Relying on how a lot stuff you must plug in, your laptop computer might not have sufficient ports to help all of it — notably when you have extra wired equipment than Bluetooth ones. Docking stations add totally different mixtures of Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, 3.5mm, reminiscence card and USB connections and, not like easy hubs, are sometimes DC-powered. For individuals who swap up their working location frequently, a docking station could make it simpler to swap between a fully-connected desk setup and a easy laptop computer, since only one port hyperlinks your laptop to the dock. Which docking station it’s best to get relies upon partly on what you need to plug in, however sifting by way of the lots of of fashions on the market might be robust. We tried out a dozen totally different choices that can assist you slim down one of the best docking station in your wants.
What to search for in a docking station
At the start, contemplate what you must plug in. This may possible 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 solution to add photographs from an SD card? Are you trying to plug in a webcam, mic and streaming mild, whereas concurrently profiting from sooner Ethernet connections? When you’ve settled on the kind of ports you want, you may additionally need to contemplate the era of these ports as effectively; even ports with the identical form can have totally different capabilities. Right here’s a short overview of the connectivity totally different docking stations provide.
Monitor ports
Exterior displays usually want one in all three ports to connect with a PC: HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C. HDMI connections are extra frequent than DisplayPort and the cables and units that use them are typically extra inexpensive. The preferred model of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) can deal with increased resolutions and refresh charges than the most typical HDMI model (2.0). The entire docking stations with HDMI sockets that we suggest right here use model 2.0, which might deal with 4K decision at 60Hz or 1080p as much as 240Hz. The DisplayPort-enabled docks help 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 as well 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 straight. In case you have an HDMI or DisplayPort-only monitor, you need to use an adapter or a conversion cable.
In fact, 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 carry down these numbers as effectively. You should definitely additionally use cables that help the bandwidth you’re hoping for. MacOS customers ought to remember that MacBooks with the usual M1 or M2 chips help only one exterior monitor natively and require DisplayLink {hardware} and software program to help two exterior shows. MacBooks with M1 Professional, M2 Professional or M2 Max chips can run a number of displays from a single port.
USB ports
Most docking stations provide a number of USB Kind-A ports, that are nice for peripherals like wired mice and keyboards, bus-powered ring lights and flash drives. For sooner information switch speeds to your flash drive, go for USB-A sockets labeled 3.1 or 3.2 — or higher but, use a USB-C Thunderbolt port.
Kind-C USB ports are available in many alternative flavors. The Thunderbolt 3, 4 and USB4 protocols are newer, extra succesful specs that help energy supply of as much as 100W, a number of 4K shows and information switch speeds of as much as 40Gbps. Different USB-C ports are available in a spread of variations, with some supporting video, information and energy and a few solely in a position to handle information and energy. Switch charges and wattages can differ from port to port, however most docks record the wattage or GB/s on both the dock itself or on the product web page. And once more, attaining the quickest speeds will rely upon components just like the cables you utilize and the units you’re transferring information to.
Almost each dock accessible immediately connects to a pc through USB-C, typically Thunderbolt, and people host ports are practically all the time labeled with a laptop computer icon. Additionally they enable energy supply to your laptop computer: accessible wattage varies, however most docks are rated between 85 and 100 watts. That ought to be sufficient to maintain most computer systems powered — and it additionally means you received’t need to take up an additional laptop computer connector for charging.
Different ports
None of our presently really useful laptops embrace an Ethernet jack; a docking station is an effective way to get that connection again. Everyone knows objectively that wired web is quicker than Wi-Fi, nevertheless it would possibly take operating a fundamental velocity comparability check to actually get it on a intestine stage. For reference, on Wi-Fi I get a couple of 45 megabit-per-second obtain velocity. Over Ethernet, it’s 925 Mbps. In case you pay for a high-speed plan, however solely ever join wirelessly, you’re in all probability leaving lots of bandwidth on the desk. Each docking station I examined contains an Ethernet port, and it may very well be the connector you find yourself getting probably the most use out of.
Simply two of our favourite laptops have SD card readers, and if you happen to want a fast solution to add recordsdata from cameras or audio recorders, chances are you’ll 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 if you happen to 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 laptop) within the whole quantity. So if you happen to’re on the lookout for a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, make sure to examine whether or not one in all 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 — reminiscent of Ethernet, DC energy, monitor connections and some USBs. Up-front USB ports can be utilized for flash drive transfers, and even plugging in your telephone for a cost (simply ensure the port can ship the ability you want). USBs within the rear are finest for keyboards, mice, webcams and different stuff you’re more likely to all the time 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 number port in again might look neater general.
How we examined
We began out by taking a look at on-line opinions, 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 favored, and weeded out something that didn’t have what we contemplate a contemporary suite of connections (reminiscent of a dock with no downstream USB-C ports). We narrowed it all the way down to 12 contenders and I examined every dock on an M1 MacBook Professional, a Dell XPS 13 Plus and an Acer Chromebook Spin 514. I plugged in and evaluated the standard of the connections for 12 totally different peripherals together with a 4K and an HD monitor, a 4K and an HD webcam, plus USB units like a mouse, keyboard, streaming mild and mic. I plugged in wired earbuds, and transferred information to a USB-C flash drive and an exterior SSD. I ran fundamental velocity 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 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 report).
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Techpion
Host connection: 2 x USB-C | Energy supply to host: 75W (USB-C) | USB-C: 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x 3.1 | USB-A: 2 | Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 | Aux 3.5mm: No | SD Card: No
The Satechi Twin Dock Stand is totally different from all the opposite docks we examined in two respects: it doesn’t require an influence supply and it goes beneath your MacBook as an alternative of beside it. You possibly can nearly classify it as a hub, however I feel the excessive variety of ports earns it docking-station standing. It plugs into the 2 USB-C ports along side a Mac, which permits MacBooks with M1, M2 or M3 Professional or Max chips to function two exterior 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. In case you have a Mac with an ordinary chip and want two displays, 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 rather a lot simpler to arrange than different docks with transformer bins and DC cables. I discovered it made probably the most sense to only use the MagSafe connector on the laptop computer, however you can too 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 seemed nice and labored effectively 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 possible sufficient ports for conferencing or perhaps a fundamental 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. But it surely’s an amazing alternative for extending productiveness in a means that tucks beneath a MacBook, neatly shifting the cords to the again of the machine and out of the best way.
- Distinctive design enhances MacBooks
- Can energy two displays on Macs with M1 Professional or M2 Professional chips
- Good number of ports
- Simply two USB-A ports
- No Thunderbolt ports
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Techpion
Host connection: Thunderbolt 4 | Max energy supply to host: 96W (DC) | USB-C: 1 x TB4, 1 x 3.2 | USB-A: 4 | Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0 | Aux 3.5mm: Sure | SD Card: SD and microSD
For individuals who need the additional velocity and connectivity of the newest Thunderbolt interface, I like to recommend Kensington’s AD2010T4 Thunderbolt 4 Twin 4K Docking Station. Of all of the TB4 docking stations examined, the AD2010 is the one one below $300, but it carried out on par with and even provided a greater choice of ports than a number of the others I examined. It offers you two Thunderbolt 4 connections, one for the host and one for equipment, plus an extra 3.2 USB-C. Twin HDMI 2.0 sockets can deal with two exterior screens with as much as 4K decision (at 60Hz). However if you happen to want three further displays or have an 8K display screen, you possibly can faucet into the Thunderbolt port.
There’s a complete of 4 USB-As, which is sufficient for a wired mouse or keyboard and a pair different peripherals. It has an SD and a microSD card slot, a 3.5mm audio combo jack and an Ethernet jack. There are even two Kensington lock slots that allow you to bodily safe your dock with a cable.
The gadget itself has a stable really feel and a pretty steel design. My solely gripe is with the lay-flat orientation and that just about half of the ports are on the entrance edge — I feel upright docks that maintain most connections round again have an general neater look on a desk. Nonetheless, I ought to level out that Kensington sells mounts for its docks, which may assist with aesthetics.
- Competitively priced
- Highly effective downstream TB4 port
- Loads of USB-A connections
- Most ports are up entrance
- Lay-flat design could be a house hog with out a mount
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Techpion
Host connection: Thunderbolt 4 | Energy supply to host: 98W (DC) | USB-C: 2 x TB4, 3 x 3.2 | USB-A: 5 | Monitor: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 | Aux 3.5mm: 1 x audio combo, 1 x audio in, 1 x audio out | SD Card: SD and microSD
There’s rather a lot 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. 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 might really feel missing is in show inputs. It solely has one DisplayPort 1.4, nevertheless it has loads of TB4 ports, which you’ll be able to simply use to outfit a full command heart (if you happen to 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 if you happen to’re paying for a screaming-fast web plan, this dock may also help you benefit from 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 effectively 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 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 every 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 a number of tech you need to use concurrently (and cash isn’t a priority), that is the one to get.
- An abundance of ports
- Compact, upright design
- 2.5Gbps Ethernet port
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Techpion
Host connection: USB-C | Energy supply to host: 100W (DC) | USB-C: 1 x 3.1 | USB-A: 5 | Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.2 | Aux 3.5mm: 1 x audio combo | SD Card: No
The Kensington SD4780P Twin 4K usually requires a DisplayLink driver, however any Chromebook made after 2017 helps the connection from the leap. Discovering a docking station that works with ChromeOS is hard; of the 12 items 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 way of which it provides 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 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 if you’d like greater than a type of sorts of units arrange. The plastic construct makes it look slightly 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 on the lookout for is a solution to get a number of further displays and use your wired USB equipment, it is a good choose for Chromebooks.
- Works effectively with Chromebooks
- 5 USB-A ports
- Requires a driver for non Chromebooks
- Only one downstream USB-C
Different docking stations we examined
Plugable TBT4-UDZ
After I pulled the Plugable TBT4-UDZ Thunderbolt 4 out of the field, I used to be satisfied it might make the reduce: 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 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 an excellent price range choose for Home windows. It carried out effectively with the Dell XPS 13 Plus, however had bother with the third display screen, the 4K webcam and headphone jack when related to the MacBook Professional. It’s fairly compact, which implies it could get wobbly when a bunch of cables are plugged in, nevertheless it has a wide variety of ports and was in a position to deal with my fundamental setup effectively.
Belkin Join Professional Thunderbolt 4
Belkin’s Join Professional Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a contender for a Thunderbolt 4 various. It has practically the identical ports because the AD2010 (minus the microSD slot) and a pretty rounded design — nevertheless it’s $90 extra, so I’d solely suggest getting it if you happen to discover it on sale.
Acer USB Kind-C Dock
Acer’s USB Kind-C Dock D501 prices $10 greater than our Kensington choose for Chromebooks, nevertheless it performs equally and is price a point out. It has practically the identical ports (together with the relatively limiting single downstream USB-C) however each the Ethernet and information switch speeds had been sooner.
FAQs
Are docking stations price it?
Docking stations are price it when you have extra equipment to plug in than your laptop computer permits. Say you could 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 help all of that directly. A docking station could make that setup possible whereas additionally providing you with further ports like an Ethernet connection, and supplying energy to your laptop computer. Nonetheless, if you happen to simply want a number of further USB sockets, you may 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, 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 affordable 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 nearly all the time a USB-C/Thunderbolt port and infrequently branded with an icon of a laptop computer. Use the supplied cable to connect 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 couple of docking stations, notably people who deal with extra advanced monitor setups, require a driver. The directions that include your dock will level you to an internet site the place you possibly can obtain that companion software program.
Does a laptop computer cost on a docking station?
Almost all docking stations assist you to cost your laptop computer by way of the host connection (the cable operating 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 go on between 65W and 100W of energy to laptops, and practically 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 assessments, 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 — make sure to additionally examine the era of your laptop computer as some docks can’t help 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 may work with their very own computer systems in addition to different manufacturers.
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