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 conveyable pc versus a tower setup. If you’d like intensive connectivity once 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 helps 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 is determined by 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 can assist you decide one of the best laptop computer docking station in your wants.
What to search for in a docking station
Firstly, contemplate what that you must plug in. It will probably be the deciding issue once you go to truly purchase a docking station. Do you want three screens for an expanded work view? A fast strategy to add photographs from an SD card? Are you seeking to plug in a webcam, mic and streaming mild, whereas concurrently making the most of sooner Ethernet connections? When you’ve settled on the kind of ports you want, you might also wish to contemplate the era of these ports as nicely; 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 sometimes want considered one 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 generally extra reasonably priced. The most well-liked model of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) can deal with larger resolutions and refresh charges than the commonest HDMI model (2.0). The entire docking stations with HDMI ports that we advocate right here use model 2.0, which might 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 might deal with 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz.
You may as well 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’ll be able to 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’ll be able to join and the resolutions/charges they’ll obtain rely on each your pc’s GPU and your screens — and the extra screens you plug in can deliver down these numbers as nicely. Be sure you additionally use cables that assist the bandwidth you’re hoping for. MacOS customers ought to remember the fact that MacBooks with the usual M1 or M2 chips assist only one exterior monitor natively and require DisplayLink {hardware} and software program 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 many various 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 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 range from port to port, however most docks listing 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 knowledge to.
Practically each dock accessible right now connects to a pc by way of USB-C, typically 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: accessible 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 should take up an additional laptop computer connector for charging.
Different ports
None of our at the moment beneficial 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 operating a primary pace comparability check to essentially get it on a intestine stage. For reference, on Wi-Fi I get a couple of 45 megabit-per-second obtain pace. Over Ethernet, it’s 925 Mbps. In the event you pay for a high-speed plan, however solely ever join wirelessly, you’re in all probability leaving quite a lot of 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 essentially the most use out of.
Simply two of our favourite laptops have SD card readers, and when you want a fast strategy to add recordsdata from cameras or audio recorders, you might 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 when you desire wired headphones and need 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 firms embody the host port (the one which connects to your pc) within the complete quantity. So when you’re searching for a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, make sure to test whether or not considered one of them shall 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 “permanent” 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 greatest 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 once 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 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 contemplate 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 mild and mic. I plugged in wired earbuds, and transferred knowledge to a USB-C flash drive and an exterior SSD. I ran primary pace assessments 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 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 report).
Greatest docking stations
Picture 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 Twin 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 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 along 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 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. When you’ve got a Mac with a normal chip and want two screens, you may want a docking station that helps DisplayLink {hardware} and software program, such because the Kensington SD4780P, which is our prime 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 bins and DC cables. I discovered it made essentially the most sense to only use the MagSafe connector on the laptop computer, however you may also 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 regarded nice and labored nicely 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 probably sufficient ports for conferencing or perhaps a primary 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. Nevertheless it’s an important 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 screens on Macs with M1 Professional or M2 Professional chips
- Good number of ports
- Simply two USB-A ports
- No Thunderbolt ports
Picture 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 known as me up and requested for the design of my best 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 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 provide essentially the most versatility. The trio of Thunderbolt 4 ports can assist as much as 8K screens at 60Hz and 40Gbps knowledge transfers. They’ll even ship 15 watts of energy when you simply have to cost your telephone when you work.
You may as well 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 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 bunch connection lives on one facet, permitting for one neat line to your pc. Connections which are prone to keep put (screens, DC energy, Ethernet and Thunderbolts) are throughout again, whereas the jacks you’ll in all probability change up extra typically, 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 change, so you’ll be able to simply flip off all of your peripherals at evening 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) totally join my very primary 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, 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 acquired as I used it over the course of a pair days. At instances, it was almost too scorching to carry my hand on comfortably. I by no means observed any opposed efficiency results in consequence, but it surely’s attainable that would change into 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 affordable. However for the efficiency and considerate design, it’s a Thunderbolt dock that may very well be price it for lots of people.
- 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
- Lay-flat design can take up quite a lot of desk house and not using a mount
- Unit runs highly regarded
Picture 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 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 heart (when 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 when you’re paying for a screaming-fast web plan, this dock might help 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 objects are additionally drawing energy.
The TS4 labored equally nicely 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 acquired 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 another 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. In the event you’ve acquired numerous tech you wish 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
Picture 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 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 models 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 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 means of 5 such ports, however there’s solely a single downstream USB-C, so I wasn’t in a position 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 if you’d like greater than a kind of varieties of units arrange. The plastic construct makes it look a bit low-cost and I’m not loopy in regards to the lay-flat design, however the host port is within the again, which is able to make your setup neater. If all you’re searching for is a strategy to get just a few additional screens and use your wired USB equipment, this can be a good choose for Chromebooks.
- Works nicely 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
Once I pulled the Plugable TBT4-UDZ Thunderbolt 4 out of the field, I used to be satisfied it will make the minimize: It has a sensible upright design, a horny 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 typically $235), the Anker 575 USB-C might make for price range choose for Home windows. It carried out nicely with the Dell XPS 13 Plus, however had bother with the third display screen, the 4K webcam and headphone jack when related to the MacBook Professional. It’s fairly compact, which implies it may well 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 primary setup nicely.
Belkin Join Professional Thunderbolt 4
Belkin’s Join Professional 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 horny rounded design — but it surely’s $90 extra, so I’d solely advocate getting it when you discover it on sale.
Acer USB Kind-C Dock
Acer’s USB Kind-C Dock D501 prices $10 greater than our Kensington choose for Chromebooks, but it surely performs equally and is price a point out. It has almost the identical ports (together with the reasonably limiting single downstream USB-C) however each the Ethernet and knowledge switch speeds had been sooner.
Docking station FAQs
Are docking stations price it?
Docking stations are price it in case you have extra equipment to plug in than your laptop computer permits. Say you might have a USB-C digital camera and mic, plus a USB-A mouse, keyboard and streaming mild; only a few fashionable laptops have sufficient connections to assist all of that without delay. 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. Nevertheless, when you simply want just a few additional USB sockets, you may be 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 costlier than easy USB-A or USB-C hubs, due to the broader array of connections. You could 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 hook up with your pc. After that, you’ll be able to 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, significantly people who deal with extra complicated monitor setups, require a driver. The directions that include your dock will level you to a web site the place you’ll be able to 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 pc). 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 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 assessments, the Chromebook had the most important compatibility points, the Dell PC had the least, and the MacBook fell someplace in between. All docks will listing which manufacturers and fashions they work with on the web product web page — make sure to additionally test the era of your laptop computer as some docks can’t assist sure chips.
What are some in style 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.
