Laptops and tablets are a lot extra handy than desktop computer systems for the very apparent purpose of portability—you may’t (or actually shouldn’t) lug a desktop PC between your own home and workplace or on vacation with you.
The transportable pc’s limitation, although, is display screen dimension and sometimes a scarcity of ports to plug units into. Some laptops have only one or two ports included as commonplace, and also you want a kind of for charging. And tablets have even fewer ports for machine enlargement.
There are many individuals who desire a mouse to the laptop computer’s trackpad, and even a full-size keyboard to faucet away on—after all, there are Bluetooth keyboards and mice that don’t require a aspect port on the laptop computer.
The right setup can be a laptop computer for flexibility, plus a number of bigger exterior shows, some USB ports for including exhausting drives or a printer, and an Ethernet port so you may get pleasure from wired Web entry relatively than flaky Wi-Fi.
The answer is a dock or docking station that features all these ports and allows you to join your laptop computer or pill to it with one cable.
Greatest USB-C docks
Setup is easy. Simply join your laptop computer or pill to the dock, and it immediately has entry to all of the dock’s ports as in the event that they have been on the laptop computer itself—besides to have that many ports, in actuality, would make your laptop computer as thick as a brick.
On this evaluation roundup, we’ll take a look at one of the best docks for USB-C laptops and tablets. Some laptops—notably Apple’s MacBook vary—embrace a sooner variant of USB-C referred to as Thunderbolt 3 (TB3) or Thunderbolt 4 (TB4). Such laptops can use USB-C docks, however Thunderbolt’s increased bandwidth (40Gbps vs USB-C’s 5Gbps or 10Gbps) will likely be misplaced if not utilizing a devoted Thunderbolt dock.
Many docking stations are appropriate with Apple’s iPad Professional and iPad Air (4th Era), and USB-C Home windows tablets.
For those who don’t need a full docking station, only a helpful USB-C adapter or dongle, try our Greatest USB-C hub roundup. We’ve included a few “hubs” right here as a result of they’re typically cheaper however simply as succesful as docks.
Plain USB-C laptops gained’t work with most Thunderbolt 3 or 4 docks, though we now have reviewed some right here that may work with each. That makes them a fantastic selection for hot-desking and blended workflow environments. Workplace IT doesn’t have to purchase completely different docks for various use circumstances—one dock can work on something, and with out adapters or drivers.
Thunderbolt and USB4 laptops can use any of the USB-C docks reviewed right here, however will lose a few of their 40Gbps bandwidth and show benefits on the lower-spec docks.
House owners of Thunderbolt 3 or 4 laptops—resembling Apple MacBooks—also needs to learn Macworld’s roundup of one of the best Thunderbolt 3 and 4 docking stations or our personal greatest Thunderbolt 4 docks. The docks reviewed right here principally work with any TB3/TB4 laptops except specified, however keep in mind that if the dock is USB-C solely, Thunderbolt laptops is not going to be utilizing their full bandwidth for the quickest data-transfer speeds.
After our listing of one of the best USB-C docks, we clarify what every of the ports can do for you.
Anker PowerExpand Elite Dock – Greatest USB-C/Thunderbolt dock with a number of ports
Execs
- 13 ports inc 40Gbps to TB laptop computer, 10Gbps to USB-C
- Thunderbolt and USB-C
- 85W PD
Cons
- One show port
- Second show makes use of TB3 port
- USB-C and Thunderbolt laptop computer appropriate
- Suitable with USB-C Home windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- Two Thunderbolt 3 ports (40Gbps) – one to host
- 85W PD charging, plus standalone charging
- As much as two exterior shows (2 x 4K at 60Hz; or 1 x 5K at 60Hz)
- 1 x HDMI 2.0 port (4K at 60Hz; or 1 x 5K at 60Hz)
- 2 x USB-C ports (10Gbps) permits second 4K at 60Hz show with adapter
- 4 x USB-A ports (5Gbps)
- SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
- microSD 4.0 Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
- Gigabit Ethernet port for wired Web entry
- Entrance-facing 3.5mm Analogue Audio In & Out port
- 180W energy provide
For those who want extra ports than the Caldigit USB-C HDMI or Professional Docks, Anker’s PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 3 dock presents 13.
With its Titan Ridge chipset, additionally it is USB-C appropriate, and is a neat and compact vertical dock.
The PowerExpand Elite can join as much as three exterior shows on Home windows laptops solely as macOS doesn’t help MST (Multi-Stream Transport).
The HDMI and Thunderbolt/USB-C port would join two shows (4K at 60Hz for Thunderbolt laptops), whereas the third exterior show would use one of many USB-C ports (4K at 30Hz). Except your show has a USB-C connection itself, you’ll want an adapter (not included) utilizing the Thunderbolt and USB-C connections.
One seemingly minor characteristic that we love is the easy-to-reach on-off swap, which can assist save power, lengthen your machine’s battery, and cease the dock getting too heat when left unused in a single day.
Each USB-C ports are Gen. 2 at 10Gbps, the place some docks boast simply 5Gbps C-type ports.
Learn our full Anker PowerExpand Elite Dock evaluation.
Twelve South StayGo USB-C Hub – Greatest transportable USB-C dock
Execs
- 9 ports
- Transportable
- 85W passthrough energy
Cons
- No energy provide, so requires USB-C charger
- Ports slightly underpowered
- 5Gbps to laptop computer
- USB-C laptop computer appropriate (works with Thunderbolt laptops at decrease bandwidth)
- Suitable with USB-C Home windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- 85W PD charging, plus standalone charging
- USB-C to the host (5Gbps)
- 1 x HDMI 1.2 (4K at 30Hz or full HD)
- 3 x USB-A (5Gbps; one with 7.5W BC 1.2 charging)
- 1 x USB-C (for charging)
- SD Card Reader (UHS-I)
- microSD Card Reader (UHS-I)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 100W energy capability
This light-weight and compact USB-C dock undersells itself by calling itself only a hub. The Twelve South StayGo actually a really succesful transportable dock that may slot in your pocket.
Sure, it doesn’t have its personal energy provide, however you may join it to your laptop computer’s charger (or one other) for passthrough charging at as much as a powerful 85W.
It has HDMI for connecting an exterior show (4K at 30Hz), three USB-A ports (certainly one of which you should use to cost your telephone), SD Card reader for including easy and cheap backup storage, and Gigabit Ethernet – all the essential and extra.
It even comes with its personal neat, brief journey USB-C cable saved for defense, and ships with a 1m USB-C cable for regular desktop use.
And it’s out there in both black or white.
Learn our full
Assessment Twelve South StayGo USB-C Hub
Plugable’s USB-C Triple Show 4K Docking Station – Greatest for 3 exterior shows
Execs
- 12 (usable) ports inc 10Gbps to laptop computer
- Three show ports
- 96W PD
- USB-C laptop computer appropriate (works with Thunderbolt laptops at decrease bandwidth)
- Suitable with USB-C Home windows tablets
- USB-C to the host (10Gbps)
- 96W PD charging
- 3 x DisplayPort 1.2 (4K at 60Hz to USB-C and TB laptops)
- 3 x HDMI 1.2 (4K at 60Hz to USB-C and TB laptops)
- 4 x USB-A (5Gbps); 1 x USB-C (10Gbps, 20W)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 2 x 3.5mm Analog Audio In & Out
- 100W energy provide
Plugable’s USB-C Triple Show 4K Docking Station (UD-ULTC4K) does what its identify says it could actually–it’s stuffed filled with fancy know-how that permits it to run three exterior shows from a USB-C laptop computer, with all three at full 60Hz 4K if the host laptop computer help DP 1.4. Though there are six show ports, you should use solely three on the similar time.
It makes use of a mix of USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode (“Alt Mode”) for the HDMI port and DisplayLink USB graphics for its two DisplayPorts. laptops with Thunderbolt/USB4 or USB-C hosts that help DP 1.4 Alternate Mode can run three 4K shows at 60Hz by way of both DisplayPort or HDMI. On hosts that help DP 1.2 Alternate Mode, two shows at 60Hz are attainable and one at 30Hz.
This brings with it some complexity and compatibility points on sure variations of the macOS, however with DisplayLink drivers put in, all ought to be properly.
The 4 USB-A ports are beneficiant, though restricted to 5Gbps in comparison with the 10Gbps USB-C hyperlink to the pc.
Learn our full
Assessment Plugable USB-C Triple 4K Show Docking Station (UD-ULTC4K) v2
Ugreen USB-C Triple Show Docking Station
Execs
- 12 ports inc 10Gbps to laptop computer
- 85W PD
- Three 4K 60Hz ports
Cons
- No energy provide, so requires USB-C charger
- No USB machine charging besides laptop computer
- UHS-I card reader pace
- USB-C laptop computer appropriate (works with Thunderbolt laptops at decrease bandwidth)
- Suitable with USB-C Home windows tablets
- USB-C to the host (10Gbps)
- 85W PD charging
- 1 x DisplayPort 1.2 (4K at 60Hz to USB-C and TB laptops)
- 1 x HDMI 2.0 (4K at 60Hz to USB-C and TB laptops)
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 (8K at 30Hz or 4/5/6K at 60Hz)
- 3 x USB-A (5Gbps); 1 x USB-C (10Gbps)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- SD Card Reader (UHS-I)
- MicroSD Card Reader (UHS-I)
- 3.5mm Analog Audio In & Out
The Ugreen USB-C Triple Show Docking Station is one other dock that helps as much as three exterior shows—once more requiring DisplayLink drivers for Macs.
This compact dock requires a USB-C charger for energy because it doesn’t ship with an influence provide. If you wish to attain the potential 85W laptop computer charging Energy Supply (PD) on provide right here, you want not less than a 100W PD charger.
One of many HDMI ports and the DisplayPort help 4K at 60Hz (Mac and Home windows) and the second HDMI can push as much as 8K at 30Hz in Home windows and as much as 4K at 60Hz with a Mac. The HDMI 2.1 port can hit 60Hz at beneath 8K, for instance, 4K, 5K or 6K.
There’s additionally front-mounted USB-C and USB-A ports that may switch information at 10Gbps, which is speedier than on provide on many USB-C docks. On the again there are two slower however nonetheless affordable 5Gbps USB-A ports.
A helpful energy button is located on the high of this vertical docking station.
Learn our full
Assessment Ugreen USB-C Triple Show Docking Station
Kensington SD4839P USB-C Triple Video Docking Station
Execs
- 9 ports inc 10Gbps to laptop computer
- Three show ports
Cons
- Triple show restricted to HD
- Home windows solely
- USB-C laptop computer appropriate (works with Thunderbolt laptops at decrease bandwidth)
- Suitable with USB-C Home windows tablets
- USB-C to the host (10Gbps)
- 85W PD charging
- 2 x DisplayPort 1.4 (4K at 60Hz to USB-C and TB laptops)
- 1 x HDMI 2.0 (4K at 60Hz to USB-C and TB laptops)
- 3 x USB-A (10Gbps, 4.5W); 1 x USB-C (10Gbps, 7.5W)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 3.5mm Analog Audio In & Out
- 134W energy provide
The Kensington SD4839P USB-C Triple Video Docking Station is blessed with a 10Gbps USB-C connection to the host pc and has three USB-A and one USB-C port additionally rated at that pace. It’s not Thunderbolt however it’s nonetheless speedy.
One other promoting level is its three show ports—2x DisplayPort 1.4 and 1x HDMI 2.0. These permit for twin 4K shows at 60Hz—due to the usage of HBR3 DP1.4 and DSC (show stream compression)—however are restricted to 1080p HD once you use all three for a triple-display setup. If you need three 4K shows operating on the similar time, look to the Plugable UD-ULTC4K or Ugreen Triple Show docks reviewed right here.
The 85W PD charging ought to be ample for all however the most-demanding laptops, and the dock has a 134W energy provide so linked units cam even be charged by way of the dock (at as much as 7.5W on the only USB-C port. The USB-A ports are slightly underpowered at simply 4.5W.
That is an ultra-slim horizontal dock that has a small footprint and is well-priced for a triple-display docking station.
EZQuest Final Plus USB-C Multimedia Hub
Execs
- Helps three exterior shows (2x 4K; 1x HD)
- VGA in case you want it
- 12 ports, inc 4x 5Gbps USB-A
Cons
- Requires USB-C charger
- Second 4K show is 30Hz; third show is HD
- 5Gbps to laptop computer
- USB-C laptop computer appropriate (works with Thunderbolt laptops at decrease bandwidth)
- Suitable with USB-C Home windows tablets
- USB-C to the host (5Gbps)
- 85W PD charging
- 1 x HDMI DP 1.4 (4K at 60Hz to USB-C and TB laptops)
- 1 x HDMI DP 1.2 (4K at 30Hz to USB-C and TB laptops)
- 1 x VGA (1080p HD)
- 4 x USB-A (5Gbps)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- SD Card Reader (UHS-I)
- MicroSD Card Reader (UHS-I)
- 3.5mm Analog Audio In & Out
The EZQuest Final Plus USB-C Multimedia Hub will likely be helpful in case you personal a show with a VGA port. It additionally boasts two HDMI ports, and helps one 4K at 60Hz and one 4K at 30Hz by way of HDMI. The VGA port is restricted to 1080p HD.
The compact dock additionally options 4 5Gbps USB-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet and card readers.
Just like the Ugreen dock, it requires a USB-C charger for energy and may go via as much as 85W to the linked laptop computer, however connects by way of slower 5Gbps USB-C.
Caldigit USB-C HDMI Dock – Greatest worth dual-HDMI dock for blended USB-C and Thunderbolt 3
Execs
- 9 ports inc 40Gbps to TB laptop computer, 10Gbps to USB-C
- Thunderbolt and USB-C
- Two HDMI ports
- 94W PD
Cons
- No downstream Thunderbolt port
- USB-C and Thunderbolt laptop computer appropriate
- Suitable with USB-C Home windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- 1 x Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C port to host
- 94W PD charging, plus standalone charging
- 2 x HDMI 2.0b ports (twin 4K at 60Hz to T3 laptops; or twin 1080p or a single 4K at 30Hz show to a USB-C laptop computer)
- 3 x USB 3.2 Gen. 1 Kind-A ports (5Gbps)
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen. 2 Kind-C ports (10Gbps) port
- SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
- Gigabit Ethernet port for wired Web entry
- Entrance-facing 3.5mm Analogue Audio In & Out port
- 150W energy provide
Whereas it’s referred to as a “USB-C” dock, Caldigit’s USB-C HDMI Dock is appropriate with Thunderbolt 3 and 4 laptops, and any USB4-certified machine.
This contemporary docking station makes use of a Thunderbolt 3 chipset referred to as “Titan Ridge”, which permits the dock to work on each Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C. Usually USB-C laptops can’t use Thunderbolt 3 docks. T3 laptops can use USB-C docks however at a diminished bandwidth—USB-C runs at 5-10Gbps, however T3 at 40Gbps.
This flexibility signifies that Thunderbolt 3 laptops get to make use of all their bandwidth whereas USB-C laptop computer house owners can use the identical dock, and never have to purchase a plain USB-C docking station. And since it really works with USB-C, it could actually flip an iPad Professional or USB-C Home windows pill right into a full pc expertise since it could actually cost the pill, join a 4K monitor, keyboard, mouse and exhausting drives.
The USB-C HDMI Dock has two built-in HDMI connectors for instantly including twin 4K (at 60Hz if utilizing a Thunderbolt 3 laptop computer) displays to your laptop computer with out the necessity for any USB-C Video Adapters. USB-C laptops can run twin shows at HD (1080p) or a single 4K monitor at 30Hz.
The USB-C HDMI Dock additionally costs at 94W, sufficient for many top-end laptops. Standalone charging performance permits the dock to cost USB units, resembling a telephone, pill or smartwatch, at as much as 7.5W with out the laptop computer linked.
This can be a nice USB-C dock in its personal proper, and the T3/T4/USB4 compatibility is a future-proof and mixed-environment bonus.
Learn our full
Assessment Caldigit USB-C HDMI Dock
Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station – Greatest Thunderbolt 4 dock
Execs
- Thunderbolt 4
- 11 ports, inc 4 TB4
- 40Gbps to TB laptop computer, 10Gbps to USB-C
• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 90W PD)
• Three Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports (40Gbps, 15W)
• Three USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W)
• One USB-A port (480Mbps, 7.5W)
• Gigabit Ethernet
• SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
• Entrance-facing 3.5mm Analogue Audio In & Out port
• 180W energy provide
The Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station offers you the whole lot a dock ought to and is appropriate with the most recent Thunderbolt 4 connection commonplace, which is itself backwards appropriate with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C–so presents one of the best of all worlds.
In case your laptop computer has Thunderbolt 4 ports, it’s greatest to hook up with a ThB4 dock resembling this one.
At 180W, the ability provide is the best we’ve seen in all our hub and dock checks–nice if you’re powering a number of units linked to the dock.
Learn our full
Assessment Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station
HyperDrive GEN2 12-Port USB-C Dock – Greatest worth USB-C dock with 12 ports
Execs
- 12 ports inc 10Gbps to laptop computer
- Three show ports
Cons
- No energy provide, so requires USB-C charger
- Restricted for Macs
- USB-C laptop computer appropriate (works with Thunderbolt laptops at decrease bandwidth)
- Suitable with USB-C Home windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- 85W PD charging by way of 1 x USB-C port
- USB-C to the host (10Gbps)
- 2 x HDMI (4K at 60Hz)
- DisplayPort 1.4 (4K at 60Hz)
- 2 x USB-A port (10Gbps)
- 2 x USB-A ports (480Mbps)
- SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
- microSD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- 3.5mm Analog Audio In & Out
USB-C is available in a number of flavours, primarily based on pace and bandwidth: from Gen1 5Gbps commonplace to 10GBps Gen2.
The HyperDrive Gen2 USB-C Dock represents nice worth, bristling with 12 ports. You’ll have to convey your individual USB-C wall charger (as much as 100W), although, as there’s no energy provide with this docking station.
It makes use of the pro-look compact steel type issue beloved of Thunderbolt 3 docks, however takes that stage of multiple-port flexibility to the world of USB-C.
Two of its USB-A ports help 10Gbps bandwidth, however the different two are the much more lowly 480Mbps USB 2.0.
Video choices are plentiful (two HDMI and one DisplayPort) however Mac customers ought to keep in mind that over USB-C they’ll have simply the one exterior show except they obtain third-party DisplayLink drivers.
Caldigit USB-C SOHO Dock – Greatest transportable USB-C dock for exterior show
Execs
- Transportable
- Quick USB ports inc 10Gbps to laptop computer
- Two show ports (4K at 60Hz)
Cons
- No energy provide, so requires USB-C charger
- Few USB ports
- No Gigabit Ethernet
- USB-C laptop computer appropriate (works with Thunderbolt laptops at decrease bandwidth)
- Suitable with USB-C Home windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- 100W passthrough charging
- USB-C to the host (10Gbps)
- 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 & 1 x HDMI 2.0 (single 4K show at 60Hz; or twin 4K at 30Hz)
- 1 x USB-C (10Gbps)
- 1 x USB-A (10Gbps)
- 1 x USB-C Energy Supply
- SD Card Reader (UHS-II)
- microSD Card Reader (UHS-II)
Caldigit has accomplished it once more with its tiny SOHO (Small Workplace House Workplace) Dock that beats different USB-C docks by supporting an exterior 4K show at 60Hz, relatively than the lower-quality 30Hz limitation normally discovered with USB-C.
It achieves this through the use of separate lanes for each video and USB–that means it could actually present a constant 4K 60Hz show whereas providing 10Gbps USB efficiency.
The SOHO Dock options the quickest USB ports you’ll discover: each the USB-A and USB-C ports are rated at 10Gbps bandwidth, in comparison with many docks which have such ports at 5Gbps.
It additionally comes with each DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 ports for flexibility when including an exterior show to your laptop computer.
The SOHO Dock doesn’t have many USB ports in comparison with the equally transportable Twelve South StayGo, however in case you want simply certainly one of every and pace is necessary to you, then it’s exhausting to beat.
Notice that there’s no Gigabit Ethernet port for wired Web entry.
As this dock doesn’t include its personal energy provide, energy supply to the laptop computer can be gained by attaching your wall charger to the dock, so is dependent upon the charger’s functionality.
Learn our full
Assessment Caldigit USB-C SOHO Dock
OWC USB-C Journey Dock E – Greatest compact USB-C dock
Execs
- Transportable
- 92W passthrough energy
Cons
- No energy provide, so requires USB-C charger
- Ports slightly underpowered
- 5Gbps to laptop computer
- USB-C laptop-compatible (works with Thunderbolt laptops at decrease bandwidth)
- Suitable with USB-C Home windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- 92W passthrough charging
- USB-C cable to the host (5Gbps)
- 1 x USB-C port (5Gbps)
- 1 x HDMI 2.0 (single 4K show at 60Hz)
- 2 x USB-A (5Gbps)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
This transportable USB-C dock has six ports, and boasts not less than certainly one of the whole lot it’s best to want. The E stands for Ethernet – a port lacking from most USB-C adapters.
It connects to the laptop computer by a brief 15cm cable. For those who want an extended cable, you’d be higher off with a dock with out an built-in cable. However for journey functions, a dock with its personal cable saves you from carrying an additional one round with you.
The USB-C and USB-A ports are 5Gbps; you will see 10Gbps USB and extra such ports on some docks however not on this compact dimension.
The pass-through charging is spectacular at 92W, and you’ve got the choice of utilizing the laptop computer’s bus energy in case you don’t have a wall charger at hand or entry to an outlet.
It weighs simply 174g (6.1oz) and is compact sufficient to slot in a trouser pocket. Whenever you’re not travelling, it’s nice for taking on little or no desk house.
PNY All-in-One USB-C Dock – Lightest USB-C dock with energy
Execs
- Transportable
- 100W passthrough energy
- Two show ports
Cons
- No energy provide, so requires USB-C charger
- 5Gbps to laptop computer
- USB-C laptop computer appropriate (works with Thunderbolt laptops at decrease bandwidth)
- 100W passthrough charging
- USB-C to the host (5Gbps)
- 2 x 5Gbps USB-C (one PD)
- 1 x HDMI 1.2 (single 4K show at 30Hz)
- 1 x VGA (single 1080p show; 1920×1200)
- 2 x USB-A (5Gbps)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- SD Card Reader (UHS-I)
- microSD Card Reader (UHS-I)
- 100W most energy
The transportable PNY All-in-One USB-C Dock is compact (12-x-7-x-1.4 cm) and tremendous light-weight, providing connection to 1 exterior show by way of both HDMI or VGA.
It packs its personal brief, built-in USB-C cable, making it a one-stop device to your connection necessities, and no have to convey a separate cable to hook up with your laptop computer.
In comparison with different journey docks, it’s noticeably lighter (107g vs 151g), and slightly shorter however an equal quantity longer.
It matches properly on ports and energy, though the Twelve South StayGo has yet one more USB-A port, and its SD and microSD playing cards may be learn concurrently whereas the PNY can learn one card at a time – which can not often be an issue for many customers.
It does boast a VGA port, which could are available helpful with older shows or projectors.
We do desire the StayGo’s two included cables (though neither is built-in), as one presents a helpful 1m size in comparison with the PNY’s pretty meagre 12cm.
That mentioned, its excessive lightness and VGA might properly tempt those that journey to a number of locations with blended show choices.
Learn our full
Assessment PNY 9-in-1 Mini Transportable USB-C Hub
Lention USB-C Docking Station – Beneath-laptop USB-C dock for Home windows
Execs
- Design
- Three show ports
- 100W passthrough energy
Cons
- No energy provide, so requires USB-C charger
- 4K at 30Hz
- 5Gbps to laptop computer
- Not for Mac
- USB-C laptop computer appropriate (works with Thunderbolt laptops at decrease bandwidth)
- 100W passthrough charging by way of USB-C (requires wall charger)
- USB-C to the host (5Gbps)
- 1 x HDMI (single 4K show at 30Hz)
- 1 x DisplayPort (single 4K show at 30Hz)
- 1 x VGA (single 1080p HD show)
- 2 x USB-A (5Gbps)
- 1 x USB-A (480Mbps)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- SD Card Reader (UHS-I)
- microSD Card Reader (UHS-I)
The Lention USB-C Common Docking Station is designed to take a seat beneath your laptop computer, and so take up no further desktop house. It additionally has a flap that makes it straightforward to relaxation a pill, though not concurrently the laptop computer.
It has three USB-A ports – one at USB 2.0’s 480Mbps and the opposite two at 5Gbps USB 3.0. The spare USB-C port is for attaching a wall charger because the dock doesn’t include its personal energy provide. It may possibly’t be used to connect a special USB-C machine.
What’s particular about this dock is its three assorted video choices: HDMI, DisplayPort and VGA. Home windows PCs can join to a few exterior shows on the similar time, though the decision is then pegged again to 720p HD high quality relatively than 1080p or 4K, which is feasible with fewer displays connected.
Though attainable on a Mac, utilizing DisplayLink software program, Lention doesn’t advocate a number of shows for Macs, and when utilizing two concurrently on a Mac, solely a Reflection is feasible – so we wouldn’t price this dock to be used with Macs when higher docks can be found.
However for Home windows it’s tremendous, so long as the pc helps DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
Moshi Symbus Q – Greatest USB-C dock for wi-fi telephone charging
Execs
- Wi-fi telephone charging
- Compact
Cons
- 4K at 30Hz
- 5Gbps to laptop computer
- USB-C laptop computer appropriate (works with Thunderbolt laptops at decrease bandwidth)
- Suitable with USB-C Home windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- 60W PD charging
- USB-C to the host (5Gbps)
- HDMI 2.0 (4K at 30Hz, 1080p at 60Hz)
- 2 x USB-A (5Gbps)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Wi-fi telephone charger
- 90W energy provide
That is a small dock (11.6 x 7.2 x 3.2 cm) that has a neat trick we haven’t seen on others—it doubles up as a Qi wi-fi charger to your telephone!
This wi-fi charging helps iPhones at 7.5W and Samsung telephones at 9W for quick charging. And it could actually cost via circumstances as much as 5mm thick.
It doesn’t have Audio In/Out however Bluetooth may go well with you higher than wired for sound anyway.
We discovered the Symbus Q to be a really secure compact docking station. It has a built-in, brief cable so must be pretty near your laptop computer.
There’s additionally a mannequin (simply Symbus) that doesn’t embrace Qi wi-fi charging, from Amazon.
HyperDrive GEN2 6-Port USB-C Hub
Execs
- Transportable
- 10Gbps to laptop computer
- 60Hz 4K
Cons
- No energy provide, so requires USB-C charger
- USB-C laptop computer appropriate (works with Thunderbolt laptops at decrease bandwidth)
- Suitable with USB-C Home windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- 85W PD charging
- USB-C to the host (10Gbps)
- HDMI (4K at 60Hz)
- 1 x USB-A (10Gbps)
- SD Card Reader (UHS-II)
- microSD Card Reader (UHS-II)
This little USB-C hub could be very solidly constructed. Its steel exterior is ridged to maintain the dock cool.
Whereas not overloaded with ports, its six cowl the necessities: HDMI for an exterior show, a quick 10Gbps, a solitary USB-A port for one further machine, each SD and microSD Card readers (at full pace), a 3.5mm audio slot, and USB-C for energy supply as much as a powerful 100W – sufficient for any high-end laptop computer.
Most notable is the HDMI connection that may deal with 4K at 60Hz, in contrast to most USB-C docks.
There’s no Gigabit Ethernet for wired Web, so it’s for Wi-Fi lovers solely. The one USB-A port is perhaps seen as stingy however for a conveyable USB-C dock, it’s not for mass machine connections.
Plugable USB-C & USB 3.0 Twin HDMI USB Docking Station (UD-3900C)
Execs
- USB-C and USB-A appropriate
- Two HDMI
- Six USB-A
Cons
- No energy to laptop computer
- No 4K show
- 5Gbps to laptop computer
- USB-C and USB-A laptop computer appropriate (works with Thunderbolt laptops at decrease bandwidth)
- Suitable with USB-C Home windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- No PD charging
- Hybrid USB-C and USB-A to the host (5Gbps)
- 2 x HDMI 1.3 (HD at 60Hz)
- 2 x USB-A (5Gbps)
- 4 x USB-A (480MBps)
- 2 x Enter and Output audio jacks
This “common” USB docking station makes use of a 2-in-1 cable meaning you may join both to USB-A or USB-C methods. This makes it helpful in hybrid, hot-desking workplace environments the place older laptops (USB-A) may mingle with extra fashionable ones (USB-C or Thunderbolt).
The Plugable UD-3900C dock options two HDMI 1.3 ports so you may join multiple exterior show, though the utmost 2048-x-1152 decision for every just isn’t 4K.
Alongside these show connections on the again are 4 USB 2.0 ports (480Mbps) and Gigabit Ethernet. On the entrance are two sooner 5Gbps USB-A ports and three.5mm audio enter and output jacks. All USB ports can cost at a relatively weedy 2.5W, so this isn’t the dock for utilizing to cost units, and the 20W energy provide means it gained’t cost a linked laptop computer both, so that you want a separate PD wall charger connected to your laptop computer on the similar time.
It’s a helpful docking station for hot-desking workplace areas the place there’s a mixture of USB-A and USB-C laptops, however the low port speeds and lack of charging aren’t spectacular sufficient specs for us to advocate this dock to customers of Thunderbolt 3 or 4 laptops or USB-C-only customers.
Plugable USB 3.0 Twin 4K Show Docking Station (UD-6950H) – HDMI and DisplayPort
Execs
- Alternative of HDMI and/or DisplayPort
- Six USB-A ports
- 4 show ports
Cons
- No energy to laptop computer
- 5Gbps to laptop computer
- US solely
- USB-C laptop computer appropriate (works with Thunderbolt laptops at decrease bandwidth)
- Suitable with USB-C Home windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- No PD charging
- USB-C to the host (5Gbps)
- 2 x HDMI 2.0 (4K at 60Hz)
- 2 x DisplayPort 1.2 (4K at 60Hz)
- 6 x USB-A (5Gbps, 4.5W)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 2 x Enter and Output audio jacks
The Plugable UD-6950H Docking Station boasts two DisplayPort and two HDMI ports, so you may join two displays (4K shows at 60Hz) to your laptop computer by way of this dock utilizing both show connector.
This selection makes it appropriate for hot-desking workplace environments the place laptops may include both connection, and saves shopping for adapters in case you have one monitor of every sort.
Aside from that, it’s a reasonably commonplace Gigabit Ethernet dock, though it does provide a powerful six USB-A ports.
The draw back is that you just’ll nonetheless have to energy your laptop computer outdoors of the dock, because it doesn’t have any charging performance—solely a low energy provide for the dock itself.
Dell DA300 – A dinky cellular USB-C hub
Execs
- Dinky and transportable
- 10Gbps to laptop computer
- 60Hz 4K
- USB-C laptop computer appropriate (works with Thunderbolt laptops at decrease bandwidth)
- USB-C cable to the host (10Gbps)
- No PD charging
- DisplayPort 1.2; HDMI 2.0; VGA; (4K at 30Hz, 1080p at 60Hz)
- 1 x USB-A (10GBps); 1 x USB-C (10Gbps)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- No energy provide
Dell’s DA300 Cell USB-C Adapter is a a lot dinkier dock than many of the docks reviewed right here. You may merely pop it in your pocket (it weighs 80g) and use each at house and away, though one at every location, pre-connected to your different units, would make sense.
It comes with its personal USB-C cable, and may rotate, so the ports you want closest are the place you need them.
There’s no energy provide, so no PD charging. Which means linked units will take their energy out of your laptop computer—which may, after all, nonetheless be charged in an everyday method by its personal charger.
That’s why we desire the Twelve South StayGo as our favorite transportable USB-C dock, though you’ll get increased body charges on a 4K show with this dock.
As a result of it has a 10Gbps USB-C connection to the laptop computer, it could actually help 4K decision at full 60Hz, with laptops that help DP1.3 and above with 4K shows. It is going to work with nearly any show you’re confronted with (DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, and even ye-olde VGA) so is nice within the enterprise particular person’s briefcase for these tough assembly room presentation conditions.
And it’s fairly low-cost, too, in case you can dwell with out it charging your laptop computer whereas in use, and also you don’t want a number of exterior shows.
Baseus 8-in-1 USB-C Hub – Greatest USB-C Hub that acts like a dock
Execs
- 8 ports inc Ethernet, 4K HDMI
- 100W PD
- 3x USB-A (5Gbps)
Cons
- 4K at 30Hz
- 5Gbps to laptop computer
- USB-C laptop computer appropriate (works with Thunderbolt laptops at decrease bandwidth)
- Suitable with USB-C Home windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- 100W PD charging by way of USB-C port
- USB-C to the host (5Gbps)
- HDMI (4K at 30Hz on laptops which help DisplayPort 1.4)
- 3 x USB-A (5Gbps)
- SD Card Reader (UHS-I)
- TF (microSD) Card Reader (UHS-I)
The Baseus 8-in1 USB-C HUb doesn’t name itself a dock, however does a remarkably good job as a docking station at a really inexpensive worth.
Its characteristic set is similar to a conveyable dock with an HDMI port for an exterior 4K show (at 30Hz relatively than 60Hz) and Gigabit Ethernet for wired Web entry.
And you may join your USB-C PD charger to convey as much as 100W pass-through energy to the host laptop computer so that you don’t lose a worthwhile USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port on the laptop computer if you have to cost or sync. There are three USB-A ports pushing information at 5Gbps however slightly underwhelming on machine charging at 7.5W every. There are SD and MicroSD (TF) slots for storage playing cards, so you may slot in a digital camera card, or use the flash reminiscence for further laptop computer storage.
Helpful ports on the dock
USB-C: First, you have to join your USB-C laptop computer to the dock, which takes up one of many dock’s USB-C ports, except the dock has its personal connected cable. One of many docks we examined may also hook up with USB-A laptops so is helpful for blended hot-desking environments.
Most docks characteristic further USB-C ports to connect appropriate units or hook up with a USB-C show. You may as well purchase a USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort adapter to make use of this further port so as to add an exterior show; see beneath.
USB-C is available in both 5Gbps or 10Gbps bandwidth varieties. If data-transfer pace is necessary, search for a dock with the next score. USB pace rankings are quite a few, so take note of the technical specs.
Additionally search for docks with USB PD, which stands for Energy Supply–it is a key characteristic on a full docking station. After which match that with the wattage your laptop computer must cost at full energy. Most mid-sized laptops require 60W, however some bigger laptops are begging for as a lot as 100W. Docks that may deal with that a lot charging energy may be dearer as they want a bigger energy provide.
If the dock doesn’t have PD, then will probably be drawing energy out of your laptop computer to run the opposite units–except the dock encompasses a USB-C port that permits for passthrough charging by way of a separate USB-C charger (see our roundup of one of the best USB-C chargers). The identical will occur with PDs with a decrease wattage than the laptop computer. An 87W laptop computer may be charged by a 60W USB PD, however at a slower tempo.
(Home windows PC customers should examine if their USB-C port is able to laptop computer charging as not all PC producers have added this performance to their USB-C ports, limiting them to information or show solely.)
We additionally listing the whole wattage of the ability provide, as it will typically permit the charging of linked bus-powered units.
Thunderbolt and USB4: Wanting precisely like USB-C, Thunderbolt is a a lot sooner connection commonplace–licensed at 40Gbps. Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 are backwards appropriate with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C, and have some further advantages resembling smarter daisy-chaining and the power for docks to incorporate as much as 4 TB4 ports.
Standalone charging: This implies the dock can cost units, resembling a telephone or pill, even when the laptop computer is disconnected.
USB-A: That is the ‘previous’ rectangular USB commonplace that’s nonetheless utilized by many units, resembling exhausting drives, reminiscence sticks, and printers. Work out what number of of those you want when deciding on the appropriate dock for you. Like USB-C, USB-A is available in completely different speeds: from a lowly 480Mbps (USB 2.0) to the most typical 5Gbps (USB 3.0/3.1) and the most recent speedy 10Gbps (USB 3.1 v2). USB speeds and kinds defined right here.
Show: You may wish to hook your laptop computer as much as an exterior show for extra display screen house. Why not increase that 13in laptop computer display screen to a 32in 4K monitor? Some exterior shows use USB-C, so you may join by way of a laptop computer’s spare port or by way of one on the dock. Most docks, nonetheless, embrace both DisplayPort or HDMI ports, or a mixture of each; some embrace the previous VGA commonplace. And you may connect USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort adapters, too.
Most dual-monitor setups permit for 2 shows at 1080p HD decision, however one of the best high-resolution shows are 4K. 4K at 60Hz is one of the best for gaming and high-graphics efficiency, whereas 4K at 30Hz is nice sufficient for extra productivity-based duties–however not as nice as at that increased price.
Non-Thunderbolt USB-C docks are principally restricted to 30Hz 4K however there are some that may help 60Hz on one exterior show.
Look out for the model of DisplayPort or HDMI, because the later variations have higher powers in terms of increased resolutions and refresh charges.
HDMI 1.4: Helps as much as 4K (3840-x-2160) at 30Hz, or 1080p HD at 120Hz.
HDMI 2.0: Helps as much as 4K at 60Hz
DisplayPort 1.2: Helps as much as 4K at 60Hz
DisplayPort 1.3: Helps as much as 4K at 120Hz or 8K at 30Hz
DisplayPort 1.4: Helps as much as 8K at 60Hz and HDR
For laptops which have solely a 5Gbps USB-C port, 4K at 60Hz is out of the query. So examine your laptop computer specs. (Thunderbolt laptops haven’t any drawback getting 4K at 60Hz even on two shows.)
Most mid- to high-end shows now have DisplayPort and HDMI constructed into the monitor, permitting customers to decide on the connector they wish to use. The decision is similar on HDMI and DisplayPort, however DisplayPort may be extra secure and succesful in sure conditions. Learn extra on HDMI vs DisplayPort.
Notice that the most recent Macs (besides the most recent M1 Professional and M1 Max MacBook Professional fashions) help just one exterior show over USB-C (two over Thunderbolt), though you will get round this limitation by putting in DisplayLink drivers.
Gigabit Ethernet: With an Ethernet port on the dock you may hook up with wired Web, which is normally a lot sooner than Wi-Fi.
SD or Micro SD Card Reader: We normally consider these as digital camera reminiscence/storage playing cards, and certainly one of these reader ports will help you rapidly slip in your photo-laden card for fast entry out of your laptop computer. Nonetheless, extra usefully, SD or Micro SD Playing cards are additionally an extremely cheap approach of including transportable storage to your laptop computer. Have a look on Amazon for inexpensive SD and Micro SD Playing cards (Amazon UK or Amazon US), the place you should purchase 256GB for round £30 or $40. Including that quantity of storage to a laptop computer would usually price you round £150.
Tablets: Numerous these docks work with USB-C tablets, such because the iPad Professional and Home windows tablets, however examine first that the Home windows pill has USB-C and the suitable video choices. Additionally, try one of the best pill stands.