Should you get a Thunderbolt Dock for Mac? Also, Hub vs Docking Station!

Today we are looking at the top questions I get about Thunderbolt docks for Mac and MacBooks to help you decide if you should buy one.
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daisy chaining
what is a dock or hub
displays
dual display
what you need to know
0:00 do you need a dock?
3:06 Dock vs Hub
4:35 Dock + Charging
5:59 Display support
7:47 Can you daisy chain docks?
8:36 My recommendation

[@JerrySchulze]

Check out the ShockFlo EV charger and Save 10% with code JS10 bit.ly/3mQqLv9 www.shockflo.com 👀Best Thunderbolt 4 Docks for Mac Compared! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYvPZmqElsmGnNE 🛍Get the TS4: geni.us/hpMk 🛍Get the TS3+: geni.us/r84kcvC 🛍USB-C Docks: geni.us/xfUxu

[@DiscoTuna]

Really comprehensive - thank you

[@joeym4090]

Per your video review on the 3 docks, so far I am leaning towards the TS4 for my new Mac Studio max M2. Do you know if the sleep issue has been fixed for the TS4? Thanks.

[@DwayneVeritasLogan]

Thank you for this. Just wanting to triple clarify/confirm: I just purchased an M2Ultra Mac Studio as well as a Kensington SD5700T. Am I safe to use the Kensington Dock, whether plugged into the M2Studio or into the Apple Display even though it sends power? That power send won't hurt any ports? Also, for devices like an Akai MPC that will connect via USB or other Thunderbolt instruments etc, will the power send from the Dock ports be safe for those devices as well? Thank you so much!!!

[@PTSOPHOTO]

would you have any recommendations on how to Connect a PC and a macbook to a single display port on a monitor? i have the Caldigit ts3 plus and can successfully connect it to my monitor, however i have to sacrifice my pc's display port connection if i want to utilize the macbook 120hz refresh rate. another plus to this would be if i could still use my keyboard across both devices. (the mouse is wireless with profile switching so im not concerned about that)

[@1Aquadon]

Thanks Jerry!

[@edgardbmedia]

Best explanation video ive seen so far.

[@zorch7372]

A great video! I presently use a dongle with my M2 MacBook Air but I have wondered about upgrading to a desktop thunderbolt doc. You clearly answered all my questions. Well done! Thnak you.

[@JerrySchulze]

so happy it helped!

[@WEVA111]

Hello. Can you please inform me of the docking stand that you are using for the iPad at 1:09. Thank you in advance.

[@JonoandJen]

Great stuff just a question. I have a DELL DWC curved monitor (USB C) with a selore docking station. I use a surface for the computer. I have connected the USB C from the Dell to the USB C in docking station. Then I connect the docking station USB C to the Surface computer USB C but there is no picture? When I connect the Dell DWC USB C cable directly to the surface the monitor works. Am I right in thinking that the USB C in the dock is only for charging and not display? If I wanted a solution where I could connect my USB C Dell monitor to my surface through a docking/hub set up which would you recommend? Thanks and love your videos.

[@alajuwon23]

question with the ts4 can I connect my akaia mpc 1 and my DJ equipment together ?

[@leedaq7767]

love your striagh no bs review and simple explanation! even non mac user like me can understand!

[@JerrySchulze]

Glad I could help!

[@coachmaxarzadon5654]

If I use a dock or hub with wmmy m2 mac pro I usually work long. Since it requures power to be able to use an aditional monitor. Will it affext or damage the battery of the mac?since it charge when connected to the dock? I tend to connect long most of the time.

[@JoseAraya]

Hey Jerry I currently have a M1. I'm trying to use ElGato camlink with a Hub but its not workin correctly. do you think this kind Dock could handle camlink?

[@stefanodada_audio]

Hi Jerry! I'm Stefano from Italy. Can I connet my audio interface (Apollo Twin) with thunderbalt to the dock? Does it work? thanks

[@hareendrabasnayake]

hi, does the thunderbolt 4 dock support more than 120hz?

[@jay2574c]

How much download -upload speed is expected, if we connect a 1000Mbps ethernet connection to Caldigit TB4 dock with a MacBook Pro?

[@Klarkooi]

Great video! If my dock max output is 60-65W and using to charge and connect latest m2 pro which demands higer input, i knew they will smartly negotiate the power demands. But will such shortening the lifespan of my dock hw?

[@JerrySchulze]

I have seen nothing to indicate that

[@unlink1649]

Have you looked at Brydge? I have the stone pro, but I get packet loss sometimes when ethernet is connected directly to the dock, so I'm looking for a replacement that is as powerful and functional, but also, well, pretty. The issue I have with your picks is that they look look terrible.

[@beverlywestbrooks5021]

Should docking stations come with its own power supply? My concern is leaving my laptop connected to charger at all times.

[@adamr4198]

Hi Jerry, what is your recommendation for a hub to take with you on the go? Thanks for the great video.

[@JerrySchulze]

I like the caldigit soho. geni.us/fiTIS2p

[@rwp3]

Great video on docks and hubs. Explained so much more than other videos on this topic. Excellent!!! So if I connect two devices (i.e., LG Display and Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub) with power delivery to two different MacBook Pro Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, the MacBook Pro will only draw power from the higher power device? In my case this would be the LG display@94W PD vs. the Caldigit@60W PD. Thanks.

[@JerrySchulze]

Yep

[@user-wx3lo3eo5h]

Jerry - with your reviews I have decided to buy the TS4 for my MBP 16 inch with M1 Max chipset. My only question - is it better to power the MBP through its Magsafe or through the TS4 Thunderbolt upstream port? When both the Magsafe & Thunderbolt upstream are connected, does the MBP default to the Magsafe or Thunderbolt power source?

[@LarryProchazka]

I have a question about the new Macbook Air M3 with magsafe connector. I've used a hub in the past for ethernet, hdmi, usb connections and a card reader for photo's. Anker told me this will not work with the new Macbook Air. Do you have any suggestion for something that will work with the M3 Macbook air that is portable? Thank you!

[@jrs89]

Suppose one has a MacBook Pro M2 Max and they desire to use it three external displays. What docks, if any, on the market support this? It seems like most docks have a maximum of two video outputs. And, if they have more, their Mac support is not clear. It's challenging to research. Would you recommend using two Caldigit TS4 docks?

[@d1m18]

Question : I have a simple adapter. Non-powered USB-C (I think) with USB and HDMI ports. When I connect it and use an external display, the Mac gets very hot. Would a powered dock or Thunderport with HDMI help with this heat issue as maybe the power to drive the adaptation to HDMI would not put a load on the MAC? Then perhaps only the graphic signal would be passed... Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@JerrySchulze]

I am not sure why the Mac would get warm from that. what Mac are you using?

[@ninayjchen]

Such a great explanation of docking stations and hubs, finally understand which one is better suited for my use!! Thank you so much!

[@JerrySchulze]

You're very welcome!

[@ingridb1524]

Thanks for the clear explanation. It cleared up a lot of confusion for me. My only remaining question is whether there are docks that support switching between devices. I would like a solution that allows me to switch between Mac mini and MacBook without having to switch the cable.

[@JerrySchulze]

So, you would need a separate Thunderbolt KVM, like this... geni.us/PSTe

[@paulchiu]

Anyway to share one Apple Pro Display XDR 6K display with a 2019 Mac Pro (Intel) and a 2023 M3 Max MacBook Pro (Apple silica) thanks!

[@theirishoutdoorcook1207]

My Cal-digit is 4 years old. Today I program all my Chinese handhelds using my MacBook and the dock and using the Kenwood K1 Jack programming cable. I got my money’s worth for it.

[@DonMadDonald]

what if you don't want to charge your Mac?

[@lorensims4846]

Fascinating discussion. I've considered a dock in the past, but with my 2012 13" MacBook Pro, the one with all the ports (and the DVD drive), I've found that USB 3.0 hubs have pretty well filled my needs. My workhorse is a powered Anker 7 USB 3.0 ports with 3 USB smart charging ports hub. For my new M1 MacBook Air, I'm relying on a Syntech USB C to four USB 3.0 USB A ports hub. I like that it's very portable. I also got a pair of 1-meter Thunderbolt 4 cables, because I understand the specific cable is important, but so far I haven't come across anything I want to hook up with them.

[@BlackDub21]

😂

[@baryhh]

Hello, great video, I want to buy a dock station and this specific model use 2 usb-c to connect on mac and say can provide 87 w Output to charge my mac in the same time. I safety for battery long life to use this type dock station to charge my mac?

[@JerrySchulze]

Yes very safe. The computer tells the dock how much power to give it.

[@baryhh]

@@JerrySchulze thanks.

[@kimguerrette3438]

In the video, when you talked about speeds, you said USB-C supports X speeds and USB 4 supports faster Y speeds. USB-C is the connection type, not a version of USB. I think you meant USB 3.n vs USB 4. Both USB 3 and USB 4 support USB-C connections. USB 3 also uses USB-A, USB-B, and mini connections.

[@JerrySchulze]

Yep thanks.

[@onigvd77]

I know that a Thunderbolt 4 hub does one thing specifically that Thunderbolt 3 cannot, expand one port into more, like old USB hubs have done. So if these devices are docks with multiple ports, are they also TB4 hubs as well?

[@JerrySchulze]

As I recall, the TS4 does not do that but the Element hub does.

[@purplehaze7495]

I can extend the no of port by buying a second computer for the price of cal digit ts4.

[@joffrey6831]

I'm interested in the TS4 but I have a 4K 144Hz monitor 🤔 Using a dock to plug it (next to ethernet, external HDD, peripherals etc), would I lose FPS ?

[@JerrySchulze]

the ts4 can do 144 with displayport or displayport adapter, but not with hdmi.

[@joffrey6831]

@@JerrySchulze Of course, but will I not reach the 40Mb/s limit if I plug any other thing ?

[@ruslanmansurov5419]

@@joffrey6831 the display connection is prioritized, meaning it should not affect the monitors but it will deprioritize other devices (e.g. ssd)

[@deletedchanneI]

Do docks with 4k60hz output support 1440p144hz+ monitors? Bandwidth allows it, but will dock allow it?

[@JerrySchulze]

depends on the dock, but I can confirm all the CalDigit TB4 docks and the ts3+ support it.

[@deletedchanneI]

@@JerrySchulze from technical point, every dock with HDMI2.1 or DP1.4 should support it, but what's on practice...

[@dr.arnoldbenitez5642]

Hello Jerry great video, you always put out, I have a question I just got the Mac mini M2 8-Core CPU, 10-Core GPU, 16GB Unified Memory, and 1TB SSD Storage the problem is I still need more Thunderports, my Mac mini only has Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, 1HDMI port, two USB-A ports, and 1headphone jack, what do you recommend I get the TS3+ or TS4 I know this are two good ones to get but what else would you get if you were short on funds?

[@JerrySchulze]

the ts3 plus is fantastic and still has a ton of ports. Do you need thunderbolt or just usb-c?

[@dr.arnoldbenitez5642]

@@JerrySchulze both

[@bryans8656]

For my M2 MacBook Air I picked up a Dockteck hub because I needed USBA and HDMI ports, and it has a passthrough USBC port for charging. That last port also makes it convenient to use on my iPad Mini since that device has only one port.

[@brentsmithline3423]

I am with you I purchased the CalDigit TS4 to work with my Apple M1 MacBook Air, and LG Ultra HD 5K Ultra Slim USB-C Monitor Widescreen LED IPS LCD w/ Webcam - Black - 27MD5KA-B. Thing is down the road in 2027 or later for this normal all I have to do is purchase a new MacBook replacement and I should be good to go.

[@tutacat]

No, the display I still rendered by the GPU. The only reason it would is bad software connecting to the displayport adapter. It just isn't directly connected to it.

[@peteherrera1502]

I would love to have 2 of the Caldigit TS4 dock but $400 each is more than I can afford at this time.

[@tutacat]

No, you mean USB 3, not USB Type-C. Type C is the connector type, used for many things, and has features such add PD or DisplayPort mode. The USB connectors and versions are agnostic from the connector type

[@starvinglawstudent]

I have a Mach E too!

[@JerrySchulze]

Love it!

[@babie.desk-]

My thunderbolt 3 dock gets so hot, I live in a tropical country. Does that affect the performance?

[@JerrySchulze]

Not in any of my testing.

[@JerrySchulze]

which dock do you have?

[@JurjenBraam]

My OWC Thunderbolt 3 OWCTB3DK13PSG also gets really hot. But I don't notice any performance issues

[@theirishoutdoorcook1207]

Mine does too. Still working amazing after 4 years.

[@warrior100girl]

Mac technically does not support multiple screens as I understood. Can a dock make it possible that I have two 4K screens connected?

[@JerrySchulze]

Base M1 and M2 chips do not nativly support 2 external displays. Intel, M1/2 Pro/Max do support multiple external displays and can run both from these docks.

[@bahakam77]

I have Question, Is it bad to keep my MacBook Pro plugged in 24/7 to the dock for the long term, will it hurt the Macbook battery in any way in the future? and can i use the Ts4 dock without it powring the macbook?

[@JerrySchulze]

Apple does battery management on laptop when plugged in all the time and reduces the battery to 80% charge if you leave it docked. If you frequently connect and disconnect it will try to adjust to your personal schedule and charge it up before you regularly disconnect. You can also tell it to charge to 100 if you need to.

[@KJRitch]

I get over 300 miles range and it takes me less than 10 minutes and I’m back on the road.

[@JimRobinson-colors]

With all the products out there, it gets confusing when they advertise as being Thunderbolt 4 or 3 compatible. To which as near as I can figure out that they word compatible only means that you can plug it into the dock or hub, but has nothing to do with the speeds. The pricing is all over the place as well. It's still a bit baffling that some of these hubs are almost the price of an M1 mini. Seems to me that manufactures are gouging and are actually benefiting from all the cheap crap out there when it comes to pricing. I would actually prefer if there wasn't docks and hubs out there that are cheap but don't work.

[@EgonHauser]

Sorry Jerry but Mac’s don’t work probably with third party thunderbolt devices, period. Just bought the caldigit ts4 for my MBP 16 Max. Monitors won’t wake up after sleep and hdmi is only 4K 30hz. Both worked flawlessly before without the dock! Evything is updated and I won’t mess around with it. That goes straight back to Amazon!

[@cafesteve7356]

CalDigit tech Support is practically nonexistent. I returned my device to the reseller as a result.

[@3Toy]

The prices are ridiculous. Pls someone recommend a quality hub/dock that works on Mac and PC and has normal price

[@nkbhd]

Fuck after 1/3 of the video going to an ad that doesn’t relate to me in any way I just don’t even care why I clicked on this video anymore.

[@JerrySchulze]

thanks for the feedback

[@kiwikid007]

Doesn't even have HDMI dude common.... it sux.

[@JerrySchulze]

k...

[@kirkmays2125]

Caldigit is out of business and no one is supporting their products.

[@JerrySchulze]

why would you say that?