Thunderbolt dock for MBP M1 - which one?

[ryys]

Hey guys! Hoping to get some ideas or suggestions regarding buying a thunderbolt dock for my MBP m1.

Here's a list of my needs:
- TB port to plug my m1 - all have similar PD so it doesn't matter, even if I'd like to change M1 to M1X in the future
- at least one additional TB port to plug some drives from time to time (NAS etc.)
- minijack for my speakers (preferably in the back)/headphones (preferably in the front) - sadly seems like none of them have 2 ports
- port for my Dell U2720Q so either USB-C/TB or DP
- USB-C for my T7 - preferably USB 3.2 gen.2
- at least 2/3 USB-A for my old external HDD drives
- all of them have an SD card reader, but a microSD slot would be a huge bonus - I use both of the card types and of course, I can get an adapter but the point is to have everything built-in and as straight forward as possible, with no need for extra dongles or adapters

So far it seems I have 3 options (prices are from my local shops) but maybe you have more:

1) Caldigit TS3+ 250 EUR
+ it seems to be the most popular one and I haven't really heard about any issues, which is the most important thing
- won't fit underneath my monitor

2) OWC Thunderbolt 3 dock 330 EUR - https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/docks/owc-thunderbolt-3-dock
+ MicroSD slot
- too many USB-A ports but just one USB-C and one TB3
- the oldest one

3) OWC Thunderbolt dock 234 EUR - https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/owc-thunderbolt-dock
+ plenty of TB4 ports so in theory faster USB-C speed for external drives (than 3.1 gen 1 or gen 2) - not sure if it works like that but seems the most futureproof
+ slightly higher PD - 90W
- I'd have to have the TB to my M1 plugged in the front all the time
- the only USB-A in the front is USB 2.0 ...
- it's still in pre-order and so it lacks a lot of reviews and tests

 

[fiatlux]

It won’t match all your requirements but I quite like my Seagate Firecuda Gaming Dock. It lacks a SD reader and USB-C ports (outside of the TB3 ports) but is otherwise rather complete, and very good value as it includes a 4GB HDD and a M.2 slot for an NVME SSD! I got mine for 270€ from Amazon UK... before Brexit was effective.

 

[coolajami]

Hi
I'm using the Caldigit TS3+ and generally works as advertised except of the optical audio port that I had intermitted problems, but it may be actually the speakers causing the problem.

I got it because it is officially supported by Apple and so far works well, but I think now its fairly old (I think it came in the market around 2017?).

I'm a bit confuse which OWC models you're considering. Are they the following?
2. OWC Thunderbold 3 PRO (old model)
3. OWC Thunderbold 3
(I can see why it's confusing!)

If you're using active speaker, the new model of the OWC and the Caldigit have an optical output in the back and if your speakers do not have an optical input, an optical to digital converter it can be as cheap as 10EUR.

If you care for the audio quality, best buy an usb audio interface or an external DAC to connect the speakers because the internal DACs of the docks are not usually good.

FYI There is the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock that is another choice, supports microSD and has two minijacks, one front/one back but I think it's too expensive for what it worth.

If I made the choice today,I would choose the OWC Thunderbolt 3 as it seems very good value for the money.

 

[ryys]

I'm a bit confuse which OWC models you're considering. Are they the following?
2. OWC Thunderbold 3 PRO (old model)
3. OWC Thunderbold 3
(I can see why it's confusing!)

I've added some links, as it could've been a bit confusing indeed.

 

[coolajami]

I've added some links, as it could've been a bit confusing indeed.

Thanks, I think both OWC docks are good options. I'm inclined to suggest the OWC Thunderbolt 3, as it is tested and looks like a good all-around option.

I wouldn't worry that much that there is only an extra TB3 port; the truth is that there are very limited TB3 accessories, and usually there is the option to daisy-chain them, so only an extra TB3 port would be enough.

If you're a professional however that you're looking to optimise performance and you need these extra TB3 ports, definately go for the new OWC Thunderbolt dock

 

[p8blr]

I picked up a used Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Express Dock HD for $50 on eBay and I have no complaints. 85W charging, 2 Thunderbolt, 3 USB-A, DisplayPort, headphone and headset, plus Ethernet.

 

[ryys]

I picked up a used Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Express Dock HD for $50 on eBay and I have no complaints. 85W charging, 2 Thunderbolt, 3 USB-A, DisplayPort, headphone and headset, plus Ethernet.

Thanks for mentioning this one, I've noticed you can get them quite cheap. But having just one TB3/USB-C port (except for the one used to connect the MacBook) sounds very limiting to me.

 

[NativeTxn]

I had the CalDigit TS3+ but returned it for the Anker 13-in-1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088F7SY6S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1).

But, I've ordered the new model of the OWC Thunderbolt Dock that is supposed to ship later this month, and I plan to return the Anker. I figured that it future proofs me very well for my needs with the multiple Thunderbolt ports and the multiple USB-A ports.

We'll see if it's good or not and go from there.

 

[coolajami]

I had the CalDigit TS3+ but returned it for the Anker 13-in-1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088F7SY6S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1).

But, I've ordered the new model of the OWC Thunderbolt Dock that is supposed to ship later this month, and I plan to return the Anker. I figured that it future proofs me very well for my needs with the multiple Thunderbolt ports and the multiple USB-A ports.

We'll see if it's good or not and go from there.

Out of curiosity, the power button in the Anker Dock, what actually does? it's just for ejecting the peripherals or you can power up/down the Macbook?

 

[NativeTxn]

Out of curiosity, the power button in the Anker Dock, what actually does? it's just for ejecting the peripherals or you can power up/down the Macbook?

Just for powering the dock on and off. Doesn't allow you to power up/down the computer just using that button (at least not the Mini - so I assume it won't power a Macbook on/off either).

 

[TotalMacMove]

I had similar needs and ordered an open box OWC Thunderbolt 3 14 port dock on eBay for $195.