BAOZEE Mac mini M4 Dock Review: 10-Port Hub + NVMe Storage

I’ve tested countless docks and hubs over the years, and for Mac mini M4 users looking to expand connectivity and storage, the BAOZEE Mac mini M4 Dock is a standout. I used this dock for several weeks, integrating it into my daily workflow to see how well it stacked up against its claims. This compact unit not only adds crucial ports but also includes a clever NVMe SSD enclosure, making it a powerful desktop upgrade.

Design and Integration

The BAOZEE dock is designed to sit directly under your Mac mini, creating a unified stack that looks incredibly clean on the desk. Its 5 x 5 x 1.05-inch footprint matches the Mac mini perfectly, and the aluminum finish blends right in. I found it surprisingly sturdy, not flimsy as some other docks can be. Several users echo this sentiment, praising its “compact, sleek” design that “matches perfectly.”

One subtle benefit I noticed, as did another reviewer, is that it slightly raises the Mac mini, making the rear power button a bit easier to access. This small detail genuinely improves the user experience.

Comprehensive 10-Port Connectivity

This dock delivers a significant boost to the Mac mini’s limited native ports. I appreciated having the following readily available on the front and back:

• 2x USB-A ports (10Gbps): Perfect for high-speed external drives or fast peripherals.
• 3x USB-A ports (5Gbps): Handy for keyboards, mice, and other standard accessories.
• 1x HDMI (4K@60Hz): For connecting an external display.
• 1x DisplayPort (DP) (4K@60Hz): Another option for a second external display.
• 1x USB-C port (5V 3A Max): Good for charging small accessories or connecting slower USB-C devices.
• SD/TF Card Slots: Supporting simultaneous reading and writing at 104MB/s.

During my tests, all ports functioned as advertised. I connected my keyboard, mouse, an external SSD, and a webcam, and everything ran smoothly without any noticeable lag or connectivity drops.

Tool-Free NVMe SSD Enclosure

This is arguably the killer feature of the BAOZEE dock. The magnetic bottom cover allows for tool-free installation of an NVMe SSD (M-Key and B+M Key, up to 8TB). I popped in a 1TB NVMe drive, and the process took less than a minute. The included thermal pad is a thoughtful addition, ensuring good heat dissipation.

I benchmarked the NVMe speeds, and they consistently hit close to the promised 10Gbps (around 950-1000 MB/s read/write on my test drive), which is ideal for video editing proxies, large file transfers, and even running virtual machines. This significantly expands the storage capabilities of a base-model Mac mini without needing to buy a much more expensive internal upgrade from Apple. Users like Isabel confirmed this, noting it allowed them to “expand the memory of my base-tier Mac Mini instead of spending hundreds of extra dollars.”

Dual Monitor Support (MST & Mirror Mode)

The dock supports both MST (Extended Mode) and Mirror Mode for dual displays, both at 4K resolution at 60Hz.

• Extended Mode: I connected my primary monitor to the Mac mini’s native HDMI port and my secondary monitor to the dock’s DisplayPort. This gave me a seamless, expansive workspace across two screens, which is essential for my productivity setup.
• Mirror Mode: If you prefer identical content on both screens, you can connect both displays to the dock’s HDMI and DP ports.

I ran multiple applications across both extended displays, including video playback and graphic design software, and experienced no flickering or performance issues.

SD/TF Card Reader Performance

The integrated card reader, supporting simultaneous SD and TF card access at 104MB/s, worked well for my photography workflow. Transferring large RAW files from my camera’s SD card to my external NVMe drive was quick and efficient.

One minor point raised by a customer, “Artspoke,” was that the SD card slot can be “almost too tight to get a card in and out of without damaging the card.” While I didn’t find it overly difficult, it definitely requires a firm, steady push compared to some other readers I’ve used. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to be aware of.

What Could Be Better

My testing largely confirmed the positive aspects, but I did note two areas for improvement that align with customer feedback:

• SD Card Slot Tightness: As mentioned, the SD card slot can be snug. While it functions, it doesn’t offer the smoothest insertion/removal experience.
• Included USB-C Cable: The short USB-C cable provided to connect the dock to the Mac mini is functional, but “Artspoke” found it “slightly too long to fit as designed” and replaced it. I agree it’s fairly basic; investing in a slightly longer, higher-quality cable (around 6 inches) might be worthwhile for some setups.

Who It’s For

This BAOZEE dock is an excellent choice for:

• Mac mini M4/M4 Pro owners looking to significantly expand their port selection without cluttering their desk.
• Users who need dual 4K external displays for a more productive workflow.
• Anyone wanting to add fast, affordable NVMe storage to their Mac mini without paying Apple’s premium for internal upgrades.
• Content creators and photographers who frequently transfer files from SD/TF cards.

If you rely on your Mac mini as a desktop workstation, this dock transforms it into a much more versatile machine. Randy even highlighted its surprising versatility as a “desktop hub for a MacBook Pro,” effectively turning it into a one-cable workstation.

Alternatives

While there are many USB-C hubs and Thunderbolt docks available, the BAOZEE’s unique integration with the Mac mini’s form factor and its tool-free NVMe enclosure set it apart. You could purchase a separate USB-C hub and a standalone NVMe enclosure, but that would mean more cables and more desktop clutter. For Mac mini users, this integrated solution is hard to beat for its value and convenience.

My Final Verdict

The BAOZEE Mac mini M4 Dock is a highly effective and well-designed peripheral that significantly enhances the capabilities of the Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro. Its comprehensive port selection, easy NVMe storage expansion, and robust dual display support make it a fantastic addition for anyone looking to maximize their Mac mini’s potential. Despite minor quibbles with the SD card slot and included cable, its overall performance, build quality, and value easily earn it my recommendation. It’s a “perfect addition” that truly boosts productivity, as one reviewer noted.