The very best 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 wish to take into account a docking station. These are just a little totally different from , which are usually 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 units and extra — all by way of a single USB-C port in your . We examined greater than a dozen extremely regarded fashions that can assist you choose the perfect docking station to your wants. This information additionally breaks down the varied cable requirements and port varieties that can assist you make an knowledgeable buy..

Desk of contents

Finest docking stations

Amy Skorheim for Engadget

CalDigit calls the a hub — and it does have some hub-like qualities, specifically its compact measurement. Nevertheless it requires a DC energy supply, prices $300 and offers you three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports plus two further 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 commonplace for USB connections larger video decision, larger bandwidth for information and a better wattage energy supply. Proper now, you will discover TB5 ports on only a handful of computer systems, comparable 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 Aspect 5 with (nonetheless very succesful!) Thunderbolt 4 ports.

The Aspect 5’s port array is great. 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 working my one 4K and one HD monitor (each with since my shows use HDMI ports) and I nonetheless had yet one more TB5 port to spare. I used it to carry out a number of the quicker information transfers I’ve clocked. The 2 further (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 little thing carried out splendidly and the unit barely bought 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 Aspect 5 additionally lacks Ethernet and SD card slots. That was additionally wonderful for my wants.

The Aspect 5’s design is glossy and the unit feels stable regardless of its small measurement. It is also reversible, with rubber ft 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 quicker speeds and bandwidth of the newest Thunderbolt commonplace and not using a suitable cable.

For the time being, there’s in all probability a small section 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. For those who’re available in the market for a flexible adapter, it’s possible you’ll as properly get a future-proof one.

After all, in case your setup requires greater than USB connections — maybe you want one other aux port, are utilizing SD playing cards each day or need Ethernet — you’ll be able to go for Kensington’s , detailed under as an honorable point out.

Professionals

Three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports
5 further USB ports
Compact and engaging 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 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 a substitute of beside it. You may virtually classify it as a hub, however I feel 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 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. When you 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 high choose for Chromebooks.

For the reason that Twin Dock works with out energy, it’s lots simpler to arrange than different docks with transformer packing 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 also 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 appeared nice and labored properly in prolonged mode. There are two USB-Cs for a webcam and mic, plus two USB-As which may very well be used for a dongle mouse and a streaming mild — that’s seemingly 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. Nevertheless it’s an incredible selection 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 best way. 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 feel most individuals searching for a dock with Thunderbolt 5 capabilities will probably be pleased with CalDigit’s Aspect 5, is a worthy choice for many who need 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 can be Thunderbolt 5. That’ll handle your monitor wants ( for DisplayPort or HDMI shows).

Nevertheless it’s price 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 Sort A ports help the three.2 Gen 2 commonplace 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’ve got a further machine that wants it. It additionally accepts so you’ll be able to bodily lock down your dock.

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

Professionals

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 referred to as me up and requested for the design of my superb 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 wish to run a USB-C keyboard concurrently 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 provide 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 will even ship 15 watts of energy when you simply must cost your cellphone whilst you work.

You may also 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 linked — two by way of the Thunderbolt ports and two by way of the HDMI connections (once more utilizing DisplayLink tech).

Along with the goldilocks 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 pc. Connections which can be prone to keep put (displays, DC energy, Ethernet and Thunderbolts) are throughout again, whereas the jacks you’ll in all probability 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’ll be able to simply flip off all of your peripherals at night time to cut back your energy draw.

The dock delivers on the promise of its intelligent port choice and association. My twin prolonged displays appeared nice and achieved the marketed refresh charges and resolutions, the info transfers have been smoking fast and I used to be capable of (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, 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 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 observed any adversarial efficiency results because of this, but it surely’s potential that would turn out to be a problem in the long run. As for value, 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.

Professionals

Wonderful 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 variety of desk area and not using a mount
Unit runs extremely popular

$300 at Satechi

Photograph 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 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 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 benefit from 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 gadgets are additionally drawing energy.

The TS4 labored equally properly with my MacBook Professional and the Dell XPS13 Plus and was even suitable with a Chromebook. I examined learn/write speeds on a Samsung T7 SSD by way of a Thunderbolt port and bought 734 MB/s learn and 655 MB/s write speeds on the Mac and 1048/994 on the Dell. In comparison with the opposite docks, that was within the lower-middle vary for the Mac and the quickest general for the PC. On PC, it additionally dealt with a 1GB folder switch to a flash drive quicker than every 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 available without delay. For those who’ve bought plenty of tech you wish to use concurrently (and cash isn’t a priority), that is the one to get.

CalDigit’s new , which provides an analogous array of ports and helps Thunderbolt 5 connections is on our listing 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

Photograph 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 items I examined, solely 4 linked 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, by way of which it provides a most energy supply of 100W and was capable of run each the 4K and HD screens cleanly.

It permits for a variety of USB-A peripherals by way of 5 such ports, however there’s solely a single downstream USB-C, so I wasn’t 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’d like greater than a type of sorts of units arrange. The plastic construct makes it look just a little 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 searching for is a approach to get just a few further displays and use your wired USB equipment, it is a good choose for Chromebooks.

Professionals

Works properly 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 the beginning, take into account what you’ll want to plug in. It will seemingly be the deciding issue if you go to truly purchase a docking station. Do you want three screens for an expanded work view? A fast approach to add images 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 wish to take into account the technology of these ports as properly; even ports with the identical form can have totally different capabilities. Right here’s a quick overview of the connectivity totally different docking stations provide.

Monitor ports

Exterior displays usually want one in all three ports to connect with a PC: HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C. HDMI connections are extra frequent than DisplayPort and the cables and units that use them are typically 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 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 may also 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’ll be able to join instantly. When you have an HDMI show or DisplayPort-only monitor, you need to use an adapter or a conversion cable.

After all, the variety of displays you’ll be able to 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 deliver down these numbers as properly. Make sure to additionally use cables that help the bandwidth you’re hoping for. MacOS customers ought to needless to say 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 just a few USB Sort-A ports, that are nice for peripherals like wired mice and keyboards, bus-powered ring lights and flash drives. For quicker information switch speeds to your flash drive, go for USB-A sockets labeled 3.1 or 3.2 — or higher but, use a USB-C Thunderbolt port.

Sort-C USB ports are available in many alternative flavors. Whereas they’re all the identical form, totally different requirements and phrases imply totally different skills. 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 will possibly, properly, ship energy too. Thunderbolt is Intel’s implementation of the USB4 commonplace 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 fluctuate broadly on what it will possibly do, it’s price determining what you want these ports to do if 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 bear in mind is that reaching the quickest speeds will rely upon components just like the cables you employ — a $4 USB-C charging cable gained’t transmit information at Thunderbolt speeds, it doesn’t matter what port you plug it into. The units on both finish of the dock should help these speeds as properly.

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

Different ports

None of our presently embrace an Ethernet jack; a docking station might help get that connection again. Whether or not you want a wired web connection relies on just a few 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 high out at 1Gbps, so your Wi-Fi connection might truly be quicker. It is perhaps price your speeds and checking your router’s specs to see whether or not Ethernet is best to your wants.

Simply two of our favourite laptops have SD card readers, and when you want a fast approach to add recordsdata from cameras or audio recorders, it’s possible you’ll wish 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 when you want wired headphones and need a extra accessible place to plug them in, many docking stations will present.

If you’re counting up the ports to 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 when you’re searching for a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, you should definitely test whether or not one in all them will probably 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 — comparable 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 to your cellphone (simply make certain the port can ship the facility you want). USBs within the rear are greatest for keyboards, mice, webcams and different belongings you’re prone to at all times use. Some docks place the host port up entrance, which could make it simpler to plug in your laptop computer if you return to your desk, however a bunch port in again could look neater general.

How we examined docking stations

We began out by on-line opinions, 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 preferred, and weeded out something that didn’t have what we take into account a contemporary suite of connections (comparable 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 units 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 exams on the Ethernet connections in addition to the file transfers. I judged how simple the docks have 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 USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 Hub

I hoped the would make a superb price range choose. Its small measurement 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 preferred how little area 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 displays 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 exams, so I hesitate to present it a full suggestion.

Plugable TBT4-UDZ

Once I pulled the Plugable TBT4-UDZ Thunderbolt 4 out of the field, I used to be satisfied it might make the minimize: It has a sensible upright design, a horny steel end, and the host connection is TB4. Whereas there are many USB-A and monitor ports, there’s only one downstream USB-C. A contemporary dock, notably one which prices $300, ought to allow you to run, say, a USB-C cam and mic on the 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 a superb price range choose for Home windows. It carried out properly with the Dell XPS 13 Plus, however had bother with the third display screen, the 4K webcam and headphone jack when linked to the MacBook Professional. It’s fairly compact, which implies it will possibly get wobbly when a bunch of cables are plugged in, but it surely has a wide variety of ports and was capable of deal with my fundamental setup properly.

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 — but it surely’s $90 extra, so I’d solely advocate getting it when 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 price 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 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 got a USB-C digicam and mic, plus a USB-A mouse, keyboard and streaming mild; only a few fashionable laptops have sufficient connections to help all of that without delay. A docking station could make that setup possible whereas additionally providing you with further ports like a gigabit Ethernet connection, and supplying energy to your laptop computer. Nevertheless, when you simply want just a few further USB sockets, you is perhaps 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 dearer than easy USB-A or USB-C hubs, due to the broader array of connections. Yow will discover them as little as $50 and so they 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 virtually at all times a USB-C/Thunderbolt port and sometimes branded with an icon of a laptop computer. Use the supplied cable to connect 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 together with your laptop computer. A number of docking stations, notably people who deal with extra advanced monitor setups, require a driver. The directions that include your dock will level you to an internet site the place you’ll be able to obtain that companion software program.

Does a laptop computer cost on a docking station?

Almost all docking stations will let you cost your laptop computer by way 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 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 exams, 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 net product web page — you should definitely additionally test the technology of your laptop computer as some docks can’t help sure chips.

What are some standard docking station manufacturers?

Kensington, Anker, Pluggable and Belkin are respected and well-known manufacturers making docking stations for all laptops. Lenovo, Dell and HP all make docks that may work with their very own computer systems in addition to different manufacturers.

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