OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock – Built-in Power Supply for Creators On-The-Go

Computer Accessories

by Jeff LochJanuary 12^th, 2023

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During CES 2023, OWC announced a new compact dock: the Thunderbolt Go Dock. This versatile dock is compatible with Thunderbolt 4/3/USB-C/USB4 Mac and Windows computers and even iPad/Android devices! The dock features an SD card reader, various USB-C and USB-A ports, an Ethernet port, an HDMI output port, and two additional Thunderbolt 4 ports.

OWC docking solutions are some of the best in the industry and are usually well-suited for filmmakers and content creators. I have been using the Thunderbolt 3 Dock for quite some time, and the least I can say is that it’s the kind of device I love: you plug it in and it just works. No issues, no problems, it just gets the job done.

OWC updated its lineup of docks in 2021 with Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C models. However, most of the company’s “studio” docks come with a massive power brick and are not what I would call travel-friendly. So OWC introduced the Thunderbolt 4 Dock to simplify things, which features a built-in power supply.

OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock – features

The OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock is a Thunderbolt 4 docking solution backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, and USB4 devices. It is compatible with Mac, Windows, iPad, Chromebook and Android devices.

Your device connects to the dock via the Thunderbolt 4 port on the right side of the unit. This port can charge your laptop with up to 90W charging power. I find this 90W limit a bit odd; for example, if you’re using a 16-inch MacBook Pro that requires more than 90W power, your Mac might charge slower or even discharge if you’re doing heavy tasks.

At the back of the OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock, you’ll find:

• The power input.
• Two USB 3.2 Type-A ports.
• One 2.5Gb Ethernet port.
• One HDMI 2.1 video output that supports displays up to 8K.
• Two Thunderbolt 4 input/output ports.

The Thunderbolt Go Dock can support up to two 4K displays.

At the front of the dock, you’ll find an SD UHS-II card reader, a 3.5mm audio jack, one USB 2.0 Type-A port, and one USB 3.2 Type-C port.

Price and availability

The OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock is available to pre-order now for $399. It’ll start shipping in March 2023 with a power cord and 70cm Thunderbolt 4 cable.

To put that price in perspective, the Thunderbolt Go retails for the same price as the CalDigit TS4, which has more ports but a massive power brick. So, in the end, it’ll be your choice between portability and usability.

For more information, please visit OWC’s website here.

What do you think about this more compact Thunderbolt 4 studio dock? Do you often bring a full-size dock with you, or do you stick to bus-powered docks when you’re on the road? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!