Best laptop computer pc docking stations in 2024
Best docking stations: Quick Hyperlinks
Docking stations are larger than a way to boost your laptop computer pc’s restricted port alternative. The right docking stations will completely reinvent your setup, providing power, port variation, and assist for quite a few exterior shows to considerably improve your productiveness and delight of video video games and media.
CES 2025 is January 7-10, and we’re sure to see some new docking stations launch, along with some new high-end Thunderbolt 5 docking stations. Once you’re attempting to pair a docking station with a gaming laptop computer pc with Thunderbolt 5 or a high-end content material materials creation laptop computer pc similar to the MacBook Skilled 16 M4, this will very properly be undoubtedly well worth the anticipate you.
However, within the occasion you don’t fall into a kind of courses, we’re amid big year-end product sales, so now is an efficient time to buy your subsequent (or first) docking station. The precise question is, which dock should you buy?
As a member of Laptop computer pc Journal‘s evaluation group, I evaluation every docking station, guaranteeing they meet the producer’s claims and provide a beautiful experience for the highest client. My judgment depends on my hands-on experience and the real-world effectivity I’ve encountered with each dock.
This looking for data consists of among the finest docking stations I’ve reviewed and highlights the best-in-class selections all through quite a lot of courses, from speedy Thunderbolt 4 docks to cheap selections that don’t skimp out on choices or effectivity.
Would you like help or more information sooner than you resolve which dock is finest for you? Our helpful FAQs half options many frequent questions customers have when making a shopping for decision.
With that in ideas, let’s dive into our variety of among the finest laptop computer pc docking stations in 2024.
Best Docking Stations 2024: The guidelines briefly
1. Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Present Docking Station
Plugable’s Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 docking station is the very best select for our biggest docking stations guidelines, that features a bevy of ports, power, and top-flight effectivity correct all through the board for basically essentially the most full experience spherical.
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90W of Vitality Provide, numerous ports, great cable administration, and a 12W Qi wi-fi charging cradle to your smartphone. Dell’s Twin Value Dock is a robust port enlargement reply that provides so much additional for a lot much less.
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The Logi Dock, Logitech’s all-in-one audio, conferencing, and port enlargement reply, is definitely one in every of a type. It blends a docking station with a sound bar to make for definitely one in every of—if not the—biggest USB-C docking stations spherical.
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4. CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4
The CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 is great for Thunderbolt PCs and Apple Silicon MacBooks alike. It provides unimaginable charging selections and 18 additional ports to bolster your setup’s effectiveness and potential.
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5. Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station
Anker’s all-in-one docking station acts as a discrete, single-monitor ergonomic stand whereas supplying an sincere variety of speedy ports and a great deal of power — along with a wi-fi charging station to your phone.
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6. Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma
A strong Thunderbolt 4 port with RGB lighting that nails the gamer aesthetic whereas providing great video output with speedy 144Hz and 240Hz refresh prices for FHD and QHD exterior reveals.
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7. Satechi Twin Dock Stand
The Satechi Twin Dock Stand is a element docking station, half ergonomic laptop computer pc riser, and half exterior SSD enclosure. It is an unimaginable docking station and MacBook companion.
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Rael Hornby
Rael Hornby brings a few years of tech enthusiasm to the desk with a broad historic previous of technical assist, web design, and journalism beneath his belt. As Laptop computer pc Journal‘s specific initiatives editor and resident reviewer of apparatus and peripherals, he’s accountable for getting fingers on with any docking stations that come our methodology and inserting them by way of their paces — guaranteeing they perform as claimed and that the often extreme asking worth of this {{hardware}} ends in unimaginable price for our readers.
The right laptop computer pc docking stations in 2024
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Best complete
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Why is it our excessive select?
Plugable’s TBT4-UDZ docking station may very well be universally utilized to just about any computing setup with solely optimistic outcomes to watch. As port expansions go, this dock provides a wealth of choice with its additional ports and cutting-edge speeds that finish in super-fast data streams, crisp and straightforward 4K images all through as a lot as 4 exterior reveals, a reliable provide of power with as a lot as 98W of value on faucet, and great cable administration (as long as you don’t ideas front-facing host ports).
Buy it if
✔️ You are attempting to maximise your productiveness with quite a few reveals: With 4 present ports on the market to prospects, the TBT4-UDZ provides up the potential so that you could immerse your self in as a lot as 4 additional exterior reveals previous that of your laptop computer pc’s show.
✔️ You need entry to additional legacy ports: Most fashionable laptops prohibit your port option to a handful of USB-C ports. That’s good for retaining these models slim and trim, nevertheless horrible for these requiring entry to legacy ports like USB Type-A for his or her peripherals and gear, the TBT4-UDZ provides six of these legacy ports in complete.
Don’t purchase it if
✖️ You might be looking for quite a few Thunderbolt 4 ports: Whereas the TBT4-UDZ provides many ports, solely the host port (the port you might be a part of your laptop computer pc or PC to) is Thunderbolt 4 compliant. Should you want to go all in on Thunderbolt 4 ports, attempt the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 or Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma, moreover featured on this guidelines.
✖️ You want a moveable dock: You can toss Plugable’s dock proper right into a backpack and be in your methodology, however it is unsure that you will want to. Once you’re looking for one factor additional travel-friendly, you might have a considerably higher time with the Monoprice 13-in-1 Twin-HDMI + DP MST Dock talked about shortly this internet web page or one in every of many picks from our biggest USB Type-C hubs roundup.
There are only some points I’d fault Plugable’s TBT4-UDZ docking station on, nevertheless, in distinction, the guidelines of platitudes I’d give it is practically as long as this product’s official determine: the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Present Docking Station—a fame that leaves little or no to the creativeness however proudly reveals its stronger choices from the get-go.
I beloved using Plugable’s Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 docking station, and I was considerably impressed by its complete versatility. Its superior array of 16 ports sports activities actions choice in spades, with a mix of present selections and a welcoming mixture of latest and legacy ports. The place the TBT4-UDZ lacks choice is throughout the effectivity of each a kind of ports, with top-tier speeds pouring out of every enter.
As a result of the dock’s determine implies, the TBT4-UDZ packs super-fast Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 ports, allowing data swap prices of as a lot as 40Gbps to and from applicable machines. Speeds like this are the lack of life knell of sluggish progress bars as you turn large data backwards and forwards, making it a beautiful alternative for a lot of who deal in video or creative content material materials or for a lot of who use exterior storage.
Plugable’s dock moreover incorporates a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port for ultra-fast and solidly reliable data speeds over an RJ45 connection. This stand-out perform is in another case unusual in lots of the docks on this guidelines, which might be restricted to 1Gbps. This ensures your host machine is likely to be given the utmost various to make the most of your internet connection or LAN.
Whether or not or not stood or laid flat, I effortlessly included this dock into loads of completely completely different setups, which provided me with a great deal of room for enlargement. With dozens of ports at my mercy, I’d deal with a plethora of peripherals and an actual arsenal of apparatus.
I was moreover considerably impressed by the dock’s assist for exterior shows. It provides connections to take care of as a lot as 4 exterior reveals (2 x HDMI and a pair of x DisplayPort) at resolutions as a lot as 4K and refresh prices of 60Hz.
Whereas my typical day-to-day setup wouldn’t require anyplace near that amount of reveals useful, there are fully folks in the marketplace who need every ultimate inch of show space potential by way of juggling huge portions of information unfold all through quite a few spreadsheets or multitasking all through quite a few apps with out having to change between open house home windows to take motion. The experience was flawless, and an actual eye-opener into the productiveness boosts on the market as you improve your digital workspace.
Plugable’s docking station is a 15-port masterpiece: a premium product that delivers a premium experience with out cranking the worth as a lot as eye-watering ranges. Alongside the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 talked about elsewhere on this guidelines, it’s definitely one in every of my favorite docking stations of our alternative, and it sometimes finds its methodology once more into my setup as soon as I am not making space for whichever dock is subsequent up for evaluation.
| Ports | 15 (see breakdown) |
| USB-C PD | Certain, as a lot as 98W |
| Present output | 4 x 4K @ 60Hz (2 x HDMI, 2 x DisplayPort) |
| Thunderbolt 4/USB4 | Certain, (host port solely) |
For an entire rundown of this dock’s choices, ports, and effectivity, see our full Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Present Docking Station evaluation.
Best funds
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Why is it our excessive funds select?
In relation to what’s on present for the worth you pay, Dell’s Twin Value Dock is a stand-out product that provides great host charging paired with a wi-fi charging dock alongside a powerful variety of ports.
Buy it if
✔️ You want a dock that charges your laptop computer pc and smartphone: The Dell Twin Value Dock’s distinctive selling degree is its 12W Qi wi-fi charging cradle which is great for retaining your smartphone, earbuds, or completely different applicable models topped up all by way of the day alongside your laptop computer pc.
✔️ You might be want a reliable, dependable funds buy: Dell’s docking stations are quite a few the best spherical, from effectivity to assemble prime quality. The Twin Value Dock is not any exception, offering sturdy speeds, port alternative, and choices at a worth south of $100.
Don’t purchase it if
✖️ You need quite a few ports: The dimensions of Dell’s Twin Value Dock is its undoing by way of its number of ports. Whereas Dell does an incredible job of changing into as many in as potential, this dock is not going to run a much bigger setup with out some congestion factors.
✖️ SD / micro SD enjoying playing cards are essential to you: Persevering with on from our ultimate degree, the size of the Twin Value Dock moreover signifies that it will not perform an SD or maybe a micro SD card reader.
It’s arduous to deny the impression {{that a}} docking station may make in your setup, however it is simple to talk your self out of it within the occasion you are looking for on a funds that will’t stretch to quite a few the more expensive fashions in the marketplace.
However, not everybody desires to buy big with a goal to get basically essentially the most bang for his or her buck. Once you’re looking for a dock to deal with a additional modest setup, then the Dell Twin Value Dock will not solely serve you correctly, however moreover current a beautiful 12W Qi wi-fi charging cradle throughout the course of.
As soon as I reviewed the Dell Twin Value Dock on the end of 2023, I was amazed at how effortlessly it found a home on my desk and at how quickly it because of a major piece of equipment for retaining my smartphone topped up all by way of the day similtaneously my laptop computer pc with its 90W of Vitality Provide.
Whereas Dell’s docking station is more likely to be small, its potential for managing your setup and retaining a bunch of models powered is one thing nevertheless. This 8 port enlargement provides largely legacy USB Type-A ports (though video outputs, ethernet, and a USB Type-C port moreover perform), that are excellent for managing wired/wi-fi mice or keyboards an a bunch of various frequent peripherals. It’d most likely moreover deal with as a lot as two exterior reveals with its HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 video outputs.
Regardless that it’s small, the Dell Twin Value Dock provides some spectacular cable administration moreover, guaranteeing you might have a busy workspace that’s nonetheless clear and litter free.
It’s sub-$100 worth is a rarity for docking stations with this diploma of carry out and prime quality behind them, and whereas it’s by no means a really perfect product, it does so much correct that it turns into robust to hold its lack of an SD/micro SD card reader in opposition to it, and even that it encompasses a tethered host cable.
The Dell Twin Value Dock is spectacular price for money, refusing to depart you feeling fast modified for choosing up a reasonable alternative. It is not solely a dock, its the aim of power to your setup, and it may probably moreover double up as a helpful present stand for various models whereas on value, too.
If the Dell Twin Value Dock’s asking worth stays to be too rich to your blood, don’t fret! I’d counsel testing our variety of among the finest USB Type-C hubs as a substitute for a take a look at some smaller and further cheap selections.
| Ports | 8 (see breakdown) |
| Thunderbolt 4/USB4 | No |
| USB-C PD | Certain, 90W |
| Video outputs | HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 (4K @ 60Hz) |
For an entire rundown of this dock’s choices, ports, and effectivity, see our full Dell Twin Value Dock evaluation
Best premium
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Why is it our excessive premium select?
The Logitech Logi Dock just isn’t solely a unimaginable docking station; additionally it is a top quality conferencing software program with a built-in beam-forming mic array and a unimaginable small-scale soundbar that will elevate each little factor from the audio of video calls to your favorite tracks on Spotify. Its small footprint is appreciated if you perceive this one system does the job of three, bringing sturdy price to its premium worth.
Buy it if
✔️ You want a dock that does all of it: The Logi Dock’s aspirations stretch far previous providing you with additional ports. It pulls triple obligation as a micro soundbar and conferencing software program. It’s unimaginable for work or leisure and will quickly cement itself as an essential side of your setup.
✔️ You shouldn’t have quite a few space to work with: One among many key benefits of the Logi Dock is how so much it may probably do with such a small footprint. Once you’re working at a smaller desk, the Logi Dock’s many makes use of can decrease the fat in your setup and depart you with one system to take over a whole lot of your computing desires concurrently.
Don’t purchase it if
✖️ It’s advisable to administration larger than two exterior reveals: Logitech’s dock seems to have been designed to take care of small to mid-sized setups primarily. As such, within the occasion you are attempting to deal with a much bigger setup then you definately would run into factors whereas being hampered by its port alternative, considerably if it’s a must to host larger than two exterior reveals at anybody time.
✖️ You need quite a few legacy ports: The Logi Dock comes with three USB Type-C ports you may also make use of, nevertheless solely two legacy USB Type-A ports. Once you’re a heavy peripheral client and these ports are in extreme demand, Logitech’s dock may depart you extreme and dry.
Logitech’s Logi Dock is the docking station so good that they practically named it twice. It’s no simple exercise for a docking station to generate pleasure. {{Hardware}} like that’s designed to be helpful, and its design and further choices are generally seen as an aftersight.
However, Logitech has seemingly pulled off the unattainable with the Logi Dock, making a instrument that is attractive to have featured in your setup and serves many features alongside one of the best ways.
Not solely is Logitech’s offering a unimaginable premium product, however it excels in connectivity: It uniquely provides Bluetooth 5.1 pairing of as a lot as 7 additional models previous its eight-port enlargement. Of those ports, three are USB Type-C, two are USB Type-A, and the remaining two are HDMI and DisplayPort outputs that assist resolutions as a lot as 4K with HDR and a 60Hz refresh cost.
It is attainable you may uncover that not one of many ports talked about have been Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 applicable, which, I’m unable to lie, would have really pushed the Logi Dock to all-new heights. However, it would most likely have pushed its worth in an an identical route, and the Logi Dock already has a premium ticket.
Far be it from me to point out my nostril as a lot as a powerful USB Type-C dock, though. Significantly when there’s so much additional on present proper right here than a simple case of port enlargement. This dock will also be outfitted with custom-made 55mm neodymium drivers, making it a stereo soundbar with no correct sounding as spectacular as a result of it does for being part of a docking station setup.
Nevertheless that’s the trick Logitech has pulled proper right here. The Logi Dock just isn’t solely a docking station; additionally it is a fully-fledged conferencing software program with a built-in noise and echo-canceling beam-forming mic array, simplifying your setup for every work and leisure. It’s a little bit little bit of each little factor, and it does all of it impressively correctly, however it does embody a tough ticket.
This form of multi-functionality is hard to return by regarding docking stations, however it is one in every of many points I have the benefit of coming all through most. Docking stations can get a bit of bit dry and bland usually, and there may be nothing unsuitable with that. They’re, after all, meant to combine into the background and quietly deal with your setup from the shadows. However, when producers suppose outside the sector and blend their docks with completely different gear or peripherals, they take care of definitely one in every of a dock’s main duties, which is usually missed: Cable administration.
Cable administration just isn’t exactly on the excessive of the guidelines of points reviewers take a docking station to exercise for, nevertheless I’m not like most reviewers. I take into account that the {{hardware}} accountable for managing your connections must do an sincere job of retaining points neat and tidy as a result of it does so. It shows the thought that went into the dock itself, after all.
I’m moreover a company believer that there isn’t any greater cable administration than with the power to alternate the need for specific cables to be there throughout the first place. The Logitech Logi Dock is a docking station first and a mic and speaker bar second, eliminating the need for separate models cluttering your setup.
| Ports | 8 (+7 along with Bluetooth 5.1, see breakdown) |
| USB-C PD | Certain, as a lot as 100W |
| Present output | 2 x 4K HDR @ 60Hz (1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort) |
| Thunderbolt 4/USB4 | No |
For an entire rundown of this dock’s choices, ports, and effectivity, see our full Logitech Logi Dock evaluation.
Best Thunderbolt 4
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What’s a Thunderbolt 4 dock?
Thunderbolt 4 docks present all of USB-C docking stations’ connectivity and power capabilities, with all the added benefits of the Thunderbolt commonplace, like sooner data swap speeds of 40Gbps. Thunderbolt docks are the additional extremely efficient models and, in flip, costlier. However, they experience fewer bottlenecking factors due to the elevated bandwidth on the market, making them the right alternative when effectivity is paramount.
Buy it if
✔️ You want a high-performance dock: Whilst you need a docking station capable of ultimate effectivity, the CalDigit TS4 is completely deserving of a spot in your shortlist. Its 18 ports embody two 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, and a myriad of high-spec USB ports moreover.
✔️ You want to value your phone or tablet, too: On account of a front-facing 20W USB Type-C port, the TS4 can also value your phone or tablet or hook up with a charger to power your smartwatch or each different system of your choosing.
Don’t purchase it if
✖️ You don’t want to spend so much money: There’s no completely different methodology to decrease it; the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 is expensive. Suppose you might be working inside a funds, even when that funds is considerable. In that case, the TS4 is a grand funding — notably when additional elementary Thunderbolt 4 docks might be discovered for a lot much less, similar to the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 HDMI Docking Station (TBT4-UDX1).
✖️ You don’t require many Thunderbolt connections: Once you’re a video editor, software program program developer, or completely different creative expert, getting access to a full suite of apparatus and peripherals working at excessive tempo is a unimaginable boon. However, for most people, this dock’s effectivity is akin to getting behind the wheel of a Bugatti and certainly not needing to maneuver previous first gear.
Whether or not or not you private a Thunderbolt 4 laptop computer, USB4 Chromebook, or Apple Silicon MacBook, the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 is a unimaginable reply to your workstation desires—notably if these desires require you to have entry to quite a few the quickest data swap prices until Thunderbolt 5 docks begin making an look.
However, its power does lead to a considerable drawback: its worth. The TS4 is doubtless one of many costlier selections on this guidelines, and considering the already extreme worth of docking stations, that’s saying one factor. Effectivity is what you might be paying for proper right here, and you’ll get it in spades, along with a great deal of ports and a considerable power present.
The TS4 provides an unimaginable 18 additional ports (17 after the host port is linked), along with an SD and microSD card reader, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a myriad of audio and USB Type-A/Type-C ports.
It’s port enlargement heaven, which sounds so boring it would make trainspotting seem to be Monday Night Soccer, though I promise you that’s rather more thrilling than I made it sound.
Throw a dart at this dock, and in addition you are extra more likely to hit a port offering impressively fast speeds. This makes it the proper alternative for expert power prospects who need a full array of apparatus to maximise their productiveness and effectivity.
That productiveness may very well be extra enhanced with assist for as a lot as two exterior reveals. A DisplayPort 1.4 connection will allow for an exterior present with as a lot as 8K choice, or it may probably work in tandem with a USB-C DP port to power two reveals with 4K resolutions at a refresh cost of 60Hz. You probably may even drive an exterior present to your Chromebook if it has a USB4 connection.
Increased nonetheless, the TS4 is a veritable desktop power station, offering 98W of host value and loads of powered ports to take care of your peripherals and sidekick models juiced up all by way of the day. Included amongst that amount is a USB Type-C port that provides 20W of Vitality Provide alone, ideally fitted to retaining your smartphone or tablet topped up all by way of the day.
The CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 just isn’t the newest Thunderbolt dock to launch, nevertheless no matter what variety of additional I’ve come all through, I on a regular basis return to the TS4 as my favorite.
Primarily based totally on effectivity alone, it’s among the many finest selections. Nonetheless, take into account its tiny footprint, vertical/horizontal positioning, great cable administration, and wealth of power to your host machine and completely different models, and you have got an excellent docking station — one correctly value its place on this guidelines.
| Ports | 18 (see breakdown) |
| USB-C PD | Certain, as a lot as 98W (host) and 20W USB-C |
| Present output | 1 x 8K @ 60Hz (1 x DisplayPort/USB-C DP), 2 x 4K/6K @ 60Hz (1 x DisplayPort, 1 x USB-C DP) |
| Thunderbolt 4/USB4 | Certain |
For an entire rundown of this dock’s choices, ports, and effectivity, see our full CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 evaluation.
Best USB Type-C
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What’s a USB-C dock?
USB-C docks are the base-level commonplace for a lot of fashionable docking stations, having since modified the sooner USB-A format. Whereas not as fast as Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB4 docks, USB-C docks nonetheless present respectable speeds and are completely applicable with Thunderbolt and USB4 ports (though restricted to a most swap cost of 20Gbps).
Buy it if
✔️ You want to make the most of a smaller desk: The Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station is an all-in-one reply for smaller desks. It provides an ergonomic stand ideally fitted to shows as a lot as 24 inches in measurement, speedy ports with great cable administration selections, and a storage nook to your most used tech.
✔️ You want to value your phone or tablet, too: The shelf encompasses a wi-fi charging pad that allows you to value any applicable smartphone or tablet with ease.
Don’t purchase it if
✖️ You make the most of a few monitor: Anker’s docking station provides a single video output designed to deal with a monitor sat on its aircraft-grade aluminum shelf. Once you plan to utilize a few monitor, this dock may depart your additional reveals extreme and dry.
✖️ You need quite a few ports: The Anker 675 has a powerful variety of ports on faucet, nevertheless the number of each just isn’t all that prime. Once you’re a peripheral power client or have a fairly expansive desk setup, you may uncover docks similar to the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 additional accommodating.
The Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station is a shiny and deceptively clever system that effortlessly blends into your setup by posing as a recent monitor stand. However, additionally it is an distinctive docking station, pulling double duties as a beautiful port enlargement and charging reply that provides top-tier cable administration.
Anker’s dock has been definitely one in every of my favorites to evaluation this 12 months, as I’m on a regular basis impressed when a docking station goes the extra mile to cowl as so much ground as potential. Multipurpose docking stations similar to the Anker 675 imply you may make the most of smaller desks or additional confined work areas by taking over quite a few roles inside your setup.
With this dock in place, not solely did I not need a separate monitor stand to verify my show was positioned appropriately, nevertheless I moreover didn’t wish to fret about discovering a spot to value my smartphone each, attributable to a built-in Qi-certified 10W wi-fi charging panel embedded into the aircraft-grade aluminum shelf.
However, whereas I personally use a monitor arm for my present, I nonetheless found good use for the Anker 675 to neatly house my most used gear and peripherals—retaining my desk and work area attempting immaculate throughout the course of. Aiding that extra is the Anker 675’s unimaginable cable administration system, which contains an underside cable caddy to take care of wires tucked neatly out of sight.
Once you’re an affect client and wish quite a few reveals concurrently, then Anker’s dock might not be each little factor you might be hoping for. This dock solely helps one exterior present, however it does so at 4K resolutions and 60Hz. The Anker 675’s sturdy physique is good for shows as a lot as 24 inches, nevertheless it may probably assist whichever measurement present you want as long as it will not exceed the aluminum physique’s 22-pound weight prohibit.
Whereas each of the Anker 675’s on the market ports is speedy (with a great deal of them moreover offering respectable charging selections previous the 100W of Vitality Provide to the host machine), they’re restricted in amount. That’s another reason this dock may very well be great for smaller setups.
However, there’s nonetheless a great deal of space to connect a mouse and keyboard, with ports left over for added peripherals. There’s even a built-in SD/microSD card reader so you can quickly entry flash memory in case your laptop computer pc wouldn’t present a reader of its private.
It might not be basically essentially the most extremely efficient dock on the market, with no Thunderbolt 4 assist. Nevertheless Anker’s dock is definitely among the many many most useful, going above and previous to deal with your setup and make certain that every little little bit of space you’ve got is made good use of.
| Ports | 12 (see breakdown) |
| USB-C PD | Certain, as a lot as 100W |
| Present output | 1 x 4K @ 60Hz (HDMI 2.0) |
| Thunderbolt 4/USB4 | No |
For an entire rundown of this dock’s choices, ports, and effectivity, see our full Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station evaluation.
Best gaming
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What’s a gaming dock?
Gaming docks aren’t actually a docking station class, nevertheless some docks—which provide a great deal of ports for peripherals or gear and great monitor assist for speedier refresh prices—will lend themselves pretty correctly to managing a gaming setup. Check out our article “Would you like a docking station for gaming?” for additional information.
Buy it if
✔️ You might be looking for speedy refresh prices in exterior reveals: At 4K resolutions, Razer’s dock will ship refresh prices to 2 exterior shows at 60Hz. However, the lower the choice of your shows the earlier that refresh cost climbs, capping out at 240Hz for FHD (1080p) shows.
✔️ You just like the gamer aesthetic: With its RGB underglow, the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma is an ideal piece of {{hardware}} to find a dwelling in any aspiring battlestation.
Don’t purchase it if
✖️ You run a much bigger setup/battlestation: Razer’s dock turns the aptitude as a lot as 11, nevertheless its port rely can not pretty make it that far. With three speedy Thunderbolt 4 ports and a trio of legacy USB, this dock will battle with larger setups, nevertheless swimsuit these with a small to mid-sized setup fully.
✖️ You want an all-in-one charging reply: The Chroma has heaps to produce, nevertheless its 90W of Vitality Provide will battle to take care of even the least demanding gaming laptops charged beneath load. This isn’t Razer’s fault, it’s additional a limitation of the experience behind current Thunderbolt connections, nevertheless it ought to indicate you might should rely in your laptop computer pc’s proprietary charger to take care of points topped up nonetheless.
Whatever the Razer branding, this Thunderbolt 4 dock just isn’t marketed as a gaming docking station, nevertheless its gamer aesthetic and high-performance ports and video output make it a extremely excellent alternative for these attempting to level-up their setup or battlestation.
The Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma oozes Razer’s fashionable gamer fashionable with its monolithic aluminum chassis. However, whereas strikingly fashionable and shiny, it’s a Razer product, and no Razer product is form of full and never utilizing a peppering of RGB lighting. For the Chroma, this means rich underglow lighting from a 12-zone RGB strip that traces the underside of the dock alongside the perimeters and entrance.
This inserting perform makes the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma look fully attractive in opposition to the often hum-drum look of its contemporaries, and may very well be custom-made to point different colors in quite a lot of patterns—the Razer Synapse app even permits for superior customization that will color match to positive areas of your show, together with a small nevertheless noticeable diploma of ambient lighting to your setup.
It is not all about this dock’s seems to be like. Razer’s Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma will also be an especially speedy Thunderbolt docking station that provides three additional downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports that current power, unimaginable data swap prices of as a lot as 40Gbps, and great video output selections.
There’s no HDMI or DisplayPort outputs on Razer’s dock, which means within the occasion you are not using a USB Type-C or Thunderbolt monitor you then’ll wish to select up an adapter to hyperlink up an exterior present. However, the dock’s speedy Thunderbolt 4 ports moreover present spectacular bandwidth that will current extreme choice assist and super fast refresh prices to as a lot as two shows straight.
Once you’re working at 4K resolutions, then Razer’s dock will current refresh prices of as a lot as 60Hz. Razer’s dock can also ship refresh prices of as a lot as 144Hz or 240Hz for shows with QHD or FHD resolutions, respectively. This makes it a unimaginable alternative for avid avid gamers who want all some great benefits of a beautiful Thunderbolt 4 dock, with out sacrificing on buttery simple game-friendly effectivity.
Crucial draw again of Razer’s Thunderbolt 4 dock is its 90W of Vitality Provide. It falls far wanting retaining even a modest gaming laptop computer pc completely charged beneath load, and might drive you to take care of using your proprietary charger should you want to stay away from slicing your play time fast.
Whereas this most likely just isn’t an extreme quantity of of an issue, as most gaming laptops will take up semi-permanent positions at a desk for a lot of, it might be irritating to know that this dock’s charging potential, which is a huge take into account its $299 (on the time of reviewing) ticket, is one factor you’ll not be able to make frequent use of.
| Ports | 10 (see breakdown) |
| USB-C PD | Certain, as a lot as 90W |
| Present output | 2 x 4K @ 60Hz (Thunderbolt 4) to 2 x FHD @ 240Hz (Thunderbolt 4) |
| Thunderbolt 4/USB4 | Certain |
For an entire rundown of this dock’s choices, ports, and effectivity, see our full Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma evaluation.
Best for MacBook
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Do all docks work with MacBooks?
Whereas all of the docks on this guidelines will work with MacBooks, the Satechi Twin Dock Stand is a docking station notably designed for MacBooks. As such, we have now listed this MacBook dock individually to concentrate on its MacBook-first design and focus.
Buy it if
✔️ You want a minimal setup: The Satechi Twin Dock Stand is a zero-footprint system that takes its place beneath your MacBook, largely out of sight. Once you’re looking for a neat and minimal seek for your setup or are working at a smaller desk, then this dock’s footprint is likely to be ideally fitted to you.
✔️ You want an all-in-one docking station: This dock does all of it. Not solely does it present valuable port enlargement, however it moreover elevates your MacBook to boost ergonomics and the overall typing experience, and it consists of an SSD compartment to bolster your storage.
Don’t purchase it if
✖️ You may need completely different makes use of to your Thunderbolt ports: Satechi’s dock requires the utilization of two USB Type-C ports on the left hand side of your system. This may eat your Thunderbolt ports solely, and it’ll not return a Thunderbolt port to you in its port alternative.
✖️ You make frequent use of SD/Micro SD enjoying playing cards: Whereas the Twin Dock Stand provides a powerful variety of ports, it’s notably lacking any SD or Micro SD slots. Once you’re a content material materials creator, video editor, or photographer and make use of these mediums sometimes, you might should make use of an adapter to entry your media.
Let me let about Satechi’s Twin Dock Stand—a instrument that performs triple obligation as a docking station, ergonomic laptop computer pc stand, and exterior SSD enclosure. As talked about earlier, I’m a large proponent of multi-purpose models like this. I firmly take into account {that a} great all-in-one reply is approach easier to deal with than three separate models.
Decked out in Space Metallic Grey, Satechi’s dock is the right MacBook companion visually and a major accent for efficiency. It provides each little factor you’d need from a workstation organize with a zero-footprint design that matches snugly beneath your MacBook, considerably rising your system’s potential and luxurious with out turning into a distraction.
The Twin Dock Stand’s built-in SSD enclosure just isn’t merely ideally fitted to augmenting the storage of your MacBook. On account of this dock’s lightweight assemble, tethered host cables, and portability, it may probably moreover act as an exterior SSD, serving to to change data between models quickly.
The associated fee supplied by Satechi’s dock just isn’t as extreme as that of various entrants to this guidelines, offering merely 75W of value to the host machine. However, with Apple’s latest MacBooks benefiting from the impressively setting pleasant Apple Silicon chipsets (M1 > M3), that’s adequate power to take care of most MacBooks topped up merely all through your commonplace working day.
However, there are trade-offs to be made. Satechi’s dock is a bit of little bit of a port hog for one. It will require every of your left-hand Thunderbolt ports to run at its fullest potential. Which signifies that should you want to take full advantage of the speeds supplied by that commonplace, you’ll not have the power to take motion whereas the dock is linked.
Of the 9 ports it provides in return, none imply you may take full advantage of the host machine’s Thunderbolt-capable speeds. Chances are you’ll be restricted to speeds you’d uncover with each different USB Type-C hub or dock, which can very properly be a deal breaker for power prospects attempting to maximise their productiveness and take full advantage of the bandwidth on the market on their host machine.
If that could be a deal breaker for you, I might advise in search of a loyal Thunderbolt 4 dock similar to the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 talked about earlier on this guidelines.
Many docking stations will work with a MacBook, and within the occasion you are interested in seeing which might be among the finest for the Apple ecosystem notably, attempt our variety of among the finest docking stations for MacBooks. The entire beforehand talked about docks on this guidelines moreover work with MacBooks. It’s merely that this dock is especially designed to work primarily with Apple’s laptops.
| Ports | 9 (see breakdown) |
| USB-C PD | Certain, as a lot as 75W |
| Present output | 2 x 4K @ 60Hz (2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort) |
| Thunderbolt 4/USB4 | No |
For an entire rundown of this dock’s choices, ports, and effectivity, see our full Satechi Twin Dock Stand evaluation.
Comparability chart
| Docking station (Complete ports) | # of Thunderbolt ports | # of USB Type-C ports | # of USB Type-A ports | # of HDMI ports | # of DisplayPort ports | Ethernet | Audio jack | SD/Micro SD Card reader |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Present Docking Station (15) | 1 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 2 | Certain | Certain | Certain |
| Dell Twin Value Dock (8) | N/A | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | Certain | N/A | N/A |
| Logitech Logi Dock (8) | N/A | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 (18) | 3 | 3 | 5 | N/A | 1 | Certain | Certain (3) | Certain |
| Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station (10) | N/A | 3 | 3 | 1 | N/A | Certain | Certain | Certain |
| Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma (10) | 4 | N/A | 3 | N/A | N/A | Certain | Certain | Certain |
| Satechi Twin Dock Stand (9) | N/A | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | Certain | N/A | N/A |
Recently reviewed
Not every docking station we evaluation makes it to this guidelines, nevertheless that’s to not say they aren’t value an honorable level out on the very least. Whereas quite a few the next docking stations is not going to be among the finest laptop computer pc docking stations of their class, that’s to not say they aren’t some unimaginable selections regardless.
FAQs
- Q: What’s a laptop computer pc docking station?
A: Docking stations are primarily {{hardware}} port extensions to your PC or laptop computer pc. Their core perform is to grant entry to additional ports with a wider port type alternative. This supplies you additional selections for maximizing your machine’s productiveness, effectivity, and potential by making additional peripherals and gear on the market at anybody time.Together with this, most fashionable docking stations imply you may deal with loads of exterior reveals to extend your show space with ease. They will moreover present your laptop computer pc (and generally gear, too) with a delicate stream of power. This suggests you can sidestep the utilization of your laptop computer pc’s proprietary charger and, highlighting a dock’s spectacular cable administration potential, decrease down on the amount of wires in use.
However, some docks present additional choices like doubling as an ergonomic laptop computer pc stand, bettering audio potential with built-in audio system, or subtly taking its place in your desk whereas showing as a monitor stand.
- Q: Do I would really like a docking station?
A: We is not going to say for positive that you just “need” a docking station, nevertheless we’ll say that almost all people attempting to assemble a computing setup spherical a laptop computer pc most probably must have a docking station.Considering the number of on the market ports on fashionable laptops and their lack of legacy USB I/O, it’s most likely that you will lastly come unstuck when relying solely in your laptop computer pc to deal with a bunch of peripherals, gear, and exterior reveals.
A docking station manages all of that for you, considerably rising the number of ports it’s worthwhile to use and the variety of ports it’s worthwhile to hand. Not solely this, they may show you how to deal with exterior shows to good impression, catering to additional show precise property for productiveness, and higher refresh prices for gaming.
- Q: Why are docking stations so pricey?
A: Whereas a docking station could not look deserving of its ticket from the floor, the inside can house as many chips as a result of the laptop computer pc it’s connecting to.Docking stations are extraordinarily superior {{hardware}} that ought to deal with quite a few streams of web site guests concurrently, along with data, video, and generally audio, whereas supplying a delicate stream of power to the host machine and any linked peripherals.
As such, higher-quality docking stations can quickly enhance prices. However, that elevated asking worth will sometimes translate into expanded effectivity, additional ports, and better assist for sooner, higher-resolution exterior reveals.
We reply this question in extra depth in our article: “Why are docking stations so rattling pricey?”
- Q: Can I make the most of a docking station with my MacBook?
A: Fully! Each dock listed on this internet web page must work implausible with Apple models. However, it’s value noting that as a consequence of limitations with positive Apple M-Assortment chipsets, the number of exterior reveals it’s worthwhile to use will vary.Once you’re unsure, check what variety of reveals may very well be linked to your MacBook beforehand.
- Q: Can I make the most of a docking station with my gaming laptop computer pc?
A: You want to use a docking station collectively together with your gaming laptop computer pc. However, if you’ll nonetheless be able to use the expanded port selections for peripherals or exterior arduous drives, you might most likely encounter an issue with power provide.Most modern docking stations value the host machine with as a lot as 100W. Whereas that’s implausible for a lot of mainstream laptop computer pc fashions, your gaming laptop computer pc is extra more likely to require a bit of bit additional juice to power itself as a result of it performs additional strenuous gaming-related duties.
Future models that use Thunderbolt 5 or USB4 2.0 as a typical is likely to be far more accommodating to gaming laptops attributable to an expanded Vitality Provide differ of as a lot as 240W.
Until then, you usually tend to get among the finest experience by way of the usage of your gaming laptop computer pc’s proprietary charger for power desires and using a docking station for its expanded port alternative.
We reply this question in extra depth in our article: “Would you like a docking station for gaming?”
- Q: Which kinds of docking stations are the quickest?
A: Presently, Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB4 (40Gbps) docking stations are among the finest select if you need the quickest data swap speeds and biggest complete effectivity.In the end, these docks will most likely be overtaken by Thunderbolt 5 and USB4 2.0 docking stations, which may present speeds of 80Gbps and improved power provide of as a lot as 240W.
- Q: What are the variations between a Thunderbolt/USB4 docking station and a USB-C docking station?
A: One among many key variations between a few of these docking stations is data swap tempo. Thunderbolt 4 docking stations have entry to change speeds of 40Gbps, double that of the quickest commonplace USB-C port speeds. USB4 docks can acquire associated tempo ranges nevertheless may very well be capped at 20Gbps, so check its specs sooner than looking for.These expanded speeds are good for sooner, snappier, and further responsive connections and reduce the hazard of a effectivity bottleneck. Whereas USB-C docks can present an an identical number of high-spec ports to a Thunderbolt dock, the elevated bandwidth of a Thunderbolt connection permits for additional of those ports to work near their most potential concurrently.
- Q: What variety of exterior shows can I hook up with a docking station?
A: Presently, docking stations often assist as a lot as 4 exterior reveals. - Q: Do all laptops assist exterior reveals by way of docking stations?
A: No, not every laptop computer pc may help exterior reveals. Once you private a laptop computer pc with a Thunderbolt port, connecting a docking station to that port will imply you may lengthen your show with out factors.However, in case your laptop computer pc wouldn’t use a Thunderbolt connection, it is best to make certain that your USB-C port helps DisplayPort over USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode).
- Q: How do I do know if my laptop computer pc helps DisplayPort over USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode)?
A: Often, you can inform in case your laptop computer pc helps DisplayPort over USB-C by attempting on the picture subsequent to the port. Once you spot the DisplayPort model (a letter ‘D’ overlaid with the letter ‘P’), you should have no factors extending your present.
When you don’t see the DisplayPort model subsequent to your USB-C port nevertheless uncover a lightning bolt picture as a substitute, which implies it’s a Thunderbolt port. As quickly as as soon as extra, Thunderbolt ports like this should have no factors supporting exterior reveals.
Should you can not see any symbols or logos subsequent to your laptop computer pc’s ports, check the information or documentation that received right here with it for information on port specs.
How we check out docking stations
Every merchandise we evaluation at Laptop computer pc Journal is matter to numerous synthetic and real-life assessments to verify the product operates as claimed and meets the desires and desires of our readers. Docking stations mustn’t completely completely different, though there’s additional involved in our testing course of than merely working by way of a pointers of a producer’s claims.
In relation to docks, we select a product’s effectivity based totally on 5 metrics: power, ports, effectivity, presentation, and worth.
Firstly, we make certain that a docking station delivers the anticipated value by connecting it to different laptops (with rising power requires) and observing how correctly they protect their value all by way of a working day. We moreover use USB power meters to measure the wattage of the fee heading to the host machine.
Secondly, we use the dock’s ports to accommodate peripherals, shows, and gear all through different setups to examine how the number of on the market ports fares counting on the use case. This helps us to seek out out a dock’s ideally suited use case, with port amount and choice all participating in a job in determining the way in which it could actually biggest be used.
We then check out each of these ports, guaranteeing they perform to the necessities claimed by the producer. This can comprise transferring data backwards and forwards to and from an exterior SSD onto the host machine and connecting quite a few shows to the dock’s video outputs to verify there is not a noticeable lag or seen hiccups.
Then, we take note of how correctly the dock handles cable administration, a key nevertheless sometimes missed perform. This moreover takes into consideration port placement and the dock’s complete design and format.
Lastly, we use these metrics to judge the price of each dock in opposition to its MSRP to verify it’s a worthy funding. Docking stations are notoriously pricey gadgets of {{hardware}} to place cash into, so we have to make certain that every docking station we propose delivers the usual that its ticket may advocate.
With this in ideas, we score each dock using a 5-star rating, and we select among the finest docks inside positive courses to appear on this internet web page.
Why perception Laptop computer pc Journal?
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We’re 100% neutral and have a few years of experience that may help you buy with confidence. The reality is, Laptop computer pc Journal has been testing and reviewing merchandise for 3 a few years and continues to ship dependable critiques you can depend upon.
Our expert writers and editors scour particulars concerning the laptop computer pc and put it by way of its paces to seek out out which is biggest for you. Nevertheless sooner than they start, the testing group subjects each system to a rigorous routine of synthetic and real-world assessments to see how a system handles the type of work and video video games you’re greater than more likely to throw at it.
One among many world’s largest experience publishers, Future Publishing, enforces our editorial trustworthiness. As a company, we have unmatched experience all through every tech sector — and we’re the group’s specialist for all points cell tech.
