Latest Options for Dongle\Hub\Dock for 2021 MBP 14" Help Please

[chriscrowlee]

Hoping someone is in my same shoes and Can help. I have the 2021 MBP 14" with the M1 Pro.

Here's what I want to have

- 2x HDMI (4k 60hz+) (but could do 1 DP and 1 HDMI as long as they are 4k 60hz
- 2+ USB A (3 preffered)
- 1GB Ethernet or faster

Microsd or SD would be nice, but not a total requirement.

I have seen these sorts that meet these above specs for $40-100 on Amazon, as I don't need thepowerful thunderbolt docks as you can see by the above specs.

If anyone has a recommendation, let me know, I'm sure with all the people on here with the new M1 Pro Macbook Pro 2021 Model there's someone that has the same list as me and has found something.

Thanks as always!

 

[coolajami]

For a non-TB hub, I would suggest Anker 553 USB-C hub (8-1). I got multiple hubs from Anker, and never let me down.
It has everything you're asking for. Just make sure that you're happy with the screen arrangement, with a Mac you can only mirror the external monitors (either between them or mirroring the laptop's display) you cannot use them as extended desktop displays.

Anker 553 USB-C Hub (8-in-1)

The Anker Advantage: Join the 50 million+ powered by our leading technology. Massive Expansion: Equipped with a USB-C port, 2 USB-A data ports, 2 HDMI port

uk.anker.com

If you don't settle for a plain USB-C dock, you should be able to use most of the TB3/4 docks/hubs available, and use adaptors for HDMI to USB-C avoiding the annoying issue with the screen mirroring.

For something more advanced (and expensive) check the Caldigit USB-C Pro Dock. The dual USB-C/TB3 dock offers two DP ports (No HDMI sorry) but it has everything else you ask for. With the TB3 port, you also avoid the problem of the screen mirroring as you can now use all the external monitors in an extended desktop display configuration.

USB-C Pro Dock | Thunderbolt 3 – CalDigit

www.caldigit.com

Anker has an excellent dock TB4, that covers everything you need, just check yourself (on the expensive side).

Anker 777 Thunderbolt Docking Station (Apex, 12-in-1, Thunderbolt 4)

Compatibility Information: Works with Windows 10 laptops equipped with a Thunderbolt 4 port (Intel Evo Platform), and non-M1 MacBooks running macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later. Not compatible with Linux or Chrome OS laptops, Thunderbolt 3 Windows laptops, M1 MacBooks, or MacBooks running macOS 10.16...

uk.anker.com

Finally, you could get a TB4 hub with only USB-C and USB-A ports, and use adaptors from HDMI to USB-C like the
Caldigit Element Hub. Still more expensive than the simple USB-C dock, but far cheaper than the TB3 and TB4 docks.

Thunderbolt 4 | USB4 | Element Hub | CalDigit – CalDigit

www.caldigit.com

My 5c is that, if this is your first/only dock/hub you're buying, and you don't need portability, get a TB3 or TB4 hub for future-proofing, even if it costs a bit more.