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4 Best Thunderbolt Accessories for Your MacBook

Buying Guides March 8, 2023 by Sid Natividad

Apple’s Thunderbolt proprietary tech is one of the most defining features of MacBooks and it’s one of the most convenient interfaces for computers, much like the USB port. The big difference is that Thunderbolt is more versatile, allowing MacBook owners to plug in their favorite Thunderbolt accessories.

As with all things concerning Apple products, Thunderbolt accessories can also be a bit pricey. So knowing which ones are worth your time or will suit your future or present needs better is something we wholeheartedly recommend.

Along with that, we also recommend these Thunderbolt accessories mostly for your MacBook (though they’re also great for iMacs).

RELATED: 5 Best Laptops With Integrated Graphics

Plugable 13-in-1 USB-C Triple Monitor Docking Station image

Plugable 13-in-1 USB-C Triple Monitor Docking Station

Best Overall

PROS

  • Lots of plugs for several devices
  • Upright form helps save space
  • Display LED indicators
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty

CONS

  • Two HDMI ports can only handle up to 1920x1200 @60Hz
  • Pricey

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Specs:

  • Device Compatibility: Windows 10 / 11 & macOS 10.15.x and later, ChromeOS 100.x and later
  • Ethernet Plug
  • 100W Charging
  • 4 USB 3.0
  • Audio In/Out
  • SD Card Slot
  • 20W Charging
  • HDMI x3

Like we said earlier, Apple product accessories are pricey so if you’re looking for that be-all-end-all device (for now), then you’ll be pleased to know that this one exists in full glory. The Plugable 13-in-1 docking station gives you plenty of slots for multiple devices.

It has everything in moderate amounts though it’s mostly just an interface for a triple monitor setup using HDMI cables. As an added bonus, you get an Ethernet port, audio jacks, SD card, charging, and USB ports.

The upright form factor also helps a lot here in keeping your desk clean and minimalistic.

Plugable 13-in-1 USB-C Triple Monitor Docking Station image

Plugable 13-in-1 USB-C Triple Monitor Docking Station

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Plugable 1TB Thunderbolt 3 External SSD NVMe Drive image

Plugable 1TB Thunderbolt 3 External SSD NVMe Drive

Best For Storage

PROS

  • Fast speeds
  • Compact (only as big as a smartphone)
  • 3-year warranty

CONS

  • Expensive

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Specs:

  • 2400+ MB/sec read and up to 1800+ MB/sec write speeds
  • 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 technology
  • Dimensions: ‎4.25 x 2.5 x 0.5 inches
  • Weight: ‎6.2 ounces

One shortcoming of most MacBooks is the limited storage and pretty soon, you’ll find yourself running out quickly. Thankfully, Plugable invented their own Thunderbolt 3 External SSD with blazing-fast speeds that rival that of budget PC NVMe SSDs.

That’s Thunderbolt 3 for you. You can transfer data at a whopping 2400 megabytes per second, allowing you to use this drive while plugged in. You can even install games on in (MacOS compatible games, of course) and play on the drive while it’s plugged in.

Of course, the most common use would be for storing photos, movies, and other big files.

Plugable 1TB Thunderbolt 3 External SSD NVMe Drive image

Plugable 1TB Thunderbolt 3 External SSD NVMe Drive

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Samsung CJ79 Series 34-Inch ViewFinity Ultrawide QHD image

Samsung CJ79 Series 34-Inch ViewFinity Ultrawide QHD

Best For Performance

PROS

  • 1440p ultrawide display
  • Curved screen
  • 100Hz refresh rate
  • Supports Thunderbolt right out of the box
  • Excellent image quality

CONS

  • Pricey

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Specs:

  • Ultrawide WQHD resolution 3440 x 1440
  • Intel Thunderbolt 3
  • 100 Hz

MacBooks and those iMac computers with no monitors will surely benefit a lot from this offering from Samsung. It’s one of the first curved monitors in existence with Thunderbolt 3, and after using curved monitors, we can assure you, it’s hard to go back to flat.

Besides, this monitor offers ultrawide 1440p resolution which is a huge change from the typical small screens of MacBooks. It’s an ideal purchase or upgrade, especially for those who need good color accuracy and image representation for their work.

Samsung CJ79 Series 34-Inch ViewFinity Ultrawide QHD image

Samsung CJ79 Series 34-Inch ViewFinity Ultrawide QHD

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MOKiN USB C Hub 13-in-1 image

MOKiN USB C Hub 13-in-1

Best Budget Option

PROS

  • Cheap price
  • Lots of available ports for versatility
  • Compact size

CONS

  • Limited monitor support for MacOS
  • Shoddy SD card reader

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Specs:

  • 2 HDMI port, Support 4K@60Hz
  • 1 DP Display port, Support 4K@60Hz
  • 3 USB 3.0 port
  • 2 USB 2.0 port
  • 1 RJ45 LAN port (Ethernet)
  • SD/TF/Micro SD port
  • 1 100W Fast Power Delivery for Laptop
  • 1 3.5mm Audio & Microphone Port

If your budget is a bit tight and you still need a 13-in-1 Thunderbolt accessory hub for your MacBook, then this product from MOKiN might be of interest.

With its price range, it might appear as the better deal compared to the upright 13-in-1 hub above, but the monitor ports sadly only offer support for mirror mode and non-mirror mode for MacOS systems.

If anything, the monitor adapters are more suited to Windows systems. Still, it can be useful in a pinch if you need a bigger screen. Besides, the main draw here is the number of ports and for the price, you can’t really complain.

MOKiN USB C Hub 13-in-1 image

MOKiN USB C Hub 13-in-1

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What's the latest Thunderbolt version?
    Thunderbolt 4.
  • Is Thunderbolt better than USB?
    In terms of data and other transfer speeds, yes.
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TAGS buying guide, mac, thunderbolt

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Contents

  • Plugable 13-in-1 USB-C Triple Monitor Docking Station

  • Plugable 1TB Thunderbolt 3 External SSD NVMe Drive

  • Samsung CJ79 Series 34-Inch ViewFinity Ultrawide QHD

  • MOKiN USB C Hub 13-in-1

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