Prior to the 2021 models, Apple's MacBook Pro relied almost exclusively on Thunderbolt ports, ditching a lot of convenient ports. While some might have considered that a push forward, it was undeniable that a lot of users still missed the classic ports, and using a docking station became almost mandatory for anyone with a MacBook Pro. Thankfully, tons of solutions arose.

With the recent MacBook Pro models since 2021, Apple has finally brought back a decent supply of classic ports. Out of the box, you get HDMI, an SD card reader, and a MagSafe charger that's going to be much safer than a simple USB Type-C connector. But if you have one of the previous MacBook Pro models, and even if you have a newer one, you might still want a docking station to take the capabilities of the MacBook Pro even further, especially because the 13-inch MacBook Pro still only has Thunderbolt and MagSafe.

Now, docks can simply be powered by a USB Type-C/Thunderbolt port, but one thing that's been constant with MacBooks is docks that fit with the whole design of the original chassis. Because those are entirely dependent on the design of each laptop, and they're mostly aimed at older MacBook Pro models, we'll leave them for last. The ones below will work with just about any MacBook that supports Thunderbolt 3 or 4.

  • Plugable USB-C Triple 4K Display Docking Station
    Plugable USB-C 4K Triple Display Docking Station
    Editor's Choice

    This Plugable dock is special because it's one of the only options that can support up to three 4K displays on the 13-inch M1 and M2 MacBook Pro models, and you can choose HDMI or DisplayPort for each one. Even if you have an M2 Pro model, this gets you one extra display compared to a standard dock.

  • Anker 778 Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station
    Anker 778 Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station
    Premium Pick

    The Anker 778 is a premium docking station with a sleek and clean design. It comes with three display outputs (though compatibility depends on the MacBook Pro model you have). It also includes a lot of USB Type-A ports and RJ45 Ethernet, along with downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports and standard USB-C.

  • VisionTek VT7400
    VisionTek VT7400
    Horizontal dock

    Similar to the Plugable dock, this VisionTek dock supports up to three 4K displays regardless of the MacBook Pro model you have, plus it includes four USB Type-A ports and RJ45 Ethernet. If you prefer horizontal docking stations, this is the right fit for your setup.

  • Wavlink 7-in-1 USB-C Hub
    Wavlink 12-in-1 USB-C Hub
    Best Value

    If you just need a simple and portable hub for some extra peripherals, this Wavlink adapter should do the trick. It can charge your laptop at up to 100W and includes HDMI, USB Type-A ports, Ethernet, and SD card readers to cover most basic needs you may have, and it's super affordable.

  • Lention docking station MacBook Pro
    Lention USB-C Docking Station

    This USB Type-C docking station gives you tons of ports to connect peripherals, displays, Ethernet, and SD cards. It supports 100W charging and can also serve as a riser for your laptop, so you can get better airflow or get a more comfortable angle for typing. It's not Thunderbolt, but it's much more affordable.

  • Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock in Mercury color
    Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock
    Super sleek

    Looking for something that looks extra clean and modern to go with your MacBook Pro? The Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock is the perfect fit, and it has a wide range of ports including USB Type-A, three Thunderbolt downstream connections, Gigabit Ethernet, and more. There's a black version with RGB, too.

  • New Project-20
    Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station
    Sturdy metal design

    This Kensington dock gives you three USB Type-A ports, three Thunderbolt downstream ports, a headphone jack, an SD card reader, and Gigabit Ethernet. It has a sturdy-looking design, and it supports 90W power delivery to keep your laptop charged.

  • Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C docking station
    Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station

    If you prefer a vertical dock, this Plugable USB Type-C docking station adds a large supply of ports to your MacBook Pro, including multiple USB ports, display outputs, and Ethernet. It doesn't support Thunderbolt or special technology like DisplayLink, but it's also one of the more affordable options in this style.

  • New Project-2-8
    Belkin Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock
    Sleek dock with a power button

    This Belkin dock gives you a pretty great supply of ports with a sleek design, including four USB-A ports, two HDMI ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and Thunderbolt passthrough so you can connect another Thunderbolt accessory. It launched at an exorbitantly high price, but it's come down significantly and it's a solid deal now.

  • Tobodone_Dock__1_-removebg-preview
    Tobenone USB-C Docking Station
    Huge dual-port dock

    This relatively large docking station uses two USB Type-C ports on your MacBook Pro and gives you plenty of ports to connect to, including six USB Type-A ports, USB Type-C, two HDMI ports, and more. It's large, but it's capable and affordable.

  • Anker 547 7-in-2 MacBook USB Hub
    Anker 547 7-in-2 MacBook USB Hub
    Snap-on design

    Unlike most USB hubs out there, this Anker option is designed to fit right on the side of the MacBook Pro. It uses two USB Type-C ports, and it fits right in with the design, so it looks like an extension of the laptop itself. It includes a few ports like USB Type-A, Type-C, HDMI, and an SD card reader.

  • Plugable 5-in-1 USB-C hub for MacBook
    Plugable 5-in-1 USB-C Hub for MacBook
    Compact and MagSafe compatible

    This simple and compact USB-C hub snaps onto the side of a MacBook Pro and gives you five ports, including USB4 40Gbps, two USB Type-A ports, and Ethernet. Most notably, however, it also includes a cutout for the MagSafe connector, so you can still use the included charger on the latest models.

Best docks for the MacBook Pro: Final thoughts

While the MacBook Pro has seen some design changes over the years, Apple has consistently kept the two Thunderbolt ports next to each other on the side, which means all of these docks are equally compatible with any model from 2016 onwards. The top recommendation from us is the Plugable Triple 4K Display Docking Station, and that's mostly because, with DisplayLink technology, it's capable of supporting up to three 4K displays on any MacBook. The Apple Silicon-based models (with M1 or M2 series processors) have limited display support natively, but this model can work around that. If you do have an Intel-based model or an M2 Max processor, though, a Thunderbolt dock like the Anker 778 is great, too. And if you want something more affordable, then a simple USB-C hub like the one from Wavlink is a great budget choice.

Looking for other accessories for your MacBook Pro? Check out our list of the best MacBook Pro cases you can buy. And if you're looking to upgrade, you can buy one of the latest MacBook Pro models below — they're some of the best Macs Apple makes.

Apple MacBook Pro M2 2022
MacBook Pro M2

The latest 13-inch MacBook Pro is powered by the Apple M2 chip, delivering even more performance than its predecessor while having fantastic battery life.

MacBook Pro 2023
Apple MacBook Pro (M2, 2023)

The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro (2023) models adopt the same exterior chassis first introduced in 2021. They offer boosted M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support, HDMI 2.1 compatibility, a notched display, and more.