How to choose the HDD docking station for Thunderbolt Ports

Yes. Thunderbolt 3/4 ports on Mac Mini include the USB-C spec, so support any USB-C devices including docks and hard drives.

Any USB-C dock or hard drive will work fine.

Thunderbolt rated docks and hard drives will work better and faster though.

Yea' the quick start guide is not very helpful.

Go to > Welcome to Mac mini Essentials - Apple Support and/or click on > Take a tour of Mac mini

Audio interfaces, thunderbolt drives (be careful to get a real one : not just paying for usb-c/TB physical connection capability (the scam of the decade…), displays, etc

Those ports double as both Thunderbolt and USB-C ports.

You're welcome.

You're welcome.