The “Laptop Docking Station” was the most useful of inventions. It is a port extender which has a lot of ports unlike the laptop itself. The good part is that those ports could remain permanently connected to devices like printers, scanners, speakers, etc. So whenever you get to your seat, simply attach your laptop to the docking station and it would work as a Desktop.
Best Laptop Docking Stations
Many docking stations are brand specific. A Universal docking station means one which can accommodate laptops of multiple brands if not all.
Finding a laptop docking station isn’t as easy as it sounds. However, we could help you with the same. Here’s a list of the top 10 docking stations available in the market:
1] AmazonBasics Universal Docking Station:
While people have little trust in AmazonBasics products, my opinion is exactly the opposite. This could be confirmed by the ratings and comments. AmazonBasics Universal Docking Station is a 9-port docking station which is pretty durable and could be used for Windows computers only. With 3.0 USB ports, the device, while a very basic one, is quite powerful.
This docking station could be purchased from Amazon here.
2] Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station:
Plugable’s docking station is the most sold and one of the most favorable docking stations available in the market. The 6-port docking station supports multiple posts including 3.0 USB ports, HDMI, headphone ports, etc. The docking station allows an HDMI display of 2560×1440 when one port is being used, and of 1920×1200 when multiple ports are in use. Grab this docking station from Amazon.
3] Dell USB 3.0 Docking Station (D3100):
The Docking Station Dell USB 3.0 (D3100) has two USB 2.0 ports, three USB 3.0 ports, 2 HDMI ports, and another one for display. As simple as it sounds, the reason that the product is counted amongst the most sold and best-rated docking stations is its durability. The case it tough, design clean and simple, and the brand is reputed. With enough of this reason, it would be a good idea to buy the device from Amazon if you need it.
4] WAVLINK USB 3.0 Docking Station:
The WAVLINK USB 3.0 Docking Station has pretty much of everything. The product has 4 USB ports, 2 USB charging ports for Ultrabooks, audio, and gigabit ethernet ports. This docking station supports both Windows and Mac systems. The reviews are mostly positive. However, the device is bulky. The Ethernet port is a special add-on and is even more useful since most systems do not include that. The WAVLINK USB 3.0 Docking Station is available on Amazon.
5] Sabrent Universal Docking Station:
While it supports both Windows and Mac systems, Sabrent Universal Docking Station started showing problems after a recent Mac update. However, it works perfectly with Windows system, and that’s what matters here. This docking station could be purchased from Amazon.
This docking station has 5 USB ports (two 2.0 and three 3.0), an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and a microphone jack. Sabrent Universal Docking Station is the most reviewed docking station after the Plugable one, and the reviews have mostly been positive.
6] Kensington K33972US Universal USB3.0 Docking Station:
This docking station has separate options for Mac and Windows systems. This product is sleek and compact. It has 6 USB ports perfectly arranged along the sides for an aesthetic appeal. Other than the USB ports, it has ports for audio and HDMI. You could buy this device from Amazon here.
7] Diamond Multimedia Ultra Docking Station:
The Diamond Multimedia Ultra Docking Station has a smart design, and we could place it both horizontally and vertically on a table. The device has six usual USB ports and one female USB port for UpStream connectivity.
The best part about this docking station is the support. They have a dedicated support line for this one product and get it replaced for any genuine problem within a year. Diamond Multimedia Ultra Docking Station is available at Amazon here.
8] Anker AK-68ANDOCKS-BEA Universal Docking Station:
Counted amongst the best-rated docking stations, Anker AK-68ANDOCKS-BEA Universal Docking Station has 6 SUB ports and a microphone jack. The base stands it detachable, and it could be mounted on the wall.
The docking station uses an intelligent technology which prioritizes where and when to allocate the bandwidth, thus streamlining the data transfer. This device can be purchased from Amazon.
9] SIIG USB Type C 4K Docking Station:
This docking station is probably the most versatile of options available in the market. This device comes with 6 USB ports and HDMI ports. The best part is that unlike others, it has a two year long warranty period which is symbolic of its quality.
The SIIG USB Type C 4K Docking Station works with both Mac and Windows systems, however it significantly more expensive than its counterparts. You could get it from Amazon here.
10] Targus Universal 2K Laptop Docking Station:
This product has three USB 3.0 ports, one USB charging port, one video, and one HDMI port. The laptop front has a friction base to prevent the laptop from slipping. While the price is reasonable, the company provides a limited warranty for the product. However, the reviews are quite positive, so you might consider buying the product from Amazon.
Please let us know if you have any recommendations to make.