How to choose the best MacBook dock

Why your MacBook needs a docking station

MacBooks are great. They’re powerful, they’re beautifully designed, they run macOS (the greatest desktop operating system ever made), and their slim, lightweight bodies fit easily into a rucksack for ease of travel between home, work, and wherever else you want to have access to your machine. But that doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade your MacBook to the next level.

The best way to super-charge a MacBook is to equip it with a docking station. These versatile peripherals offer numerous advantages:

• More ports. Docks add extra ports, which even on a MacBook Pro can sometimes be annoyingly few in number. And it isn’t just about quantity; it’s also about getting access to types of port your MacBook doesn’t offer out of the box. Whether that means DisplayPort, HDMI, a specific card reader, or simply the old USB-A standard modern Macs have stopped offering, a dock makes life easier.

• Ethernet. One specific port that MacBooks don’t offer is ethernet. Pick a dock with ethernet and you’ve got a powerful option for when Wi-Fi is running slow and you need to give your internet connection a boost.

• Easier charging. Those extra ports in turn make things easier when you want to charge your MacBook. A docking station should feature its own power supply; if your Mac charges via USB-C, plugging in the dock frees up that precious port.

• Less plugging and unplugging. Another benefit of those extra ports is that you don’t have to constantly plug and unplug the accessories and peripherals you commonly use. There’s simply less hassle with a dock.

…but not just any docking station

We’re agreed, then, that a docking station is an excellent and empowering companion for a MacBook. But how do you choose which dock is right for your needs? That’s simple.

Look for a dock with a large and varied array of ports. An attractive and easily portable design. Compatibility with lots of MacBook models (including the one you own, of course). Fast-charging capabilities. High-speed data transmission. A price that represents good value for money. And a guarantee from a reputable company.

If you can find a dock that combines all seven of those characteristics, you’re in luck.

Introducing the brilliant FusionDock range

Then again, you don’t have to rely on luck, because we’ve found two such docks for you. They both come under the FusionDock brand, a range of professional MacBook docks renowned for their compatibility and durability. And they match our requirements exactly.

The first option, which is perfect for MacBook M1/2/3 owners who use multiple external displays, is called the FusionDock Pro 1+ and is available right now.

The FusionDock Pro 1+ has a stunning set of tech specs. Compatible with the recent M1, M2 and M3 MacBook models, it also works seamlessly with older Intel machines going back as far as 2016. It features an astonishing total of 14 ports, including three HDMI, six USB, SD and TF card slots, a 3.5mm mic and headphone port, and gigabit ethernet. It can charge your MacBook at 100W (and your iPhone at 20W at the same time). And the data transfer rates are smoking hot: 10Gbps on both USB-C and USB-A, 2.5Gbps via ethernet, and 312MBps via the SD/TF card slot.

As for the design… well, just look at it. With a smart and robust dark brushed-metal finish, the FusionDock Pro 1+ will fit in with the aesthetic of a minimalist Apple workstation. And you’ve also got the peace of mind that comes with a 24-month guarantee and responsive customer service from the maker, the reputable firm iVANKY.

Alternatively, professionals seeking the very best docking solution for a high-performance MacBook may instead plump for the FusionDock Max 1. This too is available now from iVANKY’s website.

The Max 1 dock is the first and only dock to offer dual Thunderbolt 4 chips, which means it can power up to four external displays: ideal for professionals seeking top performance. For more details of this ultra-pro dock, including its breath-taking tech specs, check out Macworld’s in-depth review.

You can get a bargain price, too!

The FusionDock Pro 1+ and FusionDock Max 1 are both excellent value for such high-end accessories. But iVANKY is offering even lower prices for Macworld readers, as part of its Prime Day sales event. Simply enter the code MacWorldDeal for an extra 10% discount! This discount is available whether you buy from iVANKY’s website or from Amazon.

Simply enter the code MacWorldDeal to get your discount.