The very best docking stations for laptops in 2025

Computing energy is reaching dizzying , but when your laptop computer doesn’t have all of the ports you might want to wield that energy, you could wish to take into account a docking station. These are a bit of completely different from , which are usually smaller and don’t require energy. Docking stations usually supply between seven and 12 ports, require a DC energy provide and price between $100 and $400. They permit you to join displays, 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 will help you choose the very best docking station on your wants. This information additionally breaks down the assorted cable requirements and port varieties 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, 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 way 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 commonplace for USB connections larger video decision, larger bandwidth for knowledge and a better wattage energy supply. Proper now, you could find TB5 ports on only a handful of computer systems, corresponding 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 Factor 5 with (nonetheless very succesful!) Thunderbolt 4 ports.

The Factor 5’s port array is great. Its three downstream TB5 ports can deal with two 4K displays on suitable MacBooks and as much as three displays on suitable Home windows laptops. It labored nice working my one 4K and one HD monitor (each with since my shows use HDMI ports) and I nonetheless had yet one more TB5 port to spare. I used it to carry out among the quicker knowledge transfers I’ve clocked. The 2 extra (non Thunderbolt) USB-C ports linked 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 obtained heat.

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

The Factor 5’s design is modern and the unit feels stable regardless of its small measurement. It is also reversible, with rubber toes you possibly can set up on both aspect of the hub, supplying you with flexibility on the place you possibly can stick it in your desk. A TB5 cable is included, which is essential, since you possibly can’t faucet into the quicker speeds and bandwidth of the newest Thunderbolt commonplace and not using a suitable cable.

In the intervening 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 identical array of ports. When you’re available in the market for a flexible adapter, you could as properly get a future-proof one.

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

Execs

Three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports
5 extra USB ports
Compact and enticing 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 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 possibly can 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 side a Mac, which permits MacBooks with M1, M2 or M3 Professional or Max chips to function twin displays in prolonged mode. Sadly, MacBooks with commonplace M1 or M2 chips, can natively solely energy a second exterior show in mirrored mode. The brand new MacBook Air with the M3 chip can solely energy two shows in prolonged mode with the laptop computer lid closed. When you have a Mac with a normal chip and want 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.

For the reason that Twin Dock works with out energy, it’s loads simpler to arrange than different docks with transformer bins and DC cables. I discovered it made essentially the most sense to simply use the MagSafe connector on the laptop computer, however you too can 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 appeared nice and labored properly in prolonged mode. There are two USB-Cs for a webcam and mic, plus two USB-As which may very well be used for a dongle mouse and a streaming gentle — that’s seemingly 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 transferring 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 displays on Macs with M1 Professional or M2 Professional chips
Good number of ports

Cons

Simply two USB-A ports
No Thunderbolt ports

$150 at Adorama

Amy Skorheim for Engadget

Whereas I believe most individuals searching for a dock with Thunderbolt 5 capabilities can be pleased with CalDigit’s Factor 5, is a worthy choice for many who desire 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 might be Thunderbolt 5. That’ll handle your monitor wants ( for DisplayPort or HDMI shows).

Nevertheless 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 may really feel like a waste of energy. The three USB Kind A ports assist the three.2 Gen 2 commonplace which might deal with 10Gbps knowledge transfers.

It has each an SD card reader and a microSD slot, which may very well be helpful for photographers and different creators who must phyically switch recordsdata 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 system that wants it. It additionally accepts so you possibly can bodily lock down your dock.

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

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 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 quite a lot of setups, whether or not you want a Mr. Universe-style monitor array or simply wish 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 essentially the most versatility. The trio of Thunderbolt 4 ports can assist as much as 8K displays at 60Hz and 40 Gbps knowledge transfers. They’ll even ship 15 watts of energy when you simply must cost your cellphone whilst you work.

You may also 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 displays in prolonged mode. Home windows laptops and M2/M3 Professional and Max chips can have as much as 4 prolonged displays linked — two through 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 sort of logical. From this slim and modern slab, a bunch connection lives on one aspect, permitting for one neat line to your laptop. Connections which might be more likely to keep put (displays, 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 helpful on-off swap, so you possibly can simply flip off all of your peripherals at evening to cut back your energy draw.

The dock delivers on the promise of its intelligent port choice and association. My twin prolonged displays appeared nice and achieved the marketed refresh charges and resolutions, the info transfers had been smoking fast and I used to be in a position to (lastly) totally join my very primary setup with out compromise: Two displays, 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 obtained as I used it over the course of a pair days. At instances, it was practically too scorching to carry my hand on comfortably. I by no means seen any opposed efficiency results in consequence, nevertheless it’s potential that might develop into a problem in the long run. As for value, 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 may very well be value it for lots of people.

Execs

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

Cons

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

$300 at Satechi

Picture 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 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 simply use to outfit a full command middle (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 may also 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 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 some other 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 without delay. When you’ve obtained a lot of tech you wish to use concurrently (and cash isn’t a priority), that is the one to get.

CalDigit’s new , which presents an identical array of ports and helps Thunderbolt 5 connections is on our record 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

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 linked in any respect with the Acer Chromebook Spin 514, and a kind of 4 couldn’t run two displays. The SD4780P makes use of a USB-C host connection, via 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 via 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 in order for you greater than a kind of varieties of units arrange. The plastic construct makes it look a bit of low cost and I’m not loopy in regards to the lay-flat design, however the host port is within the again, which can make your setup neater. If all you’re searching for is a approach to get just a few additional displays and use your wired USB equipment, it is a good choose for Chromebooks.

Execs

Works properly with Chromebooks
5 USB-A ports

Cons

Requires a driver for non Chromebooks
Only one downstream USB-C

$200 at Amazon

What to search for in a docking station

At the beginning, take into account what you might want to plug in. This may seemingly 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 approach to add photographs from an SD card? Are you trying 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 to a number of shows and peripherals? When you’ve settled on the kind of ports you want, you might also wish to take into account the technology 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 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 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 also use your dock’s downstream (non-host) Thunderbolt ports to hook up your displays. In case your exterior show has a USB-C socket, you possibly can join instantly. When you have an HDMI show or DisplayPort-only monitor, you should utilize an adapter or a conversion cable.

After all, the variety of displays you possibly can join and the resolutions/charges they’ll obtain rely upon each your laptop’s GPU and your displays — and the extra displays you plug in can deliver down these numbers as properly. You should definitely additionally use cables that assist the bandwidth you’re hoping for. MacOS customers ought to needless to say 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 displays from a single port, as can MacBook Air and Professional fashions with M3 or M4 chips.

USB ports

Most docking stations supply just a few 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 many various flavors. Whereas they’re all the identical form, completely different requirements and phrases imply completely different skills. A USB-C port (or cable) that meets the three.2 gen 2 specification can deal with knowledge at 10Gbps, which might assist 4K video at 60 fps. If it’s additionally a PD (energy supply) port, it may possibly, properly, ship energy too. Thunderbolt is Intel’s implementation of the USB4 commonplace 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 knowledge (from 16Gbps to 120Gbps). Since a equally formed port can range extensively on what it may possibly do, it’s value determining what you want these ports to do if you’re assessing your wants — all USB4 ports are USB-C, however not all USB-C ports assist USB4. (Don’t fear, it confuses us, too.)

One other factor to remember is that attaining the quickest speeds will rely upon components just like the cables you employ — a $4 USB-C charging cable gained’t transmit knowledge 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 properly.

Practically each dock obtainable in the present day is a USB-C docking station, connecting to a pc through USB-C, typically Thunderbolt, and people host ports are practically at all times labeled with a laptop computer icon. Host ports additionally permit energy supply to your laptop computer: obtainable wattage varies, however most docks are rated between 85 and 140 watts. That ought to be sufficient to maintain most computer systems powered — it additionally means you gained’t need to take up an additional laptop computer connector for charging.

Different ports

None of our at present embody an Ethernet jack; a docking station may also help get that connection again. Whether or not you want a wired web connection relies on just a few components. Wi-Fi 6 connections can ship theoretical knowledge charges of 9Gbps, however in observe 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 truly be quicker. It is likely to be value 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 when you want a fast approach to add recordsdata from cameras or audio recorders, you could wish 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 embody a 3.5mm audio jack, however when you want wired headphones and desire 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 firms embody the host port (the one which connects to your laptop) within the whole quantity. So when you’re searching for a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, you’ll want to examine whether or not considered one of them can 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 performing as a charger on your cellphone (simply be certain the port can ship the ability you want). USBs within the rear are greatest for keyboards, mice, webcams and different belongings 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 if you return to your desk, however a bunch port in again could look neater general.

How we examined docking stations

We began out by taking a look at on-line evaluations, spec sheets from numerous 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 (corresponding 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 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 exams 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 assorted design components I described earlier. I made spreadsheets and had sufficient wires snaking round my work space that my cat stayed off my desk for 3 weeks (a brand new document).

As new docking stations come out and we discover fashions worthy of testing, (there are a pair from Ugreen we’ve got 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 choose. 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 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 displays and different higher-specced peripherals. It’s solely $100 (Plugable even contains an HDMI to USB-C adapter) which is a fairly nice value for a number of Thunderbolt connections. I skilled some show lags in my exams, so I hesitate to offer it a full suggestion.

Plugable TBT4-UDZ

Once I pulled the Plugable TBT4-UDZ Thunderbolt 4 out of the field, I used to be satisfied it will make the minimize: It has a sensible upright design, a lovely steel end, and the host connection is TB4. Whereas there are many USB-A and monitor ports, there’s only one downstream USB-C. A contemporary dock, notably one which prices $300, ought to allow you to run, say, a USB-C cam and mic on the 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 price range choose 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 linked to the MacBook Professional. It’s fairly compact, which suggests it may possibly 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 primary setup properly.

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 lovely 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 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 slightly limiting single downstream USB-C) however each the Ethernet and knowledge switch speeds had been quicker.

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 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, when you simply want just a few additional USB sockets, you is likely to be higher off going with a hub, as these are usually cheaper.

How a lot does a laptop computer dock value?

Laptop computer docking stations are usually greater and dearer than easy USB-A or USB-C hubs, because of the broader array of connections. You will discover them as little as $50 they usually can get as costly as $450. An inexpensive value 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 number of docking stations, notably those who deal with extra advanced monitor setups, require a driver. The directions that include your dock will level you to a web site the place you possibly can obtain that companion software program.

Does a laptop computer cost on a docking station?

Practically all docking stations permit you to cost your laptop computer via the host connection (the cable working 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 suitable with all laptops?

No, not all docking stations are suitable with each laptop computer. In our exams, the Chromebook had the largest 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 net product web page — you’ll want to additionally examine the technology of your laptop computer as some docks can’t assist sure chips.

What are some well-liked 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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