Buying Guide
The Best DisplayLink Docking Stations for Extra Monitors
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
10 min read7 products evaluated
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DisplayLink docks drive extra monitors through a software driver rather than the laptop's own display outputs. That is how a base Apple Silicon MacBook, which natively supports limited external displays, can run three monitors, and how many business laptops add screens beyond their built-in limit.
The trade-offs are a driver to install and keep updated, some processor load, and output that is less suited to color-critical work or protected video. Four DisplayLink docks are compared here, alongside three native alternatives (two Thunderbolt 4 docks and a USB hub) for anyone whose laptop can drive the monitors directly.
Our comparison is based on published specifications and price position, not hands-on testing. Prices range from about $117 to $228 at the time of writing.
Quick Picks
Our 7 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Value DisplayLink Dock
WAVLINK Docking Station 3 Monitors, 12-in-1 DisplayLink
A 12-in-1 DisplayLink dock for three 4K 60Hz monitors with 100W charging.
Best for: Adding three monitors on a budget.
Our take Check price for WAVLINK Docking Station 3 Monitors, 12-in-1 DisplayLink (opens in a new tab)
Best for All-Day Use
Anker Prime Docking Station (DL7400), 14-Port DisplayLink
A 14-port Anker Prime DisplayLink dock with triple 4K, 140W and a cooling fan.
Best for: Windows desks running three monitors all day.
Our take Check price for Anker Prime Docking Station (DL7400), 14-Port DisplayLink (opens in a new tab)
Best for Mac Triple Display
Plugable USB-C Triple Monitor Docking Station (UD-ULTCDL)
A 13-in-1 Plugable dock with three HDMI outputs via DisplayLink on Mac and 100W charging.
Best for: MacBook users who need three monitors.
Our take Check price for Plugable USB-C Triple Monitor Docking Station (UD-ULTCDL) (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Multi-OS Dock
Plugable USB C Triple Display Docking Station
A triple-display USB dock: one 4K 30Hz and two 1080p 60Hz, for Windows, macOS and ChromeOS.
Best for: Mixed-OS households or ChromeOS users adding monitors.
Our take Check price for Plugable USB C Triple Display Docking Station (opens in a new tab)
Native Alternative: Thunderbolt 4
Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock (TBT-UDM), Native Alternative
A certified Thunderbolt 4 dock with native dual 4K or single 6K output, not DisplayLink.
Best for: Laptops that natively support the monitors you need.
Our take Check price for Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock (TBT-UDM), Native Alternative (opens in a new tab)
Native Alternative: Dell
Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock (SD25TB4), Native Alternative
Dell's SD25TB4 Thunderbolt 4 smart dock for up to four displays, 130W and 2.5GbE.
Best for: Dell Pro laptops.
Our take Check price for Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock (SD25TB4), Native Alternative (opens in a new tab)
Native Alternative: USB Hub
Anker Prime Docking Station, 14-Port 160W, USB Alternative
Anker's 14-port Prime with 160W output and native dual 4K, no DisplayLink driver.
Best for: Two-monitor desks that want to avoid DisplayLink.
Our take Check price for Anker Prime Docking Station, 14-Port 160W, USB Alternative (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Value DisplayLink Dock1 of 7
WAVLINK Docking Station 3 Monitors, 12-in-1 DisplayLink on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The WAVLINK 12-in-1 is the value pick: DisplayLink output for three monitors at up to 4K 60Hz each, with 100W charging, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, gigabit Ethernet and 5Gbps USB, listed for Dell, HP, Lenovo and MacBook laptops.
Best for
- Adding three monitors on a budget.
Skip if
- You need color-critical output; a native Thunderbolt dock suits that.
Why we like it
It costs about $117 at the time of writing, the least here. A DisplayLink driver is required on first setup.
Key dimensions & specs
- Displays: 3 x 4K 60Hz (DisplayLink)
- Charging: 100W
- HDMI and DP outputs
- Gigabit Ethernet, 5Gbps USB
Pros
- Lowest price here
- Three 4K displays
- 100W charging
Cons
- Driver required
- DisplayLink trade-offs
Best for All-Day Use2 of 7
Anker Prime Docking Station (DL7400), 14-Port DisplayLink on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Anker Prime DL7400 is the premium DisplayLink option: triple 4K 60Hz output, up to 140W output, 14 ports and a built-in cooling fan for sustained use.
Best for
- Windows desks running three monitors all day.
Skip if
- You use a Mac; the Plugable UD-ULTCDL lists macOS support.
Why we like it
Anker lists it for Windows laptops and requires the latest DisplayLink driver. It is the most expensive dock here at about $228 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Displays: 3 x 4K 60Hz (DisplayLink)
- Output: up to 140W
- Ports: 14
- Cooling fan
- Windows (driver required)
Pros
- Cooling fan
- Most ports among DisplayLink docks
Cons
- Most expensive
- Listed for Windows
Best for Mac Triple Display3 of 7
Plugable USB-C Triple Monitor Docking Station (UD-ULTCDL) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Plugable UD-ULTCDL is the pick for a MacBook that needs three monitors: triple HDMI output using the DisplayLink driver on macOS, 100W charging, a 20W secondary USB-C port, gigabit Ethernet, an SD reader and four more USB ports.
Best for
- MacBook users who need three monitors.
Skip if
- Your Mac drives enough displays natively; a Thunderbolt dock avoids DisplayLink.
Why we like it
It costs about $195 at the time of writing. The macOS DisplayLink app must be installed and allowed screen-recording permission, per DisplayLink's setup process.
Key dimensions & specs
- Displays: 3 x HDMI (DisplayLink on Mac)
- Charging: 100W; 20W USB-C
- Gigabit Ethernet, SD reader
- USB: 4 additional
Pros
- Three monitors on a base MacBook
- 100W charging
Cons
- Driver required
- DisplayLink trade-offs
Best Budget Multi-OS Dock4 of 7
Plugable USB C Triple Display Docking Station on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This Plugable dock drives three displays through USB-based video: one 4K at 30Hz and two at 1080p 60Hz, with 100W charging and six 5Gbps USB ports, listed for Windows, macOS and ChromeOS.
Best for
- Mixed-OS households or ChromeOS users adding monitors.
Skip if
- You want three 4K 60Hz screens; the WAVLINK lists that for less.
Why we like it
The 4K output runs at 30Hz, which feels less smooth for scrolling, and it costs about $160 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Displays: 1 x 4K 30Hz + 2 x 1080p 60Hz
- Charging: 100W
- USB: 6 x 5Gbps
- Windows, macOS, ChromeOS
Pros
- ChromeOS support
- Three displays
Cons
- 4K only at 30Hz
- Two 1080p outputs
Native Alternative: Thunderbolt 45 of 7
Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock (TBT-UDM), Native Alternative on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Plugable TBT-UDM is not a DisplayLink dock: it is a certified Thunderbolt 4 dock that uses the laptop's own graphics, so there is no driver and no DisplayLink compression.
Best for
- Laptops that natively support the monitors you need.
Skip if
- Your laptop supports only one external display and you need more.
Why we like it
It supports dual 4K HDMI or a single 6K display, 100W charging, six USB ports, SD and Ethernet.
It can only drive as many displays as your laptop supports natively.
Key dimensions & specs
- Thunderbolt 4 certified, native output
- Dual 4K HDMI or single 6K
- Charging: 100W
- USB: 6; SD; Ethernet
- Driverless
Pros
- No driver
- Native output for color work
Cons
- Limited by laptop's native display count
Native Alternative: Dell6 of 7
Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock (SD25TB4), Native Alternative on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock (SD25TB4) is Dell's native alternative: certified Thunderbolt 4, up to four displays via two DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1, 130W charging, 2.5GbE Ethernet and built-in Wi-Fi, validated for Dell Pro laptops.
Best for
- Dell Pro laptops.
Skip if
- You use a non-Dell laptop; the Plugable TBT-UDM is more general.
Why we like it
It costs about $225 at the time of writing. Display count depends on the laptop.
Key dimensions & specs
- Thunderbolt 4 certified, native output
- Up to 4 displays (2 x DP 1.4, HDMI 2.1)
- Charging: 130W
- 2.5GbE, Wi-Fi
Pros
- Native multi-display
- 130W
- 2.5GbE
Cons
- Designed around Dell laptops
- Expensive
Native Alternative: USB Hub7 of 7
Anker Prime Docking Station, 14-Port 160W, USB Alternative on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Anker Prime 14-port is a middle ground: native dual 4K output without a DisplayLink driver, up to 160W total output, 10Gbps data, Ethernet and audio, for about $170 at the time of writing.
Best for
- Two-monitor desks that want to avoid DisplayLink.
Skip if
- You need three monitors on a base laptop; choose a DisplayLink dock.
Why we like it
Like any native dock, it relies on your laptop's display support.
Key dimensions & specs
- Native dual 4K
- Output: up to 160W
- 10Gbps data
- Ethernet, audio
- No DisplayLink driver
Pros
- No driver
- High power
Cons
- Two displays maximum
- Laptop-dependent
How We Chose These DisplayLink Docking Stations
Each pick was assessed across 3 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Display method
- We separated DisplayLink docks from native Thunderbolt and USB alternatives.
- Output and OS support
- We recorded listed resolutions, refresh rates and supported systems.
- Power, ports and price
- We compared charging, ports and price position.
What to Look for in a DisplayLink Docking Station
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Do you need DisplayLink?
Only if your laptop cannot natively drive the number of monitors you want. Otherwise a native dock avoids the driver and trade-offs.
Display resolution and refresh
The WAVLINK and Anker DL7400 list three 4K 60Hz; the Plugable multi-OS dock one 4K at 30Hz and two 1080p.
Operating system
Check driver support: the Anker DL7400 lists Windows; the Plugable UD-ULTCDL lists macOS; the multi-OS Plugable adds ChromeOS.
Charging
100W to 160W here; match your laptop's charger.
How to Choose a DisplayLink Docking Station
By setup
| Setup | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Three monitors, budget | WAVLINK 12-in-1 | Triple 4K 60Hz |
| Three monitors, Windows, all day | Anker Prime DL7400 | Cooling fan |
| Three monitors, MacBook | Plugable UD-ULTCDL | macOS DisplayLink |
| ChromeOS | Plugable triple display | Multi-OS |
| Laptop drives monitors natively | Plugable TBT-UDM or Dell SD25TB4 | No driver |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change frequently; these tiers reflect typical prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Docks |
|---|---|
| About $117–$170 | WAVLINK, Plugable triple display, Anker Prime 14-port |
| About $195–$228 | Plugable UD-ULTCDL, Plugable TBT-UDM, Dell SD25TB4, Anker Prime DL7400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DisplayLink?
A technology that sends video over USB using a software driver, letting a laptop run more monitors than its native outputs support.
What are the downsides?
A driver to install and update, some processor load, and limitations with color-critical work and some protected video.
Do I need DisplayLink on a Mac?
On base Apple Silicon MacBooks with limited native display support, it is the usual way to add several monitors. On Macs that support enough displays natively, a Thunderbolt dock is simpler.
Bottom Line
For three monitors on a budget, the WAVLINK is the value DisplayLink dock; the Anker DL7400 adds cooling for all-day Windows use, and the Plugable UD-ULTCDL is the Mac-focused choice.
If your laptop can drive your monitors natively, skip DisplayLink: the Plugable TBT-UDM and Dell SD25TB4 are native Thunderbolt docks, and the Anker Prime 14-port is the no-driver USB option.