USB-C Dock with Multi-Monitor Output for 15" MacBook Pro?

[iStorm]

I'm considering switching to a 15" MacBook Pro at my workplace, and was wondering if there are any docking solutions out there that would satisfy the following requirements:

• Single cable - provides power and data
• Supports two external monitors (while using the MacBook Pro screen as a third)
• Regular USB ports (for external keyboard/mouse)

Dell's WD15 dock has everything I'm looking for and more, but I couldn't find anything similar for Macs. (Or would the WD15 work for MacBooks too - has anyone tried?) If there isn't anything, what is the next best option (using as few cables/ports as possible)?

I will have to see what IT recommends as well, since they are offering the MacBook Pro as an option to upgrade to.

 

[ZapNZs]

Do you know which monitors you expect to use?

IIRC, a USB-C hub such as the Dell would not work for this as macOS does not support multi-stream transport, so you would need a Thunderbolt dock, such as those offered by Belkin, Kensington, or CalDigit, if you wanted a one-cable solution. Alternatively, you could purchase a USB-C dock which would connect to one of the two external displays (also providing you the USB-A ports and charging), and the other of your monitors would be plugged into the MacBook Pro (so a two-cable solution.)

 

[mp11]

I'm considering switching to a 15" MacBook Pro at my workplace, and was wondering if there are any docking solutions out there that would satisfy the following requirements:

• Single cable - provides power and data
• Supports two external monitors (while using the MacBook Pro screen as a third)
• Regular USB ports (for external keyboard/mouse)

...

It isn't cheap, but Elgato's Thunderbolt 3 dock, which I'm using with my 2016 15" Macbook Pro, checks all of those boxes. I can also vouch that it works reliably in Windows with a multi-monitor setup.

 

[iStorm]

Thanks for the suggestions! I think it finally clicked in my head. I was initially thinking I needed something that had multiple video ports on the dock (like the WD15's HDMI, mDP, and VGA ports), which is why I couldn't find something similar for the Mac. Going the Thunderbolt route, I could use the dock's built-in port, and then a USB-C video adapter on the dock for the second connection, right? Not sure why that didn't cross my mind earlier...I knew I could use a USB-C adapter on the MacBook itself.

If it makes any difference, the monitors would most likely be regular Dell or HP 1080p monitors with VGA or DVI inputs. We may have some DisplayPort ones too. It would be nice if we could just daisy chain DisplayPort monitors, but I understand macOS doesn't support that.

@mp11, are you saying that it works in Windows too? Or is Windows the primary/only way you're using the dock with the Mac?

 

[mp11]

Going the Thunderbolt route, I could use the dock's built-in port, and then a USB-C video adapter on the dock for the second connection, right?

Certainly. For instance, on my Elgato dock, I have two DVI monitors connected via a DisplayPort adapter and a USB-C adapter respectively.

@mp11, are you saying that it works in Windows too? Or is Windows the primary/only way you're using the dock with the Mac?

That is to say, Elgato's TB3 dock works as expected under either Windows 10 or OS X. In either case, it provides plug and play support for multiple monitors. And just for the record, EFI plays just fine with it, too; the disk select menu will display on one of your dock-connected displays if you hold down Option on an external keyboard while booting your MBP in clamshell mode.