Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, Compatible with both macOS and Windows laptops, the Belkin Dock Core converts a single Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port into one DisplayPort and one HDMI port (both supporting 4K UHD monitors at 60Hz), one USB-C PD, two USB-A ports, one audio in/out jack, and a Gigabit Ethernet jack. The docking solution built into the enclosure provides you with two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a single USB 3.1 Type-C port, and an HDMI port. As we transition from the days of sheltering in place, computing on a laptop is taking on new norms and forms. A USB-C docking station with a DisplayPort connection may just be what you need if you want to enjoy high-resolution content. This means you'll have to tolerate a background whirring sound while you're working at your desk. This aluminum external storage solution is available in multiple capacities using enterprise-class 7,200rpm hard drives. The $149 Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core is a compact (1.2 by 3.9 by 3.9 inches, HWD) docking station that you can easily carry everywhere with your notebook. Connectivity-wise, there are two Mini DisplayPorts, one Gigabit Ethernet port, four USB 3.0 ports and an audio-out jack. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. If the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core didn't have enough features for you, the company's $299.99 Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro might be just what you need. Take a look at this article to discover the best laptop docks with … This is especially important if you've got a laptop with limited ports, such as a MacBook. You will receive a verification email shortly. As the name indicates, the Anker Docking Station allows you to connect two monitors using HDMI and DVI … © 1996-2021 Ziff Davis, LLC. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. So, what do you need to look for when shopping for the best laptop docking stations? The 10 Best Ssd Docking Stations 9,922 reviews scanned The 10 Best Hdd Docking Stations 6,469 reviews scanned Product comparison table # Product Name Popularity Score Quality Score As with the Belkin dock, we have some minor concern about the durability of any integrated Thunderbolt cable that can't be replaced, but that might not be a worry for folks who just want a compact dock that supports dual displays. The pass-through hub built into the docking station gives you five USB 3.0 Type-A ports, as well as a Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 port, a headset jack, and separate 3.5mm audio and mic jacks. Keep an eye on your inbox! The Surface line-up of tablet hybrids demonstrates this perfectly. The compact (0.7 by 4.9 by 2.6 inches, HWD) aluminum dock also includes OWC's Dock Ejector software, which safely disconnects external drives connected to the dock and ensures all data is written before disconnection. As the name suggests, it supports dual 4K displays (at 60Hz) and harnesses the raw power of Thunderbolt 3, offering 40Gbps bandwidth while keeping portability in mind. The best laptop docking stations are those that offer customers two things: plenty of options and reliability. There is also a DVI connector (with adapters for HDMI or VGA) along with an Ethernet port, and the dock uses one cable connection for ease-of-use and portability. It also offers 85W charging ideal for 15-inch laptops and smaller. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, 2 Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, DisplayPort, USB Type A, 2 3.5mm mini jack, USB 3.0, HDMI, DVI, USB 2.0, 2 3.5mm mini jack, USB 3.0, HDMI, DVI, USB 2.0, Ethernet port, 2 x Mini DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, 4 x USB 3.0, audio-out jack, 3x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, DisplayPort, 2x HDMI, Ethernet, 2 x audio jack, 2 x USB 3.0, 4 x USB 2.0, HDMI, Ethernet, audio, 2x HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, 2x USB Type A, 2x USB-C, 3.5mm, SD card reader, Kensington lock, 2x USB 3.0, USB 2.0, VGA, HDMI, Ethernet, 2 x audio jack, 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, HDMI, Ethernet, audio, 5 productivity gadgets that your laptop will love, PS5 scalpers want you to feel sorry for them – and yes, they’re being serious, Where to buy PS5: all the latest restock updates, iOS 14.5 update: the best new features set to come to your iPhone, Apple's adaptation of Asimov's Foundation series gets a launch date, Citymarket saamassa erän PS5-konsoleita – osto-oikeuksien arvonta käynnissä, Xbox hints at ‘exciting’ platform updates coming to Series X and Series S in future, StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Dual-4K Docking Station, Targus USB 3.0 Dual Video Docking Station with Power, Dell USB 3.0 UHD Triple Video Docking Station, Plugable UD-3900 Universal Laptop Docking Station. The best part: this charging station actually comes with its own cables. The docking stations in this list of the best laptop docking stations let you expand the connectivity options of your laptop, making it an even more versatile machine by adding ports such as additional USB ports, Ethernet LAN ports and video connections as well. It also doesn't support DVI dual-link or Displayport connections, HDCP, or the playback of protected Blu-ray disks. There's also an Ethernet port, as well as earphone and mic audio sockets. NY 10036. The model UTD01 dock delivers one pass-through Thunderbolt 3 port, four USB 3.0 Type-A ports, a single DisplayPort with 4K/60Hz support, a Gigabit Ethernet jack, both SD card and microSD card reader slots, and a headset audio jack. It’s not a perfect dock, and Corsair’s quality control could be better as some users have experienced intermittent disconnections, but those without issues have a robust docking station ideal for multi-tasking. If one 4K monitor isn't enough to satisfy your desktop computing needs, the Wavlink UG69PD2 USB-C Dual 4K Docking Station ($269.99) could be the right fit for you. This Docking-Station is portable & easy to utilize. Targus offers this Dual Video Docking Station which won’t break the bank, and comes with integrated laptop recharging facilities that are compatible with most 90W notebooks. The enclosure also features a security cable lock slot to protect the valuable data stored on the RAID enclosure when you're away from your desk. That’s not all, though. However, that’s not all. It has more ports and 90W power delivery, perfect for most users. Best laptop docking station in 2021. Despite these limitations it's still a useful piece of budget hardware that's good for many uses. The Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock ($259.99) turns a Thunderbolt 3 port into nine ports: two data-only USB-C ports, two data-only USB-A ports, two DisplayPorts supporting 4K at 60Hz, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a headset audio jack, and an SD card reader. Since leaving Notebook Review, Jerry has thrived as a freelance technical writer and digital marketing consultant. So far, it has over 69% positive reviews on Amazon, with users … Many comparable charging stations have USB ports but leave it up to you to use your existing cables (that are probably much longer than they need to be) or to buy new, shorter cables that fit the station. The Wavlink Universal Docking Station is a very versatile piece of kit that is compatible not just with Windows machines but also Intel-based Macs. Check out our full list of the top Windows docking platforms to find the accessory that's right for you. It sits nicely next to your laptop, and is affordably priced – it really is one of the best laptop docking stations around right now. This IOGEAR USB docking station … Targus also offers a Multiplexer Adaptor which makes this docking station USB-C compatible. The latest version of the Wavlink Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station ($209.99) supports 85-watt Thunderbolt 3 host charging and converts a single Thunderbolt 3 port into a desktop-worthy baker's dozen of ports. Nicholas Fearn, Using one of the best laptop docking stations on the market is a simple and affordable way to expand the functionality of your laptop, while making it easier and more comfortable to work on. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-docking-stations-for-windows-laptops, How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad, How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill, How to Find Free Tools to Optimize Your Small Business, How to Get Started With Project Management, The Best MacBook Docking Stations for 2021, 10 Top-Rated Standing Desks for Your Work-From-Home Setup, 6 Top Laptop Stands to Help You Work Better From Home, Microsoft Patent Suggests We May Get a Surface Cooling Dock, Asus Adds RGB Lighting to a Laptop Backpack, Panasonic Refreshes Rugged Laptop Toughbook 31. Beyond the display connectivity, you get two USB-C ports (good for data only), plus three USB-A 3.0 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet jack, and a headset audio jack. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. That’s while keeping things slim in the form factor department. This docking station supports desktop which includes 2.5 inches & 3.5 inches SATA-hard drives. Thank you for signing up to TechRadar. It includes a 100-watt-capable power supply for keeping power-hungry laptops and peripherals charged. Bottom line: If you want a Thunderbolt 3 docking solution that's easy to carry with you, this is another good choice—and if you prefer HDMI to DisplayPort, there's a $168.99 version with two HDMI outputs. With technological advances in communications and computing, the workplace is almost anywhere you want it to be. Plus, the SD card reader is rated at UHS-II transfer speeds to help you upload high-res images and video faster. The device has been designed to work with thinner notebooks and uses only one cord. The Dual 4K Docking Station gives you two USB-C ports, four USB-A 3.0 ports, two HDMI ports, two DisplayPorts, Gigabit Ethernet, and front-mounted 3.5mm jacks for audio output and microphone input. It provides a variety of connectivity options for Windows laptops and MacBooks: you get a pair of USB 3.0 ports (one of which has power for charging) and a USB 2.0 port, along with VGA and HDMI ports, Ethernet, plus speaker and mic jacks. (Supported resolutions include dual 4K panels at 60Hz with Thunderbolt 3, and dual 4K panels at 30Hz with USB-C.). When you’re shopping for docks, pay attention to what connections the docking station offers so you’ll know … You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. Microsoft is a company known primarily for its software prowess, but in recent years, it has been increasingly working on the hardware front. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis, LLC and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Its latest USB 3.0 model can be used with MacBook or Windows laptops. This dock doesn’t come particularly cheap, though. It includes dual display outputs for monitors, and it supports HMDI and DVI/VGA displays with resolutions of up to 2048 x 1152. Some laptop makers, such as Dell and Lenovo, offer up "official" branded docks for their fleets of computers. If you own one, you’ll be happy to learn that you can also reap the rewards offered by a docking station. StarTech claims its Thunderbolt 3 docking station is the most advanced dock ever. So even if you’ve forgotten your charger, you’ll be good to go with this nifty device. Sometimes, work can get done on a coffee or kitchen table, but at other times, you need a proper desktop-style setup with multiple monitors, more USB ports, and maybe even a Gigabit Ethernet jack for a more stable internet connection. With this smart-looking docking station from Brydge, you can effectively turn your Surface Pro tablet into a 2-in-1 laptop. https://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-laptop-docking-stations Brian Turner One lucky winner will collect this once-in-a-lifetime prize chest. T&Cs apply, prize details can be found here. Making this transient work-life more convenient are laptop docking stations. In theory this means you can expand you laptop to have three display monitors. The Dynadock V3.0 is one of the firm’s most popular offerings, and is targeted at Windows laptop users who want to benefit from expanded capabilities. Make sure you check out our guide to the best laptops as well, where we highlight the top devices money can buy. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Kensington has stepped into the modern age with a compact Thunderbolt 3 dock in the form of the SD2500T Thunderbolt 3 Dual 4K Hybrid Nano Dock ($199.99). Although it's not a traditional docking station, the G-Technology G-RAID with Thunderbolt 3 (from $629.95 with 8TB to $1,449.95 with 28TB) is a dual-drive RAID enclosure with an integrated Thunderbolt 3 dock built into the back. New York, Dell USB 3.0 Ultra HD/4K Triple Display Docking Station (D3100), Black 4.5 out of 5 stars 4,149. Dell’s USB 3.0 dock exemplifies this. Like most docking stations nowadays, the Dynadock offers USB 3.0 ports, although more than many as you get four of these here. The J5Create Ultra Station is a neat and compact dock indeed, being a thin bar which you can attach to the back of your notebook. You also get a DVI connector and adapters to use it with either HDMI or VGA leads, and there’s an optional multi-display adapter for hooking up more than one monitor. Leave this small docking station on your desk with the included power adapter. Of course, as a Kensington product, the SD5300T comes with Kensington Standard and Nano security-cable lockdown slots to keep your docking station secure. Well, you need to make sure that whatever solution you’re looking at will provide any features and ports you may need in your day-to-day workload. The i-Box Smart Table is a highly functional piece of furniture that not only looks great, but offers excellent sound quality. Elgato has made a name for itself in recent years with a wide range of USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 hub and docking solutions, and the company's $349.99 Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock is another impressive desktop docking device. The device has an external SATA-Drive Bay station which gives a super speed-USB 3.0 which has a transfer speed of up to 5 GB in every second. The HDMI port can support a single display of up to 2560x1440, though if two displays are set up this reduces the maximum resolution to 1920x1200. The best laptop docking stations are especially handy for remote workers - of which there are now many. It works with most of the company’s latest laptops in the Inspiron series and, like much of the competition, uses USB 3.0 as the prevalent port – it has three USB 3.0 connectors, along with two USB 2.0 ports. He covers Windows PCs and Macs in addition to various peripherals. With the best laptop docking stations, you can have the best of both worlds: a portable laptop that has the connectivity of a bulkier desktop PC. It can be used with up to three USB 3.0 devices and you also get Gigabit Ethernet capability. The specs include a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 (5Gbps) link from PC to dual video, as well as connections for Ethernet, audio input/output, and two USB 3.0 ports. But you can also find a whole world of third-party docks with extra features, unique designs, and (sometimes) lower prices. The included 170-watt power adapter allows the Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro to provide up to 85 watts of power for fast charging of power-hungry laptops. There’s also the ability to charge mobile devices, and you benefit from Direct DisplayPort integration. Our guide to the top desktop docking solutions will keep you ultra-productive when you're in the office...wherever that is nowadays. However, if you want to use two external monitors at once, both will be limited to 4,096 by 2,160 resolution. The Kensington SD2000P is a solid overall docking station if you need something portable and small, but being small comes at a price, as the dock is only able to power up to one 4K monitor at … Dell bundles an HDMI to DVI adapter, to support older displays still using DVI, and this dock also boasts an Ethernet port along with audio/headphone jacks. The dock stands 0.9 inch tall and has an 8.9-by-3.3-inch footprint. The Hiearcool … As the name suggests, 4K screens are catered for, and you get a DisplayPort along with a pair of HDMI ports, meaning you can hook up a total of three external monitors (one of them 4K) if you wish. (£129.99/AU$199.99) And because the Dynadock sports an upright design, it’ll fit nicely on even the most cramped desk environment. Many professionals have moved from office desks to home offices and back again. The CalDigit USB-C HDMI Dock is the newest addition to their impressive lineup of laptop docking stations… The CalDigit TS3 Plus is our top pick for a laptop docking station thanks to its wide selection of ports, including five USB-A 3.1, two Thunderbolt 3, two USB-C, and Ethernet, all contained … Besides supporting up to 5K resolution (5,120 by 2,880 pixels at 60Hz) on a single DisplayPort monitor, this dock supports two 4K (4,096 by 2,160 at 60Hz) external displays using both HDMI and DisplayPort. Our only criticism of this docking solution is tied to its design as a RAID enclosure: The cooling fan is always running to keep the temperature of the drives low. And it's currently available at a discount - so check it out.View Deal. There’s also a nifty ‘wormhole’ USB connection that allows you to hook up another computer – as well as your initial laptop – and do things like share files by simply dragging and dropping them across from machine to machine. When you connect a single Thunderbolt 3 cable (included), you'll have instant access to three USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, two DisplayPorts (supporting dual 4K panels at 60Hz), a headset jack, and a Gigabit Ethernet jack. It has multiple ports that let you dock up to 10 devices at once, and the silicone rubber pad provides scratch protection while securing the placement of your device. It supports both 2.5” … You can hook up two displays to this dock, and in terms of ports, you get a pair of USB 3.0 ports, alongside a pair of USB 2.0 connectors, plus two powered USB 2.0 ports, and Gigabit Ethernet. The Pro Dock delivers a whole smorgasbord of ports and slots: a full-size SD card reader, a MicroSD card slot, separate headset-audio and headphone-only jacks, four USB 3.1 ports (two Type-A, two Type-C), a Thunderbolt 3 pass-through, a DisplayPort, and a Gigabit Ethernet jack. Much like the Belkin Dock Core, the StarTech.com Mini Thunderbolt 3 Dock ($153.99) is a travel-friendly docking solution for owners of modern laptops with Thunderbolt 3 ports. This can also be used to share your keyboard and mouse between devices, and works cross-platform (i.e. Power your devices with this IOGEAR USB docking station. Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Docking Station with 90W PD is easily the best Thunderbolt 4 docking station. The Surface Dock will let you turn your Surface convertible into a fully-fledged desktop PC. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-docking-stations-for-windows-laptops This device will let you transform one USB port into six (it sports four USB 2.0 ports around the back, and a pair of USB 3.0 affairs on the front). Although this docking station is relatively compact (1.3 by 10.6 by 3.2 inches), it also features a cable lock slot if you're worried about physical security in your home or office. The Kensington family of docking stations has a long history of wide compatibility, and the Kensington SD5300T ($209.99) is no exception. Your subscription has been confirmed. One Thunderbolt 3 port connects to your laptop, and the SD5300t provides five USB 3.1 Type-A ports, one SD card reader, a Gigabit Ethernet jack, and a headset audio jack, as well as another Thunderbolt 3 port and one HDMI port, both of which support external monitors. There's never been a better time to upgrade your work-from-home setup with a docking station that transforms your laptop into a more comfortable … This dock supports MacBooks and Windows laptops and provides you with one USB-C port, two DisplayPorts, three USB 3.2 Type-A ports, a Gigabit Ethernet jack, a 3.5mm audio jack, an SD card reader, and even a microSD card reader. Check out TechRadar Pro's remote working survey. In back are 85- and 15-watt Thunderbolt 3 ports and in front is an 18-watt USB-C power delivery port. The USB-C Pro Dock doesn’t have a second Thunderbolt port like the TS3 Plus, and it includes fewer USB ports, but it works with both Thunderbolt 3– and USB-C–equipped computers. Jerry Jackson, former Site Editor of Notebook Review and Managing Editor of the TechnologyGuide Group, is a technology writer with more than a decade of experience. Toshiba is another big tech name that makes laptop docking stations. There are also no less than six USB ports, two of which are Superspeed USB 3.0, with the other four being USB 2.0 for use with other hardware such as printers, keyword, scanner, or a digital camera. Read the full review: Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock. It has a decent number of external ports: HDMI, DVI-I, 2 х USB … The best laptop docking station is the one that fits your workflow and lifestyle. Best Docking Stations AmazonBasics USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station This is a USB 3.0 docking station from Amazon. If you're looking for a docking station whose main aim is to simplify a dual-display setup, then the IOGear Quantum Dual Mode Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro (model GTD737) might be just what you need. The Plugable TBT3-UDC1 Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Dual Docking Station ($199) converts a single Thunderbolt 3 port into lots of USB, plus two DisplayPorts for connecting dual monitors. The dock (model TB3DKM2DP) connects to your laptop via an integrated Thunderbolt 3 cable and converts a single Thunderbolt 3 port into two DisplayPorts capable of outputting 4K (4,096-by-2,160-pixel) resolution at 60Hz on two external monitors. Sign up to get breaking news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more, plus the hottest tech deals! Kevin talks about different docks user scenarios and key differentiators - find out which docking station is the right one for you. For an ultra-slim, vertically-oriented USB 3.0 dock, consider this product by Anker. We'll be concentrating on those here. $125.82 #2. Sometimes being able to connect a whole heap of USB devices is more important than having just one Thunderbolt 3 port. $27,000 worth of prizes up for grabs. CalDigit, the brains behind the best Thunderbolt 3 docking station in the market, is back with another Thunderbolt dock. 11 December 2020, Turn your laptop into a PC with the best docking stations around. There was a problem. This is an ideal docking solution for photographers and videographers using SD and microSD cards to transfer images and video files to the PC for editing. This accessory will set you back £312, which is a hefty whack, but not a bad investment if you’re in the market for a powerful dock. Here's the laptop that came in from the road. By NEW Microsoft Surface Dock 2 4.6 out of 5 stars … When not writing about technology or helping clients find more effective ways to market their products and services, Jerry spends his time playing PC games with his kids and remodeling his home. Visit our corporate site. The Kensington SD7000 Docking Station is the best dock you can buy for the Surface Pro (including the new Surface Pro 7) and Surface Go right now, featuring an excellent design, plenty of … The Wavlink USB 3.0 Dual Display Docking Station has been praised by many primarily for its compatibility with most laptops. You also get a Kensington-style security-cable lockdown notch to keep your docking station tethered to your desk. The device supports up to 4K resolution (3,840 by 2,160 pixels) on one display and up to 2,048 by 1,152 on the other two monitors.