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Computing powerfulness is reaching dizzying new heights, but if your laptop doesn’t person each the ports you request to wield that power, you whitethorn privation to see a docking station. These are a small antithetic from USB-C hubs, which thin to beryllium smaller and don’t necessitate power. Docking stations typically connection betwixt 7 and 12 ports, necessitate a DC powerfulness proviso and outgo betwixt $100 and $400. They let you to link monitors, cameras, mics, wired mice and keyboards, retention devices and much — each done a azygous USB-C larboard connected your laptop. We tested much than a twelve highly regarded models to assistance you prime the champion docking presumption for your needs. This usher besides breaks down the assorted cablegram standards and larboard types to assistance you marque an informed purchase..
Table of contents
Best docking stations
Host connection: Thunderbolt 5 | Number of downstream ports: 8 | Power transportation to host: 90W | USB-C: 3 x TB5, 2 x USB-C 3.2 v2 | USB-A: 3 @ 10Gb/s | Monitor: 3x Thunderbolt 5 | Aux 3.5mm: No | SD Card: No | Ethernet: No
CalDigit calls the Element 5 a hub — and it does person immoderate hub-like qualities, namely its compact size. But it requires a DC powerfulness source, costs $300 and gives you 3 downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports plus 2 further USB-C connections. That’s acold much almighty than any hub I’ve tested. Perhaps arsenic much manufacturers follow the Thunderbolt 5 standard, this volition go the caller mean for hubs. But for now, I’m calling it a docking station.
The Thunderbolt 5 modular for USB connections enables higher video resolution, higher bandwidth for information and a higher wattage powerfulness delivery. Right now, you tin find TB5 ports connected conscionable a fistful of computers, specified arsenic MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and Max chips and the Razer Blade 18. I, similar astir people, don’t person immoderate of those speedy machines conscionable yet, truthful I utilized the Element 5 with (still precise capable!) Thunderbolt 4 ports.
The Element 5’s larboard array is excellent. Its 3 downstream TB5 ports tin grip 2 4K monitors connected compatible MacBooks and up to 3 monitors connected compatible Windows laptops. It worked large moving my 1 4K and 1 HD show (both with adapters since my displays usage HDMI ports) and I inactive had 1 much TB5 larboard to spare. I utilized it to execute immoderate of the faster information transfers I’ve clocked. The 2 further (non Thunderbolt) USB-C ports connected my keyboard and a RODE mic. The 3 USB-A ports went to a mouse, streaming airy and a thumb drive. Everything performed splendidly and the portion hardly got warm.
It doesn’t person a 3.5mm receptacle — which seems good arsenic the laptops I’ve looked astatine that person TB5 ports travel with a headphone jack. The Element 5 besides lacks Ethernet and SD paper slots. That was besides good for my needs.
The Element 5’s plan is sleek and the portion feels coagulated contempt its tiny size. It's besides reversible, with rubber feet you tin instal connected either broadside of the hub, giving you flexibility connected wherever you tin instrumentality it connected your desk. A TB5 cablegram is included, which is crucial, since you can’t pat into the faster speeds and bandwidth of the latest Thunderbolt modular without a compatible cable.
At the moment, there’s astir apt a tiny conception of the colonisation that perfectly needs a Thunderbolt 5 dock, but the terms constituent present isn’t retired of scope of different docks with a akin array of ports. If you’re successful the marketplace for a versatile adapter, you whitethorn arsenic good get a future-proof one.
Of course, if your setup requires much than USB connections — possibly you request different aux port, are utilizing SD cards regular oregon privation Ethernet — you tin spell for Kensington’s EQ Thunderbolt 5 dock, elaborate beneath arsenic an honorable mention.
Pros
- Three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports
- Five further USB ports
- Compact and charismatic design
- Reversible design
Cons
- No Ethernet larboard oregon representation paper slot
Host connection: 2 x USB-C | Number of downstream ports: 8 | Power transportation to host: 75W (USB-C) | USB-C: 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x 3.1 | USB-A: 2 | Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 | Aux 3.5mm: No | SD Card: No | Ethernet: Yes
The Satechi Dual Dock Stand is antithetic from each the different docks we tested successful 2 respects: it doesn’t necessitate a powerfulness root and it goes beneath your MacBook alternatively of beside it. You could astir classify it arsenic a hub, but I deliberation the precocious fig of ports earns it docking-station status.
It plugs into the 2 USB-C ports astatine the broadside of a Mac, which allows MacBooks with M1, M2 oregon M3 Pro oregon Max chips to run dual monitors successful extended mode. Unfortunately, MacBooks with modular M1 oregon M2 chips, tin natively lone powerfulness a 2nd outer show successful mirrored mode. The caller MacBook Air with the M3 spot tin lone powerfulness 2 displays successful extended mode with the laptop lid closed. If you person a Mac with a modular spot and request 2 monitors, you'll request a docking presumption that supports DisplayLink hardware and software, specified arsenic the Kensington SD4780P, which is our apical prime for Chromebooks.
Since the Dual Dock works without power, it’s a batch easier to acceptable up than different docks with transformer boxes and DC cables. I recovered it made the astir consciousness to conscionable usage the MagSafe connector connected the laptop, but you tin besides proviso powerfulness to the dock utilizing the non-data USB-C larboard and it volition walk 75 watts to your machine.
Both the 4K and HD monitors I tested looked large and worked good successful extended mode. There are 2 USB-Cs for a webcam and mic, positive 2 USB-As which could beryllium utilized for a dongle rodent and a streaming airy — that’s apt capable ports for conferencing oregon adjacent a basal video creator setup. The dock is yet constricted by the information that nary of the USB-C connections are Thunderbolt and determination are lone 2 USB-A sockets to enactment with. But it’s a large prime for extending productivity successful a mode that tucks beneath a MacBook, neatly moving the cords to the backmost of the instrumentality and retired of the way. It adjacent has an SSD enclosure beneath it.
Pros
- Unique plan complements MacBooks
- Can powerfulness 2 monitors connected Macs with M1 Pro oregon M2 Pro chips
- Good assortment of ports
Cons
- Just 2 USB-A ports
- No Thunderbolt ports
Host connection: Thunderbolt 5 | Number of downstream ports: 10 | Power transportation to host: 140W | USB-C: 3 x TB5 | USB-A: 3 | Monitor: 3 x TB5 | Aux 3.5mm: No | SD Card: Yes, microSD and SD | Ethernet: Yes
While I deliberation astir radical looking for a dock with Thunderbolt 5 capabilities volition beryllium blessed with CalDigit’s Element 5, Kensinton’s SD5000T5 EQ is a worthy enactment for those who privation a much circumstantial acceptable of ports. This feels much similar a accepted docking station, with a larger slab footprint that lays level connected a desk. You get a full of 10 downstream ports, including 3 that are Thunderbolt 5. That’ll instrumentality attraction of your show needs (adapters for DisplayPort oregon HDMI displays).
But it's worthy noting that determination aren't immoderate non-Thunderbolt USB-C ports. So if you have, say, a USB-C keyboard, sticking it into a Thunderbolt 5 socket mightiness consciousness similar a discarded of power. The 3 USB Type A ports enactment the 3.2 Gen 2 modular which tin grip 10Gbps information transfers.
It has some an SD paper scholar and a microSD slot, which could beryllium utile for photographers and different creators who request to phyically transportation files often (though again, an adapter and a TB larboard volition enactment for that, too). The Ethernet port, rated astatine 2.5Gbps, should service those who similar a wired net connection. And there’s a headphone jack successful lawsuit you person an further instrumentality that needs it. It besides accepts Kensington locks truthful you tin physically fastener down your dock.
My beauteous basal setup didn’t adjacent marque it moderately lukewarm and everything I connected worked arsenic good arsenic if I’d plugged it straight into my computer.
Pros
- Has a assortment of ports including representation paper slots and Ethernet
- Max powerfulness transportation of 140W
Cons
- Just 3 downstream USB-C ports
Host connection: Thunderbolt 4 | Number of downstream ports: 10 | Power transportation to host: 96W (DC) | USB-C: 3 x TB4 | USB-A: 2 | Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0 | Aux 3.5mm: Yes | SD Card: Yes | Ethernet: Yes
It’s arsenic though Satechi called maine up and asked for the plan of my perfect docking station. They didn’t, to beryllium clear, but the Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Display manages to get close what truthful galore docks almost do. First off, determination are capable downstream USB4 ports to grip a assortment of setups, whether you similar a Mr. Universe-style show array oregon conscionable privation to tally a USB-C keyboard astatine the aforesaid clip arsenic your webcam and inactive person a larboard near over. You besides get dual HDMI 2.0 connections, an Ethernet jack, 2 USB-A ports, an SD paper slot and a headphone jack.
That’s lone a full of 10 downstream ports but for astir radical they’re the ones that connection the astir versatility. The trio of Thunderbolt 4 ports tin enactment up to 8K monitors astatine 60Hz and 40 Gbps information transfers. They tin adjacent present 15 watts of powerfulness if you conscionable request to complaint your telephone portion you work.
You tin besides hook up your screens via HDMI. MacBook users volition request to instal the DisplayLink operator to enactment astir Apple’s extended show limitations. With the software, adjacent M1 and M2 MacBooks tin hook up 2 outer monitors successful extended mode. Windows laptops and M2/M3 Pro and Max chips tin person up to 4 extended monitors connected — 2 via the Thunderbolt ports and 2 done the HDMI connections (again utilizing DisplayLink tech).
In summation to the goldilocks multiport selection, the statement of those ports is rather logical. From this slim and sleek slab, a big transportation lives connected 1 side, allowing for 1 neat enactment to your computer. Connections that are apt to enactment enactment (monitors, DC power, Ethernet and Thunderbolts) are each astir back, portion the jacks you’ll astir apt power up much often, specified arsenic the USB-A for thumb drives, the 3.5mm jack for headphones and the SD paper reader, are successful the front. Right adjacent to those is simply a useful on-off switch, truthful you tin easy crook disconnected each your peripherals astatine nighttime to trim your powerfulness draw.
The dock delivers connected the committedness of its clever larboard enactment and arrangement. My dual extended monitors looked large and achieved the advertised refresh rates and resolutions, the information transfers were smoking speedy and I was capable to (finally) afloat link my precise basal setup without compromise: Two monitors, a webcam, streaming light, microphone, keyboard and mouse. I did announcement my 4K show had the slightest lag erstwhile the 2nd show was plugged in, but it was insignificant and lone noticeable erstwhile displaying the webcam video.
One insignificant disapproval is the DisplayLink and Thunderbolt branding crossed the beforehand and top. They distract from the different elegant look of the high-end aluminum exterior. One not-so-minor interest is however lukewarm the portion got arsenic I utilized it implicit the people of a mates days. At times, it was astir excessively blistery to clasp my manus connected comfortably. I ne'er noticed immoderate adverse show effects arsenic a result, but it’s imaginable that could go an contented successful the agelong term. As for price, it’s listed astatine $300; that’s not the astir costly dock we’ve tested, but it’s surely not the cheapest. But for the show and thoughtful design, it’s a Thunderbolt dock that could beryllium worthy it for a batch of people.
Pros
- Excellent array of ports
- Ports cleverly arranged
- Can enactment up to 4 outer monitors
- DisplayLink operator allows for dual extended monitors connected standard-chip MacBooks
Cons
- Lay-flat plan tin instrumentality up a batch of table abstraction without a mount
- Unit runs precise hot
Host connection: Thunderbolt 4 | Number of downstream ports: 16 | Power transportation to host: 98W (DC) | USB-C: 2 x TB4, 3 x 3.2 | USB-A: 5 | Monitor: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 | Aux 3.5mm: 1 x audio combo, 1 x audio in, 1 x audio retired | SD Card: SD and microSD | Ethernet: Yes
There’s a batch to admit astir CalDigit’s TS4 docking station: It has a sturdy, upright plan with a big transportation astatine the rear and a whopping 5 downstream USB-C ports, 2 of which are Thunderbolt 4, the different 2 are USB 3.2, which tin enactment transfers of up to 10 Gbps.
Up front, you get an SD and a microSD paper slot on with a headphone jack, 2 USB-C and a USB-A connector. In back, there’s country for 4 much USB-A devices and 2 3.5mm jacks, 1 for audio successful and 1 for audio out. One country wherever the dock whitethorn consciousness lacking is successful show inputs. It lone has 1 DisplayPort 1.4, but it has plentifulness of TB4 ports, which you tin easy usage to outfit a afloat bid halfway (if you don’t person a USB-C monitor, determination are plentifulness of adapters).
The multi-gig Ethernet jack tin grip up to 2.5Gbps, truthful if you’re paying for a screaming-fast net plan, this dock tin assistance you instrumentality vantage of it. The TS4 tin present up to 98W of powerfulness to your laptop, though similar immoderate docking station, the wattage goes down erstwhile different items are besides drafting power.
The TS4 worked arsenic good with my MacBook Pro and the Dell XPS13 Plus and was adjacent compatible with a Chromebook. I tested read/write speeds connected a Samsung T7 SSD via a Thunderbolt larboard and got 734 MB/s work and 655 MB/s constitute speeds connected the Mac and 1048/994 connected the Dell. Compared to the different docks, that was successful the lower-middle scope for the Mac and the fastest wide for the PC. On PC, it besides handled a 1GB folder transportation to a flash thrust faster than immoderate different dock and delivered the fastest transportation speeds implicit the Ethernet. It’s the lone portion that fto maine plug successful each azygous peripheral I had connected manus astatine once. If you’ve got tons of tech you privation to usage simultaneously (and wealth isn’t a concern), this is the 1 to get.
CalDigit’s caller TS5, which offers a akin array of ports and supports Thunderbolt 5 connections is connected our database of docks to trial and we’ll update this usher erstwhile we’ve spent immoderate clip with it.
Pros
- An abundance of ports
- Compact, upright design
- 2.5Gbps Ethernet port
Host connection: USB-C | Number of downstream ports: 12 | Power transportation to host: 100W (DC) | USB-C: 1 x 3.1 | USB-A: 5 | Monitor: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.2 | Aux 3.5mm: 1 x audio combo | SD Card: No | Ethernet: Yes
The Kensington SD4780P Dual 4K typically requires a DisplayLink driver, but immoderate Chromebook made aft 2017 supports the transportation from the jump. Finding a docking presumption that works with ChromeOS is tough; of the 12 units I tested, lone 4 connected astatine each with the Acer Chromebook Spin 514, and 1 of those 4 couldn’t tally 2 monitors. The SD4780P uses a USB-C big connection, done which it offers a maximum powerfulness transportation of 100W and was capable to tally some the 4K and HD screens cleanly.
It allows for a wide scope of USB-A peripherals done 5 specified ports, but there’s lone a azygous downstream USB-C, truthful I wasn’t capable to usage some a webcam and mic astatine the aforesaid time. That means you’ll request to usage your Chromebook’s built-in ports if you privation much than 1 of those types of devices acceptable up. The integrative physique makes it look a small inexpensive and I’m not brainsick astir the lay-flat design, but the big larboard is successful the back, which volition marque your setup neater. If each you’re looking for is simply a mode to get a fewer other monitors and usage your wired USB accessories, this is simply a bully prime for Chromebooks.
Pros
- Works good with Chromebooks
- Five USB-A ports
Cons
- Requires a operator for non Chromebooks
- Just 1 downstream USB-C
What to look for successful a docking station
First and foremost, see what you request to plug in. This volition apt beryllium the deciding origin erstwhile you spell to really bargain a docking station. Do you request 3 screens for an expanded enactment view? A speedy mode to upload photos from an SD card? Are you looking to plug successful a webcam, mic and streaming light, portion simultaneously taking vantage of faster Ethernet connections? Are you hooking up a gaming laptop to aggregate displays and peripherals? Once you’ve settled connected the benignant of ports you need, you whitethorn besides privation to see the procreation of those ports arsenic well; adjacent ports with the aforesaid signifier tin person antithetic capabilities. Here’s a little overview of the connectivity antithetic docking stations offer.
Monitor ports
External monitors typically request 1 of 3 ports to link to a PC: HDMI, DisplayPort oregon USB-C. HDMI connections are much communal than DisplayPort and the cables and devices that usage them are sometimes much affordable. The astir fashionable mentation of the DisplayPort interface (v1.4) tin grip higher resolutions and refresh rates than the astir communal HDMI mentation (2.0). All of the show docking stations with HDMI ports that we urge present usage mentation 2.0, which tin grip 4K solution astatine 60Hz oregon 1080p up to 240Hz. The DisplayPort-enabled docks enactment either mentation 1.2, which allows for 4K solution astatine 60Hz, oregon mentation 1.4, which tin grip 8K astatine 60Hz oregon 4K astatine 120Hz.
You tin besides usage your dock’s downstream (non-host) Thunderbolt ports to hook up your monitors. If your outer show has a USB-C socket, you tin link directly. If you person an HDMI show oregon DisplayPort-only monitor, you tin usage an adapter oregon a conversion cable.
Of course, the fig of monitors you tin link and the resolutions/rates they’ll execute beryllium connected some your computer’s GPU and your monitors — and the much monitors you plug successful tin bring down those numbers arsenic well. Be definite to besides usage cables that enactment the bandwidth you’re hoping for. MacOS users should support successful caput that MacBooks with the modular M1 oregon M2 chips enactment conscionable 1 outer show natively and necessitate DisplayLink hardware and software to enactment 2 outer displays. MacBook Pros with M1 Pro, M2 Pro oregon M2 Max chips tin tally aggregate monitors from a azygous port, arsenic tin MacBook Air and Pro models with M3 oregon M4 chips.
USB ports
Most docking stations connection a fewer USB Type-A ports, which are large for peripherals similar wired mice and keyboards, bus-powered ringing lights and flash drives. For faster information transportation speeds to your flash drive, spell for USB-A sockets labeled 3.1 oregon 3.2 — oregon amended yet, usage a USB-C Thunderbolt port.
Type-C USB ports travel successful galore antithetic flavors. While they’re each the aforesaid shape, antithetic standards and presumption mean antithetic abilities. A USB-C larboard (or cable) that meets the 3.2 gen 2 specification tin grip information astatine 10Gbps, which tin enactment 4K video astatine 60 fps. If it’s besides a PD (power delivery) port, it can, well, present powerfulness too. Thunderbolt is Intel’s implementation of the USB4 modular and the Thunderbolt 3, 4 and, since 2023, Thunderbolt 5 protocols each enactment powerfulness (from 15W to 140W), video (up to 8K connected aggregate screens) and information (from 16Gbps to 120Gbps). Since a likewise shaped larboard tin alteration wide connected what it tin do, it’s worthy figuring retired what you request those ports to bash erstwhile you’re assessing your needs — each USB4 ports are USB-C, but not each USB-C ports enactment USB4. (Don’t worry, it confuses us, too.)
Another happening to support successful caput is that achieving the fastest speeds volition beryllium connected factors similar the cables you usage — a $4 USB-C charging cablegram won’t transmit information astatine Thunderbolt speeds, nary substance what larboard you plug it into. The devices connected either extremity of the dock indispensable enactment those speeds arsenic well.
Nearly each dock disposable contiguous is simply a USB-C docking station, connecting to a machine via USB-C, often Thunderbolt, and those big ports are astir ever labeled with a laptop icon. Host ports besides let powerfulness transportation to your laptop: disposable wattage varies, but astir docks are rated betwixt 85 and 140 watts. That should beryllium capable to support astir computers powered — it besides means you won’t person to instrumentality up an other laptop connector for charging.
Other ports
None of our presently recommended laptops see an Ethernet jack; a docking presumption tin assistance get that transportation back. Whether you request a wired net transportation is babelike connected a fewer factors. Wi-Fi 6 connections tin present theoretical information rates of 9Gbps, but successful signifier those numbers are betwixt 800 and 1200Mbps. The Ethernet ports connected immoderate routers and gateways apical retired astatine 1Gbps, truthful your Wi-Fi transportation could really beryllium faster. It mightiness beryllium worthy testing your speeds and checking your router’s specs to spot whether Ethernet is amended for your needs.
Just 2 of our favourite laptops person SD paper readers, and if you request a speedy mode to upload files from cameras oregon audio recorders, you whitethorn privation to get a dock with 1 of those slots. Of the docks we tested, astir fractional had SD readers. For now, astir (but not all) laptops inactive see a 3.5mm audio jack, but if you similar wired headphones and privation a much accessible spot to plug them in, galore docking stations volition provide.
When you’re counting up the ports for your caller dock, retrieve that astir companies see the big larboard (the 1 that connects to your computer) successful the full number. So if you’re looking for a dock with 3 Thunderbolt connections, beryllium definite to cheque whether 1 of them volition beryllium utilized to plug successful your laptop.
Design
Most docking stations person either a lay-flat oregon upright design. Most docks enactment the much “permanent” connections successful backmost — specified arsenic Ethernet, DC power, show connections and a fewer USBs. Up-front USB ports tin beryllium utilized for flash thrust transfers, oregon adjacent acting arsenic a charger for your telephone (just marque definite the larboard tin present the powerfulness you need). USBs successful the rear are champion for keyboards, mice, webcams and different things you’re apt to ever use. Some docks presumption the big larboard up front, which mightiness marque it easier to plug successful your laptop erstwhile you instrumentality to your desk, but a big larboard successful backmost whitethorn look neater overall.
How we tested docking stations
We started retired by looking astatine online reviews, spec sheets from assorted brands and docking stations that our chap tech sites person covered. We considered brands we’ve tested earlier and person liked, and weeded retired thing that didn’t person what we see a modern suite of connections (such arsenic a dock with nary downstream USB-C ports). We narrowed it down to 12 contenders and I tested each dock successful a location office, utilizing an M1 MacBook Pro, a Dell XPS 13 Plus and an Acer Chromebook Spin 514.
I plugged successful and evaluated the prime of the connections for 12 antithetic peripherals including a 4K and an HD monitor, a 4K and an HD webcam, positive USB devices similar a mouse, keyboard, streaming airy and mic. I plugged successful wired earbuds, and transferred information to a USB-C flash thrust and an outer SSD. I ran basal velocity tests connected the Ethernet connections arsenic good arsenic the record transfers. I judged however casual the docks were to usage arsenic good arsenic the assorted plan factors I described earlier. I made spreadsheets and had capable wires snaking astir my enactment country that my feline stayed disconnected my table for 3 weeks (a caller record).
As caller docking stations travel retired and we find models worthy of testing, (there are a mates from Ugreen we person our oculus on), we'll update this usher accordingly.
Other laptop docking stations we tested
Plugable USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 Hub
I was hoping the Plugable USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 Hub would marque a bully fund pick. Its tiny size makes it look much similar a hub than a dock, but it requires powerfulness from the included DC adapter, truthful I tested it arsenic a dock. I liked however small abstraction it took up, but it was astir excessively tiny — it was excessively lightweight to laic level connected my table erstwhile each the cables were plugged in. It has conscionable 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports. That’s not a ton, but TB4 ports are surely versatile, handling monitors and different higher-specced peripherals. It’s lone $100 (Plugable adjacent includes an HDMI to USB-C adapter) which is simply a beauteous large terms for aggregate Thunderbolt connections. I experienced immoderate show lags successful my tests, truthful I hesitate to springiness it a afloat recommendation.
Plugable TBT4-UDZ
When I pulled the Plugable TBT4-UDZ Thunderbolt 4 retired of the box, I was convinced it would marque the cut: It has a applicable upright design, an charismatic metallic finish, and the big transportation is TB4. While determination are plentifulness of USB-A and show ports, there’s conscionable 1 downstream USB-C. A modern dock, peculiarly 1 that costs $300, should fto you run, say, a USB-C cam and mic astatine the aforesaid time. Otherwise, it’s beauteous limiting.
Anker 575 USB-C
At $250 (and much often $235), the Anker 575 USB-C could marque for a bully fund prime for Windows. It performed good with the Dell XPS 13 Plus, but had occupation with the 3rd screen, the 4K webcam and headphone jack erstwhile connected to the MacBook Pro. It’s rather compact, which means it tin get wobbly erstwhile a clump of cables are plugged in, but it has a bully enactment of ports and was capable to grip my basal setup well.
Belkin Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4
Belkin’s Connect Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock is simply a contender for a Thunderbolt 4 alternative. It has astir the aforesaid ports arsenic the AD2010 (minus the microSD slot) and an charismatic rounded plan — but it’s $90 more, truthful I’d lone urge getting it if you find it connected sale.
Acer USB Type-C Dock
Acer’s USB Type-C Dock D501 costs $10 much than our Kensington prime for Chromebooks, but it performs likewise and is worthy a mention. It has astir the aforesaid ports (including the alternatively limiting azygous downstream USB-C) but some the Ethernet and information transportation speeds were faster.
Docking presumption FAQs
Are docking stations worthy it?
Docking stations are worthy it if you person much accessories to plug successful than your laptop permits. Say you person a USB-C camera and mic, positive a USB-A mouse, keyboard and streaming light; precise fewer modern laptops person capable connections to enactment each of that astatine once. A docking presumption tin marque that setup feasible portion besides giving you other ports similar a gigabit Ethernet connection, and supplying powerfulness to your laptop. However, if you conscionable request a fewer other USB sockets, you mightiness beryllium amended disconnected going with a hub, arsenic those thin to beryllium cheaper.
How overmuch does a laptop dock cost?
Laptop docking stations thin to beryllium bigger and much costly than elemental USB-A oregon USB-C hubs, acknowledgment to the wider array of connections. You tin find them arsenic debased arsenic $50 and they tin get arsenic costly arsenic $450. A tenable terms for a dock with a bully enactment of ports from a reputable marque volition mean astir $200.
How bash I acceptable up my laptop dock?
Most docking stations are plug and play. First, link the DC powerfulness cablegram to the dock and a partition outlet. Then look for the “host” oregon upstream larboard connected the dock — it’s astir ever a USB-C/Thunderbolt larboard and often branded with an icon of a laptop. Use the provided cablegram to link to your computer. After that, you tin link your peripherals to the dock and they should beryllium acceptable to usage with your laptop. A fewer docking stations, peculiarly those that grip much analyzable show setups, necessitate a driver. The instructions that travel with your dock volition constituent you to a website wherever you tin download that companion software.
Does a laptop complaint connected a docking station?
Nearly each docking stations let you to complaint your laptop done the big transportation (the cablegram moving from the dock to your computer). That capability, positive the higher fig of ports is what separates a docking presumption from a hub. Docks tin walk connected betwixt 65W and 100W of powerfulness to laptops, and astir each see a DC adapter.
Are each docking stations compatible with each laptops?
No, not each docking stations are compatible with each laptop. In our tests, the Chromebook had the biggest compatibility issues, the Dell PC had the least, and the MacBook fell determination successful between. All docks volition database which brands and models they enactment with connected the online merchandise leafage — beryllium definite to besides cheque the procreation of your laptop arsenic immoderate docks can’t enactment definite chips.
What are immoderate fashionable docking presumption brands?
Kensington, Anker, Pluggable and Belkin are reputable and well-known brands making docking stations for each laptops. Lenovo, Dell and HP each marque docks that volition enactment with their ain computers arsenic good arsenic different brands.
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