Amazon’s Prime Massive Deal Days this October are an awesome alternative to search out the very best offers on Thunderbolt docking stations and USB-C hubs, that are merely the very best equipment to attach your laptop computer to legacy {hardware}, shows, and different computing peripherals.
Amazon’s fall model of Prime Day begins October 8. I’m already on the hunt for the easiest offers on Thunderbolt docks from producers like Anker and Belkin, in addition to USB-C hubs and dongles from a variety of suppliers. I’ll even add a DisplayLink dock deal, too.
My deal suggestions consider high picks from PCWorld’s roundups of greatest Thunderbolt docks and the greatest USB-C hubs. I’ve labored as a know-how reporter for 30 years and have reviewed dozens of Thunderbolt docks and hubs since 2020, which is when the WFH (work at home) motion began producing all types of demand for these merchandise.
Beneath you’ll discover my curated record of the very best Prime Massive Deal Days bargains on Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs from Amazon. I’ll proceed including to it via October 9, when Massive Deal Days ends. You should definitely take a look at our Prime Massive Deal Days hub, the place we’ll have offers in different classes in addition to particular tales on the most well liked offers, as we discover them.
Final up to date on Sept 30, 2024 with new offers.
Greatest early Prime Massive Deal Days offers on Thunderbolt docks
- Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core, 60W charging, $69.99 (65% off at Amazon)
- Kensington SD2480T Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station, 60W charging, $60.00 (67% off at Amazon)
- Ugreen Revodok Max 208 Thunderbolt 4 Dock, 85W charging, $159.99 (36% off at Amazon)
- Anker 577 Thunderbolt 3 13-in-1 Docking Station, 85W charging, $229.99 (24% off at Amazon)
- Kensington K37010NA Thunderbolt 3 Dock, 100W charging, $96.98 (31% off at Amazon)
- Lenovo 40AN0135US Thunderbolt 3 Dock Gen 2, 135W charging, $189.99 (41% off at Amazon)
- Microsoft Floor Thunderbolt 4 Dock, 96W charging, $219.99, (27% off at Goal)
I’ve reviewed a variety of UGreen Revodok docks, and the producer persistently places out good {hardware}. (That is the Max 208, whereas I’ve reviewed the Revodok Max 213.) Just like the SD2480T, this dock makes use of devoted Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, so issue within the worth of a pair dongles if you wish to run it to shows with HDMI or DisplayPort connections. It’s nonetheless an honest worth, nevertheless — by comparability, the Max 213 retailed at $400, which is waaay overpriced. Ugreen’s $249 MSRP for the 208 is cheap, making this sale fairly good.
Ditto for the Anker 577. The Anker 777 12-in-1 dock I reviewed a bit again wasn’t the quickest. Just like the Anker 577 it comprises an additional Thunderbolt port that doubles as a show port, forcing you to purchase a dongle. However it’s on an excellent sale, and I’d most likely suggest that you just purchase this or the Ugreen Revodok.
I simply can’t get give up the Belkin Dock Core, and apparently Belkin can’t both. (It all the time crops up on our offers pages!) It requires you to provide an influence brick. Mac individuals hate it, but it surely’s a compact little Thunderbolt dock that delivers a ton for the cash. Right here’s my assessment of the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core, which I awarded an Editor’s Selection.
Kensington’s SD2480T (the “previous model” is listed, but it surely appears to be the identical because the “new” model) is simply an older dock on sale for an awesome worth. This Amazon sale could be the final gasp of Thunderbolt 3 {hardware}. The dock does run sizzling, as many observe, but it surely shouldn’t have an effect on its efficiency. Bear in mind that you just’ll want shows with DisplayPort adapters. Otherwise you’ll want to purchase an inexpensive DisplayPort to HDMI adapter for $20 or so.
The Kensington K37010NA is a stunning design — the floating aesthetic is exclusive. I haven’t reviewed this dock, however I actually like Kensington {hardware}. Once more: There’s one helpful HDMI port, but additionally one upstream Thunderbolt port. That’s not an enormous deal. On this case, I purchase an additional uni USB-C to HDMI cable for about $16. The 100W charging ought to care for most laptops, although maybe not ones with discrete GPUs. Be aware the considerate 9v/2.22A (20W) USB-C charging on the entrance that ought to fast-charge a smartphone.
Lastly Lenovo’s Thunderbolt 3 dock (and the Floor Thunderbolt 4 Dock) are on an excellent early Prime Deal Days sale. Each value a little bit extra, however supply extra charging energy and a variety of show choices. I’d anticipate to pay between $250 and $300 for a brand new Thunderbolt 4 dock, so these are on an honest low cost.
Greatest early Prime Massive Deal Days offers on USB-C hubs, dongles, and docking stations
The Targus deal is the very best of a foul bunch. I don’t suppose that the $249.99 MSRP is sensible in any respect, however the discounted worth feels a strong deal nonetheless. Be aware that the 65W energy supply is perhaps a little bit low for high-end notebooks, together with gaming notebooks.
In any other case, I’m actually not impressed by most of the USB-C hub/dongle/docking-station offers proper now, however the Acer and Baseus offers are primary offers on primary merchandise. Plugable’s 13-in-1 docking station is designed for PCs who don’t care an excessive amount of in regards to the newest and best: you’ll solely get 4K30 output (versus 4K60, or 60Hz) in your most important show, and as much as 1920×1200 in your additional shows.
Thunderbolt dock offers FAQ
What ought to I search for when shopping for a Thunderbolt dock or USB-C hub?
Whereas Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs are sometimes seen as distinct product classes, they’ve similarities. Each make the most of a USB-C connection out of your laptop computer. Nonetheless, the excellence lies in how some laptops make use of this port: some as a typical USB-C port, whereas others channel the high-speed Thunderbolt 3 or 4 protocol through the USB-C connector. The usual port usually helps as much as 10Gbps of information switch, which is ample for USB drives, exterior storage gadgets, and presumably an exterior monitor.
Thunderbolt (both Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4) permits for 40Gbps of throughput, designed for high-speed exterior SSDs and a number of shows. Our roundups of the greatest USB-C hubs and the greatest Thunderbolt docks clarify additional in a lot larger element. Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 are shut sufficient which you could get monetary savings by shopping for the older know-how that retailers are attempting to eliminate. That’s necessary! Thunderbolt 5, which can ship 80Gbps, simply hasn’t appeared, and that’s a little bit disappointing.
If you wish to join high-speed peripherals (or only a ton of them) a Thunderbolt dock is perhaps the very best guess — particularly a couple of show. In any other case, a USB-C hub may work simply tremendous. A Thunderbolt dock positively is a future-proofed resolution although.
USB-C hubs and dongles are comparatively low-cost, not often climbing over $60. Thunderbolt docks can value anyplace from $100 to $300, relying on what options the dock gives.
Often, the very best Prime Massive Deal Days offers on USB-C hubs and dongles are on the dearer docking stations, not the $20-$50 hubs. Thunderbolt dock offers normally characteristic older Thunderbolt 3 {hardware} which is functionally equal to the most recent gear. It’s like shopping for a automobile with 1,000 miles on it for 25% off. That’s not an ideal instance, after all, however you get the concept.
I’ve a USB-C port on my laptop computer. How do I do know what to make use of with it?
Check with your laptop computer’s guide to determine the Thunderbolt port, which can be marked with a small lightning bolt icon. Nonetheless, this image may also point out a charging port. If doubtful, a USB-C dongle or hub is universally suitable with USB-C ports.
I don’t perceive the distinction between the USB-C and Thunderbolt interfaces. How does all of it work?
USB ports have a protracted historical past. USB-C, identified for its versatility, changed USB-A (the thick sq. port) on account of its reversible connector and functionality for greater switch speeds. USB-C ports can assist 5Gbps or 10Gbps, much like normal USB-A ports. Nonetheless, some USB-C ports are linked to a Thunderbolt chip inside your laptop computer, enabling them to function at an elevated velocity of 40Gbps. Whereas the bodily look of the connector stays the identical, its performance is what units it aside.
What’s the distinction between a USB-C hub and a Thunderbolt dock?
A 10Gbps USB-C hub gives velocity and flexibility, connecting to a single 4K (or 1080p) show and providing varied ports corresponding to USB-A and SD card slots. Usually, you’ll be able to join your laptop computer’s USB-C energy cable on to the hub if wanted.
A 40Gbps Thunderbolt dock, however, supplies larger bandwidth to assist extra ports. It stands out in two most important methods: it will possibly deal with two 4K shows concurrently, and plenty of docks embrace an influence provide that may cost each your laptop computer and cellphone via the Thunderbolt cable that hyperlinks your laptop computer to the dock. We nonetheless haven’t seen 80Gbps Thunderbolt 5 {hardware} but.
My laptop computer has USB4, not Thunderbolt. Can I take advantage of a Thunderbolt dock?
In case your laptop computer runs USB4, it gained’t “perceive” Thunderbolt 3 protocols, I’m instructed. However in any other case, USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 are functionally the identical. Intel refuses to certify non-Intel platforms like AMD’s Ryzen for Thunderbolt, and the brand new Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips are in the identical boat.
USB-C hubs work with mainly something with a USB-C port on it. Don’t fear about these in any respect.
Is Thunderbolt 4 higher than Thunderbolt 3?
Bodily, they use the identical USB-C cable. (Nicely, they’ve a special emblem — one has a “3,” and the opposite a “4.”) Functionally, they’re nearly the identical. Thunderbolt 4 was launched nearly as a patch to Thunderbolt 3, making certain that every part labored correctly. They each run at 40Gbps and hook up with the identical peripherals. When you personal a laptop computer outfitted with Thunderbolt, you’ll be able to hook up with each and mainly your expertise would be the similar.
The kicker? Thunderbolt 3 {hardware} is older, and retailers need you to purchase the most recent gear. So so far as offers go, shopping for Thunderbolt 3 {hardware} is an actual steal.
Do I want a Thunderbolt dock if I personal a desktop PC?
Often desktops come chock stuffed with ports, even legacy ones like USB-A. What they don’t all the time have is a microSD and SD card slot, and a USB-C dock is perhaps an excellent and low-cost manner so as to add this performance.
Intel has traditionally struggled to get Thunderbolt into desktop PCs, although, so USB-C could actually be your solely possibility. There’s actually no assure {that a} desktop with have a Thunderbolt port.
A few of these docks have had dangerous evaluations on purchasing websites. Why?
Mac customers, am I proper? Whereas Macs adopted Thunderbolt first, among the Apple M1 silicon couldn’t sustain with Intel Thunderbolt controllers utilized by Home windows PCs, and the Apple MacOS expertise suffered because of this.
If a person complains a couple of dangerous Home windows expertise, positive, that’s price listening to. However a Mac person? Bah. They purchased the improper platform.