Buying Guide
The Best USB-C Docking Stations for Everyday Desks
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
9 min read8 products evaluated
A USB-C dock lets one cable connect a laptop to monitors, peripherals and network. The main split is between inexpensive hubs that pass through your laptop charger's power and powered docks, like the HP G5 and G6 and Anker Prime, that supply their own and suit a permanent desk.
How many monitors you can run depends on the laptop's USB-C port, not just the dock's outputs; many laptops support fewer external displays than a hub offers, and some mirror rather than extend. Check your laptop's documentation.
Our comparison is based on published specifications and price position, not hands-on testing. Prices range from about $27 to $195 at the time of writing.
Quick Picks
Our 8 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
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: Two-monitor desks on a budget.
Our take Check price for UGREEN 7-in-1 Docking Station (Revodok Pro) (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: Desks that need wired networking.
Our take Check price for Anker Laptop Docking Station 8-in-1 (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.
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 compact 8-in-1 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 Powered Dock
Anker Prime Docking Station 14-Port
A 14-port dock with up to 160W output, dual 4K and 10Gbps data.
Best for: Power-hungry laptops and busy desks.
Our take Check price for Anker Prime Docking Station 14-Port (opens in a new tab)
Best for Three Displays
Anker Nano 13-in-1 Laptop Docking Station
A 13-in-1 dock with 2 HDMI + DisplayPort and a detachable 6-in-1 travel hub.
Best for: Three-monitor desks.
Our take Check price for Anker Nano 13-in-1 Laptop Docking Station (opens in a new tab)
Best Business Dock
HP USB-C Dock G5 11-in-1
HP's powered 11-in-1 G5 dock with firmware update support.
Best for: Office and managed business laptops.
Our take Check price for HP USB-C Dock G5 11-in-1 (opens in a new tab)
Best HP Dock for Higher-Wattage Laptops
HP USB-C 100W G6 Dock
HP's current-generation G6 dock with 100W power delivery.
Best for: HP business fleets and higher-wattage laptops.
Our take Check price for HP USB-C 100W G6 Dock (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Budget Hub1 of 8
UGREEN 7-in-1 Docking Station (Revodok Pro)
The UGREEN Revodok Pro 7-in-1 is the lowest-priced dock here at about $27 at the time of writing: two HDMI outputs listed for 4K 60Hz, 10Gbps data ports and 100W pass-through in an aluminum body.
Best for
- Two-monitor desks 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 specs
- Outputs
- 2 x HDMI 4K 60Hz
- 10Gbps data
- Power pass-through
- 100W
- Aluminum
Pros
- Lowest price
- Fast data
- 100W pass-through
Cons
- No Ethernet or SD
Best Budget Hub With Ethernet2 of 8
Anker Laptop Docking Station 8-in-1
The Anker 8-in-1 adds gigabit Ethernet and an SD slot to two HDMI outputs listed for dual 4K, with 85W pass-through, for about $54 at the time of writing.
Best for
- Desks that need wired networking.
Skip if
- You do not need Ethernet; the UGREEN is cheaper.
Key specs
- Outputs
- 2 x HDMI
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Power pass-through
- 85W
- SD slot
Pros
- Ethernet
- SD slot
Cons
- 85W pass-through
Budget Hub (Few Specs)3 of 8
Acer USB-C Docking Station 9-in-1
The Acer 9-in-1 offers two HDMI outputs in a compact hub for about $35 at the time of writing.
Best for
- Simple two-monitor setups.
Skip if
- You want stated specifications.
Why we like it
The listing does not detail power delivery, data speed or Ethernet, so check before buying.
Key specs
- Ports
- 9-in-1
- Outputs
- 2 x HDMI
Pros
- Low price
- Compact
Cons
- Few specifications listed
Most Compact Hub4 of 8
Anker Nano Laptop Docking Station 8-in-1
The Anker Nano 8-in-1 packs 4K 60Hz HDMI, 10Gbps USB-C, two USB-A ports, an SD/TF reader and 85W pass-through into a small body, for about $30 at the time of writing.
Best for
- Travel and small desks.
Skip if
- You need Ethernet.
Key specs
- HDMI 4K 60Hz
- 10Gbps USB-C, 2 x USB-A
- SD/TF
- Power pass-through
- 85W
Pros
- Compact
- Card reader
Cons
- No Ethernet
Best Powered Dock5 of 8
Anker Prime Docking Station 14-Port
The Anker Prime is the high-power option: 14 ports and up to 160W total output, which suits higher-wattage laptops that 85W hubs may not fully charge, with dual 4K and 10Gbps data.
Best for
- Power-hungry laptops and busy desks.
Skip if
- You have a light ultrabook; a hub is enough.
Why we like it
It costs about $170 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Ports
- 14
- Output
- up to 160W
- Dual 4K
- 10Gbps data
Pros
- Most power and ports
Cons
- Expensive
Best for Three Displays6 of 8
Anker Nano 13-in-1 Laptop Docking Station
The Anker Nano 13-in-1 supports three displays (two HDMI and one DisplayPort), with 10Gbps USB-C and up to 100W power delivery, plus a detachable 6-in-1 module for travel.
Best for
- Three-monitor desks.
Skip if
- You use two monitors or fewer.
Why we like it
Three displays depend on your laptop.
Key specs
- Displays
- up to 3
- 10Gbps USB-C
- Power delivery
- up to 100W
- Detachable 6-in-1
Pros
- Three displays
- Travel module
Cons
- Laptop-dependent
Best Business Dock7 of 8
HP USB-C Dock G5 11-in-1
The HP USB-C Dock G5 is a powered 11-in-1 business dock that works with USB-C laptops beyond HP's own, with firmware update support, for about $98 at the time of writing.
Best for
- Office and managed business laptops.
Skip if
- You want the most charging power; the G6 lists 100W.
Why we like it
It sits between the consumer hubs and the Anker Prime in price.
Key specs
- Ports
- 11-in-1
- Powered
- Firmware updates
- Broad USB-C compatibility
Pros
- Powered
- Business support
Cons
- Charging wattage not stated here
Best HP Dock for Higher-Wattage Laptops8 of 8
HP USB-C 100W G6 Dock
The HP G6 is HP's current business dock with 100W power delivery, suited to higher-wattage business laptops, with firmware update support.
Best for
- HP business fleets and higher-wattage laptops.
Skip if
- The G5 meets your needs for half the price.
Why we like it
It costs about $195 at the time of writing, about twice the G5. Other port details are not listed here.
Key specs
- Power delivery
- 100W
- HP G6 business dock
- Firmware updates
Pros
- 100W charging
- Current HP generation
Cons
- Expensive
- Port details not listed here
How We Chose These USB-C Docking Stations
Each pick was assessed across 3 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Power
- We recorded pass-through and output 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 USB-C Docking Station
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Hub or powered dock
Hubs pass through your charger; powered docks (HP G5/G6, Anker Prime) supply their own power.
Charging wattage
Match your laptop charger: 85W to 160W here.
USB C hub with card reader and USB ports connected to a laptop on a wooden desk Displays
Check how many external displays your laptop supports over USB-C.
Ports and management
Ethernet, SD readers and, for business, firmware updates.
How to Choose a USB-C Docking Station
By need
| Need | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest | UGREEN 7-in-1 | About $27 |
| Ethernet | Anker 8-in-1 | Gigabit |
| Travel | Anker Nano 8-in-1 | Compact |
| Three monitors | Anker Nano 13-in-1 | 2 HDMI + DP |
| Business laptop | HP G5 or G6 | Powered, firmware support |
| High-wattage laptop | Anker Prime | 160W |
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, Anker Nano 8-in-1, Acer, Anker 8-in-1 |
| About $98–$120 | HP G5, Anker Nano 13-in-1 |
| About $170–$195 | Anker Prime, HP G6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a USB-C dock charge my laptop?
Powered docks do; hubs pass through your charger's power up to their rated wattage.
Why does my second monitor mirror?
Some laptops cannot extend to multiple displays over one USB-C port. Check your laptop's documentation.
Is an HP dock only for HP laptops?
HP lists the G5 as compatible with USB-C laptops broadly, though some features are designed around HP business laptops.
Bottom Line
For most desks, the UGREEN 7-in-1 is the budget choice, the Anker 8-in-1 adds Ethernet, and the Anker Nano 13-in-1 handles three displays.
For a permanent business desk, the HP G5 is the sensible powered dock and the G6 adds 100W; the Anker Prime suits power-hungry laptops with many peripherals.