When it comes to expanding the capabilities of your laptop, thunderbolt 3 docks have become an essential accessory for many users. Two popular options in this category are the Anker PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock and the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro. In this comparison, we'll delve into the features, performance, and design of these two products to help you decide which one is best for your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Anker PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock has a sleek and compact design, measuring 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.7 inches and weighing 1.4 pounds. The dock is made of high-quality aluminum alloy, giving it a premium feel and durability. On the other hand, the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro has a slightly larger footprint, measuring 8.6 x 6.2 x 1.9 inches and weighing 1.7 pounds. The Belkin dock also features an aluminum construction, but its design is more angular and industrial-looking.

Port Selection

Both docks offer an impressive array of ports, but the Anker PowerExpand Elite takes the lead with a total of 13 ports. These include two Thunderbolt 3 ports, four USB-A ports, one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, one Gigabit Ethernet port, one audio jack, and one SD card slot. In contrast, the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro has nine ports, including two Thunderbolt 3 ports, three USB-A ports, one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, one Gigabit Ethernet port, and one audio jack.

Performance

In terms of performance, both docks are capable of delivering high-speed data transfer rates and supporting multiple displays. The Anker PowerExpand Elite can support up to two 4K displays or one 5K display, while the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro can support up to two 4K displays. Both docks also feature Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast and reliable internet connectivity.

Power Delivery

One key difference between the two docks is their power delivery capabilities. The Anker PowerExpand Elite can deliver up to 85W of power, making it suitable for charging smaller laptops. The Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro, on the other hand, can deliver up to 170W of power, making it a better option for larger and more power-hungry laptops.

Compatibility

Both docks are compatible with Windows and Mac devices, but the Anker PowerExpand Elite has a slight edge in terms of compatibility. It supports macOS, Windows, and Chrome OS, while the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro only supports macOS and Windows.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Anker PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock and the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro are high-quality thunderbolt 3 docks that can greatly expand the capabilities of your laptop. While the Anker dock has a more comprehensive port selection and better compatibility, the Belkin dock has a more powerful power delivery system. Ultimately, the choice between these two products will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize port variety and compact design, the Anker PowerExpand Elite may be the better option. However, if you need a dock that can deliver high levels of power to your laptop, the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro is worth considering.

When choosing between these two thunderbolt 3 docks, it's essential to consider your specific requirements and priorities. Whether you're a professional looking to expand your workstation or a student seeking to enhance your laptop's capabilities, both of these products can provide a reliable and high-performance solution. By weighing the features and performance of each dock, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect thunderbolt 3 dock for your needs.