Best USB-C Docking Stations Compared
Whether you’re working from home, running dual-monitor setups, or simply need extra ports, a USB-C docking station is the ultimate productivity hack. Instead of swapping cables, you dock once—and everything’s connected.
Below, we compare five leading USB-C docks across key criteria: port selection, power delivery, display support, and price.
1. CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Ports: 18 total (Thunderbolt 4 ×3, USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ×5, USB-C 3.2×1, DisplayPort 1.4, SD card, audio in/out, Ethernet)
- Power Delivery: 98 W upstream
- Display Support: Dual 4K @60 Hz or single 8K @30 Hz
- Price: $349
Why it stands out: Unrivaled port density and future-proof Thunderbolt 4 performance. Ideal for pros who need every connection under one roof.
2. Anker PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Dock
- Ports: Thunderbolt 3 ×1 (PCIe Gen 3), USB-C 10 Gbps ×1, USB-A 10 Gbps ×2, USB-A 5 Gbps ×2, HDMI 2.0, SD/microSD, Ethernet, 3.5 mm audio
- Power Delivery: 85 W upstream
- Display Support: Dual 4K @60 Hz (via TB3 + HDMI)
- Price: $259
Why it stands out: Excellent balance of speed and affordability, plus SD card slots for content creators.
3. Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock
- Ports: Thunderbolt 3 ×2, USB-A 10 Gbps ×4, USB-C 10 Gbps ×1, DisplayPort 1.4, Ethernet, audio
- Power Delivery: 90 W upstream
- Display Support: Dual 4K @60 Hz
- Price: $299
Why it stands out: Trusted brand quality, robust metal chassis, and daisy-chain capability for complex setups.
4. Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Ports: Thunderbolt 4 ×2, USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ×4, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ×1, DisplayPort 1.4, Ethernet, combo audio
- Power Delivery: 90 W upstream
- Display Support: Dual 4K @60 Hz or single 8K @30 Hz
- Price: $329
Why it stands out: Compact footprint with strong performance and Kensington’s reliable support.
5. Hiearcool 10-in-1 USB-C Hub
- Ports: USB-C PD 100 W pass-through, USB-A 3.0 ×3, HDMI 4K @30 Hz, SD/microSD, Ethernet, VGA, 3.5 mm audio
- Power Delivery: 100 W pass-through
- Display Support: Single 4K @30 Hz (HDMI) + VGA 1080p
- Price: $79
Why it stands out: Best budget option with versatile ports—great for students or light-use multitaskers.
How to Choose Your Dock
- Port Needs: Tally what you use daily—monitors, storage media, audio gear, Ethernet.
- Power Delivery: Ensure ≥ your laptop’s charger wattage (e.g., 60 W vs. 100 W).
- Display Setup: Check if you need dual 4K, single 8K, or legacy VGA.
- Budget vs. Longevity: Higher upfront cost often means better build and future compatibility.
🧠 Final Take
A single-cable dock transforms a laptop into a desktop powerhouse. If you demand the absolute best, CalDigit TS4 leads the pack. For most pros, Anker’s Elite dock hits sweet spots in price and features. And if you’re watching your wallet, the Hiearcool hub covers essentials without breaking the bank.
Whatever your setup, choose the dock that frees you from cable chaos—and lets you focus on the work that matters.
