Best docking stations for Dell XPS laptops

The best docking stations for Dell XPS laptops complement some of the best laptops on the market today — which often suffer from limited port selection. Thankfully, the best docking stations can resolve this issue (and then some), unleashing the true potential of your XPS laptop while keeping your workspace neat and tidy to boot.

No matter which flavor of XPS you're using, paltry port selection is a headache for anyone with legacy peripherals in need of a USB Type-A connection. However, throw a docking station into the mix and you'll be elated as you gain all of the functionality you need while truly making the most of your device.

If you're a MacBook owner facing a similar struggle, check out our rundown of the best docking stations for MacBooks. Looking for a port expansion solution that's more travel-friendly, compact, and a little easier on the pocketbook? Check out our selection of the best USB-C hubs. However, if you're a Dell XPS owner who's in a peripheral predicament, read on for our selection of the best docking stations for Dell XPS laptops.

The Quick List

Best docking station overall

CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 Laptop Mag review photos

(Image credit: Laptop Mag / Rael Hornby)
Best docking station for Dell XPS laptops

Specifications

Ports: 3 x Thunderbolt 4/USB4 (40Gb/s), 3 x USB-C 3.2 (Data only 10Gb/s), 5 x USB-A 3.2 (10Gb/s), 1 x SD card reader, 1 x microSD card reader. 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x front combo audio jack, 1 x rear audio jack in, 1 x read audio jack out, 1 x DC in.

Reasons to buy

+
Great port selection
+
98W of host Power Delivery
+
2.5Gb Ethernet and USB-C 20W PD
+
Offline charging support

Reasons to avoid

-
No HDMI

The CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 is a do-it-all device that can turn just about any USB-C laptop into a fully-fledged workstation with a plethora of ports. However, connect it to your Thunderbolt 4 enabled XPS laptop and you now have lightning fast access to external storage, extended displays, and phenomenal power delivery.

It costs a pretty penny – that much can't be argued, however CalDigit's docking station is an incredible companion to any workstation, offering a guaranteed 98W of host device charge, 18 additional ports (of which many include Power Delivery), and a lightning-like 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port. All that before we even touch upon the dock’s support for multiple external monitors at 4K (60Hz) or a single external monitor at 8K (60Hz).

CalDigit's offering is one of the finest Thunderbolt 4 options available, and it rightfully tops our list of the best Dell XPS docking stations.

Read our full CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 review

Best Thunderbolt 4 docking station

(Image credit: Future)
Best docking station for speedy Thunderbolt 4 connections

Specifications

Ports: 3 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x USB-A 2.0 (BC 1.2) 3 x Thunderbolt 4 (with 20W PW), 1 x USB-C (host port with 96W PW), 1 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x UHS-II SD Card Reader, 1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo

Reasons to buy

+
96W Power Delivery
+
Variety of Thunderbolt4/USB-A Ports
+
Dual 4K at 60Hz

Reasons to avoid

-
No HDMI/DisplayPort
-
Pricey at $299

If you’re after a versatile dock with a focus on Thunderbolt 4 connections, then the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock won’t disappoint. Its unassuming design easily blends into any work or personal setup, and its port placement allows for a relatively clean, wire-tidy desk.

Sure, it’s a bit late to the game, but that doesn’t make it any less powerful. Connecting to two 4K displays while having your laptop charge with 96W Power Delivery, having multiple PC peripherals ready to use without taking up laptop ports, and recharging your smartphone or tablet on the fly makes for a versatile setup, and this Thunderbolt 4 Dock gives you access to that.

See our full Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock review

Best Thunderbolt 4 connectivity

(Image credit: Future)
Best docking station for Thunderbolt 4 connectivity and beyond

Specifications

Ports: 4 x Thunderbolt 4, 3 x USB-A 3.2 Gen2, 1 x USB-A 2.0 Gen1, 1 x UHS-II SD 4.0 Card Reader, 3.5mm mic/audio jack, Gigabit Ethernet Port

Reasons to buy

+
Multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports
+
Single 8K 30Hz or Dual 4K 60Hz
+
90W power delivery
 

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricey 
-
No other video output ports 

The Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Dock is made for ultrabooks like the Dell XPS 13 9310. Not only does it vastly expand the number of ports and slots on one of the best laptops on the market, but it gives it the 90W power for charging and additional perks the notebook requires.

No docking station is perfect, but the SD5700T dock does a stellar job of turning a laptop into a desktop powerhouse. Thunderbolt 4 connectivity is here to stay, and the SD5700T makes for a fantastic portable companion that will future-proof your setup for years to come. 

See our full Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 docking station review 

Most versatile docking station

(Image credit: Future)
Best docking station with versatile connectivity

Specifications

Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB-C 3.1 Gen2, 2 x USB-A 3.1 Gen2, 2 x USB-A 2.0 Gen1, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x UHS II SD 4.0 Card Reader, 3.5mm audio jack, Gigabit Ethernet Port

Reasons to buy

+
12-in-1 hub
+
Thunderbolt 4 ports
+
Single 8K 30Hz and dual 4K 60Hz
+
90W power delivery

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited compatibility

Is the Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station too ahead of the curve? Yes, but it’s also a versatile hub that can improve your current work setup while helping you prepare for the next generation of laptops set to become the norm. Its Thunderbolt 4 ports are convenient and speedy, while the 12-in-1 hub’s other ports allow you to charge and connect plenty of PC accessories and monitors.

Anker’s dock is let down by an expensive $300 price point for a device that can’t be fully utilized without a Thunderbolt 4-supported laptop. However, give this suitcase imposter some time and it’s sure to shine.

See our full Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station review

Best premium docking station

(Image credit: Future)
Best premium docking station

Specifications

Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Type-C ports, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-A input, 2 x HDMI 2.0 ports, 1 x Thunderbolt 3 port, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port, 1 x headset jack, 1 x SD card reader

Reasons to buy

+
Premium, durable design
+
Plenty of ports
+
Supports two 4K, 60Hz displays 

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive 

The Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock can accommodate a lot of different equipment. Its premium design screams office-ready, but it’ll look just as good manning a gaming station. Plus, it’s got a plethora of ports just waiting to connect to several monitors, a couple of headsets, and a laptop.

However, at $259, the TBT100 has a steep entry price which might give many home office workers and gamers pause. But if you can look past the cost, the Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock is an essential piece of tech.

See our full Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock review

Best overall docking station design

Plugable USB-C Triple 4K Display Docking Station (Image credit: Future)
Best overall docking station design

Specifications

Ports : 4 x USB-A 3.0, 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (with 20W PW), 1 x USB-C (host port), 3 x HDMI 2.0 port, 3 x DisplayPort++ 1.2, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x SD Card Reader 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack, 1x 3.5mm microphone jack

Reasons to buy

+
4K Output
+
Supports three monitors
+
Charges USB Type-C laptops

Reasons to avoid

-
Vertical-only design
-
Fewer ports than competitors

Plugable’s last USB-C Triple 4K Docking Station was a hit, so much so that stock has completely run out. With its latest UD-ULTC4K docking station, I can imagine it being a hot commodity thanks to its fair price and nifty upgrades.  

Now with a host of upgrades to turn any USB-C supported laptop into a powerhouse, the new Plugable USB-C Triple 4K Docking Station is better than ever before with extra HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, a 100W Power Delivery (PD) boost, an essential SD Card Reader, and an extra USB-C port with 20W PD and up to 10Gbps transfer rates. Oh, and four USB-A 3.0 ports for good measure.

Plugable listened to customer demands and greatly expanded the capabilities of its most popular docking station, and the result is the most well-rounded docking station I’ve reviewed.

See our full Plugable USB-C Triple 4K Display Docking Station review

Best docking station for 4K monitors

A fantastic docking station for 4K monitors

Specifications

Ports: 4x USB-A 3.0, 1x USB-C, 1 x HDMI, 2 x DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm mic/audio jack

Reasons to buy

+
Supports both USB-A 3.0 and USB Type-C
+
Powers up to three 4K monitors 

Reasons to avoid

-
Cable isn't removable
-
Adapter is clumsy 

Look no further than Dell's very own D6000 universal dock for a Dell XPS, which has a built-in adapter to easily switch between the standards, so you can connect it to just about any laptop (most importantly a Dell XPS laptop). It can go up to 5K on a single screen or handle up to three 4K screens over USB Type-C. Better yet, it has four USB-A ports that are more than enough for USB-A devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or USB stick.

See our full Dell D6000 Universal Dock review 

Best charging station

(Image credit: Future)
A charging station for high-speed data transfers and powerful charging

Specifications

Ports: 7 x USB-A 3.0, 1 x USB-B, Power Input

Reasons to buy

+
USB-A and USB-C connectivity
+
Data transfer through all ports
+
Stackable charging

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited to USB-A ports
-
Niche usage

Plugable’s 7-in-1 USB Charging Hub (USBC-HUB7BC) acts as a fantastic docking station to free up ports on your laptop and adds even more PC peripherals such as keyboards and mice. It also acts as a standalone charging hub to juice up devices such as your smartphone. It stands out for bringing dual functionality to each of its seven ports, an enviable feature a majority of USB-C hubs and other docking stations don’t completely provide.

For those who require a hub with more than enough USB-A ports to charge multiple accessories at once, all while transferring files between different devices, the Plugable 7-in-1 USB Charging Hub is a great choice. 

See our full Plugable 7-in-1 USB Charging Hub review.

Best port variety

(Image credit: CalDigit )

9. CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock

Best docking station for port variety

Specifications

Ports: 5 x USB-A 3.1 Gen1, 1 x USB-C 3.1 Gen1, 1 x USB-C 3.1 Gen2, 2 x Thunderbolt 3, 1 x UHS-II SD Card Reader, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x Digital Optical, 3.5mm mic/audio jack, Gigabit Ethernet Port