A docking station is a must-have accessory for productivity seekers and multitaskers. It expands the limited ports on your slim laptops and allows you to connect multiple displays, hard drives, speakers and other peripherals using a single cable.
But with so many options available, how do you pick the right one? This exhaustive guide will help you find your perfect docking station.
Docking Station Benefits: Why You Need One
Here are some of the biggest benefits of having a docking station:
- Connect dual external displays: View more apps and windows side-by-side
- Attach multiple USB devices: Keyboard, mouse, external HDD without needing dongles
- Faster file transfers: With 5Gbps or 10Gbps USB 3.2 ports
- Charge laptop and devices: Up to 100W power delivery
- Use legacy devices: Via VGA, USB-A ports
- Neat desktop setup: Single cable solution reduces wire clutter
A good dock can transform a thin-and-light laptop into a productivity workhorse for your desk setup.
Thunderbolt 3 vs USB-C Docking Stations
Modern docking stations connect via either a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port. Let‘s see how they compare.
Thunderbolt 3 Docking Stations
- Faster speeds: Up to 40Gbps bandwidth
- More displays supported: Up to 4K triple displays
- Charge high-end laptops: Up to 100W power delivery
- Lower latency: For audio, video workflows
- More expensive: Around $200 to $300
USB-C Docking Stations
- Sufficient speeds: Up to 10Gbps bandwidth
- Dual 4K display support: Via DisplayPort MST
- Power delivery: Up to 90W charging
- Affordable pricing: $100 to $200 range
- No Thunderbolt port required
So in a nutshell – If budget is no constraint, Thunderbolt 3 offers better performance. USB-C docks work great for general usage.
Now let‘s look at some of the top-rated docking stations in both categories.
10 Best Docking Stations for Multiple Devices
1. Dell D6000 – Best Overall USB-C Dock
The Dell D6000 sits at the sweet spot between price and performance. It connects via USB-C and offers the right mix of ports for most office setups.
- 2x 4K 30Hz displays over HDMI and DP++
- 5x USB-A ports for peripherals
- Up to 90W charging power delivery
It works seamlessly with both Windows and Mac systems, though Thunderbolt 3 compatibility is limited. At under $200, it presents excellent value without breaking the bank.
2. CalDigit TS3 Plus – Top Thunderbolt 3 Dock
If you need the absolute best performance, then the CalDigit TS3 Plus is the dock to beat. It fully utilizes the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 3 to deliver blazing fast transfer speeds and buttery smooth dual 4K 60Hz display output.
Key features:
- Dual 4K 60Hz display over DP 1.2 and HDMI 2.0
- 85W host charging to power even 15-inch Pros
- 15x USB ports for massive peripheral connectivity
It is a true one-cable desktop replacement for premium laptops like MacBook Pros and Dell XPS. The added Thunderbolt 3 ports allow daisy-chaining more devices. Just keep in mind, it comes with a premium price tag crossing $300.
3. Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station – Best Budget Pick
The compact and affordable PowerExpand+ 5-in-1 USB-C dock from Anker upgraded my work-from-home setup on a budget…
How to Choose the Right Docking Station?
Here are key factors to check before choosing a docking station for your needs:
1. Ports
Count the number of USB ports, display outputs and other ports you need to attach all your devices simultaneously. Modern docks have around 5-10 USB ports. Check if they are the faster USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) type.
For displays – HDMI and DisplayPort are common. Some high end docks also add legacy VGA ports.
2. Display Resolution Support
Verify what max resolution your monitors support – Full HD 1080p, 2K QHD or 4K UHD? Check if the dock can output those resolutions at 60Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. USB-C docks often max out at dual 4K 30Hz while Thunderbolt 3 docks support 4K 60Hz.
I would recommend getting a docking station with similar or higher display capability than your current monitors for future-proofing.
3. Power Delivery Wattage
If you want to charge your laptop via the dock, check its power delivery rating.
- 45W to 65W works for smaller laptops
- 85W+ needed for 15-inch gaming laptops
- 60W – 90W ideal for 13/14-inch ultrabooks
Match the power delivery capability of your docking station to the charger wattage of your laptop for optimum charging speed.
4. Physical Size
Desktop docking stations come in full-sized and compact form factors. The smaller ones are more portable so you can easily carry them in your bag. But they tend to offer limited ports compared to bulkier full-sized docks.
So pick one keeping space constraints and port requirements in mind.
Tips for Setting Up Docking Station
Follow these tips when connecting and configuring your shiny new docking station for a smooth experience:
Frequently Asked Questions
Here I‘ve answered some common queries folks have around using docking stations:
Enhance Your Desktop Productivity
A good docking station is a one-time investment that can vastly improve your workspace flexibility. I hope this guide gives you clarity in finding your perfect desktop companion. Feel free to reach out in comments if you have any other docking questions.
Happy connecting!
