Laptops have lengthy rivaled desktops by way of energy. However these slim and moveable machines lack one thing their tower-shaped cousins are likely to have in abundance: ports. Docking stations allow you to plug in displays, mice, keyboards, storage gadgets and extra utilizing only a single port in your laptop computer. And if you happen to’re somebody who relocates with your laptop usually, a docking station makes it simpler to get all of your equipment linked once more if you’re again at your desk. We examined out greater than 15 extremely rated docking stations and regarded monitor assist, quantity and sort of ports, design and value that will help you decide which one is one of the best docking station in your residence or workplace setup.
Desk of contents
Finest docking stations
What to search for in a docking station
In the beginning, contemplate what it’s worthwhile to plug in. This can possible be the deciding issue if you go to really purchase a docking station. Do you want three screens for an expanded work view? A fast solution to add pictures from an SD card? Are you seeking to plug in a webcam, mic and streaming mild, whereas concurrently making the most of sooner 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 contemplate the technology of these ports as properly; 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 sometimes want one in every of three ports to hook up with a PC: HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C. HDMI connections are extra widespread than DisplayPort and the cables and gadgets that use them are typically extra reasonably priced. The most well-liked model of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) can deal with greater 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 assist 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 also 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 may join instantly. You probably have an HDMI show or DisplayPort-only monitor, you need to use an adapter or a conversion cable.
After all, the variety of displays you may 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 deliver down these numbers as properly. You’ll want to additionally use cables that assist the bandwidth you’re hoping for. MacOS customers ought to understand that MacBooks with the usual M1 or M2 chips assist only one exterior monitor natively and require DisplayLink hardware and software to assist 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 Sort-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.
Sort-C USB ports are available many alternative flavors. The Thunderbolt 3, 4 and USB4 protocols are newer, extra succesful specs that assist 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 capable of handle information and energy. Switch charges and wattages can fluctuate from port to port, however most docks checklist the wattage or GB/s on both the dock itself or on the product web page. And once more, reaching the quickest speeds will rely on elements just like the cables you utilize and the gadgets you’re transferring information to.
Practically each dock accessible at this time is a USB-C docking station, connecting to a pc by way of USB-C, usually 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 must 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 at present recommended 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 working a primary pace comparability test 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 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 essentially 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 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 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, do not forget that most corporations embrace the host port (the one which connects to your pc) within the complete quantity. So if you happen to’re on the lookout for a dock with three Thunderbolt connections, make sure to verify whether or not one in every of 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 appearing as a charger in your telephone (simply be sure the port can ship the ability you want). USBs within the rear are finest for keyboards, mice, webcams and different belongings 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 if you return to your desk, however a number port in again could look neater total.
How we examined docking stations
We began out by taking a look at 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 appreciated, 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 right 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 completely different peripherals together with a 4K and an HD monitor, a 4K and an HD webcam, plus USB gadgets 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 have 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 document).
As new docking stations come out and we discover fashions worthy of testing, (there are a pair from Ugreen we now have our eye on), we’ll replace this information accordingly.
Different laptop computer 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 could make the minimize: It has a sensible upright design, a beautiful 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 similar time. In any other case, it’s fairly limiting.
Anker 575 USB-C
At $250 (and extra usually $235), the Anker 575 USB-C may make for finances decide for Home windows. It carried out properly with the Dell XPS 13 Plus, however had hassle with the third display, the 4K webcam and headphone jack when linked to the MacBook Professional. It’s fairly compact, which implies it will possibly get wobbly when a bunch of cables are plugged in, nevertheless it has a wide selection of ports and was capable of deal with my primary setup properly.
Belkin Join Professional Thunderbolt 4
Belkin’s Connect Pro 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 beautiful rounded design — nevertheless it’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, nevertheless it performs equally and is price a point out. It has practically the identical ports (together with the moderately limiting single downstream USB-C) however each the Ethernet and information switch speeds have been sooner.
Docking station FAQs
Are docking stations price it?
Docking stations are price it if in case 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 fashionable laptops have sufficient connections to assist all of that without delay. A docking station could make that setup possible whereas additionally supplying you with further ports like a gigabit Ethernet connection, and supplying energy to your laptop computer. Nonetheless, if you happen to simply want just a few further USB sockets, you could be higher off going with a hub, as these are usually cheaper.
How a lot does a laptop computer dock value?
Laptop computer docking stations are usually greater and costlier than easy USB-A or USB-C hubs, because of the broader array of connections. You’ll find 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 virtually all the time a USB-C/Thunderbolt port and sometimes branded with an icon of a laptop computer. Use the offered cable to hook up with your pc. After that, you may join your peripherals to the dock and they need to be prepared to make use of along with your laptop computer. A number of docking stations, notably those 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 may obtain that companion software program.
Does a laptop computer cost on a docking station?
Practically all docking stations help you cost your laptop computer by way of the host connection (the cable working 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 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 most important compatibility points, the Dell PC had the least, and the MacBook fell someplace in between. All docks will checklist which manufacturers and fashions they work with on the net product web page — make sure to additionally verify the technology of your laptop computer as some docks can’t assist sure chips.
What are some in style 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.
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/equipment/best-docking-station-160041863.html?src=rss
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