The best docking stations for laptops in 2025

Laptops have lengthy rivaled desktops by way of energy. However these slim and transportable machines lack one thing their tower-shaped cousins are likely to have in abundance: ports. Docking stations allow you to plug in displays, mice, keyboards, storage gadgets and extra utilizing only a single port in your laptop computer. And in the event you’re somebody who relocates with your laptop typically, a docking station makes it simpler to get all of your equipment related once more whenever you’re again at your desk. We examined out greater than 15 extremely rated docking stations and regarded monitor assist, quantity and sort of ports, design and value that will help you decide which one is one of the best docking station in your house or workplace setup.

Desk of contents

Finest 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 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 together with a Mac, which permits MacBooks with M1, M2 or M3 Professional or Max chips to function twin displays 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. If in case you have a Mac with an ordinary chip and wish two displays, you will want a docking station that helps DisplayLink {hardware} and software program, such because the Kensington SD4780P, which is our prime decide for Chromebooks.

For the reason that Twin Dock works with out energy, it’s rather a lot simpler to arrange than different docks with transformer bins and DC cables. I discovered it made probably the most sense to simply use the MagSafe connector on the laptop computer, however you too can provide energy to the dock utilizing the non-data USB-C port and it’ll move 75 watts to your machine.

Each the 4K and HD displays I examined seemed nice and labored effectively in prolonged mode. There are two USB-Cs for a webcam and mic, plus two USB-As which might be used for a dongle mouse and a streaming mild — that’s probably 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. But it surely’s an ideal selection for extending productiveness in a method that tucks beneath a MacBook, neatly shifting the cords to the again of the machine and out of the best way. It even has an SSD enclosure beneath it.

Execs

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

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

It’s as if Satechi referred to as me up and requested for the design of my very best 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 assist as much as 8K displays at 60Hz and 40 Gbps knowledge transfers. They will even ship 15 watts of energy in the event you simply must cost your cellphone whilst 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 displays in prolonged mode. Home windows laptops and M2/M3 Professional and Max chips can have as much as 4 prolonged displays related — two by way of the Thunderbolt ports and two via the HDMI connections (once more utilizing DisplayLink tech).

Along with the goldilocks multiport 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 can be more likely to keep put (displays, 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 possibly can 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 displays seemed nice and achieved the marketed refresh charges and resolutions, the information transfers had been smoking fast and I used to be in a position to (lastly) totally join my very 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, nevertheless it was minor and solely noticeable when displaying the webcam video.

One minor criticism is the DisplayLink and Thunderbolt branding throughout the entrance and prime. They distract from the in any other case elegant look of the high-end aluminum exterior. One not-so-minor concern is how heat the unit bought 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 antagonistic efficiency results consequently, nevertheless it’s potential that would change into a problem in the long run. As for value, it’s listed at $300; that’s not the costliest dock we’ve examined, nevertheless it’s definitely not the most cost effective. However for the efficiency and considerate design, it’s a Thunderbolt dock that might be price it for lots of people.

Execs

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

Cons

Lay-flat design can take up lots of desk area with out a mount
Unit runs highly regarded

$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, the opposite two are USB 3.2, which may assist 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 could really feel missing is in show inputs. It solely has one DisplayPort 1.4, nevertheless it has loads of TB4 ports, which you’ll be able to simply use to outfit a full command middle (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 reap the benefits 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 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 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 general for the PC. On PC, it additionally dealt with a 1GB folder switch to a flash drive quicker than some 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 readily available directly. Should you’ve bought numerous tech you need 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 models I examined, solely 4 related in any respect with the Acer Chromebook Spin 514, and a type of 4 couldn’t run two displays. The SD4780P makes use of a USB-C host connection, via 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 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 identical time. Meaning you’ll want to make use of your Chromebook’s built-in ports if you would like greater than a type of forms of gadgets arrange. The plastic construct makes it look a bit of 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 in search of is a technique to get a number of further displays and use your wired USB equipment, this can be a good decide for Chromebooks.

Execs

Works effectively with Chromebooks
5 USB-A ports

Cons

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

$155 at Amazon

What to search for in a docking station

At first, contemplate what it is advisable plug in. This may probably be the deciding issue whenever you go to really purchase a docking station. Do you want three screens for an expanded work view? A fast technique to add pictures from an SD card? Are you trying to plug in a webcam, mic and streaming mild, whereas concurrently benefiting from quicker 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 may additionally need to contemplate the era of these ports as effectively; even ports with the identical form can have completely different capabilities. Right here’s a short overview of the connectivity completely different docking stations supply.

Monitor ports

Exterior displays usually want certainly 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 gadgets that use them are typically extra inexpensive. The preferred model of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) can deal with increased resolutions and refresh charges than the commonest HDMI model (2.0). The entire show 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 too can 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 possibly can join straight. If in case you have an HDMI show or DisplayPort-only monitor, you should utilize an adapter or a conversion cable.

After all, the variety of displays you possibly can join and the resolutions/charges they’ll obtain rely upon each your pc’s GPU and your displays — and the extra displays you plug in can carry down these numbers as effectively. 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 displays from a single port.

USB ports

Most docking stations supply 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 quicker 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.

Sort-C USB ports are available 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 a variety 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 upon components just like the cables you utilize and the gadgets you’re transferring knowledge to.

Almost each dock obtainable right this moment is a USB-C docking station, connecting 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: obtainable wattage varies, however most docks are rated between 85 and 100 watts. That ought to 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 presently recommended laptops embrace an Ethernet jack; a docking station is an effective way to get that connection again. Everyone knows objectively that wired web is quicker than Wi-Fi, nevertheless it would possibly take working a fundamental velocity comparability test to essentially get it on a intestine degree. For reference, on Wi-Fi I get a few 45 megabit-per-second obtain velocity. Over Ethernet, it’s 925 Mbps. Should you pay for a high-speed plan, however solely ever join wirelessly, you’re in all probability leaving lots of bandwidth on the desk. Each docking station I examined consists of an Ethernet port, and it might be the connector you find yourself getting probably the most use out of.

Simply two of our favourite laptops have SD card readers, and in the event you want a fast technique to add information from cameras or audio recorders, chances are you’ll need to get a dock with a type of slots. Of the docks we examined, about half had SD readers. For now, most (however not all) laptops nonetheless embrace a 3.5mm audio jack, however in the event you want wired headphones and desire a extra accessible place to plug them in, many docking stations will present.

While 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 pc) within the complete quantity. So in the event you’re in search of a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, you’ll want to test whether or not certainly one of them might 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 — resembling Ethernet, DC energy, monitor connections and some USBs. Up-front USB ports can be utilized for flash drive transfers, and even performing as a charger in your cellphone (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 more likely to at all times use. Some docks place the host port up entrance, which could make it simpler to plug in your laptop computer whenever you return to your desk, however a bunch port in again could look neater general.

How we examined docking stations

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 appreciated, and weeded out something that didn’t have what we contemplate a contemporary suite of connections (resembling 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 gadgets 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 velocity 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 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 document).

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 TBT4-UDZ

After 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 typically $235), the Anker 575 USB-C might make for a very good finances 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 implies it could get wobbly when a bunch of cables are plugged in, nevertheless it has a wide variety of ports and was in a position to deal with my 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 pretty rounded design — nevertheless it’s $90 extra, so I’d solely suggest getting it in the event you discover it on sale.

Acer USB Sort-C Dock

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

Docking station FAQs

Are docking stations price it?

Docking stations are price it when you’ve got extra equipment to plug in than your laptop computer permits. Say you’ve a USB-C digicam and mic, plus a USB-A mouse, keyboard and streaming mild; only a few fashionable laptops have sufficient connections to assist all of that directly. A docking station could make that setup possible whereas additionally supplying you with further ports like a gigabit Ethernet connection, and supplying energy to your laptop computer. Nonetheless, in the event you simply want a number of further USB sockets, you may be higher off going with a hub, as these are usually cheaper.

How a lot does a laptop computer dock value?

Laptop computer docking stations are usually greater 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 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 at all times a USB-C/Thunderbolt port and sometimes branded with an icon of a laptop computer. Use the offered cable to hook up with your pc. After that, you possibly can join your peripherals to the dock and they need to be prepared to make use of along with your laptop computer. A couple 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 possibly can obtain that companion software program.

Does a laptop computer cost on a docking station?

Almost all docking stations assist you to cost your laptop computer via the host connection (the cable working 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 move 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 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 — you’ll want to additionally test the era of your laptop computer as some docks can’t assist sure chips.

What are some fashionable 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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