The best docking stations for laptops in 2024

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 transportable laptop versus a tower setup. If you’d like intensive connectivity once you’re at your desk, whereas nonetheless reserving the flexibility 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 enables 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 the most effective 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 on the lookout for. We examined greater than 15 extremely rated docks that can assist you decide the most effective laptop computer docking station to your wants.

What to search for in a docking station

Before everything, think about what you must plug in. It will probably be the deciding issue once you go to really purchase a docking station. Do you want three screens for an expanded work view? A fast solution to add images from an SD card? Are you trying to plug in a webcam, mic and streaming gentle, whereas concurrently making the most of 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 totally different capabilities. Right here’s a quick overview of the connectivity totally different docking stations provide.

Monitor ports

Exterior screens sometimes want one in every 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 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 might deal with 4K decision at 60Hz or 1080p as much as 240Hz. The DisplayPort-enabled docks help both model 1.2, which permits for 4K decision at 60Hz, or model 1.4, which might deal with 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz.

You too can 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 straight. When you have an HDMI or DisplayPort-only monitor, you should utilize an adapter or a conversion cable.

In fact, the variety of screens you may join and the resolutions/charges they’ll obtain rely upon 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 help the bandwidth you’re hoping for. MacOS customers ought to understand that MacBooks with the usual M1 or M2 chips help only one exterior monitor natively and require DisplayLink {hardware} and software program to help 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 provide a number of USB Sort-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.

Sort-C USB ports are available in many alternative flavors. The Thunderbolt 3, 4 and USB4 protocols are newer, extra succesful specs that help 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 fluctuate from port to port, however most docks checklist the wattage or GB/s on both the dock itself or on the product web page. And once more, attaining the quickest speeds will rely upon components just like the cables you utilize and the units you’re transferring information to.

Practically each dock obtainable at this time connects to a pc by way of USB-C, usually Thunderbolt, and people host ports are practically at all times labeled with a laptop computer icon. In addition they permit energy supply to your laptop computer: obtainable wattage varies, however most docks are rated between 85 and 100 watts. That needs to 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 at the moment advisable 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, but it surely would possibly take working a fundamental velocity comparability check to actually get it on a intestine stage. For reference, on Wi-Fi I get a couple of 45 megabit-per-second obtain velocity. Over Ethernet, it’s 925 Mbps. For those who 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 consists of an Ethernet port, and it may very well be the connector you find yourself getting essentially the most use out of.

Simply two of our favourite laptops have SD card readers, and in case you want a fast solution to add information from cameras or audio recorders, chances are you’ll need 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 in case you choose wired headphones and need a extra accessible place to plug them in, many docking stations will present.

While you’re counting up the ports to your new dock, keep in mind that most firms embody the host port (the one which connects to your laptop) within the whole quantity. So in case you’re on the lookout for a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, you should definitely examine 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. — Photograph 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 — resembling 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 belongings 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 once you return to your desk, however a bunch port in again might look neater total.

How we examined

We began out by on-line opinions, spec sheets from numerous manufacturers and docking stations that our fellow tech websites have coated. We thought-about manufacturers we’ve examined earlier than and have preferred, and weeded out something that didn’t have what we think about a contemporary suite of connections (resembling a dock with no downstream USB-C ports). We narrowed it all the way 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 totally 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 fundamental velocity exams on the Ethernet connections in addition to the file transfers. I judged how straightforward the docks have been to make use of in addition to the assorted 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 file).

Finest docking stations

Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

The Satechi Twin Dock Stand is totally 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 could possibly 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 in conjunction with 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 have a Mac with a typical 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 prime decide for Chromebooks.

Because the 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 may as well provide energy to the dock utilizing the non-data USB-C port and it’ll cross 75 watts to your machine.

Each the 4K and HD screens I examined seemed 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 gentle — that’s probably sufficient ports for conferencing or perhaps a fundamental 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 fantastic alternative for extending productiveness in a method that tucks beneath a MacBook, neatly transferring the cords to the again of the machine and out of the best way.

Professionals

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

Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

It’s as if Satechi known as me up and requested for the design of my superb 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 quite a lot of setups, whether or not you want a monitor array or simply need 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 provide essentially the most versatility. The trio of Thunderbolt 4 ports can help as much as 8K screens at 60Hz and 40Gbps information transfers. They’ll even ship 15 watts of energy in case you simply must cost your cellphone when you work.

You too can 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 screens in prolonged mode. Home windows laptops and M2/M3 Professional and Max chips can have as much as 4 prolonged screens linked — two by way of the Thunderbolt ports and two by way 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 smooth slab, a bunch connection lives on one facet, permitting for one neat line to your laptop. Connections which might be prone to keep put (screens, 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 useful 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 screens seemed nice and achieved the marketed refresh charges and resolutions, the info transfers have 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 gentle, microphone, keyboard and mouse. I did discover my 4K monitor had the slightest lag when the second monitor was plugged in, but it surely 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 bought as I used it over the course of a pair days. At instances, it was practically too sizzling to carry my hand on comfortably. I by no means observed any hostile efficiency results consequently, but it surely’s attainable that would grow to be a problem in the long run. As for worth, it’s listed at $300; that’s not the costliest dock we’ve examined, but it surely’s definitely not the most cost effective. However for the efficiency and considerate design, it’s a Thunderbolt dock that may very well be price it for lots of people.

Professionals

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

Cons

Lay-flat design can take up loads of desk area and not using a mount
Unit runs highly regarded

$300 at Satechi

Photograph 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, but it surely has loads of TB4 ports, which you’ll simply use to outfit a full command middle (in case 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 in case you’re paying for a screaming-fast web plan, this dock may also help you reap the benefits of 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 suitable with a Chromebook. I examined learn/write speeds on a Samsung T7 SSD by way of a Thunderbolt port and bought 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 some other dock and delivered the quickest connection speeds over the Ethernet. It’s the one unit that allow me plug in each single peripheral I had available without delay. For those who’ve bought a lot of tech you need to use concurrently (and cash isn’t a priority), that is the one to get.

Professionals

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

$380 at Amazon

Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

The Kensington SD4780P Twin 4K sometimes 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 linked 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 way of which it affords 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 way 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. Meaning you’ll want to make use of your Chromebook’s built-in ports if you need greater than a kind of sorts of units arrange. The plastic construct makes it look a little bit low cost and I’m not loopy in regards to the lay-flat design, however the host port is within the again, which can make your setup neater. If all you’re on the lookout for is a solution to get a number of further screens and use your wired USB equipment, this can be a good decide for Chromebooks.

Professionals

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 lower: It has a sensible upright design, a horny 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 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 an excellent 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 linked to the MacBook Professional. It’s fairly compact, which implies it might get wobbly when a bunch of cables are plugged in, but it surely 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 Join Professional Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a contender for a Thunderbolt 4 different. It has practically the identical ports because the AD2010 (minus the microSD slot) and a horny rounded design — but it surely’s $90 extra, so I’d solely suggest getting it in case you discover it on sale.

Acer USB Sort-C Dock

Acer’s USB Sort-C Dock D501 prices $10 greater than our Kensington decide for Chromebooks, but it surely performs equally and is price a point out. It has practically the identical ports (together with the somewhat limiting single downstream USB-C) however each the Ethernet and information switch speeds have been sooner.

Docking station FAQs

Are docking stations price it?

Docking stations are price it when you have extra equipment to plug in than your laptop computer permits. Say you’ve a USB-C digicam and mic, plus a USB-A mouse, keyboard and streaming gentle; only a few trendy laptops have sufficient connections to help all of that without delay. 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. Nonetheless, in case you simply want a number of further USB sockets, you is perhaps higher off going with a hub, as these are typically cheaper.

How a lot does a laptop computer dock price?

Laptop computer docking stations are typically larger and dearer than easy USB-A or USB-C hubs, because of the broader array of connections. You’ll find them as little as $50 and so they can get as costly as $450. An affordable 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 nearly at all times a USB-C/Thunderbolt port and infrequently branded with an icon of a laptop computer. Use the offered 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. Just a few 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?

Practically all docking stations help you cost your laptop computer by way of the host connection (the cable working 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 cross on between 65W and 100W of energy to laptops, and practically all embody a DC adapter.

Are all docking stations suitable with all laptops?

No, not all docking stations are suitable 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 checklist which manufacturers and fashions they work with on the web product web page — you should definitely additionally examine the technology of your laptop computer as some docks can’t help sure chips.

What are some standard 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 may work with their very own computer systems in addition to different manufacturers.

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