For college kids heading again to highschool or professionals seeking to improve, a superb docking station could make all of the distinction. These units, generally referred to as Thunderbolt docks, consolidate your connectivity wants into one compact hub. With the proper one, you’ll be able to plug in all types of equipment like exterior drives, keyboards, and even displays.
The most effective docks are totally loaded with a big selection of ports, assist a number of high-res shows, and supply quick information switch speeds. There are lots of nice choices on the market, it may be onerous to decide on. Must you go for the almost $300 Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock or some low-cost USB-C hub from Ugreen? Preserve studying to study our high laptop computer docking stations for each kind of person.
Get extra in-depth ZDNET tech protection: Add us as a most popular Google supply on Chrome and Chromium browsers.
What’s the finest laptop computer docking station proper now?
After a lot deliberation, we determined that the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock takes the highest spot. The system is compact, able to supporting 8K displays, and offers 98W of energy supply to recharge laptops. If this does not sound like the proper match, the next listing covers different notable docking stations from Baseus, Dell, and Kensington.
The most effective Thunderbolt docks in 2025
Present much less
Why we prefer it: I picked the CalDigit TS4 as the most effective laptop computer docking station total as a result of it’s the most succesful on our listing. With 18 ports — which embrace three Thunderbolt 4 ports, 5 USB-A inputs, and twin SD card readers — it covers nearly each connection I might ever want. The USB-A ports are notable as a result of they supply information switch speeds as much as 10 Gbps, permitting customers to rapidly transfer information between units. Moreover, it has an influence supply of 98W, sufficient to cost each a laptop computer and a smartphone on the identical time.
I actually admire the CalDigit TS4’s dimension. It measures 4.46 x 1.65 x 5.55 inches and weighs about 1.4 kilos, so you’ll be able to take it to the workplace. It might even output video alerts to twin 4K shows concurrently, serving to future-proof your setup.
Who it is for: CalDigit’s docking station is ideal for energy customers with demanding duties. For those who routinely work with exterior drives or high-resolution shows, this system’s versatility will prevent from contact plugging and unplugging. It is appropriate with Home windows, macOS, and ChromeOS laptops. The TS4 even works with iPads.
Who ought to look elsewhere: At almost $400, the CalDigit TS4 is likely one of the most costly choices on this listing, so I would not advocate it to anybody on a good price range. I additionally would not recommend the docking station to individuals who have a triple monitor setup. The dock cannot assist that many panels directly.
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock specs: Ports: 3x Thunderbolt 4, 3x USB-C, 5x USB-A, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x SD card slot, 1x microSD card, 1x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, 1x entrance combo audio in/out, 1x rear audio out, 1x rear audio in | Show: HDMI: Twin 6K @ 60 Hz (1), Twin 4K @ 60 Hz (1), 8K @ 60Hz (1); DisplayPort: 4K @ 144Hz (1); helps as much as 2 complete shows
Learn Extra
Present Knowledgeable Take Present much less
Present much less
Why we prefer it: When initially making this listing, I used to be caught between selecting the CalDigit TS4 and the Kensington SD5000T5. The previous could have come out on high, however for sure folks, the Kensington dock is the superior selection. It is likely one of the first docking stations ever to assist the Thunderbolt 5 customary, and thus its USB-C ports carry out considerably higher than the extra frequent Thunderbolt 4.
The dock offers as much as 140W of energy supply to rapidly recharge units, boasts blazing-fast information switch speeds of as much as 80 Gbps, and may assist triple 4K show setups. I ought to point out that with the Bandwidth Increase function, these switch speeds can go as excessive as 120 Gbps. It turns any laptop computer setup right into a full workstation.
For those who have a look at the connected picture, you will discover some ridges on the aspect of the dock. These aren’t for present; they improve the system’s floor space and assist preserve it cool.
Evaluate: Kensington SD5000T5 EQ Thunderbolt 5 Triple 4K Docking Station
Who it is for: The Kensington SD5000TS EQ Docking Station is a superb system for hybrid professionals and energy customers who need next-gen connectivity. A knowledge switch pace of 80 Gbps isn’t any joke. You may transfer a big film file from pc to pc in nearly no time in any respect. The most effective half is that it’s appropriate with each Home windows and macOS.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If the Kensington SD5000TS is so good, why did it not take the highest spot? For one, it is massive, measuring 8.89 x 3.82 x 1.57 inches. You may’t put it on its aspect as a result of it will simply fall over, and upright it’ll demand a considerable amount of desk area. Secondly, it’s strict about which working methods it helps. Your pc should at the least run on Home windows 11 23H2 or macOS 14.5, which means older methods are out of luck.
Kensington SD5000T5 EQ Thunderbolt 5 Triple 4K Docking Station specs: Ports: USB 3.2 Kind-A (2); USB Kind-C (4); 3.5 in/out audio jack; Gigabit Ethernet (1) | Show: Helps as much as three 4K shows at 144Hz or two 8K displays @ 60Hz
Learn Extra
Present Knowledgeable Take Present much less
Present much less
Why we like it: A follow-up to the Baseus 11-in-1 Spacemate, the Baseus Nomos NU1 Air Spacemate 12-in-1 Docking Station is extra compact, cheaper, and nonetheless does its job nicely. You may join as much as two displays at 4K decision, and it features a nifty button on high that lets you rapidly lock the system display or put it into Good Energy Saving Mode.
Evaluate: Baseus Nomo NU1 Air Spacemate
Who it is for: The Baseus Nomo NU1 Spacemate is a superb choice for folks with restricted desk area, or for many who are touring. For instance, video editors working with a number of drives might get loads of use out of this. A software program developer who wants to attach a bunch of Android telephones may fall below this potential person base, too.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Though it helps macOS, I would not advocate it to MacBook house owners as a result of it doesn’t assist a number of 4K shows because of a macOS limitation. It does assist two screens on Mac, however the two displays will show the identical content material as one another. It is best suited to Home windows customers. That stated, there’s a
Baseus Nomo NU1 Spacemate docking station specs: Ports: USB-A 2.0 (3), USB-C (2), HDMI (2), Gigabit Ethernet (1), SD (1), microSD (1), 100W Energy Enter (1) | Show: As much as two shows concurrently in 4K decision on Home windows
Learn Extra
Present Knowledgeable Take Present much less
Present much less
Why we prefer it: Workplace staff in search of a docking station ought to completely contemplate the Dell WD19S-180W for 2 predominant causes. First, it might probably ship a video sign out of your laptop computer to 3 shows in Quad HD decision (2,560 x 1,440 pixels) concurrently. Each will run at a refresh charge of 60Hz and you’ve got the choice to ship out a 4K decision sign, however solely to a dual-monitor setup.
Secondly, it might probably present 130W of energy instantly into your units to rapidly cost them. The system additionally has the ExpressCharge Increase function, which, based on Dell, can quick cost your laptop computer from zero to 35% in about 20 minutes or as much as 80% in about an hour. What’s extra, it homes a big selection of ports from twin DP inputs to 3 USB-A ports. A singular function of the dock is its modular design. You may take away the top of the system and substitute it with a supporting element. Nonetheless, on the time of this writing, it seems Dell now not sells these modules.
Who it is for: I like to recommend the Dell Dock – WD19S to anybody working a multi-monitor setup who additionally wants quick charging and reliable connectivity. It is proper at dwelling in IT departments, too. Dell gave its dock a MAC Deal with pass-through and distant port disablement to maintain vital information protected.
Who ought to look elsewhere: I might not advocate the Dell Dock – WD19S to MacBook house owners as a result of it doesn’t assist macOS – solely Home windows 10, Home windows 11, Ubuntu 18.04, and Pink Hat Enterprise Linux. Plus, the module design could really feel like wasted potential, so you’ll be able to’t do something with it anymore. Keep in mind: the modules are now not on sale.
Dell WD19S 180W specs: Ports: USB-A 3.2- 9 pin (2), USB-A 3.2 with PowerShare (1), USB-C 3.2 – 24 pin (1), USB-C 3.2 with DisplayPort (1), RJ-45 (1), DisplayPort (2), HDMI 2.0 (1) | Show: 4K @ 60Hz, Quad HD @ 60Hz; as much as three shows
Learn Extra
Present Knowledgeable Take Present much less
Present much less
Why we prefer it: The Belkin Join Common Professional Dock utterly modified my day by day workflow. It reworked my laptop computer right into a desktop-like setup, minus the cumbersome tower. The accent provides 11 thoughtfully chosen ports together with USB-A 3.2, HDMI, Thunderbolt 4, microSD, and Ethernet. Every thing works easily, whether or not you are transferring massive information, plugging in a number of different peripherals, or extending your show sign.
Its flat design performed a serious function in my optimistic overview. You will discover the entrance of the dock is slanted–and for good purpose. Inserting a laptop computer on high of the rubber strip causes the pc to take a seat at an angle, which improves airflow beneath the machine, so sizzling air will not be trapped between your laptop computer and the desk. It is a small flourish, nevertheless it makes a noticeable totally different. Your system will run cooler and quieter.
Evaluate: Belkin Join Common USB-C 11-in-1 Professional Dock
Who it is for: This dock is ideal for hybrid staff or college students seeking to flip their laptops into a correct workstation setup. Graphic designers, programmers, and content material creators will profit so much, too. You can assist a ton of equipment by way of the Belkin Join Professional Dock. For instance, you can plug in an SD card and a tough drive whereas nonetheless having sufficient room for an exterior monitor.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The ability cable on the again is non-removable, which might restrict placement choices in case your laptop computer’s USB-C is on the flawed aspect or out of attain. Though it delivers 100W of charging, the Belkin Station recharges private computer systems extra slowly than a laptop computer’s personal energy adapter. It’s because a few of the vitality is misplaced throughout the Professional Dock.
Belkin Join Common USB-C 11-in-1 Professional Dock specs: Ports: USB-A (2), USB-C (2), 4K HDMI (2), VGA (1), Gigabit Ethernet (1), 35mm audio in/out (1), SD card reader (1), microSD card reader (1) | Show: as much as three displays concurrently, 4K@ 60Hz to at least one show
Editor’s Be aware: This merchandise is just out there in refurbished fashions.
Learn Extra
Present Knowledgeable Take Present much less
Present much less
Why we prefer it: Docking stations work throughout a number of working methods with out one being higher supported, they usually’re nice at present as generic units. However if you’d like one thing that focuses on Apple merchandise, I extremely advocate the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station
For those who have a look at the system compatibility listing on Satechi’s web site, you will see that it helps a variety of Apple {hardware}, from legacy units just like the 2016 MacBook Professional to the latest M4 MacBook fashions. This degree of MacBook compatibility is unmatched. Plus, identical to the Baseus Spacemate, it really works proper out of the gate. There is no such thing as a must spend a number of minutes putting in software program drivers.
Moreover its Apple compatibility, the Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station boasts spectacular show output. It might join as much as 4 totally different displays and show pictures at 4K decision with a refresh charge of 60Hz. For those who solely have a single monitor, you’ll be able to ship a video sign as much as 8K decision.
Who it is for: Unsurprisingly, the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station is ideal for Apple customers. It expands a MacBook’s usability and in addition recharges iPhones and Apple Watches. Inventive professionals, specifically, will love how simply this dock integrates with their workflow. The assist for DisplayLink and a number of video outputs permits for advanced monitor setups and helps improve productiveness.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Wanting on the specs sheet, it is very clear that macOS units are the precedence for the Satechi Docking Station. It does work “with many of the Thunderbolt/USB-4 units like…” the Microsoft Floor Laptop computer Studio, nevertheless it’s not common.
Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multi-Show Docking Station specs: Ports: Thunderbolt 4 to host (1), in/out audio (1), SD 4.0/UHS-II card slot (1), USB-A 3.2 (2), Thunderbolt 4 downstream (3), HDMI 2.0 (2), 1GB Ethernet port (1), energy provide | Show: as much as 8K/60 with one show; as much as 4K/60Hz throughout 4 shows
Learn Extra
Present Knowledgeable Take Present much less
Present much less
Why we prefer it: For those who choose engaged on a Home windows machine, the Orico 12-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Dock is correct up your alley. This docking station provides true Thunderbolt 4 efficiency, delivering information switch speeds as much as 40Gbps and may output an 8K video sign to a single monitor or a 4K sign to 2 displays.
Bear in mind that this efficiency is unique to Home windows PCs. Just like earlier entries, it sports activities all kinds of inputs, together with USB-A, Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and extra. The dock additionally has daisy-chain functionality, which means you’ll be able to join a number of computer systems to it.
Who it is for: Due to its distinctive functionality, this dock is a transparent match for Home windows customers with demanding workflows. It helps multi-monitor setups, high-speed information transferring, and wired community connections. Orico’s Thunderbolt 4 dock is ideal for folks seeking to flip their laptop computer right into a severe workstation.
It does work with Apple tech, however because of software program restrictions applied by Apple, your expertise will probably be extra restrictive. You can ship a video sign to a single exterior show.
Evaluate: Orico 12-in-1 Thunderbolt
Who ought to look elsewhere: Clearly, I would not advocate the Orico dock to Apple customers due to the restriction. I additionally would not advocate it to individuals who often as its energy adapter is big. And the worst half is that it is required to make use of the dock totally. It might’t obtain energy from a pc.
Oricoo 12-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Dock specs: Ports: USB-A 3.1 (1) USB-A 2.0 (2), 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports (2), 10Gbps USB-C (1), DP 1.4 (1), SD card slot, micro-SD card slot, Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm audio jack | Show: 8K decision at 30Hz (Home windows solely), Twin 4K decision at 60Hz
Learn Extra
Present Knowledgeable Take Present much less
Present much less
Why we prefer it: Rounding out the listing is the Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C Common Laptop computer Docking Station. This accent is primarily meant for older laptops, because the system’s predominant function is its broad OS compatibility. This dock helps a number of Home windows methods, from Home windows 11 all the way in which to Home windows 7 and every thing in between. Equally, it really works with older macOS variations, too, going way back to macOS Mojave.
Plugable’s dock would not have a Thunderbolt port in its enter array. To compensate, the corporate packages a particular USB-A cable with a detachable Thunderbolt cap, permitting it to modify between the requirements on the fly if vital. The dock can output a 1080p video sign to a pair of displays or a Quad HD (2,560 x 1,440) video sign to at least one monitor.
Who it is for: I like to recommend the Plugable Common Laptop computer Docking Station to folks nonetheless holding onto their outdated Home windows 7 laptop computer or anybody in search of a budget-friendly choice. This is likely one of the least expensive choices on this listing, retailing for lower than $100. Moreover, if you happen to hop between a number of working methods, this dock can sustain.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Do not count on Plugable’s docking station to offer top-notch efficiency. It doesn’t assist 4K decision. And because the title suggests, it homes USB-A 3.0 ports, which suggests you will not obtain quick switch speeds. It is practical, if a bit outdated.
Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C Common Laptop computer Docking Station specs: Ports: USB 3.0 Kind-A (2); USB 2.0 Kind-A (4); HDMI (1); DVI (1); Gigabit Ethernet (1); 3.5mm audio jack (1); microphone jack (1) | Show: 1920×1200 at 60Hz (2); 2,560×1440 at 50Hz by way of HDMI (1)
Learn Extra
Present Knowledgeable Take Present much less
How did we select these laptop computer docking stations?
We thought of system specs, vital options, value factors, and extra when selecting the most effective laptop computer docking stations. Our guides principally encompass in style, well-reviewed choices, though we did contemplate docking stations with distinctive performance, just like the Dell Twin Cost Dock. We examined a few of the choices ourselves and used them in our on a regular basis lives. We additionally researched and beneficial fashions based mostly on person evaluations, model belief, and value factors. Under is a listing of the factors we adopted to make our choices.
1. Connection varieties
Connections varieties are essential as a result of they decide how nicely the system can meet your wants by way of performance, efficiency, and compatibility. Having the proper ports can drastically improve your productiveness, and in search of fashions that assist trendy requirements is vital.
CalDigit’s TS4 has just about every thing you can ever need on a docking station. It has Thunderbolt 4 ports that assist Home windows laptops, MacBooks, and Chromebooks. A kind of Thunderbolt 4 ports may also be used to ship a video sign from a pc to a monitor alongside the DisplayPort. You even have audio jacks, an ethernet enter for a direct web connection, and extra. However amount is usually simply as vital as high quality. The Baseus 10-in-1 docking station, for instance, lacks an audio jack however helps Thunderbolt 4, making it a sensible choice for individuals who desire a compact system.
Choices just like the CalDigit and Baseus choices are equally legitimate, so we appeared for various sorts of docking stations slightly than only one.
2. Energy supply
Energy Supply is a vital function. Many docking stations enable folks to cost their laptops by way of USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, eliminating the necessity to carry a separate laptop computer charger. Since it is so essential, we hunted down units with the quickest charging speeds, such because the NewQ 16-in-1. We linked a low-battery laptop computer for the docking stations we had readily available and famous how rapidly it recharged. Not each mannequin helps such excessive speeds, however that is OK, as a result of they produce other issues.
The CalDigit TS4 has an influence supply of 98W, which continues to be loads quick, and its vast collection of ports makes up for the distinction between it and the aforementioned NewQ station.
3. Knowledge switch pace
Because the title suggests, information switch speeds have an effect on how briskly you’ll be able to transfer information out of your laptop computer to a different pc on a small community. Greater speeds come in useful when shifting massive information (assume video, high-resolution pictures, or pc backups), however you do not have a lot time to spare. In our exams, we might switch a ten GB backup of a Google account between two computer systems in just some seconds.
Kensington’s SD5000T5 Thunderbolt 5 docking station is the most effective on this regard, as it might probably obtain switch speeds of as much as 80 Gbps. This degree of efficiency is because of its assist of the brand new Thunderbolt 5 customary, permitting it to go away the opposite fashions within the mud.
4. Show connectivity
Connecting your laptop computer to a number of exterior shows allows you to get pleasure from a desktop-like setup. This is likely one of the most defining options of a laptop computer docking station, enabling the tech to distinguish itself from a fundamental USB hub. When compiling the listing, we sought units able to outputting to a number of high-resolution displays at a excessive refresh charge. We then examined these fashions by connecting a laptop computer to a pair of 4K screens. The most effective ones made it onto the listing.
5. Worth factors
It could’ve been very simple to fill all the listing with massive docking stations with 15 or extra ports and quick energy supply speeds. However doing so can be a disservice to all the good low-cost fashions. Not everybody can afford $200 or $300 for a high-end docking station; a person may not even want one thing so strong. Price range-friendly fashions additionally are usually smaller, making them simpler to hold round. We even made positive the cheaper choices supported the mandatory requirements one may need in these units and had been well worth the value.
Newest information on laptop computer docking stations
- Plugable’s new Thunderbolt 4 dock provides dual-4K HDMI, 96W charging, and 13 ports for slightly below $200. It comprises one Thunderbolt 4 port for a single 6K show on macOS or 8K 30Hz on a Home windows system, 4 USB-A ports, and UHS-II SD and microSD card readers.
- RayCue additionally lately launched a brand new TB5 dock for Apple desktops, which makes use of DisplayPort and HDMI 2.1 connectivity. It may be used along with as much as two SSDs and makes use of Thunderbolt 5.
- Razer’s new Thunderbolt 5 dock was hotly anticipated, however now appears to be a disappointment to many customers, who claimed it would not work with over two-thirds of Razer’s gaming laptops.
Newest updates
- August 2025: Swapped our choose for Greatest space-saving laptop computer docking station from the Baseus 11-in-1 Spacemate to the newer mannequin, the Baseus Nomos NU1 Air Spacemate 12-in-1, based mostly on its smaller dimension, SD card port additions, and higher value level. Additionally added an trade information part, and reviewed all different high picks and knowledge within the story.
- June 2025: Up to date the highest listing to incorporate extra detailed info for every of the principle entries.
Different laptop computer docking stations to think about
Present much less
If you need an excellent smaller docking station for journey, the Baseus 10-in-1 is a superb choose. It offers a strong collection of ports and is sufficiently small to slot in your pocket.
The Baseus 10-in-1 comprises 2 HDMI single 4K ports at 120Hz, twin 4k ports at 60Hz, a USB-C and three USB-A ports, and a SD/TF card slot — all for below $50 on the time of this writing. This port is ideal for hybrid or on-the-go professionals, and it helps a twin monitor.
Learn Extra
Present Knowledgeable Take Present much less
Present much less
Razer’s USB-C Dock is a light-weight and sturdy laptop computer accent excellent for journey or at-home use. It helps older working methods and may output a 4K video sign at a refresh charge of 60Hz. Its 11-port design helps each system you may want, together with a 3.5mm audio combo jack powered by Razer 7.1 encompass sound.
It additionally seems to be rattling cool with its all-metal casing constructed from thermally optimum aluminum alloy, which makes it tremendous sturdy and immune to warmth buildup.
Learn Extra
Present Knowledgeable Take Present much less
Present much less
Belkin’s Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core is a strong different to the Dell Dock – WD19S. Though it solely has seven ports, the system is extra compact and helps “upstreaming charging.”
It is appropriate with Mac and Home windows laptops and has ultra-high-definition 4K twin monitor assist to improve your workstation whereas charging each units. This dock station is tremendous moveable and at present lower than $40.
Learn Extra
Present Knowledgeable Take Present much less
For extra on minimizing your desktop setup and maximizing your area, take a look at our picks for the most effective space-saving PCs and our favourite small tablets.
