MacBook: The best docking stations in comparison
If you need your MacBook at home, you can keep it in a docking station and use it at the same time. We compare three docking stations for you.
Thunderbold 2 Dock - Docking station for your Mac
The Thunderbold 2 Dock by Elgato is very simple, but still has some features. With just one Thunderbold cable, you can connect all of your home devices to your MacBook.
- The dock has a built-in HDMI port that allows you to connect a monitor to help you use your MacBook even better at home. The port is one of the few that supports 4K displays for MacBooks. So you can use the full power of the Mac graphics card.
- In addition, the dock convinces with Ethernet, USB 3 and another Thunderbold connection to which other Thunderbold-compatible devices can be connected. The dock also has connections for microphone and headphones.
- Since the dock only needs to be connected to your MacBook with a Thunderbold port, it can be used for any MacBook with the corresponding port.
- Unfortunately, the Thunderbold 2 Dock has no built-in way to supply the MacBook with power, so you still need to connect an Apple charger.
- The Elgato Thunderbolt 2 Dock is available for around 230 euros.
Number 2: The Henge Docks Docking Station
The Henge Station by Henge Docks is a nice, simple and yet stable docking station for all MacBooks, which you can also store right away. To do this, the MacBook is inserted vertically into the dock from above.
- The Henge Docks Docking Station is available in versions for the MacBook, MacBook Pro (both normal and Retina) and MacBook Air.
- With the MacBook standing vertically in the dock, you can save a lot of space on the desk. The disadvantage is that you cannot use the display and you absolutely need a monitor.
- The design of the docking station is adapted to the MacBook, also suitable cables are included. All connections of your MacBook are available as cables, but unfortunately the dock does not offer any additional connection options.
- Since the Henge Docks Docking Station does not have its own screen, you can get it relatively cheap for around 92 euros.
Number 3: Apple Thunderbold Display
Apple's own Thunderbold display also functions as a docking station for all MacBooks that have a built-in Thunderbold port.
- The advantage of the Thunderbold Display is that you have a screen on the dock. While using the MacBook, you can either fold it or leave it open and use the Thunderbold display and the built-in monitor.
- The Thunderbold Display is only connected via a Thunderbold connection. A charger is also built into the dock, so you don't always have to connect your MacBook charger. The power and Thunderbold cables are connected to your MacBook using a common, narrow cable.
- The disadvantage is that the MacBook is still at the desk and may need space. However, if the dock is only used to not always have to connect all devices such as printers, the Thunderbold Display completely fulfills this task.
- The screen has a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, and the display also has three USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800 and Gigabit Ethernet connection and a Thunderbolt connection. A camera and speakers are also included.
- In our price comparison we show you possible dealers. However, you have to expect around 870 euros for the original Apple product.
If you decide on the cheaper Henge Docks Docking Station, we will show you in another practical tip how to connect an external monitor to your MacBook.