One of 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 that you must wield that energy, you could need to take into account a docking station. These are somewhat completely different from , which are usually smaller and don’t require energy. Docking stations sometimes provide between seven and 12 ports, require a DC energy provide and value between $100 and $400. They mean you can join displays, 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 can assist you decide one of the best docking station to your wants. This information additionally breaks down the assorted cable requirements and port sorts that can assist 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 , this can turn out to be the brand new regular for hubs. However for now, I’m calling it a docking station.

The Thunderbolt 5 customary for USB connections greater video decision, greater bandwidth for knowledge and a better wattage energy supply. Proper now, yow will discover 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 Aspect 5 with (nonetheless very succesful!) Thunderbolt 4 ports.

The Aspect 5’s port array is superb. 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 another TB5 port to spare. I used it to carry out a few of the sooner knowledge 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. The whole lot carried out splendidly and the unit barely acquired 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 Aspect 5 additionally lacks Ethernet and SD card slots. That was additionally high quality for my wants.

The Aspect 5’s design is smooth and the unit feels strong regardless of its small measurement. It is also reversible, with rubber toes you’ll be able to set up on both aspect 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 customary with no suitable cable.

In the meanwhile, 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. In case 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’ll be able to go for Kensington’s , detailed under 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 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 feel the excessive variety of ports earns it docking-station standing.

It plugs into the 2 USB-C ports in conjunction with a Mac, which permits MacBooks with M1, M2 or M3 Professional or Max chips to function twin displays in prolonged mode. Sadly, MacBooks with customary M1 or M2 chips, can natively solely energy a second exterior show in mirrored mode. The brand new MacBook Air with the M3 chip can solely energy two shows in prolonged mode with the laptop computer lid closed. When you’ve got a Mac with a typical chip and wish two displays, you will 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 lots simpler to arrange than different docks with transformer containers and DC cables. I discovered it made essentially the most sense to only 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 go 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 mild — that’s seemingly sufficient ports for conferencing or perhaps a fundamental video creator setup. The dock is in the end restricted by the truth that not one of the USB-C connections are Thunderbolt and there are solely two USB-A sockets to work with. Nevertheless it’s an important alternative 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 best way. 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 feel most individuals searching for a dock with Thunderbolt 5 capabilities might be pleased with CalDigit’s Aspect 5, is a worthy choice for individuals 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 maintain your monitor wants ( for DisplayPort or HDMI shows).

Nevertheless it’s price noting that there are not any 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 customary which may 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 could have a further gadget 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 every thing I related labored in addition to if I’d plugged it immediately 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 perfect 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 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 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 will even ship 15 watts of energy in the event you simply must cost your cellphone when you work.

You may also 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 displays in prolonged mode. Home windows laptops and M2/M3 Professional and Max chips can have as much as 4 prolonged displays related — two by way of 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 smooth slab, a number connection lives on one aspect, permitting for one neat line to your pc. Connections which are more likely to keep put (displays, DC energy, Ethernet and Thunderbolts) are throughout again, whereas the jacks you’ll in all probability change 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 change, so you’ll be able to simply flip off all of your peripherals at night time to scale 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 information transfers had been smoking fast and I used to be in a position to (lastly) absolutely join my very fundamental setup with out compromise: Two displays, 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 occasions, it was practically too scorching to carry my hand on comfortably. I by no means observed any hostile efficiency results consequently, but it surely’s attainable that might turn out to be a difficulty in the long run. As for value, it’s listed at $300; that’s not the costliest dock we’ve examined, but it surely’s definitely not the most affordable. However for the efficiency and considerate design, it’s a Thunderbolt dock that may very well be price 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 house with no mount
Unit runs very popular

$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 number 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 gadgets 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, but it surely has loads of TB4 ports, which you’ll simply use to outfit a full command middle (in the event 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 the event you’re paying for a screaming-fast web plan, this dock may also help you reap the benefits of it. The TS4 can ship as much as 98W of energy to your laptop computer, although like every 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 by way of 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 available directly. In case you’ve acquired numerous tech you need to use concurrently (and cash isn’t a priority), that is the one to get.

CalDigit’s new , which affords an analogous array of ports and helps Thunderbolt 5 connections is on our checklist 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 sometimes requires a DisplayLink driver, however any Chromebook made after 2017 helps the connection from the soar. Discovering a docking station that works with ChromeOS is hard; of the 12 models 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 which it affords a most energy supply of 100W and was in a position to run each the 4K and HD screens cleanly.

It permits for a variety of USB-A peripherals by 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 similar time. Which means you’ll want to make use of your Chromebook’s built-in ports if you need greater than a type of sorts of gadgets arrange. The plastic construct makes it look somewhat 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 technique to get just a few further displays and use your wired USB equipment, this can be a good decide 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

Initially, take into account what that you must plug in. This can seemingly 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 technique to add images from an SD card? Are you trying to plug in a webcam, mic and streaming mild, whereas concurrently benefiting from 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 might also need to take into account the era of these ports as properly; even ports with the identical form can have completely different capabilities. Right here’s a short overview of the connectivity completely different docking stations provide.

Monitor ports

Exterior displays sometimes want one among 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 typically extra reasonably priced. The preferred model of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) can deal with greater 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 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 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’ll be able to join immediately. When you’ve got an HDMI show or DisplayPort-only monitor, you should use an adapter or a conversion cable.

After all, the variety of displays you’ll be able to join and the resolutions/charges they’ll obtain rely upon each your pc’s GPU and your displays — and the extra displays you plug in can carry down these numbers as properly. Make sure you 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 provide 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 sooner knowledge switch speeds to your flash drive, go for USB-A sockets labeled 3.1 or 3.2 — or higher but, use a USB-C Thunderbolt port.

Kind-C USB ports are available in many alternative 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 may assist 4K video at 60 fps. If it’s additionally a PD (energy supply) port, it could, properly, ship energy too. Thunderbolt is Intel’s implementation of the USB4 customary 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 fluctuate broadly on what it could 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 rely upon elements just like the cables you utilize — a $4 USB-C charging cable received’t transmit knowledge at Thunderbolt speeds, it doesn’t matter what port you plug it into. The gadgets on both finish of the dock should assist these speeds as properly.

Practically each dock accessible at present is a USB-C docking station, connecting to a pc by way of USB-C, typically 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 ought to be sufficient to maintain most computer systems powered — it additionally means you received’t should take up an additional laptop computer connector for charging.

Different ports

None of our at the moment 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 elements. 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 really be sooner. It is perhaps price your speeds and checking your router’s specs to see whether or not Ethernet is healthier to your wants.

Simply two of our favourite laptops have SD card readers, and in the event you want a fast technique to add recordsdata from cameras or audio recorders, you could 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 in the event you 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 to 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 in the event you’re searching for a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, remember to examine whether or not one among 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 — resembling 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 to your cellphone (simply ensure that the port can ship the ability you want). USBs within the rear are greatest 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 number port in again could 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 lined. We thought-about manufacturers we’ve examined earlier than and have favored, and weeded out something that didn’t have what we take into account a contemporary suite of connections (resembling a dock with no downstream USB-C ports). We narrowed it all the way down to 12 contenders and I examined every dock in a house workplace, utilizing an M1 MacBook Professional, a Dell XPS 13 Plus and an Acer Chromebook Spin 514.

I plugged in and evaluated the standard of the connections for 12 completely different peripherals together with a 4K and an HD monitor, a 4K and an HD webcam, plus USB gadgets like a mouse, keyboard, streaming mild and mic. I plugged in wired earbuds, and transferred knowledge to a USB-C flash drive and an exterior SSD. I ran fundamental 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 assorted design elements I described earlier. I made spreadsheets and had sufficient wires snaking round my work space that my cat stayed off my desk for 3 weeks (a brand new document).

As new docking stations come out and we discover fashions worthy of testing, (there are a pair from Ugreen we’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 a great funds 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 house 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 definitely versatile, dealing with displays and different higher-specced peripherals. It’s solely $100 (Plugable even consists of 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 assessments, so I hesitate to present 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 could make the lower: It has a sensible upright design, a pretty 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 similar 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 a great funds decide for Home windows. It carried out properly 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 could get wobbly when a bunch of cables are plugged in, but it surely has a wide variety of ports and was in a position to 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 different. It has practically the identical ports because the AD2010 (minus the microSD slot) and a pretty rounded design — but it surely’s $90 extra, so I’d solely advocate getting it in the event 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, but it surely performs equally and is price 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 sooner.

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 could have a USB-C digicam and mic, plus a USB-A mouse, keyboard and streaming mild; only a few trendy laptops have sufficient connections to assist all of that directly. A docking station could make that setup possible whereas additionally providing you with further ports like a gigabit Ethernet connection, and supplying energy to your laptop computer. Nonetheless, in the event you simply want just a few further USB sockets, you is perhaps higher off going with a hub, as these are usually cheaper.

How a lot does a laptop computer dock price?

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 could find them as little as $50 and so they 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 at all times a USB-C/Thunderbolt port and sometimes branded with an icon of a laptop computer. Use the supplied 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. Just a few docking stations, notably those 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 mean you can cost your laptop computer by 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 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 checklist which manufacturers and fashions they work with on the net product web page — remember to additionally examine the era of your laptop computer as some docks can’t assist sure chips.

What are some in style docking station manufacturers?

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

Trending Merchandise