Number of Ports: If you are going to get a docking station, then you would want it to have multiple connectivity ports for high versatility. As a result, most docking stations offer a total of 11 ports other than the port designed for connecting to your laptop as a host. Some higher-end models may even offer more ports for versatility. Type of Ports: You should also check the type of ports your docking station offers, as a versatile docking station will have all kinds of ports that you may ever need. This includes ports like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB C, Ethernet, VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, audio ports, micro SD, SD reader, and a few others. You should go with a docking station that offers all these various types of ports with their high-end versions. Power Delivery: Other than connecting all kinds of devices, you would also want your docking station to charge your laptop at the same time over a single cable. This is only possible when your docking station also supports power delivery. While entry-level models may only offer 60 watts of power delivery output, higher-end models can even charge at 80 watts or even 100 watts for much faster-charging speeds.
Even though these features are the major ones, you still need to keep a lot in mind before buying docking stations. Thus, the various docking stations present here have all their important specifications and details well explained, along with an exhaustive “Buying Guide”. By checking these out, you can easily go with the best docking stations by the end of this list.
10 Best Docking Stations Table
10 Best Docking Stations Reviews
1. Plugable Docking Station
Plugable is a highly popular brand of USB accessories and other connectivity solutions for laptops and computers, which even includes its high-end docking station, which is great for large size desk setups. The Plugable docking station is present in the 1st position in this list since it is a great full-size docking station model. To be exact, you will find a total of 11 ports on the back as well as the front for easy access. You can find ports like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, ethernet, DVI, HDMI, and audio ports with this Plugable docking station. Although, when it comes to connecting this dock to your laptop, it uses USB type B, which is not as good as USB type C. Despite that, you can still power dual monitors, enjoy gigabit ethernet, and more with this dock. Since Plugable is a highly reputable brand, it also features a 2-year long warranty with this docking station. Best Features:
Features a total of 11 ports Includes ports like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, ethernet, DVI, HDMI, audio ports Comes with a 2-year warranty
Pros:
Full-size docking station with various connectivity options Works with up to two displays Long warranty period for peace of mind
Cons:
Uses USB type B instead of USB type C
2. Hiearcool Docking Station
Despite being a fairly small and new brand of computing accessories like docking stations, it offers one of the best options out there if you are looking for something compact and small. Hiearcool’s docking station is present in the 2nd position in this listicle as this is one of the best options out there made for portable usage. Even though it is quite compact and portable, you get a total of 11 connectivity ports with it. As for the type of ports you can find, it offers USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB C, Ethernet, VGA, HDMI, micro SD, and SD reader ports. While it uses a handy USB type C cable for connecting to your laptop, the cable is not removable, which might be an issue in the long run if the cable gets damaged. Unlike most other compact docking stations, this one even supports 100-watt power delivery charging. Hiearcool also offers a decent 1.5-year warranty with this docking station for reliability. Best Features:
Features a total of 11 ports Includes ports like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB C, Ethernet, VGA, HDMI, micro SD, SD reader Comes with a 1.5-year warranty
Pros:
Perfect for portable usage High 100-watt power delivery support Works with dual 4K displays
Cons:
Connectivity USB type C cable is not removable
3. Dell Docking Station
Dell offers all kinds of handy accessories and products that go great along with its laptops and desktops, which is also true for its docking station, which is the perfect option for power users looking for something high-end. This Dell D3100 docking station is present in the 3rd position in this article because it is one of the only few options available out there which allows you to connect three 4K displays at once. For making this possible, Dell has included a total of 11 ports on its back and front. You can find ports like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, and audio ports with this Dell docking station. Unfortunately, because this is a Dell docking station, it only works with selected Dell laptops which might be a bummer for users with other laptop brands. Another issue with this docking station is that it does not support PD charging. Because Dell is such a big brand name when it comes to computing accessories, its included 1-year long warranty is to be expected. Best Features:
Features a total of 11 ports Includes ports like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, audio ports Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Perfect for using triple 4K displays at once Various connectivity options Works perfectly with Dell laptops without Thunderbolt
Cons:
Lacks PD charging support
4. UtechSmart Docking Station
UtechSmart is another fairly new brand of docking stations and other computing accessories which also offers docking stations similar to that of Hiearcool mentioned earlier in this listicle which is great for portable usage. The UtechSmart docking station is one of the smallest options available out there, which makes it the perfect pick for taking the docking station along with your laptop inside your laptop bag. Even though this is a portable option, you get a total of 11 ports which include various types of ports like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB C, Ethernet, VGA, HDMI, micro SD, and SD reader ports. If you also want to charge your laptop over a single cable while transferring data, then you will be glad to know that this docking station offers 87 watt PD charging support. You also get a 1.5-year warranty with this docking station which is quite great for such a small brand. However, the non-removable USB type C cable of this docking station can be a big issue for many. Best Features:
Features a total of 11 ports Includes ports like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB C, Ethernet, VGA, HDMI, micro SD, SD reader Comes with a 1.5-year long warranty
Pros:
Easily take along with your laptop Decent PD charging speeds Various high-performance connectivity ports
Cons:
Inbuilt USB type C cable is not removable
5. WAVLINK Docking Station
You can find a wide range of computing accessories and products from Wavlink out there, which can be a great option for all those of you who are looking for value for money options like its docking station stated in this listicle. Wavlink’s docking station is another full-size docking station that comes at a justified price tag resulting in a fairly high value for money. Although, being a slightly cheapest option, you only get 9 ports with this docking station. Thankfully, you still get a variety of ports with it which includes USB 2.0, USB 3.0, ethernet, DVI, and HDMI ports. Other than being able to work with dual displays at once, it also supports gigabit ethernet for high-performance wired networking. Unfortunately, being a USB type B input docking station, you do not get power delivery support with it. Since Wavlink has been around for quite some time, it features a 1-year long warranty with its docking station, which is important for a reputable option like this. Best Features:
Features a total of 9 ports Includes ports like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, ethernet, DVI, HDMI Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
High value for money docking station Includes handy DVI to VGA and DVI to HDMI adapters Various kinds of high-performance docking station
Cons:
Misses out on power delivery support
6. Acodot Docking Station
Acodot is a fairly new brand of docking stations because of which its docking station offers all the latest port versions for optimum performance while using your laptop on a desk setup with various peripherals and accessories. This Acodot docking station is a great option if you want something recent with the latest port versions available out there. Talking about ports, you will find a total of 11 ports with this docking station. These ports include options like USB 3.0, ethernet, DVI, HDMI, audio ports which is more than enough for most users. When it comes to connecting this docking station to your laptop, it, unfortunately, uses a USB type B connector for the same, which means that you do not get power delivery support with it. A great thing about this docking station is that it has ports on the back as well as front for high versatility. Even though Acodot is fairly new, you still get a decent 1-year long warranty with it. Best Features:
Features a total of 11 ports Includes ports like USB 3.0, ethernet, DVI, HDMI, audio ports Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Latest port versions for optimum performance Easy to access ports on the back and front Works with all USB 3.0 laptop models
Cons:
Lacks USB type C ports
7. Kensington Docking Station
Kensington is primarily a brand of laptop accessories like locks and pointing devices, which also happens to be offering a few docking station solutions which are generally highly versatile for high-end usage. The Kensington K33972US docking station is one of the best options if you want one that features all sorts of connectivity options. Similar to most other docking stations out there, this one also features a total of 11 ports. Coming to the type of ports, you can find options like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, ethernet, DVI, HDMI, and audio ports. Apart from having a large number of ports, it offers them on the front and back for easy access. You also get a DVI to HDMI and a DVI to VGA adapter in the box, making this unit highly versatile. And because Kensington is a reputable brand of laptop accessories, its docking station even features a 2-year warranty which is to be expected. Best Features:
Features a total of 11 ports Includes ports like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, ethernet, DVI, HDMI, audio ports Comes with a 2-year long warranty
Pros:
Features various handy adapters in the box Long warranty for peace of mind Compatible with both Windows and Mac laptops
Cons:
Not ideal for portable usage
8. MOKiN Docking Station
In case you are on a tight budget and want something highly affordable, then the Mokin can be a great option since almost all of its docking stations are great for buyers on a tight budget. Mokin’s docking station is one of the cheapest options available out there and a great entry-level option. Other than being affordable, this docking station is also highly portable because of which it only manages to include a total of 6 ports. These 6 ports include ports like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB C, HDMI, which is decent enough for such a compact docking station. Since this docking station features a USB type C port, it supports up to 100 watt PD charging, making it a true one-cable solution. You can even run dual 4K displays with this docking station which is not possible even with high-end offerings out there. Unlike other budget options, Mokin even includes a decent 1-year long warranty with it. Best Features:
Features a total of 6 ports Includes ports like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB C, HDMI Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Ideal for on the go usage Able to power dual 4K displays High speed 100-watt power delivery charging
Cons:
Limited number of ports
9. TOTU Docking Station
Totu is a high-end brand of docking stations that offers premium models that you can consider if you want something for connecting a large number of peripherals and devices for creating a large-sized desktop setup. This Totu docking station is the largest option stated in this listicle in terms of its size and port options making it highly versatile. To allow you to connect a large number of devices at once, Totu has included a total of 14 ports with this docking station. These 14 ports are of all kinds and include options like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB C, Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, audio ports, micro SD, and SD reader ports. While it might not be the highest, the included 60-watt power delivery support means that you can use your laptop over a single cable with this docking station. And since it has so many ports, it can even be used to power a total of three ports at once. Since this is a high-end docking station, its included 1-year long warranty is also to be expected. Best Features:
Features a total of 14 ports Includes ports like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB C, Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, audio ports, micro SD, SD reader Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Ideal for creating large-sized desktop setups Wide range of port types for high versatility Supports 60-watt power delivery for single cable connection
Cons:
A bit on the expensive side
10. Anker Docking Station
Anker is a highly popular brand of mobile accessories and devices that also happens to be offering a few handy computing accessories like its docking station stated here that is a great full-size dock. The Anker PowerExpand docking station is one of the best-performing options out there in terms of its port versions. Speaking of ports, you will find a total of 12 ports with this docking station, excluding its host port for connecting your laptop. As for the type ports, you can find options like USB 3.0, USB C, Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, audio ports, micro SD, and SD reader ports. While many docking stations support PD charging, this one offers 85 watt PD charging for your laptop and 18 watt PD charging for your phone, making it highly versatile. You also get the ability to connect up to 3 displays at once with this docking station. Anker also features a decent 1.5-year warranty for peace of mind. Best Features:
Features a total of 12 ports Includes ports like USB 3.0, USB C, Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, audio ports, micro SD, SD reader Comes with a 1.5-year warranty
Pros:
Versatile power delivery charging support Ideal for connecting triple monitors at once Comes with all high-performance ports
Cons:
Not a budget-friendly option
Buying Guide For The Best Docking Stations
As you can most likely guess by the name, a docking station allows you to easily dock your laptop on a desk computing setup. This simply means that you can connect your laptop to a monitor, keyboard, mouse, storage devices, wired network, and much more over a single cable. Since these docking stations are highly practical and handy, we have given the best docking stations earlier. For helping you choose the right docking station, we have also given their detailed features and specifications. And in case you want to know, even more, make sure to check out this complete buying guide for the best docking stations:
1. Number of Ports
The primary use of a docking station is that you can easily connect your laptop to multiple devices with a single cable. But to make this possible, it is recommended to go with a docking station that comes with a lot of connectivity ports. In most cases, you will find docking stations to offer a total of 11 ports, with some models even coming with 12 or 14 ports for high versatility. While checking the number of ports of your docking station, make sure to skip the host connectivity port since that will be used to connect your laptop and not external laptops.
2. Type of Ports
Once you have made sure that your docking station has multiple ports for easily connecting multiple devices at once, you should also check out the type of ports that it offers. This is to ensure that you can use any device of your choice along with your laptop docking station. Some of the common types of ports that you can find in different docking stations out there include options like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB type C, Ethernet, VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, audio ports, micro SD, SD reader, and more. If you wish to get a versatile docking station, make sure that it offers as many of these as possible. All of the ports should also have the latest version, as a USB 3.0 port offers much better performance than a USB 2.0 port.
3. Power Delivery
If you are familiar with docking stations, then you must know that these use a single cable for connecting your laptop to multiple devices at once. And if you are using your laptop as a desktop for multiple hours at once, then you would also want to make sure that your laptop is getting charged as well. In case you want to connect your laptop to a docking station and charge it at the same time, then you need to go with docking stations that offer power delivery support. Although, not all docking stations with power delivery support will be the same. While entry-level models may only offer up to 60 watts of charging speeds, higher-end models may even offer 100 watts of charging speeds. And whether you have a laptop with a large battery or simply want fast charging, going with 100-watt power delivery makes for the better option.
4. Laptop Connectivity Cable
For using your docking station with your laptop, it first needs to be connected to your laptop. Generally, this is done over a USB type C cable for allowing a single cable connection that supports both data and power transfer. Because of this, you should also check the laptop connectivity cable included with your docking station. This primarily includes checking its length and making sure it is long enough. You can find cable length options like 6 inch, 1 feet, 3 feet, and others where having a longer cable or short cable depends on your requirements.
5. Warranty
After going through the various docking stations available out there and picking the right one for you, you would want to keep using it for as long as possible. To ensure that you are getting a reliable docking station made for long-term usage, consider getting a model with a long warranty period. You can find different docking stations with either a 1-year warranty or a 2-year warranty, where a longer warranty is always better.
Conclusion
If you regularly use external peripherals like a monitor, keyboard and mouse, wired networking, printer, storage, and other things with your laptop, then it must be quite frustrating with all of the cables that you have to connect to your laptop. To overcome this issue, you can instead consider getting something like the best docking stations given up above. Alongside these various docking stations, you can also find all their important features and options, as well as a detailed buying guide. And based on all these various factors, here are our favorite picks for the best docking stations:
In case you are looking for a full-size docking station for connecting all of your devices and still have extra connectivity ports, then the Totu Docking Station can be a great pick. This is possible thanks to its 14 ports which include USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB C, Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, audio ports, micro SD, and SD reader ports. You also get 60-watt power delivery charging which is quite decent for most users. Those of you who want a docking station for connecting multiple displays at once should look at the Dell Docking Station. It is the only option given above which offers support for triple 4K displays at once. This is made possible thanks to its 11 ports which include USB 2.0, USB 3.0, ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, and audio ports. Some of you might also be interested in getting docking stations made for portable usage that you can take along with your laptop. One such great option is the Hiearcool Docking Station, thanks to its compact form factor despite the fact that it still has a total of 11 ports. To be exact, you will find ports like USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB C, Ethernet, VGA, HDMI, micro SD, and SD reader ports.
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