USB-C docking stations are invaluable for laptop, tablet, and even desktop users who need to connect multiple peripherals and accessories. With so many options on the market, choosing the right docking station can be tricky. This comprehensive guide examines the key factors in selecting an optimal USB-C dock and provides in-depth recommendations on the top devices available today.
What to Consider When Buying a USB-C Dock
Several key criteria should guide your USB-C docking station purchase:
Ports and Connectivity: The number, type, speed, and power delivery of ports is paramount. Carefully evaluate your needs – do you require 4K video out? Fast USB data speeds? Enough wattage to charge a laptop? Match prospective docks to your connectivity requirements.
Size and Design: Docking stations span a wide gamut, from portable hubs packing just essential ports to expansive stations replicating the I/O of a desktop tower. Consider your work environment and space constraints before deciding on size. Design factors like build construction and heat dissipation also come into play.
Compatibility: While USB-C and Thunderbolt 3/4 devices broadly support docking stations through their alt mode display protocols, you still need to verify compatibility. Certain docks only work optimally with specific port and platform combinations. Always check manufacturer guidance before purchasing.
Price: Inevitably a factor, USB dock costs largely correlate with port numbers, power delivery capacity, brand reputation, and construction quality. Be realistic about your budget but recognize that more affordable options may carry limitations.
Overview of USB-C, Thunderbolt 3 & Thunderbolt 4
Before assessing individual docking stations, it‘s important to understand the underlying USB-C, Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 standards broadly used across platforms and devices today.
USB-C refers to the 24-pin reversible connector shape and underlying USB 3.1 and USB 4 protocols. USB-C ports support transferring data, video output, and charging – their capabilities differ depending on supported USB specs. Most USB-C ports max out at 10Gbps speeds.
Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 use USB-C connectors but offer faster 40Gbps throughput via PCIe and DisplayPort tunneling. Thunderbolt integrates video, data, charging and peripheral connectivity making it perfect for docking stations. Apple spearheaded Thunderbolt adoption but it‘s now supported across Windows machines too.
The key takeaway is that while Thunderbolt 3/4 devices are fully backwards compatible with USB-C cables/ports due to their shared connector type, you won‘t get faster Thunderbolt speeds from a USB-C only connection. However, USB-C is still highly capable for docking purposes depending on your requirements.
The 6 Best USB-C Docking Stations
1. Anker 577 Thunderbolt Docking Station
Our overall top pick is the Anker 577 Thunderbolt Docking Station. This compact, solidly constructed dock leverages Titan Ridge chipset capabilities to deliver seamless connectivity and charging to both USB-C and Thunderbolt laptops alike.
Standout features include 85W and 15W Thunderbolt power delivery ports, triple 4K display support via HDMI and dual Thunderbolt ports, five USB ports, SD/microSD readers, audio jack, and gigabit ethernet. It‘s a Thunderbolt/USB-C docking powerhouse.
Price: $279.99
Ports: 13
Power Delivery: Up to 85W
Pros
- Universal USB-C and Thunderbolt 3/4 compatibility
- 85W laptop charging
- Triple 4K display support
- Gigabit ethernet
Cons
- Premium price point
- No downstream Thunderbolt ports
2. Twelve South StayGo USB-C Hub
The StayGo isn‘t your traditional docking station – it‘s better thought of as a compact "docking hub" hybrid. The tiny rectangular device touts essential ports for connecting accessories and networking gear, but also powers passthrough charging up to 85W over USB-C.
Usefulness stems from its elegant design, versatile port selection, and inclusion of 1m/3m detachable USB-C cables for desk and travel usage. Just don‘t expect the video or power delivery chops of larger docks. Still at $80, it‘s a great portable option.
Price: $75
Ports: 9
Power Delivery: Up to 85W (passthrough)
Pros
- Ultra portable
- 9 ports in tiny footprint
- Convenient built-in cables
Cons
- Lower resolution display output
- 100W power supply not included
3. CalDigit USB-C HDMI Dock
The CalDigit USB-C HDMI Dock earns its name from its marquee feature: dual HDMI 2.0 ports that allow connecting two 4K 60Hz monitors or one 5K 60Hz display via a single cable to your Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C laptop.
This smartly designed, aluminum clad dock contains a total of 10 ports including USB-A/C options, USB-C 10Gbps, UHS-II SD card reader, ethernet, and audio. The 150W adapter provides 94W power to charge host devices. If your primary need is video output flexibility, the CalDigit Dock warranties consideration.
Price: $272
Ports: 10
Power Delivery: 94W
Pros
- Dual 4K 60Hz video output
- 10 ports with USB/Thunderbolt data
- SD/MicroSD slots
Cons
- No downstream Thunderbolt ports
- Premium price point
4. OWC USB-C Travel Dock E
The OWC USB-C Travel Dock E provides a compelling blend of portability and capability. Roughly the footprint of a smartphone, it packs two USB 3.2 ports, USB-C and HDMI 2.0, gigabit ethernet, SD reader, and audio into a durable, aluminum housing.
Smart power management uniquely allows the OWC Travel Dock to be bus powered via connected host cables when travelling while still supplying 60W laptop charging, then leverage a higher power adapter back at your workstation. If you seek lots of ports without lots of bulk, this pocketable pick delivers.
Price: $64
Ports: 6
Power Delivery: 60W (bus powered), up to 100W (adapter)
Pros
- Highly portable
- Bus or adapter powered
- Reasonable price point
Cons
- Limited to single display out
- Short attached host cable
5. HyperDrive GEN2 USB-C Dock
HyperDrive‘s 12-in-1 USB-C Docking Station gives you…well, 12 ports! And superb flexibility to connect all your gaming, productivity and accessory peripherals alike. Both front and rear Type-A ports offer speedy 10Gbps bandwidth while two HDMI and one DisplayPort output enable triple 4K monitor hookup.
100W power delivery allows charging most laptops directly via the dock. The sleek, rounded metallic design looks as good as it performs, although you do lose legacy connections like ethernet or SD. Still for $200, it‘s hard to beat the HyperDrive‘s productivity and gaming gaming chops.
Price: $199
Ports: 12
Power Delivery: 100W
Pros
- 12 versatile ports
- Triple 4K display support
- Great value proposition
Cons
- No legacy connections
- Requires separate power brick
6. Lention Underdesk USB-C Dock
Sometimes less height is more! The Lention underdesk dock is designed to slide right underneath your propped up laptop for convenient port access. The angled extension also promotes better cooling, typing ergonomics and screen sight lines.
Connectivity itself covers all essentials from USB 3.0 to 4K HDMI/DisplayPort graphics, legacy VGA, gigabit ethernet, card reader and 3.5mm audio. 100W passthrough laptop charging maximizes compatibility. Just make sure you still have access to bottom vents!
Price: $119
Ports: 9 video/data ports
Power Delivery: 100W (passthrough)
Pros
- Clever under laptop design
- Extends functionality
- Very affordable
Cons
- Limited appeal factor
- Big footprint
Tips for Picking the Right USB-C Dock
Beyond considering ports, power, size, compatibility and price as outlined above, keep these additional tips in mind while shopping USB-C docks to ensure the best user experience:
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Carefully check video/display protocols supported. Some docks max out at 30Hz or lower refresh rates which could impact gaming or video quality.
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Higher resolution docks require high quality, high bandwidth USB-C cables – don‘t skimp to achieve advertised performance.
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You‘ll generally need to connect both host USB-C and charging cables/adapters to enable full power delivery passthrough functionality. Read specs closely.
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See if manufacturers offer firmware updates for docks. As USB-C and Thunderbolt specs evolve, updates help devices capitalize on latest improvements.
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Research your prospective dock model for USB/OS compatibility. Some USB-C docks play nicer with Windows vs. macOS and vice versa depending on chipset and support.
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Evaluate port placement convenience – side/front ports enable easier plugging in vs. hard to access rear connections around desk paraphernalia!
Get these considerations right and your new USB-C or Thunderbolt dock will serve as an invaluable connectivity hub for all your computing needs – laptop, desktop or tablet alike!
