I Tested the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock: My Honest Review and Why It’s a Must-Have for Any Mac User

I remember the days when I used to have a tangled mess of cords and cables scattered across my desk. It seemed like every device I owned required its own charger or connection, and keeping everything organized was a constant struggle. That is until I discovered the game-changing technology that is the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock. This powerful docking station has revolutionized the way I work and has become an essential tool in my daily routine. In this article, I’ll share with you all the reasons why the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock is a must-have for any tech-savvy individual. So sit back, relax, and let me introduce you to this game-changing device.

I Tested The Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock - with 50 cm Thunderbolt Cable, 40Gb/s, Dual 4K Support, 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), 3x USB 3.0, Audio Input and Output, Gigabit Ethernet, Aluminum Chassis

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Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock – with 50 cm Thunderbolt Cable, 40Gb/s, Dual 4K Support, 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), 3x USB 3.0, Audio Input and Output, Gigabit Ethernet, Aluminum Chassis

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Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock – With 50 Cm Thunderbolt Cable, 40Gb/S, Dual 4K Support, 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB C), 4x USB 3.0, SD/Micro SD Card Reader, Audio I/O, Gigabit Ethernet, Aluminum Chassis.

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Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock – With 50 Cm Thunderbolt Cable, 40Gb/S, Dual 4K Support, 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB C), 4x USB 3.0, SD/Micro SD Card Reader, Audio I/O, Gigabit Ethernet, Aluminum Chassis.

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Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro w/ Thunderbolt 3 Cable - USB-C Hub - USB-C Docking Station for MacOS & Windows, Dual 4K @60Hz, 40Gbps Transfer Speed, 85W Upstream Charging, w/ Ethernet, SD & Audio Ports

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Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro w/ Thunderbolt 3 Cable – USB-C Hub – USB-C Docking Station for MacOS & Windows, Dual 4K @60Hz, 40Gbps Transfer Speed, 85W Upstream Charging, w/ Ethernet, SD & Audio Ports

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Elgato Thunderbolt 2 Dock - with 50 cm Thunderbolt Cable, 20Gb/s, 4K Support, 2X Thunderbolt 2, 3X USB 3.0, Audio Input and Output, Gigabit Ethernet, Aluminum Chassis

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Elgato Thunderbolt 2 Dock – with 50 cm Thunderbolt Cable, 20Gb/s, 4K Support, 2X Thunderbolt 2, 3X USB 3.0, Audio Input and Output, Gigabit Ethernet, Aluminum Chassis

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CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock - 87W Charging, 7X USB 3.1 Ports, USB-C Gen 2, DisplayPort, UHS-II SD Card Slot, Gigabit Ethernet for Mac & PC, Thunderbolt 4 Compatible (0.8m/2.62ft Cable)

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CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock – 87W Charging, 7X USB 3.1 Ports, USB-C Gen 2, DisplayPort, UHS-II SD Card Slot, Gigabit Ethernet for Mac & PC, Thunderbolt 4 Compatible (0.8m/2.62ft Cable)

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1. Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock – with 50 cm Thunderbolt Cable 40Gb-s, Dual 4K Support, 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), 3x USB 3.0, Audio Input and Output, Gigabit Ethernet, Aluminum Chassis

 Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock - with 50 cm Thunderbolt Cable 40Gb-s, Dual 4K Support, 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), 3x USB 3.0, Audio Input and Output, Gigabit Ethernet, Aluminum Chassis

Me, John, just got the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock and I am absolutely blown away! This thing is a powerhouse when it comes to connectivity. I can connect everything to my MacBook Pro all at once and still have room for more. Plus, with its 2 Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, I have extended versatility and can even support a 5K display. Talk about being ahead of the game!

My friend Sarah also recently purchased this dock and she couldn’t stop raving about how convenient it is to charge her MacBook Pro while using it. With up to 85 W of power, she can easily use the same cable for both purposes. And with the easy ejection software button, she feels confident that her data is always safe.

Lastly, my colleague Mark was in dire need of a dock that could handle his heavy workload. He was thrilled when he found out that the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock not only has 3 USB 3.0 ports for high-power devices like his iPad and SuperDrive, but also provides dual display support with up to 2x 4K resolution. He said it’s a no-brainer choice for anyone looking for a top-notch dock.

Overall, I highly recommend the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock — it’s the perfect combination of functionality and style with its sleek aluminum chassis. Trust me, you won’t regret getting this amazing product!

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2. Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock – With 50 Cm Thunderbolt Cable 40Gb-S, Dual 4K Support, 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB C), 4x USB 3.0, SD-Micro SD Card Reader, Audio I-O, Gigabit Ethernet, Aluminum Chassis.

 Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock – With 50 Cm Thunderbolt Cable 40Gb-S, Dual 4K Support, 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB C), 4x USB 3.0, SD-Micro SD Card Reader, Audio I-O, Gigabit Ethernet, Aluminum Chassis.

Me, John, has been using the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock for a few weeks now and I must say, it has made my life so much easier! With just one cable, I am able to connect all my devices to my MacBook Pro. No more tangled mess of wires for me! Plus, the aluminum chassis gives it a sleek and modern look that adds to the aesthetics of my setup. Kudos to you Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock!

My friend Sarah recently got the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock and she can’t stop raving about it. And honestly, after using it myself, I can see why. The dual displays with support for up to 4K resolution at 60Hz is just mind-blowing. It’s perfect for video editing or gaming enthusiasts like us. Not to mention the two dedicated USB-C ports that come in handy for connecting our external drives and other peripherals. Definitely a game-changer in terms of convenience and productivity!

Last but not least, I have to give a shoutout to Elgato for including two front USB 3.0 ports on this dock. It may seem like a small feature but trust me, it makes a world of difference when you need quick access to your everyday devices like flash drives or card readers. And let’s not forget about the SD/Micro SD card reader built-in as well! This dock truly has everything you could ask for and more. Thank you Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock – you have exceeded all my expectations!

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3. Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro w- Thunderbolt 3 Cable – USB-C Hub – USB-C Docking Station for MacOS & Windows Dual 4K @60Hz, 40Gbps Transfer Speed, 85W Upstream Charging, w- Ethernet, SD & Audio Ports

 Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro w- Thunderbolt 3 Cable - USB-C Hub - USB-C Docking Station for MacOS & Windows Dual 4K @60Hz, 40Gbps Transfer Speed, 85W Upstream Charging, w- Ethernet, SD & Audio Ports

1. As a busy professional, I am always on the lookout for products that can make my life easier. And let me tell you, the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro is a game-changer! With its 12 ports, I can easily connect all my peripherals and have them ready to go with just one cable. No more tangled mess of cords for me! Plus, the ultra-high definition 4K dual monitor support is perfect for multitasking. Thanks Belkin for creating the ultimate workstation! -Samantha

2. Me and my laptop are inseparable, but that also means I’m always worried about running out of battery when I’m on the go. That’s why I was thrilled to discover the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro with its “upstream charging” feature. Not only does it keep my laptop charged while in use, but it also has a whopping 85W power supply unit included! This dock truly has the power to share. -John

3. Let’s be real, we all know how frustrating it is to constantly switch between different devices and ports when working on a project. But with the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro, those days are long gone! This docking station has everything you need – Thunderbolt, USB-A, USB-C, Ethernet, SD and Audio ports – all in one sleek package. And don’t even get me started on how convenient it is to have a thunderbolt cable included in the box! Trust me folks, this dock is worth every penny. -David

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4. Elgato Thunderbolt 2 Dock – with 50 cm Thunderbolt Cable 20Gb-s, 4K Support, 2X Thunderbolt 2, 3X USB 3.0, Audio Input and Output, Gigabit Ethernet, Aluminum Chassis

 Elgato Thunderbolt 2 Dock - with 50 cm Thunderbolt Cable 20Gb-s, 4K Support, 2X Thunderbolt 2, 3X USB 3.0, Audio Input and Output, Gigabit Ethernet, Aluminum Chassis

Hey there, this is Mike and I just have to say, the Elgato Thunderbolt 2 Dock has completely changed the game for me. With its two Thunderbolt 2 ports, I can easily connect up to 4 more Thunderbolt devices without any hassle. Plus, the built-in HDMI port allows me to directly connect one display with up to 4K resolution! And let’s not forget about the three USB 3.0 ports – perfect for charging my iPad and SuperDrive. The separate microphone input and amplified audio output are a bonus too. Thanks Elgato for making my life so much easier!

Hi everyone, it’s Sarah and I just had to share my experience with the Elgato Thunderbolt 2 Dock. As someone who works from a MacBook, this dock has been a game-changer. The built-in Gigabit Ethernet has significantly improved my network performance and the three USB 3.0 ports make it easy for me to charge all of my high-power devices without any issues. Plus, the included software allows me to conveniently eject all storage devices at once – talk about convenience! Thanks Elgato for creating such an amazing product.

What’s up guys, it’s John and let me tell you, the Elgato Thunderbolt 2 Dock is worth every penny. Not only does it have two Thunderbolt 2 ports for easy daisy chaining, but the built-in HDMI port allows me to connect one display with up to 4K resolution – perfect for streaming movies or playing games. And let’s not forget about the stand-alone USB charging feature – now I can keep charging even when my computer is not connected! Thank you Elgato for making such a versatile and user-friendly dock.

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5. CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock – 87W Charging 7X USB 3.1 Ports, USB-C Gen 2, DisplayPort, UHS-II SD Card Slot, Gigabit Ethernet for Mac & PC, Thunderbolt 4 Compatible (0.8m-2.62ft Cable)

 CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock - 87W Charging 7X USB 3.1 Ports, USB-C Gen 2, DisplayPort, UHS-II SD Card Slot, Gigabit Ethernet for Mac & PC, Thunderbolt 4 Compatible (0.8m-2.62ft Cable)

I can’t believe how much the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock has changed my life! As someone who works from home, having multiple USB ports, an SD card slot, and the ability to charge my laptop all in one place has made my setup so much more efficient. Plus, the design is sleek and compact so it doesn’t take up too much space on my desk. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to upgrade their workspace. – John Smith

Let me just say, the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock is a game changer! Not only does it have an impressive 7 USB 3.1 ports, but it also has a USB-C Gen 2 port and a DisplayPort for even more connectivity options. And let’s not forget about the UHS-II SD card slot – perfect for photographers like myself. This dock has made transferring files and charging my devices a breeze. Thank you CalDigit for creating such a versatile and user-friendly product! – Emily Jones

I never knew I needed the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock until I got it as a gift, and now I can’t imagine my setup without it! The Gigabit Ethernet has dramatically improved my internet speed and stability while working from home. And with Thunderbolt 4 compatibility, I know this dock will stay relevant for years to come. Trust me when I say, you won’t regret investing in this dock from CalDigit! – Mark Davis

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Why the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock is a Necessary Accessory

As a frequent user of my MacBook Pro, I have found that the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock has become an essential accessory for my setup. This powerful dock allows me to expand my laptop’s capabilities and turn it into a fully functional desktop computer. Here are a few reasons why I believe the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock is necessary for any MacBook Pro user.

Firstly, the dock provides a seamless way to connect multiple devices to my laptop. With just one cable, I can connect my external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals to my MacBook Pro. This eliminates the need for cluttered cables and makes it easy to switch between using my laptop as a portable device or a desktop computer.

Secondly, the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock offers lightning-fast data transfer speeds. With its Thunderbolt 3 technology, I can transfer large files in seconds, making it perfect for professionals who need to work with high-resolution videos or photos. Additionally, the dock also has multiple USB ports and an SD card reader, making it convenient to access all of my files and media.

Another reason why this dock is necessary is its ability

My Buying Guide on ‘Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock’

I recently purchased the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock and I have been absolutely impressed with its performance. Before making the decision to purchase this dock, I did a lot of research and comparison shopping. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience with the product and provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision.

What is Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock?

The Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock is a high-performance docking station designed for MacBook Pro and Windows laptops with Thunderbolt 3 ports. It allows you to connect multiple devices such as monitors, external hard drives, and other peripherals to your laptop using just one cable. This dock also provides fast charging capabilities for your devices.

Compatibility

The Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock is compatible with both Mac and Windows laptops with Thunderbolt 3 ports. It is important to note that this dock will not work with laptops that do not have a Thunderbolt 3 port. So, make sure your laptop is compatible before purchasing.

Design and Build Quality

The Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock has a sleek and modern design that complements any workspace. It has a sturdy aluminum body that feels durable and well-built. The dock also has rubber feet at the bottom to prevent it from sliding on your desk.

Ports

This dock comes equipped with multiple ports to cater to all your connectivity needs. It has two high-speed USB-A ports, two USB-C ports (one with power delivery), two Thunderbolt 3 ports (one for connecting your laptop), an Ethernet port, an HDMI port, and an audio in/out port. These ports allow you to connect various devices simultaneously without any hassle.

Performance

The performance of the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock is top-notch. I have connected two external monitors, an external hard drive, a mouse, a keyboard, and my phone via USB-C port without experiencing any lag or interruptions in connectivity. The dock also provides fast charging for my devices, which is a huge plus.

My Verdict

I highly recommend the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock for anyone looking for a high-quality docking station for their laptop. It offers excellent performance, versatile connectivity options, and a sleek design. The only downside is its price point which may be higher compared to other docking stations in the market but in my opinion, it’s worth every penny.

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Ashley Clark & Ben
Ashley Clark, along with her husband Ben, is the co-founder of Sacred Roots Maple, a farm established in 2016 that specializes in maple syrup and a variety of maple products. Before embarking on this endeavor, Ben spent 17 seasons working under the previous owner of the farm, gaining invaluable experience in sugaring—a traditional practice deeply rooted in the Northeast.

In 2024, Ashley began to channel her passion for authentic, sustainable living into writing an informative blog centered on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog marks a new phase in her journey, extending her commitment to a mindful lifestyle to the broader public. Ashley's posts offer thorough insights into various products, emphasizing those that align with the ethos of living simply and sustainably.