Budget Apple Mac Mini M1 Docks That You Can Buy

The Apple Mac Mini M1 chip has a similar appearance to all previous Mac Minis. However, Apple has reduced the number of connectivity options on the Mac Mini M1 this time. In comparison to the 2018 Mini (which had four Thunderbolt ports), the new model has only two, and you can’t swap out the SSD or add more RAM.

Budget Apple Mac Mini M1 Docks That You Can Buy

An external drive can be plugged in, but this takes up one of the ports. Docking stations can come in handy at this point.

These docking stations not only expand the number of connectivity options but also include enclosures for a SATA-based SSD or HDD. This ensures that you can continue to make the most of your storage space while avoiding cable clutter.

So, if you have a new Apple Mac Mini M1 (or intend to purchase one), here are the best docking stations for your Mac Mini M1.

Let’s get started, shall we? But first and foremost,

1. ELECIFE USB-C HUB WITH HARD DRIVE ENCLOSURE

Elecife USB-C Hub with Hard Drive Enclosure

The Elecife docking stand is a low-profile dock that offers a variety of ports. All of the ports are conveniently located in the front for easy access. There are a couple of USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports, as well as a pair of card readers.

It’s a low-cost dock with no fancy features like Thunderbolt or audio ports. As previously stated, a SATA-based hard drive with a capacity of up to 5TB can be installed.

The USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports, as well as the SATA interface, provide adequate speed.

The Elecife docking stand connects to the Mac Mini via a USB-C cable. This dock has received positive feedback from its users, with the majority of them praising its storage capacity and connectivity options.

However, if you intend to connect multiple hard drives at the same time, you may want to skip this step.

2. HAGIBIS TYPE-C DOCKING STATION

Hagibis Type-C Docking Station

The Hagibis Type-C docking station is another inexpensive dock for the Mac Mini M1 that is useful if you need a couple of extra ports. The highlight of this device is its small size and front-facing ports, which make connecting to the dock a breeze.

The Higibis docking station, like the one above, has a 2.5-inch SATA interface, two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports, and slots for Micro SD and SD cards. The SATA interface can handle up to 5TB of data.

The USB 3.0 ports can connect USB-C peripherals and support up to 5Gbps. It should be noted that it does not support DisplayPort over USB-C. If you need to connect a secondary display, you must use the Mac Mini’s HDMI port.

Having said that, file transfer speeds are adequate. They aren’t the fastest, but if you only transfer files on occasion, you won’t notice the difference.

It, too, mounts beneath the Mac Mini, as shown above. If you are not careful, the Mini may slip off in the absence of any silicon grips or indentation.

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3. AGPTEK USB-C DOCKING STATION & STAND FOR MAC MINI

Agptek USB-C Docking Station & Stand for Mac Mini

The Agptek USB-C docking station is a small and inexpensive dock that allows you to extend the life of your Mac Mini. It shares many characteristics with its predecessors, such as the shape and number of ports.

One of the benefits of this dock is that the USB-C port supports secondary monitors, and it can support up to 4K displays. However, it is preferable to use the Mac Mini’s Thunderbolt or HDMI ports.

At the same time, it has an enclosure on the bottom that can house up to 2.5-inch SATA-based hard drives and SSDs. The company claims that it can support up to 5GB; however, before you buy, double-check the size and dimensions of your drive.

The dock’s surface is slippery and shiny once more. While it’s beautiful to look at, the same problem exists—your dock has a small chance of slipping.

4. SATECHI TYPE-C ALUMINUM STAND & HUB

Satechi Type-C Aluminum Stand & Hub

Satechi is known for producing high-quality accessories, and the dock for the Mac Mini M1 is no exception. This is a little more expensive than the previous products. The good news is that it includes a few minor but significant features. For starters, the dock has a slight indentation that allows your Mini and the dock to properly stack. At the same time, the Satechi dock includes an audio jack, which is absent from all of the docks listed above.

The design of this dock is its best feature. Aside from the indentation, it has air vents to keep the Mini cool. Furthermore, the LED indicator matches the light of the Mac Mini, giving it a more uniform appearance.

The ports are similar to the ones mentioned above. In addition to the audio jack, there are three USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and slots for a Micro SD card and an SD card. And, yes, there is a cavity for a hard drive.

This dock performs as expected. So far, users have successfully connected peripherals such as printers, monitors, and speakers. If you have high-speed cards, such as CF and XQD cards, you should use a USB-C card reader to get the most out of them.

On Amazon, the Satechi dock for the Mac Mini is a best-seller. Users have praised its design, ease of use, and sturdy construction.

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5. OWC THUNDERBOLT 3 MINI DOCK

OWC Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock

Because of the Thunderbolt advantage, the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock is a good choice. Naturally, having an extra Thunderbolt port allows for faster transfers.

If you frequently switch between using the Thunderbolt port on the dock and the Mac Mini, the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Mini is a good buy. There are already two HDMI ports on the dock. If you primarily use the dock for your Mac Mini, you won’t find much use for them.

However, if you can’t live without speed and need a third Thunderbolt port (in addition to the usual USB ports), the OWC Thunderbolt dock is worth considering. You could also consider the Belkin Thunderbolt Mini dock. It has a similar design to the OWC dock, but the build quality is superior in this case.

FLEXIBILITY

A dock is one of the most basic ways to expand the connectivity options on the Mac Mini with an M1 chip. Because, in the end, two Thunderbolt ports and a single HDMI port are insufficient.

If you want to connect a lot of USB-A peripherals and transfer speed isn’t a top priority, the USB-C docks mentioned above should suffice. And if you require extremely fast transfer speeds on occasion, the Mac Mini’s secondary Thunderbolt port should suffice. If not, you can always upgrade to a Thunderbolt dock for a few dollars more.

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