The 4 Best Docking Stations for MacBook Laptops in 2025
In the fast-paced world of remote and hybrid work, MacBook users often crave a seamless transition from portable productivity to a full desktop setup. Enter docking stations: the unsung heroes that transform your sleek MacBook Air or Pro into a multi-monitor powerhouse with just one cable. With Thunderbolt 5 now rolling out on the latest M4-series chips, 2025 brings docks that promise blistering 80Gbps speeds, triple 4K displays, and enough ports to connect your entire workflow. We’ve scoured expert reviews and tested recommendations to spotlight the top four options, focusing on compatibility with MacBooks, power delivery, and value. Whether you’re eyeing future-proof Thunderbolt 5 or reliable Thunderbolt 4, these picks will supercharge your setup.
1. CalDigit TS5 Plus – Best Overall for Port Variety and Thunderbolt 5 Power
If port overload is your jam, the CalDigit TS5 Plus reigns supreme as the ultimate hub for MacBook power users. This Thunderbolt 5 dock packs a whopping 20 ports into a familiar aluminum chassis, making it a natural upgrade for fans of CalDigit’s previous models. It supports dual 6K or even 8K displays, ensuring your creative workflows—think video editing or graphic design—run buttery smooth on M4 Pro or Max MacBooks.
Key Features:
- Ports: Front: Two USB-C (one 20W), USB-A (7.5W), 3.5mm audio jack, UHS-II SD/microSD readers. Rear: Three Thunderbolt 5, three USB-C, four USB-A, DisplayPort 2.1, 10Gb Ethernet, audio in/out.
- Power Delivery: Up to 98W to your MacBook.
- Display Support: Dual 6K@60Hz or single 8K.
- Compatibility: All Thunderbolt/USB4 Macs, with full 120Gbps bandwidth on TB5-equipped models like the 2025 MacBook Pro.
Pros: Massive port selection; high-bandwidth future-proofing; robust build for daily desk duty.
Cons: Premium price tag; overkill for basic setups.
Price: Approximately $499.
2. Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station – Best Compact All-Rounder
For those who want pro-level performance without the bulk, the Anker Prime TB5 is a compact beast that punches above its weight. Shaped like a mini Mac Studio, it squeezes 14 ports into a footprint smaller than a hockey puck, ideal for clutter-free desks. It’s been praised for faultless performance in clamshell mode with ultrawide monitors on 16-inch MacBook Pros, delivering 140W charging to keep even power-hungry M4 Max models juiced.
Key Features:
- Ports: Upstream Thunderbolt 5 (140W PD), two downstream Thunderbolt 5, two USB-C (10Gbps, 45W shared), three USB-A (10Gbps), HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1, 2.5Gb Ethernet, 3.5mm audio, SD/TF card readers (UHS-I).
- Power Delivery: 140W via Thunderbolt 5.
- Display Support: Single 6K@60Hz or dual 4K@144Hz (on Pro/Max/Ultra chips); up to 240Hz at 4K on M4 Macs.
- Compatibility: Thunderbolt 5/4/3 Macs; optimized for 2025 MacBook Pro models.
Pros: Tiny yet mighty design; versatile monitor options; silent fan cooling.
Cons: HDMI and DisplayPort can’t mix for dual setups; pricey for casual users.
Price: Approximately $400.
3. Kensington SD5000T5 – Best for Triple-Monitor MacBook Setups
Gamers and multitaskers, rejoice: The Kensington SD5000T5 is engineered for expansive displays, supporting up to three 4K@144Hz monitors on Windows (or two external plus the laptop screen on Macs). Its Thunderbolt 5 prowess shines on M4-series MacBooks, offering 80Gbps transfers with a bandwidth boost to 120Gbps for video-heavy tasks. The EQ variant adds enhanced security software, making it a smart pick for pros handling sensitive data.
Key Features:
- Ports: Upstream Thunderbolt 5, front: Thunderbolt 5 (60W), USB-A 3.2, UHS-II SD/microSD, 3.5mm audio. Rear: Two Thunderbolt 5, two USB-A, 2.5Gb Ethernet.
- Power Delivery: 140W to host.
- Display Support: Triple 4K@144Hz (Mac: dual external 4K).
- Compatibility: All MacBooks with Thunderbolt 3/4/5; full speed on M4 Pro/Max.
Pros: Exceptional multi-display support; future-proof speeds; solid Kensington build quality.
Cons: Limited port count compared to rivals; high cost.
Price: Approximately $400.
4. Plugable TBT4-UDZ – Best Value Thunderbolt 4 Option
Not ready to splurge on Thunderbolt 5? The Plugable TBT4-UDZ delivers flagship features at a friendlier price, earning raves as the top dock for M4 MacBook Pro and Max setups. It excels in port diversity and reliable 100W charging, supporting quad displays for those epic productivity spreads. Laptop Mag called it one of the best tested for its seamless Mac integration and smooth 4K streaming.
Key Features:
- Ports: Thunderbolt 4 upstream (100W PD), two DisplayPort 1.4, one HDMI 2.0, two Thunderbolt 4 downstream, four USB-A 3.2, two USB-C (one 10Gbps), Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm audio, SD/microSD readers.
- Power Delivery: 100W (98W certified).
- Display Support: Quad 4K@60Hz or single 8K@30Hz.
- Compatibility: All M-series MacBooks via Thunderbolt 4/USB4.
Pros: Affordable entry to advanced docking; excellent display and USB options; no-fuss setup.
Cons: Lacks downstream Thunderbolt for daisy-chaining; older TB4 speeds.
Price: Approximately $270.
Final Thoughts: Dock Smart, Work Smarter
These four docking stations stand out in 2025 for their MacBook synergy, blending speed, ports, and reliability to elevate your daily grind. The CalDigit TS5 Plus takes the crown for sheer versatility, but if space or budget is tight, the Plugable TBT4-UDZ won’t disappoint. Before buying, check your MacBook’s ports and display needs—Thunderbolt 5 is the future, but TB4 still crushes it. Whichever you choose, say goodbye to cable salads and hello to effortless expansion. Ready to upgrade? Your desk awaits.
