Apple makes its own docking stations for MacBooks, but the main problem with first-party devices is that they’re very limited in what they can do. For example, the Digital AV Multiport Adapter only comes with three inputs and a USB-C cable on the end. To compensate for this, Apple sells several third-party products on its online store, the best of which is CalDigit’s TS3 Plus Dock.
Like the other entries on this list, it features 15 individual ports: two Thunderbolt 3 inputs, five USB-A ports, and a front-facing SD card reader, just to name a few. As you can probably guess from this simple array, this docking station can output video. In fact, it can output up to two displays simultaneously at 4K resolution at 60Hz. Or, if you have a single screen, it can send 5K video at a 60Hz refresh rate instead.
Plus, my favorite USB-C accessory of all time has magnetic superpowers (up to 25% off)
The TS3 Plus Dock works with both PC and Mac computers, but is specific to Apple hardware. CalDigit’s device can charge a MacBook at up to 87 watts, allowing you to charge your computer while you transfer or work on files. The TS3 Plus Dock is backwards compatible and will work with older Apple laptops with Intel processors.
If you want a version with more ports, Apple has a higher-end version. Caldegit TS4and will be available in digital stores as well.
CalDigit TS3 Plus Dock Specifications: Ports: Thunderbolt 3 (2), USB-A 3.0 (5), USB-C (2), UHS-II SD card reader (1), DisplayPort (1), 3.5mm mic line in and audio out (1), Gigabit Ethernet port (1) | screen: Supports up to two 4K @60Hz displays, one 5K @60Hz
