With the amount of technology accessories we use constantly increasing and the disappearance of built-in laptop ports, docking stations are quickly becoming an indispensable accessory. They are ideal for anyone, but especially for those who are constantly on the need of multiple devices for their daily work. Instead of relying on your PC’s limited ports, a docking station instantly provides multiple slots for things like USB, HDMI and Ethernet, allowing you to connect your laptop to a variety of external devices. We’ve tested them and put together a guide on what to look for when buying one.
Docking station buying guide
From compatibility to included ports, here’s what you need to know to find the best dock for you.
Compatibility:
The first and most important factor to consider is compatibility with your laptop. Make sure the dock you buy works with your laptop’s operating system and the type of ports it has. Newer docking stations often have USB-C connectivity, while older laptops do not, which means you’ll have to buy a conversion dongle, so avoid that if possible.
Ports:
Consider the number of ports you need and the type of peripherals you want to connect to your laptop. A dock with multiple USB ports is a must, and you may also want to consider an HDMI port for a large display, an Ethernet port for a wired network connection, and a headphone jack for audio. Plus, it’s always a good idea to leave a few slots open for whatever you might add in the future.
Screen resolution:
If you plan to use a dock to connect to an external display, look at its resolution capabilities. A dock with a higher display resolution will provide a clearer, more detailed image on your external monitor, which is especially important for gamers looking to create a multi-monitor setup.
Size and design:
The size and design of a dock is an important consideration, whether it’s how it will fit into your home or how you plan to take it with you on the go. A small, compact dock is easy to carry and won’t take up too much space on your desk, but may limit the number of ports it offers. If your laptop needs a lot of power to charge, consider a dock with a power delivery feature. The Power Delivery feature provides more juice to your laptop in a shorter time, allowing it to charge faster.
Price:
Docking stations are available at different price points, and the price you pay depends on the features you need. But overall, we highly recommend getting one. A docking station quickly goes from being a luxury to a must-have item for everyone, and it’s easy to see why. They dramatically improve your productivity, while keeping your devices charged and easily accessible (and organized too).
What are the best docking stations?
After a series of tests, here are our picks for the best docking stations for a variety of desktop configurations.
1. Monoprice Thunderbolt Dock
Musicians have known Monoprice as the best-kept secret for years, a company that makes quality hardware at affordable prices. In recent years, the company has moved into the technology sector while maintaining its reputation, and the Thunderbolt 3 Station is proof of that. It is basically the Swiss Army knife of docking stations. Two display ports ensure you have a large screen area to work with, and it also supports 4K resolution. Also, it has two USB ports, Type A and Type C, so you can plug in all your peripherals without constantly changing cables, and an Ethernet port for wired Internet access. Perhaps the most important feature from now on is its compatibility with non-Thunderbolt 3 devices, which means your old devices aren’t instantly obsolete and you can use it with your old laptops and your new gear.
Buy: Monoprice Thunderbolt Dock
2. Baseus 17-in-1 Docking Station
One of the standout features of this impressive dock is the ability to connect up to three monitors, all in 4K resolution. This is a major improvement for anyone used to working with a single monitor, as it provides a much larger and immersive workspace. Setting up monitors is also easy, thanks to the dock’s multiple ports, which include HDMI, DisplayPort and VGA. Besides the monitor ports, the dock offers a wide range of connectivity options: six USB-A ports, a USB-C port, an Ethernet port, an SD card reader and even a 3.5mm audio jack.
Buy: Baseus 17-in-1 Docking Station
3. UtechSmart docking station
The Utechsmart has a whopping 19 ports, including four displays, and that’s probably more than you’ll need - which is a good thing. Plus, you’ll never have to struggle with multiple adapters and cables again, thanks to its clever spatial design that leaves enough distance between each port. The dock’s high data transfer rate (100W power) and Gigabit Ethernet make it ideal for heavy users who need to transfer data quickly and stream video at blazing speeds, especially when deadlines loom. Although this unit has an impressive number of ports, it is small enough to fit on a desk or shelf.
Buy: UtechSmart docking station
4. QGeeM Docking Station
Anyone looking to streamline their tech (or gaming) setup will love the QGeeM Universal USB C Dock. Despite its diminutive size, it boasts an impressive 16 ports, including HDMI, VGA, Ethernet, and USB 3.0, giving you all the connectivity options you need to get your work done. And with its powerful 100W charging capabilities, your devices will stay powered up and ready to go. Plus, its compact, lightweight design makes it easy to take with you, whether you’re at work or across the country.
