Reduced MacBook Dock Shines in All Tests Offers a $60 Price Reduction for Prime Day Shoppers
In the realm of high-performance docking stations, the Thunderbolt 5 technology is a game-changer for MacBook Pro users. Two standout options currently dominate the market: the Anker Prime 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock and the Plugable TBT-UDT3 Thunderbolt 5 Dock.
Anker Prime 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock
The Anker Prime TB5 Dock is widely regarded as the top pick for MacBook Pro users. It boasts an impressive 14 ports, including a Thunderbolt 5 upstream port with a blazing 80Gbps transfer speed and 140W power delivery to your MacBook.
Among its many features, it offers two Thunderbolt 5 downstream ports, versatile video outputs (HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1), Ethernet, multiple USB options, and an SD card reader. Its compact design includes a built-in 232W power supply, avoiding a bulky external adapter. The high-speed performance supports near-direct SSD speeds (read ~6639 MB/s, write ~4665 MB/s).
However, some users might find the port placement a bit quirky, and the non-braided cable included with the dock might not meet everyone's preference. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Anker Prime TB5 Dock transforms a MacBook Pro into a desktop replacement, offering future-proof Thunderbolt 5 tech at a premium price.
Plugable TBT-UDT3 Thunderbolt 5 Dock
The Plugable Thunderbolt 5 Dock delivers 11 ports with excellent Thunderbolt 5 support, including dual 8K display outputs depending on the MacBook's capabilities and 140W charging power. It's praised for its sturdy build and innovative Thunderbolt Share integration, expanding connectivity options.
At about $300, this dock offers a competitive price and a compact yet powerful solution for professional workflows. It's thick enough to stand vertically without the included stand, saving on desk space.
Prime Day Deals
For those considering these docks, Prime Day deals can yield significant savings. The Plugable Thunderbolt 5 Dock is currently on sale for around $300, a notable discount compared to similar docks. While specific Prime Day discounts for the Anker Prime TB5 are not detailed, this dock typically commands a premium price of around $400. Checking active Prime Day listings on major retailers like Amazon may reveal additional temporary discounts.
Other Premium Options
Other notable premium Thunderbolt 5 docks to consider include the CalDigit TS5 Plus, which features 20 ports, 140W charging, and the ability to drive multiple ultra-high-resolution displays, but it has a higher price tag near $500 and may be less readily available.
Summary
For top MacBook Pro performance with the latest Thunderbolt 5 technology, the Anker Prime TB5 is the standout all-around best, while the Plugable TB5 Dock offers excellent value and power. The Anker Prime 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station is a recommended option for power users who need more ports for a high-end laptop setup. To grab the deal for the Anker Prime 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station, you need to be a Prime member, but a free Amazon Prime trial is available.
| Dock | Ports | Power Delivery | Video Outputs | Notable Features | Approx Price | |------------------------------|--------------------|----------------|-------------------------|--------------------------------------------|----------------------| | Anker Prime 14-in-1 TB5 Dock | 14 (incl. 2 TB5 DW)| Up to 140W | HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1| Compact, 232W internal PSU, high-speed IO | ~$400 (premium) | | Plugable TBT-UDT3 TB5 Dock | 11 | 140W | Dual 8K supported | Thunderbolt Share, compact, rugged design | ~$300 (sale price) | | CalDigit TS5 Plus | 20 | Up to 140W | DisplayPort 2.1 + TB5 | 10GbE, multi-4K/8K, UHS-II cards | ~$500 (premium) |
- The Anker Prime 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock offers a creative blend of 14 ports, boasting a Thunderbolt 5 upstream port for outstanding data transfer speeds and 140W power delivery to your MacBook.
- The Plugable TBT-UDT3 Thunderbolt 5 Dock, praised for its sturdy build, Thunderbolt Share integration, and versatile video outputs (up to dual 8K), stands as an innovative and budget-friendly choice among high-end gadgets like smartphones, 3D art devices, and other technology equipment that require data-and-cloud computing.
- In the realm of creative solutions, the Anker Prime TB5 Dock's high-speed performance and impressive port selection turn your MacBook Pro into a UI powerhouse suitable for complex design tasks.
- Technology enthusiasts looking to upgrade their Smartphones and other gadgets can find the compact design of the Plugable TBT-UDT3 Thunderbolt 5 Dock appealing, as it occupies minimal space while still providing impressive performance for data-and-cloud computing.
- As imagined in the world of smart, future-proof technology, these Thunderbolt 5 Docks serve as colorful additions to any desktop setup, transforming MacBook Pros into powerful multitasking machines ideal for both art and professional workflows.
