The new Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station with Thunderbolt 5 cable offers blazing-fast and broad connectivity for Mac users, the company said Wednesday. The dock is part of a wave of incredible new docks and hubs based on the technological advance.
Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station
This 14-port Thunderbolt 5 docking station offers 140-watt charging, data transfer speeds up to 120Gbps, ambient LED lighting, a cooling system, and support for up to 8K dual displays.
- Fast Thunderbolt 5 connectivity
- 14 ports and support for dual 8K displays
- 140W charging
- Some new docks have up to 20 ports
Like new Thunderbolt 5 docks from the likes of CalDigit, Kensington and OWC, Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station is part of a leap forward in peripheral technology, particularly for creative professionals using Mac Studio or the latest MacBook Pro models. Thanks to the speed of Thunderbolt 5, the 14-in-1 dock delivers an impressive 120Gbps bandwidth — three times faster than previous Thunderbolt 4 solutions. Increasing Thunderbolt speeds enables new possibilities for connecting multiple high-resolution displays and demanding peripherals simultaneously.
For video editors and graphic designers within the Apple ecosystem, the dock supports dual 8K displays through both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 outputs. That eliminates the frustrating adapter juggling act that has long plagued Mac workstations. The system intelligently detects which output is being used, streamlining the connection process.
GaN power technology
Perhaps most impressive is Anker’s integration of Gallium Nitride (GaN) power technology. That makes this the first Thunderbolt 5 dock to eliminate the bulky power brick typically associated with high-performance docks. This engineering achievement allows the system to deliver up to 232 watts of power output while maintaining a sleek desktop footprint that complements Apple’s minimalist design aesthetic.
Thermal management — often a challenge for compact, high-performance peripherals — appears to have received particular attention from Anker’s engineers. The dock incorporates a precision U-shaped air duct system paired with a turbo fan and smart temperature algorithms that maintain performance during intensive tasks while keeping surface temperatures comfortable. That’s a nice benefit for small desk setups where space is at a premium.
Slick design, ambient lighting
Photo: Anker
For Mac users who value clean desk aesthetics, the dock’s aluminum alloy housing and customizable ambient lighting should pair nicely with Apple’s hardware design language. The modern, professional appearance aligns with the premium positioning of Apple’s high-end computers.
Anker’s Dock Manager application handles software management. It provides targeted firmware updates only when necessary. That’s a thoughtful way to help prevent compatibility issues that sometimes plague universal update systems.
Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station and daisy-chaining devices
Connectivity options are comprehensive, with dual Thunderbolt 5 downstream ports that support daisy-chaining additional devices. So this is potentially a one-cable solution for even the most complex Apple workstation setups. This capability is particularly valuable for Mac users who frequently connect multiple high-performance external drives, additional displays and other peripherals.
You can buy Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station through Anker’s website, Amazon and select retail partners for $399.99. It comes with a 3.3-foot Thunderbolt 5 cable and a 6-foot AC power cable.
This 14-port Thunderbolt 5 docking station offers 140-watt charging, data transfer speeds up to 120Gbps, ambient LED lighting, a cooling system, and support for up to 8K dual displays.
- Fast Thunderbolt 5 connectivity
- 14 ports and support for dual 8K displays
- 140W charging
- Some new docks have up to 20 ports
Source: Anker
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
