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Elgato Thunderbolt Dock vs StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock: Comparison
Elgato Thunderbolt Dock vs StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock: the host power delivery difference
The first real difference is host power delivery: Elgato Thunderbolt Dock 96W host charging against StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock 96 W. Total ports runs the same way, 8 on the Elgato Thunderbolt Dock versus 11 on the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock, another win for StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock. Max display resolution is not the same on both, Dual 4K@60Hz on the Elgato Thunderbolt Dock versus Dual 4K@60Hz or single 8K@30Hz on the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock. They differ on os compatibility too, Mac, Windows on the Elgato Thunderbolt Dock versus Windows, macOS 11+, Ubuntu on the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock.
Who each one is for
Take the Elgato Thunderbolt Dock for streamers and content creators organizing capture cards, mics, and stream decks around one dock. It is the wrong buy for buyers needing wired Ethernet, since this dock has no LAN port. Buy the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock for IT departments standardizing docks across a managed fleet of laptops, though it is the wrong buy for 16-inch MacBook Pro users needing full sustained charging headroom. The same goes for buyers who want a Kensington lock slot for shared office equipment. Our rating of the Elgato Thunderbolt Dock (8/10): A streaming-oriented Thunderbolt 4 dock that trades some port count for a layout built around creator workflows. Our rating of the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock (8/10): A rugged, IT-friendly Thunderbolt 4 dock built for fleet deployment rather than home enthusiasts.
Which is cheaper, Elgato Thunderbolt Dock or StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock?
The Elgato Thunderbolt Dock asks 15% more, $300 against $260 for the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Elgato Thunderbolt Dock and StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock differ on port configuration?
Yes. Port Configuration reads 2x TB4 40Gbps, 3x USB-A 10Gbps, 1x USB-C 10Gbps,... on the Elgato Thunderbolt Dock versus 1x TB4 host, 3x TB4 downstream 40Gbps , 3x... on the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock.
Is the Connection Type the same on the Elgato Thunderbolt Dock and StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock?
It is. Both are listed at Thunderbolt 4, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Which is cheaper, Elgato Thunderbolt Dock or StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock?
The Elgato Thunderbolt Dock asks 15% more, $300 against $260 for the StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Elgato Thunderbolt Dock
- Elgato
- StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- StarTech.com
Connection Type
- Elgato Thunderbolt Dock
- Thunderbolt 4
- StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Thunderbolt 4
Model Number
- Elgato Thunderbolt Dock
- Thunderbolt Dock
- StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- TB4CDOCK
Port Configuration
- Elgato Thunderbolt Dock
- 2x TB4 40Gbps, 3x USB-A 10Gbps, 1x USB-C 10Gbps, 3.5mm audio
- StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- 1x TB4 host, 3x TB4 downstream 40Gbps (15W), 3x USB-A 10Gbps, 1x USB-A 2.0 (7.5W), GbE, SD 4.0 UHS-II, 3.5mm TRRS audio
Max Display Support
- Elgato Thunderbolt Dock
- Dual 4K
- StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Dual 4K
Max Display Resolution
- Elgato Thunderbolt Dock
- Dual 4K@60Hz
- StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Dual 4K@60Hz or single 8K@30Hz
Total Ports
- Elgato Thunderbolt Dock
- 8-27%
- StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- 11Best
Host Power Delivery
- Elgato Thunderbolt Dock
- 96W host charging
- StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- 96 W
Ethernet
- Elgato Thunderbolt Dock
- No
- StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Yes
OS Compatibility
- Elgato Thunderbolt Dock
- Mac, Windows
- StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Windows, macOS 11+, Ubuntu
Price
- Elgato Thunderbolt Dock
- ~$300
- StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- ~$260
Which one should you pick?
Choose Elgato Thunderbolt Dock if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock if you want the higher total ports (11 vs 8).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Elgato Thunderbolt Dock | StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $300.00 View on Consumercarts listing | |
| Amazon | $260.00 View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Elgato Thunderbolt Dock
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A streaming-oriented Thunderbolt 4 dock that trades some port count for a layout built around creator workflows.
StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock
8 / 10 Expert Rating
A rugged, IT-friendly Thunderbolt 4 dock built for fleet deployment rather than home enthusiasts.