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Computer Accessories

Best Thunderbolt 2 Docks

Updated September 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Akitio Thunder2 Dock
Akitio
Thunder2 Dock

Dual Thunderbolt 2 ports offer stunning versatility at speeds up to 20Gb per second.

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Bottom Line

Dual Thunderbolt 2 ports offer stunning versatility at speeds up to 20Gb per second.

Pros

Combines past and present technology including FireWire, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and eSATA storage ports. Dual Thunderbolt 2 outlets support daisy chaining additional devices and storage. Also supports 4K monitors and displays.

Cons

Some users found the dock to get too hot under prolonged use.

Best Bang for the Buck
Gofanco Docking Station
Gofanco
Docking Station

An inexpensive, unobtrusive way to add functionality to your laptop.

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Bottom Line

An inexpensive, unobtrusive way to add functionality to your laptop.

Pros

This dock’s primary use is to add monitor support with DisplayPort or HDMI plugs, but it also offers two USB 3.0 ports for peripherals like mice, keyboards, webcams, and storage devices. A 1 gigabit Ethernet port is included as well.

Cons

The amount of additional ports is small compared to other products.

Anker Dual Display Universal Docking Station
Anker
Dual Display Universal Docking Station

Consolidate and manage your devices with a dock that prioritizes bandwidth usage.

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Bottom Line

Consolidate and manage your devices with a dock that prioritizes bandwidth usage.

Pros

This dock supplies smooth, stable connections with a variety of devices. Includes 2 USB 3.0 ports, 4 USB 2.0 ports, 1 HDMI port, 1 DVI port, and an Ethernet port. HDMI and DVI ports can be used simultaneously, allowing you to expand your setup to 3 monitors.

Cons

Anker drivers may require multiple installations to recognize certain devices.

Belkin Thunderbolt 2 Express HD dock
Belkin
Thunderbolt 2 Express HD dock

Connect 8 devices through a single Thunderbolt cable for well-rounded computing power.

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Bottom Line

Connect 8 devices through a single Thunderbolt cable for well-rounded computing power.

Pros

This dock provides lightning-fast speeds of 20 Gbps, supports dual displays, and accommodates 4K cinema resolution. Able to daisy chain 5 total devices together for outstanding peripheral applications. Includes 2 Thunderbolt 2 ports, 3 USB 3.0 ports, 1 HDMI port, 1 Ethernet port, and two audio out ports, one of which supports microphones.

Cons

HDMI output can be unreliable, and multiple users complained about frustrating customer support.

OWC Thunderbolt 2 Dock
OWC
Thunderbolt 2 Dock

Connect up to 10 devices at once for phenomenal flexibility.

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Bottom Line

Connect up to 10 devices at once for phenomenal flexibility.

Pros

This sleek, low-profile dock includes 3 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 3.0 charging ports, 1 FireWire port, 1 HDMI port, 1 Ethernet port, and 2 3.5-millimeter audio jacks. It also features 2 Thunderbolt ports for daisy chaining.

Cons

Dock can cause problems by cycling on and off, and often gets very warm.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed
September 24, 2021
36
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
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Ade Hennis
Written by Ade Hennis

Updated September 2021

A Thunderbolt 2 connector is essentially an alternative to USB. Developed by Intel, it allows you to connect various devices to a laptop or desktop. A Thunderbolt 2 dock makes it convenient to keep multiple devices connected to your laptop, since the only cable that needs to be plugged into the computer is the Thunderbolt — the rest sit in the dock. Thunderbolt 2 docks typically come with ports for USB 3, eSATA, and HDMI, but some have others, such as Firewire and Ethernet. Some allow you to “daisy chain” devices, meaning you can connect devices to one that’s connected to the dock so that they can all interact. You need two Thunderbolt ports to achieve this, so a dock that includes them expands connectivity options.

Our Top Picks
Akitio
Best of the Best
Akitio
Thunder2 Dock
Bottom Line
Dual Thunderbolt 2 ports offer stunning versatility at speeds up to 20Gb per second.
Shop Now
Gofanco
Best Bang for the Buck
Gofanco
Docking Station
Bottom Line
An inexpensive, unobtrusive way to add functionality to your laptop.
Shop Now
Anker
Top Pick
Anker
Dual Display Universal Docking Station
Bottom Line
Consolidate and manage your devices with a dock that prioritizes bandwidth usage.
Shop Now
Belkin
Top Pick
Belkin
Thunderbolt 2 Express HD dock
Bottom Line
Connect 8 devices through a single Thunderbolt cable for well-rounded computing power.
Shop Now
OWC
Top Pick
OWC
Thunderbolt 2 Dock
Bottom Line
Connect up to 10 devices at once for phenomenal flexibility.
Shop Now
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