Phenquestions
Today, we're reviewing the top five best options. For this article, we focused only on popular laptop docking stations that support dual monitors. These little devices give you everything you need to become more productive. Without further ado, let's dive right into the reviews.
Microsoft Surface Dock 2
The latest entry in Microsoft's docking arsenal requires the newest Surface Pro device. Unfortunately, it doesn't support Surface Pro 3, 4, and the original Surface Book. But it supports dual 4k monitors and a total of 6 USB ports (still no Thunderbolt 3 ports, though) for the peripherals.
Surface Dock 2 is very similar in size and shape to Surface Dock but slightly deeper. It uses the same 40-pin SurfLink connector that passes along power, display, and USB signals simultaneously. While the connector dimensions are the same, the cable is slightly longer, which is a welcome improvement. The main power cable is also longer.
The device supports two 4k monitors @60fps resolution on the latest Surface Pro models such as Pro X, Pro 7, Pro 8, Book 3, etc. Older models will only show one 4k60 and one 4k30 or both 1440p displays at best.
Our only disappointment is the lack of pre-built HDMI and DisplayPort receptacles. Moreover, if your monitor doesn't have a USB-C, you will need to invest in a USB-C to DP 1.4 or USB-C to HDMI 2.0b adapter to make everything work. While the original price of this device is much higher, our top option is worth every penny. After all, you're getting two 4k displays. You can get it at many reasonable rates from Amazon below.
Buy Here: Amazon
Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station
A major advantage of a third party docking solutions like this Plugable's model is flexibility. If you replace your laptop with another from a different manufacturer, you don't have to replace the docking solution too. Plus, it's a Universal Docking Station, which means it will work with most brands. With just one cable, you get 11 additional ports for further connectivity. Isn't that great?
The Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station supports two 2k monitors @60fps resolution without any lag whether they're HDMI, DVI, or VGA. The best thing is, the package includes a DVI to VGA adapter and a DVI to HDMI adapter to help you're your setup.
Furthermore, the device features a vertical design. Thus you can slip it in between the two monitors to save valuable desk space. A vertical orientation also makes the ports more accessible. It features dual video outputs, a wired Gigabit Ethernet port, 3.5 mm Headset and Microphone jacks, two USB 3.0 ports, and four USB 2.0 ports to boot.
It doesn't charge your laptop, though, so you will have to plug your external charger to power your system. Although designed only for Windows, you can download its Linux driver from the manufacturer's website and get it working on a Linux system. Overall, it's a very economical option, and the manufacturer gives you a limited two-year warranty to ease your concerns.
Buy Here: Amazon
Targus USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Universal Dual Display Video Docking Station
Coming at third place on our list of the best laptop docking stations is Targus SuperSpeed Universal solution. It's a simple one-touch portable expansion module that connects your laptop to other work peripherals at USB 3.0 speeds. PS: it supports Linux right out of the box.
The device delivers a superb display for two screens at a 2048×1152 resolution. A total of nine USB ports (2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0 power, 2x USB 2.0, Ethernet, 2x display) give you more than enough ports to simultaneously connect multiple accessories. The On and Off button is also a nice addition.
Moreover, its unique pre-built power charger supports 90W laptops. The package includes a range of different charging tips for older branded laptops. There's also a handy chart telling you what tricks to try based on your laptop's brand. There's no USB-C adapter in the package, though.
Although not bulky in design, the tip compartment does take up half the volume. It's removable, but that doesn't considerably reduce its volume. That said, The Targus superspeed Universal docking station is a great value. It's highly compatible, so it should work like a charm for any home or office set up.
Buy Here: Amazon
Acodot Universal Laptop Docking Station
Tidy up your workspace by connecting up to 11 accessories to Acodot's Universal Laptop Docking Station. It supports Windows OS only. Compatible drivers are available for MAC users. However, it doesn't support UNIX/Linux and Surface RT.
For video displays, the gadget holds an HDMI port that supports 4k resolution @60fps with a single HDMI display or [email protected] if two screens are connected. Likewise, the DVI/VGA port supports display resolutions up to 2048×1152 for a single screen and 1920×1200 when both displays are in operation.
Acodot Universal Laptop Docking Station has six backward-compatible USB 3.0 ports, a DVI out, an HDMI out, a Gbps Ethernet port, and 3.5mm audio in/out auxiliary ports. This arsenal is more than enough to expand upon if needed. Additionally, the hub comes with a power supply lead, a DVI to VGA connector cable, a DVI to HDMI adapter, and a user manual with helpful instructions to get you started.
The only problem is: this portable expansion module does not plug and play. You have to download the necessary drivers before working. Thankfully, the entire set up process takes hardly two minutes. Overall, this midrange docking station is another great option to consider. It's highly functional and very useful in improving productivity while working from home.
Buy Here: Amazon
Lenovo Thunderbolt 3 Essential Dock
Here's one device that can go toe-to-toe with Microsoft Surface Dock 2 in terms of performance. PS: It also hosts an inbuilt DisplayPort. This universally compatible laptop dock supports dual 4k monitors at 60fps resolution and ups the power out to 65W. It's small, convenient and comes at a very market competitive cost.
Powered by Intel's Thunderbolt 3 technology, it boosts your productivity with up to 40Gbps transfer rate to support dual displays, superfast 10Gbps data rate, and a host of well-optimized ports. There are two USB-A 3.0(1 x always-on charging); Two USB-C Downstream Ports, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0 port, 3.5 mm audio ports, and an RJ45 Gigabit for Ethernet.
Once connected, it powers your laptop as well. Some Lenovo laptops come with the driver for Thunderbolt 3 Essential Dock preinstalled. However, others need to install the drivers from the Lenovo website. Older laptops that do not support Thunderbolt or USB-C protocols will not work with this docking station.
This compact and convenient laptop dock is IT enterprise-ready. It features advanced network management & security and management concepts such as PXE boot, WOL, and MAC address pass-through on some Lenovo ThinkPad Notebooks.
Buy Here: Amazon
Buyer's Guide
Not all docks are equal, not even the best laptop docking stations. So, consider the following features before you head out to buy one.
Connection type
The latest docking solutions support USB-C connections, which provides a robust and fast expansion option. Before you settle on such an option, make sure your laptop supports this option or not. In the case of a Microsoft Surface Device, your options are more limited because of their blade-type connector. Older laptops don't support USB-C standards. Therefore you will have to make do with some basic docks.
Video Out
Look closely at the specifications for video ports. What resolution does it support when you're running the two screens simultaneously? Besides, If it's a 4k or 5k display, you will need a DisplayPort to support these resolutions. Some docking stations (like Lenovo's solution mentioned above) come with inbuilt DisplayPort. In contrast, others (Microsoft Surface Dock 2) need a special converter adapter.
Power
It's not really a one-cable connection if your dock doesn't supply power to the laptop. However, there are some good choices, such as the Plugable's dock mentioned above. If your laptop consumes more wattage, make sure the dock you settle on delivers enough power to keep up.
Ports
Does your dock have enough external ports to connect all the devices you need? Usually, the best docking stations have 6 or more USB ports, which are more than enough. Also, pay attention to the USB port types, whether they're A, B, or C type. This is important if you want to power gadgets like smartphones.
Ethernet
Connecting a wired Ethernet is another plus of docking stations. You can free yourself from the shaky internet connection. Simply plug indirectly. If not you, then the participants on your daily zoom meeting will definitely notice the difference.
Audio In/Out
Having a dedicated port for connecting your external speakers and microphones can transform your audio entirely. In case you're into making podcasts or making appearances on social media, the difference in voice quality is definitely worth paying some extra bucks.
Final Words
To keep a smaller form factor, some modern laptops compromise on important ports that can prove to be a deal-breaker. The best laptop docking station helps you solve this problem. And not just that, It gives you every port you might need to transform your laptop into a full-fledge office work station. Our list includes popular options available today, and they don't cost you a limb either. So, choose one which best suits your needs. That's all for today. Thank you for reading!
