Best Affordable Thunderbolt 3 Docking Stations

More and more modernistic laptops are ditching older, chunkier ports for the multipurpose, graceful Thunderbolt 3 port that takes the form of USB-C. Thunderbolt 3 ports tin can be used to charge, to connect displays, or to connect pretty much any other accessories when you add a dock to the equation. The only problem here is that Thunderbolt 3 docks are still relatively new, and you can easily spend hundreds of dollars on a unmarried piece of hardware. To make things easier for anyone who needs a budget dock now, I've rounded up some of the cheapest options out in that location.

Cable Matters Thunderbolt 3 docking station

While most Thunderbolt 3 docking stations come with the ability to charge your laptop while everything is plugged in, this option from Cable Matters (about $160) is capped at 15W, finer keeping the cost downwardly. You lot can all the same feed some juice to your peripherals, but don't look your laptop to receive ability at the same time.

Yous're still looking at a good port option, including Ethernet, two USB-A 3.0, two Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort, and USB-C iii.1, and there are dual 3.5mm jacks for headphones and mic. If you don't mind plugging your laptop into power while using a dock, this is well-nigh every bit low of a cost you'll find.

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Plugable Thunderbolt three docking station

Plugable Thunderbolt 3 docking station

Another option that doesn't support host charging — meaning you'll accept to keep your laptop plugged into power while using the dock — this station from Plugable (nigh $180) nevertheless delivers the ports yous need for a lower price.

Y'all're getting Ethernet, 2 USB-A iii.0, ii Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort, iii.5mm mic and headphones jacks, and USB-C 3.0. Keep in heed that you won't be able to hook up dual 4K displays correct out of the box and still get a 60Hz refresh rate, just it'due south certainly a low-cost option if y'all like running a single external monitor.

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CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 3 dock

CalDigit'southward no stranger to making laptop accessories, and its Thunderbolt Station three dock (nearly $220) delivers eleven ports and 85W charging capabilities for your laptop or accessories.

Plug in dual 4K displays and run into a 60Hz refresh rate, or daisy chain accessories thanks to two Thunderbolt 3 ports. Also included are three USB-A 3.1, DisplayPort, ii eSATA (6GB), Ethernet, and 3.5mm sound and microphone jacks. For a bit more connectivity for a scrap more coin, also accept a wait at the Thunderbolt Station three Plus.

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Cablevision Matters Thunderbolt 3 aluminum dock

Cable Matters Thunderbolt 3 aluminum dock

Coming in at about $200, the Cable Matters Thunderbolt 3 dock can deliver 60W of charging power to your laptop and accessories, plus it can be used for dual 4K displays with 60Hz refresh rates. The Wirecutter gave this dock a nod in its review, stating:

If the CalDigit dock is out of stock or jumps in price, or if you lot're willing to go without USB-C ports and the fastest possible charging with larger laptops to save a few dollars, the Cable Matters Thunderbolt three Docking Station with 60W Power Delivery offers the aforementioned number of USB-A ports (five) equally our top pick and an SD carte du jour slot for a slightly lower price.

This is a slim dock that sits flat on your desk, but it still manages to pack in five USB-A ports, HDMI, two Thunderbolt 3 (great for daisy-chaining accessories), Ethernet, an SD card reader, and a iii.5mm headset jack.

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More resources

Have y'all found a inexpensive Thunderbolt iii docking station that works well but isn't mentioned hither? Exist sure to let us know in the comments!

Best laptop docking stations in 2022
Best Thunderbolt 3 docks in 2022

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