What are the different types of docking stations?

When the world turned upside down in early 2020, many of us went home for what we thought would be a brief break from office life. Instead, it's turned into a long-term commitment to remote work.

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If this is the situation you find yourself in, it may be time to upgrade your work-from-home (WFH) setup with a docking station that transforms the best laptops into a full-fledged workstation. With one (maybe two) quick connections, you can add one or more full-sized external displays, a full-sized keyboard and an external mouse, a wired Ethernet connection, and access to external devices like backup drives, scanners, and printers.

The basic concept behind a docking station is simple: It's a relatively small device that stays on your desk, connected to your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and whatever other devices you want to have connected in an instant. When you land at your desk, you connect the dock to your laptop (typically via a single cable) and have instant access to all of the aforementioned external peripherals through that singular connection. 

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You can achieve a more basic setup for relatively little cost with one of our less expensive choices, or you can opt for a high-end solution that supports two displays and Thunderbolt 3/4 peripherals. Here are all your best laptop docking station options, what exactly they can do for you, and whether they're universal. 

pros

• DisplayLink support lets almost any laptop run triple monitor setups
• Small footprint with solid build quality
• Supports 8K monitors via HDMI

cons

• Requires you to provide your own power supply
• Expensive for users that can't take advantage of all features

Tech specs: Ports: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (3); USB 3.1 Type-C (2); Gigabit Ethernet; combo audio;  SD/TF card reader | Display: HDMI: 4K @ 60 Hz (1), 8K @ 30Hz (1) ; DisplayPort 4K @ 30Hz (1); supports up to 3 total displays via HDMI and DP 

This dock has everything you might need in a single, monolithic package. It can support up to three monitors through its HDMI and DP connections, while also providing 3 total USB-A ports for a mouse, keyboard, webcam, or whatever else you may need. The built-in SD card reader and Ethernet also ensure you'll have fast access to your data via LAN networks or physical media. 

While there is a slew of similarly configured docks out there, few also offer access to DisplayLink technology. This all-important add-on means that PCs without built-in support for triple, or even dual-monitor setups can still use multiple monitors because the DisplayLink driver is able to create virtualized GPUs to power extra displays. This is absolutely vital for M1 Mac users that often find themselves restricted to just one (or two in the case of the Mac Mini) displays. 

The small footprint and dense body also ensure that the dock will stay in place without taking up much desktop real estate, even with multiple thick wires pulling down on it. 

Read the review: Ugreen USB-C Multifunction docking station review

pros

• Inexpensive compared to most full docking options
• Guarantees Mac compatibility
• Supports 4K @ 60Hz (depending on Mac model)

cons

• Relatively few ports
• Won't offer more than a single external display for MacBook Air models

Tech specs: Ports: USB Type-C (1); USB Type-A (1) | Display: HDMI (1), 3840 x 2160

While there's not really an Apple-branded docking station for use with your MacBook, Apple does offer its USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter. Although it pales in comparison to the options offered by the model above (and several below), it is far less expensive, and takes care of all of the basic necessities. You could also expand it further, in a pinch, by using a compatible USB-A hub. 

Of course, if you're using this with a MacBook Air, you'll probably be limited to the one extra USB-C port it's not already taking up. But, if you're connecting to a more port-heavy MacBook Pro, you could potentially run two external monitors (one via the MacBook's built-in HDMI port and one via the dongles), or more if any of those monitors support Thunderbolt-based input. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again, being a modern Mac user means coming to terms with "Dongle Life," and this is actually one of the most convenient and reliable ways to live your best Dongle Life. 

pros

• DisplayLink support for a relatively inexpensive price
• Power adapter is included
• Great for older devices you plan to upgrade

cons

• No USB-C PD (Power Delivery) support
• Video output may run into trouble on HDCP copy-protected content

Tech specs: Ports: USB 3.0 Type-A (2); USB 2.0 Type-A (4); speaker output; microphone input; Gigabit Ethernet | Display: HDMI (2); DisplayPort (2); up to two simultaneous 4K @ 60Hz displays

Not everyone has all the latest tech. But, that doesn't make it any less vital to us. For those with slightly older laptops they'd still like to build a workstation around, Plugable made this 11-in-1 docking station that connects over either USB 3.0 or USB-C. 

The older USB protocol means this model is limited to just 2 displays, but it's still surprisingly capable. Support for two 4K monitors running at 60Hz is included thanks to the dock's DisplayLink compatibility.

The inclusion of both USB-C and USB 3.0 connection options also means you'll be able to use the dock now with your older hardware and continue to use it in the future when you upgrade to a newer laptop with USB-C support.

pros

• Contains its own power supply
• Support up to two displays or one 8k monitor
• Shallow design makes for easier organization

cons

• If you try to add a second Apple MacBook (containing the M1 or M2 chip) it disables the first connected one

Tech specs: Ports: USB Type-C with Thunderbolt 4 support (2); USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A (3); USB 2.0 Type-A (1); Gigabit Ethernet; combo audio; SD card reader | Display: Thunderbolt 4 (2) DisplayPort 1.4 (1); supports one 8K @30Hz display or dual 4K @60Hz displays.

Given how unexpected some of our transitions to a work-from-home setup were, it's very common to find users with cramped desk space they can barely squeeze even the smallest docking stations into. For those situations, the Accell Thunderbolt 4 dock is a great fit...literally. 

It's low-profile, shallow design makes it hard to believe that it sports as many connections as it does. With full Thunderbolt 4 support across data and display connections, it can support up to two displays, or a single 8K monitor. 

Perhaps best of all, it includes its own power supply. This means your laptop's included charger can be left in its bag where you're most likely to actually need it when back on the road. 

Read the review: Accell Thunderbolt 4 docking station review

pros

• 199W of power delivery for fast charging
• Supports dual 4K displays
• Magnetic Surface "blade" connection is even simpler to insert than USB-C

cons

• Mostly useless for non-Surface devices
• Hardwired cable means the whole dock will be a loss if it's damaged

Tech specs: Ports: USB 3.2 Type-A (2); USB Type-C (4); audio out; Gigabit Ethernet | Display: USB Type-C; supports up to two 4K displays at 60Hz

Microsoft's Surface Pro line has always been distinguished by its distinctive blade-style connector, which delivers power, video, and peripheral connections through a very proprietary format. Still, if you've got a compatible Surface Pro or Surface Laptop it's, by far, the easiest way to get connected in a magnetic snap . 

The latest entry in the company's docking options requires a reasonably modern Surface Pro device (Surface Pro 3 and 4 and original Surface Book not supported). If you meet those specs, you get 199W of power, support for dual 4K displays, and a total of six USB ports. 

Like Apple's solution above, it's not the most comprehensive, but it is the most likely to be compatible with your Surface-branded device. 

The Ugreen USB-C multifunction docking station is the best overall docking station. It provides ample ports and power, and offers the added flexibility of DisplayLink to ensure that almost any laptop you connect to it will be able to become the core of a multi-monitor workstation. 

The right laptop docking station for you will depend on what factors you care about and what you need the docking station for. Below, we've laid out what each product is great for to help you decide:

We compared important docking station specifications, including price, connection types, power, video outputs, ports, audio input/output, and wired ethernet to find the best option for you. 

In this guide, we list some popular, well-reviewed dock options. But they're not all equal. Before you choose one for your work-from-home office, here's what you should look for.

• Connection type. This is probably the most important item on your sorting list. Most newish laptops support USB Type-C connections, which offer robust expansion options; before you choose one of these docks, though, you'll need to know if your laptop supports Thunderbolt 3 or 4 connections. If you have a Microsoft Surface device, your choices also include the blade-type connector that those devices use for external connections. Also, If you have an older PC or Mac that doesn't support one of those standards, you still have the option to use USB 3.0, but that will curtail some of the more advanced resolutions and data speeds available to you.
• Power. For a true one-cable connection, your dock needs to supply power to the laptop. Some less expensive docks skip this feature completely, assuming you'll connect a power supply and use the dock exclusively for connecting to peripherals. Others require you to use your laptop's included power supply to power them, while they in turn pass that power back to your laptop via a PD port.
• Video output(s). Look very closely at the specs for video connections. If you need to drive only a single full HD (1920 x 1080) display using an HDMI cable, just about any dock will do. Things get complicated quickly if you need support for a 4K or 8K display (you'll need DisplayPort or a more recent version of HDMI for those resolutions). The same is true if you want to run two or more external displays simultaneously.
• Ports. Does the dock you're considering have enough external ports to connect to the devices you have on your desktop? Pay special attention to USB ports, which can be Type A or Type C, with or without the ability to power devices like a smartphone.
• Wired Ethernet. One of the great advantages of a docking station, if your network router is nearby, is that you can free yourself from sometimes flaky Wi-Fi connections and plug in directly. The participants on your weekly Zoom calls may thank you.
• Audio input/output. You probably won't think of these connections until you need them. But having dedicated external speakers and a 3.5-inch audio jack to plug an external microphone into can dramatically transform your audio quality. This isn't just true for those that do webinars or guest appearances on broadcast media or podcasts, it's also noticeable for everyday Zoom warriors too. 

In making our selections, we focused on docking stations designed for use with Windows laptops or MacBooks (preferably both). If you're looking to expand your Chromebook to the desktop, we recommend checking compatibility carefully. Among third-party hardware makers, only Kensington offers a wide selection of docks with ChromeOS support.  

A docking station lets you easily connect a single, or multiple, external displays, external storage devices, webcams and other devices to your laptop. It essentially allows your laptop to behave the same way as a traditional desktop tower while letting you multitask across multiple screens or more easily access different storage devices.

There are universal docking stations available, and they will not only work with multiple models of Windows-based laptops, but also MacBooks. However, there are also many models out there which are made to work with specific brands or models. Apple, Microsoft, and several other PC makers produce docking stations that will only work with their products, but if you get a third-party docking station, it should work with anything you have; although you should check the specifications to be sure.

A USB hub is a device that adds more USB ports to give you additional ways to connect peripherals like mice and keyboards, as well as thumb drives and external hard drives. A docking station can do that as well, but they also have ports for connecting monitors via DisplayPort, HDMI, or Thunderbolt so you can have a second (or third, or fourth) screen for easier multitasking when you need to work on your laptop. They can also add wired networking to laptops that are normally Wi-Fi only.

The options below are more basic docking solutions that will get you most of the way there, but may not offer the same level of functionality as those chosen above (with the exception of the Apple entry). That said, they may be all you really need, and can be had for far less than most of the more complex docks above. 

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