The perfect docking stations for laptops in 2025

Computing energy is reaching dizzying , but when your laptop computer doesn’t have all of the ports you’ll want to wield that energy, it’s possible you’ll need to think about a docking station. These are a bit completely different from , which are usually smaller and don’t require energy. Docking stations sometimes provide between seven and 12 ports, require a DC energy provide and price between $100 and $400. They can help you join screens, cameras, mics, wired mice and keyboards, storage units and extra — all by means of a single USB-C port in your . We examined greater than a dozen extremely regarded fashions that can assist you choose one of the best docking station on your wants. This information additionally breaks down the assorted cable requirements and port sorts that can assist 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 dimension. 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 can turn out to be the brand new regular for hubs. However for now, I’m calling it a docking station.

The Thunderbolt 5 customary for USB connections increased video decision, increased bandwidth for knowledge and the next 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 Factor 5 with (nonetheless very succesful!) Thunderbolt 4 ports.

The Factor 5’s port array is superb. Its three downstream TB5 ports can deal with two 4K screens on suitable MacBooks and as much as three screens on suitable Home windows laptops. It labored nice working 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 knowledge transfers I’ve clocked. The 2 extra (non Thunderbolt) USB-C ports linked 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 obtained heat.

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

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

In the mean time, there’s in all probability 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 identical array of ports. Should you’re available in the market for a flexible adapter, it’s possible you’ll as nicely 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’ll be able to go for Kensington’s , detailed beneath as an honorable point out.

Execs

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

Photograph 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 may virtually classify it as a hub, however I believe the excessive variety of ports earns it docking-station standing.

It plugs into the 2 USB-C ports along 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 customary 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 a normal chip and want two screens, you will want a docking station that helps DisplayLink {hardware} and software program, such because the Kensington SD4780P, which is our high choose for Chromebooks.

Because the Twin Dock works with out energy, it’s loads 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 as well provide energy to the dock utilizing the non-data USB-C port and it’ll go 75 watts to your machine.

Each the 4K and HD screens I examined regarded nice and labored nicely in prolonged mode. There are two USB-Cs for a webcam and mic, plus two USB-As which could possibly be used for a dongle mouse and a streaming mild — that’s seemingly 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. However it’s an ideal selection for extending productiveness in a approach 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.

Execs

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

Cons

Simply two USB-A ports
No Thunderbolt ports

$150 at Adorama

Amy Skorheim for Engadget

Whereas I believe most individuals in search of a dock with Thunderbolt 5 capabilities might be proud of CalDigit’s Factor 5, is a worthy choice for many who desire a extra particular set of ports. This feels extra like a standard 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 might be Thunderbolt 5. That’ll handle your monitor wants ( for DisplayPort or HDMI shows).

However it’s value noting that there are not any non-Thunderbolt USB-C ports. So if in case you have, 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 Sort A ports assist the three.2 Gen 2 customary which might deal with 10Gbps knowledge transfers.

It has each an SD card reader and a microSD slot, which could possibly be helpful for photographers and different creators who have to phyically switch recordsdata typically (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 could have a further gadget that wants it. It additionally accepts so you’ll be able to bodily lock down your dock.

My fairly primary setup didn’t even make it reasonably heat and all the pieces I linked labored in addition to if I’d plugged it straight into my pc.

Execs

Has a wide range 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 preferrred docking station. They didn’t, to be clear, however the Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display manages to get proper what so many docks virtually do. First off, there are sufficient downstream USB4 ports to deal with a wide range 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 essentially the most versatility. The trio of Thunderbolt 4 ports can assist as much as 8K screens at 60Hz and 40 Gbps knowledge transfers. They’ll even ship 15 watts of energy in the event you simply have to cost your cellphone whilst you work.

You can even 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 means of 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 number connection lives on one aspect, permitting for one neat line to your pc. 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 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 night time to scale 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 information transfers have 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 high. They distract from the in any other case elegant look of the high-end aluminum exterior. One not-so-minor concern is how heat the unit obtained as I used it over the course of a pair days. At instances, it was almost too sizzling to carry my hand on comfortably. I by no means observed any adversarial efficiency results consequently, but it surely’s doable that would turn out to be a problem in the long run. As for value, it’s listed at $300; that’s not the most costly 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 could possibly be value it for lots of people.

Execs

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

Cons

Lay-flat design can take up quite a lot of desk house and not using a mount
Unit runs very popular

$300 at Satechi

Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

There’s loads to understand about CalDigit’s TS4 docking station: It has a sturdy, upright design with a number 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 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 units 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, but it surely 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 might help you benefit from it. The TS4 can ship as much as 98W of energy to your laptop computer, although like all docking station, the wattage goes down when different gadgets are additionally drawing energy.

The TS4 labored equally nicely 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 obtained 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. Should you’ve obtained plenty of tech you need to use concurrently (and cash isn’t a priority), that is the one to get.

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

Execs

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

$380 at Adorama

Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

The Kensington SD4780P Dual 4K sometimes requires a DisplayLink driver, however any Chromebook made after 2017 helps the connection from the soar. 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 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 similar time. Meaning you’ll want to make use of your Chromebook’s built-in ports if you would 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 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 number of further screens and use your wired USB equipment, it is a good choose for Chromebooks.

Execs

Works nicely 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

At first, think about what you’ll want to plug in. It will seemingly be the deciding issue while you go to truly purchase a docking station. Do you want three screens for an expanded work view? A fast method to add photographs from an SD card? Are you trying to plug in a webcam, mic and streaming mild, whereas concurrently making the most of 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 may additionally need to think about 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 provide.

Monitor ports

Exterior screens sometimes 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 units that use them are generally extra inexpensive. The most well-liked model of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) can deal with increased resolutions and refresh charges than the most typical HDMI model (2.0). The entire show 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 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 can even 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 straight. You probably have an HDMI show or DisplayPort-only monitor, you should use an adapter or a conversion cable.

In fact, the variety of screens you’ll be able to join and the resolutions/charges they’ll obtain rely upon each your pc’s GPU and your screens — and the extra screens you plug in can convey 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 to assist two exterior shows. MacBook Execs with M1 Professional, M2 Professional or M2 Max chips can run a number of screens from a single port, as can MacBook Air and Professional fashions with M3 or M4 chips.

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

One other factor to bear in mind is that attaining the quickest speeds will rely upon elements just like the cables you employ — a $4 USB-C charging cable received’t transmit knowledge at Thunderbolt speeds, it doesn’t matter what port you plug it into. The units on both finish of the dock should assist these speeds as nicely.

Almost each dock obtainable immediately is a USB-C docking station, connecting to a pc by way of USB-C, typically Thunderbolt, and people host ports are almost all the time labeled with a laptop computer icon. Host ports additionally permit energy supply to your laptop computer: obtainable wattage varies, however most docks are rated between 85 and 140 watts. That must be sufficient to maintain most computer systems powered — it additionally means you received’t should take up an additional laptop computer connector for charging.

Different ports

None of our at present embody an Ethernet jack; a docking station might help get that connection again. Whether or not you want a wired web connection relies on a number of elements. Wi-Fi 6 connections can ship theoretical knowledge charges of 9Gbps, however in observe these numbers are between 800 and 1200Mbps. The Ethernet ports on some routers and gateways high out at 1Gbps, so your Wi-Fi connection might really be sooner. It could be value your speeds and checking your router’s specs to see whether or not Ethernet is healthier on 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 embody a 3.5mm audio jack, however in the event you choose wired headphones and desire a extra accessible place to plug them in, many docking stations will present.

While you’re counting up the ports on your new dock, do not forget that most firms embody the host port (the one which connects to your pc) within the whole quantity. So in the event you’re in search of a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, remember 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 — equivalent to 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 on your cellphone (simply be certain 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 while you return to your desk, however a number port in again could look neater total.

How we examined docking stations

We began out by taking a look at on-line critiques, spec sheets from numerous manufacturers and docking stations that our fellow tech websites have coated. We thought of manufacturers we’ve examined earlier than and have favored, and weeded out something that didn’t have what we think about a contemporary suite of connections (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 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 elements I described earlier. I made spreadsheets and had sufficient wires snaking round my work space that my cat stayed off my desk for 3 weeks (a brand new report).

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 a great funds choose. Its small dimension makes it appear extra like a hub than a dock, but it surely requires energy from the included DC adapter, so I examined it as a dock. I favored how little house it took up, but it surely was virtually 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 definitely versatile, dealing with screens and different higher-specced peripherals. It’s solely $100 (Plugable even consists of an HDMI to USB-C adapter) which is a fairly nice value for a number of Thunderbolt connections. I skilled some show lags in my checks, so I hesitate to provide it a full suggestion.

Plugable TBT4-UDZ

After I pulled the Plugable TBT4-UDZ Thunderbolt 4 out of the field, I used to be satisfied it might 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, 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 typically $235), the Anker 575 USB-C might make for a great funds choose for Home windows. It carried out nicely 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 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 Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a contender for a Thunderbolt 4 different. It has almost the identical ports because the AD2010 (minus the microSD slot) and a horny rounded design — but it surely’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 choose for Chromebooks, but it surely performs equally and is value a point out. It has almost the identical ports (together with the somewhat limiting single downstream USB-C) however each the Ethernet and knowledge switch speeds have been sooner.

Docking station FAQs

Are docking stations value it?

Docking stations are value it if in case you have extra equipment to plug in than your laptop computer permits. Say you could 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 assist all of that without delay. A docking station could make that setup possible whereas additionally providing you with further ports like a gigabit Ethernet connection, and supplying energy to your laptop computer. Nevertheless, in the event you simply want a number of further USB sockets, you could be higher off going with a hub, as these are usually cheaper.

How a lot does a laptop computer dock price?

Laptop computer docking stations are usually larger and costlier than easy USB-A or USB-C hubs, due to the broader array of connections. You’ll find them as little as $50 and so they can get as costly as $450. An affordable value for a dock with a wide selection of ports from a good model will common round $200.

How do I arrange my laptop computer dock?

Most docking stations are plug and play. First, join the DC energy cable to the dock and a wall outlet. Then search for the “host” or upstream port on the dock — it’s virtually all the time a USB-C/Thunderbolt port and sometimes 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 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 a web site the place you’ll be able to obtain that companion software program.

Does a laptop computer cost on a docking station?

Almost all docking stations can help you cost your laptop computer by means of 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 go on between 65W and 100W of energy to laptops, and almost 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 checks, 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 net product web page — remember 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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