When the world turned the other way up in early 2020, many people went residence for what we thought can be a short break from workplace life. As an alternative, it is changed into a long-term dedication to remotely working. When you’ve got youngsters, they’re additionally doing distant schoolwork, going to courses on a pc display.
Below the circumstances, possibly it is time to improve your work-from-home (WFH) setup with a docking station that transforms your laptop computer right into a extra snug working setting. With one (or possibly two) fast connections, you possibly can add a full-sized exterior show, a full-sized keyboard and an exterior mouse, a wired Ethernet connection, and entry to exterior units like backup drives, scanners, and printers.
You possibly can accomplish most of this for a relative pittance, or you possibly can max out your platinum card with high-end options that assist a number of shows and super-fast Thunderbolt 3 peripherals.
The essential idea behind a docking station is easy: It is a comparatively small system that stays in your desk, linked to your monitor, keyboard, and mouse, plus no matter different units you need to have readily at hand. Once you’re at your desk, you join the dock to your laptop computer (sometimes through a single cable) and have immediate entry to the aforementioned exterior peripherals.
We have divided the docking choices into three main classes. First up is our greatest choose: the Plugable Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C docking station. Second, are docks designed to attach particularly to a single model of PCs. Subsequent, we listing generic docking stations that provide ample growth capabilities for beneath $150 (exterior peripherals not included). Within the closing part, we spotlight dearer third-party merchandise that provide simple efficiency benefits for many who want the most effective.
Plugable Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C docking station
Finest laptop computer docking station total
Ports: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Sort-A (2); USB 3.0 Sort-A (2); USB Sort-C (2); Gigabit Ethernet; combo audio | Show: DisplayPort (2); helps two 4K screens at 60Hz (Thunderbolt 3) or two 1080p shows (USB-C)
Do not let this dock’s small measurement idiot you; it packs a whole lot of energy right into a small bundle and might ship 60W over USB-C to your laptop computer. One of the best function is that you should utilize it with any system that features USB-C assist (with the noteworthy exception of HP’s EliteBook 850 G3, which is incompatible). It is simplest, although, when linked to a system that helps Thunderbolt 3, together with Dell’s XPS 13 and 15 fashions, MacBook Air and Execs from 2016 or later, and Lenovo’s widespread ThinkPad Carbon X1 (sixth Gen or later). The corporate’s web site has a helpful compatibility chart that may assist you decide whether or not the dock will work along with your laptop computer.
Execs:
- 60W
- Use with any system that features USB-C assist
Cons:
Docks for a selected PC model
In the event you purchased a name-brand PC, there is a good likelihood that the maker of that system has at the least one and doubtless a number of dock choices so that you can select from. The most important benefit, after all, is which you can count on the 2 units to work collectively correctly; and if they do not, you do not have to place up with the finger-pointing that may happen if you encounter a battle between a PC and a third-party peripheral.
This part contains details about docks designed to be used with Home windows PCs from Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft. As for Apple, effectively, let’s get that out of the best way first.
Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter
Finest Apple laptop computer docking possibility
Ports: USB Sort-C (1); USB Sort-A (1) | Show: HDMI (1), 3840 x 2160
We might like to inform you about an Apple-branded docking station to be used along with your MacBook, however there may be, alas, no such factor. The closest factor Apple affords is an overpriced dongle, the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter. Plug the MacBook energy adapter into the USB-C port, join a monitor to the HDMI port, plug one thing into the one USB Sort-A port, and that is it. You are out of growth alternatives.
That may work when you’ve got an Apple Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and you do not care a couple of wired community connection. But when your wants are demanding, you may have to discover third-party merchandise.
Execs:
- Works nice with Apple merchandise
- First rate show
Cons:
- Costly for what it’s
- Restricted use circumstances
Dell Thunderbolt Dock – WD19TB
Finest Dell laptop computer docking station
Ports: USB Sort-A (4); USB Sort-C (1); speaker output; combo audio; Gigabit Ethernet | Show: HDMI (1); DisplayPort (2); as much as three simultaneous 4K shows or a single 5K show
You will discover a dizzying number of docking stations at Dell’s web site, with a half-dozen Dell-branded docks on the Merchandise For Work web page and a a lot bigger choice (together with third-party options) on the Merchandise for Residence web page.
For contemporary Dell PCs that embrace Thunderbolt 3 assist, the WD19TB dock ($280) is the one option to go. It delivers 130W of energy over the docking connection and has sufficient video connections to drive three huge shows. You may discover one USB-C port and one USB 3.1 (Sort A) port on the entrance panel, with the rest of the ports on the rear, for units that completely keep linked.
Execs:
- 130 W of energy
- Can drive three huge shows
Cons:
Dell D6000 Common Dock
Finest Dell laptop computer docking station for older fashions
Ports: USB Sort-A (4); USB Sort-C (1); speaker output; combo audio; Gigabit Ethernet | Show: HDMI (1); DisplayPort (2); as much as three simultaneous 4K shows or a single 5K show
You will discover a dizzying number of docking stations at Dell’s web site, with a half-dozen Dell-branded docks on the Merchandise For Work web page and a a lot bigger choice (together with third-party options) on the Merchandise for Residence web page.
We recommend the $200 D6000 Common Dock for older PCs that are not geared up with USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports. This dock has a formidable assortment of ports, delivers as much as 65W of energy, and might deal with as much as three shows without delay. The draw back is that the USB 3.0 connection makes use of DisplayLink expertise, which may trigger driver points in some configurations.
Execs:
- Loads of ports
- 65W of energy
Cons:
- DisplayLink expertise could cause driver points
HP Thunderbolt Dock
Finest easy design
Ports: USB-C port (1), Powered USB 3.0 port (1), Thunderbolt port (1), USB 3.0 ports (2) | Show: USB-C Show Port (1), DisplayPort ports (2), VGA port
This docking station from HP is designed that will help you keep linked to every little thing it’s essential to work whereas additionally reclaiming desk area. The extremely compact design helps you to use a single USB-C cable to attach your suitable laptop computer to twin 4K screens, exterior storage or exterior GPUs, and extra. It options each USB-C DisplayPort and USB-C Thunderbolt 3 connections in addition to 2 DisplayPort and a couple of USB 3.1 inputs; it even has a VGA connection for utilizing your laptop computer with older shows. There’s additionally a Thunderbolt Dock Audio module you should purchase and join for hands-free and headset-free convention calling and higher sound for shows.
Execs:
- VGA connection for older shows
- Compact design
Cons:
Lenovo USB-C Mini Dock
Finest compact docking station
Ports: USB Sort-C (1); USB 3.1 Sort-A (1); USB 2.0 Sort-A (1); Gigabit Ethernet; combo audio | Show: HDMI 2.0 (1); VGA (1); helps a single show as much as 4K decision utilizing HDMI or 1080P utilizing VGA
Among the many main OEMs, Lenovo wins the worth wars with these two dock choices. The essential USB-C Mini Dock is sufficiently small to cover behind your laptop computer whereas nonetheless delivering as much as 45W of energy and enabling a full array of exterior system connections. For units with Thunderbolt 3 assist, the extra highly effective Important Dock ups the ability output to 65W and helps two 4K screens with a single USB-C connection.
Execs:
- 45W of energy
- Sufficiently small to cover
Cons:
- Just one exterior show will be linked without delay
Lenovo Thunderbolt 3 Important Dock
Finest for 2 screens
Ports: USB 3.0 Sort-A (2); USB Sort-C with no video assist (2); Gigabit Ethernet; combo audio | Show: HDMI 2.0 (1); DisplayPort 1.4 (1); helps twin 4K shows
For Lenovo units with Thunderbolt 3 assist, the extra highly effective Important Dock ups the ability output to 65W and helps two 4K screens with a single USB-C connection.
Execs:
- 65W
- Helps two 4K screens
Cons:
Microsoft Floor Dock 2
Finest for Floor Execs
Ports: USB 3.2 Sort-A (2); USB Sort-C (4); audio out; Gigabit Ethernet | Show: USB Sort-C; helps as much as two 4K shows at 60Hz
Microsoft’s Floor Professional line has all the time been distinguished by its distinctive blade-style connector, which delivers energy, video, and peripheral connections by means of a decidedly proprietary format. You may additionally in all probability want adapter to attach the USB Sort-C connectors on the rear to your exterior screens. The newest entry within the firm’s docking choices requires a fairly fashionable Floor Professional system (Floor Professional 3 and 4 and authentic Floor Ebook not supported). In the event you meet these specs, you get 199W of energy, assist for twin 4K shows, and a complete of six USB ports. The listing value for this dock is far increased, however it’s been discounted from Day 1.
Execs:
- 199W of energy
- Help for twin 4K shows
Cons:
- Floor Professional 3 and 4 and authentic Floor Ebook not supported
Third-party choices
The most important benefit of a third-party docking resolution is flexibility. In the event you substitute your laptop computer with a brand new mannequin from a distinct producer, you need to be capable to plug it into your present dock and get proper to work. For this part, we spotlight docks from 4 main producers.
StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 docking station
Finest high-end laptop computer docking station
Ports: USB 3.0 Sort-A (2); USB Sort-C Thunderbolt 3 (2); Gigabit Ethernet; separate microphone and speaker jacks | Show: DisplayPort (1); helps as much as two 5K shows over DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 3
You pay prime greenback for StarTech.com’s prime of the road dock, however you get precisely what you pay for. With the flexibility to ship 85W over USB-C PD, that is the only option for anybody with a power-hungry, high-end laptop computer like a MacBook Professional 15 or 16. Do not even consider utilizing it with a PC that does not assist Thunderbolt 3, nevertheless.
Execs:
- 85W
- Brings numerous energy to high-end laptops
Cons:
StarTech Twin Monitor USB-C
Finest budget-friendly possibility
Ports: USB 3.0 (2); Gigabit Ethernet | Show: HDMI (2); helps a single ultrawide show, two 1080p shows at 60Hz, or as much as two 4K shows at 30Hz
When you’ve got a Home windows laptop computer that features USB-C with Energy Supply however would not assist Thunderbolt 3, contemplate the cheaper Twin Monitor dock; connect your laptop computer’s USB-C energy provide and you’ll energy each your laptop computer and the dock with peripherals.
Execs:
Cons:
Kensington SD5500T
Finest for with or with out Thunderbolt 3 assist
Ports: USB 3 Sort-A (3); USB Sort-C (2); Gigabit Ethernet; combo audio | Show: DisplayPort (2); helps two 4K shows at 60Hz with Thunderbolt 3; with USB-C Alt Mode, helps one 4K show or two 1080p screens at 30Hz
Kensington’s web site is full of helpful technical info. In the event you’re stumped about what the varied connector specs imply, go to its essential web page for some helpful tech assist. The SD5500T dock works with nearly any fashionable Home windows PC or Mac, with or with out Thunderbolt 3 assist.
Execs:
- Works with or with out Thunderbolt 3 assist
- Useful web site with technical info
Cons:
Kensington SD7000
Finest docking station with a hinge
Ports: USB 3.0 (Sort-A (4); USB Sort-C (1), doesn’t assist alt mode; combo audio; Gigabit Ethernet | Show: HDMI 2.0 (1); DisplayPort 1.2 (1); helps a single 4K monitor at 60 Hz or two 4K shows at 30 Hz
Floor Professional house owners ought to take an extended take a look at Kensington’s SD7000 dock, which features a cool hinge that may place the show at eye degree or lay it down to be used with a Floor Pen.
Execs:
- Consists of hinge to vary place of show
- Helps 4K screens
Cons:
- Solely works with Floor Professional
Cable Issues
Finest primary docking station
Ports: USB 3.0 Sort-A (2); USB Sort-C (2); Gigabit Ethernet; combo audio | Show: DisplayPort (2); helps one 5K show or as much as two 4K shows with Thunderbolt 3; in USB-C Alt Mode, helps one 4K show or two 1080p shows at 30Hz
This hybrid dock is good when you’ve got a number of laptops (Mac or Home windows) which have a mixture of USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 connections. USB-C PD delivers as much as 60W, which is sufficient for many midsize laptops. Home windows PCs would possibly want Thunderbolt 3 updates and customized community drivers to work correctly. Notice that the producer particularly advises that Chromebooks aren’t suitable with this dock.
Execs:
- Delivers as much as 60W
- Six ports
Cons:
- Chromebooks aren’t suitable
What’s the finest laptop computer docking station?
The Plugable Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C docking station is the most effective laptop computer docking station. Nevertheless, any of those merchandise are price contemplating relying on what options are most vital to you.
|
Docking station |
Value |
Ports |
Energy |
|
Plugable Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C |
$129.50 |
8 |
60W |
|
Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter |
$69 |
2 |
N/A |
|
Dell Thunderbolt Dock – WD19TB |
$301 |
8 |
130W |
|
Dell D6000 Common Dock |
$249.99 |
8 |
65W |
|
HP Thunderbolt Dock |
$387.99 |
5 |
120W |
|
Lenovo USB-C Mini Dock |
$229.99 |
5 |
45W |
|
Lenovo Thunderbolt 3 Important Dock |
$199.99 |
6 |
65W |
|
Floor Dock 2 |
$224.80 |
8 |
199W |
|
StarTech Thunderbolt 3 |
$337.99 |
7 |
85W |
|
StarTech Twin Monitor USB-C |
$172.25 |
3 |
N/A |
|
Kenginston SD5500T |
$549 |
7 |
60W |
|
Kensington SD7000 Floor Professional |
$316 |
7 |
N/A |
|
Cable Issues |
$99.99 |
6 |
60W |
Which laptop computer docking station is best for you?
The best laptop computer docking station for you’ll rely upon what components you care about and what you want the docking station for. Under, we have laid out what every product is nice for that will help you resolve:
|
Select this… |
In order for you… |
|
Plugable Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C |
One of the best total possibility |
|
Apple USB-C Digital AV Mulitport Adapter |
A easy product to work along with your Mac or Macbook |
|
Dell Thunderbolt Dock – WD19TB |
Among the finest laptop computer docking stations for Dells |
|
Dell D6000 Common Dock |
A docking station for older Dell fashions |
|
HP Thunderbolt Dock |
A minimal design that helps a number of connections |
|
Lenovo USB-C Mini Dock |
A small dock |
|
Lenovo Thunderbolt 3 Important Dock |
A strong dock that helps two 4K screens |
|
Floor Dock 2 |
A dock to your Microsoft Floor Professional |
|
StarTech Thunderbolt 3 |
A docking station to your high-end laptop computer |
|
StarTech Twin Monitor USB-C |
A budget-friendly dock |
|
Kensington SD5500T |
A dock that works with or with out Thunderbolt 3 assist |
|
Kensington SD7000 |
A dock with a hinge |
|
Cable Issues |
A primary docking station |
How did we select these laptop computer docking stations?
We in contrast vital docking station specs, together with value, connection kind, energy, video outputs, ports, audio enter/output, and wired ethernet to search out the most suitable choice for you.
On this information, we listing some widespread, well-reviewed dock choices. However they are not all equal. Earlier than you select one to your work-from-home workplace, here is what you need to search for.
- Connection kind. That is in all probability a very powerful merchandise in your sorting listing. Most newish laptops assist USB Sort-C connections, which provide sturdy growth choices; earlier than you select one in every of these docks, although, you may have to know in case your laptop computer helps Thunderbolt 3 connections. When you’ve got a Microsoft Floor system, your selections are extra restricted, due to the blade-type connector that these units use for exterior connections. When you’ve got an older PC or Mac that does not assist a type of requirements, you may should accept some extra primary dock choices.
- Energy. For a real one-cable connection, your dock wants to produce energy to the laptop computer. Some cheaper docks skip this function utterly, assuming you may join an influence provide and use the dock completely for connecting to peripherals. When you’ve got a high-powered laptop computer, ensure that your powered dock delivers sufficient watts to maintain up along with your PC’s calls for.
- Video output(s). Look very carefully on the specs for video connections. If it’s essential to drive solely a single full HD (1920 x 1080) show utilizing an HDMI cable, nearly any dock will do. Issues get sophisticated shortly for those who want assist for a 4K or 5K show (you may want DisplayPort for these resolutions) or if you wish to run two or extra exterior shows concurrently.
- Ports. Does the dock you are contemplating have sufficient exterior ports to connect with the units you will have in your desktop? Pay particular consideration to USB ports, which will be Sort A or Sort C, with or with out the flexibility to energy units like a smartphone.
- Wired Ethernet. One of many nice benefits of a docking station, in case your community router is close by, is which you can free your self from generally flaky Wi-Fi connections and plug in straight. The contributors in your weekly Zoom name will discover.
- Audio enter/output. You in all probability will not consider these connections till you want them. However having devoted exterior audio system and a 3.5-inch jack to plug an exterior microphone into can dramatically remodel your audio high quality. In the event you do webinars or visitor appearances on broadcast media or podcasts, the distinction is noticeable and value paying for.
In making our choices, we centered on docking stations designed to be used with Home windows laptops or MacBooks (or each). In the event you’re seeking to broaden your Chromebook to the desktop, we advocate checking compatibility fastidiously. Amongst third-party {hardware} makers, solely Kensington affords a vast number of docks with ChromeOS assist.
What does a docking station do for a laptop computer?
A docking station helps you to simply join a single, or a number of, exterior shows, exterior storage units or GPUs, and different units to your laptop computer. It basically permits your laptop computer to behave the identical manner as a conventional desktop tower whereas letting you multitask throughout a number of screens or extra simply entry totally different storage units.
Are laptop computer docks common?
There are common docking stations accessible, and they won’t solely work with a number of fashions of Home windows-based laptops, but additionally MacBooks. Nevertheless, there are additionally many fashions on the market that are made to work with particular manufacturers or fashions. Dell, HP, and Apple all make docking stations that may solely work with their merchandise, however for those who get a third-party docking station, it ought to work with something you will have; although you need to examine the person guide and person opinions to verify.
What is the distinction between a USB hub and a docking station?
A USB hub is a tool that used when your laptop computer or desktop has restricted built-in ports, and offers you extra methods to attach peripherals like mice and keyboards in addition to thumb drives and exterior onerous drives. A docking station can try this as effectively, however in addition they have ports for connecting screens through DisplayPort or HDMI cables so you possibly can have a second (or third, or fourth) display for simpler multitasking when it’s essential to work in your laptop computer.
Are there different laptop computer docking stations to contemplate?
Listed here are a couple of different choices to look into:
