15+ Best Laptop Docking Stations of 2024

When you’re a graphic designer on the go, powering your laptop will generally come down to using the classic three-pronged plug into the nearest outlet. While that does a great job, wouldn’t it be great if there was an option that you could use to not only power your laptop but also allow you to plug in your peripherals without the need for hubs or extra cords?

Well, quit dreaming because that type of thing already exists and in our own experience, a docking station for your laptop is a necessity, especially these days with so many people working from home.

We wanted to share our choices for the best laptop docks & docking stations for graphic designers. Don’t worry, we’ve done all the hard work for you already so sit back, relax and read on. Let’s start by looking at the mistakes you should avoid.

 

 

What is the Best Laptop Dock?

Microsoft Surface Dock is the best laptop dock. Check out the table to see a comparison of the other best laptop docks and choose what is right for you.

You can also check out our other dock articles like Best USB Hubs & Docks for Graphic Designers and Best Docking Stations for MacBook Pro.

 

Avoid These Mistakes When Choosing a Docking Station for Your Laptop

 

We know what you’re thinking. It’s a docking station, how could I mess it up? Well, you definitely can and we wanted to do whatever we could to keep that from happening. So, pay attention, little one and we’ll help you learn a little something.

Shazam!

Most of the laptops that are available now support USB Type-C connections. Even some higher-end options such as the Microsoft Surface offer a single USB Type-C port even though they still rely on their proprietary connectors. Don’t get confused though, not all USB-C connections are the same.

Huh? I know right? While there is no apparent difference between the USB-C port on a laptop that supports Thunderbolt and one that doesn’t, much like the USB-C port on the Surface we mentioned above. Where you’ll notice a difference when you try to connect a Thunderbolt dock to a non-Thunderbolt PC, or vice versa. You want to make sure that if your laptop has a USB Type-C port on it, that it supports Thunderbolt before you spend a good bit of money on a dock that doesn’t work.

Can it power your laptop?

While the overall goal of a docking station is to help power your laptop, the amount of power (in watts) that the dock is delivering might not be enough to keep your laptop fully powered. This can be especially true if you have a larger laptop that comes with a high-end CPU and discrete GPU that is designed to handle video and graphic editing jobs.

Make sure that you compare the power requirements that your laptop has against the maximum power output of the docking station to ensure you have enough juice.

Any port in the storm

If you read many of the reviews for docking stations online, a common complaint is that the ports may not always do what a user needs them to such as a USB port charging a smartphone or tablet with any kind of speed.

Just because a docking station has several USB ports on it, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will work as you expect them to. You want to be sure to check the format of the ports to ensure that they will work how you need them to or be ready to purchase an adapter or extra cable if you need to plug a USB-A into a USB-C port for example.

Dude, awesome display set-up

This is where things can get a bit tricky. If you’re just planning to plug a generic Full HD monitor into a docking station, then the one you choose isn’t going to matter much. If you tend to use high-resolution displays in 5K or maybe you are looking to create a battle station with two 4K monitors you are going to need a docking station that can handle those specs.

Also, pay attention to the refresh rates. Some docks support advanced configurations with reduced refresh rates of 30Hz. With the native refresh rate being 60Hz, your eyes can get fatigued over time.

How are the ergonomics?

Like anyone, whether you’re working from the office or at home, you have your workspace set up just the way you want it but will your fancy new dock fit your setup?

Many laptop docks need to be set up in a certain way with ports in the back for devices that are going to permanently connect while the ports on the front of the device work best for things like smartphones and USB drives. If the cable that connects to your PC is hardwired to the dock, it can create logistical issues.

Before you even decide to buy a docking station, look at pictures of the device online so you can get an idea of how it will sit on your desk and if it’s a good fit for what you already have going on.

 

Best Laptop Docking Stations of 2024

 

1. GVRIOY Docking Station (Editor’s Choice)

Best docking station overall

Ports: VGA, USB Type C, USB, HDMI, USB 2.0

If you are looking for a budget-friendly docking station, GVRIOY is an ideal choice. It has one Display Port port and two HDMI connections that can output 4K high-definition video. You have a convenient all-in-one option for connecting peripheral devices thanks to its 8-in-1 USB C adapter feature. You may simply plug it in and start using it without any additional devices.

With three USB 2.0 connections, the portable docking station meets your demands for working or learning. It enables you to connect a keyboard, mouse, or flash drive without experiencing any lags thanks to its quick data transfer rate of up to 480Mbps.

The portable and lightweight form is ideal for use at home, at the workplace, or while traveling. Mobile phones, tablet PCs, and laptops with fully functional USB Type-C connectors can all use this dock.

Pros	Cons
➕ HD 4K triple display	➖ Not compatible with Logitech Bluetooth wireless products
➕ Fast data transfer
➕ Wide range of compatibility
➕ Affordable

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

2. Microsoft Surface Dock

A great docking station for your Microsoft Surface

Ports: 2 x Mini DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, 4 x USB 3.0, audio-out jack

Compatible with the Surface Pro3, Surface Pro 4, and the Surface Book, the Microsoft Surface Dock lets you turn your Surface convertible tablet into a desktop PC. Packed with a wide array of ports including 2 Mini DisplayPorts, a Gigabit Ethernet port, an audio-out jack, and four USB 3.0 ports. More than enough ports for the things you need. While it isn’t the most affordable option out there, if you need a docking station for your surface, this is the one to get.

Pros	Cons
➕ Enables high-speed transfer	➖ Expensive
➕ Quick and easy to set up
➕ Sleek and compact design

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

3. Wavlink Universal Docking Station

Power and flexibility in a docking station

Ports: 2 x USB 3.0, 4 x USB 2.0, HDMI, Ethernet, audio

Designed to be a very versatile piece of tech, the Universal Docking Station from Wavlink is not only compatible with Windows machines but also Macs. Sporting dual display outputs for monitors, the dock also supports HDMI and DVI/VGA displays that have a resolution up to 2048 x 1152. With six USB ports, two of which are Superspeed USB 3.0 and the other four are great for use with other hardware such as printers, a scanner, or just about anything else. The dock also comes with an ethernet port. At such an affordable price, the features it offers can’t be beaten.

Pros	Cons
➕ Universal compatibility	➖ Sometimes monitor connections may get loose
➕ Displaylink chip
➕ Faster charging function

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

4. MOKiN Docking Station  

Best value docking station

Ports: USB, USB Type C, HDMI, USB 3.0, USB 2.0

MOKiN is the most affordable docking station with strong compatibility. Your new USB-C laptop is a wonderful match for this adapter. You can broadcast or extend video using this adapter from your laptop to a monitor, projector, or TV using 2HDMI.

Additionally, you may utilize 2 USB 2.0 ports to connect your keyboard and mouse and one super-fast USB 3.0 port to connect your hard drives for your new USB-C laptops, giving you USB-C 100w to your USB-C laptops.

It ensures rapid file transfer and synchronization with 1x USB 3.0 ports with 900mA output. With the advanced chip, you may broaden your work opportunities and enjoy a more stable performance.

Pros	Cons
➕ Budget-friendly	➖ Sound on the monitor may cut in and out
➕ Plug and play feature
➕ Strong compatibility

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

5. FALWEDI Docking Station  

Best docking station with broad compatibility

Ports: VGA, USB Type C

If you are looking for a docking station with broad compatibility, then FALWEDI is a great choice. You can satisfy your connectivity requirements with this 14-in-1 USB C docking station. It supports simultaneous connections to the internet, an external disk, an HDMI monitor, a VGA monitor, and all “full function Type C” laptops using a single USB-C connector. With a 5Gbps transmission rate and 3 USB 3.0 connections, this docking supports file transfers in just a few seconds.

The SD and TF card ports are 5Gbps capable, making it simple to access several media files at once. This docking station is built with a PD 3.0 connector that enables 100W power input and high-speed charging with an original charging cable, so you need not worry about power storage. Wide compatibility, quicker heat dissipation, and more steady performance are all features of this docking.

Pros	Cons
➕ Good build quality	➖ Lack of display port on the dock
➕ Super speed data transfer
➕ Up to 4K HD resolution and triple display

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

6. TOBENONE Docking Station  

Best small and reliable docking station

Ports: DisplayPort, USB Type C, Ethernet, HDMI, 3.5mm Audio, USB 3.0, USB 2.0

Your laptop’s ports are no longer a constraint thanks to the Tobenone USB C Docking Station. This universal docking station can add 13 ports to your Windows laptop using just a single USB-C connection.

You can connect dual HD external displays to this Tobenone USB C dual monitor docking station through HDMI or DP. You can effortlessly extend the screen of your laptop or mirror it to an HDTV, monitor, or projector so that you can experience crystal-clear, high-definition video and audio.

The dock and your laptop are both reliably powered by the 65W power brick that comes with the dock. This dual HDMI USB C docking station is ideal for Windows laptops that have a fully functional USB C port or a thunderbolt 3/4 port.

Pros	Cons
➕ Fast and stable gigabit ethernet	➖ The front USB C port only supports data transfer
➕ Universal docking station
➕ Comes with plug and play feature

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

7. iDsonix Docking Station 

Best docking station suitable for daily data transmission

Ports: USB 3.1 Type A, DisplayPort, Ethernet, USB 3.0 Type C, HDMI, USB 2.0 Type A, 3.5mm Audio

The iDsonix docking station offers two 4K high-definition HDMI ports and one DP port operating simultaneously. This USB C docking station has 1 USB-C 3.0 interface, 2 USB-A 3.0 interfaces, and a transmission speed that is ten times faster than USB 2.0, making it ideal for daily data transmission.

Additionally, it has four USB 2.0 connections, allowing for the easy connection of a mouse, keyboard, printer, etc. When utilizing multiple ports simultaneously, this PD 100W assures quick charging, the 100W power can prevent power shortages, and the reliable Gigabit Ethernet environment may significantly increase your work efficiency.

Pros	Cons
➕ 4K HD smooth display	➖ DP and HDMI 1 ports cannot be used at the same time
➕ Fast and stable ethernet connectivity
➕ Crystal clear sound quality

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

8. Kensington SD7000 Surface Pro Docking Station

The best high-end docking station

Ports: USB 3.0 (Type-A (4); USB Type-C (1), which does not support alt mode; combo audio; Gigabit Ethernet

While Microsoft’s proprietary dock does a great job as a docking station for your Surface, the SD7000 from Kensington is a docking station on steroids. With five USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, DisplayPort, and a Gigabit Ethernet port, it has all the features you’d look for. The biggest feature is a hinge built into the dock that allows you to move your display so it’s at eye level or even lay it flat so you can use it with a Surface Pen. While the price is something that will keep users away, those who do purchase this are getting a great product.

Pros	Cons
➕ Easy to connect	➖ Expensive
➕ High performance
➕ Seamless design

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

9. Dell USB 3.0 UHD Triple Video Docking Station

The best docking station for your Dell laptop

Ports: 3x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, DisplayPort, 2x HDMI, Ethernet, 2 x audio jack

There are many universal docking stations available for you to choose from. However, many manufacturers will create their own for their laptops such as the Triple Video Docking Station from Dell. The dock works with most of the company’s laptops from their Inspirion line, uses USB 3.0 ports primarily, and provides you with three plus two USB 2.0 ports. The dock also comes with DisplayPort and two HDMI ports meaning you could hook up three external monitors to the dock. Plus, Dell includes an HDMI to DVI adapter to support displays that still use DVI.

Pros	Cons
➕ Supports one Ultra HD 4K display and two Full HD displays	➖ Setup is tough
➕ Sleek and compact design
➕ Allows triple monitor setup

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

10. Plugable UD-3900 Universal Laptop Docking Station

Budget-friendly laptop docking option

Ports: 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, HDMI, Ethernet, audio

If you’re looking for extra connections but some of the more expensive options on our list are a little out of your price range, the UD-3900 from Plugable might be one you should consider. While it’s only compatible with Windows laptops, the dock does include a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 link from PC to dual video, plus two USB 3.0 ports, an ethernet port, and an HDMI port. While it does have some limitations, like a lack of DVI support, it’s still a great piece of tech at an affordable price.

Pros	Cons
➕ Universal compatibility	➖The dock does not charge the host PC
➕Flexible expandability
➕Dynamic design

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

11. Kensington USB 3.0 Docking Station

A versatile docking station

Ports: USB 3.0, HDMI, DVI, USB 2.0, Ethernet port

Much like some of the other manufacturers on our list, Kensington has become a well-respected brand with a strong reputation for its docking stations such as the USB 3.0 Docking Station. Usable with either MacBook or Windows laptops, the port effectively lets you transform one USB port into six with four USB 2.0 ports on the back and two USB 3.0 ports on the front. With a DVI connector and adapters for HDMI or VGA, plus an optional adapter for more than one monitor, the space-saving dock is one of the best around right now.

Pros	Cons
➕ Two SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports	➖The docking station does not provide power to the laptop.
➕ Dual display resolution via DisplayLink
➕ Good build quality

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

12. Plugable USB-C Triple Display Dock

Fast charging docking station

Ports: 1 x HDMI and 2x DisplayPort++ Outputs, 5x USB Ports, 60W USB PD

The Plugable USB-C Triple Display Dock is a high-tech station that meets modern standards. It has a USB Type-C for fast charging and external displays and it supports three 4K monitors so video editors, creatives, and streamers may have a seamless experience.

You also get multiple USB ports, an ethernet port, and audio input/output to enhance your workstation. It has a vertical-only design with exceptional quality and supports three displays at the same time. a reliable performance. The dock supports three displays at the same time, making it a perfect choice!

Pros	Cons
➕ Features triple 4K	➖Expensive
➕ Powerful ports
➕ Wide compatibility

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

13. StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Dual-4K Docking Station

Best advanced docking station with a single cord

Ports: 3-Port USB 3.0 Hub, Ethernet, Audio

The StarTech Thunderbolt 3 is among the most advanced docking stations that use a single cord to organize your workspace. It supports dual 4K monitors at 60 Hz and offers 40 GBPS of bandwidth, an Ethernet port, and three USB-C ports.  This makes it ideal for designers, programmers, and professionals to work on multiple projects.

The Thunderbolt 3 offers 40Gbps bandwidth and you also get Ethernet plus three USB-C ports. So, if you are in for a powerful station, then this one is sure to lighten up your workspace.

Pros	Cons
➕ It will power and charge laptops	➖ Expensive
➕ Flexible thunderbolt 3 port	➖Loud coil noise
➕ Easy to use

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

14. Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station

 

Docking station with a lot of ports
Ports: Thunderbolt 4 upstream port, a Thunderbolt 4 downstream port, a USB-C Power Delivery port, 2 HDMI ports, an Ethernet port, an SD card slot, a 3.5 mm AUX port, and 4 USB-A ports

Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 is a versatile docking station that helps you manage connectivity. You get several convenient ports such as the Thunderbolt 4 in the twelve-in-one hub to charge multiple devices and connect monitors along with accessories.

Gamers and creatives will love the support for one 8K 30Hz and two 4K 60Hz monitors. However, you need a Thunderbolt 4 supported laptop to utilize it so you might need to consider that before paying for this expensive station.

Pros	Cons
➕ Support resolutions of up to 4K	➖The docking station can only connect to one host
➕ You can charge and transfer at high speed

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

15. Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Dock

Best docking stations for Thunderbolt 4 connectivity

Port: SD Card Reader, 60W PD, and Dual 4K HDMI

The Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Dock is among the best docking stations for Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. It comes with multiple ports and supports one 8K 30Hz and two 4K 60Hz monitors along with a huge 90W power delivery to connect multiple devices.

You also get features such as audio jacks, card reader slots, an HDMI port, and an ethernet port, to achieve maximum connectivity for getting the job done, making it ideal for Ultrabooks and notebooks that support Thunderbolt 4 and is surely a great option to future-proof your setup.

Pros	Cons
➕ Sleek design	➖Expensive
➕ Supports 4K ultra HD
➕ Easy to use

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Best Laptop Docking Stations of 2024

The right docking station should satisfy all the needs you have: it should be affordable, have enough ports, be able to charge your laptop or other devices, and not take up too much room on your desk. With our list of the best laptop docking stations of 2022, we hope we’ve hit on every item on your wish list so you can pick the best one for you.

You can also read our blog post on 12 Best Docking Stations for MacBook Pro in 2022

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