If you are looking for the best laptop docking station to extend the functionality of your device and make it a feature-rich replacement for your desktop, then you are in the right place.
The start stations on this list of best laptop docking stations 2019 allow you to expand your laptop's connectivity options, making it an even more versatile machine by adding ports such as additional USB ports, Ethernet LAN ports. and video connections.
So what should you look for when shopping for the best laptop docking stations? Well, you have to make sure that the solution you are considering will provide you with all the features and ports that you might need in your daily workload. With the best laptop docking stations, you can have the best of both worlds - a laptop that offers the connectivity of a larger desktop.
With this guide, we'll dive into the best laptop docking stations that will give you everything you need to stay productive and turn your trusted laptop into a complete work computer.
1. StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Dual-4K Docking Station
The most advanced docking station of all time?
Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, DisplayPort, USB Type A, 2 3.5mm mini-jack
Love at first sight 3
Many ports
Too expensive
StarTech claims that its Thunderbolt 3 docking station is the most advanced docking station to date. Docking stations often require multiple leads, but StarTech's latest offering avoids this. The device has been designed to work with thinner laptops and uses a single cable.
As the name implies, it supports two 4K displays (at 60Hz) and takes advantage of the raw power of Thunderbolt 3, offering 40Gbps bandwidth while keeping portability in mind. But that is not all. It can be used with up to three USB 3.0 devices and also benefits from Gigabit Ethernet capability. Mobile devices can also be charged and you benefit from Direct DisplayPort integration. This accessory will cost you € 312, which is a heavy blow, but not a bad investment if you are looking for a powerful spring.
2. Targus USB 3.0 Dual Video Docking Station with Power Supply
Ports: USB 3.0, HDMI, DVI, USB 2.0, 2 3,5mm mini plugs
Fast USB 3.0 connections
Useful advanced storage
Not many ports
Ethernet connection requires adapter
Targus offers this dual video docking station that won't break the bank, and it comes with built-in laptop charging facilities that are compatible with most 90W laptops. So even if you forgot your charger, you can use this device wisely.
You can connect two displays to this docking station, and in terms of ports, it has a pair of USB 3.0 ports, as well as a pair of USB 2.0 connectors, two powered USB 2.0 ports, and Gigabit Ethernet. Targus also offers a multiplexer adapter that makes this docking station USB-C compliant.
3. Anker USB 3.0 docking station
Ports: 2x USB 3.0, HDMI, DVI, 4 x USB 2.0, Ethernet port
Many USB ports
affordable
Not many ports
Anker also offers a range of affordable laptop docking stations, including its USB 3.0 dual display model. You can connect all your devices through six USB ports and use two displays simultaneously. This is definitely useful if you need multiple displays for work.
Four of the USB ports are version 2.0, two of the USB 3.0 ports allow you to access 5Gbps transfer speeds. The docking station also incorporates automatic bandwidth prioritization, which is intended to ensure consistent and stable performance when all ports are used. This dock was built for Windows devices.
4. Kensington 3.0 USB docking station
Ports: USB 3.0, HDMI, DVI, USB 2.0, Ethernet port
Easy to use
High speed data transfers
expensive
Kensington is a recognized and respected brand that has built a reputation for its home stations. Its latest USB 3.0 model can be used with MacBook or Windows laptops.
This device will allow you to convert one USB port to six ports (four USB 2.0 ports on the back and a business USB 3.0 pair on the front). It also has a DVI connector and adapters that can be used with HDMI or VGA cables. An optional multi-display adapter connects multiple monitors.
It is well located next to your laptop and its price is affordable - it really is one of the best laptop docking stations around.
5.Toshiba Dynadock V3.0+
Ports: USB 3.0, DVI, Ethernet port
Vertical design saves space
Good price
Lack of ports
Toshiba is another great technology name that makes laptop docking stations. The Dynadock V3.0 is one of the company's most popular offerings. It is intended for Windows laptop users who want to take advantage of expanded capabilities.
Like most docking stations today, the Dynadock offers USB 3.0 ports, although there are more of them here. There is also a DVI connector (with adapters for HDMI or VGA) with an Ethernet port, and the docking station uses a wired connection for ease of use and portability. And because Dynadock has a vertical design, it fits perfectly in the tightest office environments.
6. Microsoft Surface Dock
Microsoft's realized platform.
Ports: 2 x Mini DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, 4 x USB 3.0, audio-out connector
elegance
Ideal for Microsoft Surface products.
Dear
Microsoft is a company best known for its software prowess, but in recent years it has become increasingly interested in hardware. The surface range of hybrid tablets is the perfect example. If you have one, you'll be pleased to know that you can also enjoy the benefits of a docking station.
The Surface Docking Station will allow you to turn your convertible surface into a full-fledged desk. It is compatible with Surface Pro 3, Surface Pro 4, and Surface Book. In terms of connectivity, there are two Mini DisplayPorts, a Gigabit Ethernet port, four USB 3.0 ports, and an audio-out connector. However, this dock is not particularly inexpensive.
7. J5Create JUD500 USB 3.0 Ultra Station
Ports: 2x USB 3.0, USB 2.0, VGA, HDMI, Ethernet, 2 x audio jack
Slim design
Functionality & # 39; wormhole & # 39;
It is not the most glamorous.
The J5Create Ultra Station is a sleek and compact dock, as it is a slim bar that you can place on the back of your laptop. It offers several connectivity options for Windows laptops and MacBooks - it has a pair of USB 3.0 ports (one of which is powered for charging) and a USB 2.0 port. as well as VGA and HDMI ports, Ethernet, as well as microphone and speaker outputs. .
However, this not all. There is also a clever wormhole USB connection that allows you to connect another computer, along with your original laptop, and share files by simply dragging and dropping them from one machine to another. It can also be used to share your keyboard and mouse between devices, and it runs on multiple platforms (that is, you can connect and share items between a Windows laptop and a MacBook).
8. Dell Triple USB 3.0 UHD Video Docking Station
Ports: 3x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, DisplayPort, 2x HDMI, Ethernet, 2 x audio jack
Nice design
4K display support
Works best with Dell products
expensive
Although there are universal docking stations for laptops, of course, manufacturers build many models for their own laptops. The Dell USB 3.0 Docking Station is one example. It works with most of the company's newer Inspiron series laptops and, like most competitors, uses USB 3.0 as its primary port. It has three USB 3.0 connectors and two USB 2.0 ports.
As the name implies, 4K displays are supported and you get a DisplayPort with a pair of HDMI ports, which means you can connect three external monitors to the total (including a 4K one) if you want. . Dell offers an HDMI to DVI adapter to support older displays that still use the DVI format. This dock also has an Ethernet port, as well as audio / headphone jacks.
(Photo credit: plug-in)
9. UD-3900 universal portable docking station
Budget option for high resolution HDI
Ports: 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, HDMI, Ethernet, audio
Low price
Good screen resolution
Limited display support
Windows only
Universal Plug-in's USB 3.0 Dock for Windows is a solid budget option for those looking for additional connections. Specifications include a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) link from a PC to dual video, as well as connections for Ethernet, audio in / out, and two USB 3.0 ports. The HDMI port can support a single display up to 2560 x 1440. However, if two displays are configured, the maximum resolution is reduced to 1900 x 1200.
However, it is only compatible with Windows machines. Additional limitations are that it cannot be mixed with non-DisplayLink USB graphics adapters such as MCT, j5, or SMSC. Also, it does not support dual-link or display DVI connections, HDCP, or protected Blu-ray disc playback. Despite these limitations, it is still a useful budget item for many uses.
(Image credit: Wavlink)
10. Wavlink Universal Docking Station
A powerful and flexible docking station.
Ports: 2 x USB 3.0, 4 x USB 2.0, HDMI, Ethernet, audio
Supports HMDI and DVI / VGA
6 USB ports
Budget price
The Wavlink Universal Docking Station is a very versatile kit compatible not only with Windows machines, but also with Intel-based Macs. It includes dual display outputs for monitors and supports HMDI and DVI / VGA displays with resolutions up to 2048 x 1152. In theory, this means you can expand your laptop to have three monitors.
There are no fewer than six USB ports, including two Superspeed USB 3.0 and the other four USB 2.0, for use with other peripherals such as printers, keywords, scanner, or device. digital photo There is also an Ethernet port, as well as audio jacks for headphones and microphone. It is a strong and flexible material at a surprisingly low price.