Top 10 Laptop Docking Stations
Looking for the ideal laptop docking station? — To give you my top selections, I’ve reviewed some of the best laptop docking stations on the market.
Docking stations are especially beneficial for remote employees and those who are doing home-based projects.
Laptop docking stations can transform your laptop into a feature-rich desktop replacement.
What are the best laptop docking stations in 2022?
Choosing the best laptop docking stations can greatly improve your laptop’s usage with comfort and convenience.
They can rapidly enhance the capability of your laptop by adding more ports and allowing you to attach external monitors while also charging it.
Here’s my list of the 10 best laptop docking stations in 2022.
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10 Best Laptop Docking Stations in 2022
- Plugable USB-C Triple Display — Best overall
- Microsoft Surface Dock 2 — Best for MS Pro
- Lenovo Thunderbolt 3 Essential Dock — Best for dual monitors
- Startech Thunderbolt 3 Dock — Best high-end
- Kensington SD7000 Surface Pro — Best for Thunderbolt
- Dell USB 3.0 Ultra HD/4K Triple Display — Best for Dell
- WAVLINK Universal Docking Station — Most flexible
- Toshiba Dynadock V3.0+ — Most well-known brand
- Kensington USB 3.0 Dual Display — Most versatile
- Targus USB 3.0 Dual Display with Power — Dock and charge
How to choose the best laptop docking stations
What are the factors to consider when buying the best laptop docking stations?
There are particular features to look for and things to consider when purchasing a dock station.
Here are some things to consider when choosing the ideal laptop docking station to ensure that the money we spend is well spent:
- Connection Type
- Power
- Ports
- Audio/Video Output
- Price
Here’s a little explanation of why these aspects should be taken into consideration:
Connection Type
Connection type is probably the most crucial item on your sorting checklist when looking for a docking station.
Most newer laptops feature USB Type-C connections, which provide a variety of extension choices.
But, keep in mind that you’ll need to know first if your laptop supports Thunderbolt 3 connections before purchasing.
You’ll have to settle for some more basic dock alternatives if you have an older PC or Mac that doesn’t support one of those standards.
Power
If you have a high-powered laptop, make sure that your powered dock can keep up with the demands of your computer and work requirements.
An ideal laptop dock station must provide power to the laptop for a real one-cable connection.
Unfortunately, some less costly docks don’t have this feature because they assume you will use the dock solely for peripheral connections.
Always take time to compare the power requirements of your laptop to the docking station’s maximum power output.
Ports
The ideal dock you should pick will have all of the ports you require, both in terms of type and quantity.
Is the dock you’re contemplating equipped with enough external connectors to connect to your desktop devices?
Pay specific attention to USB ports, which might be Type A or Type C, and can charge or not power devices such as smartphones.
If you need to plug a USB-A device into a USB-C port or vice versa, be prepared to acquire adapters or extra cables for some ports that do not work exactly as expected.
Audio/Video
If you simply need to drive one full HD display with an HDMI cable, any dock will be enough.
When you need support for a 4K or 5K monitor or wish to operate two or more external displays at the same time, you will definitely need a different one.
Having dedicated external speakers and a 3.5-inch connection to plug in an external microphone can drastically improve the quality of your audio.
The difference is apparent and worth paying for, especially if you perform webinars on broadcast media or enjoy vlogging.
Ethernet Port
One of the best features of a docking station is that you can bypass occasionally shaky Wi-Fi connections and connect directly.
Wi-Fi is faster, more consistent, and more secure than a conventional network connection, yet many ultra-slim laptops lack an Ethernet port.
This is when your docking station’s Ethernet port comes in handy.
If you want to use a wired Ethernet connection, connect a cord to the Ethernet port on your docking station or directly to your laptop.
Price
Last but not least, and one of the most important factors to consider when buying any device, is the price.
It’s undeniably true that your capacity to buy will solely depend on your budget.
In reality, the higher the price, the more quality it can provide you with.
Here are the 10 best laptop docking stations; pick the one that will perfectly suit your preferences.
1. Plugable USB-C Triple Display Dock
The Plugable USB-C triple display dock can instantly transform your Windows or Mac laptop into a multi-monitor desktop by adding a single cable.
The best overall laptop docking station.
With its sleek design and features, it’s a little like living in the future when you use this dock station.
The Plugable USB-C supports all of the most recent standards, such as USB Type-C for charging and external displays, as well as a 4K monitor.
This dock is one of the first to employ DisplayPort “Alternate Mode” from the USB-C specification for the primary display output.
This dock is also one of the first to feature USB Power Delivery, allowing it to charge a connected laptop, 2-in-1, or Windows tablet.
If you are looking for a laptop docking station with the Triple Display Dock’s performance and support for three displays at once, the Plugable USB-C Triple Display Dock might be the top pick.
Specifications
Hardware Interface: USB 3.1 Type C, Ethernet, 3.5mm HP/Mic Jack
USB Ports: 4x USB 3.0, 1x USB-C
Display: HDMI 4K @ 30Hz, HDMI and DVI @ 60Hz
Weight: 400g
Dimension: 4.72 x 2.64 x 6.89 inches
Wattage: 60 watts
Pros
- Supports up to 3 monitors
- Single cable
Cons
- Has lesser ports
- Doesn’t work with other Macs
Buy Plugable USB-C Triple Display Dock on Amazon
2. Microsoft Surface Dock 2
The Surface Dock 2 is the next-generation laptop dock from Microsoft.
The best laptop dock station for the Microsoft Surface Pro.
This dock is ideal for use in an office, flexible workstation, or at home.
With a 199W power supply, the Surface Dock 2 turns your Surface into a desktop PC that can charge most Surface devices.
Unfortunately, this dock does not support the original Surface Book, Surface Pro 3, and or Surface 4.
Surface Dock 2 has 15 watts of rapid charging power for phones and accessories.
If you are looking for the best laptop dock station for your MS Pro device, the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 is an excellent choice.
Specifications
Hardware Interface: USB, Ethernet, 3.5mm Audio
USB Ports: USB 3.2 Type-A (2); USB Type-C (4)
Display: SB Type-C; supports up to 2 4K displays at 60Hz
Weight: 3.36 lbs.
Dimension: 5.12 x 2.75 x 1.18 inches
Wattage: 199 watts
Pros
- The power output is 199W
- Dual 4K screens are supported
Cons
- Other Surface models are not supported
- Expensive
Buy Microsoft Surface Dock 2 on Amazon
3. Lenovo Thunderbolt 3
The Lenovo Thunderbolt 3 docking station is a universally compatible docking station that works with Lenovo and other Thunderbolt or USB-C-enabled laptops.
The best laptop dock station for dual monitors.
This dock is small and affordable but can perform like a premium-priced device.
Thunderbolt 3 was designed to increase your productivity with 40 Gbps transfer speeds to enable dual 4K monitors.
The Intel Thunderbolt 3 technology provides you with blazing-fast 10 10 Gbps data rates and a variety of optimized ports.
This dock is an excellent method to connect all of your compatible devices with a single device; small but powerful.
If you are looking for the best laptop dock station for dual monitors, the Lenovo Thunderbolt 3 Essential Dock is a great option.
Specifications
Hardware Interface: USB 3.0, Ethernet, 5mm Audio
USB Ports: USB 3.0 Type-A (2); USB Type-C
Display: HDMI 2.0 (1); DisplayPort 1.4 (1); supports dual 4K displays
Weight: 0.38 kg.
Dimension: 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.08 inches
Wattage: 135 watts
Pros
- Can support 2 4k monitors
- Compatible with Mac Pro and Surface Book
Cons
- The frequency is not that high
- Flickering issues
Buy Lenovo Thunderbolt 3 Essential Dock on Amazon
4. StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Dock
The StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Dock is designed for MacBook Pro or Windows computers with Thunderbolt 3 ports.
The best high-end laptop dock station.
StarTech Docking Stations are called the “most advanced docks ever”, and it is one of the obvious reasons they have a high price.
The Thunderbolt 3 docking station includes a 170W power adapter with Power Delivery capability to power and charges your laptop up to 85W.
This dock is meant to operate with slimmer notebooks and only requires one cord.
It delivers 4K resolutions at up to 60Hz using a single Thunderbolt 3 display.
If you’re looking for a high-end docking station, the StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Dock is an excellent choice.
Specifications
Hardware Interface: Thunderbolt, Ethernet. 3.5mm Mini-jack
USB Ports: USB 3.0, DisplayPort, USB Type A
Display: Supports up to 2 4K displays at 60Hz
Weight: 0.4 kg.
Dimension: 8.66 x 3.15 x 1.06 inches
Wattage: 72 watts
Pros
- Supports 2 4K displays
- Supports 40Gbps speed
Cons
- Expensive
- Poor cable connection
Buy StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Dock on Amazon
5. Kensington SD7000 Surface Pro
The Kensington SD7000 Surface Pro docking station is only compatible with Microsoft Surface Pro 7, 7+, 6, 5, and 4 running Windows 10 and 11.
The best laptop dock station for Thunderbolt.
Unfortunately, they are not compatible with the Surface Pro 8.
The Kensington SD7000 includes all the functionality you’d want, including five USB 3.0 connections, an HDMI port, DisplayPort, and a Gigabit Ethernet port.
The dock’s most notable feature is a hinge that allows you to adjust your display to eye level or even lay it flat for usage with a Surface Pen.
It may be expensive, but surely, you will get more than what you paid for.
If you are looking for the best laptop dock for Thunderbolt, the Kensington SD7000 Surface Pro docking station is the perfect device for you.
Specifications
Hardware Interface: DisplayPort, Ethernet, HDMI, USB 3.0
USB Ports: USB 3.0 (Type-A (4); USB Type-C (1)
Display: Single Monitor @ 60Hz, Dual Monitors @ 30Hz
Weight: 4.9 lbs.
Dimension: 13.4 x 16.1 x 6.5 inches
Pros
- Supports 2 4K monitors
- With Ethernet
Cons
- Expensive
- Can’t charge wirelessly
Buy Kensington SD7000 Surface Pro on Amazon
6. Dell USB 3.0 Ultra HD
Dell USB 3.0 uses a single cable to connect your laptop to up to three extra monitors, different external devices, and the internet.
The best laptop dock station for Dell.
The dock charges accessories through USB but does not charge your laptop.
Dell USB 3.0 is compatible with the majority of the company’s Inspiron laptops.
It’s a simple way to modify your desktop computing experience and increase the possibilities of your portable PC.
It supports 4K displays, and you get a DisplayPort as well as 2 HDMI ports, allowing you to connect up to three external monitors.
Dell USB 3.0 Ultra HD/4K Triple Display docking station offers greater productivity and entertainment choices.
Specifications
Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
USB Ports: USB 3.0 (3), USB 2.0 (2)
Display: Ultra HD 4K displays
Weight: 0.63 lbs.
Dimension: 20.7 x 15 x 11.2 inches
Wattage: 4.5 watts
Pros
- Ultra HD 4K display is supported
- Sleek and compact
Cons
- Lagging mouse
- Perfect with Dell products
Buy Dell USB 3.0 Ultra HD/4K Triple Display on Amazon
7. WAVLINK Universal
The WAVLINK Universal is a highly flexible piece of hardware that works with both Windows and Macs.
The most flexible laptop dock station.
This is a sturdy and adaptable piece of hardware that is surprisingly affordable.
WAVLINK Universal has twin monitor outputs and supports HDMI and DVI/VGA screens with resolutions up to 2048 x 1152 pixels.
There are six USB ports included, two of which are SuperSpeed USB 3.0, and the other four are useful for connecting other hardware.
This dock is very easy to use; simply place it on your desk, plug it and play.
If you are looking for a flexible and versatile laptop dock station, the WAVLINK Universal Docking Station is the perfect fit for you.
Specifications
Hardware Interface: USB, VGA, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.0, 4 x USB 2.0
Display: HDMI @ 50Hz, DVI/VGA @ 60Hz
Weight: 250g
Dimension: 3.15 x 1.97 x 5.51 inches
Wattage: 24 watts
Pros
- Affordable price
- Lots of USB inputs
Cons
- Only 1 HDMI port is available
- Limited warranty
Buy WAVLINK Universal Docking Station on Amazon
8. Toshiba Dynadock V3.0+
The Dynadock V3.0+ is designed for Windows laptop customers who desire more features.
The most well-known brand for laptop dock station.
It is one of Toshiba’s most popular laptop products.
Dynadock V3.0+ has an upright shape, so it won’t take up too much space on your desk.
The dock has 4 USB 3.0 connections, a DVI connector, and an Ethernet port, and it just has one cord for mobility and convenience of use.
The upright design of the device saves space and comes at a reasonable price.
If you are looking for a famous docking station for a laptop, you will always hear about the Toshiba Dynadock V3.0+.
Specifications
Hardware Interface: USB 3.0, DVI, Ethernet
USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0
Display: HDMI
Weight: 7.05 ounces
Dimension: 4.33 x 6.22 x 3.39 inches
Wattage: 45 watts
Pros
- Easy-to-use
- Portable
Cons
- Limited USB ports
- Awkward USB port location
Buy Toshiba Dynadock V3.0+ on Amazon
9. Kensington USB 3.0
The Kensington USB 3.0 boosts productivity without taking up a lot of room on your desk or losing style.
The most versatile and portable laptop docking station.
This dock is best for USB 3.0 laptops, Ultrabooks, Windows tablets, as well as 2K monitors.
The Kensington USB 3.0 turns 1 USB port into 6, allowing you to connect your keyboard, mouse, printer, and other accessories.
It looks great next to your laptop and is reasonably priced, making it one of the best laptop docking stations currently available.
This docking station can turn your MacBook, MacBook Air, or any ultra-slim laptop into a productivity machine.
If you are looking for a versatile and portable dock station rolled into one, the Kensington USB 3.0 Dual Display docking station is the perfect pick.
Specifications
Hardware Interface: USB, VGA
USB Ports: 2 SuperSpeed USB 3.0
Display: Dual Display @ 60Hz, single display @ 60Hz
Weight: 3.36 lbs.
Dimension: 3 x 9.5 x 6.5 inches
Pros
- Plug and play
- Value for your money
Cons
- Connectivity problem
- Don’t work with new Macs
Buy The Kensington USB 3.0 Dual Docking Station on Amazon
10. Targus USB 3.0
The Targus USB 3.0 features dual video connections with resolutions of up to 2048 x 1152 pixels.
The dock and charge laptop docking station.
It offers a quick and simple “One Touch” USB connection at USB 3.0 SuperSpeed.
Targus USB 3.0 includes built-in laptop recharging capabilities that work with most 90W computers.
With the resolution it offers, it can deliver excellent picture quality to up to two external screens without any distortion or delay.
There is no Type C socket, but Targus sells a multiplexer adaptor that converts this docking station to USB-C.
If you are looking for a docking station with charging capability as well, you will never go wrong with the Targus USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Dual Display Video docking station.
Specifications
Hardware Interface: USB, HDMI, DVI, 3.5mm Mini-jack, Ethernet
USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x powered USB 2.0 & 2 USB 2.0
Display: Dual screen up to 2048 x 1152 resolution
Weight: 1.44 kg.
Dimension: 7.87 x 15 x 18.9 inches
Wattage: 90 watts
Pros
- Fast USB connectivity
- Great value
Cons
- Adaptor is required for the Ethernet cable.
- No Type C socket
Buy Targus USB 3.0 Dual Display with Power on Amazon
Conclusions
The best laptop docking stations will convert your laptop into a powerhouse on the go.
A docking station is a compact device that sits on your desk and connects to other devices you want to keep close at hand.
Why are laptop docking stations important?
Docking stations are important, so laptop users should consider purchasing them.
If your laptop doesn’t have enough ports, you need a USB hub or docking station to connect to an external monitor or move data around.
A USB docking station turns your laptop into a desktop computer that can connect to displays, the internet, printers, and other accessories.
This list of the best laptop docking stations will turn your trusted laptop into a fully functional work computer.
I can say that the Plugable USB-C Triple Display Dock is the best laptop docking station considering its features and usage.
This was my overall recommendation for selecting the best laptop docking station for your needs.
Which power bank do you believe is the best dock for a graphic designer? — Please leave a comment.
