Laptops and tablets are a lot extra handy than desktop computer systems for the very apparent purpose of portability—you may’t (or definitely 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 gadgets into. Some laptops have only one or two ports included as normal, and also you want a kind of for charging. And tablets have even fewer ports for gadget enlargement.
There are many individuals who favor a mouse to the laptop computer’s trackpad, and even a full-size keyboard to faucet away on—in fact, there are Bluetooth keyboards and mice that don’t require a facet 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 reasonably 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 Black Friday USB-C Dock offers
There are some nice Black Friday offers this yr, together with 29% off our favourite USB-C dock, the Anker PowerExpand Elite Dock, within the UK. On the time of writing within the US, the deal was not pretty much as good, though there’s a $30-off coupon deal at Amazon.
Additionally for UK readers, there’s 20% off our beneficial transportable USB-C dock, the Twelve South StayGo.
Verify on the dwell worth comparability on every assessment under for the most recent costs.
Greatest USB-C docks
Setup is straightforward. 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 had 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 assessment roundup, we’ll take a look at the very best docks for USB-C laptops and tablets. Some laptops—notably Apple’s MacBook vary—embody a quicker variant of USB-C referred to as Thunderbolt 3 (TB3) or Thunderbolt 4 (TB4). Such laptops can use USB-C docks, however Thunderbolt’s greater bandwidth (40Gbps vs USB-C’s 5Gbps or 10Gbps) can be misplaced if not utilizing a devoted Thunderbolt dock.
Many docking stations are suitable with Apple’s iPad Professional and iPad Air (4th Technology), and USB-C Home windows tablets.
For those who don’t need a full docking station, only a helpful USB-C adapter or dongle, take a look at 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 received’t work with most Thunderbolt 3 or 4 docks, though there are just a few reviewed right here (from Caldigit and StarTech.com) that may work with each. That makes them a terrific alternative for hot-desking and combined workflow environments. Workplace IT doesn’t have to purchase completely different docks for various use instances—one dock can work on something, and with out adapters or drivers.
Thunderbolt laptops can use any of the USB-C docks reviewed right here, however will lose a few of their bandwidth and show benefits on the lower-spec docks.
Homeowners of Thunderbolt 3 or 4 laptops—akin to Apple MacBooks—also needs to learn Macworld’s roundup of the very best Thunderbolt 3 and 4 docking stations or our personal finest Thunderbolt 4 docks. The docks reviewed right here largely work with any TB3/TB4 laptops until 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 checklist of the very 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 suitable
- 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 gives 13.
With its Titan Ridge chipset, it is usually USB-C suitable, 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). Until 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 function that we love is the easy-to-reach on-off change, which can assist save power, lengthen your gadget’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 assessment.
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 suitable (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 formidable 85W.
It has HDMI for connecting an exterior show (4K at 30Hz), three USB-A ports (one in every of which you need to use to cost your cellphone), SD Card reader for including easy and cheap backup storage, and Gigabit Ethernet – all the fundamental and extra.
It even comes with its personal neat, quick journey USB-C cable saved for defense, and ships with a 1m USB-C cable for regular desktop use.
And it’s obtainable in both black or white.
Learn our full
Twelve South StayGo USB-C Hub assessment
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 suitable (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 may–it’s stuffed filled with fancy expertise 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 need to use solely three on the similar time.
It makes use of a mixture 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 potential 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 effectively.
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
Plugable USB-C Triple 4K Show Docking Station (UD-ULTC4K) v2 assessment
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 gadget charging besides laptop computer
- UHS-I card reader velocity
- USB-C laptop computer suitable (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 at the very least 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 underneath 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 cheap 5Gbps USB-A ports.
A helpful energy button is located on the prime of this vertical docking station.
Learn our full
Ugreen USB-C Triple Show Docking Station assessment
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 suitable (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 velocity. It’s not Thunderbolt but it surely’s nonetheless speedy.
One other promoting level is its three show ports—2x DisplayPort 1.4 and 1x HDMI 2.0. These enable for twin 4K shows at 60Hz—because of the usage of HBR3 DP1.4 and DSC (show stream compression)—however are restricted to 1080p HD while you use all three for a triple-display setup. If you’d like three 4K shows working 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 enough for all however the most-demanding laptops, and the dock has a 134W energy provide so linked gadgets 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 when 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 suitable (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 can be helpful when 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 proscribed 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 might cross 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 combined 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 suitable
- 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 Sort-A ports (5Gbps)
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen. 2 Sort-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 suitable with Thunderbolt 3 and 4 laptops, and any USB4-certified gadget.
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 may flip an iPad Professional or USB-C Home windows pill right into a full pc expertise since it may cost the pill, join a 4K monitor, keyboard, mouse and exhausting drives.
The USB-C HDMI Dock has two built-in HDMI connectors for immediately including twin 4K (at 60Hz if utilizing a Thunderbolt 3 laptop computer) screens 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 fees at 94W, sufficient for many top-end laptops. Standalone charging performance permits the dock to cost USB gadgets, akin to a cellphone, pill or smartwatch, at as much as 7.5W with out the laptop computer linked.
It is 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
Caldigit USB-C HDMI Dock assessment
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 provides you every little thing a dock ought to and is suitable with the most recent Thunderbolt 4 connection normal, which is itself backwards suitable with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C–so gives the very best of all worlds.
In case your laptop computer has Thunderbolt 4 ports, it’s finest to hook up with a ThB4 dock akin to this one.
At 180W, the ability provide is the very best we’ve seen in all our hub and dock exams–nice if you’re powering a number of gadgets linked to the dock.
Learn our full
Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station assessment
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 suitable (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, based mostly on velocity and bandwidth: from Gen1 5Gbps normal to 10GBps Gen2.
The HyperDrive Gen2 USB-C Dock represents nice worth, bristling with 12 ports. You’ll must carry your personal 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 degree 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 will have simply the one exterior show until 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 suitable (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 finished 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, reasonably than the lower-quality 30Hz limitation normally discovered with USB-C.
It achieves this by utilizing separate lanes for each video and USB–which means it may 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 when you want simply one in every of every and velocity is vital to you, then it’s exhausting to beat.
Word 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
Caldigit USB-C SOHO Dock assessment
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 at the very least one in every of every little thing you must 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; one can find 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 when you don’t have a wall charger handy or entry to an outlet.
It weighs simply 174g (6.1oz) and is compact sufficient to slot in a trouser pocket. Once you’re not travelling, it’s nice for taking over little or no desk area.
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 suitable (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 at least one exterior show by way of both HDMI or VGA.
It packs its personal quick, built-in USB-C cable, making it a one-stop device in your connection necessities, and no must carry 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 effectively on ports and energy, though the Twelve South StayGo has another USB-A port, and its SD and microSD playing cards could be learn concurrently whereas the PNY can learn one card at a time – which can hardly ever be an issue for many customers.
It does boast a VGA port, which could are available in helpful with older shows or projectors.
We do favor the StayGo’s two included cables (though neither is built-in), as one gives a helpful 1m size in comparison with the PNY’s pretty meagre 12cm.
That stated, its excessive lightness and VGA could effectively tempt those that journey to a number of locations with combined show choices.
Learn our full
PNY 9-in-1 Mini Transportable USB-C Hub assessment
Lention USB-C Docking Station – Below-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 suitable (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 sit down underneath your laptop computer, and so take up no further desktop area. 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 might’t be used to connect a unique USB-C gadget.
What’s particular about this dock is its three various video choices: HDMI, DisplayPort and VGA. Home windows PCs can join to 3 exterior shows on the similar time, though the decision is then pegged again to 720p HD high quality reasonably than 1080p or 4K, which is feasible with fewer screens connected.
Though potential 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 fee this dock to be used with Macs when higher docks can be found.
However for Home windows it’s effective, so long as the pc helps DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
Moshi Symbus Q – Greatest USB-C dock for wi-fi cellphone charging
Execs
- Wi-fi cellphone charging
- Compact
Cons
- 4K at 30Hz
- 5Gbps to laptop computer
- USB-C laptop computer suitable (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 cellphone 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 in your cellphone!
This wi-fi charging helps iPhones at 7.5W and Samsung telephones at 9W for quick charging. And it may cost via instances as much as 5mm thick.
It doesn’t have Audio In/Out however Bluetooth would possibly 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, quick cable so must be pretty near your laptop computer.
There’s additionally a mannequin (simply Symbus) that doesn’t embody 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 suitable (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 may 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 gadget, each SD and microSD Card readers (at full velocity), a 3.5mm audio slot, and USB-C for energy supply as much as a formidable 100W – sufficient for any high-end laptop computer.
Most notable is the HDMI connection that may deal with 4K at 60Hz, not like 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 gadget connections.
Plugable USB-C & USB 3.0 Twin HDMI USB Docking Station (UD-3900C)
Execs
- USB-C and USB-A suitable
- 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 suitable (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 which means you may join both to USB-A or USB-C programs. This makes it helpful in hybrid, hot-desking workplace environments the place older laptops (USB-A) would possibly mingle with extra trendy ones (USB-C or Thunderbolt).
The Plugable UD-3900C dock options two HDMI 1.3 ports so you may join a couple of exterior show, though the utmost 2048-x-1152 decision for every will not be 4K.
Alongside these show connections on the again are 4 USB 2.0 ports (480Mbps) and Gigabit Ethernet. On the entrance are two quicker 5Gbps USB-A ports and three.5mm audio enter and output jacks. All USB ports can cost at a reasonably weedy 2.5W, so this isn’t the dock for utilizing to cost gadgets, and the 20W energy provide means it received’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 suitable (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 screens (4K shows at 60Hz) to your laptop computer by way of this dock utilizing both show connector.
This alternative makes it appropriate for hot-desking workplace environments the place laptops would possibly include both connection, and saves shopping for adapters in case you have one monitor of every kind.
Apart from that, it’s a reasonably normal Gigabit Ethernet dock, though it does provide a formidable six USB-A ports.
The draw back is that you just’ll nonetheless must energy your laptop computer exterior 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 suitable (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 could possibly merely pop it in your pocket (it weighs 80g) and use each at dwelling and away, though one at every location, pre-connected to your different gadgets, would make sense.
It comes with its personal USB-C cable, and might 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 gadgets will take their energy out of your laptop computer—which may, in fact, nonetheless be charged in a daily method by its personal charger.
That’s why we favor the Twelve South StayGo as our favorite transportable USB-C dock, though you’ll get greater 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 may help 4K decision at full 60Hz, with laptops that help DP1.3 and above with 4K shows. It can 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 difficult assembly room presentation conditions.
And it’s fairly low-cost, too, when 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 suitable (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 reasonably priced worth.
Its function set is similar to a conveyable dock with an HDMI port for an exterior 4K show (at 30Hz reasonably than 60Hz) and Gigabit Ethernet for wired Web entry.
And you may join your USB-C PD charger to carry as much as 100W pass-through energy to the host laptop computer so that you don’t lose a useful USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port on the laptop computer if it’s essential to cost or sync. There are three USB-A ports pushing information at 5Gbps however slightly underwhelming on gadget charging at 7.5W every. There are SD and MicroSD (TF) slots for storage playing cards, so you may slot in a digicam card, or use the flash reminiscence for further laptop computer storage.
Helpful ports on the dock
USB-C: First, it’s essential to join your USB-C laptop computer to the dock, which takes up one of many dock’s USB-C ports, until the dock has its personal connected cable. One of many docks we examined also can hook up with USB-A laptops so is helpful for combined hot-desking environments.
Most docks function further USB-C ports to connect suitable gadgets or hook up with a USB-C show. You can too 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 under.
USB-C is available in both 5Gbps or 10Gbps bandwidth varieties. If data-transfer velocity is vital, search for a dock with a better ranking. USB velocity scores 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 function 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 could 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 gadgets–until the dock incorporates a USB-C port that enables for passthrough charging by way of a separate USB-C charger (see our roundup of the very best USB-C chargers). The identical will occur with PDs with a decrease wattage than the laptop computer. An 87W laptop computer could be charged by a 60W USB PD, however at a slower tempo.
(Home windows PC customers should verify 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 checklist the entire wattage of the ability provide, as this may typically enable the charging of linked bus-powered gadgets.
Thunderbolt and USB4: Trying precisely like USB-C, Thunderbolt is a a lot quicker connection normal–licensed at 40Gbps. Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 are backwards suitable with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C, and have some further advantages akin to smarter daisy-chaining and the flexibility for docks to incorporate as much as 4 TB4 ports.
Standalone charging: This implies the dock can cost gadgets, akin to a cellphone or pill, even when the laptop computer is disconnected.
USB-A: That is the ‘previous’ rectangular USB normal that’s nonetheless utilized by many gadgets, akin to 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 would possibly wish to hook your laptop computer as much as an exterior show for extra display screen area. Why not enhance 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, embody both DisplayPort or HDMI ports, or a mixture of each; some embody the previous VGA normal. And you may connect USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort adapters, too.
Most dual-monitor setups enable for 2 shows at 1080p HD decision, however the very best high-resolution shows are 4K. 4K at 60Hz is the very 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 greater fee.
Non-Thunderbolt USB-C docks are largely 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 larger powers relating to greater 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 verify 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 could be extra secure and succesful in sure conditions. Learn extra on HDMI vs DisplayPort.
Word 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 may 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 quicker than Wi-Fi.
SD or Micro SD Card Reader: We normally consider these as digicam reminiscence/storage playing cards, and one in every of these reader ports will permit you to rapidly slip in your photo-laden card for speedy entry out of your laptop computer. Nonetheless, extra usefully, SD or Micro SD Playing cards are additionally an extremely cheap means of including transportable storage to your laptop computer. Have a look on Amazon for reasonably priced 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: A whole lot of these docks work with USB-C tablets, such because the iPad Professional and Home windows tablets, however verify first that the Home windows pill has USB-C and the suitable video choices. Additionally, take a look at the very best pill stands.