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 you have to wield that energy, you could need to think about a docking station. These are a bit completely different from , which are typically smaller and don’t require energy. Docking stations usually provide between seven and 12 ports, require a DC energy provide and value between $100 and $400. They permit you to join screens, cameras, mics, wired mice and keyboards, storage units and extra — all by way of a single USB-C port in your . We examined greater than a dozen extremely regarded fashions that will help you choose the perfect docking station in 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

Greatest 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 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 , this may 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 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, 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 Component 5 with (nonetheless very succesful!) Thunderbolt 4 ports.

The Component 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 among the quicker 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. All the pieces carried out splendidly and the unit barely obtained 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 Component 5 additionally lacks Ethernet and SD card slots. That was additionally effective for my wants.

The Component 5’s design is glossy and the unit feels strong 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 commonplace with out 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. In the event you’re out there for a flexible adapter, you could as nicely get a future-proof one.

In fact, 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 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 an alternative of beside it. You might 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 together 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 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. In case you have a Mac with a regular chip and wish two screens, you will want a docking station that helps DisplayLink {hardware} and software program, such because the Kensington SD4780P, which is our prime choose for Chromebooks.

Because the Twin Dock works with out energy, it’s lots 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 cross 75 watts to your machine.

Each the 4K and HD screens I examined seemed nice and labored nicely 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 doubtless sufficient ports for conferencing or perhaps a primary 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 fantastic selection for extending productiveness in a manner 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 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 shall be proud of CalDigit’s Component 5, is a worthy possibility for individuals who desire 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 are Thunderbolt 5. That’ll handle your monitor wants ( for DisplayPort or HDMI shows).

However it’s price noting that there are no non-Thunderbolt USB-C ports. So when you’ve got, 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 may deal with 10Gbps knowledge transfers.

It has each an SD card reader and a microSD slot, which might be helpful for photographers and different creators who have to 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 will have a further system 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 the whole lot 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 known 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 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 knowledge transfers. They will even ship 15 watts of energy for those who simply have to cost your telephone whilst 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 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 by way of 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 glossy slab, a bunch connection lives on one facet, permitting for one neat line to your pc. Connections which are prone 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 night time to scale back your energy draw.

The dock delivers on the promise of its intelligent port choice and association. My twin prolonged screens seemed 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 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 obtained as I used it over the course of a pair days. At instances, it was almost too sizzling to carry my hand on comfortably. I by no means observed any hostile efficiency results consequently, but it surely’s attainable that might develop into 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 actually 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

Glorious 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 quite a lot of desk house with out a mount
Unit runs highly regarded

$300 at Satechi

Picture 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, but it surely has loads of TB4 ports, which you’ll simply use to outfit a full command heart (for those who 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 for those who’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 all docking station, the wattage goes down when different gadgets are additionally drawing energy.

The TS4 labored equally nicely 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 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 permit me plug in each single peripheral I had readily available without delay. In the event you’ve obtained 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 gives 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.

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 models 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 way of which it gives 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 way of 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 type of kinds of units arrange. The plastic construct makes it look a bit 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 additional screens and use your wired USB equipment, it is a good choose for Chromebooks.

Execs

Works nicely 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

In the beginning, think about what you have to plug in. This may doubtless be the deciding issue once you go to truly 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 mild, 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 think about the era of these ports as nicely; 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 screens usually want one in every of three ports to connect with a PC: HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C. HDMI connections are extra widespread than DisplayPort and the cables and units that use them are typically extra inexpensive. The most well-liked model of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) can deal with 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 screens. In case your exterior show has a USB-C socket, you’ll be able to join immediately. In case you have an HDMI show or DisplayPort-only monitor, you should use an adapter or a conversion cable.

In fact, the variety of screens you’ll be able to join and the resolutions/charges they’ll obtain rely upon each your pc’s GPU and your screens — and the extra screens you plug in can convey down these numbers as nicely. You’ll want to additionally use cables that assist the bandwidth you’re hoping for. MacOS customers ought to remember the fact that MacBooks with the usual M1 or M2 chips assist only one exterior monitor natively and require DisplayLink hardware and software to assist two exterior shows. 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 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 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 in many alternative flavors. Whereas they’re all the identical form, completely different requirements and phrases imply completely different talents. 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 may possibly, nicely, 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 differ broadly on what it may possibly do, it’s price determining what you want these ports to do once 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 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 units on both finish of the dock should assist these speeds as nicely.

Practically each dock obtainable right now is a USB-C docking station, connecting to a pc by way of USB-C, typically Thunderbolt, and people host ports are almost 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 needs 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 present embrace an Ethernet jack; a docking station may help get that connection again. Whether or not you want a wired web connection depends on just a few elements. Wi-Fi 6 connections can ship theoretical knowledge 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 might truly be quicker. It is likely to be price your speeds and checking your router’s specs to see whether or not Ethernet is best in your wants.

Simply two of our favourite laptops have SD card readers, and for those who 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 embrace a 3.5mm audio jack, however for those who desire wired headphones and desire a extra accessible place to plug them in, many docking stations will present.

Once you’re counting up the ports in your new dock, keep in mind that most corporations embrace the host port (the one which connects to your pc) within the whole quantity. So for those who’re searching for a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, make sure to test whether or not one in every of them shall 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 appearing as a charger in your telephone (simply be sure the port can ship the facility you want). USBs within the rear are greatest for keyboards, mice, webcams and different stuff you’re prone to at all times use. Some docks place the host port up entrance, which could make it simpler to plug in your laptop computer once 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 evaluations, spec sheets from numerous 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 think about 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 mild and mic. I plugged in wired earbuds, and transferred knowledge to a USB-C flash drive and an exterior SSD. I ran primary pace 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 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 now have 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, 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 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 actually versatile, dealing with screens and different higher-specced peripherals. It’s solely $100 (Plugable even contains 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 checks, so I hesitate to provide 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 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, significantly one which prices $300, ought to allow you to run, say, a USB-C cam and mic on the identical time. In any other case, it’s fairly limiting.

Anker 575 USB-C

At $250 (and extra typically $235), the Anker 575 USB-C might make for price range choose for Home windows. It carried out nicely with the Dell XPS 13 Plus, however had hassle with the third display screen, the 4K webcam and headphone jack when related to the MacBook Professional. It’s fairly compact, which suggests it may possibly get wobbly when a bunch of cables are plugged in, but it surely has a wide selection of ports and was capable of deal with my primary setup nicely.

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 for those who 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, but it surely performs equally and is price a point out. It has almost the identical ports (together with the quite limiting single downstream USB-C) however each the Ethernet and knowledge switch speeds have been quicker.

Docking station FAQs

Are docking stations price it?

Docking stations are price it when you’ve got extra equipment to plug in than your laptop computer permits. Say you will have a USB-C digital camera and mic, plus a USB-A mouse, keyboard and streaming mild; 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, for those who simply want just a few additional USB sockets, you is likely to 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, due to the broader array of connections. You’ll find 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 nearly at all times 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 along with your laptop computer. Just a few docking stations, significantly those who deal with extra complicated monitor setups, require a driver. The directions that include your dock will level you to a web 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 permit you to cost your laptop computer by way of the host connection (the cable operating from the dock to your pc). That functionality, plus the upper variety of ports is what separates a docking station from a hub. Docks can cross on between 65W and 100W of energy to laptops, and almost all embrace a DC adapter.

Are all docking stations suitable with all laptops?

No, not all docking stations are suitable 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 — make sure to additionally test the era 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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