The most effective docking stations for laptops in 2024

Good laptops can do every thing 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 transportable laptop versus a tower setup. If you would like intensive connectivity while 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 permits you to plug in your wired mice and keyboards, hook up a monitor with HDMI or DisplayPort jacks and switch knowledge to exterior drives and SD playing cards. Figuring out one of the best docking station relies on precisely which ports you want and whether or not the supported requirements of every port will ship the speeds or resolutions you’re searching for. We examined greater than 15 extremely rated docks that will help you decide one of the best laptop computer docking station to your wants.

What to search for in a docking station

At the start, think about what it’s good to plug in. This may doubtless be the deciding issue while you go to truly purchase a docking station. Do you want three screens for an expanded work view? A fast technique to add images from an SD card? Are you trying to plug in a webcam, mic and streaming mild, whereas concurrently profiting from sooner Ethernet connections? When you’ve settled on the kind of ports you want, you may additionally wish 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 supply.

Monitor ports

Exterior screens usually want one in every of three ports to hook up with a PC: HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C. HDMI connections are extra widespread than DisplayPort and the cables and units that use them are typically extra reasonably priced. The preferred model of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) can deal with increased resolutions and refresh charges than the commonest 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.

You can too use your dock’s downstream (non-host) Thunderbolt ports to hook up your screens. In case your exterior show has a USB-C socket, you may join immediately. When you’ve got an HDMI or DisplayPort-only monitor, you need to use an adapter or a conversion cable.

After all, the variety of screens you may join and the resolutions/charges they’ll obtain rely on each your laptop’s GPU and your screens — and the extra screens you plug in can deliver down these numbers as properly. Make sure to additionally use cables that assist the bandwidth you’re hoping for. MacOS customers ought to remember 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 screens from a single port.

USB ports

Most docking stations supply just a few USB Kind-A ports, that are nice for peripherals like wired mice and keyboards, bus-powered ring lights and flash drives. For sooner knowledge 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 knowledge switch speeds of as much as 40Gbps. Different USB-C ports are available in a spread of variations, with some supporting video, knowledge and energy and a few solely in a position to handle knowledge 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 elements just like the cables you employ and the units you’re transferring knowledge to.

Practically each dock obtainable as we speak connects to a pc through USB-C, usually Thunderbolt, and people host ports are almost all the time labeled with a laptop computer icon. In addition they enable energy supply to your laptop computer: obtainable 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 gained’t need to take up an additional laptop computer connector for charging.

Different ports

None of our presently recommended laptops embody an Ethernet jack; a docking station is a good way to get that connection again. Everyone knows objectively that wired web is quicker than Wi-Fi, however it may take operating a fundamental pace comparability test to essentially get it on a intestine degree. For reference, on Wi-Fi I get a couple of 45 megabit-per-second obtain pace. Over Ethernet, it’s 925 Mbps. Should you pay for a high-speed plan, however solely ever join wirelessly, you’re most likely leaving numerous bandwidth on the desk. Each docking station I examined contains an Ethernet port, and it may very well be the connector you find yourself getting probably the most use out of.

Simply two of our favourite laptops have SD card readers, and if you happen to want a fast technique to add recordsdata from cameras or audio recorders, chances are you’ll wish to get a dock with a kind 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 if you happen to want wired headphones and desire a extra accessible place to plug them in, many docking stations will present.

If you’re counting up the ports to your new dock, do not forget that most firms embody the host port (the one which connects to your laptop) within the whole quantity. So if you happen to’re searching for a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, remember to verify whether or not one in every of them might be used to plug in your laptop computer.

The Cal Ditgit TS4 stands upright on a desk and we can see the ports clearly. — Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

Design

Most docking stations have both a lay-flat or upright design. Most docks put the extra “everlasting” connections in again — similar 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 cellphone for a cost (simply be certain the port can ship the facility you want). USBs within the rear are greatest for keyboards, mice, webcams and different stuff you’re prone to all the time use. Some docks place the host port up entrance, which could make it simpler to plug in your laptop computer while you return to your desk, however a bunch port in again might look neater total.

How we examined

We began out by taking a look at on-line critiques, spec sheets from varied manufacturers and docking stations that our fellow tech websites have lined. We thought of manufacturers we’ve examined earlier than and have favored, and weeded out something that didn’t have what we think about a contemporary suite of connections (similar 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 mild and mic. I plugged in wired earbuds, and transferred knowledge to a USB-C flash drive and an exterior SSD. I ran fundamental pace checks 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 elements 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

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

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 a substitute of beside it. You would virtually 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 screens in prolonged mode. Sadly, MacBooks with commonplace 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. When you’ve got a Mac with an ordinary chip and wish two screens, you may want a docking station that helps DisplayLink {hardware} and software program, such because the Kensington SD4780P, which is our high choose 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 packing containers and DC cables. I discovered it made probably the most sense to only use the MagSafe connector on the laptop computer, however you may as well provide energy to the dock utilizing the non-data USB-C port and it’ll go 75 watts to your machine.

Each the 4K and HD screens I examined regarded nice and labored properly in prolonged mode. There are two USB-Cs for a webcam and mic, plus two USB-As which may very well be used for a dongle mouse and a streaming mild — that’s doubtless sufficient ports for conferencing or perhaps a fundamental video creator setup. The dock is in the end 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. However it’s a fantastic 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.

Execs

Distinctive design enhances MacBooks
Can energy two screens on Macs with M1 Professional or M2 Professional chips
Good number of ports

Cons

Simply two USB-A ports
No Thunderbolt ports

$150 at Adorama

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

It’s as if Satechi known as me up and requested for the design of my ideally suited docking station. They didn’t, to be clear, however the manages to get proper what so many docks virtually do. First off, there are sufficient downstream USB4 ports to deal with quite a lot of setups, whether or not you want a monitor array or simply wish to run a USB-C keyboard similtaneously 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 supply probably the most versatility. The trio of Thunderbolt 4 ports can assist as much as 8K screens at 60Hz and 40Gbps knowledge transfers. They will even ship 15 watts of energy if you happen to simply have to cost your cellphone when you work.

You can too hook up your screens through 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 screens in prolonged mode. Home windows laptops and M2/M3 Professional and Max chips can have as much as 4 prolonged screens related — two through 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 kind of logical. From this slim and smooth slab, a bunch connection lives on one facet, permitting for one neat line to your laptop. Connections which are prone to keep put (screens, DC energy, Ethernet and Thunderbolts) are throughout again, whereas the jacks you’ll most likely 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 useful on-off swap, so you may simply flip off all of your peripherals at night time to cut back your energy draw.

The dock delivers on the promise of its intelligent port choice and association. My twin prolonged screens regarded nice and achieved the marketed refresh charges and resolutions, the info transfers had been smoking fast and I used to be in a position to (lastly) absolutely join my very fundamental setup with out compromise: Two screens, a webcam, streaming mild, microphone, keyboard and mouse. I did discover my 4K monitor had the slightest lag when the second monitor was plugged in, however it was minor and solely noticeable when displaying the webcam video.

One minor criticism is the DisplayLink and Thunderbolt branding throughout the entrance and high. 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 seen any adversarial efficiency results because of this, however it’s potential that would develop into a difficulty in the long run. As for worth, it’s listed at $300; that’s not the most costly dock we’ve examined, however it’s actually not the most cost effective. However for the efficiency and considerate design, it’s a Thunderbolt dock that may very well be value it for lots of people.

Execs

Wonderful array of ports
Ports cleverly organized
Can assist as much as 4 exterior screens
DisplayLink driver permits for twin prolonged screens on standard-chip MacBooks

Cons

Lay-flat design can take up numerous desk area with no mount
Unit runs extremely popular

$300 at Satechi

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

There’s rather a lot to understand about CalDigit’s TS4 docking station: It has a sturdy, upright design with a bunch 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 might really feel missing is in show inputs. It solely has one DisplayPort 1.4, however it has loads of TB4 ports, which you’ll be able to simply use to outfit a full command middle (if you happen to 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 if you happen to’re paying for a screaming-fast web plan, this dock might help you benefit from it. The TS4 can ship as much as 98W of energy to your laptop computer, although like several 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 through 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 total for the PC. On PC, it additionally dealt with a 1GB folder switch to a flash drive sooner than every other 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. Should you’ve received a lot of tech you wish to use concurrently (and cash isn’t a priority), that is the one to get.

Execs

An abundance of ports
Compact, upright design
2.5Gbps Ethernet port

$380 at Amazon

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

The Kensington SD4780P Dual 4K usually requires a DisplayLink driver, however any Chromebook made after 2017 helps the connection from the bounce. Discovering a docking station that works with ChromeOS is hard; of the 12 items I examined, solely 4 related in any respect with the Acer Chromebook Spin 514, and a kind of 4 couldn’t run two screens. 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 identical time. Which means you’ll want to make use of your Chromebook’s built-in ports in order for you greater than a kind of kinds of units arrange. The plastic construct makes it look a bit of 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 searching for is a technique to get just a few additional screens and use your wired USB equipment, this can be a good choose for Chromebooks.

Execs

Works properly with Chromebooks
5 USB-A ports

Cons

Requires a driver for non Chromebooks
Only one downstream USB-C

$142 at Amazon

Different laptop computer docking stations we examined

Plugable TBT4-UDZ

Once I pulled the Plugable TBT4-UDZ Thunderbolt 4 out of the field, I used to be satisfied it could make the minimize: It has a sensible upright design, a pretty metallic 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, significantly one which prices $300, ought to allow you to run, say, a USB-C cam and mic on the identical time. In any other case, it’s fairly limiting.

Anker 575 USB-C

At $250 (and extra usually $235), the Anker 575 USB-C may make for a very good funds choose for Home windows. It carried out properly with the Dell XPS 13 Plus, however had hassle with the third display screen, the 4K webcam and headphone jack when related to the MacBook Professional. It’s fairly compact, which suggests it could possibly get wobbly when a bunch of cables are plugged in, however it has a wide selection of ports and was in a position to deal with my fundamental 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 pretty rounded design — however it’s $90 extra, so I’d solely suggest getting it if you happen to discover it on sale.

Acer USB Kind-C Dock

Acer’s USB Type-C Dock D501 prices $10 greater than our Kensington choose for Chromebooks, however it performs equally and is value a point out. It has almost the identical ports (together with the fairly limiting single downstream USB-C) however each the Ethernet and knowledge switch speeds had been sooner.

Docking station FAQs

Are docking stations value it?

Docking stations are value it in case you have extra equipment to plug in than your laptop computer permits. Say you may have a USB-C digital camera and mic, plus a USB-A mouse, keyboard and streaming mild; 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 additional ports like an Ethernet connection, and supplying energy to your laptop computer. Nonetheless, if you happen to simply want just a few additional USB sockets, you could 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 larger and costlier than easy USB-A or USB-C hubs, due to the broader array of connections. You will discover them as little as $50 they usually can get as costly as $450. An inexpensive worth for a dock with a wide selection 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 virtually all the time a USB-C/Thunderbolt port and infrequently branded with an icon of a laptop computer. Use the supplied cable to hook up with your laptop. After that, you may join your peripherals to the dock and they need to be prepared to make use of together with your laptop computer. Just a few docking stations, significantly people who deal with extra advanced monitor setups, require a driver. The directions that include your dock will level you to a web site the place you may obtain that companion software program.

Does a laptop computer cost on a docking station?

Practically all docking stations 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 go 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 checks, the Chromebook had the most important 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 — remember to additionally verify the technology of your laptop computer as some docks can’t assist sure chips.

What are some widespread 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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