Expand the Capabilities of Your Devices With the Best Docking Stations

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Buying Guide: Docking Stations

Modern laptops are getting thinner and lighter with each new generation which is great for portability. But this progress comes at the cost of functionality in the input/output (I/O) department. Most thin and light notebooks only have a handful of USB-C ports on them. That leaves you having to attach converter dongles for everything, including ethernet, HDMI, and even something as basic as a USB-A port. Plus, the small number of ports severely limits the possible number of connections, especially if one of those ports is also used for charging. Enter docking stations. These devices are a one-stop solution with their unmatched portability, fit to replace your hefty collection of dongles. You can also use them for easy, on-desk access to ports on your PC. Just make sure you buy a high-quality one for reliability. If you’re unsure about which one to get, we reviewed some of the highest-rated docking stations in 2023. Let’s take a look.

This laptop docking station from Hiearcool sets a high bar for what these hubs should be. Everything about this dock is exceptional, from its performance to overall build quality. The number and variety of ports on the dock are impressive as well. It converts a single USB-C connection into five USB ports total: two 3.0, two 2.0, and one USB-C passthrough (so you won’t even lose the original USB-C port). Then there are the two HDMI ports, an SD card reader, an ethernet port for more stable internet, and a VGA port for legacy monitors.

In other words, you can use this dock to turn your laptop into a full desktop experience with up to three monitors. Put together all of these high-performance ports into one solid and long-lasting unit — and you’ve got the No. 1 docking station on this list.

Pros

• Large variety of useful ports
• Compact and easy-to-store design
• Built to last a long time

Cons

• USB-A ports are a bit too tight

Turn your laptop into a desktop powerhouse with this ultimate 12-port docking station by Ivanky. All ports on the dock share a maximum power supply of 180W thanks to the independent 180W PD 3.0 power adapter included in the package, assuring secure and steady performance while you use it. It has a diverse range of possibilities with its dual USB-C and 4 USB-A ports, ensuring your data is transferred 10x faster so you never have to waste time again. This state-of-the-art docking station is compatible with your Macbook Air/Pro, allowing you to work flawlessly with excellent performance throughout the day.

Pros

• Superior quality of material
• Multi-purpose functions that work
• 180W power supply keeps it running smoothly

Cons

• Priced a bit high for an average user

The Plugable Universal Docking Station is a near-perfect match for desktop setups. While it works with laptops as well, its true potential is unleashed when you use it as a port extension for your PC. Most useful ports on desktops are on the back, which can be a hassle to get to. This dock will bring all of them to an easily accessible place anywhere on your desk.

Its key ports include six USB-A ports (two of which are 3.0) as well as HDMI, DVI, and ethernet ports. These are all fairly useful, especially the USB ports. But, the most noticeable port on this dock is the dual headphone jack on the side. It connects to the host system via a USB 3.0 uplink cable, making it perfectly compatible with older systems as well that don’t have a Type-C port.

Pros

• Sturdy, long-lasting exterior
• Blends in nicely on desks
• Includes every port you’ll need

Cons

• Requires an additional power adapter

Display expansion is one of the primary reasons to invest in docking stations, and this one from Dell is the top choice for that. It includes two HDMI and one DP port on the back that can drive Ultra HD/4K monitors with ease. Other notable ports on this dock include USB-A on both back and front, audio in and out, and ethernet. All it requires for access to all of these is a single USB 3.0 uplink cable alongside external power.

Another great attribute of this dock is how professional and minimalist it looks. It’ll work just as well with a sleek gaming setup as it will on a professional office desk. It even includes a Kensington lock, which further increases its usability in an office environment.

Pros

• Can drive up to three monitors at once
• Looks neat in a professional environment
• Will stay functional for a long time

Cons

• Cannot be used for a portable setup

This universal docking station from Wavlink is built to last you a long time. This is not just about durability either, even if that is a large part of it. The other key reason why this docking station will work even after years is that it includes every port you could need. This model features six USB ports, allowing you to attach all your devices and still have room for more. That’s not all, though — the HDMI and DVI combo lets this dock drive two displays at once.

Getting back to durability, this docking station is built to withstand years of regular day-to-day use without causing a single issue. Its plastic exterior is durable enough to absorb a few drops without letting out a single creak. Then there is the matter of the longevity of the ports; fortunately, all of them are as durable as it gets.

Pros

• Convenient access to necessary ports
• Plenty of USB-A ports 
• Can support a high res 2560p display

Cons

• Requires an external power source

Docking stations that work off of a single USB-C connection are known for their super high prices. Zmuipng goes against that notion with this dock that has everything you need while still being very affordable. The inclusion of five USB-A ports and one USB-C passthrough is plenty for external devices. Its two HDMI ports can drive any modern display, while the included VGA port will get the job done for older monitors. It even has an ethernet connection for a more stable internet connection.

All of these benefits are wrapped up in a docking station that costs noticeably less, even half, of most other options. The best part about this less expensive dock is that the overall quality is still on par with premium docking stations. As long as you use it properly, it won’t cause connection issues or stop working anytime soon.

Pros

• Great value for your hard-earned money
• Compact and very portable
• Looks and feels premium

Cons

• Charging passthrough won’t work with all laptops

Do docking stations degrade transferred data?

No, they do not. The only issue you can expect is a slow transfer, but even that can be prevented by picking a high-quality station in the first place.

How many displays can I drive with one docking station?

Most USB-C powered docks have a hard limit of three displays at a time. A few might offer more options, but that limit belongs to the underlying computer. Keep the type of port on your displays in mind before purchasing.

Is the headphone jack on docking stations good?

For regular day-to-day headphones, yes, they are perfectly fine. But they will not work well for high impedance headphones that require a proper amplifier.