The most effective docking stations for laptops in 2025

Computing energy is reaching dizzying , but when your laptop computer doesn’t have all of the ports you want to wield that energy, it’s possible you’ll need to think about a docking station. These are a little bit totally different from , which are typically smaller and don’t require energy. Docking stations usually provide between seven and 12 ports, require a DC energy provide and price between $100 and $400. They will let you join displays, cameras, mics, wired mice and keyboards, storage gadgets and extra — all via a single USB-C port in your . We examined greater than a dozen extremely regarded fashions that will help you decide the perfect docking station in your wants. This information additionally breaks down the assorted cable requirements and port sorts that will help you make an knowledgeable buy..

Desk of contents

Greatest docking stations

Amy Skorheim for Engadget

CalDigit calls the a hub — and it does have some hub-like qualities, particularly its compact measurement. However it requires a DC energy supply, prices $300 and offers you three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports plus two extra USB-C connections. That’s much more highly effective than . Maybe as extra producers undertake the , this may change into the brand new regular for hubs. However for now, I’m calling it a docking station.

The Thunderbolt 5 normal for USB connections larger video decision, larger bandwidth for information and a better wattage energy supply. Proper now, you’ll find TB5 ports on only a handful of computer systems, equivalent to MacBook Professional fashions with M4 Professional and Max chips and the . I, like most individuals, don’t have any of these speedy machines simply but, so I used the Component 5 with (nonetheless very succesful!) Thunderbolt 4 ports.

The Component 5’s port array is superb. Its three downstream TB5 ports can deal with two 4K displays on suitable MacBooks and as much as three displays on suitable Home windows laptops. It labored nice operating my one 4K and one HD monitor (each with since my shows use HDMI ports) and I nonetheless had another TB5 port to spare. I used it to carry out a number of the sooner information transfers I’ve clocked. The 2 extra (non Thunderbolt) USB-C ports related my keyboard and a RODE mic. The three USB-A ports went to a mouse, streaming mild and a thumb drive. Every thing carried out splendidly and the unit barely bought heat.

It doesn’t have a 3.5mm receptacle — which appears nice because the laptops I’ve checked out which have TB5 ports include a headphone jack. The Component 5 additionally lacks Ethernet and SD card slots. That was additionally nice for my wants.

The Component 5’s design is glossy and the unit feels strong regardless of its small measurement. It is also reversible, with rubber toes you may set up on both aspect of the hub, providing you with flexibility on the place you may stick it in your desk. A TB5 cable is included, which is essential, since you may’t faucet into the sooner speeds and bandwidth of the most recent Thunderbolt normal and not using a suitable cable.

In the meanwhile, there’s most likely a small phase of the inhabitants that completely wants a Thunderbolt 5 dock, however the value level right here isn’t out of vary of different docks with an analogous array of ports. In the event you’re available in the market for a flexible adapter, it’s possible you’ll as effectively get a future-proof one.

In fact, in case your setup requires greater than USB connections — maybe you want one other aux port, are utilizing SD playing cards day by day or need Ethernet — you may go for Kensington’s , detailed under as an honorable point out.

Professionals

Three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports
5 extra USB ports
Compact and enticing design
Reversible design

Cons

No Ethernet port or reminiscence card slot

$280 at Amazon

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

The Satechi Dual 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 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 an ordinary 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.

Because the Twin Dock works with out energy, it’s lots simpler to arrange than different docks with transformer 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 displays I examined seemed nice and labored effectively 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 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. However it’s an awesome selection for extending productiveness in a manner that tucks beneath a MacBook, neatly transferring the cords to the again of the machine and out of the way in which. It even has an SSD enclosure beneath it.

Professionals

Distinctive design enhances MacBooks
Can energy two displays 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

Amy Skorheim for Engadget

Whereas I believe most individuals in search of a dock with Thunderbolt 5 capabilities can be proud of CalDigit’s Component 5, is a worthy choice for individuals who desire a extra particular set of ports. This feels extra like a conventional docking station, with a bigger slab footprint that lays flat on a desk. You get a complete of ten downstream ports, together with three which can be Thunderbolt 5. That’ll maintain your monitor wants ( for DisplayPort or HDMI shows).

However it’s value noting that there are not any non-Thunderbolt USB-C ports. So when you’ve got, say, a USB-C keyboard, sticking it right into a Thunderbolt 5 socket would possibly really feel like a waste of energy. The three USB Kind A ports help the three.2 Gen 2 normal which might deal with 10Gbps information transfers.

It has each an SD card reader and a microSD slot, which may very well be helpful for photographers and different creators who must phyically switch recordsdata usually (although once more, an adapter and a TB port will work for that, too). The Ethernet port, rated at 2.5Gbps, ought to serve those that like a wired web connection. And there’s a headphone jack in case you might have an extra gadget that wants it. It additionally accepts so you may bodily lock down your dock.

My fairly fundamental setup didn’t even make it reasonably heat and every thing I related labored in addition to if I’d plugged it straight into my laptop.

Professionals

Has quite a lot of ports together with reminiscence card slots and Ethernet
Max energy supply of 140W

Cons

Simply three downstream USB-C ports

$400 at B&H Photo

Amy Skorheim for Engadget

It’s as if Satechi known as me up and requested for the design of my ultimate docking station. They didn’t, to be clear, however the Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display 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 Mr. Universe-style monitor array or simply need to run a USB-C keyboard similtaneously your webcam and nonetheless have a port left over. You additionally get twin 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 help as much as 8K displays at 60Hz and 40 Gbps information transfers. They’ll even ship 15 watts of energy in the event you simply must cost your cellphone whilst you work.

You can even 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 displays in prolonged mode. Home windows laptops and M2/M3 Professional and Max chips can have as much as 4 prolonged displays related — two through the Thunderbolt ports and two via the HDMI connections (once more utilizing DisplayLink tech).

Along with the goldilocks multiport choice, the association of these ports is kind of logical. From this slim and glossy slab, a bunch connection lives on one aspect, permitting for one neat line to your laptop. Connections which can be prone to keep put (displays, DC energy, Ethernet and Thunderbolts) are throughout again, whereas the jacks you’ll most likely change 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 change, 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 seemed nice and achieved the marketed refresh charges and resolutions, the information transfers have been smoking fast and I used to be in a position to (lastly) totally join my very fundamental setup with out compromise: Two displays, 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 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 occasions, it was almost too sizzling to carry my hand on comfortably. I by no means seen any hostile efficiency results consequently, however it’s potential that would change into a difficulty in the long run. As for value, it’s listed at $300; that’s not the costliest 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.

Professionals

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

Cons

Lay-flat design can take up a number of desk area and not using a mount
Unit runs very popular

$300 at Satechi

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

There’s lots 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, the opposite two are USB 3.2, which might help transfers of as much as 10 Gbps.

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 gadgets 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 heart (in the event 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 the event you’re paying for a screaming-fast web plan, this dock may also help you make the most 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 effectively 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 through 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 general 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 readily available directly. In the event you’ve bought plenty of tech you need to use concurrently (and cash isn’t a priority), that is the one to get.

CalDigit’s new , which gives an analogous array of ports and helps Thunderbolt 5 connections is on our record of docks to check and we’ll replace this information as soon as we’ve spent a while with it.

Professionals

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

$380 at Adorama

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 leap. 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 displays. The SD4780P makes use of a USB-C host connection, via which it gives 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 via 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 in order for you greater than a kind of varieties of gadgets 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 is able to make your setup neater. If all you’re in search of is a method to get a couple of additional displays and use your wired USB equipment, this can be a good decide for Chromebooks.

Professionals

Works effectively with Chromebooks
5 USB-A ports

Cons

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

$200 at Amazon

What to search for in a docking station

Initially, think about what you want to plug in. This may doubtless be the deciding issue whenever you go to truly purchase a docking station. Do you want three screens for an expanded work view? A fast method to add pictures from an SD card? Are you seeking to plug in a webcam, mic and streaming mild, whereas concurrently benefiting from sooner Ethernet connections? Are you hooking up a gaming laptop to a number of shows and peripherals? When you’ve settled on the kind of ports you want, you might also need to think about the era of these ports as effectively; even ports with the identical form can have totally different capabilities. Right here’s a short overview of the connectivity totally different docking stations provide.

Monitor ports

Exterior displays usually want one in all three ports to hook up with a PC: HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C. HDMI connections are extra frequent than DisplayPort and the cables and gadgets that use them are typically extra reasonably priced. The preferred model of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) can deal with larger resolutions and refresh charges than the commonest HDMI model (2.0). All the show 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 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 can even 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 show or DisplayPort-only monitor, you need to use an adapter or a conversion cable.

In fact, the variety of displays you may join and the resolutions/charges they’ll obtain depend upon each your laptop’s GPU and your displays — and the extra displays you plug in can deliver down these numbers as effectively. Be sure you additionally use cables that help the bandwidth you’re hoping for. MacOS customers ought to remember the fact that MacBooks with the usual M1 or M2 chips help only one exterior monitor natively and require DisplayLink hardware and software to help two exterior shows. MacBook Professionals with M1 Professional, M2 Professional or M2 Max chips can run a number of displays from a single port, as can MacBook Air and Professional fashions with M3 or M4 chips.

USB ports

Most docking stations provide a couple 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. Whereas they’re all the identical form, totally different requirements and phrases imply totally different talents. A USB-C port (or cable) that meets the three.2 gen 2 specification can deal with information at 10Gbps, which might help 4K video at 60 fps. If it’s additionally a PD (energy supply) port, it may possibly, effectively, ship energy too. Thunderbolt is Intel’s implementation of the USB4 normal and the Thunderbolt 3, 4 and, , Thunderbolt 5 protocols all help energy (from 15W to 140W), video (as much as 8K on a number of screens) and information (from 16Gbps to 120Gbps). Since a equally formed port can range extensively on what it may possibly do, it’s value determining what you want these ports to do whenever you’re assessing your wants — all USB4 ports are USB-C, however not all USB-C ports help USB4. (Don’t fear, it confuses us, too.)

One other factor to remember is that attaining the quickest speeds will depend upon components just like the cables you employ — a $4 USB-C charging cable received’t transmit information at Thunderbolt speeds, it doesn’t matter what port you plug it into. The gadgets on both finish of the dock should help these speeds as effectively.

Practically each dock accessible at present is a USB-C docking station, connecting to a pc through USB-C, usually Thunderbolt, and people host ports are almost all the time labeled with a laptop computer icon. Host ports additionally enable energy supply to your laptop computer: accessible wattage varies, however most docks are rated between 85 and 140 watts. That ought to be sufficient to maintain most computer systems powered — it additionally means you received’t need to take up an additional laptop computer connector for charging.

Different ports

None of our at the moment embrace an Ethernet jack; a docking station may also help get that connection again. Whether or not you want a wired web connection relies on a couple of components. Wi-Fi 6 connections can ship theoretical information charges of 9Gbps, however in observe these numbers are between 800 and 1200Mbps. The Ethernet ports on some routers and gateways prime out at 1Gbps, so your Wi-Fi connection might truly be sooner. It may be value your speeds and checking your router’s specs to see whether or not Ethernet is best in your wants.

Simply two of our favourite laptops have SD card readers, and in the event you want a fast method to add recordsdata from cameras or audio recorders, it’s possible 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 embrace a 3.5mm audio jack, however in the event you desire wired headphones and desire a extra accessible place to plug them in, many docking stations will present.

If you’re counting up the ports in your new dock, do not forget that most corporations embrace the host port (the one which connects to your laptop) within the whole quantity. So in the event you’re in search of a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, make sure you examine whether or not one in all them can 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 appearing as a charger in your cellphone (simply ensure that the port can ship the ability you want). USBs within the rear are greatest for keyboards, mice, webcams and different belongings 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 whenever you return to your desk, however a bunch port in again might look neater general.

How we examined docking stations

We began out by taking a look at on-line opinions, spec sheets from numerous manufacturers and docking stations that our fellow tech websites have lined. We thought-about 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 (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 totally different peripherals together with a 4K and an HD monitor, a 4K and an HD webcam, plus USB gadgets like a mouse, keyboard, streaming mild and mic. I plugged in wired earbuds, and transferred information to a USB-C flash drive and an exterior SSD. I ran fundamental velocity checks 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).

As new docking stations come out and we discover fashions worthy of testing, (there are a pair from Ugreen we have now our eye on), we’ll replace this information accordingly.

Different laptop computer docking stations we examined

Plugable USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 Hub

I hoped the would make funds decide. Its small measurement makes it appear extra like a hub than a dock, however it requires energy from the included DC adapter, so I examined it as a dock. I favored how little area it took up, however it was nearly too small — it was too light-weight to put flat on my desk when all of the cables have been plugged in. It has simply three Thunderbolt 4 ports. That’s not a ton, however TB4 ports are actually versatile, dealing with displays and different higher-specced peripherals. It’s solely $100 (Plugable even consists of an HDMI to USB-C adapter) which is a reasonably nice value for a number of Thunderbolt connections. I skilled some show lags in my checks, so I hesitate to offer it a full advice.

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 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 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 funds decide for Home windows. It carried out effectively 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 possibly get wobbly when a bunch of cables are plugged in, however it has a wide variety of ports and was in a position to deal with my fundamental setup effectively.

Belkin Join Professional Thunderbolt 4

Belkin’s Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a contender for a Thunderbolt 4 various. It has almost the identical ports because the AD2010 (minus the microSD slot) and a horny rounded design — however it’s $90 extra, so I’d solely advocate getting it in the event 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, however it performs equally and is value a point out. It has almost the identical ports (together with the quite limiting single downstream USB-C) however each the Ethernet and information switch speeds have been sooner.

Docking station FAQs

Are docking stations value it?

Docking stations are value it when you’ve got extra equipment to plug in than your laptop computer permits. Say you might have a USB-C digicam and mic, plus a USB-A mouse, keyboard and streaming mild; only a few trendy laptops have sufficient connections to help all of that directly. A docking station could make that setup possible whereas additionally providing you with additional ports like a gigabit Ethernet connection, and supplying energy to your laptop computer. Nonetheless, in the event you simply want a couple of 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 value?

Laptop computer docking stations are typically greater and costlier than easy USB-A or USB-C hubs, because of the broader array of connections. You could find them as little as $50 they usually can get as costly as $450. An affordable value 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 all the time a USB-C/Thunderbolt port and sometimes branded with an icon of a laptop computer. Use the offered 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 along with your laptop computer. A number of docking stations, significantly those who deal with extra complicated 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 will let you cost your laptop computer via 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 embrace a DC adapter.

Are all docking stations suitable with all laptops?

No, not all docking stations are suitable with each laptop computer. In our checks, 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 — make sure you additionally examine the era of your laptop computer as some docks can’t help sure chips.

What are some common 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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