s, one USB-A USB 2.0 and three ordinary USB-C 10Gb/s sockets.
2.5GbE needs PCIe tunneling, and the SD and microSD readers are UHS-II.

What you give up

It has neither an HDMI nor a DisplayPort socket, so those screens depend on separate compatible video cables or adapters.
Just one USB-A socket reaches 10Gb/s, while the other is USB 2.0. It does not support Windows Thunderbolt 3, and falling back to USB-C-only loses Ethernet.

CalDigit, TBT5-TS5Plus-US-AMZ

CalDigit TS5 Plus

Fast local networking or a lot of USB accessories are what make the Plus worthwhile. A 10GbE connection and five fast USB-A sockets can stand in for extra boxes. Since it offers fewer downstream Thunderbolt ports than the TS5, plan where your monitors and storage will connect before you upgrade.

Best forA supported workstation with a fast route to a NAS or plenty of wired accessories

Why it suits you

One DisplayPort 2.1 output and two downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports, each with up to 36W.
Two USB controllers serve five USB-A and five ordinary USB-C ports rated for 10Gb/s.
A 1m Thunderbolt 5 cable, a 330W supplied power adapter and 140W host charging.

What you give up

Downstream Thunderbolt is limited to two ports, and a pair of USB-C screens can occupy both unless one of them goes through another compatible route.
USB-C-only hosts and Thunderbolt 3 Windows machines are not supported. On Windows the 10GbE port needs a driver, and a slower switch or NAS can cancel out the networking advantage.

Anker, A83B5

Anker Prime Thunderbolt 5 A83B5

Because Anker builds the power supply into the dock, you lose the separate brick in the cable tangle. One HDMI or DisplayPort screen can plug in directly, and another compatible screen can go through Thunderbolt. Its two fixed video sockets cannot be used at the same time.

Best forA supported modern laptop on a desk with no good spot for a separate power brick

Why it suits you

The US A83B5 dock has an integrated supply, a supplied AC cable and a 3.3ft Thunderbolt 5 cable.
Two downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports, each at up to 15W, plus 140W host charging.
UHS-I card readers, 2.5GbE, two front USB-C 10Gb/s and three USB-A 10Gb/s.

What you give up

Only one of HDMI and DisplayPort can be active at a time, so a second display has to use a compatible Thunderbolt video route.
The two front USB-C charging ports split 45W between them and carry no video. The card readers only support UHS-I, and Thunderbolt 3 hosts and displays are not supported.

Plugable, TBT-UDM

Plugable TBT-UDM

You can leave two HDMI screens plugged in and still have the downstream Thunderbolt port free for a drive, which suits a typical dual-screen work desk. Basic M1 and M2 Mac laptops are still limited to a single native external display.

Best forA laptop with dual native display support, driving two HDMI monitors alongside a Thunderbolt drive

Why it suits you

One downstream Thunderbolt 4 port and two HDMI outputs.
One ordinary USB-C 10Gb/s socket and four USB-A sockets, two at 10Gb/s and two at 5Gb/s.
UHS-II SD/microSD readers and Gigabit Ethernet.

What you give up

That 100W headline figure is 96W of certified host charging, so check a high-power laptop before you leave its charger at home.
Native displays are capped at two across every output type. Base M1/M2 models manage just one, and a basic M3 can run dual displays only with the lid closed.

Plugable, TBT4-UDZ

Plugable TBT4-UDZ

This dock is built for desks with many screens, offering both HDMI and DisplayPort along with 2.5GbE. On supported Windows systems its MST layout can drive more displays, whereas a compatible Mac takes one output from each display group. Nothing downstream speaks Thunderbolt, so a Thunderbolt-only drive has nowhere to plug in.

Best forA Windows desk with lots of screens that the dock supports, or a Mac that uses one display from each output group

Why it suits you

Two display groups hold two HDMI outputs and two DisplayPort outputs.
Host charging is advertised at 100W and certified at 98W.
USB accessory ports sit alongside 2.5GbE and UHS-II SD/microSD readers.

What you give up

It has no downstream Thunderbolt port, and its USB-C data ports cannot stand in for a Thunderbolt-only storage connection.
A Mac will not get four displays out of four video sockets, since the host, GPU, output grouping and exact screen modes set how many are supported.

Plugable, TBT-UDH2

Plugable TBT-UDH2

Two HDMI monitors plug in directly on this Thunderbolt 5 dock, and one Thunderbolt port remains for storage or another supported device. The 30W ports on the front can power compatible accessories. If it is going on a work or gaming laptop, read the host exclusions before you buy.

Best forTwo HDMI screens and one Thunderbolt accessory on a supported modern laptop

Why it suits you

One downstream Thunderbolt 5 port and two HDMI 2.1 outputs.
Host power reaches 140W. Each front Thunderbolt and front USB-C charging port supports up to 30W.
2.5GbE, along with UHS-II SD/microSD readers.

What you give up

There is a single downstream Thunderbolt port, and the regular USB-C data ports cannot accept additional video connections.
TB3, USB-C-only and Windows ARM hosts are not supported. Plugable excludes DP-MUX gaming laptops too, and basic M1/M2 Mac laptops stay limited to one native external screen.

Plugable, TBT-UDT3

Plugable TBT-UDT3

Screens and storage that already connect over compatible USB-C fit well with its three downstream Thunderbolt ports. Monitors with HDMI or DisplayPort inputs need adapters bought separately, so add those up before you compare the price against a dock with direct HDMI. More sockets will not lift your laptop’s display limit.

Best forA supported host running two compatible USB-C displays and a Thunderbolt drive

Why it suits you

Each of the three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports delivers up to 15W.
PD 3.0 hosts get up to 100W, and PD 3.1 host charging is 140W.
Two USB-A 10Gb/s ports and one USB-A 5Gb/s, plus 2.5GbE and UHS-II SD/microSD.

What you give up

Direct HDMI and DisplayPort sockets are missing, and the adapters or cables for them are separate purchases.
The downstream Thunderbolt ports each deliver up to 15W, so a portable screen that draws more may need its own power connection. Thunderbolt 3 hosts are not supported.

Plugable, UD-6950PDH

Plugable UD-6950PDH

With DisplayLink, a basic M1 or M2 Mac laptop can drive two external screens and keep its own display open. That fixes a real work-desk limitation, though evenings come with a catch. You need permission to install the software, and protected video can fail across the Mac while the dock is connected.

Best forA basic Mac used for office work on two external screens, where DisplayLink software is allowed

Why it suits you

Dual 4K/60Hz DisplayLink outputs draw on one HDMI or DisplayPort from each of two groups.
Gigabit Ethernet and 100W host charging, but no downstream Thunderbolt port.
The current revision offers one front USB-C 5Gb/s data socket and four USB-A 5Gb/s sockets.

What you give up

DisplayLink software and macOS Screen Recording permission are both required, so look at your employer’s policy before you buy.
While it is connected, macOS cannot play protected video, even on the laptop’s own display. Plugable also advises against this DisplayLink route for gaming.

CalDigit, TBT5-ELEMENT5-US-AMZ

CalDigit Element 5 Hub

Three Thunderbolt branches in a small body, for compatible screens and storage. It fits best on a desk where Wi-Fi and separate audio are already handled. Once you add Ethernet, a card reader and extra charging, the simplicity of the smaller hub disappears.

Best forUSB-C screens and fast storage on a supported laptop, when you can do without built-in Ethernet or a card reader

Why it suits you

Three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports, each at up to 15W.
At 10Gb/s there are three USB-A and two ordinary USB-C sockets, and the ordinary USB-C sockets do not output video.
A 0.8m Thunderbolt 5 cable, a supplied 180W power adapter and 90W host power.

What you give up

A demanding laptop may still have to rely on its own charger, since host charging is 90W.
It lacks Ethernet, a card reader, an audio jack and direct HDMI/DisplayPort output, so set aside money for whatever adapters your current gear needs.

Razer, RC21-02290100-R3U1

Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma

Storage can live inside the dock thanks to the internal SSD slot, with three Thunderbolt branches still free. A permanent editing or gaming desk is where that makes sense. There are catches: the SSD is sold separately, the files stay behind when the laptop leaves, and 140W USB charging might not stand in for a gaming laptop’s own power supply.

Best forA fixed desk that wants storage built into the dock along with several Thunderbolt connections

Why it suits you

One ordinary USB-C 10Gb/s, two USB-A 10Gb/s and three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports.
Host charging is 140W, with a 250W power adapter supplied.
A separately purchased SSD of up to 8TB fits the M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 2280 slot.

What you give up

The M.2 NVMe SSD does not come with it. Before you buy a drive, confirm the documented 2280 size and the installation requirements.
It has no fixed HDMI or DisplayPort output. On a faster home NAS network, Gigabit Ethernet can stay the bottleneck.

Kensington, K35201NA

Kensington SD5000T5 EQ

One of its three downstream Thunderbolt connections, on the front, can supply up to 60W. A compatible display or device that needs a lot of power benefits, but the dock splits its power budget across everything. Charging heavy accessories can eat into the host power left for a demanding laptop workload.

Best forA supported setup that makes use of three Thunderbolt branches or powers a compatible accessory drawing more than 15W

Why it suits you

Three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports. The front one supplies up to 60W and each rear one up to 15W.
Dynamic host charging goes up to 140W. The manual warns about 60W accessory charging during heavy laptop use.
Combo audio, UHS-II SD/microSD, 2.5GbE and three USB-A 10Gb/s.

What you give up

The 140W for the host and 60W for an accessory are dynamic maximums, and the dock does not promise to sustain both together.
It has no fixed HDMI or DisplayPort sockets, so any HDMI monitors you keep will need compatible adapters.

Kensington, K35231NA

Kensington SD5010T5 EQ

If your desk has familiar screens and one fast drive, the two HDMI connections and the spare Thunderbolt port cover it. The front USB-C socket charges at 30W and handles no video. Because the spare Thunderbolt port supplies 15W, a portable screen with higher power needs may still require another cable.

Best forRunning two HDMI monitors and one Thunderbolt accessory from a supported laptop

Why it suits you

The US K35231NA package has a 180W supply, a North American power cord and a 1m Thunderbolt 5 cable.
One 15W downstream Thunderbolt 5 port and two HDMI outputs.
Two USB-C 10Gb/s, one of them up to 30W, plus two USB-A 5Gb/s and one USB-A 10Gb/s.

What you give up

The single downstream Thunderbolt port delivers up to 15W. The host socket cannot double as a second accessory connection.
The 140W host figure is dynamic. If you have a basic M1/M2 Mac or rely on USB-C fallback, check the exact laptop and display matrix first.

OWC, OWCTB5DK11PD210G

OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dual 10GbE Network Dock

This is a networking specialist. Two 10GbE connections let you reach a compatible NAS directly, and a separate 2.5GbE port keeps the home network connected. It will not charge the laptop, and having separate interfaces does not set up routing or security on your behalf.

Best forA supported workstation that really does need more than one fast wired network connection

Why it suits you

Three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports at up to 15W each, plus two 10GbE ports and one 2.5GbE port.
At 10Gb/s, three USB-A and one ordinary USB-C.
A 90W adapter and a 0.7m Thunderbolt 5 cable are supplied. The adapter does not imply laptop charging.

What you give up

It does not charge the host, so keep the laptop’s original charger in your plans.
The documented network drivers are required on Windows and Linux. Setting up direct NAS addressing and keeping networks separate takes deliberate configuration.

Plugable, TBT-6950PD

Plugable TBT-6950PD

Two software-driven HDMI outputs and three native Thunderbolt branches share this hybrid dock. A basic Mac gets extra office screens and still has room for a Thunderbolt drive. Buying it also means dealing with DisplayLink installation, employer permission and macOS protected-video restrictions.

Best forExtra office displays and Thunderbolt storage on a supported Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 laptop

Why it suits you

Three native downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports at up to 15W each, plus two DisplayLink HDMI outputs.
Basic M1/M2/M3 Macs support up to three external displays, subject to exact host checks. Other supported hosts can have different limits.
Combo audio, UHS-II SD, Gigabit Ethernet and two USB-A 10Gb/s.

What you give up

DisplayLink software is required for the two HDMI outputs. On macOS you must also grant screen-capture permission, and protected video can fail across the whole Mac whenever DisplayLink is active.
The advertised 100W of charging is certified at 96W. A plain USB-C-only host is not a recommended, supported setup.

Plugable, UD-7400PD

Plugable UD-7400PD

This USB-C dock is all about screens, combining one native HDMI route and four DisplayLink outputs. Office software spread over several screens is a fit when the laptop has no Thunderbolt. There is no downstream Thunderbolt connection, and the additional display paths depend on software that carries significant Mac video limits.

Best forMulti-screen office work on a supported, video-capable USB-C laptop, where DisplayLink is permitted

Why it suits you

Native Alt Mode drives HDMI 1. HDMI 2 and the three rear USB-C video outputs run on DisplayLink.
A 1m USB-C cable, a 180W supplied adapter and 140W PD 3.1 host charging.
One front USB-C 10Gb/s at up to 30W, two front USB-A 10Gb/s and 2.5GbE.

What you give up

The extra outputs need both a compatible video-capable USB-C host and DisplayLink software. If your employer manages the machine, you need approval first.
There is no downstream Thunderbolt port and no card reader, so a Thunderbolt-only SSD has to connect some other way.

UGREEN, U716 85590F

UGREEN Maxidok U716 17-in-1

Desk storage can sit inside the dock in its internal NVMe slot, while DisplayPort and two Thunderbolt outputs connect compatible screens. A permanent setup benefits, but files kept in the dock stay put when the laptop leaves. The 8TB figure is the slot capacity it supports, and any included SSD should be confirmed with the seller.

Best forA supported fixed desk that benefits from internal NVMe storage and plugs a monitor straight into DisplayPort

Why it suits you

This is the exact US standalone U716, part 85590F, in Bronze, and not the separately listed additional-cable bundle.
One DisplayPort output and two downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports, each at up to 15W.
SD/microSD readers, 2.5GbE and 140W host charging from a 240W power supply.

What you give up

Whether this exact seller package includes an SSD was not confirmed. Before buying, check what storage comes with it and which drive format is compatible. The dock does not work as a backup on its own.
The pair of front USB-C charging ports splits 60W and neither carries video. Downstream Thunderbolt power maxes out at 15W per port.

Buying advice

What to look for in a docking station

These factors change which model suits you.

Shared desk? Check each laptop

On a USB-C-only work machine, a dock that suits your personal Thunderbolt laptop can lose displays or Ethernet. Look up each exact host and the software it is allowed to run.

Tally the permanent connections

Ports you meant to save for storage can get taken by two screens. An HDMI socket and a DisplayPort socket may draw on one output, and a regular USB-C data port might not carry video at all.

Think about after work

Which dock is better can shift once you factor in protected films, games, charging and safely ejecting storage. A second work screen is just one piece of how you use the desk each day.

Guides

Narrow it down

Weigh two popular models against each other, or start from a shortlist built for one job.

Side-by-side comparisons

TS4 vs TS5 from CalDigit: TS4 plugs in more USB-A gear, TS5 brings a third Thunderbolt branchCalDigit TS4 vs TS5 if you run two monitors, a Thunderbolt SSD and older desk accessories. See which of the two removes adapters and which can bring new ones.TS5 vs TS5 Plus from CalDigit: Three Thunderbolt branches on TS5, 10GbE on PlusTS5 vs TS5 Plus, judged by USB-C monitors, a home NAS and portable screens. Learn where the Plus upgrade helps and where its port layout complicates things.TS4 vs TS5 Plus from CalDigit: Both take USB-A gear, and Plus needs a better reason than extra portsCalDigit TS4 vs TS5 Plus, with a working home office, a fast NAS and a demanding laptop in mind. Look for the upgrade that makes a difference to your day and not only to the spec sheet.TBT-UDM vs UD-6950PDH from Plugable: UD-6950PDH gives basic Macs more screens, TBT-UDM sidesteps DisplayLinkTBT-UDM vs UD-6950PDH for a Mac with two monitors, work calls and streaming in the evening. Weigh DisplayLink permissions, protected video and Thunderbolt storage against each other.TBT-UDM vs TBT4-UDZ from Plugable: A Thunderbolt drive suits TBT-UDM, more screen routes suit UDZTBT-UDM vs TBT4-UDZ for a setup with HDMI and DisplayPort monitors, a Thunderbolt SSD and a home NAS. See which ports are still usable once the screens are plugged in.TBT-UDM vs TBT-UDH2 from Plugable: UDH2 brings power and faster HDMI, UDM stays an option for older hostsTBT-UDM vs TBT-UDH2 for two HDMI monitors, a work laptop you share and a home NAS. Set the benefits of upgrading against the host restrictions.TBT-UDH2 vs TBT-UDT3 from Plugable: HDMI cables stay with UDH2, three Thunderbolt branches come with UDT3TBT-UDH2 vs TBT-UDT3 for HDMI screens, USB-C displays and a Thunderbolt SSD. Before you choose, tally the adapters, the spare ports and the power a portable monitor needs.CalDigit TS5 vs Anker Prime Thunderbolt 5 docks: TS5 frees up three TB branches, Anker does away with the power brickTS5 vs Anker A83B5 for a crowded desk with two monitors and a Thunderbolt drive. Compare cable layout, USB-A accessories and how you handle camera cards.CalDigit TS5 Plus vs Anker Prime Thunderbolt 5 docks: Anker keeps power in one box, Plus suits a desk that has 10GbE readyTS5 Plus vs Anker A83B5 if you have a home NAS, a portable monitor and camera cards. See which of your other equipment makes the flagship upgrade worth having.Plugable TBT-UDH2 vs Anker Prime Thunderbolt 5 docks: Two HDMI cables stay on UDH2, Anker gets rid of the power brickTBT-UDH2 vs Anker A83B5 for dual HDMI screens, a portable monitor and camera imports. Look at the adapter, power and host limits that can change how the setup works.CalDigit TS4 vs Plugable TBT4-UDZ docks: Thunderbolt gear stays with TS4, HDMI screens connect directly on UDZTS4 vs TBT4-UDZ for HDMI monitors, a Thunderbolt drive and a shared desk that runs a Mac or Windows. Find the connections that the total port count hides.CalDigit TS5 vs Plugable TBT-UDT3 docks: Ordinary USB-C stays free on TS5, UDT3 takes more USB-A plugsTS5 vs TBT-UDT3 if you run two USB-C screens, a TB drive and everyday accessories. See what is left over once the three Thunderbolt branches are taken.Plugable TBT-UDH2 vs CalDigit TS5 Plus compared: HDMI stays simple on UDH2, TS5 Plus serves a desk with 10GbE readyTBT-UDH2 vs TS5 Plus for dual HDMI monitors, a fast NAS and USB storage that stays plugged in. Look at hidden adapters and rear-port limits before you upgrade.Element 5 vs TS5 from CalDigit: Element 5 serves the simpler desk, TS5 brings the connections that are missingElement 5 vs TS5 if you have USB-C monitors, camera cards and a laptop that leaves the desk. Add up the extra adapters before settling on the smaller hub.Element 5 vs TS4 from CalDigit: A full wired desk stays connected with TS4, Element 5 contributes a TB branchElement 5 vs TS4 for two screens, photo storage and an older work laptop. Find out when the right monitor cable counts for more than Thunderbolt 5.CalDigit Element 5 vs Plugable TBT-UDT3 docks: Three TB branches on both, Plugable adds the extras for wired workElement 5 vs TBT-UDT3 for USB-C screens, camera files and a laptop that moves between home and work. Judge the whole desk, charging included.UGREEN Maxidok U716 vs CalDigit TS5 Plus docks: UGREEN has local storage built in, TS5 Plus links up with a ready 10GbE NASUGREEN U716 vs TS5 Plus for local files, shared NAS storage and portable screens. Find out which other gear makes the premium dock useful.UGREEN Maxidok U716 vs Anker Prime TB5 compared: UGREEN gives you an SSD bay, Anker does away with the separate power brickUGREEN U716 vs Anker Prime A83B5 for a small desk, local storage and monitors you already own. Weigh the boxes, cables and shared charging budgets.Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock vs CalDigit Element 5 hub: Element 5 has more ordinary USB-C sockets, Razer comes with an SSD bayRazer TB5 Dock Chroma vs Element 5, with an editing desk in mind. Weigh storage that never leaves home against accessory ports and how the laptop charges.Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock vs CalDigit TS5 compared: A faster shared NAS path suits TS5, local storage built in comes with RazerRazer TB5 Dock Chroma vs TS5 for family files, a shared NAS and USB-C work gear. See which way of arranging storage works for life away from the desk.Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock vs UGREEN Maxidok U716 compared: Razer carries three TB branches while UGREEN brings DisplayPort and 2.5GbERazer TB5 Dock vs UGREEN U716 for internal SSD storage, USB-C monitors and a shared NAS. Follow the cables through before you go for the larger port count.SD5000T5 vs SD5010T5 from Kensington: TB gear fits SD5000T5, two HDMI screens plug directly into SD5010T5SD5000T5 vs SD5010T5 for HDMI monitors, portable screens and a work desk that is shared. See how the ports changed and how dynamic charging works before you decide.Kensington SD5000T5 vs CalDigit TS5 docks: Kensington drives one TB accessory with more power, TS5 adds ordinary USB-CSD5000T5 vs TS5 for portable screens, USB-C call equipment and work laptops that are shared. Keep accessory power and laptop charging apart in your planning.Kensington SD5010T5 vs Plugable TBT-UDH2 compared: Plugable powers its TB port at 30W, Kensington offers a USB-C fallbackSD5010T5 vs TBT-UDH2 for two HDMI screens, an older work laptop and a portable display. Check host exclusions before you buy for the extra power.OWC Dual 10GbE Dock vs CalDigit TS5 Plus, compared: More networks connect through OWC, and TS5 Plus charges the laptop as wellOWC Dual 10GbE vs TS5 Plus for a direct NAS connection, a home network and a laptop desk. See what the extra interfaces do and what the lack of host charging means.TBT-6950PD vs UD-6950PDH from Plugable: UD-6950PDH keeps the USB-C desk simpler, TBT-6950PD brings TB storageTBT-6950PD vs UD-6950PDH for two Mac office screens, a camera and fast storage. See whether Thunderbolt gives the familiar DisplayLink dock a useful new job.UD-7400PD vs TBT4-UDZ from Plugable: UD-7400PD gives you screens through software, UDZ keeps the host's native videoUD-7400PD vs TBT4-UDZ for several office screens, basic Macs and a managed work laptop. Get to grips with software permission, display groups and charging.UD-7400PD vs TBT-UDH2 from Plugable: UDH2 keeps HDMI native and TB storage, UD-7400PD helps basic MacsUD-7400PD vs TBT-UDH2 for a basic Mac with two work screens and a fast drive. Weigh native video against software restrictions, and keep the second laptop at home in mind.TBT-6950PD vs UD-7400PD from Plugable: More USB-C hosts work with UD-7400PD, TB storage stays with TBT-6950PDTBT-6950PD vs UD-7400PD for a basic Mac, a work laptop and fast storage. Work out which screens are native, where DisplayLink software comes in and which ports your drive needs.TBT-6950PD vs TBT-UDM from Plugable: TBT-6950PD gives basic Macs extra screens, UDM keeps video nativeTBT-6950PD vs TBT-UDM for a basic Mac, two HDMI screens and streaming in the evening. Set the extra displays against the software and everyday trade-offs.CalDigit TS5 Plus vs Kensington SD5000T5 EQ docks: Fast networking is built into TS5 Plus, SD5000T5 leaves a third TB branchTS5 Plus vs SD5000T5 for a desk with screens, fast storage and a home NAS. See which ports are left over and how accessory charging affects laptop power.CalDigit Element 5 Hub vs Anker Prime Thunderbolt 5, compared: Element 5 holds on to three TB branches, and the everyday desk extras come with AnkerElement 5 vs Anker Prime A83B5 for USB-C screens, a fast drive and daily desk use. Look at the full connection plan, the adapters involved and how the laptop charges.Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma vs Kensington SD5000T5 EQ compared: Razer has desk storage tucked inside, SD5000T5 helps with a higher-power screenRazer Thunderbolt 5 Dock vs SD5000T5 for screens, desk storage and a home NAS. Weigh the whole setup, how the laptop charges and what stays behind when you leave.UGREEN Maxidok U716 vs Kensington SD5000T5 EQ, compared: Internal storage and DP come together in U716, SD5000T5 keeps three TB branchesUGREEN U716 vs SD5000T5 for a fixed desk with two screens and storage. Find which 60W socket carries video, whether an SSD comes included and what connection is left over for backup.CalDigit TS4 vs Anker Prime Thunderbolt 5 docks: More fast USB-A gear stays connected on TS4, Anker gets rid of the power brickCalDigit TS4 vs Anker Prime A83B5 for a desk that serves work and photos. Weigh support for an older laptop, camera-card copying, accessories and the whole power setup.TBT-UDM vs TBT-UDT3 from Plugable: HDMI screens stay simple with UDM, UDT3 holds three TB branches in reservePlugable TBT-UDM vs TBT-UDT3 for a two-screen desk that also holds storage. Add up the monitor adapters, look at a second laptop and ask yourself whether a faster network and more power matter.Plugable TBT-6950PD vs CalDigit TS5 docks: Basic Macs get office screens from Plugable, TS5 keeps a native video pathTBT-6950PD vs CalDigit TS5 for a Mac desk that handles work, films and storage. Look into screen limits, software approval, Thunderbolt ports and restrictions on evening video.UD-7400PD vs UD-6950PDH from Plugable: 7400PD brings more screen routes, while two DisplayPort monitors stay simple on 6950PDHUD-7400PD vs UD-6950PDH for home office screens. Weigh the DisplayPort monitors you already own against USB-C power, software permission and which ports carry video.

Best picks for one job

Room for every cable: two monitors and a Thunderbolt drivePicking a dock for two monitors and a Thunderbolt SSD comes down to the ports left once the screens are connected. Compare HDMI, USB-C and DisplayPort setups.