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 must wield that energy, chances are you’ll need to think about a docking station. These are a little bit totally 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 will let you join screens, cameras, mics, wired mice and keyboards, storage units and extra — all by means of a single USB-C port in your . We examined greater than a dozen extremely regarded fashions that can assist you decide the very best docking station on your wants. This information additionally breaks down the varied cable requirements and port varieties 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 offers 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 grow 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 larger video decision, larger bandwidth for knowledge and a better wattage energy supply. Proper now, you will discover TB5 ports on only a handful of computer systems, reminiscent of 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 screens on suitable MacBooks and as much as three screens 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 number of the quicker knowledge transfers I’ve clocked. The 2 extra (non Thunderbolt) USB-C ports linked my keyboard and a RODE mic. The three USB-A ports went to a mouse, streaming gentle and a thumb drive. The whole lot carried out splendidly and the unit barely acquired 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 Aspect 5 additionally lacks Ethernet and SD card slots. That was additionally effective 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 may set up on both aspect of the hub, providing you with flexibility on the place you may stick it in your desk. A TB5 cable is included, which is essential, since you may’t faucet into the quicker speeds and bandwidth of the most recent Thunderbolt customary and not using a suitable cable.

In the intervening time, there’s in all probability a small section of the inhabitants that completely wants a Thunderbolt 5 dock, however the value level right here isn’t out of vary of different docks with an analogous array of ports. Should you’re available in the market for a flexible adapter, chances are you’ll as effectively 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 day by day or need Ethernet — you may go for Kensington’s , detailed beneath 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

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

The Satechi Dual 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 a substitute of beside it. You may nearly classify it as a hub, however I believe the excessive variety of ports earns it docking-station standing.

It plugs into the 2 USB-C ports 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 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. In case you have a Mac with a normal chip and want two screens, you may want a docking station that helps DisplayLink {hardware} and software program, such because the Kensington SD4780P, which is our high decide for Chromebooks.

Because the Twin Dock works with out energy, it’s loads simpler to arrange than different docks with transformer bins and DC cables. I discovered it made essentially the most sense to simply use the MagSafe connector on the laptop computer, however you too can provide energy to the dock utilizing the non-data USB-C port and it’ll go 75 watts to your machine.

Each the 4K and HD screens I examined regarded nice and labored effectively in prolonged mode. There are two USB-Cs for a webcam and mic, plus two USB-As which could possibly be used for a dongle mouse and a streaming gentle — that’s seemingly 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. Nevertheless it’s a terrific selection for extending productiveness in a method 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 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 believe most individuals in search of a dock with Thunderbolt 5 capabilities shall be proud of CalDigit’s Aspect 5, is a worthy possibility for many who desire a extra particular set of ports. This feels extra like a conventional docking station, with a bigger slab footprint that lays flat on a desk. You get a complete of ten downstream ports, together with three which can be Thunderbolt 5. That’ll handle your monitor wants ( for DisplayPort or HDMI shows).

Nevertheless it’s value noting that there are no non-Thunderbolt USB-C ports. So 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 Sort A ports help the three.2 Gen 2 customary which might deal with 10Gbps knowledge transfers.

It has each an SD card reader and a microSD slot, which could possibly be helpful for photographers and different creators who have to phyically switch information 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’ve got a further machine that wants it. It additionally accepts so you may bodily lock down your dock.

My fairly fundamental setup didn’t even make it reasonably heat and every part I linked labored in addition to if I’d plugged it straight into my laptop.

Execs

Has quite a lot of ports together with reminiscence card slots and Ethernet
Max energy supply of 140W

Cons

Simply three downstream USB-C ports

$400 at B&H Photo

Amy Skorheim for Engadget

It’s as if Satechi referred to as me up and requested for the design of my best 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 concurrently 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 help as much as 8K screens at 60Hz and 40 Gbps knowledge transfers. They’ll even ship 15 watts of energy if you happen to simply have to cost your telephone whilst you work.

It’s also possible to hook up your screens through HDMI. MacBook customers might want to set up the DisplayLink driver to work round Apple’s prolonged monitor limitations. With the software program, even M1 and M2 MacBooks can hook up two exterior screens in prolonged mode. Home windows laptops and M2/M3 Professional and Max chips can have as much as 4 prolonged screens linked — two through the Thunderbolt ports and two by means of 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 bunch connection lives on one aspect, permitting for one neat line to your laptop. Connections which can be 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 may 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 regarded nice and achieved the marketed refresh charges and resolutions, the info transfers had been smoking fast and I used to be in a position to (lastly) absolutely join my very fundamental setup with out compromise: Two screens, a webcam, streaming gentle, microphone, keyboard and mouse. I did discover my 4K monitor had the slightest lag when the second monitor was plugged in, 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 high. 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 sizzling to carry my hand on comfortably. I by no means observed any adversarial efficiency results because of this, but it surely’s potential that would grow to be a problem in the long run. As for value, it’s listed at $300; that’s not the most costly 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 could possibly be value it for lots of people.

Execs

Wonderful array of ports
Ports cleverly organized
Can help 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 area and not using a mount
Unit runs highly regarded

$300 at Satechi

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

There’s loads to understand about CalDigit’s TS4 docking station: It has a sturdy, upright design with a bunch connection on the rear and a whopping 5 downstream USB-C ports, two of that are Thunderbolt 4, the opposite two are USB 3.2, which might help 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 might 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 (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 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 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 quicker than some other dock and delivered the quickest connection speeds over the Ethernet. It’s the one unit that allow me plug in each single peripheral I had readily available directly. Should 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 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 leap. Discovering a docking station that works with ChromeOS is hard; of the 12 items I examined, solely 4 linked in any respect with the Acer Chromebook Spin 514, and a type of 4 couldn’t run two screens. The SD4780P makes use of a USB-C host connection, by means of 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 means 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 similar time. Meaning you’ll want to make use of your Chromebook’s built-in ports if you would like greater than a type of forms of units arrange. The plastic construct makes it look a little bit low-cost and I’m not loopy in regards to the lay-flat design, however the host port is within the again, which is able to make your setup neater. If all you’re in search of is a technique to get a number of further screens and use your wired USB equipment, it is a good decide for Chromebooks.

Execs

Works effectively 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 must plug in. It will seemingly be the deciding issue once you go to really 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 gentle, 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 effectively; even ports with the identical form can have totally different capabilities. Right here’s a quick overview of the connectivity totally different docking stations provide.

Monitor ports

Exterior screens 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 generally extra reasonably priced. The most well-liked model of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) can deal with larger resolutions and refresh charges than the most typical HDMI model (2.0). The entire show docking stations with HDMI ports 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.

It’s also possible to 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 may join straight. In case you have an HDMI show or DisplayPort-only monitor, you should use an adapter or a conversion cable.

After all, the variety of screens you may join and the resolutions/charges they’ll obtain depend upon each your laptop’s GPU and your screens — and the extra screens you plug in can deliver down these numbers as effectively. Be sure you additionally use cables that help the bandwidth you’re hoping for. MacOS customers ought to needless to say MacBooks with the usual M1 or M2 chips help only one exterior monitor natively and require DisplayLink hardware and software to help 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 a number of USB Sort-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.

Sort-C USB ports are available many various flavors. Whereas they’re all the identical form, totally different requirements and phrases imply totally different skills. A USB-C port (or cable) that meets the three.2 gen 2 specification can deal with knowledge at 10Gbps, which might help 4K video at 60 fps. If it’s additionally a PD (energy supply) port, it may well, effectively, ship energy too. Thunderbolt is Intel’s implementation of the USB4 customary and the Thunderbolt 3, 4 and, , Thunderbolt 5 protocols all help 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 well do, it’s value 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 help USB4. (Don’t fear, it confuses us, too.)

One other factor to remember is that attaining the quickest speeds will depend 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 help these speeds as effectively.

Almost each dock accessible at the moment is a USB-C docking station, connecting to a pc through USB-C, typically Thunderbolt, and people host ports are practically all the time 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 must 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 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 a number of 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 high out at 1Gbps, so your Wi-Fi connection may truly be quicker. It could be value your speeds and checking your router’s specs to see whether or not Ethernet is healthier on your wants.

Simply two of our favourite laptops have SD card readers, and if you happen to want a fast technique to add information 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 embody 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.

While you’re counting up the ports on your new dock, do not forget that most corporations embody the host port (the one which connects to your laptop) within the whole quantity. So if you happen to’re in search of a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, make sure you verify whether or not one in all 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 — reminiscent of Ethernet, DC energy, monitor connections and some USBs. Up-front USB ports can be utilized for flash drive transfers, and even performing as a charger on your telephone (simply make sure that the port can ship the ability you want). USBs within the rear are greatest for keyboards, mice, webcams and different belongings you’re prone 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 bunch port in again might look neater general.

How we examined docking stations

We began out by on-line critiques, spec sheets from varied 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 think about 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 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 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 gentle 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 straightforward the docks had been to make use of in addition to the varied 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 report).

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 very good 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 area 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 had been plugged in. It has simply three Thunderbolt 4 ports. That’s not a ton, however TB4 ports are definitely 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 assessments, so I hesitate to provide it a full suggestion.

Plugable TBT4-UDZ

After 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 sexy 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 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 very good funds decide for Home windows. It carried out effectively with the Dell XPS 13 Plus, however had bother with the third display, the 4K webcam and headphone jack when linked to the MacBook Professional. It’s fairly compact, which implies it may well get wobbly when a bunch of cables are plugged in, but it surely has a wide selection of ports and was in a position to deal with my fundamental setup effectively.

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 sexy rounded design — but it surely’s $90 extra, so I’d solely suggest getting it if you happen to discover it on sale.

Acer USB Sort-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 value a point out. It has practically the identical ports (together with the somewhat limiting single downstream USB-C) however each the Ethernet and knowledge switch speeds had been quicker.

Docking station FAQs

Are docking stations value it?

Docking stations are value it in case you have extra equipment to plug in than your laptop computer permits. Say you’ve got a USB-C digital camera and mic, plus a USB-A mouse, keyboard and streaming gentle; 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 a gigabit Ethernet connection, and supplying energy to your laptop computer. Nonetheless, if you happen to simply want a number of further USB sockets, you could be higher off going with a hub, as these are typically cheaper.

How a lot does a laptop computer dock price?

Laptop computer docking stations are typically larger and dearer than easy USB-A or USB-C hubs, because of the broader array of connections. Yow will discover them as little as $50 they usually can get as costly as $450. An affordable 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 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 may join your peripherals to the dock and they need to be prepared to make use of together with your laptop computer. A couple of docking stations, significantly people 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 may obtain that companion software program.

Does a laptop computer cost on a docking station?

Almost all docking stations will let you cost your laptop computer by means of the host connection (the cable working from the dock to your laptop). That functionality, plus the upper variety of ports is what separates a docking station from a hub. Docks can 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 most important 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 you additionally verify the era of your laptop computer as some docks can’t help sure chips.

What are some widespread 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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