Turn your laptop or tablet into a desktop with one of these docking stations that use USB-C.
Tablets and laptops are far more convenient than desktops for the simple factor of portability. You shouldn’t (or definitely should not) take a desktop computer between your office and home or when you go on holiday.
The laptop’s biggest drawback is its screen size, and usually, there aren’t enough ports that devices can plug into. Laptops with a few ports have only two or three ports as normal, and you’ll need one of them to charge. Tablets also have smaller ports to expand the device.
There are many who prefer using a mouse instead of the trackpad of their laptop or even a full-sized keyboard for tapping away Of course, there exist Bluetooth devices and mice that don’t need an extra port in the laptop.
The best setup is a laptop that is flexible with one or two large external displays, some USB ports to connect printers or hard drives, and an Ethernet port to benefit from wired Internet access, rather than sluggish Wi-Fi.
The answer is a hp docking station that has all of these ports and allows you to connect your tablet or laptop to it using a single cable.
It’s easy to set up. Simply connect your tablet or laptop to the dock and it’ll have access to all of the ports of the dock as like they are on the laptop itself. The only difference is the fact that you have so many ports the laptop will be as big as bricks.
In this roundup of reviews, we’ll review the best USB-C docks that work with tablets and laptops. Some laptops, such as the Apple MacBook range – come with the fastest version of USB-C, dubbed Thunderbolt 3 (TB3) or Thunderbolt 4 (TB4). Laptops with USB-C ports can be used in conjunction with docks for USB-C, however, Thunderbolt’s more powerful speed (40Gbps opposed to USB-C’s 5Gbps or 10Gbps) is removed if you don’t have an exclusive Thunderbolt dock.
There are a variety of docking stations that are compatible with various docking stations for Apple’s iPad Pro and iPad Air (4th Generation), and USB-C tablets for Windows.
If you don’t need an entire docking station, just a USB-C dongle or adapter look into our top USB-C Hub roundup. We’ve added a few “hubs” in this roundup as they’re usually less expensive, however, they’re just as reliable as docks.
The plain USB-C laptops won’t work with every Thunderbolt 3 or 4 dock but there are a few that we’ve tested (from Caldigit and StarTech.com) that are compatible with both docks. This makes them an excellent option for hot-desking or blended workflows. Office IT doesn’t need to purchase multiple docks for various scenarios One dock is able to work with anything, without any adapters, drivers, or adapters.
Thunderbolt laptops can connect to one of these docks that are reviewed here, however, they’ll have to sacrifice some performance and display benefits in docks that are less powerful.
Users of Thunderbolt 3 or 4 laptops, like Apple MacBooks (Air and 13in 15in, 16in, and Pro) must also check out Macworld’s review of the most effective Thunderbolt docking station for 3 or 4 and our top Thunderbolt four docks. The docks that we review here typically are compatible with all TB3/TB4 laptops except for the ones that are specifically mentioned but keep in mind that docks that are solely USB-C-based, Thunderbolt laptops will not use their full bandwidth to get the fastest speeds for data transfer.
After we have compiled our list of the top USB-C docks we’ll explain the features each port will do for you.
Anker PowerExpand Dock The best USB-C/Thunderbolt dock that has several ports
- Pros
- 13 ports
- Thunderbolt and USB-C
- 85W 85W
- Cons
- $299
- USB-C and Thunderbolt laptops are compatible
- compatible With USB-C Windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- 2 Thunderbolt three ports (40Gbps) one to host
- 85W PD charging, plus standalone charging
- Two external displays (2 4K at 60Hz, or 1 5K @ 60Hz)
- 1 one HDMI 2.0 port (4K at 60Hz or 1 5K with 60Hz)
- 2 USB-C ports (10Gbps) Allows an additional display of 4K at 60Hz using an adapter
- 4 x USB-A ports (5Gbps)
- SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
- microSD 4.0 Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
- Gigabit Ethernet port to provide wired Internet access
- There is a 3.5mm audio jack on the front of the device
- 180W power supply
If you’re looking for additional ports beyond what you can get with the Caldigit USB-C HDMI or Pro Docks Anker’s PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 3 dock offers 13 ports.
It is equipped with the Titan Ridge chipset, it is also USB-C-compatible, and is a stylish and small vertical dock.
PowerExpand Elite PowerExpand Elite can connect up to three external displays to Windows laptops, but only because macOS does not have support for MST (Multi-Stream Transport).
The HDMI and Thunderbolt/USBC ports will be able to connect 2 displays (4K with 60Hz refresh rate for Thunderbolt laptops) and the third display could make use of either of the USB C ports (4K at 30 Hz). If your display doesn’t have USB-C connectivity you’ll require the adapter (not included) to use USB-C and the Thunderbolt and USB-C connectors.
A seemingly insignificant feature we like is the simple on-off switch. This can help conserve power, help prolong the lifespan of the battery of your device and prevent the dock from becoming too hot when not used for the night.
Both USB-C ports support Gen. 2 with 10Gbps speed while some docks offer only 5Gbps C-type ports.
Caldigit USB-C HDMI Dock is the best value dual-HDMI dock available for the combination of USB-C with Thunderbolt 3
- Pros
- Thunderbolt and USB-C
- two HDMI ports
- 1994W P
- Cons
- No downstream Thunderbolt port
- $259.99
- USB-C, as well as Thunderbolt laptops, are compatible
- Compatibility for USB-C Windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- 1x Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C port to host
- 94W PD charging, plus standalone charging
- 2 two HDMI 2.0b ports (dual 4K at 60Hz display to laptops running T3 as well as two 1080p displays or one 4K 30Hz display for the USB-C laptop)
- 3 x USB 3.2 Gen. 1 Type-A ports (5Gbps)
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen. 2 Type-C ports (10Gbps) port
- SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
- Gigabit Ethernet port to provide wired Internet access
- Front-facing 3.5mm Analogue Audio In & Out port
- Power supply 150W
Although it’s referred to as a “USB-C” dock, it’s actually a “USB-C” dock Caldigit’s USB-C HDMI dock works with Thunderbolt 3 and 4 laptops as well as any USB4-certified device.
The docking station is modern and features the most modern Thunderbolt 3 chipset called “Titan Ridge” which lets the dock work with simultaneously Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C. The majority of USB-C laptops cannot make use of Thunderbolt 3 docks. T3 laptops are able to use USB-C docks however with lower bandwidth. USB-C is 5-10Gbps however T3 runs at 40Gbps.
This ability to adapt allows Thunderbolt 3 laptops get to make use of all their bandwidth and USB-C laptop owners are able to utilize the same dock and not need to purchase an ordinary USB-C docking station. It also works with USB-C, it’s able to transform the iPad Pro or USB-C Windows tablet into a complete computer experience, as it can charge the tablet as well as connect a 4K-resolution monitor and keyboard, mouse, as well as hard drives.
Its USB-C HDMI Dock comes with the two inbuilt HDMI connectors that allow you to directly connect double 4K (at 60Hz when using a Thunderbolt 3 laptop) monitors to laptops without the requirement for any HDMI USB Adapters. Laptops that use USB-C can have dual monitors in HD (1080p) as well as one 4K monitor with 30Hz.
If you’d like to connect to a DisplayPort device, this Caldigit USB-C Pro dock is a similar product, but it has DP as opposed to HDMI.
Contrary to most USB-C docks it’s USB-C that’s different. HDMI Dock is also charged at 94W. This is sufficient to power most laptops of the top class. Its DisplayPort USB-C Pro model is just a little less powerful, with 85W.
Standalone charging allows this dock to recharge USB devices, like tablets, phones,s or smartwatches a rate of 7.5W without laptop connectivity.
It’s a fantastic USB-C docking station on its own as well, and the USB4 and T3 compatibility is a future-proof and mixed-environment advantage.
Caldigit USB-C HDMI Dock The best value dual-DisplayPort dock for the combination of USB-C with Thunderbolt 3
- Pros
- Thunderbolt and USB-C
- two DisplayPort ports
- The 94W P
- Cons
- No downstream Thunderbolt port
- $249.95
- USB-C, as well as Thunderbolt laptops, are compatible
- Compatibility With USB-C Windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- 1x Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C port to host
- 94W PD charging, plus standalone charging
- Two display screens (4K @ 60Hz)
- two DisplayPort 1.2 ports (4K at 60Hz)
- 3 USB A ports (5Gbps and one at 7.5W)
- One USB-C port (10Gbps)
- SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
- Gigabit Ethernet port to provide wired Internet access
- Front-facing 3.5mm Analogue Audio In & Out port
- Power supply 150W
CalDigit’s USB-C Pro Dock as well as its USB-C HDMI Dock is powered by its Titan Ridge chipset, and therefore works with both speedy Thunderbolt and USB-C laptops.
Instead of HDMI, it has dual-DisplayPort display connectors, which means there’s no need for adapters when the two monitors you have externally use this standard.
Two DisplayPort connections remove the need for a USB C to DP/HDMI connection that comes with docks with only one video option that is dedicated and also lets the 10Gbps USB-C port free for additional connection of devices.
Plugable’s USB C Triple Display 4K Docking Station Ideal for three external display
- Pros
- 12 ports
- Three display ports.
- Cons
- Not suitable for Macs
- $279.99
- USB-C laptop-compatible(works in conjunction with Thunderbolt laptops that have lower speeds)
- compatible via USB-C Windows tablets
- USB-C connection to the host(5Gbps)
- 60W Charges for PD
- 2x DisplayPort 1.2(dual 4K at 60Hz, connected to USB-C and laptops)
- 1x HDMI 1.2(4K at 30Hz to USB-C and laptops with T3)
- 4 USB-A(5Gbps) ; 1 USB-C(10Gbps)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 2 3.5mm Analog Audio In and Out
- 100W power source
Plugable’s USBC Triple Display 4K Docking Station (UD-ULTC4K) is exactly what it says it will do – it’s packed with fancy technology which allows it to operate three external displays using the USB-C port of a laptop, and two of them running at full 60Hz in 4K.
It utilizes the USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode (“Alt Mode”) to power the HDMI port as well as DisplayLink USB graphics to connect the two DisplayPorts.
This can cause problems with compatibility and complexity on specific versions of macOS However, with a driver installed, everything should be fine.
Apart from the display capabilities and docking capabilities, it’s not the most powerful and only has 5Gbps of USB-C 3.1 Gen.1 connection to the laptop. It will severely reduce the Thunderbolt 3 laptop’s bandwidth, and we’d prefer 10GBps for laptops with USB-C.
You’ll buy this dock because of its triple display and dual 4K 60Hz capability via USB-C.
Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station – Best Thunderbolt 4 dock
- Pros
- Thunderbolt 4
- 11 ports, inc 4 TB4
- Cons
- 4.5W USB-A ports
- $369.99
* One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps 90W PD)
* Three Thunderbolt four ports downstream (40Gbps 15W, 40Gbps)
* Three USB-A ports (10Gbps, 4.5W)
* One USB-A port (480Mbps, 7.5W)
* Gigabit Ethernet
* SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
Analog in/out 3.5mm port on the front of the device
- 180W of power source
The Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station gives all the features a dock needs to be able to do. It is also compatible with the most recent Thunderbolt 4 connection standard, which is also backward compatible using Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C – thus offering the best of both worlds.
If your laptop is equipped with Thunderbolt 4 ports, it’s recommended to connect it to a dock that supports Thunderbolt 4 like this one.
At 180W, this power supply is the most powerful we’ve seen in our dock and hub tests. This is especially useful when you’re powering several devices that are connected to the dock.
HyperDrive GEN2 12-Port USB C Hub – Most affordable USB-C docking station with 12 ports
- Pros
- 12 ports
- Three ports for display
- Cons
- Limited to Macs
- $149.99
- USB-C laptop-compatible(works on Thunderbolt laptops with lower speeds)
- compatible With USB-C Windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- USB-C charging at 85W via one USB-C port
- USB-C connection to the host
- 2 HDMI(4K at 60Hz)
- DisplayPort 1.4(4K at 60Hz)
- 2 x USB-A port (10Gbps)
- 2 x USB-A ports (480Mbps)
- SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
- microSD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- 3.5mm Analog Audio In and Out
USB-C is available in a variety of flavors that are based on speed and speed starting from Gen1’s 5Gbps standard, through 10GBps Gen2.
Its HyperDrive Gen2 USB-C dock is an excellent value and comes with 12 ports. It’s recommended to bring the USB-C charger you have in your home (up to 100W) However, there’s no power source included for the docking station.
It is built with the professional-looking compact metal design that is popular with Thunderbolt 3 docks but adds that same level of multi-port versatility to the realm of USB-C.
Two of the USB-A ports are capable of 10Gbps speed However, the two other ports are much less powerful. USB 2.0 ports that support 480Mbps. USB 2.0.
There are a lot of options for video (two HDMI and one DisplayPort) however Mac users must be aware that via USB-C they may only have one display externally unless they install other third-party DisplayLink drivers.
Twelve South StayGo USB-C Hub – Best portable USB-C dock
- Pros
- 9 ports
- Portable
- 85W of power for passthrough
- Cons
- Ports are a bit unpowered
- $99.99
- USB-C laptop-compatible(works in conjunction with Thunderbolt laptops that have lower speeds)
- Compatibility for USB-C Windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- 85W PD charging, plus standalone charging
- USB-C to host (5Gbps)
- 1x HDMI 1.2(4K at 30Hz or Full HD)
- 3 USB-A(5Gbps One that comes with 7.5W BC 1.2 charging)
- 1 USB-C(for charging)
- SD Card Reader(UHS-I)
- microSD Card Reader(UHS-I)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 100W power capacity
The slim and compact USB-C dock is undervalued by claiming to be the hub. The stay from Twelve South is an extremely portable dock that fits inside your pocket.
The device doesn’t come with its own power source however, the device can be connected to the laptop’s charger (or another) to charge via passthrough with up to 85W.
It features HDMI for connecting to an extra monitor (4K with 30Hz) as well as 3 USB A ports (one of which you could utilize to charge your smartphone), an SD Card reader to provide simple and cheap backup storage, as well as Gigabit Ethernet All the essentials and more.
It comes with its own unique short USB-C cable for travel that is stored to protect it and comes with a 1m USB-C cord to use on a regular desktop.
Caldigit USB-C SOHO Dock – Best portable USB-C dock for external display
- Pros
- Portable
- fast USB ports
- 60Hz 4K
- 100W pass-through power
- Cons
- $99.99
- Compatible with USB-C laptops (works with Thunderbolt laptops at lower speeds)
- Tablets and iPads with USB-C ports are compatible
- 100W pass-through charging
- 10Gbps USB-C to the host
- A single 4K display at 60Hz or two 4K displays at 30Hz (display ports 1.4 and 2.0)
- 1 x USB-C (10Gbps)
- 1 x USB-A (10Gbps)
- 1 x USB-C Power Delivery
- SD Card Reader (UHS-II)
- microSD Card Reader (UHS-II)
It features HDMI for connecting to an extra monitor (4K with 30Hz) as well as 3 USB A ports (one of which you could utilize to charge your smartphone), an SD Card reader to provide simple and cheap backup storage, as well as Gigabit Ethernet All the essentials and more.
It comes with its own unique short USB-C cable for travel that is stored to protect it and comes with a 1m USB-C cord to use on a regular desktop.
Caldigit is back with its compact SOHO (Small Office Home Office) Dock, which beats other USB-C docks because it can support an external display of 4K with 60Hz rather than the 30Hz limit, which is lower quality, typically used in USB-C docks.
It does this by employing separate lanes for video and USB which means it is able to offer a constant 4K 60Hz display, while also offering 10-Gbps USB performance.
Yes, 10GBps. The SOHO Dock is the most powerful USB port that you can find with USB-A and USB C ports have been rated with 10Gbps, which is a significant improvement over the majority of docks with USB-C ports that are 5Gbps.
It also includes DisplayPort along with HDMI ports, which allows you to be flexible in the event of adding another display to your laptop.
The SOHO Dock lacks many USB ports, compared to the similarly portable twelve south StayGo however If you only require one or the other and speed is what you value most then this is a tough one to beat.
The dock doesn’t come without its own energy source for the laptop, power supply to the laptop could be achieved by connecting the charger from your home wall to the dock, which depends on the charging capacity of the charger.
OWC U-C USB Travel Dock E The best small USB-C dock
- Pros
- Portable
- Power for passthrough of 92W
- Cons
- Ports are a bit less powerful
- $64.99
- Laptop-compatible USB-C (works on Thunderbolt laptops with lower speeds)
- compatible With USB-C Windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- passthrough charging 92W
- USB-C cable connecting to hosts (5Gbps)
- 1 x USB-C port (5Gbps)
- 1x HDMI 2.0 (single 4K display at 60Hz)
- 2 x USB-A (5Gbps)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
- 100W maximum power
The USB-C dock that you can carry around features six ports and has at least one port that has everything you’ll ever require. The E is for Ethernet which is a port that’s not available from the majority of USB-C adapters.
It is connected to the laptop using a 15cm cable. If you require a longer cable, you’re better off buying an unintegrated dock cable. For travel, the dock that comes with its own cable can save the hassle of carrying an additional cable around.
The USB-C and USB ports support 5Gbps. You will see 10Gbps USB and other ports on certain docks, however not in this tiny size.
The power of pass-through charging is amazing at 92W. You also can choose to use the laptop’s power source if you don’t have a wall-mounted charger on hand or an outlet.
It weighs only 173g (6.1oz) It is light enough to be tucked away in pockets for trouser bags. If you’re not on the road It’s perfect to occupy a small area on your desk.
PNY All-in-One USB C Dock The lightest USB-C dock that has power
- Pros
- Portable
- 100W of power for passthrough
- VGA
- Cons
- $74.99
- USB-C laptop-compatible(works on Thunderbolt laptops with lower speeds)
- 100W passthrough charge
- 5Gbps USB-C connectivity to the host
- 2 x 5Gbps USB-C (one PD)
- 1x HDMI 1.2(single 4K display at 30Hz)
- 1 x VGA (single 1080p display; 1920×1200)
- 2 x USB-A(5Gbps)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- SD Card Reader(UHS-I)
- microSD Card Reader(UHS-I)
- 100W maximum power
The lightweight PNY All-in-One USB-C Dock comes small (12-x-7-x-1.4 millimeters) and is extremely lightweight and allows connection to an external display using HDMI or VGA.
It has its own USB-C cable with an integrated USB-C connector which makes it a single-stop device for connecting needs There is no need to carry another cord to attach to your computer.
In comparison to other docks for travel It’s significantly lighter (107g against 150g) as well as a bit shorter, but a lot longer.
It’s compatible with the power and ports, but the StayGo from Twelve South has an additional USB-A port as well as microSD and SD cards that can be read at the same time as well. The PNY can only read one card at a given time – this isn’t an issue for the majority of users.
It has a VGA connection and can be useful for older monitors or projectors.
We like the StayGo’s two cables (although they’re not integrated) the latter of which has the convenience of a 1m length as opposed to the PNY’s tinier 12cm.
Its extreme lightweight and VGA might be tempting to those who have to travel to several destinations that have a mix of display choices.
Lention Portable USB Docking Station USB-C dock under laptops for Windows
- Pros
- Design
- Three display ports.
- 100W power to pass-through
- Cons
- Not for Mac
- $119.99
- USB-C laptop-compatible(works on Thunderbolt laptops with lower speeds)
- 100W passthrough charge via USB-C (requires wall charger)
- 5Gbps USB-C connection to the host
- 1 HDMI(single 4K display at 30Hz)
- 1x DisplayPort(single four-channel display with 30Hz at 4K)
- 1 1 VGA(single 1080p HD display)
- 2 x USB-A(5Gbps)
- 1 x USB-A(480Mbps)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- SD Card Reader(UHS-I)
- microSD Card Reader(UHS-I)
Its USB-C universal docking station has been designed to be placed underneath your laptop, which means it doesn’t take up extra space on your desktop. The dock also comes with an open flap, which lets you place a tablet in the dock, but it’s not as convenient as a laptop.
It comes with three USB-A ports. One is at USB 2.0’s speed of 480Mbps, the two others with five gigabits per second USB 3.0. The third USB-C port can be used to be used for connecting a wall charger since the dock does not include a power source. It isn’t able to connect to another USB-C device.
What’s special about this dock is that it has three options for the video: HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA. Windows PCs are able to connect to three external monitors at once however the resolution is set back to the 720p HD quality instead of 4K or 1080p, which can be achieved with fewer screens connected.
Although it’s possible on Mac with DisplayLink software Lenition does not recommend using multiple display options for Macs. when you’re using two displays simultaneously on the Mac it’s only a Mirrored image is possible, which is why we would not recommend this dock for use on Macs unless better docks are in place.
However, for Windows, it’s fine so long as your computer is compatible with DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
Moshi Symbus Q – Best USB-C docking station to charge wirelessly mobile phones
- Pros
- Wireless phone charging
- Compact
- Cons
- $169.95
- USB-C laptop-compatible(works on Thunderbolt laptops with lower speeds)
- Compatibility With USB-C Windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- 60W PDA charging
- USB-C connection to the host(5Gbps)
- HDMI 2.0 (4K @ 30Hz, 1080p @ 60Hz)
- 2 x USB-A(5Gbps)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Mobile phone wireless charger
- The power supply of 90W
This is a compact dock (11.6 x 7.2 and 3.2 cm) that comes with a clever feature that we haven’t seen elsewhere It doubles as a Qi wireless charger to charge your phone!
Wireless charging is compatible with iPhones that charge at 7.5W or Samsung phones with 9W for quick charging. It can also charge cases as thick as 5mm.
It doesn’t come with audio In/Out however Bluetooth may be more suitable than wired sound, which is what it’s supposed to be.
We have found that the Symbus Q extremely stable docking station that is compact. It is equipped with a shorter cable, so it needs to be placed in close proximity to your computer.
There’s also a version (just Symbus) that doesn’t come with Qi wireless charging available on Amazon.
HyperDrive GEN2 6-Port USB-C Hub
- Pros
- Portable
- 85W power through power
- 60Hz 4K
- Cons
- $99.99
- USB-C laptop-compatible(works in conjunction with Thunderbolt laptops with lower speeds)
- compatible for USB-C Windows tablets and USB-C iPads
- 85W charge for PD
- USB-C to host(10Gbps)
- HDMI(4K @ 60Hz)
- 1 x USB-A(10Gbps)
- SD Card Reader(UHS-II)
- microSD Card Reader(UHS-II)
The USB-C hub that it comes with is extremely sturdy. Its exterior of metal is ridged to keep it cool.
Although it isn’t loaded with ports, the six ports provide the basics: HDMI for an external display, a high-speed 10Gbps USB-A port that can be used for an additional device and both SD and microSD card reader (at the full rate), and the 3.5mm audio port and USB-C to the power delivery of up to 100W – enough to power any laptop with a high-end design.
The most notable feature of all is an HDMI connection that is able to handle 60Hz at 4K, which is not the case with many USB-C docks.
The only thing missing is Gigabit Ethernet to connect to wired Internet therefore it’s intended for those who love Wi-Fi. One USB-A port could appear to be a bit sluggish, but as a USB-C portable docking station, this isn’t designed for large-scale connection of devices.
