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Apple Silicon MacBook Pro Q&A
Update Published November 27, 2023
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What is the best "dock" to add more ports to the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro?
By default, 13" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models have two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports and a 3.5" analog audio output/headphone jack. 14" and 16" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models have two or three Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 or Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 port, and a 3.5" headphone jack as well as an SDXC-capable SD card slot.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Apple Silicon MacBook Pro)
For those with basic connectivity needs, the standard ports on the Apple Silicon MacBook Pro might be enough, but if you need to connect more to your notebook than simple adapters can provide, a full-fledged "dock" or "docking station" to use at your desk can be quite helpful.
Best Apple Silicon MacBook Pro Docking Stations
Two of the best docks to add more ports to an Apple Silicon MacBook Pro model include the simple OWC Thunderbolt Hub and more sophisticated OWC Thunderbolt Dock, both from site sponsor Other World Computing.
Photo Credit: OWC (Thunderbolt Hub)
With support for three independent daisy chains, the relatively compact OWC Thunderbolt Hub provides four Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s) ports (one front-mounted and three rear-mounted), one USB-A (10Gb/s) port, and a security slot. It provides up to 60 watts of charging power, which makes it best suited for 13" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models.
Photo Credit: OWC (Thunderbolt Dock)
For those with massive connectivity needs, the OWC Thunderbolt Dock provide even more ports and additional charging power. It has four Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s) ports (one front-mounted and three rear-mounted), three USB-A (10Gb/s) ports, one USB 2.0 port, Gigabit Ethernet, a 3.5 mm audio jack, an SD card slot, and security slots. It provides up to 96 watts of charging power.
These docks cost more than a single adapter and are are significantly larger, but are hard to beat for those who can put the connectivity to good use.
Site sponsor OWC sells the OWC Thunderbolt Hub and OWC Thunderbolt Dock worldwide.
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