Your laptop or desktop might be holding your setup back — but you don't necessarily need a new machine. If you're drowning in cables, running out of ports, or feeling cramped on a 13-inch screen, one of the best docking stations could transform your setup overnight.

Before you start upgrading to one of the best laptops for more ports or screen space, there’s another option. If your setup is bogged down by too many cables and not enough ports, or your laptop’s humble 13-inch display isn't enough to contain your workload, you might not need a new machine — you might just need a docking station.

One of the best docking stations will give you access to more ports (with greater variety), solid passthrough charging for your device, and support for multiple external monitors.

Pairing a laptop with the right dock lets you expand your setup in ways that rival even the best desktops. You get to keep the portability and go-anywhere potential of your laptop, while still enjoying the full workstation experience at home or at the office.

If you recently invested in a powerful gaming laptop with Thunderbolt 5 or a high-end content creation machine like the MacBook Pro 16 M4, 2025 will be an exciting year. The latest Thunderbolt 5 docking stations are rolling out with faster charging, higher data rates, and better support for external monitors.

In the meantime, our roundup of the best Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C docking stations already offers fantastic options. These products can radically improve your setup, big or small, and unlock the full potential of your device. The real question is, which dock should you buy?

I've personally reviewed over 20 laptop docking stations for Laptop Mag in the last two years — and tested many more — making sure they deliver on manufacturer promises and real-world performance.

This buying guide highlights the best docking stations I've tested so far, across a range of categories, from speedy Thunderbolt 4 docks to affordable picks that don't skimp on features or performance. We also include a ranking of the best USB-C cables and accessories.

Do you need help or further information before you decide which dock is right for you? Our handy FAQs section answers many common questions buyers have when making a purchasing decision.

With that in mind, let's dive into our selection of the best laptop docking stations in 2025.

Best Docking Stations 2025: The list in brief

The best laptop docking stations in 2025

Best overall

There are very few things I could fault Plugable's TBT4-UDZ docking station on, but, in contrast, the list of platitudes I could give it is almost as long as this product's official name: the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station—a name that leaves very little to the imagination yet proudly displays its stronger features from the get-go.

I loved using Plugable's Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 docking station, and I was particularly impressed by its overall versatility. Its awesome array of 16 ports sports variety in spades, with a mix of display options and a welcoming blend of modern and legacy ports. Where the TBT4-UDZ lacks variety is in the performance of each one of those ports, with top-tier speeds pouring out of every input.

As the dock's name implies, the TBT4-UDZ packs super-fast Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 ports, allowing data transfer rates of up to 40Gbps to and from compatible machines. Speeds like this are the death knell of sluggish progress bars as you transfer large files back and forth, making it an excellent option for those who deal in video or creative content or for those who use external storage.

Plugable's dock also incorporates a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port for ultra-fast and solidly reliable data speeds over an RJ45 connection. This stand-out feature is otherwise rare in most of the docks on this list, which are limited to 1Gbps. This ensures your host machine will be given the maximum opportunity to make the most of your internet connection or LAN.

Whether stood or laid flat, I effortlessly incorporated this dock into a number of different setups, which provided me with plenty of room for expansion. With dozens of ports at my mercy, I could manage a plethora of peripherals and a genuine arsenal of accessories.

I was also greatly impressed by the dock's support for external monitors. It offers connections to handle up to four external displays (2 x HDMI and 2 x DisplayPort) at resolutions up to 4K and refresh rates of 60Hz.

While my typical day-to-day setup doesn't require anywhere near that amount of displays to hand, there are absolutely folks out there who need every last inch of screen space possible when it comes to juggling huge amounts of information spread across multiple spreadsheets or multitasking across several apps without needing to switch between open windows to do so. The experience was flawless, and a genuine eye-opener into the productivity boosts available as you expand your virtual workspace.

Plugable's docking station is a 15-port masterpiece: a premium product that delivers a premium experience without cranking the price up to eye-watering levels. Alongside the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 mentioned elsewhere in this list, it's one of my favorite docking stations of our selection, and it often finds its way back into my setup when I'm not making space for whichever dock is next up for review.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station review.

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Best budget

It's hard to deny the impact that a docking station can make on your setup, but it's easy to talk yourself out of it if you're buying on a budget that can't stretch to some of the more expensive models out there.

However, not everybody needs to buy big in order to get the most bang for their buck. If you're looking for a dock to manage a more modest setup, then the Dell Dual Charge Dock will not only serve you well, but also provide an excellent 12W Qi wireless charging cradle in the process.

When I reviewed the Dell Dual Charge Dock at the end of 2023, I was amazed at how effortlessly it found a home on my desk and at how quickly it because a vital piece of equipment for keeping my smartphone topped up throughout the day at the same time as my laptop with its 90W of Power Delivery.

While Dell's docking station might be small, its potential for managing your setup and keeping a host of devices powered is anything but. This 8 port expansion offers mostly legacy USB Type-A ports (though video outputs, ethernet, and a USB Type-C port also feature), which are ideal for managing wired/wireless mice or keyboards an a host of other common peripherals. It can also manage up to two external displays with its HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 video outputs.

Even though it's small, the Dell Dual Charge Dock offers some impressive cable management to boot, ensuring that you can have a busy workspace that remains clear and clutter free.

It's sub-$100 price is a rarity for docking stations with this level of function and quality behind them, and while it's by no means a perfect product, it does so much right that it becomes difficult to hold its lack of an SD/micro SD card reader against it, or even that it features a tethered host cable.

The Dell Dual Charge Dock is impressive value for money, refusing to leave you feeling short changed for picking up an affordable option. It's not just a dock, its the point of power for your setup, and it can also double up as a handy display stand for other devices while on charge, too.

If the Dell Dual Charge Dock's asking price is still too rich for your blood, don't fret! I'd recommend checking out our selection of the best USB Type-C hubs instead for a look at some smaller and more affordable options.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Dell Dual Charge Dock review

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Best premium

Logitech's Logi Dock is the docking station so good that they almost named it twice. It's no easy task for a docking station to generate excitement. Hardware like this is designed to be functional, and its design and additional features are often seen as an aftersight.

However, Logitech has seemingly pulled off the impossible with the Logi Dock, creating a device that is stunning to have featured in your setup and serves many purposes along the way.

Not only is Logitech's offering a fantastic premium product, but it excels in connectivity: It uniquely offers Bluetooth 5.1 pairing of up to 7 additional devices beyond its eight-port expansion. Of those ports, three are USB Type-C, two are USB Type-A, and the remaining two are HDMI and DisplayPort outputs that support resolutions up to 4K with HDR and a 60Hz refresh rate.

You may notice that none of the ports mentioned were Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 compatible, which, I can't lie, would have really pushed the Logi Dock to all-new heights. However, it would likely have pushed its cost in a similar direction, and the Logi Dock already has a premium price tag.

Far be it from me to turn my nose up to a solid USB Type-C dock, though. Especially when there's so much more on offer here than a simple case of port expansion. This dock is also outfitted with custom 55mm neodymium drivers, making it a stereo soundbar with no right sounding as impressive as it does for being part of a docking station setup.

But that's the trick Logitech has pulled here. The Logi Dock isn't just a docking station; it's also a fully-fledged conferencing tool with a built-in noise and echo-canceling beam-forming mic array, simplifying your setup for both work and entertainment. It's a little bit of everything, and it does it all impressively well, but it does come with a challenging price tag.

This kind of multi-functionality is hard to come by regarding docking stations, but it's one of the things I enjoy coming across most. Docking stations can get a little dry and bland sometimes, and there's nothing wrong with that. They are, after all, meant to blend into the background and quietly manage your setup from the shadows. However, when manufacturers think outside the box and combine their docks with other accessories or peripherals, they address one of a dock's primary tasks, which is often overlooked: Cable management.

Cable management isn't exactly at the top of the list of things reviewers take a docking station to task for, but I'm not like most reviewers. I believe that the hardware responsible for managing your connections should do a decent job of keeping things neat and tidy as it does so. It reflects the thought that went into the dock itself, after all.

I'm also a firm believer that there's no better cable management than being able to replace the need for specific cables to be there in the first place. The Logitech Logi Dock is a docking station first and a mic and speaker bar second, eliminating the need for separate devices cluttering your setup.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Logitech Logi Dock review.

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Best Thunderbolt 4

Whether you own a Thunderbolt 4 computer, USB4 Chromebook, or Apple Silicon MacBook, the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 is a fantastic solution for your workstation needs—especially if those needs require you to have access to some of the fastest data transfer rates until Thunderbolt 5 docks begin making an appearance.

However, its power does lead to a considerable drawback: its price. The TS4 is one of the more expensive options on this list, and considering the already high price of docking stations, that's saying something. Performance is what you're paying for here, and you'll get it in spades, along with plenty of ports and a considerable power supply.

The TS4 offers an incredible 18 additional ports (17 after the host port is connected), including an SD and microSD card reader, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a myriad of audio and USB Type-A/Type-C ports.

It's port expansion heaven, which sounds so dull it could make trainspotting look like Monday Night Football, though I promise you that's far more exciting than I made it sound.

Throw a dart at this dock, and you're likely to hit a port offering impressively fast speeds. This makes it the perfect option for professional power users who need a full array of accessories to maximize their productivity and performance.

That productivity can be further enhanced with support for up to two external displays. A DisplayPort 1.4 connection will allow for an external display with up to 8K resolution, or it can work in tandem with a USB-C DP port to power two displays with 4K resolutions at a refresh rate of 60Hz. You can even drive an external display for your Chromebook if it has a USB4 connection.

Better still, the TS4 is a veritable desktop power station, offering 98W of host charge and a number of powered ports to keep your peripherals and sidekick devices juiced up throughout the day. Included among that number is a USB Type-C port that offers 20W of Power Delivery alone, ideal for keeping your smartphone or tablet topped up throughout the day.

The CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 isn't the latest Thunderbolt dock to release, but no matter how many more I've come across, I always return to the TS4 as my favorite.

Based on performance alone, it's one of the best options. Still, factor in its tiny footprint, vertical/horizontal positioning, excellent cable management, and wealth of power for your host machine and other devices, and you have a brilliant docking station — one well worth its place on this list.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 review.

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Best USB Type-C

The Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station is a sleek and deceptively crafty device that effortlessly blends into your setup by posing as a modern monitor stand. However, it's also an exceptional docking station, pulling double duties as an excellent port expansion and charging solution that offers top-tier cable management.

Anker's dock has been one of my favorites to review this year, as I'm always impressed when a docking station goes the extra mile to cover as much ground as possible. Multipurpose docking stations like the Anker 675 allow you to make the most of smaller desks or more confined work areas by taking on multiple roles within your setup.

With this dock in place, not only did I not need a separate monitor stand to ensure my screen was positioned correctly, but I also didn't need to worry about finding a place to charge my smartphone either, thanks to a built-in Qi-certified 10W wireless charging panel embedded into the aircraft-grade aluminum shelf.

However, while I personally use a monitor arm for my display, I still found great use for the Anker 675 to neatly house my most used accessories and peripherals—keeping my desk and work area looking immaculate in the process. Aiding that further is the Anker 675's incredible cable management system, which includes an underside cable caddy to keep wires tucked neatly out of sight.

If you're a power user and want multiple displays simultaneously, then Anker's dock might not be everything you're hoping for. This dock only supports one external display, but it does so at 4K resolutions and 60Hz. The Anker 675's sturdy frame is great for monitors up to 24 inches, but it can support whichever size display you prefer as long as it doesn't exceed the aluminum frame's 22-pound weight limit.

While each of the Anker 675's available ports is speedy (with plenty of them also offering decent charging options beyond the 100W of Power Delivery to the host machine), they are limited in number. This is another reason this dock would be excellent for smaller setups.

However, there's still plenty of space to connect a mouse and keyboard, with ports left over for additional peripherals. There's even a built-in SD/microSD card reader so you can quickly access flash memory if your laptop doesn't offer a reader of its own.

It might not be the most powerful dock available, with no Thunderbolt 4 support. But Anker's dock is definitely among the most useful, going above and beyond to manage your setup and ensure that every bit of space you have is made good use of.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station review.

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Best gaming

Despite the Razer branding, this Thunderbolt 4 dock isn't marketed as a gaming docking station, but its gamer aesthetic and high-performance ports and video output make it an ideal option for those looking to level-up their setup or battlestation.

The Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma oozes Razer's modern gamer chic with its monolithic aluminum chassis. However, while strikingly modern and sleek, this is a Razer product, and no Razer product is quite complete without a peppering of RGB lighting. For the Chroma, this means rich underglow lighting from a 12-zone RGB strip that traces the base of the dock along the sides and front.

This striking feature makes the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma look absolutely stunning against the typically hum-drum appearance of its contemporaries, and can be customized to show various colors in a range of patterns—the Razer Synapse app even allows for advanced customization that can color match to certain areas of your screen, adding a small but noticeable level of ambient lighting to your setup.

It's not all about this dock's looks. Razer's Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma is also an incredibly speedy Thunderbolt docking station that offers three additional downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports that provide power, fantastic data transfer rates of up to 40Gbps, and excellent video output options.

There's no HDMI or DisplayPort outputs on Razer's dock, meaning if you're not using a USB Type-C or Thunderbolt monitor then you'll need to pick up an adapter to link up an external display. However, the dock's speedy Thunderbolt 4 ports also offer impressive bandwidth that can provide high resolution support and super fast refresh rates to up to two monitors at once.

If you're running at 4K resolutions, then Razer's dock will provide refresh rates of up to 60Hz. Razer's dock can also deliver refresh rates of up to 144Hz or 240Hz for monitors with QHD or FHD resolutions, respectively. This makes it a fantastic option for gamers who want all the benefits of an excellent Thunderbolt 4 dock, without sacrificing on buttery smooth game-friendly performance.

The major downside of Razer's Thunderbolt 4 dock is its 90W of Power Delivery. It falls far short of keeping even a modest gaming laptop fully charged under load, and will force you to keep using your proprietary charger if you want to avoid cutting your play time short.

While this likely isn't too much of a hassle, as most gaming laptops will take up semi-permanent positions at a desk for most, it can be frustrating to know that this dock's charging potential, which is a big factor in its $299 (at the time of reviewing) price tag, is something you won't be able to make regular use of.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma review.

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Best for MacBook

Let me tell you about Satechi's Dual Dock Stand—a device that performs triple duty as a docking station, ergonomic laptop stand, and external SSD enclosure. As mentioned earlier, I'm a big proponent of multi-purpose devices like this. I firmly believe that an excellent all-in-one solution is far easier to manage than three separate devices.

Decked out in Space Metal Grey, Satechi's dock is the ideal MacBook companion visually and a vital accessory for functionality. It offers everything you'd need from a workstation set up with a zero-footprint design that fits snugly under your MacBook, greatly expanding your device's potential and comfort without becoming a distraction.

The Dual Dock Stand's built-in SSD enclosure isn't just ideal for augmenting the storage of your MacBook. Thanks to this dock's lightweight build, tethered host cables, and portability, it can also act as an external SSD, helping to transfer data between devices quickly.

The charge offered by Satechi's dock isn't as high as that of other entrants to this list, offering just 75W of charge to the host machine. However, with Apple's latest MacBooks taking advantage of the impressively efficient Apple Silicon chipsets (M1 > M3), this is enough power to keep most MacBooks topped up easily across your standard working day.

However, there are trade-offs to be made. Satechi's dock is a bit of a port hog for one. It'll require both of your left-hand Thunderbolt ports to run at its fullest potential. This means that if you want to take full advantage of the speeds offered by that standard, you won't be able to do so while the dock is connected.

Of the nine ports it offers in return, none allow you to take full advantage of the host machine's Thunderbolt-capable speeds. You'll be limited to speeds you'd find with any other USB Type-C hub or dock, which could be a deal breaker for power users looking to maximize their productivity and take full advantage of the bandwidth available on their host machine.

If that's a deal breaker for you, I would advise seeking a dedicated Thunderbolt 4 dock like the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 mentioned earlier in this list.

Many docking stations will work with a MacBook, and if you're interested in seeing which are the best for the Apple ecosystem specifically, check out our selection of the best docking stations for MacBooks. All the previously mentioned docks on this list also work with MacBooks. It's just that this dock is specifically designed to work primarily with Apple's laptops.

For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Satechi Dual Dock Stand review.

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Comparison chart

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Recently reviewed

Not every docking station we review makes it to this list, but that's not to say they aren't worth an honorable mention at the very least. While some of the following docking stations may not be the best laptop docking stations in their category, that's not to say they aren't some fantastic options regardless.

FAQs

• Q: What is a laptop docking station?
  A: Docking stations are primarily hardware port extensions for your PC or laptop. Their core feature is to grant access to more ports with a wider port type selection. This gives you more options for maximizing your machine's productivity, efficiency, and potential by making more peripherals and accessories available at any one time.
  
  In addition to this, most modern docking stations allow you to manage a number of external displays to expand your screen space with ease. They can also supply your laptop (and often accessories, too) with a steady stream of power. This means you can sidestep the use of your laptop's proprietary charger and, highlighting a dock's impressive cable management potential, cut down on the amount of wires in use.
  
  However, some docks offer additional features like doubling as an ergonomic laptop stand, improving audio potential with built-in speakers, or subtly taking its place on your desk while acting as a monitor stand.
  
• Q: Do I need a docking station?
  A: We can't say for certain that you "need" a docking station, but we can say that most people looking to build a computing setup around a laptop probably should have a docking station.
  
  Considering the number of available ports on modern laptops and their lack of legacy USB I/O, it's likely that you will eventually come unstuck when relying solely on your laptop to manage a host of peripherals, accessories, and external displays.
  
  A docking station manages all of that for you, greatly increasing the number of ports you can use and the variety of ports you have to hand. Not only this, they can help you manage external monitors to great effect, catering to additional screen real estate for productivity, and higher refresh rates for gaming.
  
• Q: Why are docking stations so expensive?
  A: While a docking station might not look deserving of its price tag from the outside, the inside can house as many chips as the laptop it's connecting to.
  
  Docking stations are incredibly complex hardware that needs to manage several streams of traffic simultaneously, including data, video, and often audio, while supplying a steady stream of power to the host machine and any connected peripherals.
  
  As such, higher-quality docking stations can quickly increase prices. However, that increased asking price will often translate into expanded performance, more ports, and better support for faster, higher-resolution external displays.
  
  We answer this question in more depth in our article: "Why are docking stations so damn expensive?"
  
• Q: Can I use a docking station with my MacBook?
  A: Absolutely! We looked specifically at the best MacBook docking stations, but each dock listed on this page should work fine with Apple devices. However, it's worth noting that due to limitations with earlier Apple M-Series chipsets, the number of external displays you can use will vary. This shifted with the Apple M4 laptops, so the current best MacBooks all support at least two external displays.
  
  If you're unsure, check how many displays can be connected to your MacBook beforehand.
  
• Q: Can I use a docking station with my gaming laptop?
  A: You can use a docking station with your gaming laptop. However, while you'll still be able to use the expanded port options for peripherals or external hard drives, you'll likely encounter an issue with power delivery.
  
  Most current docking stations charge the host machine with up to 100W. While this is fine for most mainstream laptop models, your gaming laptop is likely to require a little more juice to power itself as it performs more strenuous gaming-related tasks.
  
  Future devices that use Thunderbolt 5 or USB4 2.0 as a standard will be much more accommodating to gaming laptops thanks to an expanded Power Delivery range of up to 240W.
  
  Until then, you're likely to get the best experience by using your gaming laptop's proprietary charger for power needs and using a docking station for its expanded port selection.
  
  We answer this question in more depth in our article: "Do you need a docking station for gaming?"
  
• Q: Which types of docking stations are the fastest?
  A: Presently, Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB4 (40Gbps) docking stations are the best pick if you want the fastest data transfer speeds and best overall performance.
  
  In the future, these docks will likely be overtaken by Thunderbolt 5 and USB4 2.0 docking stations, which may offer speeds of 80Gbps and improved power delivery of up to 240W.
  
• Q: What are the differences between a Thunderbolt/USB4 docking station and a USB-C docking station?
  A: One of the key differences between these types of docking stations is data transfer speed. Thunderbolt 4 docking stations have access to transfer speeds of 40Gbps, double that of the fastest standard USB-C port speeds. USB4 docks can achieve similar speed levels but can be capped at 20Gbps, so check its specifications before buying.
  
  These expanded speeds are great for faster, snappier, and more responsive connections and reduce the risk of a performance bottleneck. While USB-C docks can offer a similar number of high-spec ports to a Thunderbolt dock, the increased bandwidth of a Thunderbolt connection allows for more of those ports to work near their maximum potential simultaneously.
  
• Q: How many external monitors can I connect to a docking station?
  A: Currently, docking stations typically support up to four external displays.
  
• Q: Do all laptops support external displays through docking stations?
  A: No, not every laptop can support external displays. If you own a laptop with a Thunderbolt port, connecting a docking station to that port will allow you to extend your screen without issues.
  
  However, if your laptop doesn't use a Thunderbolt connection, you must ensure that your USB-C port supports DisplayPort over USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode).
  
• Q: How do I know if my laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode)?
  A: Typically, you can tell if your laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C by looking at the symbol next to the port. If you spot the DisplayPort logo (a letter ‘D’ overlaid with the letter ‘P’), you should have no issues extending your display.

If you don't see the DisplayPort logo next to your USB-C port but notice a lightning bolt symbol instead, this means that this is a Thunderbolt port. Once again, Thunderbolt ports like this should have no issues supporting external displays.

If you can't see any symbols or logos next to your laptop's ports, check the manual or documentation that came with it for information on port specifications.

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How we test docking stations

Every item we review at Laptop Mag is subject to a variety of synthetic and real-life tests to ensure the product operates as claimed and meets the needs and wants of our readers. Docking stations are not different, though there's more involved in our testing process than simply running through a checklist of a manufacturer's claims.

When it comes to docks, we judge a product's performance based on five metrics: power, ports, performance, presentation, and price.

Firstly, we ensure that a docking station delivers the expected charge by connecting it to various laptops (with increasing power demands) and observing how well they maintain their charge throughout a working day. We also use USB power meters to measure the wattage of the charge heading to the host machine.

Secondly, we use the dock's ports to accommodate peripherals, monitors, and accessories across various setups to test how the number of available ports fares depending on the use case. This helps us to determine a dock's ideal use case, with port number and variety all playing a role in determining how it can best be used.

We then test each of these ports, ensuring they perform to the standards claimed by the manufacturer. This can involve transferring files back and forth to and from an external SSD onto the host machine and connecting multiple monitors to the dock's video outputs to ensure there is no noticeable lag or visual hiccups.

Then, we consider how well the dock handles cable management, a key but often overlooked feature. This also takes into account port placement and the dock's overall design and layout.

Finally, we use these metrics to judge the value of each dock against its MSRP to ensure it's a worthy investment. Docking stations are notoriously expensive pieces of hardware to invest in, so we want to ensure that every docking station we recommend delivers the quality that its price tag might suggest.

With this in mind, we score each dock using a 5-star rating, and we select the best docks within certain categories to appear on this page.

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Why trust Laptop Mag?

Laptop Mag reviews over one hundred different laptops every year, from paperweight ultralights to everyday workhorses to lumbering gaming notebooks that scorch the frame rates of even the hottest AAA games. We're not just experts in the laptop field, as we go one step further by meticulously testing smartphones, tablets, headphones, PC accessories, software, and even the latest peripherals and titles in gaming.

We are 100% independent and have decades of experience to help you buy with confidence. In fact, Laptop Mag has been testing and reviewing products for three decades and continues to deliver trustworthy reviews you can rely on.

Our experienced writers and editors scour information about the laptop and put it through its paces to determine which is best for you. But before they start, the testing team subjects each system to a rigorous regimen of synthetic and real-world tests to see how a system handles the type of work and games you’re most likely to throw at it.

One of the world's largest technology publishers, Future Publishing, enforces our editorial trustworthiness. As a company, we have unrivaled experience across every tech sector — and we're the group's specialist for all things mobile tech.

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While I wasn't a part of Laptop Mag's outbound team to CES 2025 this year, I'd like to imagine that its booth was visible to all in attendance within The Venetian Expo center in Las Vegas, Nevada, guided by an aurora borealis-like glow of colors as the company's peripheral parishioners extol its prime directive: There's no such thing as too much RGB.

In my eyes, Razer is defined by three key things: powerful gaming hardware (as with the recently revealed Razer Blade 16), a wide spread of high-performance and forward-thinking peripherals and accessories (with the company's Project Arielle concept a prime example), and glorious swatches of Chroma RGB.

At CES 2025, Razer revealed a tight packaging of the latter two company values by unveiling its new Monitor Stand Chroma. Part ergonomic laptop or monitor stand, part USB-C hub, part cable management solution, and part disco for your desktop, Razer's latest dive into desktop accessories has a huge amount of potential for modest setups and is available to order now for $199 through Razer's online store.

Razer Monitor Stand Chroma: The illumination of organization

Perhaps taking inspiration from Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon, Razer's Monitor Stand Chroma comes in any color you like, as long as it's electrochemically bonded matte black. Though, its Chroma RGB does offer a praising prism of customizable colors to be shone on anything tucked into its serviceably sized storage nook.

The stand's remappable Chroma RGB button allows users to cycle through available presets quickly, but as with most Chroma products released by Razer, these options can be tweaked and customized to your liking through the Razer Synapse app, even changing the function of the switch entirely.

Its anodized aluminum build can support devices up to 44 pounds in weight, making it not just a solid solution for your primary monitor but also a decent plinth for your laptop too — as long as it can straddle the stand's 19.7 x 8.27 x 3.09-inch dimensions, anyway.

However, Razer's stand isn't all about the ergonomic benefits of raising your monitor a few inches into the air, something proven to help improve posture and reduce strain on the neck, shoulder, and back (while leaving your setup looking "fly as all hell"). The stand also incorporates a small USB-C hub, capable of supporting a single external monitor via HDMI, and a small selection of Type-A and Type-C USB peripherals (full rundown shown below).

• (Host) 1 x USB Type-C port
• 1 x Remappable Chroma RGB button
• 2 x USB 3.2 Type-A ports
• 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C port
• 1 x HDMI 2.0 port

Great for small setups, but even better when paired with a docking station

As stated, Razer's stand is of fantastic value to those running a minimalist or smaller setup, offering neat cable management, a tidy little storage nook, ergonomic improvements, and the impeccable flair of the brand's Chroma lighting.

However, the Monitor Stand Chroma's port selection is a little on the short side, making it an ideal companion to work with the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma — a similarly RGB-laden accessory ready to host the stand and other Thunderbolt/USB-C peripherals while providing your laptop with a considerable 90 watts of Power Delivery and 40Gbps data transfer rates.

I reviewed Razer's docking station in June 2024, giving it four out of five stars and a spot in our roundup of the best laptop docking stations. While its lack of legacy ports suitable for USB dongles or cables commonly used by gaming peripherals was an issue, pairing both the Thunderbolt dock and monitor stand makes for an impressive combo that's sure to please.

More from Laptop Mag

• Laptop Mag at CES 2025: The latest laptop news, reviews, and analysis direct from Las Vegas
• I'm hot and cold over Razer's new gaming chair — but it could lead to something incredible
• Razer's new Blade 16 will be its thinnest, most powerful gaming laptop yet

More isn't always better, but sometimes being maximalist just makes sense.

If more is your thing, then Plugable — an accessory maker based in Washington that's become known for its over-the-top accessories — is your company. Its new docking station, which was announced at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, supports an unprecedented 5 monitors, which brings your potential for screen overload to new heights.

So, if you're looking to submerge yourself in a sea of 4K, we've got some very good news.

A first-of-its-kind docking station

Plugable is already known for its robust accessories, and its recently announced UD-7400PD docking station is continuing that ethos.

According to Plugable, its new docking station is the first to support five whole external monitors. The UD-7400PD is powered by DisplayLink’s DL-7400 chipset, and impressively, it can handle up to four 4K, 120Hz monitors and one 8K monitor simultaneously.

It also offers 140W of power so it can keep you can keep your myriad laptops charged at the same time.

As an added perk, the dock comes with a screen that activates when powered on but not connected to a device which gives real-time status information.

Altogether the docking station has two HDMI ports and three DisplayLink-enabled USB-C ports. If that's not enough, the dock also has a front-facing 10Gpbs USB-C port that enables 30W charging and 2 front-facing 10Gbps USB-A ports and Ethernet and audio jacks for good measure.

If a docking station capable of running an army of 4K monitors isn't really a high priority for you, Plugable also announced a quad-HDMI adapter that funnels into one USB-C port.

The adapter is small but mighty according to Plugable and is capable of driving four 4K 60Hz HDMI outputs into a single USB-C port. And with and up to 100W USB-C PD passthrough, you can also do all of that while keeping your laptop powered at the same time.

How much kill is overkill?

Listen, not everyone is going to need a docking station that does all of that, but then again, if you're a serious creative professional who likes to run a suite of editing software or a financial analyst who relies on being surrounded by screens, it's easy to see how the UD-7400PD could be very appealing.

And even if you aren't trying to predict a major company's financial future, sometimes it's just nice to know that if you really needed the most out of a docking station that you could get it.

Both Plugable's new docking station and its four-HDMI to USB-C adapter will be available later in Q1 2025 and will retail for $264.95 and $124.95 respectively.

• CES 2025 Coverage
• Acer's enormous CES 2025 gaming handheld looks absolutely ridiculous
• Acer unveils upgraded Windows gaming handheld at CES 2025, but does it resolve our concerns?

There are lots of ways to charge your glut of devices simultaneously, but very few can do so with efficiency in mind.

Plugable, an accessory company based out of Washington, however, introduced what it's calling the "world's first" 10-port charger with smart power allocation, meaning you can charge a lot of gadgets without using a ton of juice.

Charge smarter

If you're wondering what "smart power allocation" even means, let me explain.

According to Plugable, its robust 10-port charger can smartly identify devices that are plugged into the accessory and then doll out juice accordingly, depending on demand. In their words:

"The PS-10CC dynamically distributes power, prioritizing high-wattage devices such as laptops to ensure optimal performance. An efficient charging solution in environments with multiple devices like classrooms and offices, for families setting up a charging station, or tech enthusiasts managing a smart workspace."

Plugable says its smart charger delivers up to 100W of total power and is designed specifically to meet the increasingly high power demands of modern devices. On top of that, the charging hub is fairly compact, so it won't totally clutter your likely already crowded desk.

In short: Plugable's ambitious USB-C hub should give you all the ports you need to safely and efficiently charge all kinds of devices at once, including laptops, phones, watches, and more.

Is Plugable's charger really that rare?

There are always lots of "world's first" claims out there and not all of them are to be trusted, so I decided to take a gander around and see what other options for comparable chargers lie in the accessory universe.

Turns out, at least based on my research, there really aren't any other accessories that offer quite as much as Plugable's PS-10CC.

While dynamically distributing power isn't novel in the charger world — like this one, for example — there aren't any devices that I turned that have as many ports as the PS-10CC.

I also can't verify that the other companies I identified make products as reliable as Plugable. I've been using Plugables 40W fast charger with dual USB-C ports and really admire the slim design and speed at which it charges my smaller devices.

Likewise, Laptop Mag has reviewed Plugable's portable display and one of the company's docking stations, both of which scored 4.5 out of 5 stars. Multi-port USB-C charging docks might not be the sexiest products in the world, but it's hard to deny something that just works, and if you're already in the market for a way to manage all your power needs, why not do it in the most efficient way possible?

Plugable's USB-C charging hub will be available later in Q1 2025 and will retail for $99.95.

Nothing helps streamline your desk or nightstand like a great charging station. I love being able to charge my phone, earbuds, and Apple Watch in the same place, and it significantly cuts down the clutter of having three or four charging cables sitting around.

Right now, you can clean up (or upgrade!) your charging setup with a sweet new Anker charging station — without paying full price.

Amazon is slashing up to 40% off five top Anker charging stations right now, like this 9-in-1 charging station that's down to just $35! It has built-in surge protection and supports 100W fast charging, so you can charge everything from your MacBook to your phone from one spot.

If you're looking for something more portable, check out the Anker Nano charging station, which is 39% off on Amazon right now. This thin-and-light charging station supports up to 67W charging, has a convenient flat cable, and charging space for up to 6 devices at once.

Top 5 Anker charging station deals this weekend

Black Friday is right on our doorstep, and that means fantastic savings on just about every bit of tech you can name, including docking stations.

Docking stations are a vital component to anybody looking to build a fully-fledged setup around their laptop, mostly due to narrowing and dwindling port selection and number as these devices continue to become thinner and lighter.

A great docking station can turn even an average laptop into something of a workstation, managing keyboards, mice, speakers, webcams, controllers, and more — all while providing a steady charge that keeps your machine powered up throughout the day.

I review docking stations year-round, and I'd like to humbly suggest I know a good one when I see one. I also know a great deal when I see one, like the highly-rated (scoring four-and-a-half stars in our review) Plugable TBT4 & USB4 HDMI Docking Station now just $183 at Amazon, or one of my personal favorite docks for its versatility the Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station down to $169 at Walmart. Both of these docks have plenty to offer, and each at a fraction of their regular price.

Thanks to savings like these, Black Friday is one of the best times of the year to be investing in a docking station, and here are some other impressive deals to watch out for.

The best Black Friday deals on docking stations

Whether you've run out of wall outlets near your desk or need to quickly recharge your smartphone on the go, Anker has established itself as the name in gadget battery restoration. They make some fantastic charging hubs, wall outlet adapters, and portable power banks, and now, thanks to these sweet deals at Amazon, you can avoid draining the power out of your wallet, too.

If you have access to a power outlet and want to expand your capabilities, the Anker Prime 67W is $20 off at Amazon, down to just $39. It's a great travel companion with a compact form factor and folding design. It has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, so you can quickly recharge your smartphone while you grab a coffee at Starbucks.

There are a couple of great options for those of you looking to expand your charging ports lineup at your desk. The Anker 9-in-1 Charging Station is $20 off, down to $39, and It certainly offers you the most bang for your buck in terms of ports, with 3 x AC outlets, 4 x USB-C ports, and 2 x USB-A ports. But if you value charging speed, the 140W High-Speed Anker Prime 6-in-1 USB C Charging Station might be the more compelling option at $69, down $40 from its usual price.

If you're wandering out of the reach of a wall outlet, then Anker's power banks are the answer to your quandary, and we've found two of them on sale right now. The Anker 633 is half price, down to just $39 and it's a great companion on long journeys, offering a kickstand and magnetic mounting system so you can still watch movies or stream YouTube while you charge. It has a 10,000mAh capacity which should keep your smartphone alive throughout the day even with heavy usage.

If you need to keep multiple devices going or survive for multiple days, then the 27,650mAh capacity Anker Prime Power Bank is also on sale at $50 off, down to $129. 

Top 5 Anker charging accessory deals at Amazon

I was relieved to have the Anker A1637 portable charger on hand a couple of weeks ago, but not because I was stuck in an airport.

The power went out in my apartment for an entire day – before I’d had time to recharge my iPad. Luckily, I had the Anker A1637 on hand, and it reminded me why it’s such a good idea to have a portable charger around, even if you don’t travel much.

The Anker A1637 is a basic, pocket-sized portable charger ideal for keeping in your backpack, glove compartment, or desk drawer in case you need to recharge but can’t access a wall charger. Although its small size has downsides, the Anker A1637 can also be the perfect portable charger for certain situations.

Here’s a look at my experience testing out the Anker A1637 and a few things you should know before buying one.

Anker A1637 portable charger: Price and availability

The Anker A1637 costs $45 on Amazon and comes in five colors: black, blue, pink, violet, and white. Depending on the primary devices you need to charge, you can choose between USB Type-C and lightning cable versions. USB Type-C is the way to go unless you have an older iPhone. Our review unit is the blue USB Type-C version.

Anker A1637 portable charger: Design

The Anker A1637 features a 10,000mAh battery, a small digital display, a foldable AC plug, a built-in cable, and one in/out port. It measures 4.25 x 2.01 x 1.22 inches and weighs 0.55 pounds, slightly more than my iPhone 12 Mini. So, it’s very compact. You can easily fit this charger in a jacket pocket (or even a larger pants pocket).

One feature missing from the Anker A1637 is a USB Type-A port. While few devices use USB Type-A for charging, many charging cables connect to USB Type-A for plugging into outlets and adapters. For instance, my iPhone 12 Mini charging cable is lightning to USB Type-A, so I wasn’t able to use it to charge my phone with the Anker A1637. Considering how common USB Type-A charging remains, I would have liked to see a Type-A port on this charger.

If your devices all use USB Type-C, you can use the built-in cable. However, to charge other devices, you will need charging cables with USB Type-C at one end.

The built-in display is basic but does the job. It’s disguised in the smooth side of the charger, so you won’t notice it until you plug it in. The display shows the charger’s current battery percentage (not the battery percentage of the device you’re charging). A small green lightning bolt icon will illuminate when the power bank is recharging. The hidden display gives the Anker A1637 a clean, minimalistic look.

I also liked the built-in AC plug. This allows you to use the Anker A1637 as a wall charger and makes it easy to recharge the power bank itself. The AC prongs fold so they won’t get in the way when using the A1637 as a portable charger.

Anker A1637 portable charger: Ports

The Anker A1637 is only designed to charge one device at a time (or two small devices), so it’s pretty sparse on ports. It has one built-in cable, either USB Type-C or lightning. On the back, there’s one USB Type-C port for two-way charging.

Anker A1637 portable charger: Performance

The Anker A1637 is a pocket-sized portable charger, but its small size means it can only provide so much juice. The 10,000mAh battery can recharge an iPhone 15 Pro almost two full times from 0 to 100 percent (the iPhone 15 Pro has a 3274mAh battery, to put that into perspective).

Larger devices will drain this power bank much faster, though. For instance, my iPad drained a full 20 percent of the Anker A1637’s battery just to refuel about 10 percent. The Anker A1637 can recharge a laptop, but not for a full charge. However, you can use the A1637 as a 30W wall charger, allowing some flexibility for larger devices like laptops and tablets.

The 30W fast charging support is incredibly convenient, and even without fast charging, the A1637 seemed to refuel my devices at least as quickly as my wall chargers. The digital display updates in real-time, too, and doesn’t fall asleep, so you can glance at the charger at any time to quickly check its battery level.

Bottom line

The Anker A1637 is the kind of handy, pocket-sized portable charger everyone should have for those unexpected moments when they need to recharge but don’t have access to a regular charger. It’s basic but reliable and multi-functional.

I found the Anker A1637 best for quick mobile charging. This isn’t a long-haul power bank that can provide five or more full recharges. It’s best for those moments when you realize you forgot your wall charger or forgot to recharge your device and need something to tide you over.

It’s also great for short weekend or day trips since it doesn’t take up much space in your bag (or pocket). It’s also small enough you can store one in your car for situations where you might get stranded on the road with nowhere to charge your phone. So, while the small battery capacity means you’ll need to recharge the A1637 often, it also allows this power bank to be small enough to have some serious versatility.

If you need a power bank for long trips or larger devices, consider the CUKTECH 20, which has a larger battery.

I've been reviewing docking stations year-round and Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days are bringing some of my favorite USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 docks down in price to all-time lows. There's no better time to buy and no better way to make the most of your laptop, workspace, or gaming setup.

No computing setup is complete without a docking station — bold words, but very much true. Docking stations will not only supply you with more ports for accessories and peripherals, but they'll also make it easier to hook up external monitors and keep your laptop charged throughout the day — and sometimes several of your other favorite devices too.

What's the major issue with docking stations? Their price! These devices can often cost a lot, which is why events like Prime Day and Big Deal Days are the best times to invest. So, without stalling you any further, let's take a look at some of the best Prime Day deals I've hand-picked from our top-rated docking stations.

Just remember, these deals are exclusive to Amazon Prime members. Not a Prime member? Join Prime now and gain access to these amazing deals throughout the next few days!

To stay up to date on our expert-picked deals throughout Amazon's Big Deal Days sale, check out our Amazon Prime Big Deal Days hub. 

Prime Big Deal Days docking station deals — Quick links

• Plugable TBT4 & USB4 HDMI Docking Station: Was $289, now $215 @ Amazon
• CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4: Was $399, now $359 @ Amazon
• Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station: Was $249, now $169 @ Amazon
• Satechi Dual Dock Stand: Was $149, now $112 @ Amazon
• Logitech Logi Dock: Was $199, now $152 @ Amazon

Today's best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days docking station deals

It might not be as flashy as a brand-new iPhone, but making sure your devices have their power supply and protection needs met is important. That’s where Anker comes in with their range of chargers, power banks, and iPhone cases. Even better, there is currently a deal at Amazon where you can buy any two eligible Anker products and get 15% off the total cost. We’ve highlighted our top five choices, but there are loads of eligible Anker products in the deal.

If you’re looking for travel-friendly, foldable chargers then two versions of the Anker Nano Charger are included in the deal. The Anker Nano Charger 30W is ideal for charging your phone on the go, while the Anker Nano Charger 100W packs enough punch to keep your MacBook running.

• Browse: Amazon's entire Anker sale

There is also the Anker MagGo Wireless Charger (Stand), which acts as both a stand for your iPhone (including the upcoming iPhone 16) and a charger. This means you can watch movies or streams on your phone while it’s charging, ensuring you never run out of battery during a key moment.

If you’re leaving the comfortable world of wall outlets behind and need some truly portable charging, then there is also the Anker MagGo Power Bank which is down to $69 before you even factor in the extra 15% off.

Wrapping things up, quite literally, are Anker's protective cases for the iPhone 15 range. These magnetic cases come with an included stand so you can prop your device up, and they’re super tough for those times when you drop your phone (hey, it happens to the best of us).

Anker deals at Amazon

While I'm not perpetually living out of a suitcase, I travel a fair amount for work, and charging all of my devices without bringing along an inextricable mess of cables is a serious challenge. For that reason, multi-device chargers always catch my attention.

That was the case with the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station, which was just announced at IFA 2024. It can top up your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods in a compact form factor that weighs less than seven ounces. This was enough to earn our Laptop Laurel for the best phone accessory of IFA 2024.

Best of IFA Berlin 2024: Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station

Charging the three devices alone wouldn't have been enough; it delivers the fastest charging possible to your devices with some flexibility in the watch and phone stand components. 

The Qi2-certified MagSafe iPhone charger can charge your iPhone at 15W and lifts a full 90 degrees, allowing you to conveniently use your phone as an alarm clock or just to watch content hands-free while it charges.

The Apple Watch portion of the charger can also top up an Apple Watch Series 9 smartwatch to 47% in just 30 minutes with full MFW certification. 

Then, with the iPhone stand extended, the AirPods charging pad is exposed, allowing you to top up all three devices simultaneously.

Once everything is folded down and tucked in, the charger is about the size of a deck of cards and packs away easily. You plug it in with an included 40W USB-C charger and 1.5m USB-C to USB-C cable. 

The Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station is a perfect example of a straightforward device that is well-executed. This tiny charger will let me power and organize all of my devices without taking up almost any room in my bag, that's a win on all fronts.

Laptop Mag's IFA Berlin 2024 Issue celebrates one of the world's longest-running consumer tech expos, Germany's own Internationale FunkAusstellung Berlin.

Our on-the-ground team will bring you all the news emerging from the showroom floor of Messe Berlin and highlight the best in consumer tech as we announce our inaugural Laptop Laurel winners for best-in-show products.

Head over to Laptop Mag's IFA Berlin 2024 Issue for more coverage.

There are few things as stressful as getting stranded in an airport with a dead phone. That’s why a reliable portable charger is a must-have, no matter where you travel. 

The CUKTECH 20 is a high-capacity portable charger with a sleek, futuristic design. It can refuel just about any mobile device, even your laptop, which most smaller power banks aren’t capable of. With 25,000 mAh of battery life, it has enough juice to recharge phones and tablets numerous times on a single charge. 

I tested out the CUKTECH 20 on a four-day trip and was glad I brought it along when my return flight got canceled. I didn’t have to worry about hunting for a charging station in the airport or risk letting any of my tech die on me. 

The question is, is the CUKTECH 20’s charging performance worth the price of admission? Here’s a look at the specs and a few things you should know before buying one.

CUKTECH 20: Price and availability

The CUKTECH 20 portable charger costs $100 on Amazon (US and UK). It includes the portable charger, a soft travel pouch, a 240-watt USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable, and an instruction booklet. The included cable is for recharging the CUKTECH 20, but you can also use it to charge compatible USB Type-C devices.  

CUKTECH 20: Design

One of the first things I noticed about the CUKTECH 20 was its futuristic design. It looks more like a prop from a TRON movie than a typical portable power bank. The case is a mix of smooth metallic silver plastic and lightly textured black plastic. It also resembles several of Anker’s popular power banks if you’ve considered one of those but balked at the price. 

The front has a clear plastic panel with blue light strips and a TFT display. There’s one button for waking up the display and cycling through the two display modes. 

The main display screen shows the current percentage of charge left in the CUKTECH 20, total input wattage, total output wattage, and the watts, amps, and volts coming or going from each port. The second screen shows a larger live reading for total input and output wattage. 

The CUKTECH 20 is a 25,000 mAh portable charger. To put that into context, the iPhone 15 has a 3,349 mAh battery. The CUKTECH 20 is a bit bulky but stores a lot of power. It measures 2.17 x 2.17 x 6.3 inches and weighs 1.39 pounds. That’s about 0.3 pounds more than my 10.9-inch iPad. So, it didn’t weigh down my backpack too much, but it weighs noticeably more than an average smartphone or smaller portable charger. 

Despite its size, I had no trouble going through airport security with the CUKTECH 20, so its airline-safe status is as advertised. I brought it in my laptop backpack as a carry-on item. The included travel pouch is convenient for making sure nothing gets in the ports or scratches the display while the CUKTECH 20 is in a suitcase or backpack. 

CUKTECH 20: Ports

The CUKTECH 20 has one USB Type-A port and two USB Type-C ports. The USB Type-A port is only for output (charging devices) while the USB Type-C ports are for both input and output, meaning you need to use the included USB Type-C cable to recharge the CUKTECH 20. 

These three ports are enough for charging most portable devices, although you may be more limited if all of your cables are USB Type-A. 

The top USB Type-C port supports 140W fast charging for laptops, 120W fast charging for Xiaomi devices, and Super Fast Charging 2.0 for Samsung devices. As long as you have a compatible cable, you can use the CUKTECH 20 to charge phones, tablets, laptops, wireless headphones, wearable devices, and portable game consoles. 

CUKTECH 20: Performance

I tested the CUKTECH 20 on a four-day trip, using it as my only charging supply for my iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. It lasted the entire long weekend, refilling my iPad once, my Apple Watch twice, and my iPhone three times. 

It charged each device swiftly, on par with the charging speed I typically get from my wireless charger at home. I never experienced any connection issues or failures to charge. 

I tested each of the ports, as well, and all of them worked consistently. Two animated light strips will flash when a device is charging, which is convenient for making sure everything is working at a glance. I started the four-day trip with about an 80 percent charge on the CUKTECH 20 and still had 20 percent left over when I got home. 

Charging up my devices with the CUKTECH 20 was quick, but recharging the portable charger itself was not. The sheer size of this battery means it can take a while to refill and requires more wattage than a typical phone charging brick can provide. There’s a USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable included in the box, but no charging brick. So, you need to use your own. 

Initially, I tried charging the CUKTECH 20 from my desktop PC. However, that would have taken roughly 60 hours, according to the estimate on the power bank’s display. When more power goes out than comes in, the CUKTECH 20’s display will show an estimated 99 hours, which happened with a small 5W iPhone charging brick I tried. 

I had to charge the CUKTECH 20 directly from a wall outlet using a 20W iPad charging brick. Even then, it needed to be plugged in overnight to refill to 100 percent. A 65W laptop charger was the quickest match I found, refueling the CUKTECH 20 in about 3 and a half hours. 

That said, the CUKTECH 20 supports up to 110W input, which can recharge it to 100 percent in about two hours. So, if you already have a 110W charging brick, you’re in business (for context, the MacBook Pro M3 uses a 70-watt charger). However, given the power demands the CUKTECH 20 needs to recharge in a reasonable amount of time, it would have been nice to have a compatible charging brick included in the box. 

Luckily, the CUKTECH 20 lasts ages on a single charge. When my return flight was suddenly canceled, it was nice knowing that I wouldn’t have to worry about my phone dying on me (or getting stuck camping out at an airport charging station). 

Bottom line

The CUKTECH 20 offers a huge charging capacity for refueling your phone, tablet, or even your laptop. With its airline-safe rating and polished, yet tough design, it’s a great travel companion for keeping all your mobile tech powered, no matter where you’re heading. 

The CUKTECH 20’s greatest strength is its generous battery capacity, but that’s also why it can take a while to charge. Optimal charging times require a 110-watt charging brick, but there isn’t one in the box, which is a big disappointment. An iPad or MacBook charging brick is a viable substitution, but less powerful charging bricks for phones or other small devices lead to lengthy charging times. 

Despite that drawback, the CUKTECH 20 has a lot going for it, including reliable performance, a built-in display, and loads of battery life. If you want a charger that can last entire week-long trips or recharge your laptop, the CUKTECH 20 is a good option with its combination of power output and storage. 

Satechi is a company that makes some impressive docking stations, with its Dual Dock Stand being one of the best docking stations for MacBooks that manages to solve an engineering issue that’s thwarted many a manufacturer as they chase the dream of a zero-footprint docking station and laptop stand.

Similarly, its Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock is yet another well-constructed piece of hardware that serves as an excellent port expansion offering for laptops low on I/O and setups begging for a central hub to neatly link everything together.

I’ve been getting familiar with this docking station over the last short while and have good news to report, even if it will all sound eerily familiar to another top-tier product that came before it. Let’s dive in and learn more about this impressive docking station.

Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock review: Price and availability

The Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock is available for $349.99 from Satechi’s online store and Amazon.

It may sound expensive, but that’s not unreasonable for a docking station offering as much as Satechi’s does. At that price, an obvious comparison would be our current top pick for the best laptop docking station: the $299 Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Staton (or TBT4-UDZ, for short). Both are 15-in-1 port expansions, offer Thunderbolt 4 host connectivity, support up to four external displays at 4K resolutions, and offer the exact same spread of ports.

In fact, there’ll probably be several comparisons between these two docks throughout this review, as, from top to bottom, Satechi’s dock bears more than a passing resemblance to Plugable’s — it’s uncanny.

Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock review: Design

Docking stations aren’t exactly known as the bastion of creative design, and I’ll occasionally get them confused at first glance. It’s not uncommon to see these devices adopt similar designs, bar a few quirks, or differences in port selection or placement.

However, the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock isn’t just a look-a-like of another dock; it’s practically a carbon copy.

The exaggerated 80s cellular phone design of their anodized aluminum chassis is practically identical — save Plugable’s TBT4-UDZ’s go-faster-like radiator grille strip and the Satechi’s rounded rear corners. Sure, the labeling above ports differs, but their placement, type, and spacing are otherwise identical.

Satechi’s dock incorporates some minor functional changes to the TBT4-UDZ’s design — four of them, actually. Small rubber feet on the base of the dock, when laid flat, prevent accidental travel when cables are moved or adjusted.

Strangely, that was one of my original gripes about Plugable’s dock during our 2023 review. So to see the same design return under another manufacturer’s name and solve that exact problem is a little odd. But then again, it is a problem solved, even if it could be categorized as a minor issue in the first place.

While its clone-like appearance is a little awkward (if not slightly shameless), it does afford Satechi’s dock the very same premium build and feel as Plugable’s did (though interestingly Satechi’s dock is heavier at 693 grams over 400 grams). It’s by no means flashy, nor was this chassis when I first encountered it, but it's entirely functional and far from an eyesore.

For a moment I wondered if Satechi had hatched a plan so cunning you could put ears on it and call it a fox. Had they noticed Plugable’s TBT4-UDZ at the top of our best laptop docking stations list and intended to oust it by creating the same dock (with just enough altered to remain legally distinct) and simply fixing my minor gripes about it along the way?

Then, I snapped out of that egoistic notion. If they had, they would have put the host port on the back. Does cable management mean nothing anymore?!

Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock review: Ports and connectivity

If you want to make use of the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock you’ll need a desktop or laptop PC outfitted with at least one available USB Type-C port, preferably one that accepts PD (Power Delivery) and features DP Alt Mode to make use of the dock’s ability to host external displays.

However, to make the most of Satechi’s docking station you should connect it to a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port using a Thunderbolt 3/4 certified cable. This will allow the dock to charge your laptop, host up to four external displays (two for M-series MacBooks), and gain the full 40Gbps speed and bandwidth of the dock’s Thunderbolt 4 host connection.

Once connected, you’ll have converted that single USB Type-C or Thunderbolt port into 15 additional I/O. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll have available.

At the front of the dock you’ll have the following ports:

• (Host) Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps, 96W PD)
• 1 x USB 3.2 Type-A port (10Gbps)
• 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A port (480Mbps, 7.5W charge)
• 1 x SD card slot
• 1 x Micro SD card slot
• 1 x 3.5mm audio combo jack

At the dock’s rear you’ll find the following ports: 

• (Power) DC/20V (135W)
• 2 x DisplayPort 1.4 ports (up to 4K @ 60Hz)
• 2 x HDMI 2.1 ports (up to 4K @ 60Hz)
• 2 x USB 3.2 Type-A ports (10Gbps)
• 2 x USB 3.2 Type-A ports (5Gbps)
• 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C port (10Gbps)
• 1 x Ethernet (RJ45, 2.5Gbps)
• And a Kensington Lock for added security of your device

The Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock’s port selection is numerous, and the variety is top-notch. Perhaps the only improvement I’d suggest is converting the rear USB Type-C port into a Thunderbolt port.

However, as it is, Satechi’s dock is very well balanced, offering a spate of ports that can run at medium to high capacity without any bottle-necking issues — which is plenty considering the number of available ports.

To be as fair as possible to the Plugable TBT4-UDZ, I’ll need to make the same point here as I did in that review, and the last section of this review. The Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock’s biggest mistake is the direction its host port faces.

Call me a traditionalist, but I remember when one of the core tenants of a docking station was to help with cable management. Ensuring that users of your docking station have to fend off a single obtrusive coil formed by their host cable at all times is not what I’d call good cable management.

Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock review: Performance

I used the Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock for a little over two weeks to test its capabilities fully.

Unsurprisingly, the familiar experience was equally as hitch and hassle-free as the first time I encountered this design. I genuinely have very little to complain about here.  The Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock’s ports were all in perfect working order — even the Micro SD card slot, which had given me some grief during my review of Plugable’s dock.

Speeds were as advertised, and I could connect a whole host of peripherals and accessories to the dock before concerns about bottlenecking would even spring to mind. My typical setup involves an external 4K monitor, a wireless mouse and keyboard, and a wired USB microphone and everything ran smoothly throughout.

However, adding an external SSD, a Stream Deck, a USB monitor lamp, a charging stand for a wireless game controller, and even a second monitor did little to cause any dips in performance. It got a little warm over time, but it was never an issue or anything worthy of making a fuss over.

External displays ran smoothly, without lag or stutter, and while I didn't have four 4K monitors readily available at my humble work desk, the two that I did manage to scramble together worked flawlessly, and Satechi's dock proved to be a reliable center to my setup when to came to expanding my on-screen real estate.

Bottom line

Satechi’s Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock is fantastic through and through. And, if you can get it at a price comparable to that of Plugable’s flagship dock, it does not matter which you go for. It’s a tried and tested formula that Satechi follows, and they don’t place a foot wrong while following this beaten path.

With ample port selection, plenty of power to keep your host machine topped up, and some excellent video outputs that work tirelessly to produce artifact and lag-free pictures, the Thunderbolt 4 Multimedia Pro Dock is well worth the investment at the right price.

On a personal level, as someone who has dove headfirst into the weird world of docking stations, Satechi’s mirroring of a Plugable classic almost feels like the same tactic as simply bidding one dollar over or under against another contestant on The Price is Right. Sure, it’s smart. Sure, you might even win because of it. But it still feels wrong on some level. Not quite cheating, but somehow unsportsmanlike.

However, I’m not the moral arbiter of docking station companies. I’m just a man, standing in front of a docking station, asking it why on earth of all the things it could improve on over the original design, it chose a slightly less aggressive Micro SD card reader and four rubber feet when the host port is facing. The. Wrong. Way.

Improvements are improvements. As much as I might find it awkward to say, these minor quality-of-life tunings give Satechi’s docklegänger sway over Plugable's and indicate that Satechi has at least made a dock of equal merit —- even when it comes to obtuse product names.

More from Laptop Mag

• Best laptop docking stations in 2024
• 4 things you need to know before buying a docking station
• Why are docking stations so damn expensive?

It's the day after Amazon's huge Prime Day sale, and tons of deals are still available. Anker is one of the top brands in charging and docking station tech. If you need more ports or a convenient spot to charge your phone, Anker has you covered. I've used several of their products and always had a great experience with them. 

We've all been there — you're ready to hook up a new keyboard or mouse, only to realize you're out of USB ports. Now's the best time to fix that problem: pick up a new docking station or USB hub from Anker at a huge discount. 

Right now you can add some Anker tech to your desk setup without paying full price. 

For example, snag the  Anker 575 13-in-1 USB-C Docking Station for $169, a solid 32% discount off the regular price of $250. If you're specifically looking for a docking station, you can also check out this guide to our hand-picked docking station Prime Day deals for even more great options. 

I've tracked down five of the best Prime Day deals still available from Anker but you can also stop by Anker's Amazon storefront for even more discounts!  

Top 5 Anker Prime Day deals still available

Docking stations are notoriously expensive bits of kit, which is a real shame because owning one can unlock all-new levels of potential for your laptop. As a docking station reviewer, I can honestly say that a good dock can be all the difference between owning a decent laptop and having an incredible workstation.

Thankfully, we're in the thick of Prime Day 2024 and just about every corner of the tech world is being treated to some incredible savings — docking stations included! Amazon Prime Day is seeing huge discounts applied to some of the best docking stations available today, chopping down their usual lofty price tags to something far more palatable.

Take my advice and pick up a docking station of your own this Prime Day, not only are they at their most affordable during these sales, but you'll be unleashing the true potential of your laptop by expanding your options for adopting peripherals, accessories, and external displays.

With that said, let's dive into some of the docking station deals I highly recommend checking out during Prime Day.

Best Prime Day docking station deals — Quick links

• CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4: was $449, now $319 @ Amazon
• Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station: was $249, now $169 @ Amazon
• BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Docking Station: was $299, now $239 @ Amazon
• Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock: was $299, now $179 @ Amazon
• Anker 577 Docking Station: was $299, now $159 @ Amazon

Today's best Prime Day docking station deals

Take a cursory glance at most docking station blurbs or reviews and you’re likely to see a lot of chatter about productivity. However, not everybody is using their laptop for productivity purposes. Far less likely to make an appearance are references to gaming — even though a docking station can offer similar bonuses to your gaming laptop as it does your work notebook.

Docking stations are a fantastic choice for both PCs and laptops. They’re key to unlocking your chosen device’s full potential and can greatly expand what you’re able to do within your computing space. A docking station isn’t often at the top of anyone’s list when designing the setup of their dreams, but without one you’re limiting what you can achieve.

You may be unfamiliar with what a docking station is or how it can benefit your setup for both work and play. But after reviewing dozens of them, I have a doctorate in docking stations, so let me explain the pros and cons of adding a docking station to your setup, as well as make some suggestions on which docking stations to choose from.

What is a docking station? 

Let’s start with the basics. What is a docking station? A docking station is a hardware port expansion first and foremost, though they’re also great for delivering power to your laptop, expanding your options when it comes to external displays, and improving your cable management to keep your desk tidy and free from loose cables.

Some docking stations also feature a secondary benefit such as built-in speakers to act as a micro-soundbar or doubling as a laptop stand for improved ergonomics. These types of docking stations are a little rarer to come across but often make for great choices if you’re limited on space or want to “double-up” on functions with a single device.

Benefits of adding a docking station to your gaming setup 

More ports and better variety

Docking stations can greatly expand the number of ports available to you, and introduce further diversity of I/O into your setup. This is great for ensuring you have enough space to connect a keyboard, mouse, mic, gamepad, or any other accessories to your PC or laptop.

It’s especially useful for laptop owners, as even gaming laptops are becoming thinner and lighter which is often accompanied by a reduction in the number and selection of ports. Docking stations can offer you a mix of legacy (Type-A) and modern (Type-C/Thunderbolt) ports alongside audio combo jacks, and a wired Ethernet connection.

If you’re a PC user, you’ll likely have more ports available than your laptop-wielding counterparts. However, even then, there’s no guarantee that your desktop tower has enough to satisfy your needs. You may find yourself short of speedy Thunderbolt ports, or running low on available USB — the right docking station can solve both issues.

Expanded display options

Docking stations also provide additional video outputs. Once again, if you’re a desktop user, this is unlikely to be an issue as you can connect external monitors directly to your graphics card. However, for laptop users, this can be an absolute game changer that dramatically alters your experience for the better.

Some gaming laptops will include a DisplayPort (DP) or HDMI port, allowing you to connect a monitor directly. However, you’re rarely afforded more than one, and you may own a monitor that isn’t compatible with that type of connection. Instead of running your video output through 

Additional displays mean more screen real estate, being able to play games across multiple screens and having a much easier time multitasking.

Drawbacks of adding a docking station to your gaming setup

Low Power Delivery options

While one of the primary functions of a docking station is to provide power to the host machine, most docks can currently output 100W or less — which is a limitation of Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB Type-C connections.

Frustratingly, most gaming laptops will require at least 150W of charge (though that can climb as high as 330W in more powerful configurations), meaning you won’t be able to rely on a dock to keep your machine charged for very long.

It also means you’ll still be tethered to your laptop’s proprietary charger, which might not be ideal for those who want to cut down on cable clutter.

Docking stations can be expensive

Whichever way you want to skin it, the result is the same: docking stations are expensive. However, they’re expensive for a reason. While these devices are nowhere near the size of a laptop or desktop computer, they can feature almost as many chips within their inner workings.

Docking stations have to handle multiple streams of charge, data, video, and even audio all at once — an incredibly complex task that requires some serious hardware to manage, which can push up the cost of a dock by a large margin. However, the docking station’s power supply is often the main culprit of their unsuspectingly bold price tags, especially as they will often exceed the ones found to charge most mainstream laptops.

We answer this question in more depth in our article: "Why are docking stations so damn expensive?" 

Recommended docking stations 

So, now that you’ve become more familiar with what a docking station can provide to you and your setup. You may be wondering which docking station is best for gaming. If so, you’re in the right place. I review docking stations by the dozen throughout the year to make and have come across several docks that fit the bill.

The following docks are ones I’d recommend to those who want to take their setup to the next level, though you can always check out our selection of the best docking stations for a more expansive and detailed list of options. 

Razer’s Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma not only looks the part with its underglow RGB lighting, but it also acts the part with support for a wide range of monitor resolutions and speedy refresh rates. As a Thunderbolt 4 dock, the Chroma is one of the fastest options you can go for, and that’s reflected in its high-spec ports and impressive bandwidth.

One minor hurdle is the dock’s lack of DisplayPort or HDMI video outputs, with only downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports available for external monitors. However, you can work around this by using a Thunderbolt/USB Type-C adapter to whichever connection your monitor supports.

See our full Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma review. 

Plugable’s Dual HDMI Docking Station doesn’t look much like it’d be a gaming powerhouse, but rest assured it is. This unassuming dock can support two external displays over HDMI, each running at resolutions up to 4K at 120Hz (with even higher refresh rates available when using a single monitor). That’s twice what most docking stations can achieve when using multiple displays, giving this device a unique selling point over others.

Plugable’s UD-4VPD also houses a 2.5Ghz Ethernet port for super-fast and reliable wired internet connections. However, the number of ports it provides beyond this is quite slim, meaning it’s better suited for smaller, less accessory-heavy setups.

See our full Plugable Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) review. 

BenQ’s beCreatus Hybrid Docking Station is one of the more strange docking stations I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing, not only because of the giant green button that resides on the front of it but also because it’s designed to be used with both a laptop and a game console at the same time.

The dock can support up to three 4K displays at once with a 60Hz refresh rate. However, if you connect your game console to the dock’s HDMI 2.1 port and press the button on the front, it will switch out one of your three displays with the new input and boost the refresh rate up to 120Hz — while still letting you control your laptop across the remaining two screens.

See our full BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Docking Station review. 

More from Laptop Mag

• Best laptop docking stations in 2024
• 4 things you need to know before buying a docking station
• Why are docking stations so damn expensive?

Razer makes some excellent gaming laptops and an entire catalog of excellent gaming peripherals. But how do you go about managing all of these devices at once? The Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma, that’s how.

Docking stations are pretty well recognized for their ability to manage and maximize your setup if you’re looking to enhance your workflow, but don’t often come across one with gaming as its primary use case.

However, Razer’s offering to the docking station landscape is a welcome one, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed by its performance during my testing. So, what does Razer get right and where does this dock fall short? Let’s find out.

Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma: Price and availability

The Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma is available for $299 from Amazon and Razer’s official homepage.

Docking stations aren’t exactly revered for their low pricing, and Thunderbolt 4 docking stations even less so. However, the added speed and bandwidth provided by these devices typically prove their worth.

So, how does the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma line up with the competition? Well, compared with the $299 Dell Thunderbolt Dock (WD22TB4), Razer’s dock has a similar offering in terms of USB/Thunderbolt ports, though it offers three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports as opposed to Dell’s dual USB Type-C and dual downstream Thunderbolt 4 selection. 

Dell’s dock also features a far wider selection of video outputs (including DisplayPort(DP), HDMI, and USB Type-C with DP Alt Mode), while Razer’s dock relies solely on Thunderbolt 4. However, Razer’s dock does include an SD card reader and a 3.5mm audio combo jack for a more media-friendly approach.

Overall, I’d say that Razer’s Thunderbolt 4 Dock might be a tad overpriced, something more video outputs could solve, but then again, Dell’s dock can’t light up like the mothership from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. So there’s that. 

Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma: Design

Razer’s docking station is unabashedly designed with gamers in mind. Beyond the obvious brand association, we know this because it lights up like a Christmas tree the moment you plug it in.

The Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma’s all-metal body, rounded corners, and sharp edges scream premium gamer chic. Quite frankly, it’s gorgeous — which is something not a lot of docking stations can claim to be.

While it’s designed to lay flat (taking up a 7.48 x 2.93 x 1.06-inch footprint), there’s almost something deep within you on a primal level that urges you to stand this monolithic beauty upright and begin worshiping it a la 2001: A Space Odyssey.

However, there’s a quick genre shift once that full-color RGB kicks in, suddenly you’re squaring up at the start line for a quarter-mile street race with your underglow lighting in full effect.

Before you know it, you’re sitting in front of your setup under a bald cap and donning a muscle vest while gurgling about family. Everything gets a little more The Fast and the Furious, and that’s entirely fitting given the absolute powerhouse of ports in front of you. 

Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma: Ports and connectivity

Razer’s dock is a 10-in-1 hardware port expansion, though more accurately a 9-in-1 expansion once you connect the host cable to any compatible Thunderbolt 3/4 device.

You can connect the dock to a USB Type-C port, though you’ll be getting considerably lower speeds and bandwidth. You’ll also need to make sure your USB Type-C port features DP Alt Mode support, or you won’t be able to extend your display using external monitors.

The dock’s front I/O offering is fairly toned down and includes the following ports:

• (Host) Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port (up to 90W PD, 40Gbps)
• 1 x UHS-II SD card reader
• 1 x 3.5mm audio combo jack

The rear of the dock is the business end, housing the following ports:

• (Power) DC-IN (135W)
• 3 x Downstream Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports (up to 15W PD, 40Gbps, 4K@60Hz)
• 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (10Gbps)
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port (1Gbps)

The Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma’s biggest flaw is its lack of HDMI/DisplayPort video outputs, leaving you to rely on USB Type-C/Thunderbolt to HDMI/DP cables or adapters to bridge to non-USB/Thunderbolt monitors.

This can dampen the response time of your display as it’s another step between your device and your monitor to contend with, although it’s not highly likely to cause too many noticeable issues for those who aren’t looking for ultimate visual performance.

However, a close second is the fact that gaming setups can become quite dense with accessories and peripherals, and having to rely on just six ports (or five if we assume at least one of the downstream Thunderbolt ports will be used for an external display) can be a tight squeeze.

Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma: Software

The Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma requires no additional software to use. However, if you want more control over the dock’s RGB lighting then you’ll need to download Razer’s proprietary Synapse software.

From this app, you can control the effect, color, and brightness of the dock’s lighting. More advanced effects can be unlocked by installing the Chroma Studio module, which gives you full control over all 12 zones of RGB, even letting you sync certain zones to regions of your primary display.

Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma: Performance

I’ve been letting the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma manage my setup across both work and play, adapting my setup to suit various needs along the way. How did it fare? Overall, Razer’s dock performed incredibly well. But there are some issues you’ll face and things you need to be aware of ahead of your purchase.

Razer’s dock is marketed as a gaming device, but if you plan to connect it to a gaming laptop, take note: the dock’s 90W of Power Delivery (PD) is excellent for supplying power to most laptops but it’s not enough to fully power a dedicated gaming laptop.

Gaming laptops typically require at least 150W, and often 240W or 330W, so Razer’s dock isn’t coming close. As a result, you’ll likely need to rely on your laptop’s proprietary charger at all times, or at the very least while gaming.

This isn’t Razer’s fault, as most current Thunderbolt docks are limited to only providing up to 100W of charge. We’re just not there yet in terms of power throughput.

However, all that could change as Thunderbolt 5 gains more prominence as it offers a minimum of 140W of PD and a potential maximum of 240W. Enough for most gaming laptops.

My typical work setup requires an external keyboard, wireless mouse, and 4K external display. Razer’s dock handled all of that without issue. I was even able to augment this a little further with a USB microphone, and an external storage drive — which once again, the dock handled with ease.

However, I began to feel the pinch of available ports when I switched to a gaming-focused setup. Here I needed my keyboard, mouse, microphone, and monitor at the very least — but if I wanted to connect my Stream Deck and computer speakers I was then at full capacity.

This left me without an option for hosting a second external display, charging a gamepad, or using a wireless headset that required a USB receiver. In short, you won’t get a full suite of gaming peripherals and display options at once, but small to mid-sized setups won’t face much of an issue.

In terms of port performance, Razer’s dock will obviously vary by how many devices you have connected at any one time due to bandwidth (as everything needs to be ferried through the singular Thunderbolt 4 upstream host port).

However, individually all ports perform within the range they’re advertised to be with my tests on each USB port and the UHS-II SD card reader showing speedy file transfers and reliable data rates.

When it comes to monitors, the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma excels, offering support for two 4K monitors running at 60Hz. However, focusing on a single monitor setup, lower resolutions can offer dramatically higher refresh rates. See the table below for a better idea of what you can expect depending on your available display.

Having tested the dock in a dual and single monitor setup, I was impressed with how snappy everything felt, with response time barely impacted and no signs of artifacts or visual lag to be found. Better still, the dock doesn’t get too hot under high load, meaning there's very little cause for concern when it comes to thermal throttling. 

One of my main gripes with the Razer dock may seem rather petty. However, I assure you that it’s not a case of nit-picking. Front-facing host ports are the bane of my existence as somebody who reviews docking stations.

They’re clumsy, expand on a dock’s footprint by causing the host cable to be pushed forward into space that would otherwise be left free, and ultimately impact a dock’s ability to provide good cable management.

While it doesn’t impact performance in any way, Razer’s dock is designed with a certain visual flair to it and it’s meant to be seen. Some docks can get away with a front-facing host port, as they’re designed to blend into the background, but Razer’s dock is intentionally eye-catching with its RGB lighting — which only further draws attention to the host cable’s presence as it blocks out a section of those RGB zones and sullies the look of an otherwise exceptionally stylish device.

Bottom line

Overall, Razer’s Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma is an excellent docking station for smaller and mid-sized setups. It’s perhaps held back by the technology of the time, but a Thunderbolt 5 update to this product could see it become an undeniable must-have for gamers in the future.

While its video outputs are limited in variety, the available output of video streams isn’t — catering to a wide selection of monitor types and offering some impressively fast refresh rates. Plus, the thing lights up and, honestly, it looks cool as all hell.

While there’s room for improvement, Razer’s dock remains a top choice when it comes to purchasing a docking station, offering speedy ports and a visual flair that will compel gamers to no end.

More from Laptop Mag

• Best laptop docking stations in 2024
• 4 things you need to know before buying a docking station
• Why are docking stations so damn expensive?

Anker offers a range of accessories for mobile devices, like laptop stocking stations. It's common knowledge that these multi-port peripherals don't come cheap. Luckily, today's Anker docking station deals help ease the burden on your wallet. 

For a limited time, you can get the Anker 563 USB-C Docking Station for $149 at Amazon. Previously $149, that's $100 off and $30 shy of its all-time low price. This is one of the best pre-Memorial Day deals at Amazon this week. 

Today's best Anker 563 docking station deal

This 10-in-1 docking station lets you connect up to three monitors and supports up to 100W charging for your mobile devices. For your connectivity needs, it supplies you with 2 x HDMI ports, 1 x DisplayPort, 1x 100W Power Delivery port, 1 x USB-C 3.2 port, 1 x USB-A 3.2 port, 2 x USB-A 2.0 ports, Ethernet port, and AUX in/out port Plus, it's universally compatible with Mac and Windows laptops, so it's the only docking station you'll ever need.

Alternatively, you can get a similar 10-in-1 Anker 563 USB-C Docking Station for $125 ($24 off) with coupon, "WSPEV2BUOMCQ" at Anker.com. just about the only difference from the one in this deal is that has 1 x USB-C 3.1 port and 1 x USB-A 3.1 port instead of 1 x USB-C 3.2 port and 1 x USB-A 3.2. What's more, it ships with a free accessory storage bag (valued at $20).

Thunderbolt docks might be the belle of the ball to many, with their super-fast data rates and fancy lightning bolt seal being seen as the apex of port expansion options. But the truth is, most folk only need a fraction of the specs these devices deliver — with the average user’s computing demands lining up much more closely with what your standard USB-C dock has to offer.

The Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station, with its 12-in-1 port expansion, fantastic cable management, and excellent charging capabilities is much more suited to the needs of the average laptop user. Better still, this versatile docking station doubles as a monitor stand, desk tidy, and even a wireless charging point for your smartphone.

This product is one of the best docking stations around if you’re looking to make the most of a smaller space, and a brilliant accessory for cable management and charging several devices at once. Let’s take a closer look at why. 

Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station price and availability

The Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station is available for $199.99 from Amazon or just $169.99 from the Anker website (with a $30 off coupon available at the time of writing).

Docking stations and affordability don’t often go hand in hand into the sunset, and while this price might seem high at first, I can assure you that Anker’s dock is rather fairly priced for the category.

Similarly priced USB-C docking stations like the $199 Baseus UnionJoy Pro may offer more ports and more options for supporting external displays but lack the Anker 675’s consistent port speeds, multifunctional design, and wireless charging potential.

Whether you want more ports that run slower, or fewer ports that run faster can depend entirely on your setup. However, as a 12-in-1 hardware expansion, Anker’s dock is by no means a slouch when it comes to providing ports and I’d unquestionably state that it has much more to offer than other USB-C docks in this price bracket.

Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station design

If you’ve seen one Thunderbolt dock, you’ve likely seen them all. However, with USB-C models, variety is the spice of life. Logitech’s Logi Dock combines a traditional dock with a micro soundbar; Satechi’s Dual Dock Stand is part dock, part SSD enclosure, and part ergonomic laptop stand; and ErgoAV’s Motion Desk Mount cleverly incorporates a selection of ports into the base of its mighty dual arm monitor stand.

Anker’s offering follows suit, with an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy shelf supported by two sturdy hard plastic legs to cleverly disguise it as an 8.6 x 21.2 x 3.5-inch monitor stand. Inconspicuously taking its place on your desk with an under-mount cable caddy ready to keep your wires in check.

If you weren’t paying attention, the fact that Anker’s device is a docking station could pass you by entirely, with the only major visual clue being a subtle string of ports and a circular power indicator adorning a chromed plate on the left leg of the stand. However, you would far more easily notice the smartphone-shaped wireless charging panel on the right side of the deck.

The black aluminum shelf pairs nicely with the silver legs, providing a fantastic, modern-looking base station fit for most monitors, though it will especially gleam when housing those with a black or silver stand.

Some larger VESA monitor stands might find the 8.6-inch depth of this platform a little shallow, but it's still fairly spacious. While there’s no central supporting column, the aircraft-grade aluminum is solid as a rock under load, and showed zero indication of stress or bend throughout my two-week use of it.

As for accommodating displays, Anker’s dock is ideal for monitors up to 24 inches. However, thanks to a 22-pound weight limit, this sturdy stand should effortlessly house displays that go above and beyond this — even making for a great fit for an all-in-one PC.

Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station ports and connectivity

The Anker 675 is a docking station compatible with any laptop with an available USB Type-C or Thunderbolt connection. If you’re using a USB-C laptop and want to hook this dock up to an external monitor, then you’ll also need to ensure that the port supports DisplayPort alt mode to accommodate a second display, however, Thunderbolt ports support video throughput by default.

Just because you can connect the Anker 675 to a Thunderbolt port, doesn’t mean you can access the port’s full 40Gbps speeds. While Thunderbolt is backward compatible with previous versions and USB Type-C accessories and peripherals, the Anker 675 is not a Thunderbolt device and is limited to a 10Gbps connection to the host machine.

That host port is located in a recess on the underside of the dock, tucked away in a recess for easier cable management. That recess contains the following ports:

• (Host) USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port (up to 100W PD, 10Gbps)
• (Power) DC-IN (180W)
• 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A port (10Gbps, 4.5W)
• 1 x HDMI 2.0 port (up to 4K at 60Hz)
• 1 x Ethernet port (RJ45, 1Gbps)

The Anker 675’s remaining I/O are found across the left-hand leg and include: 

• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports (10Gbps, up to 45W PD)
• 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A port (10Gbps, 4.5W)
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port (10Gbps, 7.5W, BC 1.2)
• 1 x SD/microSD card reader (104MBps, UHS-I)

Finally, the right side of the shelf features a Qi-certified wireless charging panel that delivers 10W of charge for Samsung Galaxy devices, 7.5W of charge for iPhone, and 5W for other smartphones or wireless earbuds.

Does the Anker 675 feature enough ports to accommodate your power user? Not really, but as previously mentioned, this is an ideal selection of ports for smaller setups and I was able to find space for a wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, USB microphone, and a set of computer speakers — still leaving me a spare USB Type-C port with a solid amount of charge output to keep my iPad or earbuds topped up, and while charging my smartphone using the wireless charging pad too.

Anker’s dock may not be able to count port number as one of its greatest strengths, but this is a case of appreciating the size of the fight in the dog and not the size of the dog in the fight. There’s still a decent level of port variety and plenty of charge spread among them.

Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station performance

There’s little to complain about with Anker’s dock over performance and usage. For setup, I put it on my desk, connected the power, hooked up the host cable to my laptop, placed my monitor on the shelf, and connected the HDMI cable and I was instantly up and running. The 4K image delivered to my monitor was just as crisp as ever, as smooth and responsive as if connected directly to my laptop, and without a hint of lag or artifacts. It just worked, right out of the gate.

That extra bump in height is great for neck comfort, with a 3.5-inch lift making far more of a difference than I assumed it would. However, it raised my monitor toward my natural eye level and improved my overall posture. That leads to less discomfort while shackled to your desk during longer work days, and a generally more pleasant environment on your bones.

My monitor’s VESA stand was a little bit on the larger side, and the overhang it caused didn’t look all that great in images. But I’ve recently begun to use a desk-mounted monitor arm, anyway. So I could house my most-used accessories on top of the dock instead, with my monitor majestically floating above like it was part of some sort of David Copperfield illusion.

Free from my monitor, the Anker 675’s shelf made for an ideal place to store my wireless keyboard, or accessories like a Stream Deck depending on my current setup. Furthermore, the cavity below the shelf was a great space to stash my laptop or game controllers, and I could also sneak a GaN charger under there when I needed to use a second laptop for work.

The 100W of Power Delivery offered by Anker’s dock was ideal for my productivity laptops (which typically require 45W or 90W chargers), keeping them topped up throughout the day without any hassle. Similarly working without issue were the dock’s numerous ports, all capable of individually delivering on the expected speeds compared to their advertised ratings. However, while these ports are plenty fast, they bottleneck through a single USB Type-C port is capped at 10Gbps.

A fuller setup that requires a lot of data traffic could suffer when it comes to this bottleneck, especially while also managing an external display. However, if you’re more likely to use those legacy ports for peripherals, then this won't be an issue you run into often.

Bottom line

The Anker 675 isn’t just a great docking station, it’s also a genuinely useful monitor stand and desk tidy — not to mention a solid all-around charging solution. It’s ideal for making the most use of smaller spaces, but it also won’t look out of place taking center stage on a larger desk.

It is, however, a single-monitor solution, so if you’re accustomed to using an array of displays, then a more conventional offering like the dual-screen supporting UGreen 9-in-1 USB-C Docking Station or the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station for maximum screen expansion might be a better fit.

If you like a tight setup, need more ports, and are looking for a solid charging solution, multipurpose USB Type-C docking stations have much to offer. But few do it as well as the Anker 675. It’s out-standing.

More from Laptop Mag

• Best laptop docking stations in 2024
• 4 things you need to know before buying a docking station
• Why are docking stations so damn expensive?

Thunderbolt 4 docks have become fairly commonplace, with a myriad of options available to expand on the already impressive potential of modern PCs and laptops. However, when it comes to expanding the port selection on your Dell system, it pays to pair it up with one of the manufacturer’s proprietary port expansion platforms.

The Dell Thunderbolt Dock (WD22TB4) is one of those docking stations, and it may just be the best Thunderbolt 4 dock for XPS, Latitude, Inspiron, and Precision laptops. Without question, if you own one of the best Dell laptops, then pairing it with one of the best docking stations will unlock more ports and performance for your device. However, selecting one of the best docking stations for Dell XPS laptops like the WD22TB4 affords you the ports, performance, and unrivaled power delivery to boot.

Let’s take a deeper dive into Dell’s dock and see what makes the Thunderbolt 4-equipped WD22TB4 an invaluable tool for Dell laptops.

Dell Thunderbolt Dock (WD22TB4) price and availability

The Dell Thunderbolt Dock (WD22TB4) is available for $299 from Dell, though cheaper listings can often be found online via Amazon, BestBuy, Newegg, and Walmart.

Thunderbolt 4 docking stations and affordability don’t often go hand-in-hand, and these port expansion solutions are often a sizable investment to make. However, when we compare it to one of our favorite Thunderbolt 4 docks, the $399 CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4, Dell’s dock shaves down the price while retaining a lot of the premium features offered by CalDigit’s dock.

With a price tag $100 less than the Thunderbolt Station 4, the Dell Thunderbolt Dock supports up to four external displays at 4K resolutions and 60Hz refresh rates (improving on the CalDigit dock’s dual monitor limitations), offers two Thunderbolt ports to make use of (matching the CalDigit’s offering), and a decent mix of USB Type-C and legacy USB Type-A ports.

It’s also worth noting that if you already own a Dell docking station with modular expansion support then you can save a considerable sum of cash and upgrade your dock by purchasing the WD22TB4 Module for $139 from Dell. The WD22TB4 Module is compatible with the following Dell docking stations:

• Dell Dock (WD19, WD19S) 
• Dell Thunderbolt Dock (WD19TB, WD19TBS)
• Dell Performance Dock (WD19DC, WD19DCS) 

While the WD22TB4 Module is compatible with these docks, you will be required to upgrade to a 180W AC adapter if your current dock uses a 130W power lead.

Dell Thunderbolt Dock (WD22TB4) design

Docking stations aren’t typically designed with the “wow” factor in mind. They are, after all, expected to manage your setup in the background, without drawing too much attention to itself along the way.

That’s exactly what you’re getting with the Dell Thunderbolt Dock. It’s even decked out in all black like some sort of stealth bomber, a silent and powerful addition to your desk that effortlessly blends into its surroundings.

The dock’s hard plastic chassis might not offer the same premium aesthetics of others, but it’s sturdy, durable, and offers a fairly modern styling with its rounded corners and minimalist design — accented with a textured finish and stamped with the Dell logo across its lid.

That’s also where you’ll find the dock’s power button (with an LED indicator), with the left and right sides of the dock playing host to a tethered Thunderbolt 4 host cable (~31.5 inches in length) and a slotted vent with both Noble Wedge and Kensington security slots respectively.

The front and rear sides of the dock are the real business end of things, housing 11 ports in total, spread out evenly through its 8.1 x 3.5 x 1.1-inch expanse. In terms of cable management, the vast majority of the available ports point to the rear to keep your desk as clutter-free as possible.

The tethered host cable that sprouts from the side of the dock will require a little more effort for some, but it’s fairly lengthy and shouldn’t make fitting into your setup too much of a headache.

Dell Thunderbolt Dock (WD22TB4) ports and connectivity

As previously mentioned, the Dell Thunderbolt Dock is an 11-in-1, Thunderbolt 4 port expansion solution that delivers a slew of high-speed data and video ports with impressive variety to suit a wide selection of setups.

Being a Thunderbolt 4 dock, the WD22TB4 will work best when connected to a Thunderbolt 4-equipped laptop, however, it will also work with any laptop that features a USB Type-C port. Still, connecting to a non-Thunderbolt USB Type-C port will greatly reduce the dock’s overall performance. This may also affect the dock’s ability to manage external displays and deliver charge if your available Type-C ports don’t support DP Alt Mode or Power Delivery.

At the front of the dock you’ll find the following ports, ideal for wireless receivers or peripherals:

• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port

At the rear of the device you’ll find the following I/O, better suited for more static connections:

• (Power) DC-in (1220 - 230V)
• 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps) ports
• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
• 2 x DisplayPort 1.4 (Multi-Stream Transport, 4K @ 60Hz)
• 1 x HDMI 2.0 (4K @ 60Hz)
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DP Alt Mode, 4K @ 60Hz) port
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) port

The WD22TB4’s tethered host port is a Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps) connection that offers 90W of Power Delivery to the host machine. However, it stands out from the competition with a whopping 130W of charge for Dell devices, making use of the manufacturer’s proprietary ExpressCharge technology.

This dock offers an impressive variety of ports and solid transfer speeds. Although, it is missing a dedicated SD/micro SD card reader and any form of audio output, so those making use of newer XPS models that don’t feature these ports may want to consider picking up an external adapter. However, these ports are typically available throughout Dell’s lineup of laptops, so it may not be an issue for many.

Dell Thunderbolt Dock (WD22TB4) performance

During my testing, I tasked the Dell Thunderbolt Dock to manage my setup for work, play, and whatever fell between. The WD22TB4 makes for a great all-around accessory for any laptop, but it excels at supporting Dell’s own devices in particular.

If you’ve ever owned a Dell laptop and tried to connect it to a non-Dell docking station, then you’ll likely be familiar with the “weak charging state” warning that follows.

Even if your docking station is capable of providing up to 100W of charge through USB Type-C/Thunderbolt Power Delivery, Dell laptops will notoriously whine while limiting any available charge closer to 60-65W, instead.

That’s still a serviceable amount of charge for a good number of laptops, but it will lead to slower charge speeds and can potentially cause trickle charging with more demanding configurations of laptops. Thankfully, the WD22TB4 solves this issue, providing up to 130W of charge to Dell devices, effortlessly keeping my Dell XPS 15 topped to the brim throughout my day.

Dell’s Thunderbolt Dock measured up to all its claims when it came to port performance, delivering speedy transfer rates while saving or retrieving information from my external storage. I maintained my current setup — an external 4K display, wireless keyboard and mouse, and a USB microphone — with ease. I had ports to spare and no sign of bottlenecking. 

When it came to testing the WD22TB4’s external display support, I hooked up the three 4K displays I had available to me at the time for some serious screen real estate expansion. Not only were the results smooth and hiccup-free — with no hint of lag or visual artifacts to be found — but I appreciated the variety of video outputs to hand. Dell’s dock features DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB-C video options, all ready to be made use of. Or, you can make use of Multi-Stream Transport to daisy chain multiple monitors together across a single DisplayPort connection.

Bottom line

Dell’s Thunderbolt Dock might not have the most ports of any Thunderbolt 4 Dock, it might not have the highest video specs of any dock either, nor does it include any tacked-on features like wireless charging or or an SSD enclosure.

What it is, is a very straightforward port expansion solution that has impressive port variety and excellent speeds. Its cable management is decent, and it’s no eyesore for your setup either.

However, the real star of the show is the WD22TB4’s excellent 130W charging potential for Dell laptops, breaking the glass ceiling of typical USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 dock standards with the manufacturer’s ExpressCharge tech.

If you own a Dell system, the WD22TB4 is an ideal option to go with if you’re looking to pick up a new docking station. Especially if you already own one of Dell’s modular docks. Don’t own a Dell machine? Then we’d probably suggest sticking with one of our favorite Thunderbolt 4 docks, the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station, or the previously mentioned CalDigit TS4. 

Otherwise, the Dell Thunderbolt Dock more than earns our recommendation.

More from Laptop Mag

• Best laptop docking stations in 2024
• 4 things you need to know before buying a docking station
• Why are docking stations so damn expensive?

Docking stations are a considerable investment, often costing hundreds of dollars for hardware decked out with the most cutting-edge tech. That’s why it’s vitally important that you make the most informed choice possible when it comes to purchasing one of your own.

While we have a solid selection of hardware showcased in our best laptop docking stations buying guide, you still need to be keenly aware of what connections your device can support, what its power requirements are, and whether or not a dock’s port selection has everything you need to ensure there’s room for peripherals and accessories like mouse, keyboard, computer speakers, webcam, and more.

However, even after that, there are several other things to keep in mind when it comes to buying the best laptop docking station to suit your needs. Many of these are often overlooked and can lead to frustrations further down the line. With that in mind, we’ve highlighted some key things to keep in mind when you shop for a dock so you don’t get caught out after checkout.

What is a docking station? 

In their simplest forms, docking stations are hardware port expansions capable of providing a host machine with a myriad of ports at the expense of just one (or in rare instances two). These ports can include various forms of USB, card readers, or audio and video outputs, all of which can play a vital role in maximizing the functionality and effectiveness of your computer.

If you’re a laptop user then you’re already keenly aware that additional ports are among the first things to get cut in many a manufacturer’s quest to design slimmer and smaller notebooks. While you may receive a pair of faster Thunderbolt ports in return, the lack of port variety can severely hamper any plans you might have when it comes to building a more fleshed-out work-from-home setup or gaming battle station around your device.

A docking station’s ability to multiply your port selection makes it an essential piece of hardware for situations like this. Laptop docking stations instantly unlock the full potential of your laptop, aiding cable management, and even giving you an alternative to your laptop’s charger with many docks offering USB-C Power Delivery at or around 100W.

Finally, docking stations make for an ideal platform from which to manage any external displays. While the vast majority of docking stations will support at least one external monitor, some docks offer support for up to four additional screens, each of which is capable of 4K resolutions with a refresh rate of 60Hz. Depending on the dock, you may also find support for 5K and 8K displays, too.

4 things you need to know before buying a docking station

Picking the right docking station to buy requires more than knowing how many ports it offers, with many factors to consider about each feature touted by these priceless port extenders.

While some things are obvious, such as only looking to purchase a Thunderbolt 4 docking station if you own (or plan to own in the near future) a Thunderbolt 4-compliant laptop. Other things on the “Before you buy” checklist aren’t so easily deciphered.

With that in mind, we’ve done some of the legwork on your behalf and drawn up a short list of some of the less obvious things you need to know before you buy a docking station. Let’s dive in and make sure you’re well equipped to get well equipped.

Thunderbolt docking stations don’t always offer Thunderbolt ports

This seems counter-intuitive at first, but it’s accurate. Just because a docking station is marketed as a Thunderbolt dock, doesn’t necessarily mean that it includes any high-speed ports for Thunderbolt accessories.

All Thunderbolt docking stations will include at least one Thunderbolt port, but, in those instances, the Thunderbolt port in question is typically reserved for the connection to the host machine, and won’t be available to use with peripherals or accessories.

Case in point, the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station is clearly marketed for its Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 capabilities. However, only the host machine is granted a Thunderbolt port, while the rest of its USB ports are speedy Type-A and Type-C options.

While your first instinct might be to cry foul, this is actually done to ensure there is as little a performance bottleneck as possible — giving each port on the dock a fair share of bandwidth to make use of, making it a top option for those juggling a lot of additional components at once.

Elsewhere, the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 includes two additional Thunderbolt 4 ports, ideal for making use of external storage or even an eGPU (though you’d preferably want to connect such a device directly to your laptop for reasons we’re about to make clear).

While it’s great to be refunded your Thunderbolt 4 port (and then some), if you’re running Thunderbolt accessories on both of these ports, the data from each still has to be channeled through a single 40Gbps Thunderbolt connection, which could have a significant impact on performance for both.

Be sure to count the total amount of Thunderbolt ports available on any dock you’re currently checking out and always keep in mind that just because a Thunderbolt dock has several additional TBT4/USB4 ports to make use of, that doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to make use of them all to their fullest at the same time.

Not all laptops support external displays

If you’re looking to pick up a docking station with the idea that you can expand your screen real estate with one or more external displays, then you’re going to need to be sure that your laptop can do so first.

While it seems safe to assume that connecting a USB Type-C docking station to a USB Type-C port on your laptop should have you on your way without any issues, technology simply refuses to be so simple.

If you want to make use of external displays while using a USB Type-C docking station, then it needs to be connected to a very specific type of USB Type-C port. Namely, a USB Type-C port that features DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode).

If you’re making use of a laptop with Thunderbolt ports then you don’t have to worry, you’re good to go. However, if you’re limited to standard Type-C ports, you’ll need to check the symbols next to the port to ensure your ports are up to spec for transmitting video.

If it is, you’ll be able to spot a symbol showing the letter ‘D’ overlaid by the letter ‘P’. If you don’t spot any symbols near your Type-C ports then you may need to check your laptop’s documentation for a more accurate reading of its specifications.

Some docking stations may not support your display

Further complicating matters is the fact that not all docking stations are created equal, and will therefore offer varying levels of support for certain resolutions, refresh rates, and display outputs when it comes to supporting external displays.

Just about every dock that features display outputs will typically support at least one additional display with a 1080p resolution at a refresh rate of 60Hz. Most USB Type-C docks like the Logitech Logi Dock can support at least two 4K displays at 60Hz, with some also offering support for a single 8K display at 30Hz.

Some USB Type-C docking stations, like the BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Dock will push those specs even further, supporting up to three 4K displays at 60Hz, or a single 8K display with a far smoother than most refresh rate of 60Hz.

Thunderbolt and USB4 docks have a higher bandwidth and can therefore allow for more display options, with docks like the Plugable Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) being far more ideal for gamers thanks to its ability to support two external 4K displays with refresh rates of 120Hz.

Other docks like the previously mentioned Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station focus on maximizing your display output over sheer speed, becoming workstation and productivity wonderlands with support for up to four 4K external displays at 60Hz.

It’s also vital that you identify which version of HDMI or DisplayPort your monitor and dock supports. While you can connect the video output of a docking station with an HDMI 2.1 port to a monitor running at a lower version (and vice versa) you will lose out on the benefits that this upgraded port can offer, including higher resolutions and faster refresh rates.

It’s always worth comparing the specs of any given docking station against your current monitor for any issues where performance will be wasted in this way. Especially as docks that make use of these higher-spec ports will typically end up costing you more, and there’s no sense in paying extra for something you can’t make use of.

You might not need a docking station

Finally, there’s always the possibility that you don’t need to pay top dollar for a fancy docking station because you don’t actually need one.

Docking stations are essentially a way of ensuring your laptop can be used as a viable desktop replacement, expanding its ports, allowing for more peripherals or accessories to be connected, and enabling you to expand your screen space with external displays.

However, not everybody needs all of those things, and not everybody is looking for a desktop replacement, either. Sometimes all that’s really needed are a few extra ports to hand, something to help keep the power on if your laptop’s charger develops a fault, or a device to temporarily grant you access to an SD card/micro SD card reader when you want to backup some files or photos.

In this instance, it probably doesn’t make a great deal of sense for somebody to blow anywhere up to $500 on a docking station when they’re unlikely to see much of a return on their investment. So, why not invest in one of the best USB Type-C hubs instead?

Like docking stations, USB hubs offer more ports and video outputs. Unlike docking stations, they’re often infinitely more portable and far more of an affordable option. For example, the Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub (pictured) offers an SD/micro SD card reader with a USB Type-C and three USB Type-A ports alongside an HDMI 1.4 video output capable of hosting a single external display at 4K resolutions at a refresh rate of 30Hz.

Better still, it offers all of this at a price tag of just $39.95, and can be routinely found on sale at a discounted rate. This is enough for some people, with a hub being more than adequate as a laptop accessory that does the job it needs to and can be stashed away until it’s next needed.

Outlook 

These important, yet often overlooked points are essential reading for anyone looking to buy a docking station. If you feel well-armed enough to go ahead and make your decision, we suggest you take a closer look at our list of the best docking stations for 2024 — it’s a list curated by myself, featuring only docking stations that I’ve personally reviewed on behalf of Laptop Mag.

There’s an interesting mix of docks to be found on the page, and many of the docks mentioned here can be found on that list, too. All with a strong bedding of information to learn more about what each doc could be best suited for, how it can benefit you, and reasons both for and against picking one up.

If you still need more help in your decision or just want to know more about docking stations, we’ve also compiled a short list for further reading on the topic below.

More from Laptop Mag

• Best laptop docking stations in 2024
• The best USB Type-C hubs in 2024
• Why are docking stations so damn expensive?
• USB-C Hub vs. Docking Station: What’s the difference?

Anker, a brand closely associated with charging excellence and with a slew of fantastic products to back up that claim, has brought its MagSafe prowess to this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC 2024) in a big way.

Not only is the brand launching a wave of new charging accessories to join its impressive MagGo lineup, but these devices are also among the first in the world to feature the Qi2 wireless charging standard — delivering a full 15W, fast charging experience.

MWC 2024: Anker MagGo Series

Ranging from the affordable Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad for just $21.99 (or £29.99 if you're in the UK) to the incredible all-in-one charging solution that is the Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station for $109.99 (or £99.99 for those in the UK), this new lineup offers twice the charging speeds to customers of all budgets and use cases.

Anker's MagGo catalog includes the best MagSafe chargers, MagSafe power banks, and MagSafe charging stations we've seen to date, offering incredible Qi2 wireless charging at 15W. Let's take a closer look at some of the lineup to learn more.

Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad

Anker MagGo Power Bank (6.6K)

Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K)

Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Stand

Anker MagGo Charging Station

Outlook

Anker has all your bases covered when it comes to keeping your devices fully-charged for longer. This latest batch of MagGo products are some of the best the company has to offer, and an essential series of accessories for iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPod owners.

Be sure to check out the full product lineup at Amazon (US), Amazon (UK), and Anker's official website and treat yourself to the premiere power experience that the brand is known for worldwide.

Docking stations serve a vital purpose within any computing setup – impressively widening the scope of what the best laptop or desktop PC can perform. While most stick to ports and power, some of the best docking stations expand into multipurpose devices that can wirelessly charge your devices, act as a laptop stand, or even merge with a soundbar for better conferencing and entertainment.

The ErgoAV Motion Desk Mount is one of those breakaway devices, offering a docking station base with a dual-arm monitor stand on top. It already scores points for versatility, as those mounts are VESA compatible and will allow you to affix laptop or tablet mounts onto them. Also, if you pick up two of them, you’re one sturdy backpack away from becoming a Spider-Man villain.

As someone with a cramped workspace to contend with, these types of docking stations will always find favor with me due to their ability to cut down on clutter and maximize the amount of free space you have at hand. However, the ErgoAV Motion Desk Mount isn’t all rainbows and roses — especially regarding our first category: price.

ErgoAV Motion Desk Mount and Docking Station: Price and availability

The ErgoAV Motion Desk Mount and Docking Station is available for $429 from ErgoAV’s website.

To put this into perspective, the non-docking station variant of the dual-arm Motion Desk Mount is available for $199. This would suggest that ErgoAV values the Motion Desk Mount’s docking station component at around $229.

That places the ErgoAV Motion Desk Mount’s dock within a similar price range to the $259 Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock, and it's here that ErgoAV’s pricing begins to fall apart. Corsair’s dock offers speedy Thunderbolt connectivity, more ports, an SD card reader, and more charge with 85W of Power Delivery.

However, that’s not to say that the Motion Desk Mount’s dock doesn’t have anything going for it. It’s still a solid enough USB-C dock, but it lacks the fully fleshed-out features of a device that would justify its price. 

ErgoAV Motion Desk Mount and Docking Station: Design

The Motion Desk Mount is a discrete docking station built into the base of a powerful dual-arm monitor stand. It’s impressively inconspicuous at first glance until you begin connecting your cables, that is.

The Motion Desk Mount’s sturdy black metal base is attached by a dual grommet C-Clamp and measures 5.9 x 4.7 inches, rising to support two girthy columns where the gas spring mounts are installed. Each arm can be rotated at the base by a full 360 degrees, with the first joint offering a similar level of positionality. This joint also offers 22.5 degrees of angle adjustment to raise or lower your connected display as you require.

At the end of each arm is a VESA monitor plate that supports 75 x 75 and 100 x 100 patterns, with each arm capable of handling 13-inch to 34-inch monitors weighing up to 22 pounds. The monitor plate can be swiveled left to right by 180 degrees and tilted up or down for 45 degrees of angle adjustment.

The arms are exceptionally sturdy, with an incredible amount of resistance provided via the powerful gas spring mechanisms housed in each. So much so, that despite the constant warnings provided by the instruction manual, I was almost at the business end of a steel uppercut on a handful of occasions as I absent-mindedly pieced the stand together.

Aside from the risk of being uppercut into low orbit, the ErgoAV Motion Desk Mount is otherwise simple to piece together, with most components simply slotted together and tightened once in place.

The arms of the Motion Desk Mount also include cable restraints and cavities to keep things tidy, though you may need to invest in a longer power cable for your monitor to avoid pulling the cables too tight across different positions.

ErgoAV Motion Desk Mount and Docking Station: Ports and compatibility

The ErgoAV Motion Desk Mount’s docking station base is compatible with DisplayPort over USB-C devices running Windows 10 and above, Chrome OS, MacOS 10 and above, iPadOS 12 and up, and Android 9 and higher.

The monitor mount/docking station hybrid features nine ports in total (seven once the power in and host port are in use) delivering a very modest number of ports ideally suited to smaller setups and workspaces.

The front of the docking station base offers the following ports:

• (Host) Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (5Gbps, up to 75W of Power Delivery)
• 2 x Type-A USB 3.0 ports (5Gbps)
• 1 x Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (5Gbps, 20W charge)
• 1 x 3.5mm audio combo jack

The right-hand side of the dock is where you’ll find the power input and network ports:

• (Power) Type-C USB 100W Power Delivery input port
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port (RJ45)

And finally, the read of the dock houses the following display ports:

• 2 x HDMI 2.0 ports (4K @ 60Hz) 

If you’re looking to maintain a setup of even a modest size, you’re going to find yourself struggling for ports pretty quickly. Ideally, this limited number of ports is at best going to support your laptop, external monitors, a mouse, and a keyboard. At this point, you’re left with a single 5Gbps USB Type-C port for remaining peripherals or accessories.

While that sounds fine on the surface, attempting to augment your setup with a microphone, webcam, or external storage device leaves you completely spent on available ports.

Worst still, all of that cable management provided by the Motion Desk Mount’s arms quickly goes out of the window thanks to the number of front-facing ports. Even when it comes to the rear-facing ports, you’ll quickly realize that with the mount clamped onto the very rear of your desk, it leaves your HDMI cables protruding outwards and potentially either awkwardly pressed against a wall in a way that could damage the cable or dangling from the back of the dock being pulled upon by the weight of the cable and its ferrite bead in a way that risks damaging the actual port.

It is something that could be worked around by adopting HDMI cables with 90-degree ports, but it is a considerable oversight nonetheless.

More frustratingly, the Motion Desk Mount doesn't come with a power supply. Meaning, you'll likely have to rely on another USB-C power source.

ErgoAV Motion Desk Mount and Docking Station: Performance

After setting up ErgoAV’s Motion Desk Mount, and connecting my cables, I then got to work by immediately dropping my second external monitor and reducing it to ewaste in the process. Thankfully, the ErgoAV’s VESA brackets can be used for more than mounting monitors (with the right equipment).

Thanks to each arm's powerful 22-pound weight limit, I was able to attach a StarTech VESA laptop tray to one of the arms and comfortably house a 6.2-pound MSI Stealth 17 Studio A13V gaming laptop on it. This would be my new setup for the next few weeks, as I put the Motion Desk Mount through its paces.

Starting with its display support, the Motion Desk Mount delivered without fault. Supporting up to 4K resolution at 60Hz meant that I had access to a sizable second screen that was crisp and smooth at all times. It was lag-free and without any visual hiccups to report.

As the Motion Desk Mount’s 75W of Power Delivery wasn’t anywhere near enough to maintain my gaming laptop, I did have to resort to feeding its power cable up through the mount’s arms to keep things topped up. However, I also made sure to use ErgoAV’s stand with a more modest 45W laptop that was more than happy with the Motion Desk Mount’s constant stream of charge.

My core setup consists of a wireless keyboard/mouse and an external USB microphone. Each of which I was able to house, although the cable management wasn’t anything to write home about. Beyond that, if I wanted to connect any external storage, link to my smartphone, or charge a separate device, I was left pulling cables and plugging them back in like I was a switchboard operator from the ‘40s.

The Motion Desk Mount’s arms however were practically flawless, freeing up a huge portion of my desk and allowing me to move and position both my laptop and monitor with ease. Being able to raise my laptop off my desk granted me even more space, and the mount’s sturdy arms never left me in any doubt about the safety and security of my laptop or my monitor.

Bottom line

Docking stations seem like they should be incredibly simple devices for manufacturers to get right, but the truth is never so simple. These complex machines can often house a ton of chips and components to manage which can push up their cost considerably, and fitting all of that into a pre-existing design won’t have been easy for ErgoAV to manage either. So I have to commend its efforts if nothing else.

Sadly, as docking stations go, you’re paying a huge premium for a not-so-premium experience. ErgoAV’s monitor stand might be worth its portion of the overall cost, but the docking station addition is where things start to crumble. 

ErgoAV’s Motion Desk Mount with its built-in docking station base is a fantastic idea, on paper. Though, while its arms are strong enough to make Atlas blush, an extravagant price tag will leave you feeling short on cash and ports.

Plugable, one of the most dependable computing accessory companies you'll find today, is continuing a healthy stream of docking station releases with an all-new dock that hyper-extends the limits of Thunderbolt technology, the TBT-UD5: a Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Dual HDMI Display Docking Station.

When it comes to those prolific in their craft, painting has Picasso, acting has Eric Roberts, writing has Stephen King, and the docking station has Plugable. The brand's quest to perfect the humble dock has led to a number of new devices over the last 12 months that excel at catering to various disciplines.

However, the TBT-UD5 is a dock designed for everyone, a true do-it-all device, cleverly crafted to increase potential, ports, power and performance to any setup it graces. Let's take a closer look at this latest offering at CES 2024 to see what all the fuss is about.

We're on the scene in Las Vegas to check out the latest tech at this year's CES 2024 showcase. Be sure to tag along on our CES 2024 journey by following Laptop Mag on TikTok, Twitter/X, Instagram, Flipboard, and Facebook for the most up to date hands-on impressions and news coming from the convention floor.

Plugable TBT4-UD5: A dual monitor Thunderbolt dock that leads the charge

Plugable is back in black with its latest low-profile docking station offering that caters to almost every computing need. The all-new TBT4-UD5 is a premium Thunderbolt 4 dock with an affordable price tag.

With a focus on wider compatibility, the TBT4-UD5 plays host to any Thunderbolt 4 or USB-C touting laptop or desktop computer, and offers HDMI 2.0 support for two external displays at 4K resolutions with 60Hz refresh rates; up to 100W of Power Delivery for the host computer; transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps; and a downstream Thunderbolt 4 port that allows 15W of charge, super-fast transfer speeds, and support for a single external display at 8K resolution with a 30Hz refresh rate.

The TBT4-UD5 is a versatile dock with powerful specs that can maximize the potential of your laptop or desktop machine with its new sleek and slim form augmenting your setup with external displays, speedy ports for additional storage or data transfer, and a host of high-spec legacy USB ports for peripherals.

• (Host) Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps with up to 100W Power Delivery)
• (Power) DC-in (20V, 6.75A)
• 2 x HDMI 2.0 ports (up to 4K @ 60Hz)
• 1 x Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 15W Power Delivery, up to 8K @ 30Hz)
• 1 x USB Type-C (10Gbps)
• 2 x USB Type-A (10Gbps)
• 2 x USB Type-A (5Gbps)
• 1 x Micro SD/SD Card reader
• 1 x 3,5mm audio combo jack
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)

(Also includes a 1 meter 240W, 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 host cable in the box.)

Outlook and availability

Just how many times can one brand innovate on the back of Thunderbolt 4 tech? That remains to be seen, though you can imagine that the designers and engineers at Plugable HQ are frothing and foaming at the mouth over the idea of sinking their teeth into a Thunderbolt 5 device in the near future.

It's not new ground for the brand, which have an extensive catalog of Thunderbolt 4 devices already, but Plugable continue to impress as they deliver hit after hit on the docking station front. Is the TBT4-UD5 another certified desktop essential? We won't know for certain until we get out hands on one, but with its powerful specs, solid port selection, impressive Power Delivery, and downstream Thunderbolt 4 potential, we wouldn't bet against it.

The Plugable TBT4-UD5 is available now for $199 at Amazon with a $20 off launch coupon.

The best portable chargers are a burst of extra juice for your devices when you need it most. Finding yourself away from an outlet for too long could leave your electronics rapidly draining, leading you to an anxiety-inducing low-battery warning. Having a little something on hand to quickly give your devices a second wind is a godsend in these moments. The question is, which portable charger is best for you?

Sadly, the answer isn’t straightforward. Depending on where you are, what you’re doing and which devices you have with you, the answer to that question could vary wildly. After all, there’s little sense in suggesting you take a 1,000 mAh portable charger on a camping trip. In the same way, it’s not worthwhile to invest in a 50,000 mAh portable charging beast if all you want is a few extra minutes of Wordle while you’re out and about.

Laptops, phones, tablets and earphones can all benefit from an on-the-go charge. At Laptop Mag, we’ve scoured the internet to compile our list of the best you can currently get your hands on. Whether you’re caught short for charge on your commute, or your devices are running low after a draining day, these are the best portable chargers in 2022.

What are the best portable chargers?

Anker makes some of the best charging products around, and its name has rightfully become synonymous with quality and safety. The Anker PowerCore Slim is just one of many impressive portable chargers the Chinese manufacturer currently has on the market. Its safety measures, capacity and slim, durable design make it top of our list as the best portable charger in 2022. 

If you’re looking for an ultra-portable charger that packs a punch, the Nimble CHAMP Lite is it. Nimble’s eco-friendly charger is made of 70% recycled consumer plastics and squeezes a 5,200 mAh battery capacity into a pocket-sized frame. That’s enough to charge most smartphones three times over, and thanks to fast-charge support, you’ll see results twice as fast.

MAXOAK’s phenomenal 50,000 mAh battery is a literal powerhouse, featuring enough charge to top up a 65W laptop twice — or give your smartphone a full charge at least ten times over. It even comes with 14 different laptop connections for popular brands to ensure maximum compatibility when it comes to charging. If you need a constant feed of power for a lengthy spell away from an outlet, there are few choices as worthy as the MAXOAK Power Bank 50000.

The best portable charger

I have a lot of things that need a charge  –– some more than others. That used to mean I’d carry around four different portable power banks and depending on the situation, a power strip. It was fine, but I started feeling more like a pack mule than an editor in chief. 

But thanks to Anker, I’ve been able to at least cut down on the portable chargers and power strip bringing me down to one - the the Anker Prime Power Bank 200W, 20,000mAh Portable Charger. It's a beast of a charger that's capable of charging ultraportable laptops like the MacBook Air M3 or the Dell XPS 13. The powerful charger features two USB-C ports totaling 200W total output, capable of charging a pair of laptops at 100W max. You also have the 65W USB-A port. Quick recharge via the charging base in an estimated 1.25 hours. Smart digital display that shows information such as battery capacity, power input and output, works with the free Anker companion app. 

The best high-capacity portable charger

If you’re looking for a portable charger with enough battery to keep up to six devices powered throughout the day, then MAXOAK’s power bank is ideal. While it commands a hefty $129 price tag, the charger has unparalleled battery capacity; it’s an impressive charger that can be stored in your bag for emergencies or lengthy road trips.

On a single six-to-eight-hour charge, the MAXOAK K2 Power Bank’s monstrous 50,000 mAh battery capacity can charge a single phone between 11 and 18 times over, tablets up to eight times, and even laptops running at 65 watts almost two and a half times. The portable charger also comes with 14 unique DC connectors to fit various laptops, ensuring maximum compatibility between devices. If you plan on powering multiple devices, or you have a power-hungry laptop you need to keep running, the MAXOAK K2 Power Bank 50000 is the perfect solution to keeping the lights on.

The best wireless portable charger

The AUKEY Basix Pro is a portable charger that can power up to three devices at once via USB-C, USB-A and a top-mounted Qi-compatible wireless charger. The Basix Pro can also be used as a mobile stand, allowing you to watch/stream media or comfortably play games while your device is charging. It’s a little bit on the pricey side at $47.99, but for capacity, portability and impressive multi-device charging, AUKEY’s portable charger could be well worth the investment.

The Basix Pro’s 20,000 mAh capacity is enough to fully charge most smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S22 or iPhone 13 four to five times over. Most tablets, like the iPad mini, will be able to receive a full charge at least twice over. The wireless charger supports output levels of up to 10W, and if connected by cable, the Basix Pro makes use of USB Power Delivery 3.0 and Quick Charge 3.0 to deliver a charge at up to 18W. This can result in a fast charge of 50% in just 30 minutes for most smartphones.

The best USB-C portable charger

The Anker PowerCore III Elite is a fantastic solution for your on-the-go power needs. Not only is the charger’s capacity a sizable 25,600 mAh, but Power IQ 3.0 charging technology allows virtually any compatible device to charge at its fastest possible speeds. Whether you need a battery backup for your laptop, AirPods, smartwatch, or smartphone, the PowerCore III Elite has you covered. Not only that, but it can charge three of those devices simultaneously via a 60W USB-C port and two USB-A ports with an 18W shared output.

One downside to the PowerCore III Elite is its sizable retail price of $159.99, though it can be found at retailers like Best Buy for a more palatable price of $117.99. That’s still a lot to put down on a portable charger, but the charger’s compatibility, capacity, and build quality are hard to beat. It’s a lofty purchase, but the PowerCore III Elite is a fantastic choice for those needing serious power on the go.

The best Apple portable charger

Apple’s proprietary charger might not look as impressive on paper, but its actual performance isn’t to be overlooked — especially considering its tiny size. While most portable chargers seek to give you a number of full charges, the MagSafe battery pack is more of a temporary jolt to see you through your busiest days. With a battery capacity of only 1,460 mAh, you’re likely to receive a roughly 60% charge on an iPhone 12 Pro, which can be anywhere from an extra 3 hours of intensive use to an awesome 39 hours for just audio playback.

As with most Apple products, there’s an Apple price tag to contend with, and if you want to pick up the MagSafe Battery Pack, you’ll be looking to fork out around $99. Adding salt to the wound is the fact that the battery pack doesn’t include the recommended 20W USB-C power adapter, or even a USB-C to lightning cable to aid in recharging. However, the MagSafe battery pack can be charged while attached to an iPhone through reverse charging.

The best compact portable charger

The batteries and plastics that go into making portable chargers aren’t exactly great for the environment. Disposable portable chargers alone are about as eco-friendly as burning a mountain of rubber tires. Thankfully, some portable charger manufacturers are taking note and offering more environmentally viable products. The Nimble CHAMP Lite is one of those devices, made from over 70% REPLAY post-consumer recycled plastics and arriving in plastic-free packaging that is free of harmful inks or dyes.

While Nimble’s environmental efforts are deserving of praise, so too are their efforts to make the Nimble CHAMP Lite one of the best portable chargers on the market for its size and pricing. With a battery capacity of 5,200 mAh, you’ll be able to charge most smartphones three times over before running out of juice. What’s more, 15W USB-C charging means compatible high-speed charging devices can top up their power reserves up to 2x faster. 

The best rugged portable charger

Whether you’re planning a hike or a camping excursion — or maybe you were just born with butter fingers — rugged devices are fantastic protection against drops, shocks, dust and water. Made of silicone rubber and sturdy thermoplastics, the Novoo is ideal for those looking for a portable charger that can deliver a jolt of power in harsh conditions. The Novoo is IP67 waterproof rated, meaning it is splashproof, dustproof, shockproof and can support full immersion in water up to a meter in depth — making it an ideal companion for your adventures in the great outdoors.

Novoo’s portable charger has a 10,000 mAh battery capacity, which is enough to charge most Apple or Android smartphones up to six times over. The USB-C charging port also features Power Delivery, allowing 18W fast-charging both to and from the device — resulting in up to 50% restored battery in just 30 minutes. The Novoo Waterproof Portable Charger is both speedy and sturdy, and will easily justify its $33.78 asking price to the right person.

The best premium portable charger

The Omni 20+ is a truly universal portable charger. From laptops to smartphones, and almost every other piece of tech you can think of, the Omni 20+ is a great pairing for on-the-go power. The Omni 20+ has five different charging methods at hand, including 10W wireless charging, two 18W USB-A ports, a 60W USB-C port, a 100W AC socket and an adjustable 100W DC port. The available battery capacity of just 20,000 mAh might seem on the low side for a premium device like this, but it is still more than enough to charge a 15-inch laptop to 100% while away from an outlet.

While it works great as a travel companion to supply your devices with power on the go, the Omni 20+ pulls double duties as a USB hub — allowing data transfer across connected devices. It’s also a smart way of keeping the Omni 20+ topped up and useful when you’re back at your desk, as it can easily blend into your workspace while on charge. The Omni 20+ is a brilliant portable charger that has a lot to offer, but the mighty $249 price tag attached to it could be too much for most to overlook.

The best multi-device portable charger

The Intelli ScoutPro does it all — MagSafe wireless charging for iPhone and for either Apple Watch or Samsung Watch, alongside dual 100W USB-C ports, dual USB-A and an OLED display that shows you the current being delivered to your up to 5 devices, this world's smallest 240W power bank is the ultimate convenience.

And with up to 24,000 mAh capacity, included carry case with pockets for cables and a durable metal build, this is a decent option. That is provided you can stomach the $329 price tag and the bulky dimensions (yes it's the world's smallest 240W power bank, but that still translates to a battery you'll need a backpack pocket for).

The best value for money charger

The Encalife 30,000 mAh portable battery is rather unassuming in its utilitarian plastic shell with a porthole window on the front. But what you see here is a big capacity charger that delivers handily on all your charging needs with impressive value for money.

It starts with that design — the grippy texture to the plastic gives it a nice feel in the hand, and that window is a display showing your battery percentage. Next is the port array of multiple USB-C and USB-C sockets to charge up to three devices simultaneously. Finally, at just £162, this 30,000 mAh beauty is one of the cheaper options capable of pulling all this off.

It might not be the most intuitive thing, when you're looking to replace your Dell laptop charger, it's a good idea to be a little discerning. Picking the first available thing is a pretty bad idea, regardless of how inexpensive or convenient it might be for you to get said charger. Unfortunately, with so many different Dell laptops on the market, all chargers are not all equal. Some have higher wattage, long cables, unwieldy blocks or use incompatible inputs.

Each factor must be incorporated when you decide which is right to buy. Price, which is of course a big factor can vary greatly. But it's even more important to check the charger specs as some devices are only compaitble with certain laptops. For example, some laptops use an AC port of varying sizes while others use a USB-C port.

So, whether it’s because your current Dell laptop charger broke, or you’re looking for a better one, here are the best Dell laptop chargers you can buy right now.

What are the best Dell laptop chargers? 

Picking the best Dell laptop charger has one unfortunate caveat: even if that charger is better than the rest, it might not be compatible with your hardware. Be sure to check each charger’s product page for its compatibility before making any sudden purchases.

With that said, we select the best Dell laptop chargers based on a combination of wattage, compatibility, the size of the charger, price, and cable length. As a result, the Dell 90-Watt 3-Prong Slim AC Adapter is the best of all. The unit's 90W is satisfactory for fast charging power-hungry laptops, and at $67, it is the second cheapest option on the menu. It’s also compatible with a large selection of laptops.

The Dell 65W Type-C AC Adapter is similar in that it’s the most inexpensive one on the list, coming in at $60, but its lower wattage means it's slower to charge and not compatible with beastly gaming rigs. This is why we also included the Dell 240W AC Adapter. Yes, it’s $136, but it’s useful for those needing to charge their demanding gaming laptops (it’s also the only one in this list with a six-foot cable).

The Dell 130W Type-C 3-Prong AC Adapter and Dell 130W Slim Power Adapter are nearly identical to the first two entries, with the primary difference being the increased wattage. However, this also hikes the price up, putting both at $89. Additionally, the Dell 130W Slim Power Adapter does not appear to come with a 1-year limited warranty.

The Dell 90-Watt 3-Prong Slim AC Adapter is the best mix of affordability and quality for a Dell AC laptop charger. It’ll cost you $67, which is cheaper than a lot of chargers in this category. And although the cable is a bit short, it’s on a par with most other Dell laptop chargers. If you expect to be further than a few feet from an outlet, we recommend purchasing an extension cord. And since this is a Dell-branded product, it comes with a one-year limited warranty. If your charger stops working within this time, the company will replace it free of charge.

The Dell 90-Watt 3-Prong Slim AC Adapter is also slim and light, making it an ideal item to take with you on the go. Just make sure that the cable is compatible with your laptop before purchasing. The list of compatible items is lengthy and can be found in the product’s page on Dell’s official website.

The Dell 65-Watt Type-C AC Adapter is similar to the previous entry because it’s inexpensive and performs well. However, since it’s a USB Type-C charger, its usage is fundamentally different, and depending on your setup, it might not be compatible at all. The charger's lower wattage also means it has a slower charge.

However, it’s hard not to be attracted to its $60 price tag, which makes it the most affordable of the bunch. It’s also far smaller than other Dell chargers, making it quite a solid investment if you’re planning on bringing your laptop on your travels. Portability is important; it’s not fun carrying around a gigantic power brick, especially if you already have a pack full of other items. The list of compatible laptops can be found on its product page. 

The Dell 240-Watt AC Adapter is the most expensive laptop charger on this list, but with good reason. It’s primarily made for Dell’s Alienware series, meaning it possesses a high wattage that can keep up with a gaming laptop’s needs. This also means it’s rather chunky and isn’t necessarily ideal for long trips (it could definitely be worse, though). 

It also has the longest chord of any laptop charger on this list, coming in at six feet rather than three. This culminates in a Dell charger that currently costs $136, making it more expensive than the previous two entries combined. However, if you’re using an Alienware or Precision laptop, this might be the right pick for you. Be sure to check out the full list of compatible laptops on its product page just in case, though. 

The Dell 130-Watt Type-C 3-Prong AC Adapter is very similar to the other USB Type-C charger in the list. The primary change is its increased wattage from 65 to 130. This is what makes it $89.99, whereas its weaker counterpart is $30 cheaper. Otherwise, it boasts similar perks and faults. It’s lightweight and easy to travel with, meaning it’s ideal for people constantly on the move. However, it shares a similar problem to most other Dell AC adapters with its rather short cable.

Three feet isn’t long, so unless you’re planning on staying next to an outlet at all times, consider purchasing an extender to make things a bit less frustrating. This adapter is most often used with the XPS, Precision and Latitude series of laptops. However, we still recommend ensuring your laptop is compatible with your specific model by checking the product page. 

The Dell 130-Watt Slim Power Adapter is a higher wattage version of our favorite adapter, but it’s also a bit more expensive. Keep in mind, this adapter’s wire is only three feet long. It’s not particularly heavy, making it good for portability and the high wattage increases charging speed, so if you’re someone who’s looking to get your laptop full of life quickly, this could be the one.

The Dell 130-Watt Slim Power Adapter is compatible with certain laptops in the XPS, Inspiron, and Precision series. Feel free to check out the official full list at Dell’s product page just in case.

Unlike the other laptop chargers on this list, the Dell 130-Watt Slim Power Adapter is not listed to come with a one-year limited warranty, which makes it less desirable if a defect appears.

How to choose the best Dell laptop charger for you 

Picking the best Dell laptop charger for you comes down to a combination of a number of elements. You have to decide your budget, as the cheapest charger on this list is $60, while the most expensive is $136. Additionally, Dell laptop chargers are not compatible with every Dell system. Ensure that what you’re buying works with your product because ignoring this fact can cause a lot of issues when you get your hands on one.

Additionally, the amount of wattage can greatly increase laptop charging speed. It’s especially useful if you’re working with a gaming laptop — like the Alienware m17 R4 — that drains battery power. Cable length is important, but Dell doesn’t necessarily have a diverse selection (usually ranging from three to six feet), so you’re probably going to want an extension cord. And finally, we also look for chargers that are slim and portable. No one wants to lug around a brick in their backpack.

Dell’s Dual Charge Dock is a great example of what can happen when a docking station dares to do more. Not content with delivering one of Dell’s customary top-tier docking station experiences for laptops and PCs, the Dual Charge Dock expands its potential by including a 12W Qi wireless charging cradle to ensure your smartphone can get in on the action too.

Dell’s dock is a shoe-in for being one of the best docking stations for Dell XPS laptops, offering a sizable boost to the potential of the brand’s excellent notebooks. However, you don’t have to own a Dell laptop to enjoy the benefits of this versatile device. Does the Dual Charge Dock have what it takes to be considered one of the best docking stations available today? Let’s find out. 

Dell Dual Charge Dock: Price and availability

The Dell Dual Charge Dock is available for $99.99 direct from Dell or, for a limited time, just $89.60 at Amazon.

Given how expensive docking stations can get, this is a pretty decent price for what you get. Especially when taking into account the dock’s wireless charging feature and speedy ports. While small in size, Dell’s dock is big on potential and is more than capable of managing most setups with ease — and keeping your laptop and smartphone topped up at the same time.

Compare this with Dell’s $119 USB-C Mobile Adapter (DA310), which features fewer and slower ports without any additional charging options, and you begin to appreciate the value in Dell’s pricing of the dock. 

Dell Dual Charge Dock: Design

If you’re going to add a permanent addition, like a docking station, to your setup, then you’re not going to want it to be any kind of eyesore. Thankfully, Dell’s Dual Charge docking station is incredibly easy on the eyes thanks to a modern, minimalist simplicity. It’s sleek, clean, and delivers a premium aesthetic.

The typical coldness of this design is broken up with a fabric fascia at the front of the dock. This fascia houses the dock’s three wireless charging coils. Of these, two are placed in alignment to allow your smartphone to charge in a vertical or horizontal position, with the third, placed higher up to accommodate larger phones and tablets with ease.

It’s a small-scale master class on how to design a docking station, with everything perfectly following the flow of typical use. Better still, with any typically static ports housed at the rear of the dock, cable management is a breeze — even the device’s tethered USB Type-C host cable is centrally aligned to afford you the maximum ‘wiggle-room’ on where and how the dock can be placed.

Finding a place won’t be an arduous task either, as the Dual Charge Dock has an impressively small footprint of just 3.6 x 4.6 inches. This means even the smallest of desks and work areas can accommodate this dock with ease.

Capping off this dock’s excellent design is the attention paid to thermal management, with vents placed in key areas to reduce any heat buildup within the plastic chassis. This includes both the rear of the wireless charging cradle and the very rear of the device itself.

Dell Dual Charge Dock: Ports and connectivity

Dell’s dock works with any USB-C/Thunderbolt-equipped laptop or desktop computer and provides an additional 8 ports in place of the one sacrificed. The device’s Dual Charge comes in the form of a 90W Power Delivery to the host machine and up to 12W of Wireless Qi fast charge from the front cradle.

For even more charging potential, Dell has included a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port on the side of the dock that supports Power Delivery 3.0. This allows you to connect another device or accessory to the dock and receive up to 20W of additional charge.

The front of the dock is port-free, instead playing host to the device’s Wireless Qi 1.3 Charging cradle featuring up to 12W of fast charge to smartphones and earphones.

• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port (20Gbps, Power Delivery 3.0)
• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports (5Gbps)

Turning to the rear of the dock we find the bulk of the ports on offer, which include:

• (Host, tethered) USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C cable (20Gbps, up to 90W of Power Delivery)
• (Power) DC-in (20V, 9A)
• 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 port (supports displays up to 8K@30Hz)
• 1 x HDMI 2.1 port (supports displays up to 4K@120Hz)
• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports (5Gbps)
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45)

For its size, the Dell Dual Charge Dock squeezes an impressive selection of ports into a svelte frame. They’re also solidly spec'ed and offer decent speeds all around.

The layout is impressively thought out, helping with cable management by keeping many of the “static” ports at the rear of the device, while providing two USB Type-A ports on one side of the mouse suitable for peripherals and storage, and a USB Type-C port with Power Delivery 3.0 on the other side of the dock that makes for a handy charging port for other peripherals or devices.

While some users might struggle with just eight ports to work with, the variety here offers plenty to work with for small to medium-sized setups. My only gripe would be the lack of an SD/microSD card reader. However, if your laptop already features one (as mine does) then this isn’t going to be a deal breaker.

Dell Dual Charge Dock: Performance

I’ve had the opportunity to test a lot of docking stations over the past year, and I’ve come to appreciate those that can serve multiple functions. I also appreciate a clean and simple setup. To that end, a dock that can help me maximize my minimalism while eliminating cable clutter will almost always win me over — especially when they perform as well as Dell’s Dual Charge Dock.

The dock’s small footprint means it can find a home atop any desk with ease. Once it’s a part of your setup you’re never likely to need to fuss and fumble with the rear of the dock thanks to the smartly placed ports on either side of the charging cradle. It’s a real set-and-forget staple to your workspace that humbly goes about its duties without ever causing a fuss.

Each of the eight available ports runs flawlessly, and whether you’re transferring data between devices, charging a peripheral or tablet with the additional USB-C port, or hardwired to your modem or router with the always welcome Gigabit Ethernet port, you’ll be in good hands when it comes to maintaining a speedy workflow.

I ran Dell’s Dual Charge Dock through its paces with an external 4K monitor, USB microphone, and a wireless keyboard and mouse, all while hosting a 45W laptop. Everything ran smoothly. The external display maintained a sharp picture and a smooth refresh rate. And I encountered no visual lag or hiccups that would interrupt proceedings.

The dock’s ventilation did a fantastic job of making sure things never got too hot. Even while making use of the wireless charging cradle for my Pixel 7a, heat was never an issue I had to concern myself with. Stashing my phone on the cradle also allowed me to watch videos, keep an eagle eye on my inbox, and never miss a call or text when it came through — without a care in the world about the level of my battery when it came to leaving my desk.

Bottom line

All in all, the Dell Dual Charge Dock is a fantastic computing companion that can elevate your workspace with ease. Offering increased ports, abundant power, solid cable management, and on-tap power for your smartphone or peripherals, Dell’s dock is a fantastic device on paper and is executed to near perfection when realized.

It’s not perfect, but it’s not far off. Pairing premium aesthetics, solid performance, and excellent cable management at a fair price is no easy feat for a docking station. Managing to do all of that while providing a decent wireless charging station at the same time only makes Dell’s dock an even more attractive prospect — and one of the more versatile products and best docking stations I’ve gotten to grips with so far.

We're now officially closer to Black Friday than I am with some of my living relatives. But here's something you won't want to be estranged from, incredible deals across the board on top-tier tech. You couldn't be anyway, they're everywhere – like bed bugs on a subway train. You can't avoid them, you've probably got Black Friday deals on you right now and you don't even know it. Oh look there's one, let me get that for you, reader.

Behold, the Plugable 8-in-1 USB-C Hub for iPad now just $53 at Amazon (Apply coupon on-page). This is the iPad accessory that changed everything about how I use my iPad Pro, unlocking the true potential of Apple's tablet by offering more ports.  It gave me increased storage, wider interactivity, and a true desktop experience that shocked me with its performance.

If you're an iPad user and you're not making use of Plugable's smartphone and tablet friendly dock and stand combo, then you're doing it wrong! Dive on this extra low price for Black Friday and snag yourself one of the most transformative bits of tech you're likely to come across when it comes to squeezing every drop of potential from your iPad, iPad Pro, or Android tablet. Check out the deal below!

• Plugable UDS-7IN1 docking station review
• This is the best Black Friday docking station deal I've ever seen!
• I review tech, and these are my top docking station deals for Black Friday

Today's best Plugable 8-in-1 USB-C Hub for iPad deal

Prime Day 2023 is making a ton of fantastic products more assessable through huge discounts across the board, and that includes docking stations!

These essential accessories don't just lend you a few extra ports, they can power your laptop, manage your cables, support additional displays, and even improve the speed of your workflow with blazingly fast Thunderbolt ports!

Act fast! Prime Big Deal Day doesn't have much longer left, so make sure you don't let incredible deals like snagging the device that tops our best docking station list, Plugable's Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Quad Display Docking Station for $239.20, go to waste!

If you're a MacBook owner and you want to squeeze every drop of potential out of your machine, then now is the time to invest in the Satechi Dual Dock Stand for $119! It's not just a docking station, it's also an ergonomic stand and an external NVMe SSD enclosure to boot! Snag there deals while you can!

Today's best Prime Day docking station deals: Quick list

• Plugable Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Quad Display Docking Station: $299 $239 @ Amazon
• Plugable Thunderbolt and USB-C Dual Monitor Docking Station: $249 $166 @ Amazon
• Plugable 8-in-1 USB-C Hub for iPad: $59 $47 @ Amazon
• CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4: $449 $319 @ Amazon
• CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 3 Plus: $239 $179 @ Amazon
• Satechi Dual Dock Stand: $149 $119 @ Amazon

Today's best Prime Day docking station deals

The StarTech Dual Laptop USB-C KVM Dock doesn’t give away much from its name, but it’s an impressively useful docking station for those juggling multiple machines. StarTech’s dock lets you switch host devices at the press of a button, reassigning your KVM (keyboard, video, and mouse) to another machine to hit the ground running at a separate workstation.

It’s useful, but it’s also very niche — with this accessory likely shining its brightest in an office or IT setting. It’s with that purpose in mind that I can forgive its unassuming looks, but do the rest of the StarTech Dual Laptop USB-C KVM Docking Station’s features prove that we shouldn’t judge a dock by its cover? Let’s find out.

StarTech Dual-Laptop USB-C KVM Dock: Price and availability

The StarTech Dual-Laptop USB-C KVM Dock is available for a staggering $314.99 from StarTech’s official website or a somewhat less mighty $296.76 from Amazon.

Docking stations can get expensive, but StarTech’s $366 valuation seems absurdly high for what’s on offer. In comparison, you could lay your hands on Plugable’s Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station — which features more ports at up to four times the speed of StarTech’s dock for just $299.

While its unique dual-host design is handy, I’m not sure I (or anyone) can justify such a steep price tag unless it’s an absolute must-have dock for the task at hand.

StarTech Dual-Laptop USB-C KVM Dock: Design

StarTech’s docking station is not the most appealing-looking accessory I’ve come across. Its bulky, plastic chassis doesn’t inspire much awe, that’s for certain. The large fonts labeling the ports, uninspired chassis, and lack of premium polish don’t leave much room to praise the docking station. However, I do appreciate the rear-facing host ports and color-accurate USB ports.

If it wasn’t for the fact that USB-C came out in 2014, I’d have been happy to believe this was a device from 1997 — at least then I could give it some credit for being silver and not adhering to that awful 90s tech beige.

For the number of ports on offer, StarTech’s docking station is fairly large, measuring 8.8 x 3.5 x 1.6 inches in size. That’s a considerable amount of real estate to take up on a desk — especially if you also need to house two laptops side by side. However, that bulk doesn’t translate into weight (likely due to the plastic build) with the dock weighing just 14.2 ounces.

The dock’s light weight isn’t the only benefit of its plastic chassis, as it also proves to be good at managing the device’s overall thermals, with vents along the dock’s base offering more than adequate airflow, too.

While I couldn’t call it premium, that’s not to say the dock’s chassis is by any means cheap. There are some curves and slopes going on here with the dock’s corners, and a carved edge around the lip of the lid does inspire a deep curiosity in me to see what happens if I wedge a screwdriver in the gap and try to pop the “lid” off to peer inside.

However, I’d have a fairly difficult time with it, considering how sturdy it is. It may be plastic, but it’s bend-resistant, offering next to no flex under pressure, and likely to effortlessly survive any knocks or bumps it may encounter at a busy workstation.

StarTech Dual-Laptop USB-C KVM Dock: Ports and connectivity

StarTech’s dock can play host to two USB-C laptops simultaneously with a combined Power Delivery output of 135W (95W to the active host and 45W to the standby host). Whichever device is currently active will be granted a mix of 10 USB, display, and audio ports to make use of including two DisplayPort 1.4 outputs that can support external monitors at up to 4K resolutions.

Switching devices between primary and standby modes is as simple as pressing the “Select” button on the front of the dock— instantly swapping your standby machine for your primary along with all 10 ports and display outputs. Let’s take a look at those ports in further detail.

The front of the dock features an array of USB and audio ports including:

• 1 x Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (10Gbps)
• 2 x Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (10Gbps)
• 2 x Type-A USB 2.0 ports (480Mbps)
• 1 x 3.5mm microphone jack
• 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack

Looking at the rear of the dock, we find the host, power, and display ports including: 

• (Host 1) Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps, up to 95W/45W of Power Delivery)
• (Host 2) Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps, up to 95W/45W of Power Delivery)
• (Power) DC-in (20V, 9A)
• 2 x DisplayPort 1.4 outputs (supports displays up to 4K@60Hz)
• 1 x  Gigabit Ethernet port (RJ45)

StarTech’s dock also features two lock slots on the left-hand side capable of housing Kensington, Noble Wedge, and Nano security locks for increased desktop security.

It’s not a terrible selection of ports, but it’s by no means extensive — lacking SD card readers, non-DisplayPort video solutions, and any front-facing power delivery for charging additional devices such as a phone or tablet. Once again, the Dual-Laptop USB-C dock makes its desired usage abundantly clear, it’s strictly business on this one. No frills, bells, or whistles.

StarTech Dual-Laptop USB-C KVM Dock: Performance

If you’re the multi-machine, multitasking sort then StarTech’s dock offers the invaluable solution of a quick switch button to shift all your peripherals and display back and forth with ease — though you will need to do a bit of prep work first if you’re not using a Windows device. Luckily this is a simple case of navigating to StarTech’s website and downloading the device drivers for a quick install. After which, you’re good to go!

I’ve been making use of StarTech’s Dual-Laptop dock for the better part of a week as I juggle back and forth between my work and personal laptop throughout the day. The dock’s primary feature, allowing me to switch my peripherals back and forth without fiddling with wires, was a blessing. It offered me a quick way to stay on the ball while switching between tasks and machines with ease.

However, I don’t have the biggest of desks, and after a short while, I found fitting everything on my desk at once to be more stressful than anything else. I’d eventually slip back into the habit of ditching my mouse and keyboard entirely to make use of each laptop’s deck instead — instantly diminishing much of what made the StarTech dock so useful.

That being said, I was still able to make use of the dual-host feature to quickly share files between devices by making use of external storage. Loading files onto a drive and hitting the “Select” button at the front of the dock allowed me to instantly retrieve them onto another device without any hassle. It was pretty speedy too thanks to the Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports at the front of the dock.

The fact both laptops could be charged at once was one of the most impressive features of StarTech’s dock. I was free to ditch the charging cables entirely, knowing that both my devices could remain topped up throughout the day. While I might’ve ditched the peripherals, I made plenty of use of the dock’s dual-host function to manage which laptop got a sizable charge boost at any one time.

After somehow managing to find the space on my desk to fit a pair of external monitors, I was finally able to test the Dual-Laptop dock’s video output. And everything performed as advertised. Both screens were able to output at 4K with refresh rates of 60Hz. There was no lag or interference to be found with, either, and switching back and forth between laptops was a speedy process that barely registered as a delay in getting things done.

Bottom line

StarTech’s Dual-Laptop USB-C KVM Dock was a pleasure to use, though I wouldn’t have been against using it at a bigger desk in order to make full use of its multi-host functionality — but that’s on me. For the times I did make use of it, it worked flawlessly and proved to be a particularly useful feature when managing a full workstation.

The dock’s notable Power Delivery and support for high-resolution external displays is also worth mentioning. And I’d be remiss not to mention that in spite of the dock’s solid performance, it never became a sweltering mass of scorching plastic. StarTech’s dock consistently maintained comfortable temperatures if I ever needed to grab hold of it to switch out accessories (which, given its dual-laptop design, wasn’t often).

However, the dock’s biggest downfall is in its design and cost. For the price of StarTech’s dock, I’d expect a much faster and more premium-built device in return. Its limited port selection, bulky design, and USB-C limitations make it a difficult sell — but to solve a niche need, it might be the ideal solution for some.

Plugable’s Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 HDMI Docking Station (TBT4-UDX1) shocked me in two ways. First with its blistering speeds, and then with an alarming case of deja vu. Have I not reviewed this before?

The differences between Plugable’s Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 HDMI Docking Station and Plugable Dual HDMI Docking Station seem so narrow at first that I was beginning to question the effectiveness of my filing system. 

However, not only are they different products, but the Thunderbolt 4 USB4 HDMI Docking Station actually improves on Plugable’s former effort in many ways – cleverly building upon one of the best docking stations I’ve reviewed this year. But is every change made for the better? Let’s find out. 

Plugable TBT4 & USB4 HDMI Docking Station review: Price and availability

Plugable’s Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 HDMI Docking Station is available for $289.95 from Amazon, with a $15 launch coupon available for a limited time.

Comparing this to the aforementioned Plugable Dual HDMI Docking Station for $199,95 highlights just how much Plugable’s new dock needs to outperform in order to justify that $90 increase in price. Both docks are USB4 capable, but only the newer dock is Thunderbolt 4 certified – meaning its cleared the checks and balances by Intel to ensure optimal user experience and top-flight 40Gbps speeds.

Plugable’s newest dock also offers more ports, including two dedicated Thunderbolt 4 connections. However, things are less optimistic when it comes to video output, with the new dock unable to match up to the Dual HDMI dock’s 120Hz refresh rate or 8K capabilities at 60Hz.

For a more direct comparison we would need to look towards something like Anker’s $299.99 Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station. This similar Thunderbolt 4 compliant dock features an almost identical array of ports, though falls short on their speeds.

Meanwhile, every port the Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 HDMI Docking Station has to offer is supercharged for maximum throughput, ensuring the utmost data and internet speeds for users. 

Plugable TBT4 & USB4 HDMI Docking Station review: Design

I’ve been reviewing docking stations for so long now that I’ve forgotten all about the crime I must’ve committed in order to deserve this infernal punishment. Though, I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t a convert to their profound usefulness.

I just wish there were more products taking chances with design to keep things a little bit more interesting. As it stands, you can spot a docking station from a mile off. Close your eyes and picture one right now and you’ve successfully envisioned 90% of the metallic market.

Does the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 HDMI Docking Station break that mold? Not exactly. Much of Plugable’s line-up can be relied upon to offer slick, modern stylings, but they’re all joined at the hip to a business-friendly aesthetic that robs them of too much character.

What you can applaud is their premium build, and this dock is no exception. With its anodized aluminum silver chassis and contrasting black faceplate, every inch of the TBT4 & USB4 dock looks and feels impressive. It also adds enough weight (15.8 ounces) to the dock in order to prevent any unwanted travel, further aided by four rubber feet on the base of the device.

The dock's design is function over form, with the aluminum chassis offering protection and some heat dissipation. Especially from the radiator-like grills on the dock’s left and right sides – the docking station’s equivalent of a “go-faster stripe.”

Though I will point it out as I always do, Plugable’s TBT4 & USB4 dock has made the frankly unforgivable design sin of putting its host port at the front of the device. Bernie (Plugable founder), if you can hear me, two words: Cable. Management.

Plugable TBT4 & USB4 HDMI Docking Station review: Ports and connectivity

Plugable’s docking station is compatible with any USB-C capable laptop, though for maximum performance you’ll preferably want to connect it to a Thunderbolt 4 port. This plug-and-play dock is a simple install that affords you ten additional ports and a boatload of charge for keeping things in top form throughout the day. Let’s see what’s on offer.

The front of the docking station houses the following ports:

• (Host) Type-C Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, up to 96W of Power Delivery)
• 1 x Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (10Gbps, BC1.2 Charging)
• 1 x SD card reader
• 1 x 3.5mm combo audio jack

And the rear of the dock has the following to offer:

• (Power) DC-in (20V, 7.5A)
• 3 x Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (10Gbps)
• 2 x Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W of Power Delivery, 4K@60Hz / 8K@30Hz)
• 1 x HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz)
• 1 x 2.5Gbps Ethernet (RJ45)

For setups of most sizes this is a fine selection of ports and a noticeable improvement over Plugable’s Dual HDMI Docking Station – resolving one of its very few negative points.

Display support is limited, but Plugable is kind enough to supply you with a USB-C to HDMI adapter in-box to help bridge the gap if you don’t own a USB-C monitor. Beyond this, you’re looking at one of the overall fastest docking stations on the market, with a flawless array of top-tier ports. 

Plugable TBT4 & USB4 HDMI Docking Station review: Performance

I’ve been letting the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Docking Station manage my setup for much of the last week and I’m happy to say everything is as advertised. My typical 39W laptop, mechanical keyboard, wireless mouse, external mic, and 4K monitor setup has been running flawlessly.

Better still, the increased 40 Gbps bandwidth of Thunderbolt 4 has allowed my more powerful laptop to transfer files back and forth from external storage in mere seconds. Plus, I’m a huge fan of the stability offered by Plugable’s adoption of the 2.5Gbps Ethernet port when it comes to internet connectivity.

Even while using a more power-hungry device, Plugable’s docking station kept things topped up nicely with its 96W of certified Power Delivery – even if it did grumble about being connected to a lower charge than recommended.

Plugable’s dock excelled at every turn. Even with two monitors connected and an array of peripherals, performance was unfaltering with no visual lag or hiccups to take note of, and no issues with overheating to gripe about.

Maybe those radiator fins do something after all, as Plugable’s dock maintained a reasonable temperature throughout my testing – never once daring to terraform my work area into the surface of Mercury.

Plugable’s dock caused me next to no trouble during my review, aside from that front-facing host port, maybe. Did I miss the buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rates offered by Plugable’s doppelganger dock? Yes and no. 60Hz is more than comfortable enough for a workday and honestly, as a lifetime console gamer, 60Hz is more than enough to keep me happy at the best of times when it comes to gaming.

If the Plugable USB4 Dual HDMI Docking Station was a jack of all trades and a master of none, then the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 HDMI Docking Station is at the very least a master of some.

Bottom line

Plugable’s Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 HDMI Docking Station is a fantastic addition to the brand’s catalog, and showcases some impressive progress over previous efforts – including a cutting-edge dock that hasn’t even been out for half a year.

Performance is paramount when it comes to this dock and you’d be hard pressed to find someone dissatisfied with what it has to offer. The biggest hurdle most will face when it comes to laying hands on one will be the inflated price of this device. 

However, docking stations are expensive accessories, and in this case I can comfortably say you’re getting what you pay for.

The BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Dock (DP1310) markets itself as a professional docking station, but this USB-C dock has so much more going for it. That comes courtesy of a unique feature that’s great for gaming when your workday is done — or even sneakily so when you’re still on the clock.

A good dock can do more than augment your setup with a few more ports. The best docking stations have impressive power delivery options to keep your devices topped up throughout the day and plenty of support for managing external displays. So, how well does the BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Dock hold up? Let’s find out. 

BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Dock: Pricing and availability

The BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Dock is available for $299 from Amazon and the official BenQ website.

Plugable’s $299 Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station (TBT4-UDZ) is a fantastic option at a similar price. It offers faster Thunderbolt 4/USB4 speeds, supports an additional external display, and boasts an SD/MicroSD card reader too.

However, BenQ’s docking station offers support for faster, higher resolution displays, and pips Plugable’s dock to the post when it comes to charging with over 130W of Power Delivery on tap.

It also makes use of a much more alluring design and offers room for a second host through HDMI (supporting 4K @ 120Hz or up to 8K @ 60Hz) with rapid switching between the two.

Both docks have their strengths, with Plugable’s dock pulling ahead in overall speed when it comes to data transfers, and the BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Dock leading the charge when it comes to charging, visual output, and overall design.

BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Dock: Design

When I first saw images of the BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Dock, I thought God themself had thrown me a softball. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this dock and mercilessly rip it to shreds over that giant green monstrosity on its face. I was expecting an absolute bloodbath when it came to this section of the review.

But imagine my horror when I lifted this expertly packaged device from its box, only to immediately fall in love with it. I feel like BenQ’s docking station reverse-catfished me — preying upon my base instincts to relentlessly mock anything that looks vaguely silly in tech.

In reality, the beCreatus Hybrid Dock actually looks rather stunning — and much like any good catfish, its pictures don’t give a fair representation of its size. That giant green button I was so eager to compare to Maurice Monster’s nose, or something from the Green M&M’s OnlyFans account, wasn’t giant at all. In fact, neither was the dock itself.

Measuring just 6.1 x 4 x 1.5 inches in size, BenQ’s dock is physical proof that good things come in small packages — cramming a respectable 13 ports into its trim, radiator-ribbed aluminum chassis. No matter what angle you approach it from, the beCreatus Hybrid Dock dazzles with its effortlessly cool, modern aesthetic.

And the subtle circular grooves on the dock’s charcoal front face? Chef’s kiss. Even the previously-assumed-to-be-ugly button on the front looks and feels ultra-premium, thanks to its rich and deep near-racing car green tone, aluminum machining, and subtle divot.

But enough fawning over this dock’s surprising looks, how about its functional design? I’m pleased to say that the BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Dock isn’t just a pretty face. Those radiator grooves do a fantastic job of dissipating heat, port placement is excellent (including a rear-facing host port), and silicon pads on the base and side of the dock promote a sturdy grip on any surface to prevent unwanted travel. Better still, you can even remove the side grips to maintain a clean, uncluttered look for the device while standing vertically.

BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Dock: Ports and connectivity

The BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Dock is a USB-C docking station that offers 13 ports (12 after a host connection to a laptop or PC, 11 after the secondary HDMI host port is claimed) and a boatload of power to any compatible machine it’s hooked up to.

BenQ’s dock uniquely features two host ports: one Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 1x2 port for data and video output, and one HDMI 2.1 input for game consoles and media players. That big button on the front of the dock is what’s used to switch between inputs.

With a single press, your primary display will switch from the USB-C host (supporting displays up to 4K @ 60Hz) to the secondary host connection. In doing so, the dock is then able to support displays up to 8K at 60Hz, or 4K @ 120Hz.

The front of the dock features the following ports: 

• 1 x Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (10Gbps, 36W of Power Delivery)
• 1 x 3.5mm audio jack
• 2 x Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (10Gbps, 7.5W of charging)

Spin the dock around to the business end and you’ll find:

• (Host 1) Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 1x2 port (10Gbps, up to 100W of Power Delivery)
• (Host 2) HDMI 2.1 port (Input only, supports feeds up to 8K @ 60Hz, or 4K @ 120Hz)
• (Power) 1 x DC-in (19.5V, 9.23A)
• 1 x HDMI 2.1 port (Output, supports displays up to 8K @ 60Hz, or 4K @ 120Hz)
• 1 x HDMI 2.0 port (Output, supports displays up to 4K @ 60Hz)
• 1 x DisplayPort 1.2 (Output, supports display up to 4K @ 60Hz)
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port (RJ45)
• 1 x Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (10Gbps, 7.5W of charging)
• 2 x Type-A USB 2.0 ports (480Mbps)

With a number of the available I/O dedicated to displays and host devices, users with a wider range of accessories may begin feeling pressed for ports. However, there’s still a decent enough level of port variety on offer with plenty of charge to go around — especially from the front-facing 36W USB-C port, which is great for keeping an iPad or smartphone topped up throughout the day. 

BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Dock: Performance

If you want to run a triple display setup, you’ll need to start things off by downloading DisplayLink drivers. Otherwise, setting up the beCreatus Hybrid Dock is a simple case of plug-and-play. In a matter of moments, you’re good to go with no fuss at all.

The BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Dock has been handling my workstation needs for the past week and it’s been flawless at every turn. My work setup includes a 39W laptop, wireless keyboard and mouse, external mic, and an external 4K display. All of which BenQ’s dock handled without breaking a sweat.

It barely even got warm to the touch. Not even when I hooked up a second display for a day. There was never a hint of lag or stutter, and nor did the dock show any signs of bumping up the heat either. Even while connecting an iPad Pro to the dock’s front USB-C port and drawing a charge, my laptop never once had any issues when it came to power.

I tested the second host port with a docked Nintendo Switch and a PlayStation 4, and loved the fact that my workstation could instantly transform back and forth into a gaming setup with a single button press. Sure, it wasn’t great for productivity. But it was impressive.

Even near full capacity, with all but a single DisplayPort occupied, BenQ’s dock never once dipped in performance or power output. And while it did get a little warm to the touch at times, it never became a concern for the hardware housed within.

I’ve previously been hooked on the Plugable Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) for managing my gaming setups. Its unassuming exterior houses a dock of impressive gaming potential thanks to speedy USB4 ports, a 2.5Ghz Ethernet port, and support for 4K monitors at 120Hz.

However, while the beCreatus Hybrid Dock doesn’t offer ports quite as fast, its quick-switch gimmick has me more than enthralled by its potential. Being able to manage your laptop or desktop computer with a docking station is par for the course, but being able to manage multiple machines, at the same time no less, allowed me to considerably simplify my setup.

It made winding down at the end of a long day effortless as I put behind me the frustrations of constantly needing to remind myself about the differences between “there” and “their” or “your” and “you’re” to focus on more exciting things. Like dissociating outside of my own body while I spend endless hours micromanaging my inventory in Starfield.

If BenQ’s dock went on to imitate the port speed of Plugable’s dock, we’d be looking at an unbeatable docking station — especially for those who love to game. That isn’t even to say that the beCreatus Hybrid Dock is lacking, it’s not. It’s a complete package that can work across multiple disciplines as a tool for work, play, and everything in between. It’s just so good, that like some greedy cockney street urchin, I can’t help but ask for more.

Bottom line

The BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Dock is one of those products that catches you completely off guard. What I thought would be an unwieldy clump of aluminum with a quarter of the game “Bop it!” attached to its face, turned out to be one of the more uniquely useful devices of its kind I’ve come to review.

A good docking station doesn’t have to do much to be considered a success. Ports, power, and performance are well within the reach of most devices. However, a great docking station brings something else to the table entirely, making it easier to do the things you actually want to do at the same time as nailing the basics.

This is something the BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Dock excels at, and my setup has never felt so dynamic after it greatly expanded the possibilities of how I can pair my devices with one another and the ease at which I can switch between them. BenQ’s docking station is a truly premium product with a unique selling point that can bolster the potential of any desk you place it on.

The Satechi Dual Dock Stand is a modestly named docking station that pulls triple duty as a docking station, ergonomic laptop stand, and external SSD enclosure. Be still my beating heart. 

I’m a massive advocate for accessories or peripherals that can serve multiple roles, and Satechi’s offering covers so much ground it’s easy to get a little swept up by its on-paper claims.

However, while I love the idea of multi-function accessories, I know all too well that this can cause some products to stretch themselves a little thin. Does Satechi’s USB-C Dual Dock Stand have what it takes to be one of the best docking stations on the market? Let’s find out. 

Satechi Dual Dock Stand price and availability

The Satechi Dual Dock Stand is available for $149.99 from Satechi’s official site.

For USB-C docking stations within a similar scope to Satechi’s device, we have Baseus’ $89.99 EliteJoy Gen 2 USB-C Hub to compare with. Baseus’ hub also doubles as a laptop stand but offers more ports by way of SD and MicroSD card readers and a 3.5mm audio out jack.

However, the EliteJoy Gen 2’s design features next to no ventilation, which causes serious heat and performance issues over time. Baseus’ hub also features slower ports and lacks the SSD enclosure of the Satechi dock.

For its price, Satechi’s Dual Dock Stand has a lot to offer, much of it to a high standard. Not only that, but it manages to condense your workspace with its multi-functionality and makes hot-swapping your machine while staying in control of your setup an absolute breeze.

Satechi Dual Dock Stand design

Everybody has that one tech hangup they can’t quite shake. Some people still cling to the notion that the Ouya was something special, and I know of one person who refuses to disavow the Zune.

My hangup, for whatever reason, is the laptop stand/docking station combo. There’s just something about that zero-footprint design, effortless cable management, and souped-up ergonomic posture that I can’t turn my back on — no matter how many times I’ve been stung by various manufacturer’s past attempts.

But much like a west-coast college student egregiously espousing the politics of the Eastern Bloc, I cling to my convictions. Yes, past iterations of devices like this are more George Foreman grill than anything else, but that’s because REAL laptop stand/docking station combos haven’t been tried yet — until the Satechi Dual Dock Stand, that is.

If you’re a bit of a neat freak when it comes to keeping your workspace spick and span, this is the docking station you need to calm your lingering OCD tendencies. Satechi’s dock sits underneath the rear of your laptop, offering nine rear-facing ports, an ergonomic lift, and even an SSD enclosure.

This means that if you already own an external SSD enclosure, Satechi’s Dual Dock Stand isn’t just a zero-footprint device. It’s effectively a negative-footprint device, which frees up space at your workstation.

Satechi’s dock measures 12.2 x 3.14 x 0.94 inches in size and can comfortably house most 14-inch and 15-inch laptops. Thanks to 7.5-inch twin host cables you can house larger and smaller laptop sizes too if you don’t mind some overhang or exposed edges. 

Eight vents around the base of the device help manage any thermal build-up, and rubber grips along the surface and base of the dock help to reduce any unwanted travel. Plus, the dock’s adoption of Apple’s Space Grey aluminum body makes it an ideal companion to MacBook devices, effortlessly fitting in with the device’s overall aesthetic.

That Apple-centric design carries through to the twin host cables, which are framed by an aluminum divider perfectly spacing out the two to fit most post-2019 releases. However, if you don’t own a MacBook you will need to slide this connection down to free up the cables, which generally ruins the compact and sleek look of Satechi’s dock.

Satechi Dual Dock Stand ports and connectivity

If you’re planning on making use of the Dual Dock Stand, you will need a laptop with two side-by-side USB Type-C ports on the left of your device.

This setup is typically more common with MacBooks, though you will find similar layouts on Windows devices such as the Dell XPS 15, Microsoft Surface Pro 9/Laptop Studio, Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra, and the Lenovo Yoga 6/7i.

Once connected, you’ll have access to the dock's 9-in-1 port expansion (down to eight ports after your USB-C charging cable is connected to the back of the dock).

All of the ports are housed at the rear of the device for easy cable management, including:

• (Host, wired) 2 x Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps, 75W of Power Delivery)
• (Power) 1 x Type-C (20V, 5A)
• 1 x Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
• 1 x Type-C USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
• 1 x Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
• 1 x Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
• 2 x HDMI 2.0 (Supports displays up to 4K @ 60Hz)
• 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 (Supports displays up to 4K @ 60Hz)
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)

On the underside of the dock is a compartment you can open up to install a single SATA or NVMe M.2 SSD. 

Overall the selection is pretty impressive — lacking only when it comes to SD/Micro SD card readers and a 3.5mm audio combo jack. However, with a design that leans heavily into attracting those in the Apple ecosystem, it’s unlikely this will be a deal breaker for most.

That being said, there’s still plenty of use for an SD/Micro SD card reader and it seems like a puzzling omission. More puzzling could be the docking station’s three display outputs — especially when this dock only supports one external display on M1/M2 MacBook Air and MacBook Pros. For a docking station so heavily marketed to MacBook users, it’s strange to see it make a big thing of triple display support when its key audience can’t take advantage of it.

Satechi’s Dual Dock Stand has a decent selection of modern and legacy ports with a good mix of speeds. There’s genuine potential for this dock to transform your MacBook into a fully-fledged workstation or creative suite, and it could find a name as the ultimate MacBook accessory for many.

Satechi Dual Dock Stand performance

Nothing much of what’s been said so far matters if Satechi’s dock falls short when it comes to performance. Having squandered plenty of my time trying to find a laptop stand docking station combination that works, I can tell you that this is usually the point at which the wheels fall off similar products.

Because of that, I’d spent much of my time waiting for the dock to arrive thinking up amusing things to say about the thermostatic nature of the Dual Dock Stand. However, much to my annoyance (and surprise), Satechi has done the impossible and designed its device to perform impeccably without reaching temperature levels tantamount to the heat death of the universe.

What a difference those eight vents seemed to make, as I had dramatically fewer issues with heat than I did with the Baseus EliteJoy Gen 2 just a few weeks prior. However, that’s not to say there isn’t a build-up of heat. It’s still there, but nowhere near enough for me to rebrand Satechi’s 3-in-1 dock as a 4-in-1 due to its air-frying potential.

There are more than enough ports to juggle a typical setup, especially when you take into account you’ll likely be using your laptop’s keyboard above that of an external clavier. The Dual Dock Stand ran my external monitor without a hitch, maintaining a solid performance without lag or stuttering, even while things began to get toasty. As for the dock’s 75W of Power Delivery, my laptop maintained a solid charge throughout my entire day.

My biggest concern was the heat affecting the performance of the SSD enclosure, especially as the slot isn’t compatible with SSDs featuring preinstalled heat sinks. However, as it would turn out, I never had much to complain about. Yes, there was a slight knock to the performance after a long day’s work with my setup potentially approaching critical mass. But these issues were barely noticeable, if at all, for much of the day.

Of course, a lot of the dock’s potential comes down to which laptop you own and how hard you push it. The venting goes some way to dispersing the heat, but if you’re putting your laptop through its paces for hours on end, the dock is going to struggle to stay cool. Creating a vicious circle of the dock, and your device spewing heat back and forth at one another like two bickering dragons.

You’ll also need to ensure that the dock doesn't block any ports on the base of your device, and if you have a gaming laptop, don’t even bother with it. A dock like this is much better suited to a casual workload with maybe the occasional burst of intensity. I would highly advise against prolonged use with a lot of thermal output, such as gaming.

Bottom line

Satechi’s Dual Dock Stand is a pretty good docking station. It’s also a helpful ergonomic laptop stand. On top of that, it’s also a decent SSD enclosure. For the three things that Satechi’s dock sets out to achieve, it does so with good effect. However, there are still some hiccups around thermals and design that hold it back from being great in any one of those categories.

If you’re a casual MacBook user, let me be straight — if you want the increased ports of a docking station, a better typing experience, and the option of expanding your storage, you’ve found the one. The same can be said for Windows users too, but just make sure that you have two left-hand USB-C slots ready and available to connect to.

However, if you’re much more of a power user or gamer you’re going to start to struggle with those thermals and it can and will have a noticeable impact on performance.

All that aside, Satechi has delivered a fantastic product. It’s premium built, fast, durable, and reliable. Its zero-footprint design frees up space at your desk, and its rear-facing ports are cable management heaven. It has power and ports in abundance, and can improve on the comfort of your daily grind and the storage of your laptop. All of this for a relatively fair pricing of just $149.99, which is a steal for what you get in return.

Every product has its shortcomings, but few have this many strengths. The Satechi Dual Dock Stand is a 9-in-1, 3-in-1, that’s oh-so close to being a hole-in-one. Well worth its price tag, and an incredible asset for your workspace.

The Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter (DA310) sounds dull in name, and could maybe find itself at the business end of a wider audience if it went with something like the Port Puck 9000. However, corporate marketing exists and here we are. Thankfully, Dell’s adapter/hub proves to be a solidly useful device — ideally suited to those who need ports, power, and portability in equal measure.

Dell’s prior iteration of this USB-C hub (DA300) previously secured a place on our list of the best USB Type-C hubs available today, and there’s now a worthy successor to take its spot. So what is it that this port-providing puck has to offer? Let’s find out. 

Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter (DA310) price and availability

The Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter (DA310) is available for $119 direct from the Dell website, or you can save yourself $40 by picking up the exact same device for $79 on Amazon.

Dell’s original pricing “estimate” is wildly off the mark at $160. For what the Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter has to offer, slapping that kind of price tag on it is akin to highway robbery. While the hub’s extensive external display support is impressive (and worth paying a little more to secure), it’s not $160 worth of impressive.

By contrast, much cheaper USB-C hubs are available, including Monoprice’s $54.99 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock and Plugable’s $30 USB-C 7-in-1 Hub. Both options are cheaper and feature similar levels of port selection, though neither offers the same full range of DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA, and USB-C monitor support as Dell’s Mobile Adapter.

Its current Amazon pricing brings the USB-C Mobile Adapter closest to its true value, but ultimately the hub’s worth varies from person to person. This is a device best suited for a desk-swapping office nomad, or the troubleshooting techie who needs a portable plethora of ports and power.

Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter (DA310) ports and connectivity

Dell's DA310 is a 7-in-1 port offering that does itself no justice by adopting the "adapter" namesake. This is a USB-C hub in all but title — and not a bad one either.

The Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter also features a multipurpose MFDP USB Type-C port that you can plug your laptop charger into for up to 90W of power delivery to the host machine, use as a data port for speeds up to 10Gbps, or connect to an external monitor. The port can handle displays at resolutions of up to 4K with a refresh rate of 60Hz and serve up to 90W of Power Delivery to the host machine at the same time.

Taking a spin around the dock showcases the following ports:

• (Host) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10Gbps, 90W of Power Delivery)
• (Power) 1 x MFDP USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (15W charge, 10Gbps, Supports external displays up to 4K @ 60Hz)
• 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 (Supports displays up to 4K @ 60Hz)
• 1 x HDMI 2.0 (Supports displays up to 4K @ 60Hz)
• 1 x VGA (Supports displays up to 1080p @ 30Hz)
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)
• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (7.5W charge, 10Gbps)

That’s an impressive selection of inputs, featuring support for almost every display you’re likely to encounter as well as speedy data ports and an ample supply of power. The only thing missing from the hub is access to media storage such as an SD or microSD card reader. However, with so little space left to place such a port, I can understand why it’s absent. 

Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter (DA310) design

The hub's hockey puck design is split into two segments, the top of which houses each of the seven additional ports and is crowned by a chrome Dell logo. The plastic chassis does give the device a slightly cheaper feel, but it seems fairly durable and well-reinforced. For good measure, I gave it a few drops on the floor. After all, if something is travel-friendly, it should be able to withstand the occasional drop or shock.

Thankfully, I didn’t smash Dell’s USB-C Mobile Adapter into smithereens — it remained in full operation without any signs of an issue. However, I wouldn’t trust the plastic chassis to hold up against many heavy impacts without it beginning to crack or break.

The base of the device allows you to twist it as if solving the world’s easier Rubix puzzle or gently breaking apart an Oreo. Though, instead of being treated to a creamy splodge of pancaked sugary goodness, out spools the hub's tethered USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C host cable. (Don’t eat that though; it’s bad for you.)

Twist it in the opposite direction and the cable retracts into the body of the hub, safely tucked away to remain safe while pocketed or not in use. A small ring of rubber at the base of the device caps off its design and provides some stability while in use. Paired with the hub’s surprisingly commodious weight of 96 grams (~3.4 ounces), there won't be a great deal of travel going on. However, even when you do experience it, it isn’t much of an issue for a device of this kind, and won’t be any frustration or annoyance.

The Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter has a smart and economical design that makes use of every inch of space while remaining ultra-portable.

Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter (DA310) performance

Let's start this off by saying the Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter is no docking station replacement. Not only is its tether relatively short at just 5 inches long, the radial placement of its ports would make for a nightmare scenario when it comes to cable management. That being said, as a portable hub that is small enough to fit in your pocket, the DA310 is neigh unbeatable as a quick accessory to pull out and get to work with.

While there are seven ports on offer, the hub is designed to work as something of a Swiss Army Knife — a tool you can easily take out of your bag and use to access legacy USB storage, a different monitor setup, or quickly hook up your machine to a wired Ethernet connection without any fuss. And in that role, it’s ideal.

Hell, you could even swing the thing around by the host cable and enjoy a makeshift flail. However, the accompanying booklet doesn’t suggest this as a use case, and I doubt the hub’s plastic chassis would survive the righteous smiting of a would-be assailant.

I used the Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter for the majority of my week, solely relying on it to handle my workstation needs. It proved to me that more doesn’t mean better, and its limited port selection helped me cut down on desk space and keep things on the minimal side. Not because I wanted to, but because with anything more than three cables connected to it, things start to get a little Japanese Spider Crab in appearance.

I hate cables, hate them. Nothing ruins the aesthetic of a clean desk quite like streams of black and white wire spiraling and swirling in all directions. Just thinking about the hellscape I lived in for days on end is giving me palpitations. It’s not often a man gets prescribed beta blockers after an adverse reaction to desk spaghetti. 

While that alone would ideally allow me to score Dell’s hub at a zero, I do have to give it credit for its versatility and flawless performance. It managed to keep both of my laptops fully charged up around the clock, connected my daily peripherals and an external display without issue, and its port speeds are exactly as advertised.

Outlook

The Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter is a fantastic device to have in a pinch or when on the move. Its tidy engineering and portable frame make for a great travel companion, and the variety of ports on offer can be a godsend in the right circumstances. However, it won't measure up against a decent docking station as an everyday tool for home use.

Dell’s high pricing estimate leaves a lot to be desired, but tracking down the right deal online can see you save a huge amount and snag one of the best travel-friendly USB-C hubs there is today.

Baseus have a lot of promising docking stations and USB-C hubs, some of which (like the Baseus UnionJoy Pro) you’ll see us review over the coming months — but the EliteJoy Gen2 12-Port Type-C Hub Adapter isn’t its finest.

While this model isn’t likely to make it onto our list of best USB-C hubs anytime soon, it’s not to say it isn’t an effort without any positives — it’s simply a product that has one fatal flaw and exists as somewhat of an outlier among Baseus’ wider catalog.

So where did it all go wrong for the EliteJoy Gen2 USB-C Hub? Let’s find out.

Baseus EliteJoy Gen2 USB-C Hub price and availability

The Baseus EliteJoy Gen2 12-Port Type-C Hub Adapter is available on the Baseus website and on Amazon for $89.99.

For USB-C hubs within a similar price range, we have Kensington’s $79.99 G1000P USB-C Mini Dock and Targus’ $104.99 USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Docking Station to compare against.

While both these hubs are much more portable options, the Baseus hub has them both beat on the number and variety of ports. However, while more in number, the ports found on the EliteJoy are generally slower than each of its counterparts.

That being said, the EliteJoy’s unique design and function as a laptop stand and a USB-C hub make it far less of a 1:1 comparison. While the EliteJoy has a specific case use in mind, these similarly priced hubs lack the same rigidity and offer more versatility as a portable or temporary option instead of a static docking station.

Which hub is worth the asking price here is entirely down to what you expect from it. However, Baseus’ trademark pricing is highly competitive, packing a considerable amount of ports and power for its price tag.

Baseus EliteJoy Gen2 USB-C Hub design

I’m a huge fan of gadgets, especially those that can double up on duties. For that reason, the Baseus EliteJoy Gen2 USB-C Hub really caught my attention. Not only is the Baseus EliteJoy an 11-in-1 USB-C hub, but it's also a laptop stand — elevating your device and promoting a more ergonomic-friendly tilt to reduce wrist fatigue and risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs).

The hub’s 11 x 2.3 x 0.8-inch, wedge-like shape is designed to comfortably accommodate 13-inch laptops — though, a generously sized and affixed Type-C USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps) host cable can support larger devices if you don’t mind a little overhang.

A soft silicon pad emblazoned with Baseus branding adorns the surface of the hub to promote a better grip on your laptop and avoid any potential scuffing or scratching. The hub’s aluminum chassis weighs just 267 grams (9.4 ounces), but plants itself firmly on your desk through two grippy, rubber feet along its base. With the added weight of your laptop, accidental travel won’t be an issue.

Each of the hub’s 11 ports point to the rear, making cable management an effortless experience. However, it can be tricky to locate the right port by touch alone if you need to connect another device or accessory while your laptop is in place.

Even though you won’t see much of it while in use, the Baseus EliteJoy certainly looks the part of a premium hub. Sturdily built and offering a slim and stylish design, I can’t fault the Baseus’ hub from a visual standpoint. It looks great, and that cable management? Exquisite. Spot a cable beyond the host connection, I dare you.

Baseus EliteJoy Gen2 USB-C Hub ports and connectivity

The Baseus EliteJoy Gen2 USB-C Hub is an 11-in-1 port expansion for USB-C, USB4, and Thunderbolt laptops.

After hooking up your USB-C laptop charger to the Baseus EliteJoy hub, you’ll be left with 10 ports of varying types to make use of. The speeds on offer won’t blow you away as even the more modern USB-C ports cap out at 5Gbps (~500MBps). However, the selection of ports on offer is quite good, with a solid mix of legacy, display, and data I/O to pick from.

The business end of the hub features all the ports on offer including

• (Host, wired) 1 x Type-C USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps, 100W of Power Delivery)
• (Power) 1 x Type-C (20V, 5A)
• 3 x Type-A USB 3.0 (5Gbps)
• 1 x Type-C USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps, Data only)
• 1 x HDMI 1.4 (Supports displays up to 4K @ 30Hz)
• 1 x HDMI 2.0 (Supports displays up to 4K @ 60Hz)
• 1 x DisplayPort 1.2 (Supports displays up to 4K @ 60Hz)
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)
• 1 x SD Card reader
• 1 x MicroSD Card reader
• 1 x 3.5mm audio out jack

Sure, the port selection here is a little on the sluggish side and it likely won't cut the mustard for users with a lot of external storage needs. However, its variety can’t be denied. Beyond opting for an audio out instead of a 3.5mm audio combo jack there’s not too much to pick at with regards to selection. 

Baseus EliteJoy Gen2 USB-C Hub performance

When it comes to accessories, docks, and hubs like the Baseus EliteJoy, there’s no testing like real-world testing. I was all set to find a home for this hub over the coming week and put it to the test. Sadly, a little thing called the laws of thermodynamics had other plans in mind.

I typically run hubs and docks through the same battery of tests, one of which involves hooking everything up and leaving the hub or dock to power my machine while it runs through YouTube videos overnight. I’ll then abandon my post and go about my life, ready to return the next day and check on the battery level.

I typically run this test hooked up to a small 13-inch, 39W laptop, which should be more than accommodated by a docking station or hub that advertises up to 100W of Power Delivery. However, when I returned to the Baseus EliteJoy Gen2 USB-C Hub the following morning the laptop was completely dead.

I checked through the connections, the power sockets, and the laptop charger connected to the hub. I left no stone unturned in trying to find out why the EliteJoy had failed in such a way. That is until I reconnected everything and tried again, this time staying put to see what would happen.

The first hour or so of using the Baseus EliteJoy doesn’t seem to be much of an issue. The ports worked fine, my external monitor ran smoothly while connected to the hub, and the improved ergonomics made typing away at the laptop a treat. But over the course of that hour, things started to get warm. Warm to the point where the surface of the laptop becomes uncomfortable to touch. Warm to the point where the laptop’s fans began firing up so loud you’d swear takeoff was imminent.

As it turns out, the design of the Baseus EliteJoy had one major flaw — heat. Not only was the hub generating a considerable amount of heat on its own, but the laptop it housed was doing so as well. Combined, the two had formed some sort of air-frying hell in the gap below. Where previously there was an 11-port, ergonomic, workstation at my fingertips, there was now a tiny open-air kiln that could be used to effectively bake pottery for doll houses.

The thermal build-up was so bad that it caused considerable performance drops before the hub decided to stop offering a charge to the host laptop altogether. Instead, it began to ignore the Power Delivery input from my laptop charger entirely and siphon power directly from the host in order to keep itself operational.

I risked the same results with a more powerful laptop only to see the effects worsen considerably. Simply put, the Baseus EliteJoy is a fantastic idea on paper, but a nightmare in reality. That is a shame, as it looked great, took up next to no additional desk space, and provided plenty of ports for my daily peripherals.

Outlook

The Baseus EliteJoy was a disaster during testing. There’s no telling what the impact of prolonged usage under those thermal conditions could be, but what I do know is that I wasn’t comfortable risking it for too much longer.

While I can applaud Baseus for their design and intentions, the EliteJoy’s practicality is rendered moot by poor thermal management. The EliteJoy would make for a fairly useful free-standing hub, though its elongated form would then become cumbersome and awkward to position on most desks.

After taking the EliteJoy for a test drive I can’t in good faith recommend it. However, after having spoken with a Baseus representative about these issues, the brand reacted positively to the criticisms and hopes to do better if it continues with any further revisions.

Whether or not the docking station laptop stand combination is one of those concepts that fly a little too close to the sun to be truly effective remains to be seen, but I’m more than willing to give the next effort a shot if Baseus can find ways to resolve these thermal hurdles.

The Baseus UnionJoy Pro 17-Port Four-Screen Multifunctional HUB Docking Station (yes, that is its name) is a prime example of quality existing outside of larger brands like Plugable or Anker. To many, Baseus might not be immediately synonymous with quality docking stations and hubs, but that could be set to change.

The UnionJoy Pro is a great way to spearhead that effort, offering plentiful ports and a sizable source of power in a chic chassis. Good for both Windows laptops and MacBooks, the UnionJoy Pro is an impressive docking station with much to offer. But is it one of the best docking stations on the market today? Let’s find out. 

Baseus UnionJoy Pro Docking Station price and availability

Cutting right to the chase, the Baseus UnionJoy Pro 17-Port Four-Screen Mult— oh forget it, Baseus’ dock is available directly from the Baseus website and Amazon for $199.99.

If we look at docks within the same price range, we have the UGreen’s $199 UGreen 9-in-1 USB-C Docking Station and the $199 Plugable Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) as contenders.

While all three docks have their own strong points, Baseus’ dock comes out on top for port selection, which allows for a higher number of devices and displays to be connected at any one time. On the other hand, Plugable’s UD-4VPD comes out on top for speed and performance, primarily due to its USB4 compatibility.

Baseus’ dock trades outright performance for versatility, and it generally holds up, making its $200 price tag a fair one by most standards.

Baseus UnionJoy Pro Docking Station design

The Baseus UnionJoy Pro is genuinely eye-catching, blending curved edges with flat front and back panels for a supremely modern look and vibe. There’s a sense of style that’s hard to pin down, Baseus’ dock would look equally at home on the desk of an executive — elegantly perched on a mahogany surface as a Newton’s Cradle click-clacks away nearby.

Sadly, I’m not that sophisticated, though the UnionJoy Pro’s aluminum casing still looked pretty damn good on my cheap faux-oak desk next to a dangerously decrepit Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2. It really helped elevate the look and feel of my workspace, you know? Just being around it made me want to over-annunciate, start wearing smoking jackets, and grow a pencil mustache — it’s classy!

Even the halo of blue light that encircles the UnionJoy Pro’s grooved power button feels smart and chic. It’s more minuscule monolith than machine, majestically managing a mishmash of moorings by your mandate. That was quite impressive, wasn’t it? You don’t see that in a docking station review very often.

For a dock that manages to cram 17 ports into its frame, it's also impressively trim measuring 5.83 x 3.46 x 1.93 inches in size. That’s comparable to the rather slim CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 (5.55 x 4.46 x 1.65 inches), but both dwarf in comparison to other docks that offer fewer ports in both vertical and horizontal footprint.

That would indicate that you can place the Baseus UnionJoy Pro on its side, but its affixed legs will be left poking out and a lack of any rubber grips will leave it skating around your desktop on its belly like you’ve just sucker-punched a cyclopean penguin.

Baseus UnionJoy Pro Docking Station ports and connectivity

The UnionJoy Pro’s 17-port claim is somewhat misleading, given that one of those ports will connect to the 130W power supply and another to the host machine via USB-C. However, this is par for the course with almost all modern docking stations, so I can’t exactly fault Baseus for following the industry standards — even if it is a little misleading. Thankfully, the remaining 15 ports are absolutely nothing to scoff at.

The front of the dock (beyond its power button) features:

• 3 x Type-A USB 3.0 (5Gbps) ports
• 1 x Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps, 20W Power Delivery)
• 1 x Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps, Data only)
• 1 x SD Card reader
• 1 x MicroSD Card reader
• 1 x 3.5mm audio out jack

Spinning the dock around, the UnionJoy Pro's port offerings continue with:

• (Host) 1 x Type-C USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps, up to 100W of Power Delivery)
• (Power) 1 x DC-in (20V, 6.5A)
• 2 x Type-A USB 2.0 (480Mbps)
• 2 x HDMI 2.0 (supports displays up to 4K @ 60Hz)
• 1 x VGA (supports displays up to 1080p @ 60Hz)
• 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 (supports displays up to 8K @ 30Hz)
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet

Aside from the UnionJoy Pro’s decision to go with an audio out instead of a mixed audio combo 3.5mm jack (leaving wired headset users in a fluster), there are no major gripes to be had with port offerings. While slower, the variety is decent — with a solid amount of legacy USB support for peripherals.

Baseus UnionJoy Pro Docking Station performance

Baseus’ docking station requires a simple plug-and-play setup that can get to work right away without installing software or downloading drivers. Connect it to an available USB-C/USB4/Thunderbolt port, and you’ll have immediate access to all 15 of the docking stations remaining ports without hassle.

I took Baseus’ dock for a week-long UnionJoyride and can happily report that it won't crumble like a poorly made pie crust under pressure. Each of the ports were readily accessible when needed, and everything functioned perfectly and as advertised.

My typical setup consists of a 39W laptop, a wireless keyboard and mouse, an external mic, an external 4K display, and an iPad I use to satiate the needs of my lizard brain for quickfire YouTube Shorts content — the UnionJoy Pro powered through it all.

Through VGA, HDMI, or DisplayPort connections, external displays run smoothly without any lag or stuttering hiccups — even while the dock is running at near full capacity.

While the UnionJoy Pro is capable of running up to four displays at once (with three in 4K @ 60Hz and one in 1080p @ 60Hz), I had to settle for two at most in 4K. Not because of the limitations of Baseus’ device, but more due to the fact I’m not filthy rich — and that my ramshackle desk would likely collapse under the weight of all 16 of those K’s.

Unsurprisingly, in much the same way the UnionJoy Pro handled one display, Baseus’ dock didn’t break a sweat when juggling two. It also didn’t suffer from much thermal build-up while under heavy load. Even after a long day, the UnionJoy Pro silently chugged along without causing any fuss, or without turning into a 1.3 pound chunk of thermite ready to scorch its way through every surface below it like Xenomorph ichor.

Speaking of, I connected a more powerful laptop to the UnionJoy Pro to see how it handled a larger power draw while gaming. I got knee-deep in shell casings and acid blood during a few hours of Aliens: Dark Descent, and while this laptop is tailored for a 140W charge, the UnionJoy Pro’s 100W of Power Delivery adequately kept things flowing without a hitch.

However, admittedly, more commanding, power-hungry configurations (Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070+, AMD Radeon RX 6800M+) will begin to struggle with keeping things topped up with just 100W of juice at hand.

Bottom line

The Baseus UnionJoy Pro 17-Port Four-Screen Multifunctional HUB Docking Station won’t just snatch your breath away trying to recite its name, it’ll also impress with its power supply and port expansion — all available at a reasonable price.

It won’t rival the speeds of Thunderbolt docks, but its versatility is undeniable. If you’ve got plenty of peripherals pursuing a place to plug into and are perpetually pained by a poverty of ports then pick… Nope. Ran out of P’s. It’s a great dock, feel free to check it out further.

The Plugable Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) isn’t like the others. It might look that way, even sound that way judging by name alone. But it isn’t. Sure, the UD-4VPD might have a name like the tail end of a Steam redemption code, but I find that rather fitting — as it would make an excellent addition to a gaming setup.

Not just gaming either, the UD-4VPD has what it takes to be the heart of a tidy little content creation hub, controlling high-resolution displays with several speedy data ports to transfer media with ease. All while this little dock nails the basics of power delivery and effective cable management.

Is it one of the best laptop docking stations we’ve come across so far? It’s certainly in the running. Let’s dive a little deeper into Plugable’s dock and see what makes it stand out from the competition. 

Plugable Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) price and availability

Docking stations are generally expensive, especially when they’re as well-built and versatile as the UD-4VPD. That being said, Plugable’s Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) is available for just $199.95 at Amazon.

That’s a fair price for what you’re getting. Compare the UD-4VPD’s price to the very similarly specced $299.99 Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station and you realize just how reasonably priced it is. The difference in $100 does mean you give up a spare port or two, but you are also gaining faster ports overall — including a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port.

The only real difference between the two is that the UD-4VPD is USB4-backed (40Gbps), as opposed to following Intel’s Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps) standard. Which, in a general setup at least, won’t make too much of a difference at all.

Plugable Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) design

Plugable has kept it simple on this one to great effect. Sporting an anodized aluminum silver chassis with black aluminum face and back plates, the UD-4VPD looks decidedly sleek. Its rounded corners tone down an otherwise boxy appearance and helps to cut a fairly modern silhouette on your desk.

The familiar Plugable logo takes its place atop the dock but beyond that, design-wise at least, it’s somewhat of a humdrum affair. The aluminum chassis takes much of the spotlight, and in terms of premium build — it absolutely nails it.

From the second you pick up the dock, you can practically measure its quality in newtons alone. Its 3.15-pound heft makes it nigh unmovable even while swapping cables in and out — further aided by four grippy, rubberized feet on the UD-4VPD’s base.

The dock measures 9.17 x 5.71 x 3.31 inches in total, giving it a more than manageable footprint that could easily find a home in even the smallest setups. The elongated frame ensures that there’s generous spacing between ports and plenty of wiggle room for cable management once they're filled.

Another boon for cable management is the inclusion of the rear-facing host port, which is ideal if (like me) you can’t stand any stray cables coiling their way around your workspace. The dock’s overall design keeps the majority of ports to the rear of the device, allowing them to disappear over the edge of your desk and out of sight while keeping the more frequently accessed ports for data or charging at the front.

While Plugable’s device is no eye-sore, that doesn’t mean it’s dazzling either. It’s great if you’re keeping things strictly business, with its relatively bland design posing no risk of becoming a desktop distraction.

But if you’ve got more in mind when it comes to Plugable’s dock than it being a workstation cable assistant, it can come across slightly stiff looking when surrounded by devices more casual in their design — but we’ll get to that later.

Plugable Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) ports and connectivity

The Plugable Dual HDMI Docking Station can connect to any USB-C laptop, though if you want to take full advantage of the UD-4VPD’s impressive 40Gbps transfer speeds you’re going to need a USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 compatible machine.

Outside of the dock’s power input, fueled by a mighty 170W power supply included in the box, there are 11 ports on offer — 10 once the USB4 host connection is made. It's a somewhat generous collection of ports to choose from, and it’ll have all of your bases covered, but if you’re a heavy peripheral user then don’t expect to get more than three or four devices connected before you have to start juggling things in and out.

Taking a look at the front of the UD-4VPD we have a power switch, a single USB Type-A 3.1 Gen 2 port (10Gbps), a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) port with 20W Power Delivery, a set of Micro SD and SD card readers, and a 3.5mm mic/audio combo jack.

Spinning the dock around you’ll be greeted by a USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 port (5Gbps), another USB Type-A 3.1 Gen 2 port (10Gbps), a supercharged 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, two HDMI 2.1 display outputs (allowing two 4K external displays @ 120Hz, or one 8K @ 60Hz), the USB4 (40Gbps) host port with up to 100W of Power Delivery, and finally the power in port.

As port selections go, the UD-4VPD’s offering isn’t bad at all, especially when considering its ~$200 price tag. It’s a reasonable selection of ports, all of which offer impressive data  speeds — a few of which include solid charge speeds as well.

Plugable Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) performance

For general use, the UD-4VPD is a solidly performing device with just enough ports to manage a good few devices at any one time while offering a beyond excellent set of external display options that deliver impeccable results across the board.

However, if you’re a bit of a power user or simply have a need for additional accessories beyond your standard keyboard and mouse (such as external storage, or even a desk fan or lamp) then you’re likely to come up short.

But by the gods don’t touch it after a long day's work unless you’re about to join a secret government agency and want to show your initiative by melting off your own fingerprints in advance.

That would be the general gist of this review. However, Plugable founder and CTO Bernie Thompson was kind enough to answer when I asked him how he sees this docking station being used to full effect.

Thompson was quick to point out the UD-4VPD’s display capabilities as a primary. He showed great courtesy by explaining the technical way in which these outputs work — much of which, I’ll be honest, was so clever it made me feel insecure about the fact me no brain good.

However, Thompson kindly wrapped up his answer with the following: “Creative and gaming audiences tend to look for these high resolutions and refresh rates.” And so, I wanted to see if I’d overlooked or undersold anything that Plugable’s dock had to offer.

I tweaked my setup to accommodate a more creative feel. And, sure enough, the UD-4VPD was equally proficient. I took the dock on a video and photo editing tour that saw both the front-facing MicroSD and SD card readers performing excellently, pulling large images and videos from my camera’s storage card at fantastic speeds.

While I couldn’t put the dock to the test with an 8K display, I joined up a second 4K screen for even more of a digital canvas to work on and Plugable’s dock remained entirely unphased — though, as previously pointed out it did start to pick up a fair amount of heat. Honestly, if the box Plugable’s dock came in said it was also a micro radiator — I’d believe it.

So, what about gaming? Well, to give the dock its best shot I swept the whole desk clear and started again. Starting with what gamers seemingly find to be most important first.

I slapped as much RGB onto my desk as I could before bathing everything in neon hues. Which immediately resulted in Plugable’s dock looking more out of place than a middle-aged man on a bouncy castle.

It maintained much of its humdrum aesthetic even while donning a purple synthwave tint. In spite of the hours I spent staring into that illuminated power button, the little gamer inside me failed to reach a concise conclusion about whether it was just a plain old white LED or the slowest RGB cycle I’d ever encountered.

In terms of performance, Plugable’s dock is absolutely great for gaming. Its ability to transmit clear 4K pictures without any noticeable lag or stutter at 120Hz made for a top-notch, visually smooth experience. Hooking up an RJ45 cable to the dock’s 2.5Ghz Ethernet port made slow speeds and high ping a thing of the past in online games and gave me a considerable boost in speed when it came to downloading the dozen or so updates cluttering up my Steam account.

While the visuals were absolutely captivating, I eventually had to pull myself out of the experience and get back to my review. After all, there’s only so much OlliOlli World a hardcore gamer like myself can endure.

The aftermath of my test session saw the UD-4VPD now crammed with wires to resupply my ailing wireless devices and surrounded by a litany of crushed soda cans and scattered Doritos crumbs. Like the weepy kid at their first sleepover, I could almost hear this little out-of-place device cry out for me to take it home — back under the safe glow of an incandescent light bulb where it belongs.

But this is your life now, UD-4VPD. This is where you’ll stay. You’re now a prisoner of my gaming setup and you’ll be tortured by the electric snares of ambient Chillwave Lo-Fi Hip Hop Beats 24/7 live streams on YouTube until the day you eventually reach such critical heat levels that many consider you the second coming of the Demon Core and my entire town has to evacuate out of environmental fears.

Bottom line

Plugable’s dock proved to be an excellent addition to each setup I tried it with — but only just, and only because my setup was relatively basic each time. Which was mostly because I had no room left to connect anything else.

My wireless headset gathered dust on the shelf — and as for my external storage? There was no home to be found. That’s without me having the need for any specialized accessory like a graphics tablet, UHD webcam, or capture device that many streamers or content creators would find essential.

The UD-4VPD is a dock brimming with potential, and it will make for an excellent addition to the vast majority of setups. It has excellent qualities for content creation and gaming, but its limited number of ports means it’s not the dock for professionals or the hardcore crowd.

Plugable’s Dual HDMI Docking Station is a sure-fire win for a more relaxed setup that isn’t too worried about having access to everything all at once. If you want the core experience with all the performance bells and whistles then this is the docking station you need to keep your eye on.

Now, if you’ll excuse me. I’ve got Doritos to clean up.

Plugable’s Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) isn’t a name that has you thinking about high-performance gaming amidst cascades of RGB lighting. Nor does it cause it to spring out as an essential tool for any content creator’s editing bay – but names can be deceiving. The UD-4VPD is an 11-in-1, high-speed USB4 docking station with a unique feature designed to win the hearts and minds of those who love to create and play.

When it comes to designing a great dock, Plugable knows exactly what they’re doing. Ports are essential, and the bread and butter of any good docking station on the market. Power is equally vital, keeping your workstation ticking through a full work day should come as standard. However, visual performance is something often overlooked – and while a lot of docks offer access to impressive resolutions, they remain shackled to a 60Hz refresh rate.

Those shackles have just been broken.

Plugable Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD): The need for speed

Releasing today, Plugable’s Dual HDMI Docking Station transcends the limitations of the docks that came before it to deliver high-performance at high-speeds. With its blazingly quick 40Gbps USB4 connection, 100W of unstoppable Power Delivery, and its 20W Fast Charge capabilities, the UD-4VPD is an anodized aluminum speed demon of the desktop – and from creation suite to battle station Plugable’s dock has the display options to match.

The UD-4VPD features two HDMI 2.1 display outputs that tap into a 32.4 Gbps HBR3 video stream to deliver incredibly crisp, high resolution pictures at a rapid 120Hz. What results is an ultra-smooth experience that’s easy on your eyes while delivering impressive 4K and 8K resolutions ideal for content creation and lightning fast refresh rates for responsiveness and picture quality in gaming.

Has your gaming laptop got the horsepower in place but a screen that won’t hold up? Pair the UD-4VPD with a fast enough monitor and bring out your machine's true gaming potential. Power your peripherals, eliminate input lag, and guarantee you’re gaming at your best with a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port for a solid, reliable connection. 

Are you a content creator who wants the sharpest images you can get? The UD-4VPD can power two 4K displays at 120Hz, or a single display at 60Hz in full 8K resolution. All of this while a myriad of ports power your accessories and handle data transfer at a pace that would make a Lamborghini blush.

Outlook

Plugable's impressive new dock is available for just $199.95 at Amazon with a $15 off launch coupon. If you want a dock that can genuinely do it all it's well worth checking out. Especially when factoring its relatively low price point (for a docking station) and impressive on-paper performance.

We have the Plugable Dual HDMI Docking Station (UD-4VPD) on hand for a review to follow. So, if you need more time to decide, keep your eyes peeled to Laptop Mag for a full run down of the product over the next few days.

The Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station (With 98W Charging) is a name so long and arduous to write that I feel sorry you had to read it. So, from now on, we’ll call it by its shorter and somehow equally as unflattering product name, the TBT4-UDZ.

The Plugable TBT4-UDZ adds a staggering amount of ports and power to your setup. Not all of its power is reserved solely for the host machine either, as it also sports a ton of USB charge ports. If you’ve got a budding desire for a decked-out workstation or gaming setup, this is the kind of control center you want at the heart of it.

Plugable’s docking stations have routinely impressed us here at Laptop Mag, and the TBT4-UDZ doesn’t disappoint either. If you’re forever short on ports or in a pinch for power this will line up as one of the best laptop docking stations on the market today.

If you’re more of a tech nomad than a desk jockey, save yourself the hassle of lugging something as big as Plugable’s Thunderbolt 4 dock around and take a look at our best USB Type-C hubs. However, for now, let’s dive into Plugable’s latest dock offering. 

Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station price and availability

Pricing of a docking station can be a jaded affair, but Plugable has blindsided me with serious value for money. The TBT4-UDZ has an MSRP of $419, but is currently on sale at just $299 from Amazon, Newegg, and CDW.

That’s great value for money when compared to similarly-specced options like Targus’ $442.99 USB-C Universal Quad 4K Docking Station, and CalDigit’s $399 Thunderbolt Station 4.

In fact, it’s only $20 less than the TBT4’s spiritual predecessor — Plugable’s USB-C Triple 4K Display Docking Station, while packing a ton of premium-tier upgrades. 

Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station design

Plugable’s Thunderbolt 4 docking station doesn’t break new ground on the design front. It looks pretty much exactly like every other Plugable dock, only more premium with its anodized aluminum chassis. 

This might not be flashy or unique, but it’s still a considerable upgrade from the brand’s all-plastic USB-C Triple 4K Display Docking Station which we lavished with praise and a 5 star review back in 2022.

The chassis gives the dock a considerable heft of ~4lbs, 400g of which comes solely from the dock’s base stand. That’s right, not only have Plugable given this dock a full premium build, but it can also be stood horizontally or laid vertically. Another much requested feature missing from its predecessor.

The dock’s weight and base stand make it practically unmovable in the face of day-to-day knocks and nudges when stood up, but its lack of any surface grip along the sides means it is prone to traveling when laid flat. It’s not a deal breaker by any means, but a strange oversight for an otherwise immaculately thought out dock.

You’ll find  ports arranged across the front and back, reserving the majority of the I/O you’re less likely to need access to for the rear, while keeping things like card readers and a few of the faster, higher charge ports at the front.

I’m a big proponent of rear facing host ports. I like as few wires as possible on show at all times, and the ones that do show? I want them neat. (Don’t worry, I’m getting help for my issues.) So I’m not a huge fan of the TBT4-UDZ’s front-facing host port. No matter how or where I put the dock, I was left with a stray cable coiling around my desk. But I’m fine, it’s OK, I’m fine. I just need to remember to breathe through this. It’s fine. Really. 

Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station ports and connectivity

Plugable’s Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station features, unsurprisingly, a mix of Thunderbolt 4, USB4, and four video ports. Shocking. Of course, there are more ports available, 16 to be exact (15 once the Thunderbolt host connection is established).

Thankfully someone working at Plugable managed to stop the marketing team before they regurgitated “Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Legacy Port SD Card Reader Headset Ethernet Docking Station.”

Take a look at the front of the dock and you’ll be met with a handy power button, a Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps) host port with 98W of Power Delivery, a single 3.5mm combo audio jack, a USB 2.0 Type-A (5Gbps, 7.5W charge) port, and a USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps, 4.5W charge) port alongside a Micro SD and SD card reader.

Spinning Plugable’s dock around reveals a further treasure trove of ports including two USB 2.0 Type-A (5Gbps, 7.5W charge) ports, two USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps, 4.5W charge) ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10Gbps, with Power Delivery) port, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, two HDMI 2.0b ports (4K @ 60Hz), two DisplayPort 1.2 (4K @ 60Hz) outputs, and the dock’s DC in port – fueled by a commanding 135W PSU.

That is a staggering amount of ports to choose from, and it all but guarantees that 99% of people’s needs will be met across even the most demanding of computing setups. If there’s any one thing to single out for critique from Plugable’s Thunderbolt docking station, it would be the distinct lack of any additional Thunderbolt ports besides that of the host connection.

That being said, unless you’re planning to set up an eGPU or Thunderbolt-compatible capture device there’s a narrow need for such things. Clearly, Plugable has decided to focus on the ports people require most, and it has done so in abundance.

Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station performance

Throughout the week, I did my damnedest to try to clog up every last port the TBT4-UDZ had to offer, and Plugable’s dock chugged along as if it was designed for five times the workload. It barely even got warm after days of non-stop running. Transfer speeds were top-notch, it kept a slew of devices charged, and all of my accessories available to me.

Sadly, I don’t have four 4K monitors on hand, so I couldn’t max out Plugable’s dock and put it to its limits. I do, however, have a monitor and TV, both 4K compatible. So, I hooked those up instead.

Naturally, the TBT4-UDZ remained unphased and I was granted two additional UHD screens worth of screen real estate. I caught up on a couple of TV shows, I played through my Steam library for an hour or two, and everything ran smoothly. Not a single hitch, instance of lag, or hint of delay. The Plugable’s docking station capabilities were flawless.

That is until you get to the TBT4-UDZ’s MicroSD card slot, which seems to be actively avoiding my best efforts to feed anything into it – like a toddler that’s just realized the approaching airplane is nothing more than a spoonful of mashed swede. Swede.

The tightness of the spring-loaded eject slot doesn’t help matters either as my dainty data depot seems to crunch and grind with every failed attempt, as if this demonic opening had grown teeth and decided to gnaw away at my MicroSD’s connector pins.

God help you if your thumb slips during this process like mine did. I was almost shurikened as the tiny card rocketed back out of the TBT4-UDZ’s SD slot. Ever since then, I’ve been too afraid to go near it, lest Plugable’s dock chews up my card and spits it back out at velocity – filling me full of more shrapnel than the underwear of a stripper who accepts tips in loose change.

Ok, that might be a little bit of hyperbole. Yes, I did have issues with the dock’s Micro SD reader. But I assure you that while it's demonic in its nature, it’s quite toothless. I was able to avoid the issue entirely with an SD card adapter and using the TBT4-UDZ’s completely faultless SD card reader right next to the offending slot. I did return to the port, and I was able to fit a card into it eventually, but it was always a hassle. A needless hassle.

It should tell you something that I had to riff on something so small in stature to point out a weak spot in the otherwise impenetrable armor of Plugable’s dock. I tried my best to find fault in Plugable’s device. However, aside from here, I was only met with excellence at the end of every attempt.

Bottom line

Plugable’s Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station (With 98W Charging) isn’t a flashy device. Its name alone could put more people to sleep than counting sheep. However, if you can stay awake, the TBT4-UDZ is easily one of the best docking stations I’ve ever tested.

It excels in port selection, Power Delivery, cable management, and price — delivering everything you’re looking for in a dock alongside competitor smashing value. Last year we awarded the TBT4-UDZ’s predecessor a perfect score. Since then, Plugable has developed a dock that improves on it in every way possible.

However, fresh changes leave openings for all-new issues, and while the TBT4-UDZ has the occasional wrinkle to iron out, I don’t think there’s enough to take too much away from Plugable’s incredible efforts.

For that reason, Plugable’s Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station isn’t just standing on the shoulders of its predecessor, it’s an incredible product in and of itself – and finds itself a fraction of a way off of an equally incredible 5-star score in this review.

It's Prime Day 2023 Day 2, and things are rapidly approaching a finale, but there are still deals to be had. We're seeing the lofty prices of top-tier tech take a tumble, and that includes some of the best laptop docking stations on the market. 

If you're looking to upgrade your workstation, augment your gaming rig, or even build your work-from-home office for less, a good docking station is an essential item for your computing inventory. I've been putting my powers of dockduction to good use and scouring through Prime Day deals to pick out the best on offer for you, dear reader, to indulge in.

For more deals beyond what's to be found in the wonderful world of Docktopia (as if anything else truly matters beyond our borders) be sure to check out our ever-expanding Prime Day 2023 deals list for a wider selection of tech deals on Amazon right now!

Best Prime Day 2023 docking station deals: Quick links

• CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock: $299.95 $224.96 @Amazon
• Logitech Logi Dock: $399.99 $303.54 @Amazon
• Plugable TBT3-UDZ: $259.95 $199.96 @Amazon
• Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station: $249.99 $199.99 @Amazon
• Baseus 14-in-1 Laptop Docking Station: $109.99 $59.99 @Amazon
• Plugable USB 3.0 Laptop Docking Station: $154.99 $95.20 @Amazon
• Plugable 11-in-1 USB-C Docking Station: $79 $63 @Amazon

• Plugable UDS-7IN1: $69 $47.96 @Amazon
• Baseus 9-in-1 Laptop Docking Station: $69 $39 @Amazon
• SELORE USB-C Triple Display Docking Station: $99 $44 @Amazon
• Baseus 6-in-1 Docking Station for Steam Deck & ROG Ally: $59.99 $31.99 @Amazon
• Belkin USB C Hub, 4-in-1 Multi-Port Laptop Dock: $49.99 $34.99 @Amazon

Best Prime Day docking station deals

Prime Day deals: Docking stations over $200

Prime Day deals: Docking stations below $200

Prime Day deals: Docking stations below $100

Prime Day deals: Docking stations below $50

Greetings agent, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to not miss the best Prime Day deals, but many of the deals are set to self-destruct when the clock strikes midnight! 

I already covered a number of Anker Prime Day deals under $100, but I had to highlight the Anker PowerCore 24K because again I feel like it belongs in any IMF agent's toolkit (or my bag that I take to the coffee shop, which is just as important), but the 24,000mAh portable charger offers a fantastic feature set that could be a real lifesaver for anyone that finds themselves away from an outlet for extended periods.

The Anker PowerCore 24K will allow you to charge up to three devices at once with a max output of 140W, more than enough to charge anything other than a gaming laptop at full speed. The 24,000mAh is enough to charge even the largest smartphone almost five times over or a 12.9-inch iPad Pro three times. 

That little digital display isn't just for looks, it gives you a precise readout on the battery level remaining in the PowerCore 24K, how long until it is recharged if you have it plugged in, and what wattage it is delivering to your devices when are charging them.

At 6.1 x 2.15 x 1.95 inches it should slip easily into any bag and while at 1.4 pounds it isn't a featherweight, it's worth it for the peace of mind of being able to top up all of your devices without being tethered to an outlet. Speaking of peace of mind you also get a 24-month warranty.

Most of the best Prime Day deals are still available, but lighting deals like this Anker PowerCore 24K aren't likely to last into tomorrow, so lock in these savings now!

The Logitech Logi Dock is either a dock with conferencing capabilities or a conferencing tool with dock functionality. Honestly, it’s hard to say either way. What I know for sure is that Logitech’s docking station makes for a fine desktop companion, especially for those with limited space.

Logitech’s prowess in delivering fantastic peripherals and accessories almost goes without saying at this point. Be it a mouse, keyboard, or deep-sea diving gamepad, Logitech has you covered. The Logi Dock is no exception, offering a fantastic dock with built-in audio and conferencing tools alongside a fair amount of ports.

If you’re in the market for a dock to suit your business needs, I’ll cut right to the chase and let you know that the Logi Dock is one of the best docking stations to serve that purpose. Even if you’re just looking for an all-in-one solution for port expansion, better audio, and serious power delivery, then Logitech’s dock is also well worth a second look.

However, if you’re looking for something small and portable, you might find one of the best USB Type-C hubs more to your liking as the Logitech is most certainly a homebody – and well worth a permanent spot in your setup. 

Logitech Logi Dock price and availability

There’s nothing more reassuring about your judgment on a product than when you feel a pang of guilt inside when having to start things off by mentioning its price. Talking about the Logi Dock’s price so soon does feel like I’m poisoning the well, but it’s important to point this out now so nobody’s hopes are dashed further into the review.

The Logi Dock is available in graphite or white from Logitech’s website for a staggering $449.99. However, you can shave a considerable sum off of things by shopping around at places like Best Buy ($319), Newegg ($312), and Amazon ($324). 

At its original MSRP, the Logi Dock finds itself in the same price range as Targus’ $442.99 USB-C Universal Quad 4K Docking Station – a device that features a wider variety of ports, but doesn’t feature any of the Logi Dock’s conferencing capabilities nor its built-in speakers or Bluetooth connectivity.

That being said, both devices are beaten in terms of port selection, price, and performance by one of our favorite (and somewhat cheaper at $399) docks, the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4. Once again, while offering better docking station functionality, this dock doesn’t include the conferencing support nor built-in speakers found in the Logi Dock. 

Logitech Logi Dock design

Logitech’s device isn’t just the best-looking dock I’ve seen — it’s the most attractive laptop or desktop accessory I’ve ever laid hands on. At a glance, you’d be forgiven for mistaking the Logi Dock as a chunky small-scale soundbar because, in a way, I suppose that’s exactly what it is. 

The Logi Dock’s lid is composed of a slightly beveled, textured plastic and is adorned by five touch-sensitive buttons that can enable or disable your mic or webcam during conference calls, volume up and down buttons, and a central button used to quickly accept, or put an end to calls. There are also six perforations in the lid that house each of the Logi Dock’s six, noise-canceling, beamforming mics. 

The main body of the dock is shrouded in a surprisingly durable fabric resistant to bobbling or snaring. Not that the dock will see much travel, but you won’t have to worry about catching the material as you move the dock around to connect a new device or reposition it on your desk. 

The dock itself is angled upwards to direct its audio better, and includes underside lighting that alerts you to an upcoming call (white) or if your mic is currently muted (red). It’s a nice touch, especially if you want to avoid those awkward moments when it’s your turn to talk during a meeting only to find you’ve been on mute for the first 30 seconds. 

At 6.29 inches wide and 5.1 inches deep, the Logi Dock won’t take up much more surface area than most docks, but its height is another story altogether – standing 3.3 inches at its peak Logitech’s dock isn’t blending into the background anytime soon.

However, for all of its chunky dimensions, the dock’s slick presentation and mostly speaker-fronting design don’t make it an eyesore in the slightest. It works as a real centerpiece and can add a sense of premium flair to even the blandest of setups. 

Logitech Logi Dock ports and connectivity

The Logi Dock is cable management heaven with all but one of its ports placed squarely on the rear of the device out of sight. However, this means you’ll likely have to fumble around the back of the dock should you want to plug in a new device or USB thumb drive. But I can live with that if my workstation looks cleaner than a nun’s rap sheet as a result. 

Spin Logitech’s dock around and you’ll be greeted by DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 ports that can each drive an external monitor at 4K resolutions with HDR @ 60Hz, two USB Type-A 3.1 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) ports that deliver 4.5W and 7.5W of charging, two USB Type-C 3,1 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) ports both serving 4.5W of charge, a USB Type-C port for the host connection with up to 100W of Power Delivery, the 230W AC power port, and a Kensington security slot. Discreetly tucked away on the side of the dock is another USB Type-C port that delivers 7.5W of fast charging. 

You’ll also find a Bluetooth 5.1 Sync button on the rear of the Logi Dock that makes it super simple to connect up to seven additional wireless peripherals and devices. If you own a pair of Logitech Zone True Wireless earbuds, you can pair them with the dock, automatically switching your audio to the earbuds whenever you wear them.

For the Logi Dock’s size, I’d expect more in terms of port selection. With a clear focus being placed on conferencing, at the very least, I would’ve expected an Ethernet port to ensure a solid and reliable connection. Nobody appreciates laggy, hacked-apart audio during meetings after all.

That being said, the inclusion of Bluetooth as a connection option does expand the dock's offerings to a large degree, with most modern wireless mice and keyboards being Bluetooth enabled. This keeps the physical ports free, expanding the dock's port offerings and capabilities by some margin.

Still, for the price you pay, the lack of Thunderbolt support or even an SD card reader does stick out like a sore thumb.

Logitech Logi Dock audio

The Logi Dock houses a pair of custom, 55mm neodymium audio drivers in an anti-vibration acoustic enclosure which provide significantly mighty stereophonic sound, with a surprisingly hefty bass emboldened by the dock’s side-mounted passive radiators.

It’s no wonder Logitech went for an anti-vibration enclosure as the bass on the Logi Dock hits so hard that without it you’d have a speaker whose bass could be accurately measured by Richter scale. It’s a little overwhelming at lower volumes and can sound slightly muddy, but crank things up and you’ll be swimming in rich soundscapes ready to be fully immersed in your next Netflix binge.

The thumping bass on offer results in so little vibration that it barely registers. Likely due to the fact that while at peak volume, your hands will no longer be on your laptop or desk – they’ll be cupping your eardrums as you shield your ability to hear from the Logi Dock’s relentless tsunami of distortion-free sound.

The careful balancing of the Logi Dock’s audio drivers isn’t just great for music and entertainment, but during conference calls; you’ll hear voices in crystal clear clarity. The fantastic volume and additional bass helped elevate voices clearly without ever making them sound muddied or muffled.

Once you’ve experienced the powerful audio potential that Logitech’s dock has to offer, its lofty price tag begins to make a little more sense. This isn’t a tacked-on extra or an ill-thought-out gimmick – it’s a genuinely impressive feature that could be torn out and sold as a high-quality product in its own right. 

Logitech Logi Dock performance

My workstation isn’t the biggest, so having the Logi Dock on hand for the last week meant I gained all the benefits of a decent sound setup and the functionality of a dock without sacrificing much space on my desk.

With 100W of Power Delivery on hand to my laptop, I never worried about running out of juice, and with so many of Logi Dock’s ports offering charge and fast charge of their own, I was never concerned about my devices running flat either. The dock's sizable 230W power supply kept everything ticking smoothly, even at max capacity.

Throughout the week, I used the dock’s ability to sync up with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet to remind me of my upcoming meetings, which I then joined with a single tap of the Logi Dock’s primary button.

The audio that came through during meetings was clear and legible at all times, though I did notice in testing that my own voice would sound thin and tinny at times. Nevertheless, the noise-canceling feature did a great job of isolating my voice from any background racket, and it was still entirely serviceable.

Hooking up an external display to the Logi Dock gave me a much larger canvas to work from, and not once did I notice any lag or stutter – just crisp and smooth images time and time again regardless of whether I used a DisplayPort or HDMI connection. 

Mac users may find themselves having to install DisplayLink Manager if they’re looking to expand their screen to a second or third monitor if they want to avoid any persistent issues with black screens while watching Netflix, but it’s otherwise a pretty straightforward and hassle-free setup. 

From the moment I set up the Logi Dock, I was convinced that by the end of the week, my primary concern would be with the lack of legacy USB Type-A ports on offer. However, thanks to the Bluetooth Sync button, those two ports were all that I needed after connecting my mouse and keyboard wirelessly.

Instead, my primary issue was with the lack of an SD card reader. Transferring images from my camera to my laptop became a needless hassle without one, and only left me puzzled as to why something as important to many wasn’t included in the dock’s layout.

On reflection, these are minor gripes. The overall performance of the Logi Dock was beyond what I expected. It took on the roles of two very separate devices and, for the most part, proved to be highly capable of doing both.

Bottom line

Logitech’s phenomenal dock is heavily countered by an equally phenomenal price tag, which will be the biggest hurdle for anyone to climb when considering this accessory.

The Logic Dock is a true premium offering that masquerades as a business conferencing tool while offering so much more: fantastic audio, solid support for external displays, great cable management, a decent (if archaic for the price) port selection, and a stunning design to boot.

Is it worth the average price of a PS5 console though? I’m not so sure. But if you can shop around and trim the Logi Dock’s excessive cost down to size, then you’d be gaining yourself an impressive multi-function computing companion for work, play, and everything in between.

Plugable’s UDS-7IN1 Docking Station for tablets and phones is one of those devices you think you have no need for — until you’ve seen it in action. Once you’ve tried it yourself you’ll be sold on it as one of the best tablet and iPad Pro accessories on the market.

While some argue that placing a tablet on a stand negates the device's ultimate touch-and-tap experience, there’s a whole world of possibilities available to DisplayPort Alt Mode, Samsung DeX, and iPad Pro devices beyond smearing your greasy fingerprints all over its dazzling OLED and Liquid Retina displays.

Expanding your screen with an external monitor, making room for peripherals, having quick access to flash storage, and even regaining an audio combo jack are all possible with Plugable’s dock. Better still, you’ll be keeping your phone or slate juiced up the entire time. Just how good is Plugable’s UDS-7IN1 Docking Station? Well, I’d count it among the best docking stations around, and we can read on to find out why. 

Plugable UDS-7IN1 Docking Station price and availability

Prices generally set expectations, so with the Plugable UDS-7IN1 Docking Station only costing $59.95 (which is modest for a docking station) you’d be expecting a pretty no-frills affair. However, you’d be mistaken for writing off this dock so easily.

Plugable’s dock is a premium offering in its own right, made of sturdy long-lasting materials, outfitted with a decent variety of ports for its size, and solid Power Delivery — more than enough to keep your tablet or iPad topped up to full throughout the day. 

Let’s keep the same idea in mind while we look at a premium tablet and iPad dock, Kensington’s $379.99 StudioDock. Comparatively, at this price, you must be expecting Kensington’s docking station to sprout legs and follow you around like some Boston Dynamics mechanical mutt, or Rincewind’s luggage.

However, the primary difference between these two devices is one or two ports and a trio of Wireless Qi charging pads. The latter of which may be completely useless to you if you already own a wireless charging station or simply aren’t interested in wirelessly charging your devices.

The UDS-7IN1 is otherwise equally as capable, and picking one up will net you all of the core functionality of a device that costs as much as $320 more. Simply put, Plugable’s dock gives you more value for your money.

The Plugable UDS-7IN1 Docking Station is currently available at Amazon, Newegg, CDW, and Insight for $59.95. 

Plugable UDS-7IN1 Docking Station design

From the first moment you pick up Plugable’s docking station, you’re assured of both its quality and dependability. The dock’s solid aluminum frame and casing make for an impressively durable bit of kit with enough heft to it (1.23 pounds) to know that it will be your desktop bulwark bestie for years to come. 

There are two points of articulation in the stand, with hinges at the base and backplate. Both of these are tough and stiff, and while some might find their complaints in that, I’d rather the cradle that holds up my expensive tech be rather hard to reposition.

If Atlas ever wanted a day off, Plugable’s UDS-7IN1 Docking Station could fill in just nicely — its arms have a sturdy, durable build.

There’s a generous amount of grippy rubber pads along the device hooks, backplate, and base of the dock to keep everything in place and safe from travel, and when not in use, the stand can be folded down and easily packed away. 

The dock isn’t exactly the most travel friendly compared to smaller, more pocketable USB-C hubs due to its size and the bulk of the stand. However, when folded down it’s great for dropping into a bag and not having to worry about due to its resilient build. 

Plugable UDS-7IN1 Docking Station ports and connectivity

For its size and purpose, Plugable’s UDS-7IN1 docking station provides an admirable selection of ports that can make a wide number of devices the focal point of a tablet-based workstation.

Technically, the UDS-7IN1 is compatible with any USB-C tablet or phone. However, iPadOS 16+, Windows 10/11, Samsung DeX compatible tablets or phones, and USB-C devices that support DisplayPort alt mode can make the most of this dock’s external display functionality. 

The left side of the device includes two USB 3.0 (5Gbps) ports and a single 3.5mm audio/mic combo jack. 

On the right side of the dock is where you’ll find the USB-C host connection with 91W of pass-through charging and SD and Micro SD card readers. 

And at the rear of the dock is where you’ll find a USB-C power-in port that can make use of your phone or tablet’s charger to keep things powered, and a lone HDMI port capable of running an external display in 4K resolution @ 30Hz. 

It’s hard to argue with what Plugable has managed to cram into its dock given the space available, but it does feel just one or two ports short of perfection. Connect a keyboard and a mouse up to the UDS-7IN1 and you’re already at max capacity when it comes to peripherals, meaning if you have a USB thumb drive, external hard drive, or charging cable you’d like to connect also you’re flat out of luck. A few more Type-A USB ports wouldn’t go amiss here, but it’s otherwise a pretty impressive offering. 

Plugable UDS-7IN1 Docking Station performance

I’m no iPad power user by any metric, I use it to play the occasional game, watch the occasional video, and every now and then, sketch the occasional doodle. However, after hooking my iPad Pro up to the Plugable UDS-7IN1, I was suddenly more interested in taking advantage of this device’s capability than ever before. 

I quickly connected my keyboard and mouse to the docking station. Suddenly, I found myself sitting in front of a desktop-familiar setup, albeit a rather small one. It’s probably best suited for the Derek Zoolander Center for Kids Who Can't Read Good, but even if it was a little on the miniature side of things, it was still serviceable.

It was like sitting in front of ‘Baby’s first iMac’ initially, or some V-tech offering of the desktop experience. But it was somewhat fun at the same time. I’d never bothered to interact with my iPad Pro in this way, and it wasn’t half bad either.

Sure, the height of the cradle is a bit of an issue, and it’s not the most comfortable of ways to sit hunched over and squint at a little screen. But this can be easily remedied with a monitor bench or by making use of the dock’s HDMI port and Apple’s Stage Manager to mirror the display or expand your screen to an external display — like what I did. 

Overall the performance was great, seamless even. As Bethesda’s Todd Howard might say “It just works.” I even noticed pretty late on that the gap between the device grips was there so I could use the iPad in portrait mode too, it’s the little touches like that which really round out an impressive showing. 

Bottom line

I’ve had my hands on more docks than a lusty cruise liner lately, and I have to say that Plugable’s UDS-7IN1 Docking Station is the one that’s surprised me most of all.

You’ll often hear me talk about a docking station's ability to transform a desk into a workstation, and really bring out the potential of a device that doesn’t quite have enough ports to truly perform. Plugable’s UDS-7IN1 exemplifies that transformation entirely.

My iPad Pro was little more than a shilpit slate for navigating Apple Arcade, but Plugable’s dock brought out the beast within. Now it can be a real pygmy powerhouse of productivity, a teeny-weeny workstation to toil away my day at, or my pint-sized portal to photo editing.

I almost feel bad about only giving it four and a half stars, but I live in the hope Plugable finds a way to best it — the UDS-7IN1 is just a few ports short of perfection.

Monoprice docking stations, much like the rest of the brand’s burgeoning catalog, are impressive devices that partner quality and affordability for great results. The Monoprice 13-in-1 Dual HDMI + DP MST Dock fits snugly into the company’s objectives of affordable, top-tier tech — and it’s ideal for anyone seeking to squeeze as much potential from their laptop or desktop computer as possible.

Monoprice’s dock can be used on Windows or Mac systems to transform a single USB Type-C port into a full spread of display, legacy, audio, and storage inputs. It delivers the best out of your machine and grants you a well-rounded setup..

If you’re shopping around for the right accessory to manage your workstation needs, be sure to check out our selection of the best docking stations to find what’s best for you. If you need something smaller, lighter, and travel-friendly, read on about Monoprice’s dock and check out our run-down of the best USB-C hubs to compare what’s available. 

Monoprice 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock price and availability

Available at an MSRP of $54.99, you can find the Monoprice 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock on the Monoprice website, Target, and Walmart. For a dock that offers 100W of Power Delivery, both HDMI and DisplayPort options for extending your display (supporting up to three external monitors), and a wide assortment of ports to boot, Monoprice’s dock is incredible value for money.

For example, UGreen’s $199 9-in-1 USB-C Docking Station is roughly four times the cost of Monoprice’s dock and offers identical power delivery., but support for only two external displays (although it does feature two HDMI and DisplayPort connections). UGreen’s dock also doesn’t provide nearly as many USB Type-A connections (though the ones it does provide are faster). It also doesn’t include an SD/Micro SD card reader nor a 3.5mm audio jack.

However, UGreen’s dock does provide a USB-C port to reclaim the one lost from your device, and features a more premium design and overall build — and it’s far superior when it comes to cable management. The lack of a hard-wired host cable gives the device much more freedom and flexibility when laying out your setup.

The Monoprice 13-in-1 Dual HDMI + DP MST Dock proves that high quality doesn’t always have to mean high cost, delivering an incredibly laudable price tag that leaves it standing out from the competition.

Monoprice 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock design

For everything you can praise Monoprice for on the design of its dock, you can equally raise questions about the same thing. Its thin and lightweight design (measuring 5.5 x 2.2 x 0.65 inches in size and weighing just ~118 grams) makes it a fantastic travel companion, but the same design and lack of any rubber feet cause the dock to shift and move at the slightest tug or nudge when used on a desk.

Similarly, the hard-wired host cable is great for travel; you never have to worry about packing an additional cable. It also makes the device a little less durable overall. If that cable (while pretty stiff and sturdy) becomes damaged, the entire dock is rendered useless. Thankfully, Monoprice does offer lifetime warranties for cable issues, but you’d still be without a dock until that gets resolved.

Also, while the amount of ports on offer is fantastically generous, the placement of them is quite puzzling. Judging by the Monoprice logo on top of the dock, the front of the device includes both HDMI ports and the Power Delivery. It’s not exactly a deal breaker to either flip the dock over or turn it around. However, you’re then left with the 3.5mm audio/mic combo jack behind the hard-wired host cable.

Turn the dock so it’s lengthways and you’ll find that the DisplayPort is now at the front of your desk, with HDMI and Power Delivery cables sprawling to your left. If you turn it the other way, however, the dock is too far back from your machine and difficult to access.

While this might all seem like small fry, I believe one of the key features of a docking station is to help maintain the tidiness of your workspace. While Monoprice’s dock certainly looks the part with its modern aluminum shell and black plastic cutaways, your desktop won’t as you’re left trying to tame the spaghetti junction of cables creeping away in all directions.

Monoprice 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock ports and connectivity

Monoprice’s 13-in-1 dock requires a single Type-C USB connection to the host computer in order to function. Once connected, the device can be used as a USB-C hub, drawing power from your device. However, connecting a USB-C charger to the Power Delivery (In) port of the device not only powers the dock, but also provides up to 100W of Power Delivery to the host machine.

The Power Delivery port sits at the “front” of Monoprice’s dock (although which side of the device faces where will be largely dependent on how you connect it to your laptop, and arrange the dock on your desktop), and is joined by a single SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Type-A (5Gbps) port, and two HDMI ports (capable of driving a single 4K external display @ 60Hz, or two 4K displays @ 30Hz). Note: M1 and M2 MacBooks will be limited to extending their display to just one external display.

On the right side of the dock, you’ll find a single Gigabit Ethernet port and a singular DisplayPort connection that can drive a single 4K external display @ 60Hz. While there is only one DisplayPort available, you can make use of the DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) feature of the dock to connect to an external display, and then daisy-chain the connection to up to two others — with support for three 1080P displays @ 60Hz. (M1 and M2 MacBooks are still limited to a single external display). 

At the rear of the dock, there are two SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Type-A (5Gbps) ports, two USB 2.0 Type-A (480Mbps), and TransFlash/MicroSD and SD card readers. 

The remaining side of Monoprice’s 13-in-1 dock is where the dock’s wired USB-C host connection cable is to be found with a 3.5mm audio/mic combo jack tucked in neatly next to it. 

On the whole, Monoprice’s dock delivers a fantastic assortment of ports without compromising its ability to offer more screen real estate through extended displays (and vice versa). The 13 additional ports it offers deliver incredible versatility to any machine the dock is connected to, with ample room for legacy peripherals, external storage, and wireless receivers.

The only thing truly dividing this dock from some of the far more premium options out there is its lack of higher resolution support or USB4/Thunderbolt offerings but for the price, this is a stellar showing from Monoprice.

Monoprice 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock performance

As a plug-and-play device, connect the Monoprice 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock to your laptop via the host cable and you’re good to go right out of the box. Mac users will customarily need to install DisplayLink Manager if they’re interested in using an external display. (Lest they fall foul to the Netflix black screen.) However, That aside, Monoprice’s dock is a no-fuss install — at least before you start connecting cables.

If you’re somewhat of a neat freak when it comes to your setup, this is where the majority of your headaches with the dock will come from. Its sporadic port placement and tethered host cable will place a limit on how best to lay things out. Instead of everything being neatly funneled toward the rear of your desk, the dock branches cables out across all four directions, making it a nightmare if you’re a cable managing neat-freak.

Aside from the dock’s spider-legged appearance when fully stacked, I put that 100W claim to the test and saw it pass with flying colors — providing my laptop with plenty of charge to make it through the day. Even when I really started to tax my power-hungry system, Monoprice's dock kept that percentage crawling higher. There’s no doubt that it took longer than my usual 140W fast-charge power supply would have done, but I was never left short-changed when it came to battery life, so I have no real complaints to make.

I tested both HDMI and DisplayPort connections of Monoprice’s dock to find both ran impressively well. I never had an instance of lag or stutter, even when gaming. The 60Hz refresh rate ensured the images were both responsive and smooth, and there was no noticeable shift from using my laptop's own screen. The dock did feel a little warm after a short while of extending my displays and having a few devices hooked up to it, but in no way was it anything to be concerned about.

Outlook

The Monoprice 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock isn’t just incredible value for money, it’s a fantastic option for any setup that needs more ports and on-screen real estate. If cable management isn’t too much of a bother for you, you’re going to be more than impressed when it comes to Monoprice’s dock.

It’s a premium offering at a fraction of the price — and it performs without a hitch. There’s room for Monoprice to make improvements in the future, with more USB-C or Thunderbolt availability, but for most people, this dock will handle everything you need and more for years to come.

UGreen makes a lot of tech, and has its fingers in a lot of pies. But docking stations are the company’s bread and butter, and I’ve been taking the brand new 9-in-1 USB-C Docking Station for a spin to see how well it performs.

As the name implies, you get nine additional ports for your device to make the most of — all of which are gained through sacrificing only a single USB Type-C port. Is this one of the best docking stations we’ve tested? Or will it be pipped to the post by some of our best USB-C hubs? Let’s find out. 

UGreen 9-in-1 USB-C Docking Station price and availability

Docking stations can cost a pretty penny. Some of which have so much to offer that sometimes you can almost justify it. But others? Not so much. The UGreen 9-in-1 Docking Station finds itself precariously balanced between those two categories, swaying to and fro depending on your specific needs. However, it’s not an exorbitant price for a docking station.

Available for $199, the 9-in-1 USB-C Dock finds itself up against some stiff competition from the likes of Kensington’s $179.99 SD4100v USB 3.0 Dual 4K Docking Station, which packs  a wider array of ports and similar extended display options (dual 4K @ 60Hz). However, that dock only supports machines with USB Type-A connections and doesn’t feature HDMI or USB Type-C support.

We rate Kensington’s dock as one of the best you can currently buy for its wide port selection and workstation potential, but unless you invest in a USB Type-C to USB Type-A adapter, it’s unlikely to suit your needs on a modern machine. You’d also be missing out on the faster speeds modern ports have to offer.

The UGreen 9-in-1 USB-C Docking Station is currently available on Amazon.com for $199.

UGreen 9-in-1 USB-C Docking Station design

The fact that docking stations can often cost enough to make a grown man weep, and still have the gall to look like cheap tat is a travesty. Thankfully, for the premium price you’d be expected to pay, UGreen’s docking station looks spectacular.

I love how this dock’s black aluminum frame blends into my setup. At just 7.86 x 4.53 x 1.85 inches in size, I was able to tuck the dock away under my laptop stand, and there it remained. Sat in plain sight but subtle enough to stay completely out of mind.

Sticking most of the ports on the back is a slick design choice for keeping cable management to a minimum. And even though the dock is a super travel-friendly 1.14 pounds in weight, its rubber skates kept the device firmly in place at all times while I primped and preened my cables into place while setting things up.

Once in place, it felt like the cherry on top of my setup. While I never had to touch it for any other reason than to turn it off and on, its chic and modern design left it feeling like the star of the show at all times. A truly brilliant piece of design that looks like it’s worth every red cent of its commanding price tag.

UGreen 9-in-1 USB-C Docking Station ports and connectivity

Here’s where things become a little more hit-and-miss for UGreen’s docking station. Its 9-in-1 offering is fantastic if you’re looking to expand your display, but quite limiting if you’re looking for a wealth of ports to really expand on the potential of your machine.

The front of the UGreen 9-in-1 USB-C Docking Station is a simple affair. Outside of the dock’s power button, you’ll find two USB Type-A 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps) ports and a single USB Type-C 3.1 (10Gbps) port.

At the rear of the device, you’ll find a Gigabit Ethernet port, a USB Type-C power input, a USB Type-C port with up to 100W of Power Delivery, and a brace of DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0 ports.

If the UGreen 9-in-1 USB-C Docking Station’s reserved front offerings left you thinking it had saved the best stuff for the back end of things, you’d be half right, but disappointed with what's on offer. Unless you’re looking for versatility in extending your display, that is — in which case DisplayPort and HDMI options are a fantastic boon.

Legacy and modern port support, however? It’s a tough break, one that can see the device’s ports plugged up entirely, leaving you to begin juggling between connections. Which is exactly the thing you want to avoid by purchasing a docking station in the first place. The lack of an SD card slot will also be felt by creatives with a ton of photos to import.

UGreen 9-in-1 USB-C Docking Station performance

UGreen’s 9-in-1 dock worked perfectly well throughout my week. With 100W of Power Delivery, I was able to charge my laptop, my phone, and my iPad with ease, though I did need to juggle cables around whenever I wanted to switch between devices.

UGreen also provides a pretty solid USB Type-C cable in the box — sturdy enough to be set into place and provided decent speeds when it came to transferring data back and forth between my device and any external storage I needed to use.

I put both the pair of HDMI and DisplayPort offerings to the test, hooking my laptop up to two external displays. At no point did I encounter any stuttering or lag, although I did notice that the UGreen 9-in-1 USB-C Docking Station would get very warm to the touch over time. However, be that as it was, even when I switched over from video to gaming, the experience remained lag and stutter-free.

However, as you’d expect with docking stations like this, Mac users will need to install DisplayLink Manager, which causes some DRM-based issues around watching content on the likes of Netflix. If you do run into this issue, here’s a quick guide on how to fix the black screen problem. 

The overall experience was flawless, heat build-up aside. While it didn’t affect me in the short term, I can’t say for sure just how that might impact the performance of the device over a longer period of time.

Bottom line

The UGreen 9-in-1 USB-C Docking Station is a brilliant dock to look at and makes for a fantastic desktop companion if your workstation desires involve hooking up a set of 4K displays.

However, UGreen’s dock comes up short on the port selection at hand. While this docking station is referred to as a 9-in-1, if you’ve no interest in extending your displays then that number drops considerably to 5-in-1 — and considering one of those ports is to the host connection, then it’s fairer to say 4-in-1.

Beyond this docking station's impressive display support, all you really have to work with is an Ethernet port, two USB Type-A ports, and a single USB Type-C port. Which, for many, simply won’t cut it.

Plugable is one of those brands that does just about everything. Whether you’re looking to pick up one of the best docking stations on the market, the best Bluetooth adapters, or even just some quality, reliable cables – Plugable has a little bit of everything you need. Now, for those of you looking for a price-friendly port extension, Plugable has a little bit more thanks to its latest additions to an already impressive lineup of USB hubs.

Legacy port support is a problem with most modern laptops. The thinner we make them, the less space we’ve left to cram in a decent selection of I/O. It’s a constant back and forth between form and function that, thankfully, the best USB Type-C hubs can go some way to solving.

However, at that point you often have to contend with Power Delivery, external monitor support, and a myriad of other features being thrown into the mix. Honestly, things can rapidly spiral out of control when looking to invest in a new bit of kit.

That’s why sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution. Plugable’s latest USB hubs are straightforward, no-fuss hubs that seek to provide ample support for legacy devices without causing clutter, unnecessary features, and without breaking the bank.

Hub hub hooray!

There’s nothing worse than investing in one of the best laptops money can buy, only to find that its brief selection of Thunderbolt 4 ports leave your legacy USB peripherals homeless – and even if there is a USB Type-A port available, the one or two thrown in there just might not be enough to keep your workstation running at full tilt.

Thankfully, Plugable’s latest USB-C hub (USBC-HUB4A) and USB 3.0 hub (USB3-HUB4A) are trim, trouble-free, and tidy little devices that offer four high-speed USB 3.0 ports capable of transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps to the host laptop or device. 

Portable support for your peripherals

Plugable’s bus-powered hubs require no external power supply and no software to install. Just connect one of these hubs to your machine and you’re already good to go. Connect everything from keyboards, mice, thumb drives, wireless receivers for peripherals and more to give your desktop or workspace an instant productivity boost. 

Each hub is also compact, durable and lightweight enough in design to make for a perfect travel companion – meaning you’ll never have to be without the expanded functionality of your setup at work, at home, or anywhere in between. 

A universally good deal

Both hubs are also universally compatible with a great range of operating systems including Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and Linux. These plug-and-play devices can instantly expand the potential of your port-constrained device – and better still, it’ll hardly cost you a thing.

You can pick up both of these hubs today, right now in fact, at Amazon.com with a starting price of just $12.95. Plugable has also sweetened the deal further by granting early adopters a fantastic $3 launch coupon, shaving the already low cost of each device down to just $9.95 for a limited time – act fast!

Storage, cables, accessories, and adapters — these are just some of the things you may have seen the CalDigit name applied to as you’ve shopped around for your top-tech needs. But the brand’s docks and hubs are what catch my eye more than anything else, and the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 is a prime example of why.

In the quest for manufacturers to deliver thinner and lighter laptops, port selection is the most common sacrifice. Ethernet ports? No chance. Type-A USB ports? Nada. DisplayPort/HDMI? Keep dreaming. The more svelte your laptop, the less likely you are to have any extra connectivity options. When it comes to certain laptops, it’s Thunderbolt or bust, and even they might be short in supply.

Thankfully, when it comes to the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4, it only takes a single Thunderbolt 4 or USB Type-C port to revolutionize your desktop — providing an I/O overhaul that can deliver an incredible workstation setup from even the puniest of port offerings. Read on to learn more about the latest addition to our best USB-C  hub page.

CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 price

It’s a shame that this section of the review comes first because the TS4’s price tag is going to put many of you on the back foot for the rest of this review. However, let’s get right to one of the biggest hurdles CalDigit’s dock faces in winning you over.

Available at a price of $399/£399, the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4’s lofty price tag is a bitter pill to swallow. It’s not the most expensive docking station we’ve come across by any stretch, and it’s still cheaper than the Targus’s $442.99 USB-C Universal Quad 4K Docking Station — a docking station that provides no Thunderbolt 4 support, or SD card readers, and has fewer ports overall.

When considering the CalDigit’s price, it’s vital we keep value in mind, and while expensive, the TS4 offers a formidable amount of ports alongside plenty of power. Whether or not that justifies its near-$400 price tag however, will come down to how much use you can draw out of the device and how important a docking station is in your setup.

Personally, the price seems a little high, but if a sale or deal knocks just a little off of CalDigit’s asking price then this would be an instant purchase for sure.

CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 design

The CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 is a docking station delight in terms of overall design and quality. The metallic chassis is a sleek, lightly-brushed aluminum frame that stays relatively true to the signature CalDigit design that’s wowed since 2015. 

At just 1.41 pounds, the TS4 is light in the hands and won’t be a burden if placed into a backpack for travel. CalDigit’s dock is also small enough to find a home in any setup, standing or laid flat, at just 5.55 x 4.46 x 1.65 inches in size.

The docking station's base is covered by a single layer of grippy plastic that ensures the device won't slide or topple when upright. If you prefer it laid horizontally, CalDigit also supplies two grippy rubber feet that effortlessly slip onto the chassis’ ridge-laden frame which do a fantastic job of keeping such a lightweight device in place even when making use of more rigid cables.

The TS4’s ridged frame is a classic look for external devices that somehow never seems dated — even if it does, at times, resemble the metal comb of some high-tech musical box when placed on its side. Its modern aesthetic meets a classic look in splendid fashion, it’s unique, somewhat timeless, and looks great next to devices and setups of all colors.

CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 ports

Here’s where the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 really begins to shine. The port selection on offer here is second to none, with a mix of modern and legacy ports covering all your bases — with one slight omission.

The front of the dock features a UHS-II SD/Micro SD card reader; a single Type-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s) USB port with offline charging (meaning it will provide up to 7.5W of charge — even with the host computer disconnected); two Type-C 3.2, Gen 2 (10Gb/s) USB ports, both of which feature host-only charging with one supplying 20W and the other 7.5W; and finally, a 3.5mm mic/audio combo jack that’s ideal for wired headsets.

Spinning the device around, we get to the business end of the dock which features four Type-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s) USB ports, two of which provide 7.5W of host charge with the other delivering offline charging at the same rate. There are also three Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 (40Gb/s) ports, two of which deliver downstream devices 15W of charge, and the third is a host port with 98W of Power Delivery.

Also featured along the rear of the device is a single Type-C 3.2, Gen 2 (10Gb/s) USB port that delivers 7.5W of host power; a 2.5 Gigabit (2.5GBASE-T) Ethernet port;  two separate 3.5mm audio jacks for input and output; a single DisplayPort 1.4 video output; a DC input that supplies the device with up to 230W of power; and finally a Kensington lock slot to keep your device safe and tethered to your desk when you’re out and about.

The TS4’s singular DisplayPort is the only area where the device comes up short in terms of port availability. While it can support 8K video output at up to 8K @ 60Hz for TBT4/3 and USB4 PCs (and dual 4K displays @ 60Hz on similar PCs, TBT4/USB4 Chromebooks, TBT3 Macs, and M1/M2 Pro/Max and M1 Ultra MacBooks) if your monitor is HDMI you will need to invest in an adapter (or two if you intend to use dual monitors) that further increases your costs when picking up this dock.

CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 performance

CalDigit states that the Thunderbolt Station 4 is “18 ports of extreme connectivity,” and I’m happy to say they aren’t wrong.

One of the key elements of CalDigit’s dock is its sublime power output. There are plenty of Thunderbolt 4 docks that claim to have a high Power Delivery to the host machine, but the more devices you connect, the more power is drawn away from that primary connection.

The TS4 doesn’t have this issue, thanks to its large 230W power supply. No matter how many devices are drawing power from the dock you’re guaranteed 98W of Power Delivery to the host machine.

It’s a claim I put to the test as best I could, connecting just about every device I could get my hands on to the dock to see if CalDigit’s claims held true. I charged my phone, iPad, Logitech G Pro X Superlight wireless mouse, wireless keyboard, a second tablet (and phone), and then connected my Dell XPS 15 to the host port.

My laptop raised a slight fuss at the fact it wasn’t connected to its intended 140W power supply, but sure enough, the CalDigit delivered a charge at a steady enough rate to not just keep my laptop going throughout my work day, but charged it up to full (albeit at a slower rate than usual.)

I’m no fan of cables laying around, and that made me especially thankful for the fact the TS4’s host port is at the back of the device. It goes a long way toward keeping your workspace clutter-free and allows the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 to perfectly blend in with your setup.

Even though my laptop has a built-in SD Card reader, I still found the CalDigit’s reader useful — if anything more so. Using the TS4’s SD Card reader meant I didn’t have to worry about forgetting to remove the card from the laptop before placing it in my bag avoiding any potential knocks or damage to the card in question.

I tested the DisplayPort’s capabilities with an external MSI monitor, enjoying a lag and stutter-free experience in the process. Even with the dock charging so many devices, there were no hiccups to show for it. The TS4 simply bounded along as if nothing would phase it.

And nothing did. My time with the TS4 was practically flawless when it came to performance. Even when attempting to use up as many ports as physically possible, CalDigit’s dock remained cool under pressure — never once giving me cause for concern.

Bottom line

The CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 is everything you could need from a Thunderbolt-capable dock and more. Thanks to its impressive performance and unflinching Power Delivery, the TS4 has very quickly become, not only the best accessory on my desktop but also one of my top picks for the best laptop docking stations you can buy today.

It is however not a flawless recommendation, there’s still the issue of the TS4’s price to consider. Taking price into account alongside any potential need you might face for picking up adapters for any non-DisplayPort monitors you own (which CalDigit sells for $34.99 / £34.99 a pop) might push the TS4’s premium $399/£399 cost even higher, resulting in it being a stretch too far for some. This is a burden that might be eased if CalDigit provided at least one adapter out of the box.

However, that being said, CalDigit’s 18-in-1 docking station is a fantastic device and an ideal core which you can focus on building your dream setup around.

HP docking stations for laptops are up to $200 off right now in HP's Spring Sale. These must-have laptop accessories make it easy to add external devices computer. 

Today only, you can get the HP USB-C G5 Essential Dock for just $129 at HP. That's $123 off its $253 list price and its biggest discount yet. If you're looking for a laptop docking station, this is one of the best deals out there. 

HP docking station deal

Easy to set up, the HP USB-C G5 connects to your USB-C enabled laptop. It supplies you with a SuperSpeed USB Type-C port (up to 15 W USB Power Delivery), 2 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A ports,  and a combo audio jack

Connect and disconnect peripherals like a keyboard, screen, mouse, or other USB devices as needed. 

With just a single cable, you add multiple extra ports to your workspace and enhance your productivity. Compact by design, HP docking stations lets you clear your desk of clutter and your mind.

So if your setup looks like a rat’s nest of cumbersome cables, an HP docking station is just what you need. It also lets you avoid having a hoarder’s collection of cables and ports when you have to move your laptop elsewhere in your home or office.

The best USB-C cables and accessories are useful in a world where USB Type-C ports are increasingly becoming the golden standard for transferring data and taking advantage of fast charging on some of the best laptops, best Chromebooks, and best tablets on the market.

Unfortunately, not every device has this powerful port yet, but on the bright side, the number of laptops that do feature USB-C ports is growing rapidly. As such, we've compiled a well-researched list of the best USB-C cables and accessories we could find. Also, if you need it, there's a short, informational guide at the end to help you fully understand the mysteries of the USB Type-C port.

If you're looking for something more expansive for your laptop, consider taking a tour down our best docking stations page.

What are the best USB-C cables and accessories?

WGGE produces this tangle-free, nylon braided, 10-foot USB-C to USB-C cable. You can use it to charge USB-C devices as well as connect external hard drives and docking stations.

And if you don’t want the joy of a really long, inexpensive wire, you can get the 6.6-foot version for even less. WGGE also includes a two-year warranty with it.

The Plugable USB-C Triple Display Dock (UD-ULTCD) is the best pick for early adopters who need a dock. It works with the newest standards, like USB Type-C for charging and external displays and supports 4K monitors.

We didn’t like that it’s locked into vertical orientation, but you can’t argue for great performance and support for three displays at the same time.

If you don’t want to buy a whole bunch of new cables, you can grab a tiny adapter. JXMOX USB-C to USB 3.0 adapter is small and will work with any of your legacy peripherals.

It also doesn’t hurt that you get a two-pack, so you can use multiple USB Type-A accessories with your new computer at once.

The Samsung Portable SSD T5 takes the spot of its predecessor, the T3, on this list, with even faster speeds and a better design. It comes with both a USB Type-C cable and a USB-C to USB 3.0 cable, so you can use it with any laptop and many newer Android phones.

It has blazing fast transfer speeds of up to 540MBps, and backed up my computer extremely quickly. I love the new blue color for the 250GB and 500GB models, while the 1TB and 2TB options come in black. The thing is tiny -- smaller than a credit card -- and includes a three-year warranty.

If you're transferring data between USB Type-A and USB Type-C devices, SanDisk's two-sided Ultra Dual flash drive is the perfect storage solution.

Starting at 16GB, this flash drive uses a slider to switch between a USB 3.0 Type-A connector on one side and a USB Type-C connector on the other, so you will see blazing speeds on both ends of the transfer. You can also get it in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB sizes.

No doubt your USB Type-C device came with a charger. But extras never hurt, and the 30W Apple USB Type-C Power Adapter is a compact and sleek-looking choice. Just remember that you need to bring your own USB Type-C to USB Type-C charging cable.

Laptops, tablets and smartphones keep getting thinner, and most don’t have replaceable batteries.

Certain USB Type-C ports, like the ones on the 12-inch MacBook and Google’s Pixel C, support charging, so Anker has introduced a high-capacity external battery that will keep your battery full on the go. This battery also features two USB-A ports to feed hungry tablets, headphones and other rechargeable gadgets.

This 3-foot cable will come in handy wherever you go, especially in situations where you have a USB-C device and are surrounded by USB-A charging stations.

And whether you need to transfer files to an older computer via a connected smartphone or hard drive, Amazon has got your back with that 10 Gbps data transfer speed.

What you need to know about USB Type-C

With Type-C on board, you can copy files at USB 3.1 speeds, deliver enough power to charge a laptop or use Alt Mode to send other types of data using DisplayPort or Thunderbolt 3 connections.

All Thunderbolt 3 ports use the Type-C connector and are compatible with both the faster Thunderbolt 3 standard and regular Type-C devices. Thunderbolt 3 has four times the bandwidth (40 Gbps) of standard USB Type-C 3.1. Some docks and hard drives also take advantage of the faster speeds.

MORE: USB Type-C FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

USB 3.2 is another version of USB Type-C. It doubles regular USB Type-C speeds at 20 Gbps, but is half of Thunderbolt 3 speeds. Meanwhile, USB 4 has a speed of 40 Gbps. The best part, though, is that when you upgrade to a laptop that supports it, it will work on all of your existing cables, so no need to wait on buying them. And if you need some help setting up your laptop out of the box, we have a couple of tips that'll ease your way forward.

Sick of seeing a black screen and hearing just the sound of a Netflix show when using a USB docking station? We have a quick workaround to fix this issue!

A lot of the best docking stations available require you to download DisplayLink Manager, but users (including me) have noticed this software results in no picture when trying to watch content on the likes of Disney+ or Prime Video. 

At first, I thought it was some DRM-based issue. Maybe your hardware detects a chip in the dock and stops streaming services from working. But if that’s the case, why are you able to access these sites? Surely they would just be blocked.

However, it turns out the issue is a little simpler than that — it comes down to hardware acceleration. Something in the most recent version of DisplayLink Manager is not playing well with it, so here’s how to turn it off.

How to fix the black screen issue when using a USB docking station that requires DisplayLink Manager

One thing to make clear up top — this quick fix works only in Google Chrome. Dedicated apps are essentially nerfed by DisplayLink, so make sure whatever content you’re trying to watch is accessed via this specific browser.

1. Hit the three dots in the top corner of your browser and click settings.

2. Using the search bar at the top, type out the word hardware and you’ll see a switch appear for Use hardware acceleration when available.

3. Turn this switch off and relaunch your browser.

4. And voila! Go back to the likes of Netflix and Disney+, and it should be working.