Expert's Rating
Pros
- Fast standards on every port
- Four USB-C data ports with three at 10Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2)
- 85W of passthrough power over USB-C
- Well-labeled ports
Cons
- No dedicated Micro SD slot
- No 8K video output
Our Verdict
The Satechi USB-C Multiport V3 dock provides four USB-C data ports (three at 10Gbps USB 3.2), gigabit ethernet, the latest in SD Card standards, and 85W of passthrough USB-C power making it a compact powerhouse sized correctly for mid-range laptops. However, Apple’s restrictions limit the 8K display support to a max of 4K/60Hz.
Best Prices Today: Satechi USB-C Multiport Adapter 8K With Ethernet V3
Satechi has updated its already well-conceived USB 3 mini-dock to version 3, dubbing the new release the USB-C Multiport Adapter 8K With Ethernet V3. This update has nearly the same array of ports, but almost all of them have some additional oomph: greater speed, power, or display resolution.
The dock’s basics are four USB-C data ports, gigabit ethernet, 85W of passthrough energy on a dedicated USB-C power port, HDMI, and an SD Card slot. Sounds good, but dig into the details, and it’s even better.
Update 4/17: This Satechi dock supports 8K/30Hz on Windows but only 4K/60Hz, 2K/144Hz, or 1080p/240Hz on a Mac. this review and its score have been updated to reflect this.
This version 3 dock from Satechi provides significant updates, sporting three 10Gbps USB 3.2 ports (two shown, one on the opposite side).
Satechi
Three of its four USB-C data ports work at up to 10Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen2); the fourth is 5Gbps (USB 3.1). That’s handy when you need to make fast connections to SSDs or computer-to-computer connections and need ports beyond what’s built into your Mac. This is a step up from three USB-C data ports on the V2 unit, all of which were 5Gbps.
As its name suggests, this dock is capable of supporting an 8K display at up to 30Hz, but only with a PC. While several Mac models allow this resolution and refresh rate (or faster), Apple doesn’t allow for DisplayPort MultiStream so HDMI output is limited to a 4K display at up to 60Hz, 2K/144Hz, or 1080p/240Hz. (Your Mac has to support these resolutions and refresh rates as the dock isn’t a video card, just a passthrough.) That’s more Apple’s fault than Satechi’s but it’s still a disappointing limitation that doesn’t improve on the V2 version.
To make room for an extra USB-C port, something had to give, and Satechi shed the dedicated Micro SD slot while retaining a UHS-II full-sized SD Card port. You’ll need an adapter to use Micro SD on the mini-dock, but if you’re like me, you have a few card-sized adapters scattered around from your Micro SD purchases.
The gigabit ethernet port tests handily at 1Gbps, less a small amount of network overhead.
Available in three colors (silver, space gray, and midnight) the mini-dock is compact at 4.5 by 2.1 by 0.65 inches and 4.25 ounces. It has a 6.7-inch long USB-C cable tail that can’t be removed. The adapter works with an iPad with USB-C as well as Macs; the maximum data rate or resolution of each part of course depends on the particular iPad.
If you wonder about the performance limits of each port without having the manual nearby, the USB-C data ports and the HDMI port have sharply printed text on the metal noting “10Gbps,” “5Gbps,” or “8K/30Hz.” Satechi even got the colors right: the labels are white on the midnight-color adapter and black on the silver and space gray versions. The passthrough power port lacks a note that it can manage up to 85W, but since that’s close to the maximum 100W managed by most older USB-C buses, it doesn’t feel like an oversight.
The Satechi adapter works just as well as with an iPad with USB-C.
Satechi
Should you buy the Satechi USB-C Multiport Adapter 8K with Ethernet V3?
If you own a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro that lacks all the ports you want on demand, you could do no better than this Satechi adapter, particularly at the price. It pairs well with a laptop that docks in a home or office where ethernet, one or more external displays, and other peripherals are available. Adding high-speed USB-C 3.2 ports lets you devote any Thunderbolt 3/4 ports on your Mac to higher-speed purposes.
You would probably find this useful for a Mac mini as well, and potentially for a Mac Studio if you’re filling up USB-C ports or, with two or more displays, want to avoid a standalone USB-C-to-HDMI adapter that takes up an entire connection. For more hubs and docks, visit our roundup of the best Thunderbolt and USB-C docking stations.
The next step up from this mini-dock of an adapter would be to a powered unit with even more ports and possibilities or to a Thunderbolt mini-dock, as well as 8K once Apple allows it. But for now, Satechi has pushed the limits of a USB-C/USB 3.x/USB4 adapter and met the mark.
Best Prices Today: Satechi USB-C Multiport Adapter 8K With Ethernet V3
Author: Glenn Fleishman, Contributor, Macworld
Glenn Fleishman’s most recent books include Take Control of iOS and iPadOS Privacy and Security, Take Control of Calendar and Reminders, and Take Control of Securing Your Mac. In his spare time, he writes about printing and type history. He’s a senior contributor to Macworld, where he writes Mac 911.