Docking stations turn a laptop into a full workstation with one cable: monitors, network, keyboard, mouse, USB devices and charging. USB-C and Thunderbolt docks, USB4 and DisplayLink docks for two or three screens, compact travel adapters and brand docks for HP, Lenovo and Dell, from StarTech.com, i-tec, j5create, Conceptronic, ALOGIC and more.
ThunderboltUSB4DisplayLinkDual monitorTriple monitor140 W charging2.5 GbETravel docksKVM docksLenovo docks
How to choose the right docking station
- Check your laptop's port first. Not every USB-C port outputs video or accepts charging. Look for the DisplayPort and charging symbols, or a Thunderbolt or USB4 port. Thunderbolt and USB4 docks give the most bandwidth for multiple high-resolution screens.
- Two or three screens on a Mac. Macs do not support MST, so on a Mac a standard dual-monitor USB-C dock shows the same image on both screens. Base M-series MacBooks support a limited number of external displays; for more, choose a DisplayLink dock (it needs the free DisplayLink app).
- Resolution and refresh rate. 4K at 30 Hz feels sluggish for office work. Choose 4K at 60 Hz where possible, and check the maximum when two or three screens are connected.
- Charging power. Match the dock's Power Delivery to your laptop (for example 65 W, 100 W or 140 W). Bus-powered hubs pass power through and keep some for themselves, so the laptop receives less than the rated figure.
- Network. Most docks have Gigabit Ethernet; some offer 2.5 GbE for faster file transfers.
- Brand docks from HP, Lenovo and Dell work best with their own laptops and support features such as MAC address pass-through and central firmware updates, useful for company fleets.
- Travel adapter or desk dock. Small adapters fit in a laptop bag and use the laptop's own charger. Desk docks have their own power supply and more ports. KVM docks let two laptops share one set of screens, keyboard and mouse.
Not sure which one fits? Send us your laptop model and the monitors you want to connect, and we will check it for you. Call +357 25 878 758 or email [email protected].