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Best Laptop Docking Stations to buy in 2018 reviews

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Docking stations help to get full desktop experience and the performance from your laptop and our best docking stations reviews and shopping guide will help you get something that suits your needs.

Recommendations

 

Laptops are always improving in both design and performance. And if you are ready to spend some extra bucks you can get a fantastic one with some unbelievable speeds, features, and capabilities. But, even as laptops continue to advance there are still some areas where the desktop still outshines them. And they include connectivity with other devices such as printers and monitors and also in the number of USB ports.

But, you do not have to discard your laptop and buy a desktop to get a high number of ports and the ability to link it to several other devices. Instead, you only need to invest in a high-quality docking station, and you will get a similar experience to what a desktop would provide.

However, docking stations are available in various models and designs from different brands, and so you will have to pick one of these many options. And to help you pick the best we review some of the top models in the market and provide a handy buying guide.

01

Microsoft Surface Dock by Microsoft

Editors Choice

Pros

  • Compatible with various Surface laptops.
  • Also includes 1 Gigabit Ethernet port.
  • 4 USB 3.0 ports and 2 mini display ports.
  • Surface connect cable makes it easy to convert your laptop into a desktop.
  • High-speed data transfer capability.
  • Quick and easy to set-up.

Cons

Only works best for Surface laptops.
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If you own a Surface laptop and are on the market for a reliable dock that is easy and quick to set up, this one from Microsoft is one of your best options. It is compatible with most Surface laptops and it comes with all the ports that you need to convert the laptop to a high performing desktop.

These ports include an amazing 4 USB 3.0 and a couple of mini display ones. Also, this dock comes with a 1 gigabit Ethernet port and you can always be sure of high-speed data transfers when using it.

This is a simple device that has all the ports that you need to improve the performance of your laptop by converting it into a full desktop.

For more about Microsoft Surface Dock, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

02

Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Dock Station by Plugable

Pros

  • 4 super-speed USB 3.0 ports.
  • Full support for all windows versions.
  • HDMI and DVI ports also included.
  • Also comes with a gigabit Ethernet port.
  • USB over-current protection to keep your devices safe.

Cons

Not very ideal for gaming.
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Many people prefer to use Windows on their laptops and if you are one of them here is the perfect dock station for you. And it also comes with more than enough USB ports for all your needs and they include 4 3.0 ones and a couple of 2.0 ports that you can use for keyboard and mouse.

Also, this docking station can connect to two external monitors as it comes with both HDMI and DVI ports. There is also a Gigabit Ethernet port and the USB ports have over-current protection to protect your devices.

If your laptop runs on any version of windows this will be the best docking station for you as it is compatible with most versions starting with Windows 7.

For more about Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Dock Station, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

03

Dell USB 3.0 Triple Display Docking Station by Dell

Triple Display

Pros

  • 3 super-speed USB 3.0 ports.
  • Compact design takes up little space.
  • Triple display dock allows for the set-up of three monitors.
  • Easy to set-up.
  • Also provides USB charging for external devices.

Cons

There are some issues with adjusting the resolution.
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A small, lightweight and compact dock like this one is always a great purchase as you can carry it along with you anywhere. And despite the small size, it still has all the features that you would want to get in a dock station.

They include 3 super speed 3.0 ports that will guarantee that you always get some high-speed data transfer and a couple of 2.0 ports for compatibility with your mouse, keyboard, and other peripherals. But, the triple display design that allows you to set-up three monitors is what makes it stands out.

This is an excellent product for those that are looking for a reliable triple display dock with some super speed USB ports.

For more about Dell USB 3.0 Triple Display Docking Station, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

04

Sabrent USB 3.0 Universal Dock by Sabrent

Pros

  • It will support HDMI and DVI displays simultaneously.
  • A couple of fast charging ports that will charge any device.
  • Gigabit Ethernet port will help you get some incredible internet speeds.
  • Compatible with all windows and MAC laptops.
  • Also includes speaker port and a microphone jack.

Cons

  • There are only two USB 3.0 ports.
  • Not compatible with Linux and Unix.
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Finding a reliable universal dock station should always be your top priority, but you will also want something that saves you some cash like this Sabrent Universal Dock. It is a relatively cheap dock but it still performs well. And it has a couple of high speed 3.0 ports for high-speed data transfer and two 2.0 for connecting your peripheral devices.

Also, it supports both HDMI and DVI display simultaneously which makes it possible to set-up two monitors at the same time. And with its Gigabit Ethernet port, you can always be sure of getting some impressive internet speeds. This dock will also include a speaker port and a jack for a microphone.

This is an affordable dock station that will be a great but when you do not want to spend a lot and it still has some impressive features.

You know what’s the most important feature of Sabrent USB 3.0 Universal Dock? One customer wrote details about this on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

05

Pluggable USB-C Dock Station with Charge Support by Plugable

Pros

  • The triple display lets you set-up, three monitors.
  • Provides up to 60 watts of charging power to your external devices.
  • Works with both Mac and Windows systems.
  • HDMI port will support up to 4K resolutions.
  • One Gigabit Ethernet port to provide fast internet speeds.
  • Supports both microphone and speaker.

Cons

  • Does not perform very well with Mac systems.
  • Not suitable for gaming.
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Here is another fantastic docking station by Plugable that has all the features and capabilities that you can wish for in a dock. They include a triple display design that makes it possible to set-up up to 3 monitors and the HDMI port will support up to 4K resolution.

Also, this dock comes with a one-gigabit port that will enhance your internet speeds and it works with both Mac and Windows laptops. And it will support both microphone and speaker to provide even more convenience.

Although there are some performance issues when you connect multiple monitors on your Mac, this is still one of the best dock stations for Mac and Windows systems.

If you’re interested in reading customer reviews of Pluggable USB-C Dock Station with Charge Support, you should check from Amazon Now. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Choosing a Laptop Docking Station

Dock Station

When it comes to buying a docking station every individual seems to have particular needs that they are looking to fulfill. While some want something that will increase the number of USB ports and provide better quality ones, others want something that they can use with 4K monitors. But, regardless of what you prefer, here are some vital points to keep in mind when picking docking stations.

Net Connections

Docking stations with wired network connections are always the best because they will improve your internet speeds by giving you desktop-like speeds. And so if you intend to be using the internet a lot you should always get a docking station with Ethernet port.

USB Ports

USB ports are one of the main reasons why most people will get a docking station. USB ports should be among the first factors that you consider when buying one as they determine the convenience that you get. And when it comes to the USB ports you will need to consider both the number and type. The more the ports the better the docking station will be, but also make sure that you go for something with USB 3.0 as it is more reliable when you want to connect some external hard discs.

Charging Capability

Some modern docks will offer additional charging capacity. They are the most convenient as they will save you the hassle of connecting and disconnecting the charger when using your laptop for extended periods.

External Screen Compatibility

If you will need one or a couple of screens when doing your job, a docking station with external screen compatibility is your best option. Go for docks that can support multiple monitors because they will give you more flexibility when creating your unique set-up.

Conclusion

A docking station will always take your laptop experience a notch higher. And it is one of the best things that you can buy if you use your laptop on a desk often. In this piece, we make it easy to pick one by providing detailed reviews and a buying guide. 

For our recommendations, the Microsoft Surface Dock takes the day as it is both affordable and high performing while the Sabrent USB 3.0 Universal Dock is perfect for those that are looking for an affordable but reliable dock.

Buy Now

01 Microsoft Surface Dock image large Microsoft Surface Dock
by Microsoft
This is a simple device that has all the ports that you need to improve the performance of your laptop by converting it into a full desktop. Buy now on Amazon
02 Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Dock Station image large Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Dock Station
by Plugable
If your laptop runs on any version of windows this will be the best docking station for you as it is compatible with most versions starting with Windows 7. Buy now on Amazon
03 Dell USB 3.0 Triple Display Docking Station image large Dell USB 3.0 Triple Display Docking Station
by Dell
This is an excellent product for those that are looking for a reliable triple display dock with some super speed USB ports. Buy now on Amazon
04 Sabrent USB 3.0 Universal Dock image large Sabrent USB 3.0 Universal Dock
by Sabrent
This is an affordable dock station that will be a great but when you do not want to spend a lot and it still has some impressive features. Buy now on Amazon
05 Pluggable USB-C Dock Station with Charge Support image large Pluggable USB-C Dock Station with Charge Support
by Plugable
Although there are some performance issues when you connect multiple monitors on your Mac, this is still one of the best dock stations for Mac and Windows systems. Buy now on Amazon
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