Promotions for laptop docking stations, particularly those supporting Thunderbolt, are now active as the 2025 holiday shopping period gets underway. This encompasses Black Week, spanning the days before Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
For multiple years, I've monitored top promotions on laptop docking solutions. In 2025, the focus will likely be on Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 devices, as these represent the standard for the season, while Thunderbolt 5 options remain tied to gaming desktop setups.
Below, I've compiled a selection of standout docking station offers, including reasons for their inclusion. While I survey various online stores and vendors, Amazon has consistently hosted the strongest promotions in previous years. Readers can explore these listings directly or consult my guide to top Thunderbolt docks to monitor any price adjustments during the sales event. A FAQ section follows with further purchasing guidance.
For this year's coverage, I've chosen to exclude outdated Thunderbolt 3 models in favor of Thunderbolt 4 equivalents, which deliver an enhanced user experience.
Deals involving Thunderbolt 5 are uncommon, yet Kensington's SD5000T5 stands out as a worthwhile option for those seeking long-term compatibility with desktop systems. As an early Thunderbolt 5 entrant, it carries a premium tag but offers value for high-end components. This marks one of the initial notable Thunderbolt 5 promotions spotted for Black Friday. The CalDigit E5 provides another avenue, primarily appealing to Mac enthusiasts though beneficial for Windows users as well.
Among the promotions, the uGreen Thunderbolt 4 model emerges as the top value. TechAdvisor, a related publication, rated the recommended Ugreen 8-in-1 version at four stars out of five. I personally tested the expanded Ugreen Revodok Max 213, which featured as the prime Prime Day offer at $160.
My evaluation of the OWC Thunderbolt Go dock resulted in a four-star rating. It currently sees a $100 reduction from its list price.
The CalDigit TS4 commands a higher price point but received perfect scores from TechAdvisor. Similarly, OWC's Thunderbolt 4 model impressed in their assessment. This popular choice benefits from a solid discount this season.
For laptops without Thunderbolt compatibility, two solid USB-C options exist. The Plugable DisplayLink station, mentioned earlier, connects via standard USB-C but necessitates driver installation. Alternatively, the Anker Prime Docking Station is discounted by 40 percent to $161.49 on Amazon; it operates over a 10Gbps USB-C link. Our comprehensive review of leading Thunderbolt docks, complete with live pricing, offers additional sales checks.
Explore our collections of prime PC hardware promotions across numerous categories.
This year's Black Friday falls on November 28, 2025, with Cyber Monday on December 1, 2025. Amazon's Black Week commences November 20.
High-end Thunderbolt docks typically list between $220 and $270 based on included capabilities. Discounts bringing them under $200 are ideal, though outcomes vary.
Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, USB3, and USB4 share core functionalities, yet older Thunderbolt 3 stock has largely depleted among sellers. For clarity on distinctions, refer to our Thunderbolt docks overview. Consequently, Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 dominate as primary selections.
Expect limited endorsements for Thunderbolt 5 docks, given its status as an advanced standard without urgent adoption needs. Upcoming 2026 mobile chips will prioritize Thunderbolt 4 integration over Thunderbolt 5.
Several outlets have launched Black Friday promotions ahead of schedule to clear stock before peak demand hits.
From experience, particular vendors excel in docking station offers. I regularly scan platforms like Newegg, B&H, Target, and Walmart, but Amazon generally assembles the most comprehensive array of discounts for Thunderbolt and similar devices.
Verify your laptop specifications via its documentation. Thunderbolt ports often feature a lightning bolt symbol, which may also indicate charging capability. At minimum, a basic USB-C adapter or hub remains compatible with any USB-C interface.
USB interfaces have long been standard. The USB-C design, with its oval shape, succeeded the rectangular USB-A for greater flexibility, faster data rates, and a flip-friendly plug. USB-C supports either 5Gbps or 10Gbps, akin to USB-A. Certain USB-C ports link to internal Thunderbolt controllers, enabling 40Gbps performance. The physical form remains identical; only the capabilities differ.
Thunderbolt 5 is gradually appearing in products, limited to a handful of docks and laptops currently. Major discounts on these were anticipated to be absent this holiday, but recent findings indicate otherwise.
Regarding performance and capabilities, a USB-C hub links to one 4K or 1080p screen and supplies various connections like USB-A and SD slots. It often accommodates your laptop's USB-C charger directly.
A Thunderbolt dock offers superior data capacity for expanded connectivity. Key advantages include support for dual 4K monitors and integrated power delivery to charge the laptop and accessories through the Thunderbolt connection.
Compatibility varies. Thunderbolt 3, 4, and USB 4 achieve 40Gbps via the identical USB-C connector. USB 4 mirrors Thunderbolt 4 specifications. However, USB 4 devices may not recognize Thunderbolt 3 signals; such systems are uncommon and typically feature AMD Ryzen processors.
Both standards employ USB-C cables and deliver comparable 40Gbps speeds functionally. Thunderbolt 4 served as an update to Thunderbolt 3 for reliable operation. Laptops with Thunderbolt support can pair seamlessly with either Thunderbolt 3 or 4 docks.
With Thunderbolt 3 fading from prominence, deeper cuts on remaining Thunderbolt 3 units are probable. Detailed comparisons appear in our Thunderbolt docks compilation.
It depends on configuration. Traditional desktops boast abundant rear ports, especially custom builds, plus internal expansion for drives and cards. If ports are scarce and a Thunderbolt interface exists, external additions via Thunderbolt remain feasible.
Mark has contributed to PCWorld over the past ten years, drawing on three decades in tech journalism. He has produced more than 3,500 pieces for PCWorld on topics like PC processors, accessories, and Windows. His work has appeared in PC Magazine, Byte, eWEEK, Popular Science, and Electronic Buyers' News, earning a Jesse H. Neal Award for news coverage. Recently, he decluttered his workspace by relinquishing a large assortment of Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs due to space constraints.