The best laptop docking stations in 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

Apple makes its personal docking stations for MacBooks, however the principle downside with first-party gadgets is that they are very restricted in what they will do. The Digital AV Multiport Adapter, for instance, solely comes with three inputs and a USB-C cable on the finish. To make up for this, Apple sells a number of third-party in its on-line retailer, and among the many choice, one of the best is the TS3 Plus Dock from CalDigit.

It is much like different entries on the listing because it sports activities 15 particular person ports. Simply to call a number of, you’ve a pair of Thunderbolt 3 inputs, 5 USB-A ports, and an SD card reader on the entrance. As you most likely guessed from that temporary array, this docking station can output video. In reality, it could actually output as much as two shows without delay in 4K decision at 60Hz. Or you probably have a single display, you’ll be able to as an alternative ship a 5K video with a refresh fee of 60Hz.

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The TS3 Plus Dock works with PCs in addition to Mac computer systems, nonetheless. it caters extra to Apple {hardware}. CalDigit’s system is able to charging MacBooks as much as 87 watts permitting you to energy up your pc whereas transmitting recordsdata or working. The TS3 Plus Dock is even backward appropriate as it really works with outdated Apple laptops geared up with Intel processors. 

If you’d like a model with extra ports, Apple additionally sells its huge brother, the CalDigit TS4, on its digital storefront as nicely.

CalDigit TS3 Plus Dock specs: Ports: Thunderbolt 3 (2), USB-A 3.0 (5), USB-C (2), UHS-II SD card reader (1), DisplayPort (1), 3.5mm Mic line in and Audio out (1), Gigabit Ethernet port (1)  | Show: 4K @60Hz show (2), 5K @60Hz (1); helps as much as 2 whole shows