The idea of a laptop docking station is to provide a more ergonomic workstation by moving your laptop away from your desk and onto a dedicated workstation. Laptop docking stations allow you to work on your laptop and have access to a mouse, keyboard, and other desktop peripherals at the same time.
If you need a portable workstation, then you might be considering a portable laptop. These compact laptops have smaller screens, keyboards, and are lighter and easier to carry around than their full-size counterparts. A portable laptop can be used as a tablet and is often more affordable than a laptop with a full-size keyboard.
To help you find the best laptop for you, here’s what to consider when shopping and our top picks at a variety of price points.
Our Editor’s Best Laptop Docking Stations Reviews
- Huge Expansion: Equipped with an 85W laptop-charging USB-C port, an 18W Power Delivery USB-C port, a USB-C data port, 3 USB-A ports, 2 HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, an Ethernet port, SD/microSD card slots, a 3.5 mm AUX port, and a DC input.
- Simultaneous Charging: Connect your laptop to the 85W USB-C port and connect your phone or other mobile device to the 18W Power Delivery USB-C port to get simultaneous high-speed charging.
- Comprehensive Media Display: Simultaneously stream media to up to 3 monitors in 1080p@60Hz via the DisplayPort and dual HDMI ports.
- Display Information: macOS and iPadOS only support Single-Stream Transport (SST) mode, which means all connected monitors will show the same content.
- What You Get: PowerExpand 13-in-1 USB-C Dock, a 135W power adapter, 1 m / 3 ft USB-C to USB-C cable, welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- 【14 IN 1 USB C Docking Station】MOKiN USB C HDMI multiport hub equips with 2 4K capable HDMI ports, VGA ports, Gigabit RJ45 port, USB C PD port (only charging), USB C Data Transfer port(Speed up to 10Gbps), 2x USB C3.1, 1x USB A 3.1, 2x USB 3.0 Ports and 1x USB 2.0 ports,SD/Micro SD card readers and 3.5mm Mic/audio port. With a simple plug and play connectivity, This USB C hub turns Thunderbolt 3 capable PC laptop into a mobile workstation!
- 【Triple Display and Ultra HD 4K Output】Windows system support MST and SST(Mirror & Extend Mode). Single use HDMI 1 can up to 4K 60Hz under DP1.4 source. HDMI resolution will be 4K@30Hz if two monitors play simultaneously and will be 1080P@60Hz when dual or triple display with VGA. Please note: Mac OS DOES NOT support triple display, it only support mirror mode and non-mirror mode. Non-mirror mode means that the three external monitors are same but different from laptop.
- 【Gigabit Etherne&Audio Jack】USB C To Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, provide stable wire ethernet condition,make your work more effective. Speed up to 1000Mbs. Plug and play, no need install any driver or software. The 3.5mm Audio Port with mic and audio-out function Provide 100W Power Delivery for your usb c laptops. The other usb c data port, speed up to 5Gbp/s. You can connect more usb-c devices for data transfer.
- 【6 USB Ports and SD/Micro SD Card Reader】Laptop Docking Station eqquiped with 2x USB C 3.1 and 1x USB A 3.1 ports (up to 10Gbp/s) connect smartphones, tablet, hard drives for effortless data transfer with USB-C port. And Provide 2xUSB 3.0, speed up to 5Gbp/s), it allows you to connect keyboard or mouse without any lags. The SD TF Card reader (Speed up to 104 Mbp/s) for USB-C/Type-C/Thunderbolt 3 devices to access files from SD/TF card reader, quickly view your photos or videos.
- 【Strong Compatibility】 Dual monitor latpop docking stations compatible with all thunderbolt 3 devices: HP Spectre x2/HP Spectre x360/HP Elite×2 1012/HP Elitebook Folio G1/HP ZBook 15 G3/HP Laptop 13-af001TU/HP Probook 450 G5/6/7/Dell XPS13/15,Lenovo Yoga 720/910/920/930,Microsoft Surface Book 2/ Surface Go/ Surface Laptop 3,Dell Latitude 13 7000/Latitude 13 E7370 etc.
- [8 in 1 USB C Hub Dual HDMI] Transform your laptop with this latest upgrade Selore 8-in-1 dual monitor hub featuring dual 4K60HZ HDMI ports, a 100W PD charging port, a USB-C port up to 5Gbps, two USB 3.0 ports up to 5Gbps and TF/SD card slot up to 104 Mbps. Versatile and all-in-one hdmi adapter for dual monitors,suitable for home and office use for effective work.
- [Dual Monitors Made Easy] With our advanced intelligent technology, the 2 HDMI to USB C adapter provides temperature control and stable performance. Boost productivity with our usb c dual hdmi supporting SST or MST mode under Windows Laptop for extending two monitors simultaneously. Please note: Only mirror(SST) mode (identical screens of external monitors) is supported on MacOS system,Extended mode(MST) is not supported.Enjoy breathtaking 4K60Hz resolution (DP1.4 Laptop) with astonishing clarity for a truly thrilling and immersive working experience.
- [Speedy charging 100W] This dual hdmi adapter for 2 monitors with a USB-C power delivery port(near the SD/TF) can charge your laptop anytime; hdmi hub for multiple monitors input 100W, output 87W. Please Note: Power charger & charging cable is not included in the package. Note:The second USB C port is only for data transfer, it won't support power delivery and extending a monitor.
- [Fast Speed USB C Dock] 1xUSB C 3.0 &2xUSB A 3.0 port not only allows you quick transfer of data with a speed up to 5Gbps,but also supports to connect to peripheral devices such as mouse keyboards.USB C to SD/TF card reader(speed up to 104Mbs) allows you to easily browse and copy photos and videos from your cameras, and quickly share your beautiful moments.
- [Universal Compatibility] Our plug-and-play docking station with 2 HDMI ports is compatible with a wide range of USB C or Thunderbolt 3/4 laptops,including MacBook Pro/Air(OLIY Support Mirror mode),Dell XPS13/15/17,Dell Latitude 5420,5430,5520,5530,7530,7420,7480,7400, Lenovo Yoga 720/910/920/930,Surface 7/8/9,Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+,and more. Ideal for home and office use, maximizing productivity and efficiency.
- Flexible Expandability: USB 3.0 laptop docking station with dual HD HDMI video outputs, Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm audio jack, 2 USB 3.0 ports, and 4 USB 2.0 ports; includes USB 3.0 and USB-C cables for host connectivity
- Docking Station Dual Monitor: Easily connect two HDMI monitors with 2x HDMI ports, supporting resolutions up to 1920x1200; compatible with M1, M2, or M3 Macs for dual display setup
- Compatibility: Universal laptop docking station compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.x, and 7, macOS 10.14+, ChromeOS 100+; plug and play on Windows, manual installation on Mac; not compatible with Linux
- Recommended Use: Ideal for web and productivity software in home or office settings; not suitable for gaming; does not support DisplayPort connections or HDCP for encrypted content
- Enhance Your Productivity: Transform your workspace with dual monitors for increased efficiency and multitasking capabilities
- Multi Function Included--- FALWEDI 14 in 1 docking station come with 2 x HDMI, 1 x DP, 1 x RJ45 Ethernet, 1 x USB-C Data transfer, 1 x PD3.0 charging, 2 x USB3.0, 3 x USB2.0, 1 x 3.5mm Audio&Mic, 1 x TF &1 x SD card reader. Feature more ports, unlock more abilities
- Stunning 4K UHD Output--- Our dock can mirror or extend laptop screen to external large screens to present 4K@60Hz, 4K@30Hz Ultra-High-Definition and High-Refresh Rate image. MacOS itself does not support MST, only get 2 different contents (laptop+monitors) with dock, while 4 different contents are AT MOST under WinOS(DP1.4). REMARKS: WinOS in Mirror mode, monitor resolution is consistent with laptop, if in Extend mode connecting 2 or 3 monitors, one will show 4K 30Hz and others will be 1080P
- Productive Data Transmission--- Supplying 5 USB interface, our docking station is even equipped with a USB-C, especially for data, 5Gbps high transfer rate as same as USB 3.0 ports, and USB 2.0 ports are mainly designed for connecting a keyboard and other computer peripherals without lag and interference, it is also plus TF&SD card reader, quickly and efficiently read and backup your large files and stock photos
- Fast Gigabit Ethernet and Power Input--- It supports up to 1000Mbps networking rate, capable of your online multitasking and watching UHD films. Our dock with an input maximum of 100W power, and 87W output for safety. It is better to plug the laptop's charger into the PD3.0 port to ensure all ports are functioning properly. This fancy solid-aluminum docking station with a perfect size for commuting and traveling, creates a more convenient and fashionable working vibe
- Incredible Compatibility--- This dock is compatible with Mac and Windows system, and requires no extra drivers, all you need is to plug it into laptops/mobiles/tablet PCs coming with a full-featured Type C port and connect the devices(monitors/U disks/keyboard/microphone/SD card)as needed and start your work. More details and a compatible host list are attached below, check it before you place an order please. Any questions, you are welcome to chat with us
- Expand Your Display Capabilities: Experience unmatched connectivity and productivity with TobenONE USB C Docking Station. This laptop docking station features 2x HDMI and 1x DisplayPort, which allows you to enjoy various display combinations(HDMI, DisplayPort, or a mix). Effortlessly extend your laptop to dual/triple monitors for increased productivity. For more details about the resolution and extended mode, please check the product listing
- Fast Charging and Stable Connections: Unlike most USB C docks, this TobenONE powered USB-C laptop docking station comes with a powerful 100W USB-C power supply that keeps your laptop up to 87W charged with no worries about running out of battery, allowing you ready to take on any task, even work uninterrupted. And you can keep the original power adapter in your travel bag, which is extremely convenient and productive
- Effortlessly Expand Your Connectivity: This sleek and simple dock offers 13 ports to instantly expand your port selection and charge your laptop simultaneously, including 2 HDMI, 1 DP, 7 USB A/C, USB C PD(max 87W output), Host, Gigabit Ethernet, and 3.5mm Mic/Audio. The most important is that the dock provides ultimate connectivity through just a single USB C cable, easily connecting all your peripheral devices, such as external monitor, hard drive, mouse, keyboard, webcam, speakers, LAN, etc
- Say Goodbye to Not Having Enough USB Ports: The type c docking station has 7 USB ports(4 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0, as well as 1 USB C 3.0 port) for connecting your all external devices. It‘s compatible with a vast array of peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, printer, U-disk, and Hard disk, allowing you to easily achieve stable and efficient data transfer without any lag. Note: The front USB-C port supports data transfer only, NOT display
- Designed for Windows&ChromeOS Laptop, Plug-and-Play: To use all features, you do need to have a Thunderbolt 3/4, USB4, or USB-C Windows&ChromeOS laptop that supports USB-C charging and USB-C video output. Setting up this docking station 3 monitors is so quick and easy! No drivers are needed, just plug and go. Everything works seamlessly. Only a single cable gets disconnected when you need to take the laptop on the road. This feature will significantly improve your productivity and workflow
- USB C Docking Station 8 IN 1: HoDo USB C Docking Station with Dual HDMI 4K (1*60HZ & 1* 30HZ), 1*4K@60HZ DisplayPort, 1*1080P VGA,3* USB 2.0,USB C Power Charging Port (max 100W). Please Note: on MacOS system, the screens of external monitors are the same, no matter they are displayed in mirror mode or extended mode
- Docking Station 4K Display Adapter: The Laptop Docking Station with 4 video output ports: 2 HDMI+DP+VGA, can output up to 4K Dual/Triple Display videos; For quadruple display Dual HDMI, DP, and VGA all are 1080@60Hz. Please make sure your laptop specification support DP1.4 signal output. If the VGA port is connected, it will affect the resolution of all displays up to 1080P only
- 100W USB C PD Charging Port: Computer Docking Station for Dell Hp laptop supports up to 100W input & 87W(safe)output into your laptop. Please Note: please ensure your laptop's USB C port supports power delivery protocol and please use at least 65W power adapter(not included) when charging with this usb c hub,using a lower wattage power charger may cause a system warning. Note: The power cord is not included
- USB C Hub Multiport Adapter: This USB C Dock with 3 usb 2.0 ports, allows your conveniently connect keyboard,mouse, usb flash driver, usb c hard disks, transfer speeds up to 480Mbps, USB 2.0 allows you to connect keyboard or mouse without any lag
- Extensive Compatibility: This USB C Dongle Adapter specially designed for laptops with Full-featured USB Type-C port (support Display, charging, data transfer protocol), such as Dell XPS13/15/17, Dell latitude 5420/7420, Lenovo Thinkpad, Lenovo Yoga, HP Elitebook 840,HP envy, Surface pro 7 8, MacBook Pro/Air. If you experience any issues while using this USB C Hub, please reach out to us, we will solve the problem for you within 24 hours
- COMPATIBILITY WITHOUT CONSTRAINTS – Designed with universal compatibility in mind, this dock works with both HP and non-HP USB-C- and Thunderbolt-enabled laptops (1).
- CLEAR THE CLUTTER – Avoid a messy desk as the dock cuts down on extra cords or easily tangled wires.
- SINGLE-CABLE SOLUTION – Add your accessories and up to three displays to the dock (3). Then simply connect it to your laptop through a single USB-C cable to access your devices and charge your PC (1).
- SMALL FOOTPRINT – Reclaim your desk with a compact dock that takes up only 5 x 5 inches of space.
- EASILY MANAGE YOUR ENVIRONMENT – Help secure and remotely manage your laptop as this dock gives you more access and visibility with advanced network manageability features (1).
- Flexible Expandability: Hybrid 2-in-1 USB 3.0 and USB-C cable connection to USB dock offers dual HDMI video outputs, Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm Headphone and Microphone jacks, two USB 3.0 ports, and four USB 2.0 ports
- Dual HD Monitors: Supports dual HDMI displays up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz refresh rate; second output compatible with HDMI, DVI, or VGA display with included adapter; capable of 2560x1440 @ 50Hz with a single HDMI display
- Compatibility: Universal compatibility with Windows 11, 10, 8.x and 7, macOS 10.14 or later, and ChromeOS 100 or later; plug and play driver installation via Windows Update; manual driver installation on macOS; does not charge host PC
- For Best Results: Ideal for web and productivity software usage; not recommended for gaming; not supported: some non-DisplayLink adapters, DisplayPort connections, HDCP - will not playback encrypted or copy-protected content
- Enhance Your Productivity: Transform your workspace with seamless connectivity and multiple display options for efficient work and multimedia experiences
- 12-in-1 Expansion: Compatible with USB-C, USB4, or Thunderbolt laptops on Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS, this docking station charges your device, connects up to 3 HDMI monitors, offers Gigabit Ethernet, a 3.5mm combo audio jack, and 6 USB 3.0 ports
- Triple Display Docking Station: Features 3 HDMI video outputs, including 1x 4K 30Hz HDMI output and 2x 1080p 60Hz HDMI outputs using DisplayLink USB Graphics Technology, supporting 3 extended displays even on systems like Apple M1, M2, and M3
- USB-C Features: Supports DisplayLink graphics technology and native USB-C video path ("Alt Mode”) for external display at full native performance, along with USB-C Power Delivery for charging the connected system
- Compatibility: Works with USB Type-C, USB4, and Thunderbolt Macs (macOS 11 and newer with driver installation), Windows, ChromeOS 100 and newer, and laptops supporting USB-C Alt Mode and Power Delivery; Not compatible with Linux; HDCP not supported
- Enhance Your Productivity: Transform your workspace with seamless connectivity and multiple display options, ideal for professionals needing efficient multitasking and enhanced workflow
Best Laptop Docking Stations Buying Guide
Before choosing the best laptop docking station you should consider following options:
1. Multiple Monitor Support: Does the docking station support multiple monitors? If so, how many?
If your laptop supports up to three monitors, look for a docking station that supports three or more. If your laptop supports up to two monitors, look for a docking station that supports two or more.
Similarly, if your laptop supports one or two monitors, look for a docking station that supports one or two.
2. Display Connectivity: What kind of connections does the docking station support for connecting displays?
You will find docking stations with different types of display connectors. Some docking stations support DVI and HDMI connections, while others support DP connections.
You can get a docking station with multiple display connectors, or one with just one or two display connectors.
You should choose a docking station with the display connectors that your monitor supports.
3. Display Resolution Support: The resolution of the display determines the effective desktop real estate.
The higher the resolution, the larger the effective desktop real estate.
The effective desktop real estate determines how many windows you can have open at the same time without crowding the screen.
The higher the resolution, the more windows you can have open at the same time.
Thus, you should get a docking station that supports a higher resolution if you need multiple displays.
4. USB Connectivity: How many USB ports does the docking station support?
Some docking stations have multiple USB ports, while others have just one or two USB ports.
USB ports come in handy for connecting external drives and other peripherals. If your laptop supports only one or two USB ports, look for a docking station with more USB ports.
What else you should know about laptop docking stations
1. What are laptop docking stations?
Laptop docking stations are devices that are used to connect a laptop to other devices, such as a monitor, printer, or keyboard. They typically include multiple ports, such as USB, HDMI, and Ethernet, which allow the laptop to be connected to multiple devices at once.
2. What are the benefits of using a laptop docking station?
There are many benefits of using a laptop docking station. Some of these benefits include:
1. Increased Productivity: A laptop docking station can increase your productivity by giving you easier access to all of your peripherals. When your laptop is docked, you can have quick and easy access to things like an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This can help you get your work done faster and more efficiently.
2. More Connectivity Options: A docking station also gives you more connectivity options. With more ports and connections, you can connect your laptop to more devices and peripherals. This can be very helpful if you need to use multiple monitors or connect to multiple devices.
3. Better Ergonomics: A laptop docking station can also help you with your ergonomics. When your laptop is docked, it can be positioned at a better angle for your viewing and typing comfort. This can help reduce strain on your neck and back.
4. Protection for Your Laptop: A docking station can also help protect your laptop from being damaged. When your laptop is docked, it is less likely to be dropped or knocked over. This can help keep your laptop in good condition and prevent costly repairs.
3. What are the best laptop docking stations?
The best laptop docking stations are those that provide the most ports and the best connectivity.
4. What are the different types of laptop docking stations?
Docking stations for laptops are devices that allow a laptop to connect to additional peripherals, such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and printer. They typically include additional ports, such as USB and Ethernet, and may offer charging capabilities. Some docking stations are designed for specific laptop models, while others are universal.
5. How do laptop docking stations work?
A laptop docking station is a piece of hardware that allows a laptop to connect to additional peripherals, such as a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. The docking station typically has multiple ports that the laptop can connect to, and it also provides power to the laptop.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best laptop docking stations. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best laptop docking stations will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.