OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock Review: An Outstanding 11 Port Dock That Portends the Thunderbolt Revolution

OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock Review

The $279.99 OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock stands out for its thoughtful design and impressive functionality. Its integrated power supply eliminates the need for an external power brick, making it a more portable and streamlined solution for professionals on the move, though it may still be too heavy for those without the need for Thunderbolt powr on the road. The dock boasts an extensive array of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, 2.5Gb Ethernet, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring it can handle a variety of devices and workflows.

The 3.94 x 13.39 x 5.51 inch OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock supports up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or a single 8K display at 60Hz, making it ideal for users with demanding display requirements, whether for work or entertainment. The aluminum construction not only gives it a premium look and feel but also provides durability and effective heat dissipation, ensuring reliable performance during extended use.

If you need a Thunderbolt dock, the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock should be on your shortlist even if it nevers leaves your desk.

What we like

Pros

• An integrated power supply eliminates the need for an external power brick.
• Comprehensive port selection, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, 2.5Gb Ethernet, SD card reader, and 3.5mm audio jack.
• It supports up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or a single 8K display at 60Hz.
• Durable aluminum construction with effective heat dissipation.

The OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock’s integrated power supply eliminates the need for an external power brick, making it a more portable and streamlined solution for professionals on the move, though at over two pounds, portable is relative.

The dock boasts an extensive array of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, 2.5Gb Ethernet, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring it can handle various devices and workflows. I like that OWC opted out of the dual HDMI or complementary displayport ports which now clutter many docks as users and display technology switches over to USB-C.

Its ability to support up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or a single 8K display at 60Hz makes it ideal for users with demanding display requirements, whether for work or entertainment. The aluminum construction not only gives it a premium look and feel but also provides durability and effective heat dissipation, ensuring reliable performance during extended use. These features combine to create a docking solution that is as versatile as it is convenient.

The OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock shps with a Thunderbolt 4 certiied cable, as welll as a power cable. The dock is compatible with USB-C Macs, PCs, iPads, Chromebooks, and Android host computers and devices with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, or USB. Non-Thunderbolt USB connections, such as those on many phones and older devices, may limit some functionality. 

As usual, I found OWC’s attention to sustainable packaging a strong indicator that they worry as much about engineering the packaging as they do the product.

The dock ships with a 2 year limited warranty.

What could be improved

Cons

• Larger size and weight may reduce portability for some users.
• Premium price point compared to some alternatives.
• Limited to two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports.
• The Front USB-A port is rated at USB 2.0 speeds.

While the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock offers an impressive array of features, its larger size and weight, partly due to the integrated power supply, may limit its portability for users who prioritize lightweight and compact accessories. I tend to eschew Thunderbolt speeds for portability when traveling, often opting for the smallest USB-C dongle I can take with me, which is currently the one housed inside my ProtoArc 2-in-1 Hubmouse.

So, despite the integrated power supply, I would be hard-pressed to travel on a plane with this dock unless I was expected to manage large video files or other workflows with large files. However, locally, I would bring this dock in my car regularly, but truthfully, I’d rather have two of them, one at work and one at home. To some degree, those perspectives provide insight into the price of Thunderbolt docks in general–they are not designed for average computer users, but for power users wilingl to invest in speed to facilitate their workflows and also okay with paying for Thunderbolt licensing to ensure those speeds.

The dock’s premium point might also prove a barrier for budget-conscious buyers, especially considering that some alternatives offer similar functionality at a lower cost, such as Anker’s 577 Thunderbolt Docking Station and Belkin’s Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro, neither of which, however, integrate the power supply into the device, or are those Thunderbolt 4 docks.

Another area for improvement is the limited number of downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports, which may restrict connectivity for users with multiple high-speed devices. With laptop power likely coming off the side port, that leaves only two Thunderbolt speed ports.

I’m also not sure why OWC opted for a front USB-A port with USB 2.0 speeds when a third USB 3.1 port would have bolstered the dock’s speed credentials. OWC labels the USB port for charging (though a newer port protocol would also charge almost anything). I would suggest that this port doesn’t damage the overall performance profile if, for instance, if it’s populated with a 2.4 GHz mouse dongle.

OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock: The bottom line

The OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock is a robust and versatile docking solution that attempts to balance performance and portability. Its integrated power supply and comprehensive port selection make it ideal for professionals seeking a streamlined setup. However, its larger size and higher price point may be considerations for some users.

OWC provided the Thunderbolt Go Dock for review. Images courtesy of OWC unless otherwise noted.

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