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The new M1 Pro/Max MacBook Pro models boast a wider range of built-in ports, so lighter users might not need a docking station at all.
With three TB4 and an HDMI port, a MacBook with an M1 Max could connect to up to four external displays without the need for a dock, although such a power user would likely require extra Thunderbolt ports for other devices to make up for using all the laptop ports for multiple monitors.
These MacBooks also have an SD card reader. Although this is rated as UHS-II (312MBps), Apple has pegged it back at 250MBps, so for the fastest speeds (and a microSD slot if you need one), a dock will likely be a better choice for memory-card use if it is rated at UHS-II rather than UHS-I (104MBps).
MacBooks also lack wired Internet access via a Gigabit Ethernet port, so if you want to escape flaky Wi-Fi, buy a dock with at least Gigabit Ethernet, although you could add a Thunderbolt-to-Ethernet adapter if you have a spare TB port. Some later docks include faster 2.5Gb Ethernet but you’ll need a 2.5GbE router or other device to get the benefit. As Gigabit Ethernet’s speed is 1Gbps, a cheaper 5Gbps USB-C to Ethernet adapter will work just as well.
If you just need a few extra ports, a USB-C hub or Thunderbolt 4 hub might be your best choice. If you require a bunch of fast ports including Gigabit Ethernet, then look for a docking station that fulfils your needs.
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USB and USB Type-C series of docking stations support DisplayPort over USB and Thunderbolt 3. This allows computers to be docked with external Keyboards, Mice, Displays, and other functions. Any computer with the required hardware works with a USB or USB Type-C dock.
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A USB-C hub, docking station or adapter is the solution to the problem of how to connect multiple essential or “nice-to-have" devices to your laptop through one cable when you don't have enough or the right types of ports.
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A Thunderbolt 3 cable is capable of transferring up to 40 gigabytes of data per second, which is twice the maximum data transfer speed of USB-C. However, in order to hit these data transfer speeds, you must use a Thunderbolt cable with a Thunderbolt port, and not a USB-C port.
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The Thunderbolt 3 cable doubles the max data transfer speed of USB-C, running as fast as 40Gbps. While it has a default charging speed of 15 watts (six times faster than USB-C's default speed), if you connect your device with USB PD, you achieve about the same 100 watts of power as USB-C.
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If you need to power another device, make sure your dock clearly includes the ability to charge or power other devices, ideally using the Power Delivery standard that supports up to 240W over USB-C, though typical devices commonly max out at 100W. Devices can negotiate with the port for just the power they need.
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Docking stations are larger and more suitable for professionals. Unlike USB-C hubs, docking stations can support connection to up to 3 external monitors, and can even support a maximum 8K resolution to a single screen. They also generally feature more ports than USB-C hubs.
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Cross-Compatibility Between Thunderbolt and USB
Various USB standards, including USB 3.2 and USB4, also use the USB-C connector type, and these cables and ports are cross-compatible with Thunderbolt 4.
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As is the case with most electronic devices, it is expected to observe that the aluminum shell of the USB-C hub gets warmer, particularly if the USB-C passthrough charging and/or all ports on the hub are utilized.
