Docking station recommendation?

I run my MacBooks mostly in clamshell mode (i.e. lid closed, connected to external display, keyboard, mouse, and ethernet). And I have been struggling with flaky USB hubs and adapters.


My current setup:

  • StarTech USB-C to Ethernet Adapter with 3-Port USB 3.0 Hub and Power Delivery
  • Anker 4-port USB 3.0 hub, connected to the hub above
  • StarTech USB-C to DP adapter


And I use two USB-C extension cables to connect them to my MacBook. But sometimes I'd lose keyboard, mouse, and Ethernet for no reason. And they would come back after unplugging and replugging multiple times. I have also tried:

  • Anker 3-Port USB 3.0 HUB with Gigabit Ethernet adapter (Gigabit Ether net + 3 x USB 3.0)
  • Cable Matters USB C Multiport Adapter (with PD, DP, and 2 x USB 2.0)


And this setup isn't a whole lot better. I believe both StarTech and Anker use RealTek 8153 chip for their Ethernet adapter. RealTek 8153 is known to be flaky on Macs. But that still doesn't explain the flakiness of the USB Hub :(.


Both setups are flaky with both of my MacBook Pros (~2019, 2020 models, Intel i7 based). And both setups seem to be reliable with all PC laptops I have tried.


So far, my best experience is with a Dell UltraSharp 34 monitor that comes with a USB hub and Ethernet adapter (which also uses Realtek 8153).


So, I wonder if anyone has a good setup that they would recommend. Here's the list of features I need, in descending order:

  • 1 x DisplayPort (4K, 60Hz)
  • Power Delivery (at least 60W)
  • 2 x USB 2.0 (for keyboard and mouse) + 2 x USB 3.0 (for thumb drives and misc peripherals), but 4 x USB 2.0 also works
  • Gigabit Ethernet (not strictly necessary, but it's nice for transferring files on LAN)


If one adapter/docking station includes all the features, that'd be great. But I can also live with two. Thanks!

MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Sep 12, 2023 10:45 AM

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Sep 13, 2023 10:49 PM in response to delingren

delingren Said:

"Docking station recommendation?: I run my MacBooks mostly in clamshell mode (i.e. lid closed, connected to external display, keyboard, mouse, and ethernet). And I have been struggling with flaky USB hubs and adapters. [...]If one adapter/docking station includes all the features, that'd be great. But I can also live with two. Thanks!"

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Which Docking Station to Get:

The J5 USB-C Dual HDMI Docking Station allows for more than two extra monitors. How so? Well, plug in a display projector the Mac using the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter and then plug the J5 hub with 2 HDMI displays (one 4K), and then you'll have 3 external screens. It all mirrors and extends. Along with that, you can connect multiple other devices, and connect through Ethernet.

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Docking station recommendation?

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