The Best Docking Stations
Laptops used to come standard with multiple USB ports, SD card ports, HDMI ports, and more. But as today's laptops get thinner and more compact, they also lose some of the compatibility we’ve grown accustomed to. If you want a modern laptop that still has the option for multiple outputs, you may want to consider getting a docking station. These handy devices allow you to connect more inputs and outputs than a standard laptop, making it easy to stay connected. Keep reading to see the best of the best.
What to Look For
When looking for the best docking stations on the market, we considered price, size, data transfer rate, and port options. For example, if you’re mainly concerned with getting basic ports at a good price, you should check out the multi-port adapter from Mokin. But if you want the most number of ports and dual HDMI outputs, we recommend the powerful docking station from 4URPC. For anything and everything in between, check out the rest of our list to see the best docking stations available.
Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station
Versatility is king
This docking station is designed to provide universal connections to the widest variety of host laptops. It’s compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, and it can connect via USB-C or USB 3.0. This makes it extra versatile and practical no matter what device you’re connecting to. It also boasts an impressive 11 ports including audio in/out, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, DVI, and Ethernet. Do it all with this one dock.
Pros:
- The price isn’t bad for the amount of versatility you get with this purchase. No matter your setup, this docking station will work with any modern computer rig.
- This includes adapters from DVI to HDMI and DVI to VGA. This way, you can get the most out of every connecting port.
Cons:
- This only has one HDMI port, which limits display possibilities. It does have a DVI port, however, so multiple displays are still possible.
Dell USB 3.0 Triple Display Docking Station
Three is better than one
Windows laptop users may feel left behind by all the recent progress Apple has been making in the creative and societal markets, but Windows is still the king of corporate. For Windows users that want more external capabilities, this is the docking station for you. Connect to monitors, printers, Ethernet, USB, HDMI, and more all with this one handy device.
Pros:
- This docking station allows for a triple monitor setup. This means you can connect your laptop to three external monitors, plus your included laptop screen.
- Though this is made ideally for Windows laptops, you can use it with a Mac if you purchase a dongle adaptor. Research your current setup before buying.
Cons:
- Only one display can be projected at 4K resolution at a time.
Mokin Multi-Port Adapter
Don't break the bank
If you’re a college student or new grad on a budget, good tech gear can be hard to come by. If you’re stressing about finding a docking station in your price range, look no further. This budget-friendly port adapter from Mokin is the ultimate steal. With nine ports and 5Gps transfer speeds, this station provides the functionality of top brands without the high price. Save some money and take this for a spin.
Pros:
- This docking station supports 100 watts of power delivery. That means you can power your devices up to 100 watts all from one electrical socket.
- This station is one of the smallest on the market. It’s easy to transport and can fit in most laptop bags.
Cons:
- The 4K connection isn’t compatible with all devices.
Tiergrade Laptop Docking Station
Grab and go
This miniature docking station may look small, but it’s a pretty big bargain. With nine ports and connections at top speed, this tiny wonder can keep up with the best of them. It even has enough HDMI ports to run two external monitors, which is a huge bonus at this price point. For the tech-savvy worker on the go, it’s hard to beat this ultra-portable docking station.
Pros:
- The price tag for this docking station is shockingly affordable. This piece of tech can do it all, especially for those on a budget.
- You can stream 4K to your monitors, which is higher quality than a lot of competitors. In addition to tons of features, this dock has the quality to back it up.
Cons:
- This station isn’t as reliable or heavy-duty as other more expensive models.
4URPC Laptop Docking Station
The champion of compatibility
If you work at home in a desktop configuration, this tower-style docking station may be perfect for your setup. It’s not very portable, but it’s powerful and practical for a permanent workstation. It includes 15 ports for just about every kind of connection you may need. It’s also extra compatible with MacBooks, so it’s perfect for Apple fans.
Pros:
- This docking station has a 60W power input, so you can connect USB-C power supplies directly to the docking station. That means you can power many models of laptops and all their accessories from one electrical socket.
- This comes with two included USB-C cables that you can use to power the docking station separately if you want. It has one cable for power, and one to connect to the laptop host for ultimate versatility.
Cons:
- This is meant to be a stationary setup, ideally for Apple computers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ports do docking stations normally have?
All docking stations are different, but typically you can expect to find USB 3.0 and 2.0, HDMI, Ethernet, SD card, and sometimes even VGA and headphone ports. However, the number of ports and types of ports vary by product and price.
What do I need on my computer to connect to a docking station?
Many modern docking stations connect to a laptop via USB-C. You could also connect to an older USB port if you had an adapter. Some laptops, namely Windows, may need specific drivers to connect to the docking station. If that’s the case, the docking station will come with drivers included or instructions for how to download the drivers you need. You may also need an up-to-date operating system, so be sure to look at the details on the docking station’s listing.
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