The 2021 iPad Pro and the fifth-generation iPad Air both have a USB-C port, as did the previous iPad Pro models, and the fourth-generation iPad Air. On top of USB-C support, the latest iPad Pro supports Thunderbolt. That means you can take advantage of faster transfer speeds and connect Thunderbolt monitors directly to the tablet.  There are several docks and hubs that make connecting multiple devices and accessories, including external monitors, to the iPad a breeze. Below you’ll find a mix of options from various companies at a wide range of price points that I’ve personally tested with the 2021 iPad Pro. I specifically picked devices that would appeal to all types of iPad users, ranging from someone who just wants a couple of extra ports to someone who wants a dedicated workstation.
More specifically, this Anker hub has 2 x USB-A ports, 1 x USB-C port with Power Delivery at up to 85W for charging your iPad or laptop, 1 x USB-C data port, 1 x HDMI port, 1 x microSD card slot, and 1 x standard SD card slot. The HDMI port supports a single 4K display with a refresh rate of 30Hz, and the USB ports (both A and C) support up to 5Gbps transfer speeds for transferring files.  Pros

Affordable Gives your iPad extra ports 

Cons

Lacks support for faster display refresh rates No support for audio or Ethernet connections

The USB-A port works with external hard drives or accessories, while the USB-C port only acts as a power pass-through for charging your iPad (or MacBook). The HDMI port supports up to 4K at 60Hz for all iPad models and a limited selection of MacBook models. I included Apple’s hub in the list simply because, if you’ve owned a MacBook after Apple switched to USB-C, odds are you also have one of these adapters. I want to highlight that it does indeed work with the iPad Pro or Air, and it does a good job at providing minimal connections. It’s expensive for what it offers, but that’s usually the case with Apple accessories. Pros

Also supports some MacBook models Works with hard drives or can provide power

Cons

Expensive Only three ports

The total list of ports includes 1 x USB-C (10Gb/s) that connects the dock to your iPad. There’s another USB-C port next to a standard USB port, both of which offer 10Gb/s speeds, a full-size SD card port, and a microSD card port. When it comes to external displays, you have an HDMI port and a DisplayPort with 4K@60Hz with HDR support. Next to the display connections is another USB-C port that only serves as a 100W PD receptacle to power all of your USB devices and charge the tablet or computer attached to the dock. Instead of lengthy housing, the Soho has a rectangular design with ports on three of four sides. It’s a unique design since most hubs (like the aforementioned Anker) have a similar design. At $80, the Soho isn’t overpriced and offers a wide range of connections and speeds.  Pros

Plenty of port options Unique design

Cons

A more costly option

The ports include 1 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x 4K@30Hz, 1 x microSD, 1 x SD card reader, 3 x USB-A (5Gbps), 1 x USB-C PD at 60W, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The headphone jack may be confusing at first glance, and I’ll admit even I was perplexed by it. Then I remembered that, whenever you’re using a dock or hub with the iPad, it automatically routes all audio through the HDMI connection. By connecting a speaker or a pair of headphones to the audio jack on the Power hub, you’re able to listen to system sounds or music. For someone who needs more than one or two USB ports – and prefers a hardwired Ethernet connection – the HyperDrive Power is where it’s at.  Pros

Provides a hardwired Ethernet connection Nine total ports 

Cons

Headphone jack can be confusing Most expensive option on our list

I’ve used the HoverBar Duo with my 12.9-inch iPad Pro and all of the hubs discussed here. Effectively, you could combine the HoverBar Duo with the HyperDrive Power, and you’d have a similar amount of ports and setup as the StudioDock for about half the price. Pros

Turns your iPad into a desktop of sorts Fully adjustable arm 

Cons

If you use an iPad case on your device, this may not fit itCan vibrate a little too much

At times, my iPad would be connected to an external display. Other times, the hub would only serve as a means to connect external storage and accessories to the tablet, without a display attached.  Whereas the Anker hub is for someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot on a hub and doesn’t mind that it lacks all of the bells and whistles.  The CalDigit dock allows you to connect a 4K display for real-time monitoring of your art or offload images from your digital camera with the SD card reader slots. It also features a 100W USB-C charging port to keep your mobile devices or even your laptop at full battery. The TwelveSouth HoverBar Duo is an articulating arm that holds your iPad in either a vertical or horizontal position, allowing you to use it like you would a desktop monitor. It’s also a great option for more ergonomic digital art creation, since you can position your iPad to where it’s most comfortable to use.