Best Thunderbolt docks and hubs in 2025

A quality Thunderbolt docking station is an essential accessory for modern laptops, especially as native port selection thins out and it gets harder to connect your preferred displays and accessories.

Thunderbolt 4 took over for Thunderbolt 3 following its 2020 launch, and next-gen Thunderbolt 5 docks are now available for those who want to future-proof their desk setup.

I've spent hundreds of hours testing the latest and greatest Thunderbolt docking stations, and my top pick now for most people is the CalDigit TS5 Plus. However, because it's so hard to find — and expensive when you can find it — I have included seven reviewed alternatives that range in price and function.

The quick list

Cale Hunt

Laptops are a primary focus for me at Windows Central, and the topic includes crucial accessories like docking stations. Having tested and reviewed plenty of docks and hubs, I can use my experience to offer informed buying advice to anyone who needs more ports.

Best Thunderbolt laptops docks in 2025 — Tested and reviewed

Why you can trust Windows Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Best premium Thunderbolt 5 dock

CalDigit's TS5 Plus is a recent newcomer to the Thunderbolt 5 docking station market, and so far, it's been difficult to buy due to its popularity. That's despite a $500 price tag that makes all the other docks in this collection look quite affordable.

Why such a high price? There's no other dock that delivers the same ports and charging as the TS5 Plus. It has 20 total ports with up to 36W of charging power for devices connected via USB, and it delivers up to 140W of power to the host laptop.

It can handle up to dual 8K displays at 60Hz each, or triple 4K displays at 144Hz each. It has one DisplayPort 2.1 output, and for the other displays, you'll rely on Thunderbolt 5 or USB-C.

UHS-II SD and microSD card readers make it easy to handle removable storage, and a 10GbE Internet connection is ideal for power users who can't live with anything slower.

I reviewed the CalDigit TS5 Plus, handing it a Windows Central Editor's Choice award while remarking:

"The CalDigit TS5 is designed to be the supreme Thunderbolt 5 docking station for years to come. Power users can set themselves up nicely for the future, even if they can't take full advantage now. [...] It might not be my first choice due to the cost, but those who can take advantage of the massive performance potential and 20 ports will surely want in on the action."

The dock is built in a solid aluminum shell that works horizontally or vertically, and it comes with a two-year warranty for some extra peace of mind.

👀 Read our full CalDigit TS5 Plus review

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Best premium Thunderbolt 4 dock

The CalDigit TS4 is the successor to the highly acclaimed CalDigit TS3 Plus. It retails for about $380 and has some steep competition from other docks, but it remains my top pick for Thunderbolt 4 PCs.

I used this Thunderbolt 4 dock for years following my CalDigit TS4 review, in which I stated:

"CalDigit has followed up its awesome TS3 Plus with another knockout docking station. The TS4 has more ports than any of the competition — even factoring in the three audio ports — and it can deliver up to 97W of power to the host device. This opens it up to more accessories and more hosts than other docks, yet the TS4 is within the same price range and the bulk of the competition. If you have a Thunderbolt 4 laptop and want the best docking station, this is the one to get."

It follows a similar design to the TS3 Plus, with three solid aluminum pieces held together with four robust screws. It has a rubber pad on the bottom for a vertical orientation, and rubber feet can be added to the ribbed sides if you'd like to use it horizontally.

The TS4 boasts impressive connectivity. The 18 total ports are divided between the front and back of the dock, with the host Thunderbolt 4 port and two additional downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports located at the back.

While you might wonder why there aren’t four TB4 ports, one was traded for a native DisplayPort 1.4 connection. The back of the dock also includes four USB-A (10Gbps), 2.5Gbps Ethernet, USB-C (10Gbps), and dual 3.5mm audio ports. A Kensington lock slot adds an extra layer of security for office use.

The front of the dock has another USB-A port, a 3.5mm audio combination, dual USB-C ports (one with 20W of charging power), and UHS-II SD and microSD card readers that can be used simultaneously.

The dock supports dual 4K displays, each at a 60Hz refresh rate, or an 8K display at a 60Hz refresh rate. When connected to the host laptop, the dock can deliver up to 98W of power.

👀 Read our full Caldigit TS4 review

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Best value Thunderbolt 4 dock

Kensington's SD5780T remains a top Thunderbolt 4 dock a couple of years after its launch, and significant price drops have landed it at about $218.

That makes it more attractive than ever, especially since I was recommending it at full price (about $350 and up). In my Kensington SD5780T review, I remarked:

"This is Kensington's best Thunderbolt 4 dock yet, and while it's certainly geared toward a professional environment, it can help anyone with a modern laptop get the connectivity they need for multi-screen and multi-accessory setups."

Ports are built into a metal frame, and the only con I listed in my review is the use of plastic faceplates. It's definitely not a dealbreaker, and the model I've had for a couple of years is holding up very well. As usual, Kensington provides a stellar three-year warranty.

The dock can deliver up to 96W of charging power back to the host, and it otherwise has two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports. HDMI 2.1 adds to video support, there are four USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2) ports, and a UHS-II SD card reader handles removable storage.

There aren't any surprises when it comes to display support, with the dock handling dual 4K screens at a 60Hz refresh rate. The dock is meant to sit flat on your desk, but pre-drilled holes make it easy to add a mounting bracket (sold separately for about $28).

👀 Read our full Kensington SD5780T review

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Best USB4 laptop dock

Razer's USB4 Dock isn't technically a Thunderbolt 4 dock, but it achieves many of the same goals with wider compatibility and a cheaper price.

I wrote about how Thunderbolt 4 differs from USB4 in a separate piece, but here's the short answer: Thunderbolt is an Intel technology that must be licensed for use, which is why you don't see it on many AMD or Qualcomm PCs.

USB4 is built on the older Thunderbolt 3 backbone, giving it many of the same abilities, including dual 4K display support at 60Hz and up to 100W of charging power. USB4 at 40Gbps is the peak, and that's what the Razer dock offers. It's compatible with Thunderbolt and USB4 PCs.

It's a slim piece of hardware with the usual black Razer finish and logo. It's not specifically made for gamers, but it'll fit right in with other gaming accessories and also has a special USB-A port that Razer says can reduce interference with a 2.4GHz receiver (like the one you use for a gaming mouse).

Windows Central's Zachary Boddy reviewed the Razer USB4 dock, remarking:

"The Razer USB4 Dock may not carry the Thunderbolt branding, but it's every bit as capable as the very best Thunderbolt 4 docking stations. This 14-in-1 dock is practically flawless and a great value to boot, and there's even a unique feature for gamers."

At about $260, it's significantly cheaper than even Razer's own Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma (currently sitting at about $330), making it a versatile option for anyone with a tighter budget.

👀 See our full Razer USB4 Dock review

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Best Thunderbolt 5 dock for gamers

Razer's Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma didn't fail to impress when it launched in 2021, and the follow-up Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma for 2025 makes improvements everywhere you look.

As with the predecessor, the new model still has customizable underglow RGB lighting that helps add some flair to your desk. Yes, it can be turned off completely if you're in a more professional setting.

It offers three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports, USB-C 3.2 (10Gbps), dual USB-A 3.2 (10Gbps), a 3.5mm audio combo jack, a UHS-II SD card reader, and a Gigabit Ethernet port.

As with most Thunderbolt 5 docks, it can deliver up to 140W of charging power to the host laptop, and it'll support up to three 4K displays at 144Hz each.

The feature I appreciate most, however, is the built-in M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD enclosure. In my Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma review, I noted:

"The updated dock has a quick-release hatch on the bottom, which pulls away to reveal a sizable bay for a standard M.2 2280 size drive. Heatsinks above and below the drive slot help to keep it cool. [...] In my case, as someone who often switches between laptops and PCs for testing purposes, the Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma will remain on my desk with that sweet, sweet storage space ready to go, no matter the device I'm using."

Coming in at about $400, Razer's Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma isn't exactly cheap. However, the combination of RGB lighting, excellent performance, and SSD enclosure can't be found elsewhere.

👀 Read our full Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma review

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Best value Thunderbolt 5 laptop dock

Thunderbolt 5 is the logical evolution of Intel's connectivity tech, and while it's still a rare feature in laptops, you can set yourself up for the future with something like Kensington's SD5000T5 EQ.

It's a powerful Thunderbolt 5 docking station that's backward compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4, and at about $272, it's a lot cheaper than my top pick.

Windows Central Senior Editor Ben Wilson reviewed the SD5000T5 EQ, remarking:

"Kensington has built some of the best Thunderbolt docking stations since the technology was first introduced, so it's no surprise to see the company delve head-first into the new Thunderbolt 5 standard. While it is, without question, too early to offer full functionality to laptop owners, the reasonable price and forward-thinking design still have it placed as one of the best options for those who need to connect a wealth of devices to a slim offering of ports. It's jumping the gun, but it's a shot worth taking since it's technically the best."

Thunderbolt 5 doubles its predecessor's bandwidth to 80Gbps, bumping the external display support all the way up to triple 4K @ 144Hz or double 8K @ 60Hz. That's a big boost for multitaskers, but your laptop needs Thunderbolt 5 as well to take full advantage.

The dock offers three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports instead of native video outputs like HDMI or DisplayPort, it has UHS-II SD/microSD card readers, and it retains plenty of USB-A ports for older accessories.

👀 Read our full Kensington SD5000T5 EQ review

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Best Thunderbolt 5 hub

CalDigit's Element 5 Hub is an evolution of the original Element 4 Hub, this time with Thunderbolt 5 performance.

It's a tiny accessory that, while requiring an AC power source to operate, isn't nearly as burdensome as the full-size docks. It offers up to 90W of charging power back to the host laptop, its downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports charge at 15W, and the USB ports hit 7.5W.

This hub, rather than expand port selection across various formats, focuses on USB connectivity. It has three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports, three USB-A (10Gbps) ports, and two USB-C (10Gbps) ports ... and that's it.

Despite its small physical size, it can handle up to triple 4K displays at 144Hz each when connected to a Thunderbolt 5 PC.

Here's what I had to say in my CalDigit Element 5 Hub review:

"CalDigit effectively fixed the issues I had with the original Element Hub, including adding USB-C to complement USB-A, upping the power delivery to 90W, and slimming down the power supply. If you're searching for a premium hub with cutting-edge performance to complement your modern home or office setup, all the while adding 8 ports to your laptop, this is it."

You can usually find the Element 5 Hub for about $280 at Amazon, making it a more affordable option compared to CalDigit's other docking hardware.

👀 Read our full CalDigit Element 5 Hub review

Also great Thunderbolt 4 dock

UGREEN's Revodok Max 213 reminds me of the CalDigit TS4's design, with a chunky aluminum case that can withstand a lot of punishment. With 13 ports, it doesn't have the same extensive connectivity as CalDigit's TS4, but it costs less at about $228.

Windows Central's Zachary Boddy gave the dock a 4.5-star rating and a Recommended Award in their Revodok Max 213 review, saying:

"This imposing hunk of aluminum represents the best UGREEN can accomplish with Thunderbolt 4, and it is an impressively capable docking station with plenty of ports and great thermal management. It's massive, though, and its high price tag puts it in the same range as some very competitive alternatives from companies like CalDigit."

The dock provides host laptop charging up to 90W, and the mix of dual downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports and DisplayPort 1.4 allows it to handle up to dual 4K monitors each at a 60Hz refresh rate.

SD and microSD card readers handle removable storage, there are plenty of USB-A ports for accessories, and the Gigabit Ethernet is handy when Wi-Fi isn't an option.

Yes, it trims back some of the port selection compared to the CalDigit TS4, but it's quite a bit cheaper and still has the right ports for most workflows.

👀 Read our full UGREEN Revodok Max 213 review

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Honorable mentions

I've been testing laptop docking stations for nearly a decade at this point, and the rest of the Windows Team is always on the lookout for the latest hardware available for testing.

If the best Thunderbolt laptop docks I've listed above don't catch your attention, I've added a few more honorable mentions.

• CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub: CalDigit's Element Hub has been around since 2021, and it remains a stellar option if you'd like to split your laptop's Thunderbolt 4 port into multiple USB-A and downstream Thunderbolt 4. 👉 Read the full CalDigit Element Hub review
• Plugable TBT-UDT3: Plugable's TBT-UDT3 is a strong value at about $300, but it's just ever so slightly edged out by the discounted Kensington SD5000T5 EQ. Nevertheless, it's a Thunderbolt 5 dock well worth your consideration. 👉 Read my Plugable TBT-UDT3 hands-on coverage
• Plugable UD-7400PD: I haven't had a chance to review this dock yet, but it's now available to buy as of May 13. It sets a new standard for docks, capable of handling up to five 4K displays at 60Hz each with nothing more than a USB-C 3.2 port on your host laptop. 👉 Read my Plugable UD-7400PD coverage
• Kensington SD5768T EQ: While most Thunderbolt 5 docks include Thunderbolt Share, the SD5768T EQ is one of the few Thunderbolt 4 options with the feature. If you often need to link two Thunderbolt PCs, this remains a great option. 👉 Read my full Kensington SD5768T EQ review
• Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor: Considering a new monitor as part of your desk upgrade? Dell's 27-inch 4K monitor comes with a built-in Thunderbolt 4 hub, capable of handling a wide range of accessories. 👉 Read the full Dell UltraSharp U2725QE review

How we test Thunderbolt docking stations at Windows Central

The best Thunderbolt docks all undergo a similar testing process that allows us to easily compare products.

Port selection is the first thing taken into account. Not all users need the same selection of ports, so discovering exactly why a certain dock offers specific connectivity — DisplayPort rather than HDMI, extra downstream Thunderbolt, many USB-A, etc. — is crucial.

Port performance is tested in two ways. First, transfer speeds over USB and/or SD card readers are checked with external drives and CrystalDiskMark benchmarking software.

For ports that offer power, I check how much is actually available for accessories with an in-line USB power meter.

How well the laptop keeps its cool under load is also factored in. You want a dock that doesn't overheat, and surface temperatures can be measured with a FLIR camera.

Size and price are more important than ever when buying a laptop dock. You generally want something that's going to take up the least amount of space possible, and you also don't want to overspend on features you won't use.

For example, CalDigit's TS4 and TS5 Plus are overkill in terms of price and performance for those who just want to connect a mouse, keyboard, and a couple of screens to their laptop.

That's why I've included plenty of alternatives that came out looking good on the other side of our testing process.

How to choose the best Thunderbolt dock for your laptop

Thunderbolt 4 and 5 aren’t just a standard; their interoperability with USB-C and USB4 broadens the range of devices you can connect.

Even if your PC is equipped with Thunderbolt 3, USB 4, or USB-C, many of these Thunderbolt 4/5 docks will offer additional ports, charging capabilities, and more.

My top overall pick for modern Windows laptops is now the CalDigit TS5 Plus following my testing and review period, but that doesn't mean it's the right dock for you. It's expensive, it's usually sold out due to its popularity, and it's overkill for many users.

If you're set on a Thunderbolt 5 dock but want to spend less, I urge you to check out the Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma (especially with that useful M.2 SSD enclosure built right in), the Kensington SD5000T5 EQ, or the CalDigit Element 5 Hub.

Because Thunderbolt 5 is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 4, you can pick up something like the CalDigit TS4 and continue to use it whenever you upgrade to a TB5 PC.

It has the most ports of any Thunderbolt 4 dock in my curated list, yet it's relatively compact in a durable aluminum shell. The $380 price tag is no doubt too much for lots of users who don't have as many accessories and displays, which is where the Kensington SD5780T steps in as a top alternative.

The SD5780T costs much less at about $218, and its varied selection of ports, dual 4K display support, and three-year warranty make it very attractive. Razer's USB4 Dock is also on the affordable side at about $230.

Thunderbolt laptop docking station: FAQ

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