These handy peripherals can effectively turn your laptop into a feature-packed desktop replacement. Its latest USB 3.0 model can be used with MacBook or Windows laptops. With the best laptop docking stations, you can have the best of both worlds: a portable laptop that has the connectivity of a bulkier desktop PC. The CalDigit USB-C HDMI Dock is the newest addition to their impressive lineup of laptop docking stations… You also get a DVI connector and adapters to use it with either HDMI or VGA leads, and there’s an optional multi-display adapter for hooking up more than one monitor. Dell’s USB 3.0 dock exemplifies this. That’s while keeping things slim in the form factor department. The CalDigit TS3 Plus is our top pick for a laptop docking station thanks to its wide selection of ports, including five USB-A 3.1, two Thunderbolt 3, two USB-C, and Ethernet, all contained … Make sure you check out our guide to the best laptops as well, where we highlight the top devices money can buy. Brydge 12.3 Pro+ docking station - $149.99 $129.99 direct The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. As with the Belkin dock, we have some minor concern about the durability of any integrated Thunderbolt cable that can't be replaced, but that might not be a worry for folks who just want a compact dock that supports dual displays. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-docking-stations-for-windows-laptops Sometimes the best laptop docking station is simply the one that's small enough to take with you. New York, Many professionals have moved from office desks to home offices and back again. Our guide to the top desktop docking solutions will keep you ultra-productive when you're in the office...wherever that is nowadays. Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning. This docking station … Keep an eye on your inbox! StarTech claims its Thunderbolt 3 docking station is the most advanced dock ever. TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. The Dual 4K Docking Station gives you two USB-C ports, four USB-A 3.0 ports, two HDMI ports, two DisplayPorts, Gigabit Ethernet, and front-mounted 3.5mm jacks for audio output and microphone input. It is compatible with both Windows and macOS laptops. The included power adapter supports 60-watt power delivery. Heard of the spy who came in from the cold? If you own one, you’ll be happy to learn that you can also reap the rewards offered by a docking station. Using one of the best laptop docking stations on the market is a simple and affordable way to expand the functionality of your laptop, while making it easier and more comfortable to work on. The Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station for Windows makes for a strong budget option for those who want extra connections. © By It includes a 100-watt-capable power supply for keeping power-hungry laptops and peripherals charged. Here's the laptop that came in from the road. It is equipped with a 4,000-mAh battery, so you can take it … If the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core didn't have enough features for you, the company's $299.99 Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro might be just what you need. The Pro Dock delivers a whole smorgasbord of ports and slots: a full-size SD card reader, a MicroSD card slot, separate headset-audio and headphone-only jacks, four USB 3.1 ports (two Type-A, two Type-C), a Thunderbolt 3 pass-through, a DisplayPort, and a Gigabit Ethernet jack. So far, it has over 69% positive reviews on Amazon, with users … Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. This device will let you transform one USB port into six (it sports four USB 2.0 ports around the back, and a pair of USB 3.0 affairs on the front). While most of the docking stations in this review do well on the first front, only a … That’s not all, though. There's also an Ethernet port, as well as earphone and mic audio sockets. The Surface Dock will let you turn your Surface convertible into a fully-fledged desktop PC. It’s compatible with the Surface Pro 3, Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book. Beyond the display connectivity, you get two USB-C ports (good for data only), plus three USB-A 3.0 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet jack, and a headset audio jack. The Wavlink USB 3.0 Dual Display Docking Station has been praised by many primarily for its compatibility with most laptops. The Surface line-up of tablet hybrids demonstrates this perfectly. Leave this small docking station on your desk with the included power adapter. However, that’s not all. The best laptop docking station is the one that fits your workflow and lifestyle. Bottom line: If you want a Thunderbolt 3 docking solution that's easy to carry with you, this is another good choice—and if you prefer HDMI to DisplayPort, there's a $168.99 version with two HDMI outputs. As the name suggests, it supports dual 4K displays (at 60Hz) and harnesses the raw power of Thunderbolt 3, offering 40Gbps bandwidth while keeping portability in mind. Well, you need to make sure that whatever solution you’re looking at will provide any features and ports you may need in your day-to-day workload. When you’re shopping for docks, pay attention to what connections the docking station offers so you’ll know … This is an ideal docking solution for photographers and videographers using SD and microSD cards to transfer images and video files to the PC for editing. The model UTD01 dock delivers one pass-through Thunderbolt 3 port, four USB 3.0 Type-A ports, a single DisplayPort with 4K/60Hz support, a Gigabit Ethernet jack, both SD card and microSD card reader slots, and a headset audio jack. The Hiearcool docking station is one of the best docking stations due to its light-weight feature and easy portability. One Thunderbolt 3 port connects to your laptop, and the SD5300t provides five USB 3.1 Type-A ports, one SD card reader, a Gigabit Ethernet jack, and a headset audio jack, as well as another Thunderbolt 3 port and one HDMI port, both of which support external monitors. Sometimes being able to connect a whole heap of USB devices is more important than having just one Thunderbolt 3 port. Sometimes the best laptop docking station is the one small enough to take with you. Best Sellers in Laptop Docking Stations #1. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, 2 Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, DisplayPort, USB Type A, 2 3.5mm mini jack, USB 3.0, HDMI, DVI, USB 2.0, 2 3.5mm mini jack, USB 3.0, HDMI, DVI, USB 2.0, Ethernet port, 2 x Mini DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, 4 x USB 3.0, audio-out jack, 3x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, DisplayPort, 2x HDMI, Ethernet, 2 x audio jack, 2 x USB 3.0, 4 x USB 2.0, HDMI, Ethernet, audio, 2x HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, 2x USB Type A, 2x USB-C, 3.5mm, SD card reader, Kensington lock, 2x USB 3.0, USB 2.0, VGA, HDMI, Ethernet, 2 x audio jack, 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, HDMI, Ethernet, audio, 5 productivity gadgets that your laptop will love, PS5 scalpers want you to feel sorry for them – and yes, they’re being serious, Where to buy PS5: all the latest restock updates, iOS 14.5 update: the best new features set to come to your iPhone, Apple's adaptation of Asimov's Foundation series gets a launch date, Citymarket saamassa erän PS5-konsoleita – osto-oikeuksien arvonta käynnissä, Xbox hints at ‘exciting’ platform updates coming to Series X and Series S in future, StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Dual-4K Docking Station, Targus USB 3.0 Dual Video Docking Station with Power, Dell USB 3.0 UHD Triple Video Docking Station, Plugable UD-3900 Universal Laptop Docking Station. It provides a variety of connectivity options for Windows laptops and MacBooks: you get a pair of USB 3.0 ports (one of which has power for charging) and a USB 2.0 port, along with VGA and HDMI ports, Ethernet, plus speaker and mic jacks. He lives with his wife, children and two giant dogs near Cincinnati, Ohio. So, what do you need to look for when shopping for the best laptop docking stations? Telecommuting is more prevalent in today’s workforce than ever before. Since leaving Notebook Review, Jerry has thrived as a freelance technical writer and digital marketing consultant. Of course, as a Kensington product, the SD5300T comes with Kensington Standard and Nano security-cable lockdown slots to keep your docking station secure. The Kensington SD2000P is a solid overall docking station if you need something portable and small, but being small comes at a price, as the dock is only able to power up to one 4K monitor at … Although this docking station is relatively compact (1.3 by 10.6 by 3.2 inches), it also features a cable lock slot if you're worried about physical security in your home or office. The dock (model TB3DKM2DP) connects to your laptop via an integrated Thunderbolt 3 cable and converts a single Thunderbolt 3 port into two DisplayPorts capable of outputting 4K (4,096-by-2,160-pixel) resolution at 60Hz on two external monitors. The StarTech.com Triple Monitor USB 3.0 Docking Station (model USB3DOCKH2DP) is a robust USB 3.0 docking solution for older laptops that don't have Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C ports. you can hook up and share things between a Windows notebook and MacBook). The $149 Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core is a compact (1.2 by 3.9 by 3.9 inches, HWD) docking station that you can easily carry everywhere with your notebook. The i-Box Smart Table is a highly functional piece of furniture that not only looks great, but offers excellent sound quality. Read the full review: Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock. Many comparable charging stations have USB ports but leave it up to you to use your existing cables (that are probably much longer than they need to be) or to buy new, shorter cables that fit the station. While not as … A USB-C docking station with a DisplayPort connection may just be what you need if you want to enjoy high-resolution content. It supports both 2.5” … Compatible with both macOS and Windows laptops, the Belkin Dock Core converts a single Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port into one DisplayPort and one HDMI port (both supporting 4K UHD monitors at 60Hz), one USB-C PD, two USB-A ports, one audio in/out jack, and a Gigabit Ethernet jack. The OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock is a portable docking station that turns a single Thunderbolt 3 port into a desktop-worthy array of one USB 3.1 Type-A port, one USB 2.0 Type-A port, two HDMI ports (both supporting 4K displays), and a Gigabit Ethernet port. Jerry Jackson, former Site Editor of Notebook Review and Managing Editor of the TechnologyGuide Group, is a technology writer with more than a decade of experience. The docking solution built into the enclosure provides you with two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a single USB 3.1 Type-C port, and an HDMI port. Kevin talks about different docks user scenarios and key differentiators - find out which docking station is the right one for you. There's never been a better time to upgrade your work-from-home setup with a docking station that transforms your laptop into a more comfortable … The HDMI port can support a single display of up to 2560x1440, though if two displays are set up this reduces the maximum resolution to 1920x1200. The device has been designed to work with thinner notebooks and uses only one cord. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. It’s not a perfect dock, and Corsair’s quality control could be better as some users have experienced intermittent disconnections, but those without issues have a robust docking station ideal for multi-tasking. However, if you want to use two external monitors at once, both will be limited to 4,096 by 2,160 resolution. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. So even if you’ve forgotten your charger, you’ll be good to go with this nifty device. However, it is only compatible for Windows machines. It also offers 85W charging ideal for 15-inch laptops and smaller. The DisplayPort supports up to 4,096-by-2,160-pixel resolution at 60Hz, while the Thunderbolt 3 port can drive an external monitor at up to 5,120 by 2,880 pixels at 60Hz. It also delivers up to 60 watts of upstream charging (if your laptop supports USB-C host charging). NY 10036. Brian Turner With this smart-looking docking station from Brydge, you can effectively turn your Surface Pro tablet into a 2-in-1 laptop. The Kensington family of docking stations has a long history of wide compatibility, and the Kensington SD5300T ($209.99) is no exception. If one 4K monitor isn't enough to satisfy your desktop computing needs, the Wavlink UG69PD2 USB-C Dual 4K Docking Station ($269.99) could be the right fit for you. It can be used with up to three USB 3.0 devices and you also get Gigabit Ethernet capability. One lucky winner will collect this once-in-a-lifetime prize chest. Often, docking stations require multiple leads, but StarTech’s latest offering avoids that. Visit our corporate site. There are also no less than six USB ports, two of which are Superspeed USB 3.0, with the other four being USB 2.0 for use with other hardware such as printers, keyword, scanner, or a digital camera. This dock doesn’t come particularly cheap, though. With this guide, we’ll dive into all the best laptop docking stations that’ll give you everything you need to stay productive and to turn your trusted laptop into a fully-featured work machine. The Best Docking Stations for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Laptops, How to Connect Your Laptop to Your TV for Games, Movies, or as a Second Monitor. $125.82 #2. Besides supporting up to 5K resolution (5,120 by 2,880 pixels at 60Hz) on a single DisplayPort monitor, this dock supports two 4K (4,096 by 2,160 at 60Hz) external displays using both HDMI and DisplayPort. The latest version of the Wavlink Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station ($209.99) supports 85-watt Thunderbolt 3 host charging and converts a single Thunderbolt 3 port into a desktop-worthy baker's dozen of ports. The specs include a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 (5Gbps) link from PC to dual video, as well as connections for Ethernet, audio input/output, and two USB 3.0 ports. Although there are universal laptop docking stations out there, of course, many models are built by manufacturers for their own notebooks. The compact (0.7 by 4.9 by 2.6 inches, HWD) aluminum dock also includes OWC's Dock Ejector software, which safely disconnects external drives connected to the dock and ensures all data is written before disconnection. Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Docking Station with 90W PD is easily the best Thunderbolt 4 docking station. This affordable Targus station is an excellent pick for those who have or appreciate smaller setups: If you don’t really need to connect to two UHD monitors at once, the dock supports a … The Plugable TBT3-UDC1 Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Dual Docking Station ($199) converts a single Thunderbolt 3 port into lots of USB, plus two DisplayPorts for connecting dual monitors. Your subscription has been confirmed. Buying guide for best laptop docking stations. Sometimes, work can get done on a coffee or kitchen table, but at other times, you need a proper desktop-style setup with multiple monitors, more USB ports, and maybe even a Gigabit Ethernet jack for a more stable internet connection. You also get a Kensington-style security-cable lockdown notch to keep your docking station tethered to your desk. Plus, the SD card reader is rated at UHS-II transfer speeds to help you upload high-res images and video faster. 11 December 2020, Turn your laptop into a PC with the best docking stations around. The Wavlink Universal Docking Station is a very versatile piece of kit that is compatible not just with Windows machines but also Intel-based Macs. © 1996-2021 Ziff Davis, LLC. As the name indicates, the Anker Docking Station allows you to connect two monitors using HDMI and DVI … NEW Microsoft Surface Dock 2 4.6 out of 5 stars … https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-docking-stations-for-windows-laptops, How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad, How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill, How to Find Free Tools to Optimize Your Small Business, How to Get Started With Project Management, The Best MacBook Docking Stations for 2021, 10 Top-Rated Standing Desks for Your Work-From-Home Setup, 6 Top Laptop Stands to Help You Work Better From Home, Microsoft Patent Suggests We May Get a Surface Cooling Dock, Asus Adds RGB Lighting to a Laptop Backpack, Panasonic Refreshes Rugged Laptop Toughbook 31. This is a strong and flexible piece of hardware that comes in at a surprisingly low price. Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, Kensington is a well-known and respected brand which has developed a reputation for its docking stations. Help us find out how has the pandemic affected our readers and how they work? (£129.99/AU$199.99) Elgato has made a name for itself in recent years with a wide range of USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 hub and docking solutions, and the company's $349.99 Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock is another impressive desktop docking device. Targus offers this Dual Video Docking Station which won’t break the bank, and comes with integrated laptop recharging facilities that are compatible with most 90W notebooks. Making this transient work-life more convenient are laptop docking stations. Nicholas Fearn, Kensington has stepped into the modern age with a compact Thunderbolt 3 dock in the form of the SD2500T Thunderbolt 3 Dual 4K Hybrid Nano Dock ($199.99). Some laptop makers, such as Dell and Lenovo, offer up "official" branded docks for their fleets of computers. This accessory will set you back £312, which is a hefty whack, but not a bad investment if you’re in the market for a powerful dock. There was a problem. We'll be concentrating on those here. When not writing about technology or helping clients find more effective ways to market their products and services, Jerry spends his time playing PC games with his kids and remodeling his home. Much like the Belkin Dock Core, the StarTech.com Mini Thunderbolt 3 Dock ($153.99) is a travel-friendly docking solution for owners of modern laptops with Thunderbolt 3 ports. It has multiple ports that let you dock up to 10 devices at once, and the silicone rubber pad provides scratch protection while securing the placement of your device. The best part: this charging station actually comes with its own cables. The enclosure also features a security cable lock slot to protect the valuable data stored on the RAID enclosure when you're away from your desk. Please refresh the page and try again. (If you have a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, see our rundown of best MacBook docking stations.) T&Cs apply, prize details can be found here. For an ultra-slim, vertically-oriented USB 3.0 dock, consider this product by Anker. There is also a DVI connector (with adapters for HDMI or VGA) along with an Ethernet port, and the dock uses one cable connection for ease-of-use and portability. A more expensive option for a permanent setup at your desk, this model offers more ports and charging without the need for an extra power adapter. There’s also a nifty ‘wormhole’ USB connection that allows you to hook up another computer – as well as your initial laptop – and do things like share files by simply dragging and dropping them across from machine to machine. This can also be used to share your keyboard and mouse between devices, and works cross-platform (i.e. The device has an external SATA-Drive Bay station which gives a super speed-USB 3.0 which has a transfer speed of up to 5 GB in every second. https://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-laptop-docking-stations This port-packed docking station is compatible with both Windows and macOS and converts a single Thunderbolt 3 port into five USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one USB 3.1 Type-C port, one Thunderbolt 3 port, a Gigabit Ethernet jack, an SD card slot, an audio jack, and a DisplayPort 1.4 output supporting dual 4K panels or a single 5K display at 60Hz. Dell bundles an HDMI to DVI adapter, to support older displays still using DVI, and this dock also boasts an Ethernet port along with audio/headphone jacks. The best laptop docking stations are those that offer customers two things: plenty of options and reliability. This $291.99 gadget gives you one HDMI port and two DisplayPorts for connecting up to three monitors to your notebook. The dock stands 0.9 inch tall and has an 8.9-by-3.3-inch footprint. There's also a single USB 3.0 Type-A port and a Gigabit Ethernet jack to help you stay connected. The Dynadock V3.0 is one of the firm’s most popular offerings, and is targeted at Windows laptop users who want to benefit from expanded capabilities. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. Sign up to get breaking news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more, plus the hottest tech deals! It has a decent number of external ports: HDMI, DVI-I, 2 х USB … In back are 85- and 15-watt Thunderbolt 3 ports and in front is an 18-watt USB-C power delivery port. The only potential design concern we have with this docking station is part of what makes it so small: The integrated 6.8-inch Thunderbolt 3 cable cannot be replaced. Thank you for signing up to TechRadar. It has more ports and 90W power delivery, perfect for most users. As the name suggests, 4K screens are catered for, and you get a DisplayPort along with a pair of HDMI ports, meaning you can hook up a total of three external monitors (one of them 4K) if you wish. This dock supports MacBooks and Windows laptops and provides you with one USB-C port, two DisplayPorts, three USB 3.2 Type-A ports, a Gigabit Ethernet jack, a 3.5mm audio jack, an SD card reader, and even a microSD card reader. This Docking-Station is portable & easy to utilize. Additional limitations are that it cannot be mixed with non-DisplayLink USB graphic adapters, such as MCT, j5, or SMSC. CalDigit, the brains behind the best Thunderbolt 3 docking station in the market, is back with another Thunderbolt dock. So be careful how you handle the cable if you drag the dock around your local Starbucks. Check out TechRadar Pro's remote working survey. It includes dual display outputs for monitors, and it supports HMDI and DVI/VGA displays with resolutions of up to 2048 x 1152. PCMag Digital Group. If you don't want to manage a pack of dongles and adapters for everything from external displays to USB hubs, a docking station is your best solution short of buying a whole separate desktop PC. Take a look at this article to discover the best laptop docks with … The pass-through hub built into the docking station gives you five USB 3.0 Type-A ports, as well as a Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 port, a headset jack, and separate 3.5mm audio and mic jacks. The docking stations in this list of the best laptop docking stations let you expand the connectivity options of your laptop, making it an even more versatile machine by adding ports such as additional USB ports, Ethernet LAN ports and video connections as well. Fast, easy to use, and massively effective, the Sabrent External Hard Drive Lay-Flat Docking Station is our top choice for the best hard drive dock currently available. Like most docking stations nowadays, the Dynadock offers USB 3.0 ports, although more than many as you get four of these here. The PowerExpand Elite is part USB-C dock and part charging station. You can hook up two displays to this dock, and in terms of ports, you get a pair of USB 3.0 ports, alongside a pair of USB 2.0 connectors, plus two powered USB 2.0 ports, and Gigabit Ethernet. Microsoft is a company known primarily for its software prowess, but in recent years, it has been increasingly working on the hardware front. But you can also find a whole world of third-party docks with extra features, unique designs, and (sometimes) lower prices. This IOGEAR USB docking station … Dell USB 3.0 Ultra HD/4K Triple Display Docking Station (D3100), Black 4.5 out of 5 stars 4,149. It also doesn't support DVI dual-link or Displayport connections, HDCP, or the playback of protected Blu-ray disks. He covers Windows PCs and Macs in addition to various peripherals. The Hiearcool … If you’re willing to splurge on the docking station, Corsair’s TBT100 is an excellent option with a host of ports that will let you connect up to two 4K monitors, two USB-C devices, and a UHS-II SD card reader, to start. The included 170-watt power adapter allows the Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro to provide up to 85 watts of power for fast charging of power-hungry laptops. (Supported resolutions include dual 4K panels at 60Hz with Thunderbolt 3, and dual 4K panels at 30Hz with USB-C.). Although it's not a traditional docking station, the G-Technology G-RAID with Thunderbolt 3 (from $629.95 with 8TB to $1,449.95 with 28TB) is a dual-drive RAID enclosure with an integrated Thunderbolt 3 dock built into the back. This time with support for the latest Thunderbolt 4 specification. The Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock ($259.99) turns a Thunderbolt 3 port into nine ports: two data-only USB-C ports, two data-only USB-A ports, two DisplayPorts supporting 4K at 60Hz, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a headset audio jack, and an SD card reader. The USB-C Pro Dock doesn’t have a second Thunderbolt port like the TS3 Plus, and it includes fewer USB ports, but it works with both Thunderbolt 3– and USB-C–equipped computers. Targus also offers a Multiplexer Adaptor which makes this docking station USB-C compatible. When you connect a single Thunderbolt 3 cable (included), you'll have instant access to three USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, two DisplayPorts (supporting dual 4K panels at 60Hz), a headset jack, and a Gigabit Ethernet jack. The best laptop docking stations are especially handy for remote workers - of which there are now many. It sits nicely next to your laptop, and is affordably priced – it really is one of the best laptop docking stations around right now. This means you'll have to tolerate a background whirring sound while you're working at your desk. There’s also the ability to charge mobile devices, and you benefit from Direct DisplayPort integration. This is especially important if you've got a laptop with limited ports, such as a MacBook. And because the Dynadock sports an upright design, it’ll fit nicely on even the most cramped desk environment. As we transition from the days of sheltering in place, computing on a laptop is taking on new norms and forms. In theory this means you can expand you laptop to have three display monitors. The Kensington SD7000 Docking Station is the best dock you can buy for the Surface Pro (including the new Surface Pro 7) and Surface Go right now, featuring an excellent design, plenty of … The 10 Best Ssd Docking Stations 9,922 reviews scanned The 10 Best Hdd Docking Stations 6,469 reviews scanned Product comparison table # Product Name Popularity Score Quality Score $27,000 worth of prizes up for grabs. This docking station supports desktop which includes 2.5 inches & 3.5 inches SATA-hard drives.