1. The list in brief
2. Best overall
3. Best budget
4. Best premium
5. Best Thunderbolt 4
6. Best USB Type-C
7. Best for MacBook
8. How we test
A docking station can be more than a way to improve upon your laptop's limited port selection. The best docking stations have the potential to completely reinvent your setup, providing power, port variation, and support for multiple external monitors to greatly expand your productivity and enjoyment when it comes to games and media.
The heart of every good setup should be a docking station, no question about it. While often overlooked, docking stations are a vital component in keeping busy desks in order. They're fantastic at keeping your desk free from messy cables and even better at ensuring you have everything you need at hand to maximize your efficiency, creativity, and enjoyment.
However, there are a ton of docks out there to choose from, which can lead to some confusion when debating a purchase. Thankfully, we've been doing much of the legwork for you, reviewing docks throughout the year and putting them through their paces to present you with our top picks across various categories.
If you want to know more about how we choose which docks make it onto this page, there's a short overview of our review process at the foot of this list that gives more insight into our testing methods.
Each dock in our selection was personally reviewed by myself. This means every recommendation that follows is the result of hands-on experience and a review that scored no less than four out of five stars. We judge each dock across five metrics: Ports, power, performance, presentation, and most importantly price. We're aware of how much of an investment docking stations are and weigh up each dock that comes our way against their cost to ensure they perform at the level its price would suggest and that each has the value to match.
With that in mind, let's dive into our selection of the best laptop docking stations in 2024.
Rael Hornby brings decades of tech enthusiasm to the table with a broad history of technical support, web design, and journalism under his belt. As Laptop Mag's content editor and resident reviewer of accessories and peripherals, he's responsible for getting hands on with any docking stations that come our way and putting them through their paces — ensuring they perform as claimed and that the often high asking price of this hardware results in fantastic value for our readers.
Best Docking Stations 2024: The list in brief
Plugable's Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 docking station is one of the best docking stations available featuring a bevy of ports, power, and top-flight performance synonymous with the brand.
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If you're buying on a budget? Quite frankly, there's no better balance of ports, performance, and price than Monoprice's fantastic 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI and DP MST Dock.
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The Logi Dock, Logitech's all-in-one audio, conferencing, and port expansion solution, makes it one of — if not the — best USB-C docking stations around.
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Amazing for Thunderbolt PCs and Apple Silicon MacBooks alike, the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 offers incredible power and 18 additional ports to bolster your workstation.
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BenQ's dock provides ample ports and power while making use of a secondary host port ideal for games consoles or media players, and easily switched to with a single button press.
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Part docking station, part ergonomic laptop riser, and part external SSD enclosure, the Satechi Dual Dock Stand makes for an incredible docking station and MacBook companion.
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The best laptop docking stations in 2024
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Best overall
Plugable's TBT4-UDZ docking station is one that can be universally applied to practically any computing setup with only positive results to follow. As port expansions go, this dock offers a wealth of variety with its additional ports and cutting-edge speeds that result in super-fast data streams, crisp and smooth 4K pictures across up to four external displays, a reliable source of power with up to 98W of charge on tap, and excellent cable management (as long as you don't mind front-facing host ports).
✔️ You're looking to maximize your productivity with multiple displays: With four display ports available to users, the TBT4-UDZ offers up the potential for you to immerse yourself in up to four additional external displays beyond that of your laptop's screen.
✔️ You need access to more legacy ports: Most modern laptops limit your port selection to a handful of USB-C ports. This is great for keeping these devices slim and trim, but awful for those requiring access to legacy ports like USB Type-A for their peripherals and accessories, the TBT4-UDZ offers six of these legacy ports in total.
✖️ You're looking for multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports: While the TBT4-UDZ offers a ton of ports, only the host port (the port you'll connect your laptop or PC to) is Thunderbolt 4 compliant. If you're looking to go all in on Thunderbolt 4 ports, check out the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4, also featured in this list.
✖️ You want a dock that's portable: You can toss Plugable's dock into a backpack and be on your way, but it's highly unlikely that you'll want to. If you're looking for something more travel friendly, you'll have a much better time with the Monoprice 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock mentioned later on this page or one of the picks from our best USB Type-C hubs roundup.
There are very few things I could fault Plugable's TBT4-UDZ docking station on, but, in contrast, the list of platitudes I could give it are almost as long as this products official name: the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station — a name that leaves very little to the imagination, yet proudly displays its stronger features from the get-go.
I loved making use of Plugable's Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 docking station, being particularly impressed by its overall versatility. It's awesome array of 16 ports sports variety in spades with a mix of display options and a welcoming blend of modern and legacy ports. Where the TBT4-UDZ lacks variety is in the performance of each one of those ports, with top tier speeds pouring out of every input.
As the dock's name implies, the TBT4-UDZ packs super-fast Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 ports that allow for data transfer rates of up to 40Gbps to and from compatible machines. Speeds like this are the death knell of sluggish progress bars as you transfer large files back and forth, making it an excellent option for those who deal in video or creative content, or for those that make use of external storage.
Plugable's dock also incorporates a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port for ultra-fast and solidly reliable data speeds over an RJ45 connection — a stand-out feature that is otherwise rare to find in most of the docks on this list which are limited to 1Gbps. This ensures your host machine will be given the maximum opportunity to make the most of your internet connection or LAN at all times.
Whether stood or laid flat, I was able to effortlessly incorporate this dock into a number of different setups that provided me with plenty of room for expansion with dozens of ports at my mercy to help manage a plethora of peripherals and a genuine arsenal of accessories.
I was also greatly impressed by the dock's support for external monitors, offering connections to handle up to four external displays (2 x HDMI and 2 x DisplayPort) at resolutions up to 4K with refresh rates of 60Hz.
While my typical day-to-day setup doesn't require anywhere near that amount of displays to hand, there are absolutely folks out there who need every last inch of screen space possible when it comes to juggling huge amounts of information spread across multiple spreadsheets or multitasking across several apps without needing to switch between open windows to do so. The experience was flawless, and a genuine eye-opener into the productivity boosts available to you as you expand your virtual workspace.
To me, Plugable's docking station is a 16-port masterpiece: a premium product that delivers a premium experience without cranking the price up to eye-watering levels. Alongside the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 mentioned elsewhere in this list, it's one of my favorite docking stations of our selection, and it often finds its way back into my setup when I'm not making space for whichever dock is next up for review.
| Ports | 16 |
| USB-C PD | Yes, up to 98W |
| Display output | 4 x 4K @ 60Hz (2 x HDMI, 2 x DisplayPort) |
| Thunderbolt 4/USB4 | Yes, (host port only) |
For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station review.
Best budget
The Monoprice 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock is an excellent budget option that provides ample ports and display options at a fraction of the price of other docks on our shortlist. While I found it easy to incorporate into my work from home setup, it's hub-like design, lightweight build, and tethered host cable also make it an ideal go-to for anyone seeking a travel-friendly or semi/non-permanent port expansion solution.
✔️ You want a travel-friendly or semi/non-permanent dock: Monoprice's dock features a tethered host cable, a lightweight build, and a USB Type-C hub-like design which makes it easy to toss into a bag and take with you on your travels. It can also be used to quickly hook up to a USB-C laptop an make use of its ports as and when needed, easily put away when not in use.
✔️ You're working within a budget: The 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock's sub-$100 price tag is undoubtedly its most attractive feature, especially when paired with 13 additional ports and both HDMI and DisplayPort external display support.
✖️ You need to make use of a lot of ports at once: Monoprice's dock may feature 12 ports, but everything is channeled through a single 10Gbps USB Type-C cable which could lead to bottle-necking while the dock is at 100% operation.
✖️ Cable management is key: Monoprice's dock is smaller than most and as such has to get creative about its port placement which can lead to a cluttered workspace with cables trailing off in many directions.
Docking stations typically have one universal commonality — high price tags! That's why there's so much good to be said about a product like Monoprice's 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock. Not only is this a brilliant docking station in terms of power and port variety, it delivers all of this at a price that won't leave you wincing.
Monoprice's docking station is a dead cert for the frugal buyer who wants to make every cent count. In terms of price-to-performance, don't expect Thunderbolt / USB4-level speeds of other options in this list such as the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 or Plugable's Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station, but there's a fair mix of legacy and display ports here to make use of — plenty enough to manage a small scale workstation or carve out a niche as a solid travel dock while you're away from your core setup.
I was skeptical of this dock's potential at first, but after running my typical day-to-day work setup through it (which includes a 4K monitor, wireless mouse, keyboard, and an external microphone) I came to appreciate the generous about of legacy USB Type-A ports on offer, finding it to be a top option for peripheral-heavy users in need of ports.
It's not all good news, though. The noticeable drop in price does result in some trade-offs. Not only Monoprice's dock not come with a power supply, meaning you'll need to source your own 100W input (with a decent GaN charger being an essential companion for this device), but the dock's USB-C limitations can cause congestion when too many ports are in use.
If you're a light user or just looking for a dock to connect your peripherals to, this is likely to be unnoticeable, but power users will struggle to get the performance they need from this dock with its 10Gbps maximum throughput.
Another downside comes from the overall design of Monoprice's dock. It's small and lighter than other docks, which is great for portability, but it's also resulted in a somewhat eccentric placement of the ports around the dock's chassis.
In my review, I quickly noticed how cable management became a considerable issue the more cables I attached to the device. If you're looking for a dock that helps to keep your workspace clear from clutter, this dock is unlikely to satisfy. After connecting up an HDMI, Ethernet, and the USB-C PD input, I was already left with a giant techno-spider sprawling across my desk — and that was while satisfying a relatively simple setup.
These issues aside, the Monoprice 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock remains as one of the best budget offerings in the docking station space with a great many positives beyond its sub-$100 price tag.
Dependable budget options come few and far between when it comes to the docking station landscape, so if Monoprice's dock still hasn't swayed you, but you don't have the budget to accommodate some of the more feature-flush options in this least, I'd recommend that you check out our selection of the best USB Type-C hubs, instead.
| Ports | 13 |
| USB-C PD | Yes, up to 100W |
| Display output | 3 x 4K @ 60Hz (2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort) |
| Thunderbolt 4/USB4 | No |
For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Monoprice 13-in-1 Dual-HDMI + DP MST Dock review.
Best premium
The Logitech Logi Dock isn't just a fantastic docking station, it's also a quality conferencing tool with a built-in beam-forming mic array and a fantastic small-scale soundbar that can elevate everything from the audio of video calls to your favorite tracks on Spotify. Its small footprint is appreciated all the more once you realize that this one device does the job of three, bringing solid value to its premium price.
✔️ You want dock that does it all: The Logitech Logi Dock has aspirations that stretch far beyond providing you more ports, pulling triple duties as a micro soundbar and conferencing tool, also. It's fantastic for work or entertainment and can quickly cement itself as an essentially element to your setup.
✔️ You don't have a lot of space to work with: One of the key benefits of the Logi Dock is how much it can do with such a small footprint. If you've working at a smaller desk, the Logi Dock's multitude of uses can cut the fat on your setup and leave you with one device to take over much of your computing needs at once.
✖️ You need to control more than two external displays: Logitech's dock seems to have been designed to handle small to mid-sized setups primarily. As such, if you're looking to manage a larger setup then you could run into issues while being hampered by its port selection, particularly if you need to host more than two external displays at any one time.
✖️ You need a lot of legacy ports: The Logi Dock comes with three USB Type-C ports you can make use of, but only two legacy USB Type-A ports. If you're a heavy peripheral user and these ports are in high demand, Logitech's dock may leave you high and dry.
Logitech's Logi Dock is the docking station so good, they almost named it twice. It's no easy task for a docking station to generate excitement. Hardware like this is designed to be functional above all else and its design and additional features are often seen as an after sight.
However, Logitech have seemingly pulled off the impossible with the Logi Dock, creating a device that is stunning to have featured in your setup and serves a great many purposes along the way.
Not only is Logitech's offering a fantastic premium product, it excels in connectivity: uniquely offering Bluetooth 5.1 pairing of up to 7 additional devices beyond its eight port expansion. Of those ports, three are USB Type-C, two are USB Type-A, and the remaining two are HDMI and DisplayPort outputs that support resolutions up to 4K with HDR and a 60Hz refresh rate.
You may notice that none of the ports mentioned were Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 compatible, which, I can't lie, would have been something that really pushes the Logi Dock to all-new heights. Then again, it would likely have pushed its cost in a similar direction, and the Logi Dock is already in possession of a premium price tag.
Far be it from me to turn my nose up to a solid USB Type-C dock, though. Especially when there's so much more on offer here than a simple case of port expansion. This dock is also outfitted with custom 55mm neodymium drivers that make it a stereo soundbar that has no right sounding as impressive as it does for being part of a docking station setup.
But that's the trick Logitech has pulled here, the Logi Dock isn't just a docking station, it's also a fully-fledged conferencing tool with a built-in noise and echo-cancelling beam-forming mic array — simplifying your setup for both work and entertainment. It's a little bit of everything and it does it all impressively well, but it does come with a challenging price tag.
This kind of multi-functionality is hard to come by when it comes to docking stations, but it's one of the things I enjoy coming across most. Docking stations can get a little dry and bland at times, and there's nothing really wrong with that. They are, after all, meant to blend into the background and quietly manage your setup from the shadows. However, when manufacturers begin to think outside of the box and blend their docks with other accessories or peripherals they address one of a dock's primary, yet often overlooked, tasks: Cable management.
Cable management isn't exactly top of the list for things reviewers take a docking station to task for, but I'm not like most reviewers, and I believe that the hardware responsible for managing your connections should do a decent job of keeping things neat and tidy as it does so. It's a reflection of the thought that went into the dock itself, after all.
I'm also a firm believer that there's no better cable management than being able to replace the need for certain cables to be there in the first place. The Logitech Logi Dock is a docking station first, and a mic and speaker bar second, eliminating the need to have separate devices cluttering your setup in the process.
| Ports | 8 (+7 including Bluetooth 5.1) |
| USB-C PD | Yes, up to 100W |
| Display output | 2 x 4K HDR @ 60Hz (1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort) |
| Thunderbolt 4/USB4 | No |
For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Logitech Logi Dock review.
Best Thunderbolt 4
Thunderbolt 4 docks offer all of the connectivity and power capabilities of USB-C docking stations, with all the added benefits of the Thunderbolt standard, like faster data transfer speeds of 40Gbps. Thunderbolt docks are overall the more powerful devices, and in turn more expensive — though they experience less bottle-necking issues due to the increased bandwidth available, making them the ideal option when performance is paramount.
✔️ You want a high performance dock: When you need a docking station capable of ultimate performance, the CalDigit TS4 is absolutely deserving of a spot on your shortlist. It's 18 ports include two 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, and a myriad of high-spec'd USB ports to boot.
✔️ You want to charge your phone or tablet too: Thanks to a front-facing 20W USB Type-C port, the TS4 can also charge your phone, tablet, or connect to a charger to power your smartwatch or any other device of your choosing.
✖️ You don't want to spend a lot of money: There's no other way to cut it, the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 is expensive. If you're working within a budget, even if that budget is considerable, the TS4 is a grand investment — especially when there are more basic Thunderbolt 4 docks available for less, like the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 HDMI Docking Station (TBT4-UDX1).
✖️ You don't require lots of Thunderbolt connections: If you're a video editor, software developer, or other creative professional then having access to a full suite of accessories and peripherals working at top speed is a fantastic boon. However, for most people this dock's performance is akin to getting behind the wheel of a Bugatti and never needing to move beyond first gear.
Whether you own a Thunderbolt 4 computer, USB4 Chromebook, or Apple Silicon MacBook the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 is fantastic solution for your workstation needs — especially if those needs require you to have access to some of the fastest data transfer rates there are until Thunderbolt 5 docks begin making an appearance.
It's power does however lead to a considerable drawback, its price. The TS4 is one of the more expensive options on this list, and considering the already high price of docking stations, that's saying something. Performance is what you're paying for here, and performance is what you'll get in spades, along with plenty of ports and a considerable supply of power.
The TS4 offers an incredible 18 additional ports (17 after the host port is connected), including an SD and microSD card reader, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a myriad of audio and USB Type-A/Type-C ports to boot.
It's port expansion heaven, which sounds like something so boring it could make trainspotting look like Monday Night Football, though I promise you that's far more of an exciting thing than I made it sound.
Throw a dart at this dock and you're likely to hit a port that's offering impressively fast speeds, which makes it the perfect option for professional power users who need a full array of accessories to hand to maximize their productivity and performance.
That productivity can be further enhanced with support for up to two external displays. A DisplayPort 1.4 connection will allow for an external display with up to 8K resolution or it can work in tandem with a USB-C DP port to power two displays with 4K resolutions at a refresh rate of 60Hz. You can even drive an external display for your Chromebook if it has a USB4 connection.
Better still, the TS4 is a veritable desktop power station, offering 98W of host charge and a number of powered ports to keep your peripherals and sidekick devices juiced up throughout the day. Included among that number is a USB Type-C port that offers 20W of Power Delivery alone, ideal for keeping your smartphone or tablet topped up throughout the day.
The CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 isn't the latest Thunderbolt dock to release, but no matter how many more I've come across, I always return to the TS4 as my favorite.
Based on performance alone, it's one of the best options you can go with, but factor in its small footprint, vertical/horizontal positioning, excellent cable management, and a wealth of power for your host machine and other devices, and you have a brilliant docking station — one well worth its place in this list.
| Ports | 18 |
| USB-C PD | Yes, up to 98W (host) and 20W USB-C |
| Display output | 1 x 8K @ 60Hz (1 x DisplayPort/USB-C DP), 2 x 4K/6K @ 60Hz (1 x DisplayPort, 1 x USB-C DP) |
| Thunderbolt 4/USB4 | Yes |
For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 review.
Best USB Type-C
USB-C docks are the base-level standard for most modern docks, having since moved on from the previous USB-A format. While not as fast as Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB4 docks, USB-C docks still offer decent speeds and are fully compatible with Thunderbolt and USB4 ports (though limited to a maximum transfer rate of 20Gbps).
✔️ Your setup is for work and play: The beCreatus Hybrid dock gives you a rapid switch to an external video output ideal for gaming. If you like to end your workdays by spending a few hours on PS5 or Xbox (and you do so at the same desk) then this dock makes it easier than ever to switch between the two.
✔️ You want to charge your phone or tablet too: Thanks to a front-facing 36W USB Type-C port, BenQ's dock offers a generous supply of power to smartphone or tablet devices or a speedy jolt of charge to peripherals like wireless keyboards or mice.
✖️ Your setup is primarily for work: The feature that makes BenQ's dock stand out the most is only useful if your setup is used for more than work. It's secondary host input is a HDMI port, meaning its ideal for games consoles to connect to. If you're not much of a gamer, or your console is kept elsewhere, this dock's unique selling point won't be much use to you.
✖️ You don't have a monitor with a high refresh rate: This dock's gaming mode switches the primary video input to a HDMI port capable of running at 4K resolutions and a 120Hz refresh rate. If you're lumped with a monitor that can't take advantage of that, you may feel like that feature is going to waste.
BenQ's beCreatus Hybrid Dock is one of the more unique entrants in this list, primarily for the reason that it can host two devices at once, and switch between the two at the press of a button.
Typically, that description would be befitting of a KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse) switch, however, BenQ's dock works solely with the V, tossing the need to switch the K and M to one side.
This is because it's designed to bridge the gap between PC and console gaming in ways most docks can't. The first host port is a Type-C USB port and the second is a HDMI 2.1 port. That big ol' green button on the front of the dock switches the input source of your primary external monitor, allowing you to rapidly switch between work and play mode in an instant.
The dock's primary mode supports three external displays at 4K resolutions with a 60Hz refresh rate. After switching to its secondary (fun) mode, your primary display switches to support resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz.
Your second and third displays will remain linked to your host machine, meaning you can still keep an eye on other tasks, but another quick press of the button switches your primary display back to the host machine, giving it a great additional function as an emergency "boss button."
This feature alone defines the best use case for the beCreatus Hybrid Dock, making it the ideal solution for those whose workstation and battlestation are one in the same. In my review, I had a blast being able to effortlessly switch over into gaming mode at the end of a long day while still being able to keep an eye on any incoming messages to my email on a secondary monitor.
And, if anything did come through that needed my full attention, I was able to hit that button once more, instantly switching back into productivity mode across each of my available external displays.
All of this and we haven't even mentioned the 13-port expansion BenQ's dock offers, which includes a generous supply of legacy USB Type-A ports and a front-facing USB Type-C port that offers impressive Power Delivery of up to 36W — perfect for keeping any other devices you make use of during your day fully topped up with a constant stream of power.
There are no Thunderbolt or USB4 ports on offer here, and that's something that I think BenQ has slipped up on, as this pricey offering is deserving of a few faster ports. However, its unique selling point is its dual video host capabilities, and not its ability to transfer data at super-fast rates.
| Ports | 13 |
| USB-C PD | Yes, up to 100W |
| Display output | 1 x 8K @ 60Hz (1 x HDMI), 3 x 4K @ 60Hz (2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort) |
| Thunderbolt 4/USB4 | No |
For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full BenQ beCreatus Hybrid Dock review.
Best for MacBook
While all of the docks on this list will work with MacBooks, the Satechi Dual Dock Stand is a docking station specifically designed with MacBooks in mind. As such, we've listed this MacBook dock individually to highlight its MacBook-first design and focus.
✔️ You want a minimal setup: The Satechi Dual Dock Stand is a zero-footprint device, taking its place underneath your MacBook mostly out of sight. If you're looking for a neat and minimal look for your setup or are working at a smaller desk then this dock's footprint will be ideal for you.
✔️ You want an all-in-one docking station: This dock does it all, not only does it offer valuable port expansion, but it also elevates your MacBook to improve ergonomics and the overall typing experience, and it includes an SSD compartment to bolster your storage.
✖️ You have other uses for your Thunderbolt ports: Satechi's dock requires the use of two USB Type-C ports on the left hand side of your device. This will consume your Thunderbolt ports entirely, and it won't return a Thunderbolt port to you in its port selection.
✖️ You make frequent use of SD/Micro SD cards: While the Dual Dock Stand offers a solid selection of ports, it's notably lacking any SD or Micro SD slots. If you're a content creator, video editor, or photographer and make use of these mediums often, you'll need to make use of an adapter to access your media.
Let me tell you about Satechi's Dual Dock Stand — a device pulling triple duties as a docking station, ergonomic laptop stand, and external SSD enclosure. As I mentioned earlier, I'm a big proponent for multi-purpose devices like this, strongly believing that a good all-in-one solution is far easier to manage than three separate devices.
Decked out in Space Metal Grey, Satechi's dock is the ideal MacBook companion visually, and a vital accessory in terms of functionality. It offers everything you'd need from a workstation setup with a zero-footprint design that fits snugly under your MacBook, greatly expanding on your device's potential, and its comfort, without ever becoming a distraction in the process.
The Dual Dock Stand's built-in SSD enclosure isn't just ideal for augmenting the storage of your MacBook. Thanks to this docks lightweight build, tethered host cables, and portability, it can also act as an external SSD, helping to easily transfer data between devices.
The amount of charge offered by Satechi's dock isn't as high as other entrants to this list, offering just 75W of charge to the host machine. However, with Apple's latest MacBooks taking advantage of the impressively efficient Apple Silicon chipsets (M1 > M3) this is enough power to keep most MacBooks topped up with ease across your standard working day.
There are trade-offs to be made, however. Satechi's dock is a bit of a port hog for one. It'll require both of your left-hand Thunderbolt ports to run at its fullest potential. Meaning, if you want to take full advantage of the speeds offered by that standard, you won't be able to do so while the dock is connected.
Of the nine ports it offers in return, none allow you to take full advantage of the host machine's Thunderbolt-capable speeds. You'll be limited to speeds you'd find with any other USB Type-C hub or dock, which could be a deal breaker for power users looking to maximize their productivity and take full advantage of the bandwidth available on their host machine.
If that's a deal breaker for you, then my advice would be to seek a dedicated Thunderbolt 4 dock like the CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 mentioned earlier in this list.
A lot of docking stations will work with a MacBook, and if you're interested in seeing which are the best for the Apple ecosystem specifically then check out our selection of the best docking stations for MacBooks. In fact, all of the docks we've previously mentioned on this list work with MacBooks, too. It's just that this dock is specifically designed to work primarily with Apple's laptops.
| Ports | 9 |
| USB-C PD | Yes, up to 75W |
| Display output | 2 x 4K @ 60Hz (2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort) |
| Thunderbolt 4/USB4 | No |
For a complete rundown of this dock's features, ports, and performance, see our full Satechi Dual Dock Stand review.
How we test docking stations
Every item we review at Laptop Mag is subject to a variety of synthetic and real-life tests to ensure the product operates as claimed and meets the needs and wants of our readers. Docking stations are not different, though there's more involved in our testing process than simply running through a checklist of a manufacturer's claims.
When it comes to docks, we judge how well a product performs across five metrics: Power, ports, performance, presentation, and price.
Firstly, we make sure that a docking station delivers the expected charge by connecting it to various laptops (with increasing power demands) and seeing how well they maintain their charge throughout a working day. We also make use of USB power meters to measure the wattage of the charge heading to the host machine.
Secondly, we make use of the dock's ports to accommodate peripherals, monitors, and accessories across various setups to test how the number of available ports fares depending on the use case. This helps us to determine a dock's ideal use case, with port number and variety all playing a role in determining how it can best be used.
We then test each of these ports, ensuring they perform to the standards claimed by the manufacturer. This can involve transferring files back-and-forth, to-and-from an external SSD onto the host machine, and connecting multiple monitors to the dock's video outputs to ensure there is no noticeable lag or visual hiccups.
Then we take into account how well the dock handles cable management, a key, but often overlooked, feature. This takes into account port placement, and the dock's overall design and layout.
Finally, we use these metrics to judge the value of each dock against its MSRP to ensure it's a worthy investment to make. Docking stations are notoriously expensive pieces of hardware to invest in, so we want to make sure that every docking station we recommend delivers the kind of quality that its price tag might suggest.
With all of this in mind, we score each dock using a 5-star rating, with our best selection of docks within certain categories being selected to appear on this page.
