Feeling cramped on your Mac and in need of more ports? A Thunderbolt dock might be a smart addition to your setup. Ugreen has just released a new model that’s currently on sale at its lowest price and can meet a wide array of needs.
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Ugreen Revodok Max at $279!
Choosing the right Thunderbolt dock isn’t straightforward and requires a good understanding of your needs to find the model that best suits your expectations. The Ugreen Revodok Max 213 is a compelling new option with its 13 ports, challenging our favorite of 2023, the CalDigit TS4 which offers 18 ports, especially with today’s significant discount.
The newcomer boasts a compact design and includes a UHS-II SD and microSD card reader, a mini jack audio port, two USB-A 3.2 ports at 10 Gbps, and a USB-C 3.2 port delivering 20W on the front. On the back of the device, you’ll find three Thunderbolt 4 ports, one of which delivers 90W to the host machine (sufficient for most scenarios), two USB-A ports at 5 Gbps, a DisplayPort 1.4 supporting a monitor up to 4K at 60 Hz or 8K at 30 Hz, along with a handy 2.5 GbE Ethernet port.
Why Opt for a Thunderbolt Dock?
Thunderbolt docks consolidate all essential ports in one unit, providing power through a single cable to operate your MacBook Pro/MacBook Air, allowing you to leave the charger in your bag when you’re on the go. Many users, including professionals, rely solely on a laptop. Docks enable them to establish a fixed workstation, with monitors and peripherals always connected, needing only the Thunderbolt cable to connect. Naturally, desktops with a Thunderbolt port can also benefit from the additional ports these solutions offer.
The high price of Thunderbolt docks can be off-putting, and some may prefer a USB-C hub packed with ports at a much lower cost. That indeed is a viable option depending on your needs. However, Thunderbolt docks offer several advantages, such as higher shared throughput across ports (40 Gb/s for Thunderbolt, versus 10 or 5 Gb/s for USB-C hubs), and a dedicated power supply that keeps the dock in place. The decision should therefore be based on your budget and requirements.