The best docking stations for laptops in 2025

[ad_1] Laptops have lengthy rivaled desktops by way of energy. However these slim and moveable machines lack one thing their tower-shaped cousins are likely to have in abundance: ports. Docking stations allow you to plug in screens, mice, keyboards, storage units and extra utilizing only a single port in your laptop computer. And when you're somebody who relocates along with your laptop computer usually, a docking station makes it simpler to get all of your equipment related once more if you’re again at your desk. We examined out greater than 15 extremely rated docking stations and thought of monitor assist, quantity and sort of ports, design and worth that will help you decide which one is one of the best docking station to your dwelling or workplace setup.

Desk of contents Finest docking stations <img alt="" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/N9tUk37v8SmmVOFOB4TkGw--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-11/6426a800-799f-11ee-b65f-c5a372b5250d" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280" role="img"/> Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

The Satechi Twin Dock Stand is completely different from all the opposite docks we examined in two respects: it doesn’t require an influence supply and it goes beneath your MacBook as a substitute of beside it. You would 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 in conjunction 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 typical 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 prime choose for Chromebooks.

Because the Twin Dock works with out energy, it’s loads simpler to arrange than different docks with transformer containers and DC cables. I discovered it made probably the most sense to simply 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 move 75 watts to your machine.

Each the 4K and HD screens I examined seemed nice and labored nicely 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 gentle — that’s doubtless 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. However it’s an excellent alternative for extending productiveness in a manner that tucks beneath a MacBook, neatly shifting 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 MacBooksCan energy two screens on Macs with M1 Professional or M2 Professional chipsGood number of ports Cons Simply two USB-A portsNo Thunderbolt ports $150 at Adorama Again to prime

<img alt="" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/ZA3ZStzh.JFUN25Dr2HWpA--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-08/6f14f130-559b-11ef-abde-892209423b9d" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280" role="img"/> Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

It’s as if Satechi referred to as me up and requested for the design of my ultimate docking station. They didn’t, to be clear, however the Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Show manages to get proper what so many docks virtually 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 provide probably 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 when you simply have to cost your telephone when you work.

You may as well 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 screens in prolonged mode. Home windows laptops and M2/M3 Professional and Max chips can have as much as 4 prolonged screens related — two through 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 glossy slab, a bunch connection lives on one aspect, permitting for one neat line to your laptop. 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 swap 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 helpful on-off swap, so you possibly can 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 screens seemed nice and achieved the marketed refresh charges and resolutions, the info 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 screens, a webcam, streaming gentle, 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 acquired as I used it over the course of a pair days. At instances, it was practically too sizzling to carry my hand on comfortably. I by no means seen any opposed efficiency results consequently, nevertheless it’s doable that might change into a difficulty in the long run. As for worth, it’s listed at $300; that’s not the costliest dock we’ve examined, nevertheless it’s actually not the most cost effective. However for the efficiency and considerate design, it’s a Thunderbolt dock that might be value it for lots of people.

Professionals Glorious array of portsPorts cleverly arrangedCan assist as much as 4 exterior monitorsDisplayLink driver permits for twin prolonged screens on standard-chip MacBooks Cons Lay-flat design can take up plenty of desk area and not using a mountUnit runs very popular $300 at Satechi Again to prime

<img alt="" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/aDLTd0YPGoF8TaAqrx5m5A--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-11/a88d39e0-79a0-11ee-bddf-5347b19d357d" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280" role="img"/> Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

There’s loads 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 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 might 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 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 will help you make the most of 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 objects are additionally drawing energy.

The TS4 labored equally nicely with my MacBook Professional and the Dell XPS13 Plus and was even appropriate with a Chromebook. I examined learn/write speeds on a Samsung T7 SSD through a Thunderbolt port and acquired 734 MB/s learn and 655 MB/s write speeds on the Mac and 1048/994 on the Dell. In comparison with the opposite docks, that was within the lower-middle vary for the Mac and the quickest total for the PC. On PC, it additionally dealt with a 1GB folder switch to a flash drive quicker 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 readily available directly. For those who’ve acquired plenty of tech you need to use concurrently (and cash isn’t a priority), that is the one to get.

Professionals An abundance of portsCompact, upright design2.5Gbps Ethernet port $380 at Amazon Again to prime

<img alt="" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/YxKSi6MEGRBXILXNh3PT3Q--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-11/b61fffb0-79a1-11ee-95f5-9491efba1fd5" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280" role="img"/> Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

The Kensington SD4780P Twin 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 related in any respect with the Acer Chromebook Spin 514, and a type of 4 couldn’t run two screens. The SD4780P makes use of a USB-C host connection, by means of which it presents a most energy supply of 100W and was in a position to run each the 4K and HD screens cleanly.

It permits for a variety of USB-A peripherals by means of 5 such ports, however there’s solely a single downstream USB-C, so I wasn’t in a position to make use of each a webcam and mic on the identical time. 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 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 is able to make your setup neater. If all you’re on the lookout for is a strategy to get a couple of further screens and use your wired USB equipment, it is a good choose for Chromebooks.

Professionals Works nicely with ChromebooksFive USB-A ports Cons Requires a driver for non ChromebooksJust one downstream USB-C $155 at Amazon Again to prime

What to search for in a docking station At the start, take into account what you could plug in. This may doubtless be the deciding issue if you go to really purchase a docking station. Do you want three screens for an expanded work view? A fast strategy to add images from an SD card? Are you seeking to plug in a webcam, mic and streaming gentle, whereas concurrently making the most of quicker Ethernet connections? Are you hooking up a gaming laptop computer to a number of shows and peripherals? When you’ve settled on the kind of ports you want, you might also need to take into account the era of these ports as nicely; 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 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 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 assist both model 1.2, which permits for 4K decision at 60Hz, or model 1.4, which might deal with 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz.

You may as well use your dock’s downstream (non-host) Thunderbolt ports to hook up your screens. In case your exterior show has a USB-C socket, you possibly can join instantly. You probably have an HDMI show or DisplayPort-only monitor, you need to use an adapter or a conversion cable.

After all, the variety of screens you possibly can join and the resolutions/charges they’ll obtain rely upon each your laptop’s GPU and your screens — and the extra screens you plug in can carry down these numbers as nicely. You'll want to additionally use cables that assist the bandwidth you’re hoping for. MacOS customers ought to remember the fact that MacBooks with the usual M1 or M2 chips assist only one exterior monitor natively and require DisplayLink {hardware} and software program to assist two exterior shows. MacBooks with M1 Professional, M2 Professional or M2 Max chips can run a number of screens from a single port.

USB ports Most docking stations supply 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 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.

Kind-C USB ports are available in many various flavors. The Thunderbolt 3, 4 and USB4 protocols are newer, extra succesful specs that assist energy supply of as much as 100W, a number of 4K shows and knowledge switch speeds of as much as 40Gbps. Different USB-C ports are available in a spread of variations, with some supporting video, knowledge and energy and a few solely in a position to handle knowledge and energy. Switch charges and wattages can range from port to port, however most docks listing the wattage or GB/s on both the dock itself or on the product web page. And once more, attaining the quickest speeds will rely upon elements just like the cables you utilize and the units you’re transferring knowledge to.

Practically each dock accessible right now is a USB-C docking station, connecting to a pc through USB-C, usually Thunderbolt, and people host ports are practically at all times labeled with a laptop computer icon. Additionally they permit energy supply to your laptop computer: accessible wattage varies, however most docks are rated between 85 and 100 watts. That ought to be sufficient to maintain most computer systems powered — and it additionally means you gained’t must take up an additional laptop computer connector for charging.

Different ports None of our at the moment really useful laptops embody an Ethernet jack; a docking station is a good way to get that connection again. Everyone knows objectively that wired web is quicker than Wi-Fi, nevertheless it may take operating a fundamental velocity comparability take a look at to actually get it on a intestine stage. For reference, on Wi-Fi I get a few 45 megabit-per-second obtain velocity. Over Ethernet, it’s 925 Mbps. For those who pay for a high-speed plan, however solely ever join wirelessly, you’re in all probability leaving plenty of bandwidth on the desk. Each docking station I examined contains 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 when you want a fast strategy to add information from cameras or audio recorders, it's possible 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 embody a 3.5mm audio jack, however when you favor wired headphones and need a extra accessible place to plug them in, many docking stations will present.

Whenever you’re counting up the ports to your new dock, keep in mind that most corporations embody the host port (the one which connects to your laptop) within the whole quantity. So when you’re on the lookout for a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, you'll want to examine whether or not certainly one of them shall be used to plug in your laptop computer.

Design Most docking stations have both a lay-flat or upright design. Most docks put the extra “everlasting” connections in again — corresponding 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 telephone (simply be certain that the port can ship the ability you want). USBs within the rear are finest for keyboards, mice, webcams and different stuff you’re prone to at all times use. Some docks place the host port up entrance, which could make it simpler to plug in your laptop computer if you return to your desk, however a bunch port in again might look neater total.

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How we examined docking stations We began out by taking a look at on-line evaluations, spec sheets from varied manufacturers and docking stations that our fellow tech websites have coated. We thought-about manufacturers we’ve examined earlier than and have favored, and weeded out something that didn’t have what we take into account a contemporary suite of connections (corresponding to a dock with no downstream USB-C ports). We narrowed it all the way 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 gentle 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 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 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.

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Different laptop computer docking stations we examined Plugable TBT4-UDZ Once I pulled the Plugable TBT4-UDZ Thunderbolt 4 out of the field, I used to be satisfied it might make the lower: It has a sensible upright design, a beautiful 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, notably 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 usually $235), the Anker 575 USB-C may make for a superb finances 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 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 selection of ports and was in a position to deal with my fundamental setup nicely.

Belkin Join Professional Thunderbolt 4 Belkin’s Join Professional Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a contender for a Thunderbolt 4 different. It has practically the identical ports because the AD2010 (minus the microSD slot) and a beautiful rounded design — nevertheless it’s $90 extra, so I’d solely advocate getting it when you discover it on sale.

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

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Docking station FAQs Are docking stations value it? Docking stations are value it you probably have extra equipment to plug in than your laptop computer permits. Say you may have a USB-C digital camera and mic, plus a USB-A mouse, keyboard and streaming gentle; only a few fashionable laptops have sufficient connections to assist all of that directly. 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 a couple of further USB sockets, you could be higher off going with a hub, as these are typically cheaper.

How a lot does a laptop computer dock price? Laptop computer docking stations are typically larger and costlier than easy USB-A or USB-C hubs, due to the broader array of connections. You could find them as little as $50 and so they can get as costly as $450. An inexpensive worth for a dock with a wide selection of ports from a good model will common round $200.

How do I arrange my laptop computer dock? Most docking stations are plug and play. First, join the DC energy cable to the dock and a wall outlet. Then search for the “host” or upstream port on the dock — it’s virtually 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 laptop. 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, notably people 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? Practically all docking stations can help you cost your laptop computer by means of 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 move on between 65W and 100W of energy to laptops, and practically all embody a DC adapter.

Are all docking stations appropriate with all laptops? No, not all docking stations are appropriate with each laptop computer. In our checks, the Chromebook had the largest 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 examine the era of your laptop computer as some docks can’t assist sure chips.

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