Buying Guide
The Best Laptop Docking Stations, From $27 Hubs to Thunderbolt 4
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
11 min read8 products evaluated
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A laptop dock turns one cable into a desk setup: monitors, keyboard, mouse, network and charging. The first decision is between a USB-C hub, which is inexpensive and passes through your laptop charger's power, and a powered dock or Thunderbolt 4 dock, which costs more and adds its own power and bandwidth.
Then check what your laptop supports. Two or three external monitors through a dock depend on the laptop's USB-C or Thunderbolt port; many laptops, and base Apple M-series MacBooks, support fewer external displays than a dock's port count suggests. Thunderbolt 4 certification helps with compatibility on Thunderbolt laptops.
Our comparison is based on published specifications and price position, not hands-on testing. Prices range from about $27 to $200 at the time of writing.
Quick Picks
Our 8 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Powered Desk Dock
Anker Prime Docking Station 14-Port
A 14-port dock with up to 160W output, 10Gbps data and dual 4K support.
Best for: Windows desks with many peripherals.
Our take Check price for Anker Prime Docking Station 14-Port (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Hub With Ethernet
Anker Laptop Docking Station 8-in-1
An 8-in-1 hub with two HDMI ports, gigabit Ethernet, 85W pass-through and SD.
Best for: Home offices that need Ethernet and two monitors.
Our take Check price for Anker Laptop Docking Station 8-in-1 (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Hub
UGREEN 7-in-1 Docking Station (Revodok Pro)
An aluminum 7-in-1 hub with dual 4K 60Hz HDMI, 10Gbps data and 100W pass-through.
Best for: Simple two-monitor setups on a budget.
Our take Check price for UGREEN 7-in-1 Docking Station (Revodok Pro) (opens in a new tab)
Best for Three Displays
Anker Nano 13-in-1 Laptop Docking Station
A 13-in-1 dock with two HDMI and a DisplayPort, plus a detachable 6-in-1 travel hub.
Best for: Three-monitor desks that also travel.
Our take Check price for Anker Nano 13-in-1 Laptop Docking Station (opens in a new tab)
Budget Hub (Few Specs)
Acer USB-C Docking Station 9-in-1
An Acer 9-in-1 hub with two HDMI ports for about $35.
Best for: Simple two-monitor setups, especially with an Acer laptop.
Our take Check price for Acer USB-C Docking Station 9-in-1 (opens in a new tab)
Most Compact Hub
Anker Nano Laptop Docking Station 8-in-1
A pocket-size 8-in-1 hub with 4K HDMI, 10Gbps USB-C, SD/TF and 85W pass-through.
Best for: Travel and small desks.
Our take Check price for Anker Nano Laptop Docking Station 8-in-1 (opens in a new tab)
Best Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock (TBT-UDM)
A certified, driverless Thunderbolt 4 dock with 100W charging, dual 4K or single 6K.
Best for: Thunderbolt laptops that should charge and connect through one cable.
Our take Check price for Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock (TBT-UDM) (opens in a new tab)
Best Value Thunderbolt 4 Dock
UGREEN 8-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station (Revodok Max 208)
A certified Thunderbolt 4 dock with three TB4 ports, dual 4K or single 8K, and 85W charging.
Best for: Thunderbolt laptops that need extra Thunderbolt ports.
Our take Check price for UGREEN 8-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station (Revodok Max 208) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Powered Desk Dock1 of 8
Anker Prime Docking Station 14-Port on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Anker Prime is the most complete non-Thunderbolt dock here: 14 ports, up to 160W total output, 10Gbps data and dual 4K display support, listed for Dell, HP, Lenovo and other Windows laptops.
Best for
- Windows desks with many peripherals.
Skip if
- You have a Thunderbolt laptop; a certified TB4 dock may suit better at a similar price.
Why we like it
It suits a permanent desk with many peripherals and a laptop that should charge through the dock.
It costs about $170 at the time of writing, close to the Thunderbolt docks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Ports: 14
- Output: up to 160W
- 10Gbps data
- Dual 4K
- Listed for Windows laptops
Pros
- Most ports and power here
- Fast data
Cons
- Expensive for a non-Thunderbolt dock
Best Budget Hub With Ethernet2 of 8
Anker Laptop Docking Station 8-in-1 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Anker 8-in-1 is the budget pick if you need wired networking: two HDMI outputs listed for dual 4K, gigabit Ethernet, 85W power pass-through and an SD slot, for about $54 at the time of writing.
Best for
- Home offices that need Ethernet and two monitors.
Skip if
- You do not need Ethernet; the UGREEN 7-in-1 costs half as much.
Why we like it
Dual displays depend on your laptop, and you need your own charger for pass-through.
Key dimensions & specs
- Outputs: 2 x HDMI (dual 4K listed)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Power pass-through: 85W
- SD slot
Pros
- Ethernet
- Two HDMI outputs
Cons
- Charger not included
- Dual display laptop-dependent
Best Budget Hub3 of 8
UGREEN 7-in-1 Docking Station (Revodok Pro) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The UGREEN 7-in-1 is the lowest-priced option here at about $27 at the time of writing, with two HDMI outputs listed for 4K 60Hz, 10Gbps USB-A and USB-C data, and 100W pass-through in an aluminum body.
Best for
- Simple two-monitor setups on a budget.
Skip if
- You need Ethernet; the Anker 8-in-1 has it.
Why we like it
It has no Ethernet or card reader.
Key dimensions & specs
- Outputs: 2 x HDMI 4K 60Hz
- 10Gbps USB-A/C
- Power pass-through: 100W
- Aluminum
Pros
- Lowest price
- Fast data
- 100W pass-through
Cons
- No Ethernet or SD
Best for Three Displays4 of 8
Anker Nano 13-in-1 Laptop Docking Station on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Anker Nano 13-in-1 supports three displays (two HDMI and one DisplayPort), with 10Gbps USB-C, three USB-A ports and up to 100W power delivery.
Best for
- Three-monitor desks that also travel.
Skip if
- You use one or two monitors; a cheaper hub is enough.
Why we like it
Its detachable 6-in-1 module can travel with you while the main dock stays on the desk.
Three displays depend on your laptop, and it costs about $120 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Displays: up to 3 (2 x HDMI, 1 x DP)
- 10Gbps USB-C, 3 x USB-A
- Power delivery: up to 100W
- Detachable 6-in-1 hub
Pros
- Three displays
- Detachable travel hub
Cons
- Laptop-dependent display count
Budget Hub (Few Specs)5 of 8
Acer USB-C Docking Station 9-in-1 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Acer 9-in-1 offers two HDMI ports for about $35 at the time of writing.
Best for
- Simple two-monitor setups, especially with an Acer laptop.
Skip if
- You want stated specifications; the UGREEN 7-in-1 lists more for less.
Why we like it
The listing gives few other details: no power delivery, data speed or Ethernet information. Check the full listing before buying.
Key dimensions & specs
- Ports: 9-in-1
- Outputs: 2 x HDMI
Pros
- Low price
- Laptop brand
Cons
- Few specifications listed
Most Compact Hub6 of 8
Anker Nano Laptop Docking Station 8-in-1 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Anker Nano 8-in-1 is the compact option: 4K 60Hz HDMI, a 10Gbps USB-C port, two USB-A ports, an SD/TF reader and 85W pass-through, for about $30 at the time of writing.
Best for
- Travel and small desks.
Skip if
- You need Ethernet; the Anker 8-in-1 has it.
Why we like it
It suits travel as well as the desk.
Key dimensions & specs
- HDMI: 4K 60Hz
- 10Gbps USB-C, 2 x USB-A
- SD/TF reader
- Power pass-through: 85W
Pros
- Compact
- Card reader
- Low price
Cons
- No Ethernet
Best Thunderbolt 4 Dock7 of 8
Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock (TBT-UDM) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Plugable TBT-UDM is Thunderbolt 4 certified, which means it has passed Intel's certification for compatibility with Thunderbolt laptops.
Best for
- Thunderbolt laptops that should charge and connect through one cable.
Skip if
- Your laptop lacks Thunderbolt; a USB-C hub costs far less.
Why we like it
It is driverless, charges at 100W, and supports dual 4K HDMI displays or a single 6K display, with six USB ports, SD and Ethernet.
It costs about $200 at the time of writing, the most here.
Key dimensions & specs
- Thunderbolt 4 certified
- Charging: 100W
- Dual 4K HDMI or single 6K
- USB: 6; SD; Ethernet
- Driverless
Pros
- Certified compatibility
- 100W charging
- Full ports
Cons
- Most expensive
Best Value Thunderbolt 4 Dock8 of 8
UGREEN 8-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station (Revodok Max 208) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The UGREEN Revodok Max 208 is a Thunderbolt 4 certified dock at 40Gbps with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, supporting dual 4K 60Hz or a single 8K display, 85W charging, gigabit Ethernet and three USB-A ports.
Best for
- Thunderbolt laptops that need extra Thunderbolt ports.
Skip if
- Your laptop needs more than 85W; the Plugable offers 100W.
Why we like it
UGREEN lists compatibility with Macs from M1 to M4 Pro and Max. It costs about $25 less than the Plugable at the time of writing, with less charging power.
Key dimensions & specs
- Thunderbolt 4 certified, 40Gbps
- 3 x Thunderbolt 4
- Dual 4K 60Hz or single 8K
- Charging: 85W
- Gigabit Ethernet, 3 x USB-A
Pros
- Three downstream TB4 ports
- Cheaper than the Plugable
Cons
- 85W charging
How We Chose These Laptop Docking Stations
Each pick was assessed across 3 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Type and power
- We separated hubs, powered docks and Thunderbolt docks and recorded charging wattage.
- Displays and ports
- We compared listed outputs, data speeds and extras.
- Price position
- Prices change often, so we treat them as relative position.
What to Look for in a Laptop Docking Station
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Hub or dock
Hubs pass through your charger's power; powered and Thunderbolt docks supply their own.
Displays your laptop supports
Two or three outputs only help if the laptop can drive them. Check its documentation.
Charging
Match or exceed your laptop charger's wattage: 85W to 160W here.
Ports
Ethernet, SD readers and fast USB vary. Buy the ports you use.
Thunderbolt 4
Certified docks (Plugable, UGREEN Max) suit Thunderbolt laptops and offer more bandwidth.
How to Choose a Laptop Docking Station
By need
| Need | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest two-monitor hub | UGREEN 7-in-1 | About $27 |
| Ethernet on a budget | Anker 8-in-1 | Gigabit, two HDMI |
| Travel | Anker Nano 8-in-1 | Compact |
| Three monitors | Anker Nano 13-in-1 | 2 HDMI + DP |
| Many peripherals, Windows | Anker Prime | 14 ports, 160W |
| Thunderbolt laptop | Plugable or UGREEN Max 208 | Certified TB4 |
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 $27–$54 | UGREEN 7-in-1, Anker Nano 8-in-1, Acer 9-in-1, Anker 8-in-1 |
| About $120 | Anker Nano 13-in-1 |
| About $170–$200 | Anker Prime, UGREEN Max 208, Plugable |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Thunderbolt dock?
Only if your laptop has Thunderbolt and you want its bandwidth, or the dock's certification. A USB-C hub covers most simple setups.
Will a dock charge my laptop?
Powered docks do. Hubs pass through power from your charger; check the listed wattage.
Why won't my second monitor show a separate image?
Your laptop may support fewer external displays over USB-C than the dock has outputs, or may mirror. Check its documentation.
Bottom Line
For most laptops, a hub is enough: the UGREEN 7-in-1 for two monitors at the lowest price, the Anker 8-in-1 if you need Ethernet, the Anker Nano for travel, and the Nano 13-in-1 for three displays.
For a Thunderbolt laptop, the UGREEN Revodok Max 208 is the value certified dock and the Plugable adds 100W charging. The Anker Prime suits Windows desks with many peripherals.