Buying Guide
The Best KVM Docking Stations for Sharing a Desk Between Two Computers
Five KVM docks compared on host types, monitor count, per-laptop charging and refresh rate, plus three single-computer alternatives.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
9 min read8 products evaluated
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A KVM docking station lets two computers, such as a work laptop and a personal machine, share the same monitors, keyboard, mouse and often Ethernet, switching between them with a button. The key questions are what kind of computers you're connecting, how many monitors, and whether the dock charges laptops.
The AV Access docks charge two laptops over USB-C (60W or 100W each); the AV Access 8K and the 13-in-1 dock also accept desktops; the UGREEN shares three monitors but doesn't list laptop charging. Three non-KVM docks are included as the alternative of pairing a single-computer dock with a separate switch.
Our comparison is based on published specifications, not hands-on testing.
Quick Picks
Our 8 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best for Two Laptops with Fast Monitors
AV Access KVM Switch Dock 2 Monitors 2 Laptops
An AV Access KVM dock for two laptops and two monitors, with 60W to each PC and up to 2K 144Hz or 1080p 240Hz.
Best for: Two laptops sharing high-refresh monitors.
Our take Check price for AV Access KVM Switch Dock 2 Monitors 2 Laptops (opens in a new tab)
Best for Charging Two Laptops
AV Access Docking Station KVM Switch 2 Monitors 2 Laptops (100W)
An AV Access KVM dock with 100W to each of two laptops and dual 4K monitors.
Best for: Two power-hungry laptops on one desk.
Our take Check price for AV Access Docking Station KVM Switch 2 Monitors 2 Laptops (100W) (opens in a new tab)
Best for Laptop and Desktop Mixes
AV Access 8K KVM Switch 2 Monitors 2 Computers
An AV Access KVM for two computers, laptops or desktops, with up to 8K output and Gigabit Ethernet.
Best for: A desktop and a laptop sharing one set of monitors.
Our take Check price for AV Access 8K KVM Switch 2 Monitors 2 Computers (opens in a new tab)
Best Port Selection
KVM Switch 2 Monitors 2 Computers Docking Station (13-in-1)
A 13-in-1 aluminum KVM dock with USB-C and HDMI/DisplayPort inputs, 100W and dual 4K up to 120Hz.
Best for: Two computers with lots of peripherals.
Our take Check price for KVM Switch 2 Monitors 2 Computers Docking Station (13-in-1) (opens in a new tab)
Best Value Three-Monitor KVM
UGREEN 8K@60Hz KVM Switch 3 Monitors 2 Computers
UGREEN's KVM for two computers and three monitors, up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@240Hz, cables included.
Best for: Two desktops sharing three monitors.
Our take Check price for UGREEN 8K@60Hz KVM Switch 3 Monitors 2 Computers (opens in a new tab)
Not a KVM: High-Power Dock
Anker Prime Docking Station, 14-Port 160W
A 14-port dock with 160W total output, dual 4K, 10Gbps data, Ethernet and audio; not Thunderbolt certified.
Best for: Many USB peripherals without Thunderbolt devices.
Our take Check price for Anker Prime Docking Station, 14-Port 160W (opens in a new tab)
Not a KVM: Triple 4K Dock
Anker Prime Docking Station DL7400, Triple Display DisplayLink
A 14-port DisplayLink dock with triple 4K at 60Hz, 140W output and a cooling fan.
Best for: Windows laptops driving three 4K monitors.
Our take Check price for Anker Prime Docking Station DL7400, Triple Display DisplayLink (opens in a new tab)
Not a KVM: Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock (TBT-UDM)
A Thunderbolt 4 certified dock with 100W, dual 4K HDMI or single 6K, 6 USB, SD and Gigabit Ethernet.
Best for: Mac or Windows Thunderbolt laptops with two monitors.
Our take Check price for Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock (TBT-UDM) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best for Two Laptops with Fast Monitors1 of 8
AV Access KVM Switch Dock 2 Monitors 2 Laptops on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This AV Access dock connects two laptops over USB-C and shares two monitors, keyboard, mouse and Ethernet between them, charging each at 60W.
Best for
- Two laptops sharing high-refresh monitors.
Skip if
- Your laptops need more power; the 100W AV Access model supplies it.
Why we like it
EDID emulation is intended to keep window positions and display settings stable when you switch.
It lists high-refresh support, up to 2K at 144Hz or 1080p at 240Hz, as well as 4K. 60W may be low for larger laptops.
Key dimensions & specs
- Hosts: 2 laptops (USB-C)
- Monitors: 2
- Charging: 60W per PC
- Refresh: up to 2K@144Hz / 1080p@240Hz
- Ethernet: 1G; EDID emulation
Pros
- High-refresh support
- EDID emulation
- Charges both laptops
Cons
- 60W per laptop
- Most expensive AV Access here
- USB-C hosts only
Best for Charging Two Laptops2 of 8
AV Access Docking Station KVM Switch 2 Monitors 2 Laptops (100W) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This AV Access model raises charging to 100W for each connected laptop, useful for larger machines, and supports two 4K monitors, 1G Ethernet and EDID emulation.
Best for
- Two power-hungry laptops on one desk.
Skip if
- You need a desktop connected; the AV Access 8K model supports desktops.
Why we like it
It cost less than the 60W MST model at the time of writing, though it doesn't list the same high-refresh modes.
Key dimensions & specs
- Hosts: 2 laptops
- Monitors: 2, 4K
- Charging: 100W per PC
- Ethernet: 1G; EDID emulation
Pros
- 100W per laptop
- Dual 4K
- Lower price than the 60W model
Cons
- High-refresh modes not listed
- Laptops only
- Brand's refresh limits unclear
Best for Laptop and Desktop Mixes3 of 8
AV Access 8K KVM Switch 2 Monitors 2 Computers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This AV Access model works with laptop and desktop combinations, which suits a personal desktop alongside a work laptop, with support up to 8K resolution, two monitors and Gigabit Ethernet.
Best for
- A desktop and a laptop sharing one set of monitors.
Skip if
- Both hosts are laptops; the 100W AV Access costs less.
Why we like it
It was the most expensive dedicated KVM here at the time of writing, and the listing summary doesn't give charging figures.
Key dimensions & specs
- Hosts: 2 computers (laptop or desktop)
- Monitors: 2
- Resolution: up to 8K
- Ethernet: Gigabit
Pros
- Works with desktops
- 8K support
- Gigabit Ethernet
Cons
- Most expensive KVM here
- Charging not stated
- Setup more complex with desktops
Best Port Selection4 of 8
KVM Switch 2 Monitors 2 Computers Docking Station (13-in-1) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This 13-in-1 KVM dock accepts USB-C or HDMI/DisplayPort inputs, charges at 100W and drives two monitors at 4K 60Hz or up to 4K 120Hz, in an aluminum case with the widest port selection among the KVMs here.
Best for
- Two computers with lots of peripherals.
Skip if
- You need three monitors; the UGREEN supports three.
Why we like it
The brand isn't named in the listing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Hosts: 2 computers (USB-C or HDMI/DP)
- Monitors: 2, 4K@60/120Hz
- Charging: 100W
- 13-in-1, aluminum
Pros
- Many ports
- 4K 120Hz option
- Flexible inputs
Cons
- Brand not named
- Charging per host not detailed
- Desk-bound size
Best Value Three-Monitor KVM5 of 8
UGREEN 8K@60Hz KVM Switch 3 Monitors 2 Computers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The UGREEN is the lowest-priced option here and supports three monitors shared between two computers, with up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 240Hz, four USB 3.0 ports and an aluminum case.
Best for
- Two desktops sharing three monitors.
Skip if
- You want single-cable laptop docking; the AV Access models charge laptops.
Why we like it
It includes four DisplayPort and two HDMI cables, a power adapter and a controller. It's a KVM switch rather than a charging dock, so laptops need their own power.
Key dimensions & specs
- Hosts: 2 computers
- Monitors: 3
- Resolution: up to 8K@60Hz / 4K@240Hz
- USB: 4x USB 3.0
- Included: 4 DP + 2 HDMI cables, adapter, controller
Pros
- Three monitors
- Lowest price here
- Cables included
Cons
- No laptop charging listed
- Needs video cables from each computer
- Desktop-oriented
Not a KVM: High-Power Dock6 of 8
Anker Prime Docking Station, 14-Port 160W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This is a single-computer dock, not a KVM switch; it's included as the alternative of pairing a full dock with a separate KVM switch.
Best for
- Many USB peripherals without Thunderbolt devices.
Skip if
- You need to switch between two computers; any AV Access model does it in one box.
Why we like it
The Anker Prime 14-port works from a Thunderbolt 4 port but isn't Thunderbolt certified. It offers 14 ports, 160W total output shared across devices, dual 4K, 10Gbps data, Ethernet and audio.
It costs less than the certified docks at the time of writing. It lacks certified Thunderbolt bandwidth and daisy-chaining.
Key dimensions & specs
- Certification: none (USB-C/USB4-class)
- Ports: 14
- Total output: 160W
- Displays: dual 4K
- Data: 10Gbps
Pros
- Many ports
- Lower price than certified docks
- Power for peripherals
Cons
- Not Thunderbolt certified
- No daisy-chaining
- Laptop charging limited by USB PD
Not a KVM: Triple 4K Dock7 of 8
Anker Prime Docking Station DL7400, Triple Display DisplayLink on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This is a single-computer dock, not a KVM switch; it's included as the alternative of pairing a full dock with a separate KVM switch.
Best for
- Windows laptops driving three 4K monitors.
Skip if
- You need two-computer switching; a dedicated KVM dock handles it.
Why we like it
The Anker Prime DL7400 drives three 4K displays at 60Hz through DisplayLink, which is uncommon, with 140W total output, a built-in cooling fan and a display status indicator.
Anker lists it for Windows laptops with the latest DisplayLink driver installed. It isn't Thunderbolt certified.
Key dimensions & specs
- Displays: triple 4K@60Hz via DisplayLink
- Output: 140W max
- Cooling: built-in fan
- Ports: 14
- OS: Windows (driver required)
Pros
- Three 4K 60Hz displays
- 140W
- Cooling fan
Cons
- Driver required
- Windows-focused
- Fan may be audible
Not a KVM: Thunderbolt 4 Dock8 of 8
Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock (TBT-UDM) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This is a single-computer dock, not a KVM switch; it's included as the alternative of pairing a full dock with a separate KVM switch.
Best for
- Mac or Windows Thunderbolt laptops with two monitors.
Skip if
- You need to share monitors between two computers; choose a KVM dock.
Why we like it
The Plugable TBT-UDM is the straightforward certified Thunderbolt 4 choice: 100W charging, dual 4K over HDMI or a single 6K display, six USB ports, an SD reader and Gigabit Ethernet, driverless on macOS and Windows.
It has fewer display outputs than the Dell, and dual display depends on your laptop's support.
Key dimensions & specs
- Certification: Thunderbolt 4
- Charging: 100W
- Displays: dual 4K HDMI or single 6K
- Ports: 6x USB, SD, Gigabit Ethernet
- Driverless: macOS, Windows
Pros
- Certified Thunderbolt 4
- Driverless
- Good port mix
Cons
- Two displays maximum
- 100W, less than the Dell
- HDMI only for dual
How We Chose These KVM Docking Stations for Two Computers
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Hosts
- We noted supported computer types and inputs.
- Displays
- We compared monitor counts, resolution and refresh.
- Charging and ports
- We compared per-host power and connectivity.
- Price
- We compared prices at the time of writing.
What to Look for in a KVM Docking Station for Two Computers
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match the hosts
Two USB-C laptops, or a mix with a desktop that needs HDMI/DisplayPort inputs.
Count monitors
Most here share two; the UGREEN shares three.
Check charging per laptop
60W or 100W per host on the AV Access docks; the UGREEN doesn't list charging.
Check refresh rates
High-refresh monitors need a KVM that lists those modes, like the AV Access MST model.
How to Choose a KVM Docking Station for Two Computers
By setup
| Setup | Consider |
|---|---|
| Two laptops, high-refresh monitors | AV Access MST (60W) |
| Two laptops, more charging | AV Access 100W |
| Laptop + desktop | AV Access 8K or 13-in-1 |
| Three monitors | UGREEN |
| One computer only | Plugable TBT-UDM or Anker docks |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a KVM dock do?
It lets two computers share monitors, keyboard, mouse and other peripherals, switching with a button.
Will it charge both laptops?
The AV Access models list 60W or 100W per laptop; check others.
Can I connect a desktop?
The AV Access 8K and 13-in-1 list desktop support via HDMI/DisplayPort.
What is EDID emulation?
It keeps each computer seeing the monitors while switched away, which helps windows stay in place.
Why include non-KVM docks?
As an alternative: a full dock per computer plus a separate KVM switch.
Bottom Line
For two laptops, the AV Access 100W model charges both at full USB-C power, and the MST model suits high-refresh monitors. For a laptop and desktop, the AV Access 8K or the 13-in-1 dock accepts both.
The UGREEN is the low-cost way to share three monitors, mainly between desktops. The Anker and Plugable docks are single-computer alternatives.