Belkin Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock Review
Summary
The Belkin Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock delivers extensive connectivity and robust power delivery in a sleek design, which is ideal for Windows users with its 3-display capabilities (which are limited on MacOS and iPad by hardware restrictions). An internal power supply and a lower price would make the dock more competitive.
Belkin Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock Review Review
At Serious Insights, we’ve run a lot of USB-C and Thunderbolt hubs through their paces, from the portability of the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub Pro to the all-in-one design of the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock. We’ve also explored hybrid solutions like the Targus USB-C Quad Dock and everyday workhorses like the CA Essential Universal Docking Station. Each hub brings its own take on balancing ports, power, and price. Belkin’s Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock arrives with premium ambitions, aiming to sit at the top of that competitive stack, but price and downstream ports challenge its design aspirations.
Depending on the number of peripherals in play, a modern USB-C/Thunderbolt device like the MacBook Pro or the Lenovo Nano X1 may require more than one dock when stationed on a desk. I combined the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock with the Belkin Connect Pro to create a easy plug-and-play set-up with power that make swapping out my complex set-up a breeze (just two USB-C connections on any device, and I’m off and running with cameras, storage, microphones, scanners and various transmitters for mice, keyboards, and headphones).
What we like
Pros
- 12 ports including dual HDMI 2.0
- 90W power delivery
- Support for up to three 4K displays (Windows)
- Sleek, premium design
- Fast UHS-II SD card reader
The Belkin Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock offers a comprehensive array of 12 ports, including two HDMI 2.0 ports, a USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port, two USB-A 3.1 ports, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a UHS-II SD card reader, a 3.5mm audio jack, Gigabit Ethernet, and both upstream and downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports. This extensive connectivity allows users to connect multiple peripherals and displays, enhancing productivity.
With 90W power delivery, the Belkin Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock can efficiently charge laptops and other connected devices. This high power output ensures that even power-hungry laptops remain charged during intensive tasks, reducing the need for additional power adapters.
For Windows users, the dock supports up to three 4K displays simultaneously—two via HDMI and one through the Thunderbolt 4 port. This capability is particularly beneficial for professionals requiring expansive screen real estate for multitasking or detailed work.
The dock’s sleek, premium design features a curved aluminum enclosure with a glossy plastic front and back. Its aesthetic appeal makes it a stylish addition to any modern office workspace.
The inclusion of a fast UHS-II SD card reader allows for quick data transfer from compatible SD cards, which is advantageous for photographers and videographers who need to move large files swiftly.
Belkin gets good marks for relatively sustainable packaging with a non-plastic wrapped cardboard box. They could probably drop the plastic protector for the 3-prong plug and the plastic protectors over the shiny black front and back. More importantly, they could message more about this product’s future in the circular economy, and what, if any (and some would be good), could be claimed about reclaiming materials to make this product. Belkin’s corporate sustainability messaging can be found here.
What could be improved
Cons
- Only one downstream Thunderbolt 4 port
- Dual HDMI not fully supported on macOS
- Two USB-A ports are USB 2.0
- High price compared to similar docks
- External power supply
The dock provides only one downstream Thunderbolt 4 port, limiting the ability to daisy-chain multiple Thunderbolt devices. Users requiring multiple high-speed connections may find this restrictive compared to other docks offering more Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Mac users may encounter limitations with the dual HDMI ports, as macOS does not support Multi-Stream Transport (MST). This means that only one external display may be usable without additional adapters or software, reducing the dock’s effectiveness for Mac-based multi-monitor setups.
Two of the USB-A ports are USB 2.0, which offer significantly slower data transfer rates compared to USB 3.1. This could be a bottleneck for users transferring large files or using high-speed peripherals.
Priced at approximately $299.99, the dock is on the higher end of the market. Considering that other docks offer similar or superior features at a lower cost, potential buyers might question the value proposition of this product.
While the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock is heavier, it also sports more downstream Thunderbolt ports and an internal power supply. The internal power supply increases weight, making the dock a more convenient desktop companion and a more portable one. The OWC dock also runs about $100 less than the Belkin Connect Pro, which is reflected in the latter’s value rating.
Belkin Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock Review: The bottom line
The Belkin Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a well-designed docking station offering a wide range of ports and strong power delivery, making it suitable for USB-C-centered laptop and desktop users seeking to expand their workstation capabilities. However, fewer high-speed ports, an external power supply and a higher price may deter some users. Those prioritizing design and brand reputation may find it appealing, but others might consider more Thunderbolt-forward devices or more cost-effective alternatives.
Belkin provided the Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock for review. Images courtesy of Belkin unless otherwise noted.
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