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 that you must wield that energy, it’s possible you’ll need to contemplate a docking station. These are somewhat totally different from , which are typically smaller and don’t require energy. Docking stations usually supply between seven and 12 ports, require a DC energy provide and value between $100 and $400. They can help you join screens, cameras, mics, wired mice and keyboards, storage gadgets and extra — all by a single USB-C port in your . We examined greater than a dozen extremely regarded fashions that will help you decide the perfect docking station on your wants. This information additionally breaks down the varied cable requirements and port sorts that will help 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, particularly its compact measurement. 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 way more highly effective than . Maybe as extra producers undertake the , this may turn out to be the brand new regular for hubs. However for now, I’m calling it a docking station.

The Thunderbolt 5 normal for USB connections larger video decision, larger bandwidth for information and the next wattage energy supply. Proper now, you will discover 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 Ingredient 5 with (nonetheless very succesful!) Thunderbolt 4 ports.

The Ingredient 5’s port array is great. 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 operating 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 sooner information transfers I’ve clocked. The 2 extra (non Thunderbolt) USB-C ports related my keyboard and a RODE mic. The three USB-A ports went to a mouse, streaming mild and a thumb drive. All the things carried out splendidly and the unit barely acquired heat.

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

The Ingredient 5’s design is modern 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 facet 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 newest Thunderbolt normal and not using a suitable cable.

In the mean time, 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. When you’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 day by 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 extra USB ports
Compact and engaging design
Reversible design

Cons

No Ethernet port or reminiscence card slot

$280 at Amazon

Picture 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 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 normal 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’ve got a Mac with an ordinary chip and wish two screens, you may want a docking station that helps DisplayLink {hardware} and software program, such because the Kensington SD4780P, which is our prime decide for Chromebooks.

For the reason that Twin Dock works with out energy, it’s so much 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 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 screens 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 might be used for a dongle mouse and a streaming mild — that’s possible sufficient ports for conferencing or perhaps a fundamental video creator setup. The dock is finally 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 a terrific alternative for extending productiveness in a method 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.

Professionals

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 on the lookout for a dock with Thunderbolt 5 capabilities might be pleased with CalDigit’s Ingredient 5, is a worthy choice for individuals 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 might be Thunderbolt 5. That’ll handle your monitor wants ( for DisplayPort or HDMI shows).

However it’s value noting that there are no 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 Kind A ports help the three.2 Gen 2 normal which may deal with 10Gbps information transfers.

It has each an SD card reader and a microSD slot, which might be helpful for photographers and different creators who must 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 have 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 the whole lot I related 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 known as me up and requested for the design of my very best docking station. They didn’t, to be clear, however the Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display manages to get proper what so many docks 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 provide probably the most versatility. The trio of Thunderbolt 4 ports can help as much as 8K screens at 60Hz and 40 Gbps information transfers. They’ll even ship 15 watts of energy if you happen to simply must cost your cellphone whilst you work.

You can too 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 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 modern slab, a bunch connection lives on one facet, permitting for one neat line to your pc. Connections which might be more likely to keep put (screens, DC energy, Ethernet and Thunderbolts) are throughout again, whereas the jacks you’ll in all probability swap 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 swap, so you’ll be able to 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 appeared nice and achieved the marketed refresh charges and resolutions, the information transfers had been smoking fast and I used to be capable of (lastly) absolutely join my very fundamental 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 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 almost too scorching to carry my hand on comfortably. I by no means observed any adversarial efficiency results in consequence, 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 most costly dock we’ve examined, but it surely’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

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

Cons

Lay-flat design can take up a number of desk area and not using a mount
Unit runs very popular

$300 at Satechi

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

There’s so much to understand about CalDigit’s TS4 docking station: It has a sturdy, upright design with a bunch connection on the rear and a whopping 5 downstream USB-C ports, two of that are Thunderbolt 4, the opposite two are USB 3.2, which may 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 gadgets 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, but it surely has loads of TB4 ports, which you’ll simply use to outfit a full command heart (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 can assist 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 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 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 general for the PC. On PC, it additionally dealt with a 1GB folder switch to a flash drive sooner than some other dock and delivered the quickest connection speeds over the Ethernet. It’s the one unit that permit me plug in each single peripheral I had readily available without delay. When you’ve acquired a lot of tech you need to use concurrently (and cash isn’t a priority), that is the one to get.

CalDigit’s new , which presents 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

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

The Kensington SD4780P Dual 4K usually requires a DisplayLink driver, however any Chromebook made after 2017 helps the connection from the 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 which it presents 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 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 need greater than a type of kinds of gadgets arrange. The plastic construct makes it look somewhat low cost and I’m not loopy concerning the lay-flat design, however the host port is within the again, which can make your setup neater. If all you’re on the lookout for is a strategy to get a couple of additional screens and use your wired USB equipment, this can be a good decide 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

Before everything, contemplate what that you must plug in. It will possible 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 strategy to add pictures from an SD card? Are you seeking 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 contemplate the technology of these ports as properly; even ports with the identical form can have totally different capabilities. Right here’s a short overview of the connectivity totally different docking stations supply.

Monitor ports

Exterior screens 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 gadgets that use them are generally extra reasonably priced. The preferred model of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) can deal with larger resolutions and refresh charges than the most typical HDMI model (2.0). All the show docking stations with HDMI ports 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 help 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 screens. In case your exterior show has a USB-C socket, you’ll be able to join instantly. When you’ve got an HDMI show or DisplayPort-only monitor, you need to use an adapter or a conversion cable.

After all, the variety of screens you’ll be able to join and the resolutions/charges they’ll obtain rely on each your pc’s GPU and your screens — and the extra screens you plug in can convey down these numbers as properly. You should definitely 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 screens from a single port, as can MacBook Air and Professional fashions with M3 or M4 chips.

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 sooner 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.

Kind-C USB ports are available many alternative flavors. Whereas they’re all the identical form, totally different requirements and phrases imply totally different talents. A USB-C port (or cable) that meets the three.2 gen 2 specification can deal with information at 10Gbps, which may help 4K video at 60 fps. If it’s additionally a PD (energy supply) port, it might probably, properly, ship energy too. Thunderbolt is Intel’s implementation of the USB4 normal 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 differ broadly on what it might probably 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 help USB4. (Don’t fear, it confuses us, too.)

One other factor to remember is that reaching the quickest speeds will rely on elements just like the cables you utilize — a $4 USB-C charging cable received’t transmit information at Thunderbolt speeds, it doesn’t matter what port you plug it into. The gadgets on both finish of the dock should help these speeds as properly.

Almost each dock accessible at present is a USB-C docking station, connecting to a pc through 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: accessible 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 received’t need to take up an additional laptop computer connector for charging.

Different ports

None of our presently embody an Ethernet jack; a docking station can assist get that connection again. Whether or not you want a wired web connection relies on a couple of elements. Wi-Fi 6 connections can ship theoretical information charges of 9Gbps, however in apply these numbers are between 800 and 1200Mbps. The Ethernet ports on some routers and gateways prime out at 1Gbps, so your Wi-Fi connection may really be sooner. It may be value your speeds and checking your router’s specs to see whether or not Ethernet is best on your wants.

Simply two of our favourite laptops have SD card readers, and if you happen to want a fast strategy to add recordsdata 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 if you happen to choose wired headphones and need a extra accessible place to plug them in, many docking stations will present.

Whenever you’re counting up the ports on your new dock, keep in mind that most firms 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, make sure you examine whether or not one in all 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 appearing as a charger on your cellphone (simply ensure the port can ship the facility you want). USBs within the rear are finest for keyboards, mice, webcams and different belongings you’re more likely 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 bunch port in again might look neater general.

How we examined docking stations

We began out by taking a look at on-line critiques, spec sheets from varied manufacturers and docking stations that our fellow tech websites have coated. We thought-about manufacturers we’ve examined earlier than and have favored, and weeded out something that didn’t have what we contemplate 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 totally different peripherals together with a 4K and an HD monitor, a 4K and an HD webcam, plus USB gadgets like a mouse, keyboard, streaming mild and mic. I plugged in wired earbuds, and transferred information to a USB-C flash drive and an exterior SSD. I ran fundamental velocity 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 file).

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 an excellent finances decide. 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 favored 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 had been plugged in. It has simply three Thunderbolt 4 ports. That’s not a ton, however TB4 ports are actually 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 reasonably nice value for a number of Thunderbolt connections. I skilled some show lags in my assessments, so I hesitate to present it a full advice.

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 minimize: 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 typically $235), the Anker 575 USB-C may make for an excellent finances decide for Home windows. It carried out properly with the Dell XPS 13 Plus, however had bother with the third display, the 4K webcam and headphone jack when related to the MacBook Professional. It’s fairly compact, which implies it might probably 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 beautiful rounded design — but it surely’s $90 extra, so I’d solely advocate getting it if you happen to discover it on sale.

Acer USB Kind-C Dock

Acer’s USB Type-C Dock D501 prices $10 greater than our Kensington decide 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 information switch speeds had 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 have got a USB-C digicam and mic, plus a USB-A mouse, keyboard and streaming mild; only a few trendy laptops have sufficient connections to help all of that without delay. A docking station could make that setup possible whereas additionally providing you with additional ports like a gigabit Ethernet connection, and supplying energy to your laptop computer. Nonetheless, if you happen to simply want a couple of additional USB sockets, you may be higher off going with a hub, as these are typically cheaper.

How a lot does a laptop computer dock value?

Laptop computer docking stations are typically larger and dearer than easy USB-A or USB-C hubs, because of the broader array of connections. Yow will discover them as little as $50 they usually can get as costly as $450. An inexpensive value for a dock with a wide variety of ports from a good model will common round $200.

How do I arrange my laptop computer dock?

Most docking stations are plug and play. First, join the DC energy cable to the dock and a wall outlet. Then search for the “host” or upstream port on the dock — it’s virtually all the time a USB-C/Thunderbolt port and infrequently branded with an icon of a laptop computer. Use the offered 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 complicated 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 can help you cost your laptop computer by 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 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 assessments, 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 net product web page — make sure you additionally examine the technology of your laptop computer as some docks can’t help 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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