With Macs only continuing to become more powerful, connectivity demands have only grown larger. Whether it’s editing video, running multiple displays, managing multiple libraries, or trying to keep your workstation clean and simple, a quality dock can be vital for professional Mac users.
Thankfully, there’s the Sonnet Echo 21 Thunderbolt 5 SuperDock.
Designed for Mac and even iPad users, we’re taking a look at a dock that commands performance without compromise, and it offers a rather impressive list of specs. For Mac users, it’s going to be one of the most complete docking solutions available, so let’s explore what makes this accessory so unique.
Built for Thunderbolt 5
What makes the Echo 21 such a mainstay is its use of Thunderbolt 5 technology. Delivering up to 80 Gbps of bi-directional bandwidth, the dock also supports up to 120 Gbps of display bandwidth when necessary. Compared to Thunderbolt 4, this essentially doubles the dock’s available throughput.
It’s not hard to picture some Mac workstations as nothing more than a labyrinth of cables: SSDs, multiple displays, countless USB accessories taking up bandwidth — it’s easy for things to become unmanageable, and quick. However, the Echo 21 is capable of running everything and more directly from a single Thunderbolt cable connected to your MacBook. It’s not only good for managing connections, but it’s also hard not to notice the benefits of the additional headroom.
Another standout feature for the Echo 21 is its ability to provide 140W of charging power, which is suitable even for the higher-end MacBook Pros. Running it for several hours during a workday, there were virtually zero issues running multiple displays, an SSD, and multiple USB-C and USB-A peripherals, and it even plays well with macOS.
A Rare Feature
Where the Echo 21 really takes things up a notch is by including an M.2 NVMe SSD expansion slot.
This slot gives users the ability to install up to 8TB of internal storage directly into the dock. It eliminates the need for an additional enclosure, and the dock provides speeds up to 3,300 MB/s, making it good for large media libraries, Time Machine Backups, or even active projects.
Those working with something like Final Cut Pro, Lightroom, or Logic Pro are likely to find it a godsend, and the SSD connection we tested performed well. Even while transferring a large collection of HEIC photos, the dock remained steadfast.
Making More Connections
There’s a reason Sonnet bequeathed the name “SuperDock” upon this beast, and it’s not just because of an SSD slot and external display options.
In addition to three Thunderbolt 5 ports, the Echo 21 also includes:
- Nine 10 Gbps USB 3 ports,
- 10 Gigabit Ethernet,
- HDMI
- DisplayPort
- UHS-II SD and microSD card readers
- Power connector
- 3.5 mm microphone and headphone jacks
- Two (right and left channel) line out RCA jacks
For creatives and professionals, the amount of options can feel like finding a waterfall in a desert. Rather than endlessly disconnecting accessories only to plug in more, users just need to plug a single cable into their MacBook to have their entire workstation at the ready.
It’s also worth highlighting the 10GbE port. These days, many docks are still relying on 2.5GbE or even standard Gigabit Ethernet, and Sonnet’s decision to provide a full 10 Gigabyte Ethernet connection should make this device especially attractive for anyone working with NAS systems or high-speed office networks.
Looking at Display Options
It’s not easy working from a single monitor these days, and professionals should know all too well the feeling of cycling between a Slack channel and their work. Fortunately, the Echo 21 shines even with its display options.
With both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, the dock does a great job of supporting multiple high-resolution monitor configurations. Though it’s going to depend largely on the Mac’s capabilities, the device supports displays up to 8K resolution, and certain Mac configurations can drive multiple 4K, 5K, or 6K thanks to Thunderbolt.
The flexibility can be fantastic for creative professionals, developers, financial analysts, or really anyone who needs more screen real estate.
Running our own multiple monitor setup was incredibly simple, and even after hours of use, the Echo 21 continued on with no problems, even when we took advantage of the SSD slot simultaneously. It’s going to be especially great for Studio Displays and larger multi-display workstations.
Ready for the Future
One thing we really appreciated about the Echo 21 is that it feels built for the future rather than looking solely to the machines of today.
Even though Thunderbolt 5 adoption is still catching on, the amount of features packed into this device ensures years of use. From the additional bandwidth to high-speed networking and integrated storage capabilities, the dock knows what the next generation of workflows is going to look like.
Even though it’s built for the future, it still has compatibility with today’s current selection of USB and Thunderbolt devices, meaning any Mac user should have little trouble transitioning to the Echo 21 from their older dock.
The Final Word: Is the Echo 21 Right for You?
At the end of the day, the Sonnet Echo 21 Thunderbolt SuperDock delivers virtually anything a Mac user could want or need from a modern dock. With Thunderbolt 5 performance, extensive port selection, integrated SSD expansion, versatile display support, 10 GbE networking, and substantial charging power, it’s got what Mac users need.
Though not every casual user is going to need this much power under the hood, professional and power users are going to find plenty to appreciate. The integrated SSD alone makes the Echo 21 noteworthy, yet its overall selection of features makes this one of the stronger options available for Mac users.
