One of the best docking stations are constructed to show any laptop computer right into a desktop substitute. From offering your laptop computer with upwards of ten further ports to powering all types of various peripherals without delay, a dock can unlock the true potential of your laptop computer (and clear up desks riddled with wires).
Some laptops want docking stations greater than others, even when they’re rightfully the finest laptops Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook with a restricted port selection, you’ll know precisely what we’re speaking about. To develop that collection of ports, you’re going to need the best docking station.
The Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Dock is made for ultrabooks just like the Dell XPS 13 9310. Not solely does it vastly develop the variety of ports and slots on among the finest laptops available on the market, but it surely offers it the 90W energy for charging and extra perks the pocket book requires.
No docking station is ideal, however the SD5700T dock does a stellar job of turning a laptop computer right into a desktop powerhouse. Thunderbolt 4 connectivity is right here to remain, and the SD5700T makes for a incredible transportable companion that may future-proof your setup for years to come back.
See our full Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 docking station overview
(Picture credit score: Future)
One of the best docking station with versatile connectivity
Specs
Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB-C 3.1 Gen2, 2 x USB-A 3.1 Gen2, 2 x USB-A 2.0 Gen1, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x UHS II SD 4.0 Card Reader, 3.5mm audio jack, Gigabit Ethernet Port
Causes to purchase
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12-in-1 hub
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Thunderbolt 4 ports
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Single 8K 30Hz and twin 4K 60Hz
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90W energy supply
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Distinct design
Causes to keep away from
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Costly
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Restricted compatibility
Is the Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station too forward of the curve? Sure, but it surely’s additionally a flexible hub that may enhance your present work setup whereas serving to you put together for the following era of laptops set to grow to be the norm. Its Thunderbolt 4 ports are handy and speedy, whereas the 12-in-1 hub’s different ports can help you cost and join loads of PC equipment and screens.
Anker’s dock is let down by an costly $300 value level for a tool that may’t be totally utilized and not using a Thunderbolt 4-supported laptop computer. Nevertheless, give this suitcase imposter a while and it’s certain to shine.
See our full Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station overview
(Picture credit score: Future)
One of the best premium docking station to purchase
Specs
Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Sort-C ports, 1 x USB 3.1 Sort-A enter, 2 x HDMI 2.0 ports, 1 x Thunderbolt 3 port, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port, 1 x headset jack, 1 x SD card reader
Causes to purchase
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Premium, sturdy design
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Loads of ports
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Helps two 4K, 60Hz shows
The Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock can accommodate so much of various gear. Its premium design screams office-ready, but it surely’ll look simply nearly as good manning a gaming station. Plus, it’s bought a plethora of ports simply ready to connect with a number of screens, a few headsets, and a laptop computer.
Nevertheless, at $259, the TBT100 has a steep entry value which could give many dwelling workplace employees and players pause. However when you can look previous the associated fee, the Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock is a vital piece of tech.
See our full Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock overview
Plugable USB-C Triple 4K Show Docking Station (Picture credit score: Future)
One of the best total docking station you should purchase
Specs
Ports : 4 x USB-A 3.0, 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (with 20W PW), 1 x USB-C (host port), 3 x HDMI 2.0 port, 3 x DisplayPort++ 1.2, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x SD Card Reader 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack, 1x 3.5mm microphone jack
Assist : Home windows 10 or later, macOS 11 or later
No. of ports: 13
Causes to purchase
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4K Output
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Helps three screens
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Prices USB Sort-C laptops
Causes to keep away from
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Vertical-only design
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Fewer ports than opponents
Plugable’s final USB-C Triple 4K Docking Station was successful, a lot in order that inventory has utterly run out. With its newest UD-ULTC4K docking station, I can think about it being a scorching commodity due to its truthful value and nifty upgrades.
Now with a number of upgrades to show any USB-C supported laptop computer right into a powerhouse, the brand new Plugable USB-C Triple 4K Docking Station is best than ever earlier than with further HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, a 100W Energy Supply (PD) enhance, a vital SD Card Reader, and an additional USB-C port with 20W PD and as much as 10Gbps switch charges. Oh, and 4 USB-A 3.0 ports for good measure.
Plugable listened to buyer calls for and significantly expanded the capabilities of its hottest docking station, and the result’s essentially the most well-rounded docking station I’ve reviewed.
See our full Plugable USB-C Triple 4K Show Docking Station overview
A incredible docking station for 4K screens
Specs
Ports: 4x USB-A 3.0, 1x USB-C, 1 x HDMI, 2 x DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm mic/audio jack
Causes to purchase
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Helps each USB-A 3.0 and USB Sort-C
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Powers as much as three 4K screens
Causes to keep away from
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Cable is not detachable
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Adapter is clumsy
Look no additional than Dell’s very personal D6000 common dock for a Dell XPS, which has a built-in adapter to simply swap between the requirements, so you possibly can join it to simply about any laptop computer (most significantly a Dell XPS laptop computer). It might probably go as much as 5K on a single display screen or deal with as much as three 4K screens over USB Sort-C. Higher but, it has 4 USB-A ports which are greater than sufficient for USB-A gadgets reminiscent of a mouse, keyboard, or USB stick.
See our full Dell D6000 Common Dock overview
(Picture credit score: Future)
A charging station for high-speed information transfers and highly effective charging
Specs
Ports: 7 x USB-A 3.0, 1 x USB-B, Energy Enter
Causes to purchase
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7 ports
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USB-A and USB-C connectivity
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Knowledge switch by way of all ports
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Stackable charging
Causes to keep away from
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Restricted to USB-A ports
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Area of interest utilization
Plugable’s 7-in-1 USB Charging Hub (USBC-HUB7BC) acts as a incredible docking station to unencumber ports in your laptop computer and provides much more PC peripherals reminiscent of keyboards and mice. It additionally acts as a standalone charging hub to juice up gadgets reminiscent of your smartphone . It stands out for bringing twin performance to every of its seven ports, an enviable function a majority of USB-C hubs and different docking stations don’t utterly present.
For individuals who require a hub with greater than sufficient USB-A ports to cost a number of equipment without delay, all whereas transferring information between completely different gadgets, the Plugable 7-in-1 USB Charging Hub is a superb selection.
See our full Plugable 7-in-1 USB Charging Hub overview
(Picture credit score: CalDigit )
7. CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock
One of the best docking station for port selection
Specs
Ports: 5 x USB-A 3.1 Gen1, 1 x USB-C 3.1 Gen1, 1 x USB-C 3.1 Gen2, 2 x Thunderbolt 3, 1 x UHS-II SD Card Reader, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x Digital Optical, 3.5mm mic/audio jack, Gigabit Ethernet Port
Causes to purchase
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15 ports
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Twin 4K assist
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87W energy supply
Causes to keep away from
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Costly
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Cumbersome design
With a whopping 15 ports, together with 5 USB-A 3.1, two USB-C 3.1, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, and just about each different port you’d want to your Dell XPS, the TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock is a beast. Whereas its design is on the cumbersome aspect and there’s no HDMI output, its plentiful collection of ports greater than make up for that. It additionally delivers 87W energy supply, which can sufficiently energy all gadgets linked to it.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Finest docking station for a number of shows
Specs
Ports: 4 x DisplayPort 1.2++ (3840 x 2160), 4 x HDMI 2.0 (3840 x 2160), 4 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x 3.5mm audio/mic jack
Causes to purchase
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Quad-screen connection
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Sturdy port choice
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100W Energy Supply
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4K assist
Causes to keep away from
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Costly
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Chunky, tank-like design
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No SD card readers
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No Thunderbolt 4
The Targus USB-C Common Quad 4K Docking Station, also called the 4 Head 4K Dock, doesn’t simply supply the usual two or three video outputs to rework your laptop computer right into a multi-screen setup, however eight completely different ports. With 4 DisplayPort 1.2 on prime of one other 4 HDMI 2.0 outputs, the docking station can assist a single 5K and 4 4K shows — plus your laptop computer display screen.
Targus’ display screen hoarder additionally comes with a mixture of noteworthy USB-A 3.2 and USB-C 3.2 ports to attach all of the peripherals any laptop computer consumer would want and cost different gadgets reminiscent of a smartphone or pill. Oh, and there’s a 3.5mm audio jack and Ethernet slot for good measure. What it doesn’t supply is the most recent era of connectivity, Thunderbolt 4 , together with a worthwhile price ticket. Regardless, when you’re after most display screen actual property, Targus’s docking station delivers the plots of visible land.
See our full Targus USB-C Common Quad 4K Docking Station overview
(Picture credit score: Future)
A stellar hybrid USB-C hub in disguise
Specs
Ports: 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Alt Mode, 2 x HDMI 2.0 output, 1 x SD card reader, 1 x Micro SD card reader, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet
Causes to purchase
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Assist for a number of gadgets
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Journey-friendly
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Twin 4K assist at 60Hz
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Twin SD card readers
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100W energy supply
Causes to keep away from
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Odd port placement
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One USB-A for charging
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Dear
It’s unfair to name Targus’ USB-C Twin 4K Docking Station an precise “docking station,” because it doesn’t have practically sufficient ports to cope with these formidable equipment. However I can see why Targus has referred to as it one. It boasts 100W Energy Supply and two HDMI 2.0 outputs with 4K capabilities at 60Hz — that’s not one thing many USB-C hubs can do.
MacBook Air or Dell XPS 13 house owners are due an awakening for port growth, however any laptop computer consumer will get a kick out of how easy but useful Targus’ dock will be in most circumstances.
The USB-C Twin 4K Docking Station is a hybrid USB-C hub in disguise. It may have benefitted from an additional USB-A port, (in addition to higher port administration), but it surely’s nonetheless an extremely useful accent any laptop computer and pill consumer will get nice use out of.
See our full Targus USB-C Twin HDMI 4K Docking Station overview
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