The 24-inch iMac M1 is one of the best Macs for those who don't work on the go. Though, just like some other recent Mac models, its port variety is quite limited. You pretty much only get Thunderbolt ports and a headphone jack. This makes relying on wired accessories challenging to many users. Fortunately, you can rely on Thunderbolt docks and USB-C dongles to fully utilize the 24-inch iMac M1. To help you with the hunt, we've listed some of the best picks below.

  • An image of the Kensington SD5780T docking station
    Kensington SD5780T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station
    Editor's choice

    The Kensington SD5780T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station supports the newer HDMI 2.1 standard for connections to newer displays. It also has 11 ports, including an SD card slot, and can easily be mounted and locked.

  • An image of the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Docking station
    CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
    Premium pick

    Thunderbolt docks don't get a lot better than the CalDigit TS4. With a total of 18 ports, including Thunderbolt downstream ports, DisplayPort, USB-C, USB-A, and super-fast 2.5Gb Ethernet, this one is something else.

  • Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station PBI
    Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station
    Multifunctional product

    The Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station will help you better organize your workstation, as it doubles up as a stand to raise your iMac while adding more ports to it.

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    Plugable 11-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock
    DVI support

    This versatile station offers DVI, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, audio output/input ports, and more. Notably, it offers several USB-A ports, making it ideal for those with plenty of Type-A accessories.

  • Baseus__1_-removebg-preview
    Baseus 17-in-1 Dock
    Essential ports

    This docking station provides 16 ports, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, SD card, and much more. It certainly will take your iMac to the next level.

  • 03 Project
    UtechSmart 12-in-1 USB-C Docking Station
    Includes VGA

    This medium-sized docking station offers 12 ports, including ethernet, VGA, HDMI, USB Type-A and Type-C, in addition to more.

  • CalDigit Element Hub
    CalDigit Element Hub
    Durable pick

    If you want a very compact dock and you mostly rely on Thunderbolt-based peripherals, the CalDigit Element Hub may be for you. It only has a few ports, but with three Thunderbolt downstream connections and four USB Type-A ports, it's still very capable.

  • Mokin 5-in-1 USB-C Hub
    Mokin 5-in-1 USB Hub
    Best value

    If you want a very cheap adapter that still gives you a few options, this Mokin hub includes an HDMI port, two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and Gigabit Ethernet, all in a compact package.

Our favorite 24-inch iMac M1 docks

When deciding which one to buy, the key thing to remember is that the Apple M1 doesn't support multiple external monitors, doesn't support external GPUs, and won't make use of power delivery. That means that when selecting the dock for your iMac, all you really need is ports.

If I personally had to pick a dock for my 24-inch iMac M1, I would certainly opt for the Kensington docking station, as it offers a bit of everything, and it's manufactured by a reputable brand. Otherwise, power users will likely appreciate the CalDigit TS4, while those on a budget may want to look into the Mokin hub.

Apple iMac (2021) 24 inch green color
Apple iMac (2021)

This 24-inch iMac is a mighty all-in-one desktop computer that comes in seven different color options. It is powered by the Apple M1 chip.