6 Best Alternatives to the Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock (2026)

How these docks compare

Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dual HDMI Dock

The Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dual HDMI Dock offers 100W power delivery, which exceeds the Microsoft dock's charging capabilities. It supports dual 4K displays, matching the original's video output. This model is designed for M-series Macs, requiring no driver installation. It features a compact footprint with a width of 3.35 inches and weighs 2.85 pounds. You should choose this if you need higher wattage for your laptop or are using Apple Silicon hardware. It lacks the Microsoft dock's 2.5Gb Ethernet port. The tactile port markers are also absent. This dock prioritizes universal Mac compatibility and faster charging over wired network speed.

Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock with 130W Charging

The Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock provides 130W charging, significantly more than the Microsoft dock. It supports up to four 4K monitors, doubling the Microsoft dock's dual-display limit. The Dell unit is smaller, measuring 8.07 inches in length and weighing 1.28 pounds. It includes USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort connections. You should pick this if you need to drive multiple screens or charge high-power laptops quickly. It lacks the Microsoft dock's built-in 2.5Gb Ethernet. The Dell dock also omits tactile port indicators. This option is best for users who value display count and charging speed over network connectivity and physical port markers.

Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock

The Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock supports dual 4K displays at 144Hz, offering higher refresh rates than the Microsoft dock. It delivers 100W power delivery, which is stronger than the Microsoft unit. The Lenovo dock weighs 1.21 pounds and measures 8.66 inches in length. It is designed for fleet management, allowing remote device administration. You should choose this if you need high refresh rates for gaming or professional video work. It lacks the Microsoft dock's 2.5Gb Ethernet port. The Lenovo model also does not include tactile port markers. This dock is ideal for professionals managing multiple devices who prioritize performance and management features over wired networking.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

The CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock supports up to 8K resolution, far exceeding the Microsoft dock's 4K limit. It offers extensive connectivity with many ports, suitable for complex workflows. The dock weighs 1.41 pounds and measures 4.46 inches in length. It is designed for Mac Pro users and Windows professionals needing high bandwidth. You should pick this if you require ultra-high resolution displays or a large number of peripheral connections. It lacks the Microsoft dock's 2.5Gb Ethernet. The CalDigit model also omits tactile port markers. This dock is best for users who prioritize maximum video resolution and port variety over network speed and physical port identification.

Koncept 13-Port Thunderbolt 4 Dock

The Koncept 13-Port Thunderbolt 4 Dock provides 130W charging, which is stronger than the Microsoft dock. It supports four 4K displays, doubling the Microsoft dock's output. The dock includes USB-C, USB-A, and Thunderbolt 4 connections. It weighs 0.63 ounces and measures 10 inches in length. You should choose this if you need high power delivery and multiple monitor support for Windows setups. It lacks the Microsoft dock's 2.5Gb Ethernet port. The Koncept model also does not include tactile port markers. This dock is ideal for desktop environments where power and connectivity matter more than macOS compatibility or physical port identification.

Plugable 16-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

The Plugable 16-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Dock offers 100W power delivery, exceeding the Microsoft dock's charging capabilities. It supports dual 4K displays, matching the original's video output. This model is designed for M4 and M5 Macs, requiring no driver installation. It features a silver finish and weighs 1.42 pounds. You should choose this if you need higher wattage for your laptop or are using newer Apple Silicon hardware. It lacks the Microsoft dock's 2.5Gb Ethernet port. The tactile port markers are also absent. This dock prioritizes universal Mac compatibility and faster charging over wired network speed and physical port identification.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock

Best for: Dual 4K monitors and 2.5Gb Ethernet

Host Interface

Thunderbolt 4

Max Resolution

4K

Ethernet Speed

2.5GbE

Dimensions

11 × 4.4 × 3.2 inches

Weight

14.4 ounces

View on Amazon: Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock Affiliate link

This dock uses a Thunderbolt 4 host interface to support two 4K monitors and 2.5Gb Ethernet. It includes three USB-C and three USB-A ports for peripherals. The unit weighs 14.4 ounces and measures 4.4 by 3.2 by 11 inches. It offers rapid charging for compatible laptops. You get tactile port indicators for easy identification. This setup suits users who need reliable wired connectivity and multi-monitor support.

Pros

• Thunderbolt 4 host interface for high-speed data
• Supports up to two 4K displays
• Includes 2.5Gb Ethernet port
• Three USB-C and three USB-A ports
• Tactile raised indicators on each port

Cons

• Supports only two monitors, not four
• No mention of 100W laptop charging
• No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth

Good fit if

• You need a 2.5Gb Ethernet connection
• You want tactile port markers
• You use two 4K monitors

Skip if

• You require four display outputs
• You need 100W fast charging
• You want wireless connectivity options

Verdict: Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock provides solid dual-monitor support and 2.5Gb Ethernet. It fits users who prioritize wired reliability and tactile port markers over high-wattage charging.

2 Best dual monitor

Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dual HDMI Dock

Best for: M-series Macs needing dual 4K displays

Host Interface

Thunderbolt 4, USB4

Display Support

Dual

Max Resolution

Single 6K, Dual 4K 60Hz

Power Delivery

100W

Port Count

13

Video Ports

HDMI

View on Amazon: Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dual HDMI Dock Affiliate link

This Plugable dock connects M4, M5, and M3 MacBooks to dual 4K displays at 60Hz. It uses a Thunderbolt 4 interface for 40Gbps data speeds and provides 100W power delivery. The unit includes 13 ports, featuring SD and Ethernet connections. Its aluminum build suits creative professionals who need reliable, driverless dual-monitor setups for video editing or design work.

Pros

• Supports dual 4K 60Hz HDMI displays on compatible Macs
• 100W power delivery keeps your laptop charged
• 13 ports include SD, microSD, and Ethernet
• Driverless plug-and-play operation for Mac systems
• 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 data transfer speed

Cons

• Base M1 and M2 MacBooks support only a single external display
• Base M3 MacBooks require clamshell mode for dual displays
• Heavier build at 2.85 pounds compared to lighter alternatives

Good fit if

• You use an M4, M5, or M3 Pro/Max MacBook
• You need dual 4K monitors for video editing
• You want integrated SD and Ethernet ports

Skip if

• You use a base M1 or M2 MacBook
• You need more than two external displays
• You prefer a Windows-only optimized dock

Verdict: Plugable TBT-UDM Mac Thunderbolt 4 Dock delivers a robust 13-port solution for M-series Macs, making it ideal for creators who require dual 4K displays and fast data transfer without driver installation.

3 Best budget

Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock with 130W Charging

Best for: four 4K monitors and 130W charging

Host Interface

Thunderbolt 4

Display Support

Up to 4

Max Resolution

4K

Power Delivery

Up to 130W

Video Ports

HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4, USB-C, Thunderbolt 4

Ethernet Speed

2.5GbE

View on Amazon: Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock with 130W Charging Affiliate link

The Dell SD25TB4 is a compact Thunderbolt 4 dock designed for high-performance multi-display setups. It supports up to four 4K monitors via HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB-C. You get up to 130W of USB-C charging for compatible devices. The unit includes a 2.5GbE port and remote Wi-Fi management. It is built from recycled plastic and fits well for users needing robust connectivity and power delivery in a small footprint.

Pros

• Up to 130W USB-C power delivery
• Supports up to four 4K displays
• Dual Thunderbolt 4 data ports
• 2.5GbE Ethernet connection
• Remote Wi-Fi management capability

Cons

• 1.28 pounds is heavier than some competitors
• 130W charging may limit non-Dell laptops to 96W
• No mention of included power adapter or cable

Good fit if

• You need to drive four 4K monitors simultaneously
• You require 130W of fast laptop charging
• You want remote management via Wi-Fi

Skip if

• You only need a single display setup
• You require a lighter, more portable dock
• You need charging for non-Dell devices at full speed

Verdict: Dell SD25TB4 130W Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a powerful option for users who need to connect four 4K monitors and charge high-power laptops quickly. It suits those who value remote management and a compact, sustainable design.

4 Also great

Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock

Best for: Dual 4K 144Hz setups with fleet management

Host Interface

Thunderbolt 4

Max Resolution

8K 60Hz

Power Delivery

100W

Video Ports

Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4

Max Data Speed

40Gbps

Dimensions

8.66 × 3.15 × 1.18 inches

View on Amazon: Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock Affiliate link

This dock connects via Thunderbolt 4 to deliver up to 40 Gbps bandwidth. It supports one 8K display at 60Hz or two 4K monitors at 144Hz. The unit provides 100W power delivery for your laptop. It includes HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 outputs. This setup suits users who need high-resolution dual displays and cloud-based fleet management for their workspace.

Pros

• Supports one 8K 60Hz or two 4K 144Hz displays
• Delivers 100W power delivery via PD 3.1
• Includes integrated 1-meter Thunderbolt 4 cable
• Features cloud-based fleet management through Lenovo Accessories Fleet Manager
• Offers HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 video outputs

Cons

• Heavier at 1.21 pounds compared to lighter alternatives
• Lacks mention of a built-in Ethernet port in the key specs
• Requires cloud-based management for fleet updates rather than local control

Good fit if

• You need to drive two 4K monitors at 144Hz
• You manage a fleet of devices and want remote configuration
• You prefer a dock with an integrated Thunderbolt cable

Skip if

• You require a built-in Ethernet port for wired networking
• You need a dock under 1 pound for portability
• You want local management without cloud access

Verdict: Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock Gen 2 delivers high-resolution video support and 100W charging for professionals who manage multiple devices. It fits users who prioritize dual 4K 144Hz performance and remote fleet management over compact size.

5 Best premium

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

Best for: Mac Pro users and high-port-count workflows

Host Interface

Thunderbolt 4

Display Support

Dual

Max Resolution

8K@30Hz

Power Delivery

98W

Port Count

18

Video Ports

DisplayPort

View on Amazon: CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock Affiliate link

The CalDigit TS4 offers 18 ports via a Thunderbolt 4 connection. It supports up to 8K resolution on Windows or dual 6K displays on M-series Macs. The dock provides 98W of power delivery and includes a 2.5GbE Ethernet port. This setup suits users needing extensive connectivity and high-speed data transfer for demanding workflows.

Pros

• 18 total ports including 3 Thunderbolt 4 and 5 USB-A
• 98W power delivery for high-power laptops
• Supports single 8K or dual 6K displays
• 2.5GbE Ethernet port for faster network speeds

Cons

• Max resolution capped at 8K@30Hz
• M1-M3 non-Pro Macs limited to single display
• Requires Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 host for full performance

Good fit if

• You need extensive port connectivity for multiple devices
• You use a Mac with Pro, Max, or Ultra chips
• You require 98W charging for power-hungry laptops

Skip if

• You rely on a non-Pro M1-M3 Mac for dual monitors
• You need more than 18 total ports
• You require 4K@120Hz or higher refresh rates

Verdict: CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock delivers robust connectivity for users needing many ports and high power delivery. It is ideal for Mac Pro users or Windows professionals requiring 8K support and fast Ethernet.

6 Also great

Koncept 13-Port Thunderbolt 4 Dock

Best for: Windows users needing 130W charging and 4K displays

Host Interface

Thunderbolt 4

Display Support

Up to 4

Max Resolution

4K@60Hz

Port Count

13

Video Ports

DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, USB-C, TB4

Max Data Speed

40Gbps

View on Amazon: Koncept 13-Port Thunderbolt 4 Dock Affiliate link

This Koncept-branded dock uses the Dell WD22TB4 design to offer 13 ports via a Thunderbolt 4 host interface. It delivers 130W of power to your laptop and supports up to four 4K 60Hz displays on Windows systems. macOS users get single 4K support natively, with dual displays available on M1 Pro/Max chips. It includes Gigabit Ethernet and standard USB-A and USB-C ports for broad compatibility.

Pros

• 130W power delivery for host devices
• Supports up to four 4K 60Hz monitors
• Gigabit Ethernet port for stable networking
• 13 total ports for versatile connectivity

Cons

• macOS users limited to one 4K display natively
• Original M1 and M2 Macs support only one external display
• Heavy build at 0.63 ounces

Good fit if

• You need high power delivery for large laptops
• You use Windows for multi-monitor setups
• You require a wired Gigabit Ethernet connection

Skip if

• You use an original M1 or M2 Mac with dual displays
• You need native dual 4K support on macOS
• You want a lighter dock for travel

Verdict: Koncept WD22TB4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock provides robust 130W charging and extensive port options for Windows users seeking a four-display setup. It is a practical solution for desktop environments where power and connectivity matter more than macOS display flexibility.

7 Best card reader

Plugable 16-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

Best for: Dual 4K setups on M4/M5 Macs

Host Interface

Thunderbolt 4

Display Support

Dual

Max Resolution

4K@60Hz

Power Delivery

100W

Port Count

16

Video Ports

HDMI, DisplayPort

View on Amazon: Plugable 16-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Dock Affiliate link

This Plugable dock offers a 16-port layout with Thunderbolt 4 connectivity and 100W power delivery. It supports dual 4K 60Hz displays via HDMI or DisplayPort. The unit includes 2.5Gbps Ethernet and multiple USB ports. It weighs 1.42 pounds and measures 11.6 by 5.8 by 4.1 inches. You get a clean setup for M4 or M5 Macs and Windows laptops without needing drivers.

Pros

• 16-in-1 port count for extensive connectivity
• 100W Power Delivery for laptop charging
• Supports dual 4K 60Hz monitors
• 2.5Gbps Ethernet for fast networking

Cons

• Limited to dual display output
• Heavier than some compact alternatives
• Requires Thunderbolt 4 cable for operation

Good fit if

• You need dual 4K monitors for productivity
• You use M4 or M5 MacBooks
• You want 100W charging in one dock

Skip if

• You require triple or quad monitor support
• You need Thunderbolt 5 native ports
• You prefer a lighter portable setup

Verdict: Plugable 16-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a solid choice for Mac users needing dual 4K screens and 100W charging without driver hassle.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• owc thunderbay 4 16tb thunderbolt alternatives
• wen 4 alternatives