When choosing a docking station, Thunderbolt™ technology is a game-changer for connectivity and performance. But what sets Thunderbolt 4 apart from its predecessor, Thunderbolt 3? Here’s a breakdown of their key differences in real-world usage.
1. Bandwidth & Speed
Both Thunderbolt 3 and 4 offer 40Gbps bandwidth, but Thunderbolt 4 enforces stricter minimum requirements. For example, Thunderbolt 4 guarantees PCIe data transfer speeds of 32Gbps (vs. Thunderbolt 3’s 16Gbps), making it better for high-speed storage and external GPUs.
2. Display Support
Thunderbolt 4 supports dual 4K displays at 60Hz or a single 8K display, while Thunderbolt 3 can handle a single 4K display natively (dual 4K requires specific setups). If you’re a designer or multitasker, Thunderbolt 4 provides smoother multi-monitor performance.
3. Charging & Power Delivery
Thunderbolt 4 docks must deliver at least 15W to accessories (vs. Thunderbolt 3’s 7.5W), ensuring better power distribution for peripherals. Many Thunderbolt 4 docks, like the MOKiN 16-IN-1 Thunderbolt™ 4 Laptop Docking Station, also support up to 96W laptop charging, ideal for power-hungry devices like MacBook Pros.
4. Compatibility
The Thunderbolt 4 docks backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4, making it a more future-proof investment.
While Thunderbolt 3 remains capable, Thunderbolt 4 offers superior reliability, display flexibility, and power efficiency. For professionals seeking top-tier performance, a Thunderbolt 4 dock is the smarter choice.
