The 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 want to wield that energy, it’s possible you’ll need to take into account a docking station. These are slightly 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 will let you join screens, cameras, mics, wired mice and keyboards, storage units and extra — all via a single USB-C port in your . We examined greater than a dozen extremely regarded fashions that can assist you decide the most effective docking station on 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

Greatest 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 provides you three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports plus two extra USB-C connections. That’s much more highly effective than . Maybe as extra producers undertake the , it will develop into the brand new regular for hubs. However for now, I’m calling it a docking station.

The Thunderbolt 5 normal for USB connections greater video decision, greater bandwidth for information and a better wattage energy supply. Proper now, you could find TB5 ports on only a handful of computer systems, resembling 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 Component 5 with (nonetheless very succesful!) Thunderbolt 4 ports.

The Component 5’s port array is superb. Its three downstream TB5 ports can deal with two 4K screens on appropriate MacBooks and as much as three screens on appropriate 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 another TB5 port to spare. I used it to carry out a number of the quicker 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 gentle and a thumb drive. Every little thing carried out splendidly and the unit barely received heat.

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

The Component 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, supplying 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 normal with no appropriate cable.

In the mean time, there’s in all probability a small phase of the inhabitants that completely wants a Thunderbolt 5 dock, however the worth level right here isn’t out of vary of different docks with the same array of ports. When you’re available in the market for a flexible adapter, it’s possible you’ll as effectively 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 beneath as an honorable point out.

Execs

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

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 an alternative of beside it. You could possibly nearly 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 side 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. You probably have a Mac with a regular chip and want two screens, you may want a docking station that helps DisplayLink {hardware} and software program, such because the Kensington SD4780P, which is our high decide for Chromebooks.

For the reason that Twin Dock works with out energy, it’s lots simpler to arrange than different docks with transformer bins 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 screens I examined regarded nice and labored effectively 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 possible 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. 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 way in which. It even has an SSD enclosure beneath it.

Execs

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

Cons

Simply two USB-A ports
No Thunderbolt ports

$150 at Adorama

Amy Skorheim for Engadget

Whereas I feel most individuals searching for a dock with Thunderbolt 5 capabilities will likely be proud of CalDigit’s Component 5, is a worthy choice for many who need a extra particular set of ports. This feels extra like a conventional 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 are Thunderbolt 5. That’ll handle your monitor wants ( for DisplayPort or HDMI shows).

Nevertheless it’s price 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 may really feel like a waste of energy. The three USB Kind A ports assist 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 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 might have a further machine that wants it. It additionally accepts so you’ll be able to bodily lock down your dock.

My fairly primary setup didn’t even make it reasonably heat and every thing I related labored in addition to if I’d plugged it instantly into my pc.

Execs

Has quite a lot 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 supreme docking station. They didn’t, to be clear, however the Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display manages to get proper what so many docks nearly 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 information transfers. They will even ship 15 watts of energy in case you simply must cost your cellphone when you work.

It’s also possible to hook up your screens by way of HDMI. MacBook customers might want to set up the DisplayLink driver to work round Apple’s prolonged monitor limitations. With the software program, even M1 and M2 MacBooks can hook up two exterior screens in prolonged mode. Home windows laptops and M2/M3 Professional and Max chips can have as much as 4 prolonged screens related — two by way of the Thunderbolt ports and two via 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 are 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 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 swap, 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 screens regarded nice and achieved the marketed refresh charges and resolutions, the information transfers have been smoking fast and I used to be capable of (lastly) absolutely join my very primary 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 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 received as I used it over the course of a pair days. At occasions, it was practically too sizzling to carry my hand on comfortably. I by no means observed any opposed efficiency results because of this, nevertheless it’s potential that would develop 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 definitely not the most cost effective. However for the efficiency and considerate design, it’s a Thunderbolt dock that might be price it for lots of people.

Execs

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

Cons

Lay-flat design can take up plenty of desk area with no mount
Unit runs highly regarded

$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 may assist transfers of as much as 10 Gbps.

Up entrance, you get an SD and a microSD card slot together with a headphone jack, two USB-C and a USB-A connector. In again, there’s room for 4 extra USB-A units and two 3.5mm jacks, one for audio in and one for audio out. One space the place the dock could really feel missing is in show inputs. It solely has one DisplayPort 1.4, nevertheless it has loads of TB4 ports, which you’ll be able to simply use to outfit a full command middle (in case you don’t have a USB-C monitor, there are many adapters).

The multi-gig Ethernet jack can deal with as much as 2.5Gbps, so in case you’re paying for a screaming-fast web plan, this dock may help you reap the benefits 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 gadgets are additionally drawing energy.

The TS4 labored equally effectively 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 by way of a Thunderbolt port and received 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 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 available without delay. When you’ve received 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 affords the same 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.

Execs

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

$380 at Adorama

Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

The Kensington SD4780P Dual 4K usually requires a DisplayLink driver, however any Chromebook made after 2017 helps the connection from the leap. Discovering a docking station that works with ChromeOS is hard; of the 12 models I examined, solely 4 related in any respect with the Acer Chromebook Spin 514, and a kind of 4 couldn’t run two screens. The SD4780P makes use of a USB-C host connection, via which it affords 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 via 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. Which means you’ll want to make use of your Chromebook’s built-in ports if you’d like greater than a kind of sorts of units arrange. The plastic construct makes it look slightly low cost and I’m not loopy concerning the lay-flat design, however the host port is within the again, which is able to make your setup neater. If all you’re searching for is a technique to get a number of additional screens and use your wired USB equipment, it is a good decide for Chromebooks.

Execs

Works effectively 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

Initially, take into account what you want to plug in. This may possible be the deciding issue while you go to really purchase a docking station. Do you want three screens for an expanded work view? A fast technique to add photographs from an SD card? Are you seeking to plug in a webcam, mic and streaming gentle, whereas concurrently profiting 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 need to take into account the technology of these ports as effectively; 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 every of 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 inexpensive. The preferred model of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) can deal with greater resolutions and refresh charges than the commonest HDMI model (2.0). The entire show docking stations with HDMI ports that we suggest 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.

It’s also possible to 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. You probably have an HDMI show or DisplayPort-only monitor, you should utilize 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 depend upon each your pc’s GPU and your screens — and the extra screens you plug in can deliver down these numbers as effectively. Remember to additionally use cables that assist the bandwidth you’re hoping for. MacOS customers ought to take into account that MacBooks with the usual M1 or M2 chips assist only one exterior monitor natively and require DisplayLink hardware and software to assist two exterior shows. MacBook Execs with M1 Professional, M2 Professional or M2 Max chips can run a number of screens from a single port, as can MacBook Air and Professional fashions with M3 or M4 chips.

USB ports

Most docking stations supply a number of USB Kind-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.

Kind-C USB ports are available many various 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 assist 4K video at 60 fps. If it’s additionally a PD (energy supply) port, it may, effectively, ship energy too. Thunderbolt is Intel’s implementation of the USB4 normal and the Thunderbolt 3, 4 and, , Thunderbolt 5 protocols all assist energy (from 15W to 140W), video (as much as 8K on a number of screens) and information (from 16Gbps to 120Gbps). Since a equally formed port can differ extensively on what it may do, it’s price determining what you want these ports to do while you’re assessing your wants — all USB4 ports are USB-C, however not all USB-C ports assist USB4. (Don’t fear, it confuses us, too.)

One other factor to bear in mind is that attaining the quickest speeds will depend upon elements just like the cables you employ — a $4 USB-C charging cable received’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 assist these speeds as effectively.

Practically each dock accessible 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 practically at all times labeled with a laptop computer icon. Host ports additionally enable 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 must take up an additional laptop computer connector for charging.

Different ports

None of our at the moment embrace an Ethernet jack; a docking station may help get that connection again. Whether or not you want a wired web connection relies on a number of elements. Wi-Fi 6 connections can ship theoretical information charges of 9Gbps, however in follow these numbers are between 800 and 1200Mbps. The Ethernet ports on some routers and gateways high out at 1Gbps, so your Wi-Fi connection might really be quicker. It is perhaps price your speeds and checking your router’s specs to see whether or not Ethernet is healthier on your wants.

Simply two of our favourite laptops have SD card readers, and in case you want a fast technique to add recordsdata from cameras or audio recorders, it’s possible you’ll need to get a dock with a kind of slots. Of the docks we examined, about half had SD readers. For now, most (however not all) laptops nonetheless embrace a 3.5mm audio jack, however in case you desire wired headphones and need a extra accessible place to plug them in, many docking stations will present.

If you’re counting up the ports on 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 in case you’re searching for a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, be sure you verify whether or not one in every of them will likely 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 — resembling 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 be sure the port can ship the ability you want). USBs within the rear are finest for keyboards, mice, webcams and different stuff you’re more likely to at all times 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 could look neater general.

How we examined docking stations

We began out by on-line critiques, spec sheets from varied manufacturers and docking stations that our fellow tech websites have lined. We thought of manufacturers we’ve examined earlier than and have appreciated, and weeded out something that didn’t have what we take into account a contemporary suite of connections (resembling 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 gentle and mic. I plugged in wired earbuds, and transferred information to a USB-C flash drive and an exterior SSD. I ran primary 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 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 report).

As new docking stations come out and we discover fashions worthy of testing, (there are a pair from Ugreen we’ve 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 price range decide. Its small measurement makes it appear extra like a hub than a dock, nevertheless it requires energy from the included DC adapter, so I examined it as a dock. I appreciated how little area it took up, nevertheless it was nearly too small — it was too light-weight to put flat on my desk when all of the cables have been plugged in. It has simply three Thunderbolt 4 ports. That’s not a ton, however TB4 ports are definitely versatile, dealing with screens and different higher-specced peripherals. It’s solely $100 (Plugable even consists of an HDMI to USB-C adapter) which is a fairly nice worth for a number of Thunderbolt connections. I skilled some show lags in my checks, so I hesitate to provide it a full suggestion.

Plugable TBT4-UDZ

After I pulled the Plugable TBT4-UDZ Thunderbolt 4 out of the field, I used to be satisfied it will make the reduce: 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 usually $235), the Anker 575 USB-C might make for price range decide for Home windows. It carried out effectively 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 suggests it may 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 effectively.

Belkin Join Professional Thunderbolt 4

Belkin’s Connect Pro 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 pretty rounded design — nevertheless it’s $90 extra, so I’d solely suggest getting it in case you 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, nevertheless it performs equally and is price a point out. It has practically the identical ports (together with the somewhat 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 if in case you have extra equipment to plug in than your laptop computer permits. Say you might have a USB-C digicam and mic, plus a USB-A mouse, keyboard and streaming gentle; only a few trendy laptops have sufficient connections to assist all of that without delay. A docking station could make that setup possible whereas additionally supplying you with additional ports like a gigabit Ethernet connection, and supplying energy to your laptop computer. Nonetheless, in case you simply want a number of additional USB sockets, you is perhaps 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 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 affordable 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 sometimes 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 along with your laptop computer. A number 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’ll be able to obtain that companion software program.

Does a laptop computer cost on a docking station?

Practically all docking stations will let you cost your laptop computer via 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 practically all embrace 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 — be sure you additionally verify the technology of your laptop computer as some docks can’t assist sure chips.

What are some common 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 can work with their very own computer systems in addition to different manufacturers.

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