Docking stations — Thunderbolt 4 & USB-C single-cable

Question 1: how many monitors? 1× 4K@60Hz = USB-C dock is enough, 2× 4K@60Hz = Thunderbolt 4 or DisplayLink dock. Question 2: which laptop? MacBook Air M-series drives 2 external displays via Thunderbolt 4 natively (M3/M4 even with the lid closed). MacBook Pro drives 2–4 externals. Windows laptops with Thunderbolt 4 = full bandwidth, USB-C only = max 1 native + 1 DisplayLink monitor. Question 3: how much power does your laptop need? MacBook Air 30 W, MacBook Pro 14″ 96 W, MacBook Pro 16″ 140 W. The dock must deliver at least that wattage.

Thunderbolt 4 = 40 Gbps, guaranteed 2× 4K@60Hz, 100 W PD, compatible with USB4 and USB-C. Tunnels PCIe, DisplayPort and USB 3.2 simultaneously. USB4 = also 40 Gbps but optional features, Thunderbolt 3 = 40 Gbps like TB4 but only 1 external monitor guaranteed. USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2) = 10 Gbps — cheaper docks with only one DP Alt Mode stream. Look for the Thunderbolt logo (bolt with number 4) — labels without it usually only deliver USB-C bandwidth.

MacBook M-series: all models with Thunderbolt 4 ports (M1 Pro/Max/Ultra/M2/M3/M4). Windows: laptops with Thunderbolt 4 certification (Intel Evo, Dell XPS, ThinkPad X1, Surface Pro 9+). iPad Pro M-series: works with Thunderbolt 4 docks — external displays work, driver and USB limits are stricter though. ChromeOS: USB-C hub functions mostly yes, Thunderbolt 4 specifics not guaranteed.

Premium docks like Caldigit TS4 and OWC Thunderbolt Pro come in aluminium housings with passive cooling — no fan, silent operation. Idle power 2–5 W, full load (laptop charging + 2 monitors active) 90–150 W at the wall. External power brick bundles supply — aluminium fully recyclable, take-back via the RPD recycling programme.

Shipped from our Basel warehouse — A-Post 1–2 working days, express next business day or free pickup in Basel, Aarau or Olten. 2 years Swiss warranty on all products, 14-day returns. Invoice payment available (credit check by Powerpay), best-price guarantee CH. Aluminium housings are fully recyclable — return old adapters, hubs and storage media via our RPD recycling programme. Visit one of our stores for personal advice — bring your laptop or iPad and we will find the right accessory together.