Good laptops can do every part desktop computer systems can do, plus they slot in a backpack when it’s time to work or play elsewhere. One notable distinction, although, is the variety of ports on a conveyable laptop versus a tower setup. In order for you intensive connectivity whenever you’re at your desk, whereas nonetheless reserving the power to pack up and go at a second’s discover, docking stations can get you there. Counting on only one USB-C port in your laptop computer and a DC energy provide, a docking station allows you to plug in your wired mice and keyboards, hook up a monitor with HDMI or DisplayPort jacks and switch information to exterior drives and SD playing cards. Figuring out one of the best docking station is dependent upon precisely which ports you want and whether or not the supported requirements of every port will ship the speeds or resolutions you’re in search of. We examined greater than 15 extremely rated docks that will help you decide one of the best laptop computer docking station in your wants.
What to search for in a docking station
Initially, think about what you might want to plug in. It will possible be the deciding issue whenever you go to really purchase a docking station. Do you want three screens for an expanded work view? A fast solution to add photographs from an SD card? Are you seeking to plug in a webcam, mic and streaming gentle, whereas concurrently benefiting from sooner Ethernet connections? When you’ve settled on the kind of ports you want, you may additionally need to think about the technology of these ports as properly; even ports with the identical form can have completely different capabilities. Right here’s a quick overview of the connectivity completely different docking stations provide.
Monitor ports
Exterior displays sometimes want considered one of three ports to connect with a PC: HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C. HDMI connections are extra widespread than DisplayPort and the cables and units that use them are generally extra inexpensive. The preferred model of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) can deal with larger resolutions and refresh charges than the most typical HDMI model (2.0). All the docking stations with HDMI ports that we suggest right here use model 2.0, which may deal with 4K decision at 60Hz or 1080p as much as 240Hz. The DisplayPort-enabled docks assist both model 1.2, which permits for 4K decision at 60Hz, or model 1.4, which may deal with 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz.
It’s also possible to use your dock’s downstream (non-host) Thunderbolt ports to hook up your displays. In case your exterior show has a USB-C socket, you may join straight. You probably have an HDMI or DisplayPort-only monitor, you need to use an adapter or a conversion cable.
After all, the variety of displays you may join and the resolutions/charges they’ll obtain rely on each your laptop’s GPU and your displays — and the extra displays you plug in can carry down these numbers as properly. Be sure you additionally use cables that assist the bandwidth you’re hoping for. MacOS customers ought to take into account that MacBooks with the usual M1 or M2 chips assist only one exterior monitor natively and require DisplayLink hardware and software to assist two exterior shows. MacBooks with M1 Professional, M2 Professional or M2 Max chips can run a number of displays from a single port.
USB ports
Most docking stations provide a number of USB Kind-A ports, that are nice for peripherals like wired mice and keyboards, bus-powered ring lights and flash drives. For sooner information switch speeds to your flash drive, go for USB-A sockets labeled 3.1 or 3.2 — or higher but, use a USB-C Thunderbolt port.
Kind-C USB ports are available in many alternative flavors. The Thunderbolt 3, 4 and USB4 protocols are newer, extra succesful specs that assist energy supply of as much as 100W, a number of 4K shows and information switch speeds of as much as 40Gbps. Different USB-C ports are available in a variety of variations, with some supporting video, information and energy and a few solely in a position to handle information and energy. Switch charges and wattages can differ from port to port, however most docks record the wattage or GB/s on both the dock itself or on the product web page. And once more, reaching the quickest speeds will rely on components just like the cables you utilize and the units you’re transferring information to.
Almost each dock out there at this time connects to a pc by way of USB-C, usually Thunderbolt, and people host ports are almost at all times labeled with a laptop computer icon. Additionally they permit energy supply to your laptop computer: out there wattage varies, however most docks are rated between 85 and 100 watts. That must be sufficient to maintain most computer systems powered — and it additionally means you received’t should take up an additional laptop computer connector for charging.
Different ports
None of our at the moment recommended laptops embody an Ethernet jack; a docking station is an effective way to get that connection again. Everyone knows objectively that wired web is quicker than Wi-Fi, nevertheless it may take operating a primary velocity comparability test to actually get it on a intestine degree. For reference, on Wi-Fi I get a few 45 megabit-per-second obtain velocity. Over Ethernet, it’s 925 Mbps. When you pay for a high-speed plan, however solely ever join wirelessly, you’re in all probability leaving loads of bandwidth on the desk. Each docking station I examined contains an Ethernet port, and it might be the connector you find yourself getting essentially the most use out of.
Simply two of our favourite laptops have SD card readers, and should you want a fast solution to add information from cameras or audio recorders, you could need to get a dock with a type of slots. Of the docks we examined, about half had SD readers. For now, most (however not all) laptops nonetheless embody a 3.5mm audio jack, however should you desire wired headphones and desire a extra accessible place to plug them in, many docking stations will present.
Once you’re counting up the ports in your new dock, do not forget that most corporations embody the host port (the one which connects to your laptop) within the whole quantity. So should you’re in search of a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, you’ll want to verify whether or not considered one of them will probably be used to plug in your laptop computer.
Design
Most docking stations have both a lay-flat or upright design. Most docks put the extra “everlasting” connections in again — equivalent to Ethernet, DC energy, monitor connections and some USBs. Up-front USB ports can be utilized for flash drive transfers, and even plugging in your telephone for a cost (simply make certain the port can ship the facility you want). USBs within the rear are finest for keyboards, mice, webcams and different stuff you’re prone to at all times use. Some docks place the host port up entrance, which could make it simpler to plug in your laptop computer whenever you return to your desk, however a number port in again could look neater general.
How we examined
We began out by taking a look at on-line evaluations, spec sheets from varied manufacturers and docking stations that our fellow tech websites have coated. We thought-about manufacturers we’ve examined earlier than and have appreciated, and weeded out something that didn’t have what we think about a contemporary suite of connections (equivalent to a dock with no downstream USB-C ports). We narrowed it right down to 12 contenders and I examined every dock in a house workplace, utilizing an M1 MacBook Professional, a Dell XPS 13 Plus and an Acer Chromebook Spin 514. I plugged in and evaluated the standard of the connections for 12 completely different peripherals together with a 4K and an HD monitor, a 4K and an HD webcam, plus USB units like a mouse, keyboard, streaming gentle and mic. I plugged in wired earbuds, and transferred information to a USB-C flash drive and an exterior SSD. I ran primary velocity exams on the Ethernet connections in addition to the file transfers. I judged how simple the docks had been to make use of in addition to the varied design components I described earlier. I made spreadsheets and had sufficient wires snaking round my work space that my cat stayed off my desk for 3 weeks (a brand new report).
Greatest docking stations
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Host connection: 2 x USB-C | Energy supply to host: 75W (USB-C) | USB-C: 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x 3.1 | USB-A: 2 | Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 | Aux 3.5mm: No | SD Card: No
The Satechi Dual Dock Stand is completely different from all the opposite docks we examined in two respects: it doesn’t require an influence supply and it goes beneath your MacBook as an alternative of beside it. You might nearly classify it as a hub, however I believe the excessive variety of ports earns it docking-station standing. It plugs into the 2 USB-C ports along side a Mac, which permits MacBooks with M1, M2 or M3 Professional or Max chips to function twin displays in prolonged mode. Sadly, MacBooks with normal M1 or M2 chips, can natively solely energy a second exterior show in mirrored mode. The brand new MacBook Air with the M3 chip can solely energy two shows in prolonged mode with the laptop computer lid closed. You probably have a Mac with a typical chip and want two displays, you will want a docking station that helps DisplayLink {hardware} and software program, such because the Kensington SD4780P, which is our prime decide for Chromebooks.
For the reason that Twin Dock works with out energy, it’s rather a lot simpler to arrange than different docks with transformer containers and DC cables. I discovered it made essentially the most sense to simply use the MagSafe connector on the laptop computer, however you too can provide energy to the dock utilizing the non-data USB-C port and it’ll move 75 watts to your machine.
Each the 4K and HD displays I examined appeared nice and labored properly in prolonged mode. There are two USB-Cs for a webcam and mic, plus two USB-As which might be used for a dongle mouse and a streaming gentle — that’s possible sufficient ports for conferencing or perhaps a primary video creator setup. The dock is finally restricted by the truth that not one of the USB-C connections are Thunderbolt and there are solely two USB-A sockets to work with. Nevertheless it’s a terrific alternative for extending productiveness in a means that tucks beneath a MacBook, neatly shifting the cords to the again of the machine and out of the way in which.
- Distinctive design enhances MacBooks
- Can energy two displays on Macs with M1 Professional or M2 Professional chips
- Good number of ports
- Simply two USB-A ports
- No Thunderbolt ports
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Host connection: Thunderbolt 4 | Energy supply to host: 96W (DC) | USB-C: 3 x TB4 | USB-A: 2 | Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0 | Aux 3.5mm: Sure | SD Card: Sure
It’s as if Satechi referred to as me up and requested for the design of my supreme docking station. They didn’t, to be clear, however the manages to get proper what so many docks nearly do. First off, there are sufficient downstream USB4 ports to deal with a wide range of setups, whether or not you want a monitor array or simply need to run a USB-C keyboard concurrently your webcam and nonetheless have a port left over. You additionally get two HDMI 2.0 connections, an Ethernet jack, two USB-A ports, an SD card slot and a headphone jack.
That’s solely a complete of 10 downstream ports however for most individuals they’re those that provide essentially the most versatility. The trio of Thunderbolt 4 ports can assist as much as 8K displays at 60Hz and 40Gbps information transfers. They’ll even ship 15 watts of energy should you simply must cost your telephone when you work.
It’s also possible to hook up your screens by way of HDMI. MacBook customers might want to set up the DisplayLink driver to work round Apple’s prolonged monitor limitations. With the software program, even M1 and M2 MacBooks can hook up two exterior displays in prolonged mode. Home windows laptops and M2/M3 Professional and Max chips can have as much as 4 prolonged displays related — two by way of the Thunderbolt ports and two by means of the HDMI connections (once more utilizing DisplayLink tech).
Along with the goldilocks port choice, the association of these ports is sort of logical. From this slim and modern slab, a number connection lives on one aspect, permitting for one neat line to your laptop. Connections which might be prone to keep put (displays, DC energy, Ethernet and Thunderbolts) are throughout again, whereas the jacks you’ll in all probability swap up extra usually, such because the USB-A for thumb drives, the three.5mm jack for headphones and the SD card reader, are within the entrance. Proper subsequent to these is a helpful on-off swap, so you may simply flip off all of your peripherals at evening to scale back your energy draw.
The dock delivers on the promise of its intelligent port choice and association. My twin prolonged displays appeared nice and achieved the marketed refresh charges and resolutions, the information transfers had been smoking fast and I used to be in a position to (lastly) totally join my very primary setup with out compromise: Two displays, a webcam, streaming gentle, microphone, keyboard and mouse. I did discover my 4K monitor had the slightest lag when the second monitor was plugged in, nevertheless it was minor and solely noticeable when displaying the webcam video.
One minor criticism is the DisplayLink and Thunderbolt branding throughout the entrance and prime. They distract from the in any other case elegant look of the high-end aluminum exterior. One not-so-minor concern is how heat the unit received as I used it over the course of a pair days. At occasions, it was almost too scorching to carry my hand on comfortably. I by no means observed any hostile efficiency results consequently, nevertheless it’s attainable that would develop into a problem in the long run. As for worth, it’s listed at $300; that’s not the most costly dock we’ve examined, nevertheless it’s actually not the most cost effective. However for the efficiency and considerate design, it’s a Thunderbolt dock that might be price it for lots of people.
- Glorious array of ports
- Ports cleverly organized
- Can assist as much as 4 exterior displays
- DisplayLink driver permits for twin prolonged displays on standard-chip MacBooks
- Lay-flat design can take up loads of desk area with out a mount
- Unit runs very popular
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Host connection: Thunderbolt 4 | Energy supply to host: 98W (DC) | USB-C: 2 x TB4, 3 x 3.2 | USB-A: 5 | Monitor: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 | Aux 3.5mm: 1 x audio combo, 1 x audio in, 1 x audio out | SD Card: SD and microSD
There’s rather a lot to understand about CalDigit’s TS4 docking station: It has a sturdy, upright design with a number connection on the rear and a whopping 5 downstream USB-C ports, two of that are Thunderbolt 4. Up entrance, you get an SD and a microSD card slot together with a headphone jack, two USB-C and a USB-A connector. In again, there’s room for 4 extra USB-A units and two 3.5mm jacks, one for audio in and one for audio out. One space the place the dock could really feel missing is in show inputs. It solely has one DisplayPort 1.4, nevertheless it has loads of TB4 ports, which you’ll simply use to outfit a full command middle (should you don’t have a USB-C monitor, there are many adapters).
The multi-gig Ethernet jack can deal with as much as 2.5Gbps, so should you’re paying for a screaming-fast web plan, this dock can assist you make the most of it. The TS4 can ship as much as 98W of energy to your laptop computer, although like every docking station, the wattage goes down when different gadgets are additionally drawing energy.
The TS4 labored equally properly with my MacBook Professional and the Dell XPS13 Plus and was even appropriate with a Chromebook. I examined learn/write speeds on a Samsung T7 SSD by way of a Thunderbolt port and received 734 MB/s learn and 655 MB/s write speeds on the Mac and 1048/994 on the Dell. In comparison with the opposite docks, that was within the lower-middle vary for the Mac and the quickest general for the PC. On PC, it additionally dealt with a 1GB folder switch to a flash drive sooner than another dock and delivered the quickest connection speeds over the Ethernet. It’s the one unit that permit me plug in each single peripheral I had available directly. When you’ve received numerous tech you need to use concurrently (and cash isn’t a priority), that is the one to get.
- An abundance of ports
- Compact, upright design
- 2.5Gbps Ethernet port
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Host connection: USB-C | Energy supply to host: 100W (DC) | USB-C: 1 x 3.1 | USB-A: 5 | Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.2 | Aux 3.5mm: 1 x audio combo | SD Card: No
The Kensington SD4780P Dual 4K sometimes requires a DisplayLink driver, however any Chromebook made after 2017 helps the connection from the leap. Discovering a docking station that works with ChromeOS is hard; of the 12 models I examined, solely 4 related in any respect with the Acer Chromebook Spin 514, and a type of 4 couldn’t run two displays. The SD4780P makes use of a USB-C host connection, by means of which it presents a most energy supply of 100W and was in a position to run each the 4K and HD screens cleanly.
It permits for a variety of USB-A peripherals by means of 5 such ports, however there’s solely a single downstream USB-C, so I wasn’t ready to make use of each a webcam and mic on the similar time. Meaning you’ll want to make use of your Chromebook’s built-in ports if you’d like greater than a type of sorts of units arrange. The plastic construct makes it look a little bit low cost and I’m not loopy concerning the lay-flat design, however the host port is within the again, which can make your setup neater. If all you’re in search of is a solution to get a number of further displays and use your wired USB equipment, this can be a good decide for Chromebooks.
- Works properly with Chromebooks
- 5 USB-A ports
- Requires a driver for non Chromebooks
- Only one downstream USB-C
Different laptop computer docking stations we examined
Plugable TBT4-UDZ
After I pulled the Plugable TBT4-UDZ Thunderbolt 4 out of the field, I used to be satisfied it will make the reduce: It has a sensible upright design, a lovely steel end, and the host connection is TB4. Whereas there are many USB-A and monitor ports, there’s only one downstream USB-C. A contemporary dock, notably one which prices $300, ought to allow you to run, say, a USB-C cam and mic on the similar time. In any other case, it’s fairly limiting.
Anker 575 USB-C
At $250 (and extra usually $235), the Anker 575 USB-C might make for a great finances decide for Home windows. It carried out properly with the Dell XPS 13 Plus, however had hassle with the third display, the 4K webcam and headphone jack when related to the MacBook Professional. It’s fairly compact, which suggests it may well get wobbly when a bunch of cables are plugged in, nevertheless it has a wide variety of ports and was in a position to deal with my primary setup properly.
Belkin Join Professional Thunderbolt 4
Belkin’s Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a contender for a Thunderbolt 4 different. It has almost the identical ports because the AD2010 (minus the microSD slot) and a lovely rounded design — nevertheless it’s $90 extra, so I’d solely suggest getting it should you discover it on sale.
Acer USB Kind-C Dock
Acer’s USB Type-C Dock D501 prices $10 greater than our Kensington decide for Chromebooks, nevertheless it performs equally and is price a point out. It has almost the identical ports (together with the relatively limiting single downstream USB-C) however each the Ethernet and information switch speeds had been sooner.
Docking station FAQs
Are docking stations price it?
Docking stations are price it when you’ve got extra equipment to plug in than your laptop computer permits. Say you will have a USB-C digital camera and mic, plus a USB-A mouse, keyboard and streaming gentle; only a few trendy laptops have sufficient connections to assist all of that directly. A docking station could make that setup possible whereas additionally providing you with further ports like an Ethernet connection, and supplying energy to your laptop computer. Nevertheless, should you simply want a number of further USB sockets, you may be higher off going with a hub, as these are typically cheaper.
How a lot does a laptop computer dock value?
Laptop computer docking stations are typically greater and dearer than easy USB-A or USB-C hubs, due to the broader array of connections. You could find them as little as $50 they usually can get as costly as $450. An affordable worth for a dock with a wide variety of ports from a good model will common round $200.
How do I arrange my laptop computer dock?
Most docking stations are plug and play. First, join the DC energy cable to the dock and a wall outlet. Then search for the “host” or upstream port on the dock — it’s nearly at all times a USB-C/Thunderbolt port and infrequently branded with an icon of a laptop computer. Use the supplied cable to connect with your laptop. After that, you may join your peripherals to the dock and they need to be prepared to make use of along with your laptop computer. A number of docking stations, notably those who deal with extra advanced monitor setups, require a driver. The directions that include your dock will level you to an internet site the place you may obtain that companion software program.
Does a laptop computer cost on a docking station?
Almost all docking stations can help you cost your laptop computer by means of the host connection (the cable operating from the dock to your laptop). That functionality, plus the upper variety of ports is what separates a docking station from a hub. Docks can move on between 65W and 100W of energy to laptops, and almost all embody a DC adapter.
Are all docking stations appropriate with all laptops?
No, not all docking stations are appropriate with each laptop computer. In our exams, the Chromebook had the largest compatibility points, the Dell PC had the least, and the MacBook fell someplace in between. All docks will record which manufacturers and fashions they work with on the net product web page — you’ll want to additionally verify the technology of your laptop computer as some docks can’t assist sure chips.
What are some well-liked docking station manufacturers?
Kensington, Anker, Pluggable and Belkin are respected and well-known manufacturers making docking stations for all laptops. Lenovo, Dell and HP all make docks that can work with their very own computer systems in addition to different manufacturers.
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