The Yoga Pro 9i (2024) doesn’t strictly skip native port selection, but you can always expand your connectivity with a suitable docking station.
Lenovo’s Yoga Pro 9i (2024) is a new addition to the Yoga stable that promises high performance for content creators and power users. This is one of the few Yoga laptops that doesn’t feature a convertible form factor, instead focusing on a sleek clamshell design with solid performance hardware inside. Featuring an Intel Core Ultra H-series CPU, an Nvidia RTX discrete laptop GPU, and a high-resolution, high-refresh display, it’s an attractive choice for those looking to combine style and power.
The Yoga Pro 9i (2024) has a wide selection of native ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and an SD card reader. However, many professionals want a more diverse selection of ports for connecting storage, accessories, or external displays. All of the top docking stations I’ve collected here work well with the Yoga Pro 9i. There’s also enough variety that every type of user can find something suitable.
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Kensington SD5780T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station
Editor’s Choice
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Plugable TBT4-UD5 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
bargain
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Source: Amazon
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
premium pick
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CalDigit Element Hub
lots of thunderbolts
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Source: HP
HP Thunderbolt Dock G4
Perfect for professionals
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Kensington SD5780T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station
Editor’s Choice
$218 $317 Save $99
Kensington’s SD5780T is an excellent Thunderbolt 4 dock with a strong warranty, durable aluminum design with mounting options, and 10 downstream ports. It can provide up to 96W of power to the host and support multiple 4K monitors. The recent (and significant) price drop makes the Yoga Pro 9i (2024) a better choice than ever.
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Plugable TBT4-UD5 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
bargain
Plugable’s TBT4-UD5 is a relatively affordable Thunderbolt 4 dock with 12 downstream ports, including dual HDMI 2.1, SD and microSD card readers, and Gigabit Ethernet. It doesn’t have as many features as some of the other options, but it should be a valuable tool for those who primarily use HDMI monitors. To add to its appeal, the $200 price tag is very competitive.
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
premium pick
400 dollars $450 Save $50
CalDigit’s TS4 is the pinnacle of Thunderbolt 4 docking and makes a great companion to the Yoga Pro 9i for power users. It features a total of 18 ports for expansive connectivity, can charge your host laptop at up to 98W, and is built into a durable aluminum chassis with a ribbed design for increased heat dissipation. Although very expensive, the docking station doesn’t get any better than this.
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CalDigit Element Hub
lots of thunderbolts
$180 200 dollars Save $20
I’ve had the CalDigit Element in my office for several years now, and it never disappoints. Three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports and four USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2) ports make it more of a hub than a full dock, but can be used to expand another Thunderbolt 4 dock with additional connections. You can also use For users who only need these types of ports, you can save a significant amount of money compared to TS4.
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HP Thunderbolt Dock G4
Perfect for professionals
$209 $329 Save $120
The Thunderbolt 4 Dock G4 from HP that we reviewed has the right features to complement professional workflows. Host charging power is available at 120W or 280W, offers nine ports (DP 1.4 and one HDMI 2.0), and supports PXE boot, Wake-on-LAN, and MAC address passthrough. The only thing I don’t like is the fixed host cable.
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Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma
RGB lighting
$294 $330 Save $36
Razer’s Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma features three downstream TB4 ports, three USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2), Gigabit Ethernet, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a UHS-II SD card reader, with up to 90W of charging power to the host. What’s the big attraction? Sleek aluminum chassis with customizable RGB underglow lighting. If you like something a little more special, this is for you.
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dell dual charging dock
For phone addicts
$93 100 dollars Save $7
The Dell Dual Charge Docking Station adds a fabric-covered upright stand with Qi wireless charging for your phone to a compact body. This is a capable dock with USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), four USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1), Ethernet, DP 1.4, HDMI 2.1 and support for dual external 4K displays. Although not Thunderbolt, it can provide up to 90W of charging power to the host. Includes PXE support and MAC address passthrough.
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Anker 575 USB-C Hub
best usb-c hub
Anker’s 575 is a killer USB with plenty of ports including USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), 2 USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2), 2 HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz support), DisplayPort 1.4, and Gigabit. -C hub. Ethernet, 3.5mm audio jack, SD and microSD card reader. Separate USB-C support adds 100W pass-through charging. If you like to travel light, this hub may make more sense than a full docking station.
Choosing the best dock for Yoga Pro 9i (2024)
Kensington SD5780T
The 2024 Yoga Pro 9i, which Lenovo considers a 9th generation model (to line up with other Yoga PCs), is a powerful, feature-packed laptop that will appeal to creators, designers, artists, and more. It also features a good selection of native connectivity, while the Thunderbolt 4 port allows you to use the laptop with high-end Thunderbolt docks.
If we were to suggest one dock to pair with the Yoga Pro 9i, the Kensington SD5780T would be a strong choice and should suit most people. In my review of the Kensingston SD5780T, I called it “worth the investment for anyone looking to create a more permanent workstation.” At the time of writing this review, that investment was approximately $300. Prices have since dropped significantly, and you can usually find docks for around $220 when on sale. A great dock for the Yoga Pro 9i as it supports dual 4K monitors at 60Hz each, provides up to 96W of charging power to the host, and features a durable aluminum shell with pre-drilled mounting holes. It should be.
Pluggable TBT4-UD5
If you’re looking to save money, you can always check out our review of the Plugable TBT4-UD5. Senior Editor João Carrasqueira says, “If you want a docking station that doesn’t cost a lot, he has no problem recommending the Plugable TBT4-UD5.” It offers up to 96W of charging to the host, 12 downstream ports, and support for dual 4K displays at 60Hz.
If you want to go all out with the best Thunderbolt 4 dock on the market, CalDigit’s TS4 is on standby. In my review, I said “Thunderbolt 4 docks don’t get any better than this,” and this one has all 17 downstream ports, a durable aluminum design that can be used horizontally or vertically, and a host 98W of charging power, and thanks to dual connectivity. 4K display support. Although expensive, it’s the right choice for those who don’t want to sacrifice connectivity.
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