M1/M2 Mac Mini Docks with Drive Enclosure (SATA & NVMe)

The 2023 M2 Mac Mini is a significant upgrade from its M1 predecessor. The new Mac Mini gives your considerable flexibility to choose the configurations that best suits your needs. Apart from the RAM and, now enhanced, 8TB of storage, you can choose between the M2 and the M2 Pro chips.

The Mac Mini’s Problems Continue

Unfortunately, the M2 Mac Mini suffers from the same problem that the M1 Mac Mini has, limited connectivity ports. Like the M1 Mac Mini, the M2 version also has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a couple of USB-A, and one each of HDMI and Gigabit Ethernet ports.

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But the problem isn’t limited to the few ports the Mac Mini offers. The ports’ position makes connecting (and disconnecting) peripheral devices like USB flash drives, external hard drives, and whatnot inconvenient.

While Apple has addressed the low storage capacity problem by offering storage capacities of up to 8TB, those variants of the M2 Mac Mini are expensive. A far more economical solution is to invest in a dock that has a hard drive enclosure, as it gets you a better price per GB of storage.

Mac Mini Docks: An Aesthetic Extension of your Mac Mini

That is right, several Mac Mini Docks match the look of your M2 Mac Mini and integrate well into your computing setup. Most Mac users are conscious of the aesthetics of their computing setup and would prefer to avoid adding a bulky and ugly dock to their workstations. The docks we have picked out for you match the look of the Mac Mini and maintain the exact footprint of the computer, so your workstation doesn’t look cluttered.

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Moreover, these devices greatly enhance the I/O connectivity of your Mac Mini, making it easy to connect (and disconnect) devices.

However, before buying a Mac Mini dock, you must familiarize yourself with these devices. All docks aren’t created equal, and you’ll regret your choice if you base your decision on only the number and type of ports a dock offers.

If you multitask often and require a multi-monitor setup, examining what video resolutions and refresh rates the dock supports would be advisable. Similarly, if you plan to expand the storage setup of your Mac Mini with external storage, using a dock that offers SATA and M.2 slots for expansion can give you added flexibility.

Also, it would be advisable to pay close attention to the communication interface used to connect the dock to the Mac Mini. A Thunderbolt connection would be perfect with its high-speed data transfer capabilities, but such docks are expensive and unsuitable for users with modest needs.

Comparison of the Best Mac Mini Docking Stations

Image	Product	Details	Check Price
	OWC MiniStack STX	Power Supply: External Power Connection Interface: Thunderbolt 4 Hard Drive Slot: 1x 3.5-Inch SATA 1x M.2 Slot No. of Ports/Slots: 4+2 Ports: 4 x Thunderbolt 4 Date of Release: Jan-2022	Buy on Amazon
	Hagibis Docking Station MC25	Power Supply: Bus Powered Connection Interface: USB-C 3.0 (5Gbps) Hard Drive Slot: 1 x 2.5-Inch SATA No. of Ports/Slots: 6+1 Ports: 2 x USB-A 3.0 1 x SD Card Reader 1 x Micro SD Card Reader 2 x USB 2.0 Date of Release: May-2020	Buy on Amazon
	Rocketek 12 in-1 Mac Mini Dock	Power Supply: External Power Connection Interface: USB-C 3.0 (5Gbps) Hard Drive Slot: 1 x 2.5-Inch SATA No. of Ports/Slots: 11+1 Ports: 1 x USB-C 3.0 1 x VGA 1 x HDMI ([email protected]) 2 x USB-A 3.0 1 x SD Card Reader 1 x Micro SD Card Reader 2 x USB 2.0 1 x 3.5mm Headphone Jack 1 x 3.5mm Microphone Jack Date of Release: Nov-2021	Buy on Amazon
	Qwiizlab Docking Station	Power Supply: External Power Connection Interface: USB-C 3.2 (10Gbps) Hard Drive Slot: 1 x 2.5-Inch SATA 1 x M.2 SSD No. of Ports/Slots: 6+2 Ports: 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C 1 x USB 3.2 Type-A 2 x USB 3.0 1 x SD Card Reader 1 x Micro SD Card Reader Date of Release: Jun-2021	Buy on Amazon
	Satechi Type-C Stand & Hub with SSD Enclosure	Power Supply: Bus Powered Connection Interface: USB-C 3.0 (5Gbps) Hard Drive Slot: 1 x M.2 SSD No. of Ports/Slots: 7+1 Ports: 1 x USB-C 3.0 3 x USB 3.0 1 x SD Card Reader 1 x Micro SD Card Reader 1 x 3.5mm Audio Jack Date of Release: Jun-2021	Buy on Amazon
	AGPTEK USB-C Docking Station & Stand	Power Supply: Bus Powered Connection Interface: USB-C 3.0 (5Gbps) Hard Drive Slot: 1 x 2.5-Inch SATA No. of Ports/Slots: 6+1 Ports: 2 x USB 2.0 2 x USB 3.0 1 x USB-C 3.0 1 x SD Card Reader 1 x Micro SD Card Reader Date of Release: Dec-2020	Buy on Amazon
	Hagibis Docking Station MC25 Pro HD	Power Supply: Bus Powered Connection Interface: USB-C 3.2 (10Gbps) Hard Drive Slot: 1 x 2.5-Inch SATA 1 x M.2 SSD No. of Ports/Slots: 8+2 Ports: 1 x DisplayPort v1.4 ([email protected]) 1 x HDMI ([email protected]) 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 2 x USB-A 3.0 1 x SD Card Reader 1 x Micro SD Card Reader Date of Release: Aug-2022	Buy on Amazon
	Elecife Type C Docking Station	Power Supply: Bus Powered Connection Interface: USB-C 3.0 (5Gbps) Hard Drive Slot: 1 x 2.5-Inch SATA No. of Ports/Slots: 6+1 Ports: 1 x USB-C 3.0 2 x USB-A 3.0 1 x USB 2.0 1 x SD Card Reader 1 x Micro SD Card Reader Date of Release: Jun-2021	Buy on Amazon
	Rytaki Pro Mac Mini Dock	Power Supply: External Adapter Connection Interface: USB-C 3.0 (5Gbps) Hard Drive Slot: 1 x 2.5-Inch SATA No. of Ports/Slots: 11+1 Ports: 1 x HDMI ([email protected]) 1 x VGA 1 x USB-C 3.0 2 x USB-A 3.0 2 x USB 2.0 1 x SD Card Reader 1 x Micro SD Card Reader 1 x 3.5mm Headphone Jack 1 x 3.5mm Microphone Jack Date of Release: Feb-2022	Buy on Amazon

1. OWC MiniStack STX – Best Thunderbolt 4 Dock for Mac Mini

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The Hagibis MC25 docking station uses a USB-C data bus to connect to the Mac Mini and power the device. This means you don’t deal with an added power adapter that occupies precious workspace, and you maintain a clutter-free desk that ensures you stay productive.

You can attach an additional 2.5-inch HDD/SSD drive using the SATA slot on the dock’s bottom panel. An access panel secures the drive into a housing located on the bottom panel of the device. Keep a small Phillip screwdriver handy because, unlike other manufacturers, Hagibis does not ship one with the device.

The device offers seven ports in all that include the SATA slot. You also get two ports each for USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, perfect for connecting all those old USB flash drives, external hard drives, and legacy peripheral devices. And the SD and micro-SD card readers allow you to quickly transfer all the pictures on your camera or smartphone to the hard drive.

The MC25 has forward-facing ports that make them easily accessible without you having to reach the back each time you need to connect new devices. The aluminum body makes it durable and lightweight, and you won’t damage your computer by placing the dock on top of your Mac Mini. Further, the four anti-skid patches on the bottom panel provide excellent grip, ensuring that neither the dock nor your Mac Mini slide and cause damage to each other.

3. Rocketek 12 in 1 Mac Mini Dock – 12 in 1 Dock

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The Rocketek 12-in-1 dock utilizes an external power source to provide power to the large number of ports it offers. While the additional ports provide unmatched connectivity, using an external power source implies added clutter to the work area.

Like the MC25, this dock from Rocketek also provides a SATA slot to attach a 2.5-inch HDD/SSD storage. Thankfully, it does not involve tiny screws, and you can remove the access panel simply by sliding an “On/Off” switch on the bottom panel of the device.

However, simplicity is one of many reasons that makes this dock a suitable device. The dock offers eleven I/O ports to expand your workstation setup quickly. The list includes HDMI and VGA ports allowing up to [email protected] video output. Thus, you don’t need to sacrifice a Thunderbolt port to connect an additional monitor. Additional ports include two 3.5mm jacks, one each for a headphone and microphone. Alternatively, you can use it to connect to an external speaker for your Mac Mini. But don’t be taken in by the USB-C port that is only there for connecting the data bus.

Unlike the MC25, the Rocketek dock has a plastic body which makes it lightweight but doesn’t give it the durability of aluminum. The top panel features a round niche that allows the Mac Mini’s base to settle into the slot and stay there, thanks to the anti-skip patches positioned within the niche.

4. Qwiizlab Docking Station – SATA and M.2 Slots

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The Qwiizlab docking station uses dual USB-C ports, one to power the device using a 5V power connection and the other to connect the data bus. So, you will have to manage one additional cable to create the clutter-free work area you desire. One possible solution is to use a USB-A port on the Mac Mini to provide power to the docking station, but be sure to read the power requirements to utilize the dock’s most significant advantage.

Unlike most docks that only offer a SATA slot to connect a 2.5-inch HDD/SSD storage, the Qwiizlab docking station also provides an M.2 slot. Therefore, you get read/write speeds of up to 3500MB/s compared to a SATA drive’s 600MB/s. Furthermore, it supports M.2 SSD of up to 8TB storage capacity, so it’ll be a while before you run out of storage space.

While the M.2 is a huge advantage, this docking station from Qwiizlab has more to offer. The device provides six I/O expansion ports and a USB-C 3.1 port that helps deliver data at 10Gbps between devices. The device omits additional video output ports, so you must rely on the Mac Mini to facilitate a multi-monitor setup.

Like the Hagibis dock, the Qwiizlab dock also features an all-aluminum shell that makes it durable when placing the Mac Mini on top. The ports are all front-facing, with only the USB-C port for the data bus and the power supply on the rear panel. Lastly, the front panel has two LED indicators to notify users of read/write operations to the SATA and M.2 drives.

5. Satechi Type-C Stand & Hub with SSD Enclosure – USB-C ports

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The Satechi docking station uses the data bus to power itself and keeps your workstation clutter-free so that you stay focused on work. This limits its overall offering, and you may miss some key features.

For instance, the device does away with the commonly offered SATA slot; instead, you only get an M.2 slot. While you get a high-speed storage drive, the drive will come at a considerable price premium that most users would not like. The M.2 enclosure is located on the bottom panel and is accessible easily via the pull-out access panel, making it convenient to install and uninstall M.2 drives.

The docking station offers one USB-C data port with 5Gbps data transfer speeds. You also get three USB-A ports that provide the same rate of 5Gbps, and an SD and micro-SD card reader to quickly transfer your picture and videos. Further, the Satechi docking station thoughtfully offers a 3.5mm audio jack on the front panel, making it more accessible than the one on the rear panel of the Mac Mini.

The Satechi docking station uses lightweight plastic that gives it a premium feel but compromises the device’s durability. The top panel features a circular niche with anti-skid patches that secure the Mac Mini and prevent it from sliding off the dock. Lastly, this docking station has a permanently attached data cable, long enough to connect to a Mac Mini placed on top. But you’ll have to settle for another device if you want the added flexibility to position the machine elsewhere.

6. AGPTEK USB-C Docking Station & Stand – Cheapest

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While most Mac Mini docking stations are not very expensive, the AGPTEK USB-C docking station is still cheaper. This bus-powered dock uses a USB-C port for data and power transmission between the device and the host. Thus, the clutter-free workspace keeps you focused and productive for long hours.

The docking station provides a SATA slot to attach your 2.5-inch HDD/SSD drive. The drive enclosure has an access panel that you can remove by unscrewing four tiny screws using the Phillips head screwdriver that comes along with the dock. So, while the installation is cumbersome, you won’t have to run down to the garage searching for a screwdriver that fits.

While this docking station offers a USB-C interface to connect to the host computer, it doesn’t provide a USB-C port for expansion purposes. Instead, you get two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports and SD and micro-SD card reader to connect a few peripheral devices. Remember, this is a low-cost device, so one mustn’t expect much more.

The AGPTEK docking station has an aluminum shell that won’t get damaged when you place your Mac Mini on top. It is available in two colors that perfectly match the Mac Mini shades.

7. Hagibis Docking Station MC25 Pro HD – DisplayPort and HDMI

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The MC25 Pro HD docking station from Hagibis is a professional-level device that pairs well with the Mac Mini and the Mac Studio. Its most significant advantage, the DisplayPort and HDMI ports, allow Mac Mini users to connect an additional monitor and easily mirror their screens.

The device offers a SATA and an M.2 slot to choose a drive that best suits your need. You can use these drives simultaneously and avail yourself of the benefit of high-capacity and high-speed drives.

Hagibis offers the MC25 Pro HD with six more ports other than the DisplayPort and HDMI. You get USB-C and USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports that provide 10Gbps speed and two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports with 5Gbps speed. Thus, plenty of ports allow you to easily tweak your setup and customize it.

The MC25 Pro HD also uses an aluminum shell design, making the device durable. Using video ports means the device will need all the power it can get. Thus, it uses one USB-C connector for the data bus and one to draw power.

8. Elecife Type C Docking Station – Heat Dissipation

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Using a docking station with the Mac Mini can be tricky as, in several cases, the computer tends to heat, especially at peak performance. The Elecife docking station addresses this issue by providing cooling vents on the top panel of the device. Thus, placing your Mac Mini on top of this docking station leaves a gap for ventilation that enables efficient heat dissipation.

The device also provides a SATA slot and an enclosure to house the 2.5-inch HDD/SSD drive. Unlike other devices, the encloser is accessible from the top panel via a circular access panel removable with a simple rotation motion.

The Elecife docking station offers six ports besides the SATA slot for the removable drive. These include one USB-C and two USB 3.0 ports offering 5Gbps data transfer speeds and one USB 2.0 port providing 480Mbps speed. You also get SD and mico-SD card readers commonly found on similar docking stations.

9. Rytaki Pro Mac Mini Dock – Dual Monitor Setup

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The Rytaki Pro offers an HDMI and VGA port that is handy when you need a dual monitor setup. You can easily use the setup in extended and mirroring modes, albeit with some limitations.

The simultaneous use of HDMI and VGA ports will act as one source, and the Mac Mini HDMI ports will serve as the second source. Thus, whether you run the setup in extend mode or mirror mode, the HDMI and VGA will display the same image. And the Mac Mini’s HDMI display will work in extended or mirroring mode, depending on your selection.

The Rytaki Pro offers many ports other than the HDMI and VGA ports, including USB-A, media card readers, and 3.5mm audio jacks. You get ten ports that provide a wide selection allowing you to scale up your workstation setup quickly. Further, the SATA slot and drive enclosure will enable you to attach a 2.5-inch HDD/SSD drive.

Best Mac Mini Docking Stations – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get 8K Video with a Mac Mini Dock?

A dock connects to the host using the Mac Mini’s Thunderbolt 4 port which supports [email protected] video. Unfortunately, a lot depends on the internal architecture of the dock and whether it uses Thunderbolt 4 natively, most docks don’t. The OWC MiniStack STX is the only dock with Thunderbolt 4 ports, supporting 8K video.

Can I connect a monitor to the USB-C port on my Mac Mini Docking station?

Only a few docking stations offer a USB-C port to connect peripheral devices. Among the few that are there, you’ll need to look for one that supports Alt Mode DisplayPort. Unfortunately, the present lot of docks available on the market do not support this feature.

Do Mac Mini docking stations interfere with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals?

Reportedly, there have been instances where a Mac Mini has caused a disturbance in the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals of the Mac Mini. Often, a simple solution is to switch to the 5GHz frequency while using Wi-Fi. But Bluetooth does not offer the 5GHz frequency, so moving the dock away from the Mac Mini is the best solution. This is not a professional solution, but it is known to work. But the best solution would be to use certified cables and devices, which may be expensive, but you’ll undoubtedly avoid facing this problem.

How is a Mac Mini Docking station different from other docking stations?

While the features may be similar, if not the same, the overall design and look of the Mac Mini docking station seamlessly integrate well with the Mac Mini. Thus, you get a device that looks and feels like an Apple product. So, to answer the question, nothing, except the uniform aesthetics.