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

Design and Build Quality

The Anker PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock has a sleek and compact design, measuring 7.9 x 3.5 x 1.2 inches. It's made of high-quality aluminum and features a durable construction that can withstand heavy use. The dock has a total of 13 ports, including two Thunderbolt 3 ports, four USB-A ports, one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, one Ethernet port, and an SD card slot.

The OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock, on the other hand, has a slightly larger design, measuring 8.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches. It's also made of aluminum and features a sturdy build quality. The dock has a total of 14 ports, including two Thunderbolt 3 ports, four USB-A ports, one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, one Ethernet port, an SD card slot, and a dedicated audio jack.

Connectivity Options

Both docks offer a wide range of connectivity options, but the Anker PowerExpand Elite has a slight edge in terms of variety. In addition to the standard Thunderbolt 3 ports, USB-A ports, and HDMI port, it also features a DisplayPort, an Ethernet port, and an SD card slot. The OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock, on the other hand, has a dedicated audio jack, which may be useful for professionals who require high-quality audio output.

Performance

In terms of performance, both docks are capable of delivering fast data transfer speeds and reliable connectivity. The Anker PowerExpand Elite supports up to 40Gbps data transfer speeds over Thunderbolt 3, while the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock supports up to 40Gbps as well. Both docks also support dual 4K display output at 60Hz, making them ideal for professionals who require multiple monitors.

Power Delivery

One key difference between the two docks is power delivery. The Anker PowerExpand Elite can deliver up to 85W of power over Thunderbolt 3, while the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock can deliver up to 60W. This means that the Anker dock may be more suitable for larger laptops or those with higher power requirements.

Compatibility

Both docks are compatible with a wide range of devices, including Macs and PCs. However, the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock has been specifically designed with Mac users in mind, and it's certified by Apple as a compatible accessory. The Anker PowerExpand Elite, on the other hand, is compatible with both Macs and PCs, but it may require additional drivers or software to function properly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Anker PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock and the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock are high-quality options for professionals who require a reliable and feature-rich thunderbolt 3 dock. While both docks offer similar connectivity options and performance, the Anker dock has a slight edge in terms of variety and power delivery. The OWC dock, on the other hand, has been specifically designed with Mac users in mind and offers a dedicated audio jack.

Ultimately, the choice between these two thunderbolt 3 docks will depend on your specific needs and requirements. If you're looking for a compact and feature-rich dock with high power delivery, the Anker PowerExpand Elite may be the better option. However, if you're a Mac user who requires a reliable and certified accessory with dedicated audio output, the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock may be the way to go.