At CES 2026, accessory maker Satechi unveiled a high-performance docking station that blends seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem, both in form and function. The new Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock is designed to be the central hub for power users, offering the blistering speeds of the latest connectivity standard in a chassis that bears a striking resemblance to a Mac mini. This launch signals a significant leap forward for desktop docking, targeting professionals who need to manage multiple high-resolution displays, fast storage, and numerous peripherals through a single cable.
Key Specifications of the Satechi Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock
- Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 2 inches
- Material: Solid aluminum
- Max Bandwidth: 120 Gbps (Thunderbolt 5)
- Host Charging: 140W Power Delivery
- SSD Support: M.2 NVMe slot (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280) up to 8TB, ~6,000 MB/s speeds
- Display Support: Two 8K @ 60Hz or three 4K @ 144Hz
- Ports:
- Front: 3.5mm audio, 10Gbps USB-C (30W PD), 10Gbps USB-A, SD/microSD card reader.
- Rear: 1x Upstream TB5, 3x Downstream TB5, 10Gbps USB-A, 2.5Gb Ethernet, DC power input.
- Cooling: Active cooling with side, rear, and bottom vents.
- Price: USD 399.99
- Availability: Pre-order now, ships Q1 2026.
A Design That Complements Apple's Aesthetic
The Satechi Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock immediately stands out for its premium, Apple-inspired design. Crafted from solid aluminum with similar curves and a matching finish, the 5 x 5 x 2-inch cube could easily be mistaken for a Mac mini M4 from a distance. This deliberate aesthetic choice ensures the dock looks like a natural extension of an Apple-centric workspace rather than a clunky afterthought. The front panel hosts a practical array of ports including a 3.5mm headphone jack, a 10Gbps USB-C port with 30W power delivery, a 10Gbps USB-A port, and both microSD and SD card readers, all centered around a lit power button.
Unleashing Thunderbolt 5's Raw Power
The core of the CubeDock's appeal is its full embrace of the Thunderbolt 5 standard. The dock supports a massive bandwidth of up to 120Gbps, a feature enabled by its included or optional Thunderbolt 5 Pro Cable. This bandwidth allows for incredibly demanding display configurations, such as driving two 8K monitors at 60Hz or triple 4K displays at a smooth 144Hz refresh rate. On the rear, an upstream Thunderbolt 5 port connects to a host laptop or desktop, while three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports provide the high-speed connections for peripherals and displays. This makes it an ideal solution for video editors, designers, and developers working with resource-intensive applications.
Comprehensive Connectivity and Smart Storage Expansion
Beyond raw speed, the CubeDock is packed with ports to eliminate dongle clutter. It includes a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port for high-speed wired networking, an additional 10Gbps USB-A port on the back, and supports 140W of host charging to keep even the most power-hungry laptops running at full capacity. A standout feature is the integrated, tool-free M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure on the bottom of the device. Supporting drives up to 8TB with transfer speeds up to 6,000 MB/s, it offers a cost-effective way to bypass expensive factory storage upgrades from manufacturers like Apple. The enclosure is versatile, supporting 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors, and is even deep enough to accommodate SSDs with attached heatsinks.
Comparison: Included Features vs. Optional/Additional
| Feature | Included with CubeDock | Sold Separately / Optional |
|---|---|---|
| Thunderbolt 5 Cable | One cable included in box. | "Thunderbolt 5 Pro Cable" (USD 39.99) for additional runs. |
| Power Supply | 180W smart power supply included. | N/A |
| SSD Storage | Enclosure included. Drive must be purchased separately. | M.2 NVMe SSD (not included). |
| Early Adopter Discount | Code CES2026 for 20% off on Satechi's site until Jan 31, 2026. |
Same code applies to the Pro Cable. |
Pricing, Availability, and Target Audience
Positioned as a premium product, the Satechi Thunderbolt 5 CubeDock carries a price tag of USD 399.99. It is available for pre-order directly from Satechi, with shipments expected to begin in Q1 2026 (by the end of March). For early adopters, the company is offering a 20% discount using the code CES2026 at checkout on its website until January 31. The companion Thunderbolt 5 Pro Cable is sold separately for USD 39.99. This dock is unequivocally aimed at professionals and power users for whom maximum productivity, clean cable management, and future-proofed performance justify the investment. It represents a significant upgrade over previous Thunderbolt 4 docks, particularly for users with multiple high-resolution monitors or those who work with large video and data files directly from external storage.