Best Docking Station for iMac M1 & M3

Connecting your new M1 or M3 iMac to peripherals and displays while maintaining portability can be tricky. A dedicated docking station provides an organized solution to add connections over a single Thunderbolt cable. In this guide, I evaluate the top 5 best docking stations for the latest iMac models based on ports, performance, design, price, and overall functionality.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

The CalDigit TS4 tops the list with an extensive array of ports in a sturdy, compact aluminum housing. It features 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports with support for up to a staggering 98W of power delivery to charge even the largest laptops. You get an additional 5 USB-A ports alongside fast USB-C and USB-C gen 2 connections to sync phones, drives, and accessories.

Dual DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 outputs allow you to run high-resolution external monitors up to 8K60Hz while still using the internal iMac display. The dedicated SD card reader and audio jacks cater perfectly to creative professionals. 2.5Gb Ethernet keeps your internet blazing fast with support for link aggregation on compatible networks.

This dock leaves no port uncovered at a reasonable price point below $300. The intelligent power management automatically regulates power based on connected peripherals. The TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock is an easy top pick for any M1/M3 iMac user seeking a full-featured Thunderbolt hub without breaking the bank.

Plugable TBT4-UDZ 16-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

Plugable designed the TBT4-UDZ as the ultimate single cable docking solution. It squeezes an unrivaled 16 ports into a refined metal and plastic body. The UDZ matches the 98-watt power delivery of the CalDigit alternative while introducing more USB connectivity and legacy support.

You can drive up to four 4K60 displays from the quad video outputs. This makes an excellent control center for creative workstations using the internal iMac screen plus several high-res monitors and peripherals. 11 USB ports include cutting edge USB4/Thunderbolt 4 along with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 for broad accessory compatibility.

Unique additions like the UHS-II SD card reader and 3.5mm audio provide pro grade performance for specialized peripherals. Front mounted ports give you quick access for USB sticks, cards, and headphones. This well designed and seriously versatile Thunderbolt dock earns its high price tag for power iMac users.

Kensington SD2010T4 Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Docking Station

The SD2010T4 Thunderbolt 4 dock from Kensington focuses on delivering smooth 4K performance for premium desktop expansion. It drives dual 4K60 displays up to 98 watts of power into a connected M1/M3 iMac. The solid metal chassis looks great on any workspace while providing robust protection and cooling.

You get 6 USB-A ports with USB 2.0, 3.2 gen 1, and cutting edge 3.2 gen 2 connectivity. The USB-C port supports 10Gb/s speeds for new smartphones and storage. The SD card reader makes it easy to transfer photos and videos from media. The 3.5mm audio jack allows private listening and microphone support. Note that unlike other options, this dock lacks DisplayPort outputs.

While the port selection covers daily needs, it can’t match the versatility of picks like the Plugable UDZ. Still, the SD2010T4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock delivers reliable quad display functionality for under $250. It’s a great choice if you need to drive multiple screens from your M1/M3 iMac without advanced peripheral support.

Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock

The Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock takes a minimalist approach focused on essential ports in a compact design. It outputs 60 watts of power to your M1/M3 iMac suitable for all but the largest 16-inch models. Dual 4K60 video output allows sharp multi-monitor setups while the internal screen remains active.

This dock includes 4 USB-A ports and a single future-proof USB-C gen 2 connection. Transfer speeds up to 10Gb/s cover external storage and syncing needs. While port selection is limited, the basics are covered for most users. Razer built this dock for their own systems, but it works seamlessly with the latest Mac hardware.

Gigabit Ethernet and a 3.5mm audio jack round out connectivity. Razer Chroma RGB lighting highlights the sleek exterior with signature customizable effects. The dock delivers reliable performance for under $250 in a tidy footprint half the size of competitors. It’s a smart choice for M1/M3 iMac owners that don’t require the advanced port sets of pricier alternatives.

OWC Thunderbolt Dock – 11 Ports

The 11 port Thunderbolt 3 dock from OWC might seem dated on this list, but don’t underestimate it. The newly added 140W power delivery can charge even the hungriest 16-inch MacBook Pro with room to spare. The dual Thunderbolt 3 host connections drive ultra-high speeds tostorage arrays while supporting two 4K displays or one 5K/6K/8K monitor.

Five USB-A offer legacy compatibility with older devices and storage. USB-C fills emerging needs like smartphones and modern external SSDs. The full size SD card reader transfers photos and video from media up to 104 MB/s. Audio in/out supports studio accessories like microphones and interfaces. Gigabit Ethernet ensures reliable networking with support for link aggregation on advanced networks.

This dock feels slightly outdated with its large plastic case and lack of Thunderbolt 4. But the unmatched power delivery and flexible mixed port configuration keep it relevant for owners of the latest Mac hardware. If you need to power a maxed out 16-inch M1Max/M1 Ultra machine with room for expansion, the OWC 11 Port Dock is a top choice with real future-proofing at its $300 price point.

Conclusion

Connectivity can make or break the experience of a cutting-edge machine like the latest M1/M3 iMac. While Apple moved back to a wider array of ports on the iMac 24-inch and iMac Pro models, you still need adapters, dongles, and hubs for full functionality. A dedicated Thunderbolt dock simplifies your workspace into a single plug-and-play solution.

After comparing the top options, the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock pulls ahead as the best overall choice. It nails the full spectrum of ports iMac users need while keeping pricing reasonable and hardware minimalist. Creative pros seeking maximum monitor real estate will love the Plugable UDZ and its quartet of video outputs. Buyers that dock a maxed out 16-inch MacBook Pro may want to spend a bit more for the OWC 11 Port Dock 140W beast.

The Kensington SD207T4 and Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock still deliver ample ports for general use. While I love the glowing Razer aesthetic, the Kensington feels more in place in a refined Mac environment. No matter your use case, there is a Thunderbolt dock here that will supercharge your M1 or M3 iMac. Ditch the dongle life and simplify your desk with an all-in-one Thunderbolt 4 solution.