They also tend to be more portable because they're lighter and smaller (and don't need their own wall plug). They always have a lot of ports but don't always have their own power source.

Hubs are very similar to docking stations. When it comes to MacBook Pro docking stations, I personally use Elgato's Thunderbolt 3 docking station because of its 85-watt charging support and its dual 4K display option.

For the most part, they're meant to be stationary to give your desktop workflow more versatility and convenience. They usually have their own power supply and can charge your laptop and mobile devices while also providing fast data transfer and 4K or 5K display support. MacBook Pro docking stations are designed for multi-display use with charging support-and that's why they typically use Thunderbolt 3 instead of just USB-C. $136 at Amazon Docking station, hub, or adapter: Which one is right for you? With two HDMI ports That can support 4K monitors running at 60hz, a USB 3.0 Type-A port, a USB 2.0 port, and a Gigabit Ethernet jack, you'll be able to get a lot more use out of one of your MacBook Pro's USB-C ports. It may not have all the ports some bigger docks do, but it has the essentials. If you don't have a ton of space at your desk but still want something to give your MacBook Pro more options, the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Mini is an excellent choice.