Best Docking Station

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Docking stations are essential accessories for expanding the connectivity options of laptops and tablets, making it easy to connect multiple peripherals and external displays through a single cable. Perfect for those who switch between desk work and portability, a good docking station can transform your laptop into a fully-equipped workstation with extra USB ports, video outputs, and even Ethernet connections, allowing seamless use of a keyboard, mouse, monitor, and more without constant cable swapping. When selecting a docking station, ensure it’s compatible with your device’s connection type (USB-C, Thunderbolt, etc.) and offers the right mix of ports for your needs. We tested numerous models to find the best options for different setups and requirements.

  • Anker Prime 14-Port Powerhouse

    10

    We think this Anker docking station is a top choice for users needing a versatile, high-powered hub for their workstation.

    10

    We think this Anker docking station is a top choice for users needing a versatile, high-powered hub for their workstation.

    Pros

    • Impressive 160W total power output
    • Loads of ports for connectivity
    • Smart display for easy monitoring

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to simpler docks
    • Large footprint on desk
    • Some setup complexity for new users

    We recently got our hands on the Anker Prime 14-Port docking station, and it’s a beast. This thing packs a serious punch with its 160W power output. We plugged in our laptop, tablet, and phone all at once, and it charged them without breaking a sweat.

    The number of ports on this dock is mind-boggling. We connected two 4K monitors, our ethernet cable, and still had room for USB drives and other gadgets. The data transfer speeds were zippy too – we moved large files in no time.

    One feature we really liked was the smart display. It showed us power levels and connection info at a glance. No more guessing which port is doing what. The dock is built like a tank, with a solid weight that keeps it in place on the desk. It’s not the prettiest thing, but it gets the job done.

  • Plugable Triple Monitor Dock

    9.7

    We recommend this versatile docking station for professionals who need to expand their laptop’s capabilities across multiple displays.

    9.7

    We recommend this versatile docking station for professionals who need to expand their laptop’s capabilities across multiple displays.

    Pros

    • Supports triple monitor setup
    • Powerful 100W laptop charging
    • Wide compatibility with various devices

    Cons

    • Requires driver installation for macOS
    • HDCP not supported
    • Main display limited to 4K 30Hz

    We tested the Plugable 13-in-1 USB-C docking station and were impressed by its ability to transform our workspace. The dock connected seamlessly to our laptop, giving us access to three extra screens. This setup really boosted our productivity during long work sessions.

    The 100W charging power kept our laptop running all day without needing to switch to a separate charger. We liked having the extra USB ports handy for our peripherals. The front USB-C port was great for quickly charging our phone too.

    Setting up the dock was pretty simple. We plugged it in, downloaded the needed drivers, and were up and running in no time. The dock worked well with our Windows laptop and our colleague’s MacBook. It’s nice to have a solution that plays well with different systems. While the main display tops out at 4K 30Hz, we found the image quality more than good enough for most tasks.

  • Anker 575 13-in-1 Dock

    9.5

    We think the Anker 575 is a solid choice for most users seeking a versatile docking station with ample ports and charging capabilities.

    9.5

    We think the Anker 575 is a solid choice for most users seeking a versatile docking station with ample ports and charging capabilities.

    Pros

    • Extensive port selection
    • Dual charging for laptop and phone
    • Supports triple display output

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to some alternatives
    • Bulky power adapter
    • Limited display options for macOS users

    The Anker 575 docking station packs a punch with its 13-in-1 design. We found the port selection impressive, covering all the bases for our daily needs. The 85W USB-C port charged our laptop quickly, while the 18W USB-C port took care of our phone at the same time.

    We were pleased with the video output options. The dock let us connect three monitors, which was great for multitasking. Keep in mind, though, that Mac users will see the same content on all screens due to system limitations.

    The build quality feels sturdy, and we like the mix of ports on the front and back. It’s handy for quick access to commonly used inputs. The included power adapter is a bit bulky, but it delivers enough juice to power the dock and connected devices.

  • Plugable Dual 4K Dock

    9.4

    We think this docking station is a solid choice for Windows and Chromebook users who need dual 4K displays and versatile connectivity.

    9.4

    We think this docking station is a solid choice for Windows and Chromebook users who need dual 4K displays and versatile connectivity.

    Pros

    • Easy plug-and-play setup
    • Supports two 4K 60Hz displays
    • 65W power delivery for laptop charging

    Cons

    • Not ideal for Mac users
    • Limited USB ports on the front
    • Bulky power adapter

    We tested the Plugable USB-C Docking Station, and it left us impressed. The plug-and-play setup was a breeze. We simply connected it to our laptop, and it worked right away without any driver installs.

    The dual 4K HDMI outputs are the star of the show. We hooked up two monitors and got crisp, clear 4K visuals at 60Hz. This setup was great for multitasking, letting us spread out our work across three screens (counting the laptop display).

    We liked the 65W power delivery, which kept our laptop charged while we worked. The Ethernet port gave us a stable internet connection, and the audio jack was handy for our headphones.

    One small gripe: we wished for more front-facing USB ports. The dock’s back has most of the connections, which can be a bit awkward to reach. Also, the power brick is quite large, so it took up some space under our desk.

    All in all, we found this dock to be a solid performer for our Windows laptop. It’s not the best fit for Macs, but for Windows and Chromebook users needing a reliable dual-monitor setup, it’s a strong pick.

  • WAVLINK Universal Dock

    9.3

    We recommend this versatile docking station for its wide compatibility and ability to connect dual 4K displays.

    9.3

    We recommend this versatile docking station for its wide compatibility and ability to connect dual 4K displays.

    Pros

    • Works with both USB-A and USB-C laptops
    • Supports dual 4K monitors at 60Hz
    • Six USB 3.0 ports for peripherals

    Cons

    • Doesn’t charge laptops
    • Requires manual driver installation
    • Not ideal for gaming or video editing

    We tested the WAVLINK Universal Dock and found it to be a solid choice for expanding laptop connectivity. It’s great for home offices or work setups where you need to connect multiple displays and devices.

    The dock’s standout feature is its ability to drive two 4K monitors at 60Hz through HDMI or DisplayPort. We hooked up two 4K screens and got crisp, smooth visuals for everyday tasks. The six USB 3.0 ports came in handy for plugging in our keyboard, mouse, and other gadgets.

    One downside is that it won’t charge your laptop, so you’ll need to keep your power adapter handy. We also had to manually install drivers, which was a bit of a hassle. While it works well for most tasks, it’s not the best pick for demanding graphics work or gaming.

  • LIONWEI 13-in-1 USB-C Hub

    9.1

    We think this versatile docking station is a great choice for most laptop users who need extra ports and multiple display options.

    9.1

    We think this versatile docking station is a great choice for most laptop users who need extra ports and multiple display options.

    Pros

    • Supports triple displays with 4K@60Hz output
    • Fast 10Gbps data transfer and 100W power delivery
    • 13 ports cover most connectivity needs

    Cons

    • Can run a bit hot during heavy use
    • Mac users limited to single external display
    • Plastic build feels less premium than some options

    We’ve been using this LIONWEI hub for a few weeks now, and it’s quickly become our go-to for expanding laptop connectivity. The 13 ports give us plenty of options for plugging in devices and displays. We love that it can drive two 4K monitors at 60Hz, which is great for productivity.

    The USB-C ports with 100W power delivery are a standout feature. We can charge our laptop while using all the other ports, which is super handy. Data transfer speeds are zippy too – we moved large files quickly using the 10Gbps USB 3.1 port.

    One thing to note: it did get warm during extended use. Not alarmingly so, but noticeable. Mac users should also be aware that they’re limited to just one external display in extended mode. For Windows users though, this hub is a powerhouse. We found it worked seamlessly with our Dell, HP, and Lenovo laptops.

  • Anker 553 USB-C Hub

    9

    We think this versatile hub is a great choice for most users looking to expand their laptop’s connectivity options.

    9

    We think this versatile hub is a great choice for most users looking to expand their laptop’s connectivity options.

    Pros

    • Wide range of ports
    • Dual 4K HDMI support
    • Compact and portable design

    Cons

    • Short cable length
    • Only two USB-A ports
    • Requires external power for full functionality

    We’ve been using the Anker 553 USB-C Hub for a few weeks now, and it’s been a game-changer for our workspace. The hub’s 8-in-1 design packs a lot of features into a small package. We love how it lets us connect multiple devices to our laptop with just one USB-C port.

    The dual HDMI ports are a standout feature. We were able to easily set up two external monitors, giving us plenty of screen real estate for multitasking. The video quality is great, with 4K support at 30Hz on both displays.

    One thing to note is the cable length. It’s a bit short, which can be tricky if your laptop’s USB-C port isn’t close to where you want to place the hub. We ended up buying an extension cable to solve this issue.

    The Ethernet port is another nice touch. We noticed faster and more stable internet speeds compared to Wi-Fi. The SD card reader came in handy for quickly transferring photos from our camera.

    While the hub only has two USB-A ports, they worked well for our keyboard and mouse. The 85W power delivery is enough to charge most laptops, though you’ll need a separate charger to take full advantage of this feature.

    FeatureSpecification
    USB-C Ports1 (Power Delivery)
    USB-A Ports2
    HDMI Ports2
    Ethernet1 Gbps
    Card ReaderSD/microSD
    Max Power Delivery85W
  • Dell WD19S Dock

    8.7

    We think the Dell WD19S is a solid choice for most users seeking a versatile docking station with ample connectivity options.

    8.7

    We think the Dell WD19S is a solid choice for most users seeking a versatile docking station with ample connectivity options.

    Pros

    • Multiple display outputs
    • High-power delivery
    • Plenty of USB ports

    Cons

    • Bulky design
    • Pricey compared to some alternatives
    • May require driver updates

    The Dell WD19S docking station impressed us with its array of ports. We found it easy to connect multiple monitors using the two DisplayPort outputs and HDMI port. This setup allowed us to spread our work across several screens, boosting our productivity.

    We appreciated the 90W power delivery, which charged our laptop quickly while we worked. The dock’s five USB ports came in handy too. We plugged in our keyboard, mouse, and external hard drive with room to spare for other devices.

    Setting up the WD19S was mostly smooth sailing. We did need to update some drivers to get everything working perfectly, but it wasn’t too time-consuming. The dock felt sturdy on our desk, though its size might be an issue for those with limited space. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, we think its performance justifies the price for many users.

  • TobenONE Triple Monitor Dock

    8.7

    We think this docking station is a great choice for users who need to connect multiple monitors and devices to their laptop.

    8.7

    We think this docking station is a great choice for users who need to connect multiple monitors and devices to their laptop.

    Pros

    • Supports up to three 4K displays
    • Powerful 100W laptop charging
    • Wide compatibility with various devices

    Cons

    • Requires driver installation
    • Limited to three monitors on macOS
    • Large power brick

    We tested the TobenONE docking station and were impressed by its ability to handle multiple displays. It let us connect three 4K monitors to our laptop with no lag or flickering. The image quality was crisp and clear across all screens.

    The dock’s 18 ports gave us plenty of options for connecting our devices. We plugged in external hard drives, a keyboard, and a mouse with no issues. The front-facing USB-C port was handy for quickly charging our phone.

    One thing to note is that you’ll need to install drivers before using this dock. It took us a few minutes, but wasn’t too tricky. The 120W power adapter is bulky, but it charged our laptop quickly while powering the dock and all our connected devices.

  • Dell Ultra HD Triple Display Dock

    8.6

    We recommend this Dell docking station for its versatile connectivity and support for multiple high-resolution displays.

    8.6

    We recommend this Dell docking station for its versatile connectivity and support for multiple high-resolution displays.

    Pros

    • Supports up to three external monitors
    • Multiple USB ports for accessories
    • Compatible with many Dell laptops

    Cons

    • May require driver installation
    • Limited to 60Hz refresh rate
    • Slightly bulky design

    We tested the Dell USB 3.0 Ultra HD/4K Triple Display Docking Station and found it to be a solid choice for expanding laptop connectivity. The dock allowed us to easily connect three external monitors, which proved incredibly useful for multitasking and productivity.

    The array of ports on this dock is impressive. We plugged in our keyboard, mouse, and external hard drive using the USB ports, while still having room for other accessories. The Ethernet port gave us a stable wired internet connection, which we prefer for video calls and large file transfers.

    Setting up the dock was mostly straightforward, though we did need to install some drivers for full functionality. Once everything was up and running, we noticed the displays were crisp and clear, even at 4K resolution. The maximum 60Hz refresh rate was fine for most tasks, but gamers might want something faster.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a docking station, we recommend considering these key factors:

Compatibility

Check that the dock works with your specific device model and operating system. Not all docks are universal.

Port Selection

Look for a mix of ports that match your needs:

  • USB-A and USB-C
  • Video outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort)
  • Ethernet
  • Audio jacks

Power Delivery

Choose a dock that can charge your laptop. Higher wattage means faster charging.

Display Support

For multi-monitor setups, check the number and resolution of displays the dock can handle.

Design

Consider the dock’s size, shape, and cable length. A compact design with a long cable offers more flexibility.

Price

Docks range widely in price. Set a budget based on the features you need most.

We suggest making a list of your must-have ports and features before shopping. This helps narrow down options.

Try to future-proof your purchase by choosing a dock with newer technologies like USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 if possible.

Remember to read user reviews for real-world performance insights. A highly-rated dock from a reputable brand is often a safer bet.