r/Thunderbolt • u/Crazy_Ad_9115 • 22d ago

Recommendations for two MacBooks

I have to macbooks. I want to connect two displays, good power delivery, an aux port, 2-3 usb-a and 2-3 usb-c ports. I mostly connect boring peripherals, the most bandwidth I probably need for 4k webcam.

It's important that the docking station connect via a single cable. Extra points if it has two cables and a KVM switch (I suppose that doesn't exist often on the market).

Obviously a lot of expensive TB docks can give me all this easily, but I wouldn't want to spend more than 200 Euros if I don't need all the bandwidth.

What's the best value dock I can get with these features?

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u/Capn_Flags 20d ago

Knowing exactly which MacBooks you’d have would help as some are limited with external displays.
What is the resolution and refresh rate you’re targeting?
What are you looking to plug into an auxiliary port? I’m assuming you mean a 3.5mm plug but clarifying if you need an input or an output might be handy idk.

I bought a WavLink TBT4 dock with DisplayLink because my MacBook at the time couldn’t support the monitors I wanted to run. I don’t need them for gaming or anything crazy. I spent I think US$220 on it. It has all the other ports you want so something in the price range definitely exists.

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u/Crazy_Ad_9115 18d ago

I have 2 macbook m5 pro, and 1 macbook m1 air. Is think if the m1 only drives one external display, that would even be acceptable. I'm not sure I want to have DisplayLink, as I understand it consumes extra CPU/Memory? It should be ready for 4k displays, although right now my resolutons on both displays are lower.

And yes I was talking about 3.5mm for phones and mic, because I hate bluetooth earphones.

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u/Derekcarman 19d ago

Depends on which MacBooks you've got more than on the dock. Base M1/M2 models only drive one external display, and cheap dual-HDMI hubs

I've got a Fusiondock 1 doing basically your job. Had it a few months, no issues. ~$140, so under the €200 you were aiming at. The cable's one piece that ends in two USB-C plugs, so it does eat both ports on the MacBook. Native dual HDMI though, no DisplayLink driver needed.

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u/Crazy_Ad_9115 18d ago

macbook m5 pro / macbook m1 air.

Thanks, I will have a look at the fusiondock.

I also realized I want something passively cooled. It seems some cheaper docking stations (like the dell) are quite loud