Relying on how a lot stuff you want to plug in, your laptop computer might not have sufficient ports to assist all of it — significantly if in case you have extra wired equipment than Bluetooth ones. Docking stations add completely different combos of Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, 3.5mm, reminiscence card and USB connections and, in contrast to easy hubs, are sometimes DC-powered. For many who change up their working location commonly, a docking station could make it simpler to swap between a fully-connected desk setup and a easy laptop computer, since only one port hyperlinks your pc to the dock. Which docking station it’s best to get relies upon partly on what you wish to plug in, however sifting by means of the a whole lot of fashions on the market may be powerful. We tried out a dozen completely different choices that can assist you slim down the most effective docking station in your wants.
What to search for in a docking station
Before everything, think about what you want to plug in. It will 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 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? When you’ve settled on the kind of ports you want, you might also wish to think about the era of these ports as properly; even ports with the identical form can have completely different capabilities. Right here’s a quick overview of the connectivity completely different docking stations supply.
Monitor ports
Exterior displays usually want considered 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 typically extra inexpensive. The most well-liked model of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) can deal with increased resolutions and refresh charges than the commonest HDMI model (2.0). All the docking stations with HDMI sockets that we advocate 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 can too use your dock’s downstream (non-host) Thunderbolt ports to hook up your displays. In case your exterior show has a USB-C socket, you may join straight. If in case you have an HDMI or DisplayPort-only monitor, you should use an adapter or a conversion cable.
In fact, the variety of displays you may join and the resolutions/charges they’ll obtain depend upon each your pc’s GPU and your displays — and the extra displays you plug in can carry down these numbers as properly. You should definitely 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. 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 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 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. 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 variety of variations, with some supporting video, knowledge and energy and a few solely capable of handle knowledge and energy. Switch charges and wattages can fluctuate from port to port, however most docks record the wattage or GB/s on both the dock itself or on the product web page. And once more, reaching the quickest speeds will depend upon elements just like the cables you utilize and the units you’re transferring knowledge to.
Almost each dock obtainable as we speak connects to a pc through USB-C, typically Thunderbolt, and people host ports are practically at all times labeled with a laptop computer icon. In addition they permit energy supply to your laptop computer: obtainable wattage varies, however most docks are rated between 85 and 100 watts. That must 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 presently recommended laptops embody 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 operating a primary pace comparability test to actually get it on a intestine stage. For reference, on Wi-Fi I get a couple of 45 megabit-per-second obtain pace. Over Ethernet, it’s 925 Mbps. When 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 could possibly be the connector you find yourself getting probably the most use out of.
Simply two of our favourite laptops have SD card readers, and if you happen to want a fast technique to add information from cameras or audio recorders, you could 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 embody a 3.5mm audio jack, however if you happen to desire wired headphones and desire a extra accessible place to plug them in, many docking stations will present.
If you’re counting up the ports in your new dock, do not forget that most corporations embody the host port (the one which connects to your pc) within the complete quantity. So if you happen to’re on the lookout for a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, remember to test whether or not considered one of 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 — corresponding to Ethernet, DC energy, monitor connections and some USBs. Up-front USB ports can be utilized for flash drive transfers, and even plugging in your cellphone for a cost (simply ensure the port can ship the facility you want). USBs within the rear are greatest 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 whenever you return to your desk, however a number port in again might look neater general.
How we examined
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 of manufacturers we’ve examined earlier than and have preferred, and weeded out something that didn’t have what we think about 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 on 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 primary pace assessments 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 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).
Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Host connection: 2 x USB-C | Energy supply to host: 75W (USB-C) | USB-C: 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x 3.1 | USB-A: 2 | Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 | Aux 3.5mm: No | SD Card: No
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 possibly can 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 in conjunction with a Mac, which permits MacBooks with M1, M2 or M3 Professional or Max chips to function two exterior 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 a typical chip and wish two displays, you may 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 rather a lot simpler to arrange than different docks with transformer packing containers and DC cables. I discovered it made probably the most sense to simply use the MagSafe connector on the laptop computer, however it’s also possible to 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 properly 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 gentle — that’s probably 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 amazing 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.
- Distinctive design enhances MacBooks
- Can energy two displays on Macs with M1 Professional or M2 Professional chips
- Good number of ports
- Simply two USB-A ports
- No Thunderbolt ports
Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Host connection: Thunderbolt 4 | Max energy supply to host: 96W (DC) | USB-C: 1 x TB4, 1 x 3.2 | USB-A: 4 | Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0 | Aux 3.5mm: Sure | SD Card: SD and microSD
For many who need the additional pace and connectivity of the newest Thunderbolt interface, I like to recommend Kensington’s AD2010T4 Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Docking Station. Of all of the TB4 docking stations examined, the AD2010 is the one one underneath $300, but it carried out on par with and even supplied a greater number of ports than a few of the others I examined. It provides you two Thunderbolt 4 connections, one for the host and one for equipment, plus an extra 3.2 USB-C. Twin HDMI 2.0 sockets can deal with two exterior screens with as much as 4K decision (at 60Hz). However if you happen to want three extra displays or have an 8K display screen, you may faucet into the Thunderbolt port.
There’s a complete of 4 USB-As, which is sufficient for a wired mouse or keyboard and a pair different peripherals. It has an SD and a microSD card slot, a 3.5mm audio combo jack and an Ethernet jack. There are even two Kensington lock slots that allow you to physically secure your dock with a cable.
The system itself has a stable really feel and a pretty metallic design. My solely gripe is with the lay-flat orientation and that just about half of the ports are on the entrance edge — I believe upright docks that preserve most connections round again have an general neater look on a desk. Nevertheless, I ought to level out that Kensington sells mounts for its docks, which might assist with aesthetics.
- Competitively priced
- Highly effective downstream TB4 port
- Loads of USB-A connections
- Most ports are up entrance
- Lay-flat design is usually a house hog with no mount
Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Host connection: Thunderbolt 4 | Energy supply to host: 98W (DC) | USB-C: 2 x TB4, 3 x 3.2 | USB-A: 5 | Monitor: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 | Aux 3.5mm: 1 x audio combo, 1 x audio in, 1 x audio out | SD Card: SD and microSD
There’s rather a lot 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. 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 middle (if you happen to 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 if you happen to’re paying for a screaming-fast web plan, this dock might help you make the most of it. The TS4 can ship as much as 98W of energy to your laptop computer, although like several docking station, the wattage goes down when different objects 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 through 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 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 directly. When you’ve obtained a number of tech you wish to use concurrently (and cash isn’t a priority), that is the one to get.
- An abundance of ports
- Compact, upright design
- 2.5Gbps Ethernet port
Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Host connection: USB-C | Energy supply to host: 100W (DC) | USB-C: 1 x 3.1 | USB-A: 5 | Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.2 | Aux 3.5mm: 1 x audio combo | SD Card: No
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 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, by means 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 means of 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’d 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 technique to get just a few additional displays and use your wired USB equipment, this can be a good choose for Chromebooks.
- Works properly with Chromebooks
- 5 USB-A ports
- Requires a driver for non Chromebooks
- Only one downstream USB-C
Different 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 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 price range choose for Home windows. It carried out properly with the Dell XPS 13 Plus, however had hassle with the third display screen, 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 capable of deal with my primary setup properly.
Belkin Join Professional Thunderbolt 4
Belkin’s Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a contender for a Thunderbolt 4 various. It has practically the identical ports because the AD2010 (minus the microSD slot) and a pretty rounded design — nevertheless it’s $90 extra, so I’d solely advocate getting it if you happen to 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, 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 had been quicker.
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 digital camera and mic, plus a USB-A mouse, keyboard and streaming gentle; only a few trendy laptops have sufficient connections to assist all of that directly. A docking station could make that setup possible whereas additionally supplying you with additional ports like an Ethernet connection, and supplying energy to your laptop computer. Nevertheless, if you happen to simply want just a few additional 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 greater and costlier than easy USB-A or USB-C hubs, because of the broader array of connections. You could find them as little as $50 they usually can get as costly as $450. An 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 nearly at all times a USB-C/Thunderbolt port and infrequently branded with an icon of a laptop computer. Use the offered cable to hook up with your pc. After that, you may join your peripherals to the dock and they need to be prepared to make use of together with your laptop computer. A couple of docking stations, significantly 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 may 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 by means of the host connection (the cable operating 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 practically 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 assessments, the Chromebook had the most important compatibility points, the Dell PC had the least, and the MacBook fell someplace in between. All docks will record which manufacturers and fashions they work with on the web product web page — remember to additionally test the era of your laptop computer as some docks can’t assist sure chips.
What are some widespread 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.
