Relying on how a lot stuff it’s worthwhile to 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 completely different mixtures of Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, 3.5mm, reminiscence card and USB connections and, in contrast to easy hubs, are sometimes DC-powered. For many who swap up their working location recurrently, 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 pc to the dock. Which docking station it is best to get relies upon partially on what you need to plug in, however sifting via the lots of of fashions on the market might be robust. We tried out a dozen completely different choices that can assist you slender down the most effective docking station on your wants.
What to search for in a docking station
Firstly, take into account what it’s worthwhile to plug in. This may probably be the deciding issue whenever you go to really purchase a docking station. Do you want three screens for an expanded work view? A fast technique to add images from an SD card? Are you trying to plug in a webcam, mic and streaming mild, whereas concurrently benefiting from quicker Ethernet connections? When you’ve settled on the kind of ports you want, you may additionally need to take into account the technology 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 displays usually want one in all 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 generally extra reasonably priced. The most well-liked model of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) can deal with increased resolutions and refresh charges than the commonest 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 can too use your dock’s downstream (non-host) Thunderbolt ports to hook up your displays. In case your exterior show has a USB-C socket, you’ll be able to join straight. If in case you have an HDMI or DisplayPort-only monitor, you need to use an adapter or a conversion cable.
After all, the variety of displays you’ll be able to join and the resolutions/charges they’ll obtain rely on each your pc’s GPU and your displays — and the extra displays you plug in can carry down these numbers as nicely. Make sure you additionally use cables that help the bandwidth you’re hoping for. MacOS customers ought to take into account 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 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 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 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 a variety 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 range 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 on components just like the cables you employ and the units you’re transferring information to.
Practically each dock out there at present connects to a pc through USB-C, usually Thunderbolt, and people host ports are almost at all times labeled with a laptop computer icon. Additionally they enable energy supply to your laptop computer: out there 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 gained’t must take up an additional laptop computer connector for charging.
Different ports
None of our at the moment really helpful laptops embrace an Ethernet jack; a docking station is a good way to get that connection again. Everyone knows objectively that wired web is quicker than Wi-Fi, but it surely would possibly take operating a primary pace comparability check to essentially get it on a intestine degree. For reference, on Wi-Fi I get a couple of 45 megabit-per-second obtain pace. Over Ethernet, it’s 925 Mbps. If you happen to pay for a high-speed plan, however solely ever join wirelessly, you’re most likely leaving a whole lot of bandwidth on the desk. Each docking station I examined consists of an Ethernet port, and it may very well be the connector you find yourself getting essentially the most use out of.
Simply two of our favourite laptops have SD card readers, and in the event you want a fast technique to add recordsdata from cameras or audio recorders, you might need to get a dock with a kind 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 in the event you favor wired headphones and desire a extra accessible place to plug them in, many docking stations will present.
Whenever you’re counting up the ports on your new dock, do not forget that most firms embrace the host port (the one which connects to your pc) within the whole quantity. So in the event you’re on the lookout for a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, make sure to examine whether or not one in all them will likely 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 “permanent” connections in again — equivalent to 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 be sure that 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 whenever you return to your desk, however a bunch port in again might look neater total.
How we examined
We began out by on-line critiques, spec sheets from varied manufacturers and docking stations that our fellow tech websites have coated. We thought-about manufacturers we’ve examined earlier than and have favored, and weeded out something that didn’t have what we take into account a contemporary suite of connections (equivalent to a dock with no downstream USB-C ports). We narrowed it right 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 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 information to a USB-C flash drive and an exterior SSD. I ran primary 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 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).
Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
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 completely different from all the opposite docks we examined in two respects: it doesn’t require an influence supply and it goes beneath your MacBook as a substitute of beside it. You possibly can 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 in conjunction with 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 normal 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. If in case you have a Mac with a typical 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 decide for Chromebooks.
For the reason that Twin Dock works with out energy, it’s lots 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 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 displays I examined regarded nice and labored nicely 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 probably 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. But it surely’s a terrific alternative 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.
- 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
$130 at Adorama
Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
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 many who need the additional pace 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 underneath $300, but it carried out on par with and even provided a greater collection of ports than a number of the others I examined. It provides 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 in the event you want three further displays or have an 8K display screen, you’ll be able to 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 strong really feel and a pretty steel design. My solely gripe is with the lay-flat orientation and that almost half of the ports are on the entrance edge — I feel upright docks that hold most connections round again have an total neater look on a desk. Nonetheless, I ought to level out that Kensington sells mounts for its docks, which might assist with aesthetics.
- Competitively priced
- Highly effective downstream TB4 port
- Loads of USB-A connections
- Most ports are up entrance
- Lay-flat design is usually a house hog with out a mount
$200 at Amazon
Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
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 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. 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 be able to simply use to outfit a full command middle (in the event you don’t have a USB-C monitor, there are many adapters).
The multi-gig Ethernet jack can deal with as much as 2.5Gbps, so in the event you’re paying for a screaming-fast web plan, this dock will help you make the most 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 nicely with my MacBook Professional and the Dell XPS13 Plus and was even appropriate with a Chromebook. I examined learn/write speeds on a Samsung T7 SSD through a Thunderbolt port and bought 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 total for the PC. On PC, it additionally dealt with a 1GB folder switch to a flash drive quicker 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 readily available directly. If you happen to’ve bought 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
$400 at Amazon
Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
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 soar. 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 kind of 4 couldn’t run two displays. The SD4780P makes use of a USB-C host connection, via 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 via 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. Which means you’ll want to make use of your Chromebook’s built-in ports in order for you greater than a kind of kinds of units arrange. The plastic construct makes it look just a little 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 on the lookout for is a technique to get just a few additional displays and use your wired USB equipment, this can be a good decide for Chromebooks.
- Works nicely with Chromebooks
- 5 USB-A ports
- Requires a driver for non Chromebooks
- Only one downstream USB-C
$199 at Amazon
Different docking stations we examined
Plugable TBT4-UDZ
Once I pulled the Plugable TBT4-UDZ Thunderbolt 4 out of the field, I used to be satisfied it will make the minimize: 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 usually $235), the Anker 575 USB-C might make for a great price range decide 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 will probably 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 primary setup nicely.
Belkin Join Professional Thunderbolt 4
Belkin’s Join Professional Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a contender for a Thunderbolt 4 different. It has almost the identical ports because the AD2010 (minus the microSD slot) and a pretty rounded design — but it surely’s $90 extra, so I’d solely suggest getting it in the event you discover it on sale.
Acer USB Kind-C Dock
Acer’s USB Kind-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 almost the identical ports (together with the moderately limiting single downstream USB-C) however each the Ethernet and information switch speeds had been quicker.
FAQs
Are docking stations value it?
Docking stations are value it when you have extra equipment to plug in than your laptop computer permits. Say you’ve gotten a USB-C digicam 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 supplying you with additional ports like an Ethernet connection, and supplying energy to your laptop computer. Nonetheless, in the event you simply want just a few additional 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 costlier than easy USB-A or USB-C hubs, due to the broader array of connections. You could find them as little as $50 they usually can get as costly as $450. An affordable worth 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 supplied cable to connect with your pc. After that, you’ll be able to join your peripherals to the dock and they need to be prepared to make use of along with your laptop computer. Just a few docking stations, notably people who deal with extra advanced 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 can help you cost your laptop computer via 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 appropriate with all laptops?
No, not all docking stations are appropriate 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 web product web page — make sure to additionally examine the technology 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 may work with their very own computer systems in addition to different manufacturers.