Which Thunderbolt docks are recommended for use with M4 Macs and ultrawide monitors

For M4 Macs

1. Plugable TBT4-UD5: This dock is highly recommended for M4 Macs, especially for those looking to utilize the full potential of Thunderbolt 4. It features dual 4K 60Hz HDMI ports, a front-facing downstream Thunderbolt 4 port, SD and Micro SD slots, and multiple USB ports. It supports a 40Gbps connection with 100W charging for laptops, making it ideal for base model M4 MacBooks that can handle two extended 4K displays at 60Hz or one 8K display at 60Hz[1][3].

2. CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 (TS4): While not specifically highlighted for M4 Macs, the TS4 is a well-regarded Thunderbolt dock that offers robust connectivity options and is compatible with Macs. It's a good choice for those seeking a reliable Thunderbolt 4 experience[6].

For Ultrawide Monitors

Ultrawide monitors, such as those with a 3440x1440 resolution, can be supported by docks that offer DisplayPort or HDMI connectivity. For example, the HP Thunderbolt G2 Dock can handle widescreen monitors like the Samsung LC34J79WTE at 3440x1440 resolution via HDMI or Thunderbolt ports[2].

For larger ultrawide monitors, such as the 49" Samsung Odyssey G9 with a 5120x1440 resolution, you may need a dock specifically designed to handle higher resolutions. However, most standard Thunderbolt docks might not support such high resolutions without additional adapters or specific configurations[5].

Thunderbolt 5 Options for M4 Pro and M4 Max

For the M4 Pro and M4 Max models, which support Thunderbolt 5, docks like the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock are emerging as top choices. These docks offer enhanced bandwidth and support for multiple high-resolution displays, making them ideal for users who need advanced display capabilities and future-proofing[4][9]. The OWC SD500T5 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station, for instance, supports triple monitors with 8K/4K resolution and includes Ethernet and USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports[9].

In summary, for M4 Macs with ultrawide monitors, a Thunderbolt 4 dock like the Plugable TBT4-UD5 is a solid choice. For M4 Pro and M4 Max models, Thunderbolt 5 docks offer superior performance and future-proofing.