So, you are ready to purchase your new laptop but have you thought how tiring it can get typing on a laptop for hours on end? Have you considered having a larger monitor or dual monitors and an ergonomic keyboard? You need to consider having a work station in addition to your laptop. The first thing you need is a docking station. What are the best laptop docking stations?
First Off, What is a Docking Station?
A docking station is used to make your laptop feel more like a desktop computer. The advantage to this is you can plug in the keyboard of your choice, a mouse, speakers, dual monitors, a printer and other accessories.
Sometimes it gets tiring looking at a small laptop screen and I for one don’t like the position my hands are in while typing on a laptop for long hours. That’s why I have a docking station at my corporate office and at my home. This is what my work station looks like at home.
You may also be able to tell I have a sit and stand Varidesk. This is one incredible and comfortable work space and I still have the flexibility of un-docking the laptop and taking it anywhere I wish to work.
Now That You Know What a Docking Station Will Do for You….
Let’s make sure there is a docking station for the laptop you wish to purchase.
Some people won’t care about having a work station or may not be able to afford any more than a laptop but just in case you want something similar to the picture above, you need to make sure a docking station is available and that it fits the laptop model you have selected.
I created a list of some of the Best Laptops for 2019, so I am going to look at each of the laptop brands and models I presented and see if a docking station is available.
LAPTOP DOCKING STATIONS
WARNING: You must be careful to ensure you purchase the correct docking station for the specific model of laptop you have purchased or would like to purchase and beware there are many types of docking stations that have different accessories or number of ports, etc.
Lenovo ThinkPad USA Ultra Dock With 90W 2 Prong AC Adapter (40A20090US, Retail Packaged), Black
- 3x USB 2.0 and 3x USB 3.0
- 2x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x DVI-D, 1x HDMI 1.4 and 1x VGA (max two displays, including laptop screen)
- Comes with ThinkPad US AC adapter (90W) Does not support ThinkPad T460p quad-core models with discrete graphics. Please use the ThinkPad Ultra Dock 170W.
- COMPATIBLE with select 65w and 90w Lenovo laptops - NOT recommended for laptops with 170W AC adapters
- A475, L570, L470, L460, L560, L450, ThinkPad 25, T470p, T470s, T570, T470, T460s, T560, T460, T460p, T550, T450, T450s, P51s, X270, X260, X250
- Lenovo ThinkPad Ultra Dock - 90W US - for Notebook - Proprietary Interface - 6 x USB Ports - Network (RJ-45) - HDMI - DVI - VGA - Display Port
Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock - With 50 cm Thunderbolt cable, 40Gb/s, dual 4K support, 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), 3x USB 3.0, Audio Input and Output, Gigabit Ethernet, Aluminum Chassis
- Connect everything to your MacBook Pro or Windows notebook at once
- Charge your MacBook Pro or Windows notebook with up to 85 w via the same cable you use to connect
- Two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C Ports: extended versatility, including 5K Display support; Dual Display support: up to 2x 4K resolution
- Three USB 3. 0 Ports: high-power Device support for iPad, SuperDrive and more
- Compatible with Mac (MacOS sierra 10. 12 or later Thunderbolt 3 port ), PC (Windows 10 or later Thunderbolt 3 port)
- Connectivity Technology: Rj45
Dell 452-BCYT D6000 Universal Dock, Black, Single
- Enjoy Ultra HD 5K on a single screen or up to three 4K displays via USB C
- Supports up to three 4K displays or a single 5K Display
- Four USB 3.0 Ports. One USB C port. System Requirement (Recommended): PC’s equipped with USB 3.0 or USB C port, Display Link Driver installation. Power adapter 130 Watt. Power Delivery (PD) Profile Up to 65W Dell/Non-Dell laptop (5V/9V/15V@3A and 19.5V@3.25A)
- Os required Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 32/64bit or later. Charges up to 65W laptop via USB C
- Troubleshoot incompatible display driver this message will appear if the primary graphics card drivers installed are not wddm compatible. Windows 7 onwards is not designed to operate without wddm drivers. Download and install the latest graphics drivers for your primary graphics card.Third 4K display at 30 Hertz
Microsoft Surface Dock (Pd9-00003),Black
- Compatibility: Surface go, surface laptop, surface laptop 2, surface pro, surface pro 3, surface pro 4,surface pro 6, surface book, surface book 2
- 2x Mini display ports, 1x Gigabit Ethernet port
- 4 USB 3.0 ports, 1x audio out port
- Magnetic surface connect cable. Transform your surface into a desktop PC by plugging in your dock with the surface connect cable. External power supply
- High speed data transferring
HP Ultra Slim Dock 2013 Docking Station (D9Y32AA#ABA)
- 4x USB 3.0 ports.
- 2x DisplayPort, 1x VGA port.
- 1x LAN/Ethernet port, 1 x Line in, 1 x Line out
- Lock Slot (lock not included)
- Compatible with Hp EliteBook Notebook and Tablet PCs - see description for full compatibility list.
ASUS SimPro Dock, Black
- Connecting You to Maximum Efficiency
- Supports up to two FHD displays at 60Hz
- Supports faster data transfer, enabling data transfer at 5Gbps SuperSpeed
- Convenient RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet. Automatically copy MAC address from NB to Dock
- Functionality In a small size. Power source up to 75W for ASUS compatible models
Dell USB 3.0 Ultra HD/4K Triple Display Docking Station (D3100), Black
- 2 x USB 2.0 to 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x headphone input and output 3.5 millimeter. System Requirements(OS)-Microsoft Windows XP / 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 (32/64 bits) .Video Resolution : MAX at 60Hz - 2048 x 1152.Operating Temperature : Maximum operating temperature is 40°C
- 3 x super speed USB 3.0 - 9 pin USB type A, 1 x network - RJ-45. Designed for Inspiron 15 7567 Gaming, 5459; Latitude 13 7350, 3350, E5270, E5460, E5470, E5570, E7270, E7470; XPS 13 (9343)
- 1 x display/video: DisplayPort output : 20 pin DisplayPort, super speed cable
- 2 x display/video: HDMI: 19 pin HDMI type A, 1x HDMI DVI adapter included
- Allow for a triple monitor setup, see compatible Dell models in the description
- (Playback Language)
HP USB-C Dock G4 - Docking Station - HDMI, 2 x DP - for Chromebook 14 G5, Elitebook 830 G5, 840 G5 and More
- Charge all of your HP devices, from Detachables TO notebooks, with one dock that supports six power profiles, from 5V to 20V.
- Connect the Dock’s Cable to your device's USB-C port to charge it while you work, access your wired network, and connect to one 4K or up to three wsxga+ displays, Plus your accessories
- Experience advanced network manageability with PXE Boot, wake on LAN, and Mac address pass through support, even when the system is on or in sleep, hibernate or off States, and 802.1x authentication.
- Get optimal security with a driver-free dock that has no internal Flash memory, and can be physically locked down with a lock slot and your choice of locks.
- Rest easy with a One-year limited warranty.
Dell WD19 180W Docking Station (130W Power Delivery) USB-C, HDMI, Dual DisplayPort, Black
- Ports: 1x USB-C 3. 1 (Gen 2), 1x USB-A 3. 1 (Gen 1 with power Share), 2x USB-A 3. 1 (Gen 1), 1x combo Audio/ headset, 1x audio out.
- Ports: 2x DisplayPort 1. 4, 1x HDMI, 1x USB-C multifunction DisplayPort, 1x Gigabit Ethernet RJ45.
- Power: Power adapter 180 Watt AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz). Docking interface: USB-C. Cable included: 1x SuperSpeed USB-C cable (3. 3 feet).
- Dimensions: 8.1 x 3.5 x 1.1 inches. Weight: 20.63 ounce
- See description for important compatibility information.
There You Have It
Do you want more out of your laptop? I sure do. I want the flexibility that a laptop brings plus the power of a work station that the dock or docking station brings.
Just remember to make sure you get the right docking station for your new laptop. It will make a world of difference and you’re online experience will explode.
Leave a Comment Below or send me an Email if you have additional questions.
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Bestseller No. 1 
Anker Laptop Docking Station Dual Monitor, 8-in-1 USB C Hub, 4K Dual Monitor with 2 HDMI, 1 Gbps Ethernet Hub, 85W Power Delivery, SD Card Reader, for XPS and More (Charger not Included)
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 50 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Massive Expansion: Equipped with a USB C PD-IN charging port, 2 USB-A data ports, 2 HDMI ports, an Ethernet port, and a microSD/SD card reader, giving you an incredible range of functions—all from a single USB-C port.
- Dual HDMI Display: Stream or mirror content to a single device in stunning 4K@60Hz, or hook up two displays to both HDMI ports in 4K@30Hz. Note: For macOS, the display on both external monitors will be identical.
- Power Delivery Compatible: Compatible with USB-C Power Delivery to provide high-speed pass-through charging up to 85W. Please note: 100W PD wall charger and USB-C to C cable required.
- Compatibility: Supports USB-C, USB4, and Thunderbolt connections. Compatible with Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C PD Media Hub, welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Bestseller No. 2 
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display, 1 x Powered USB-C 5Gbps & 2×Powered USB-A 3.0 5Gbps Data Ports for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Dell and More
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Compatibility: Supports USB-C, USB4, and Thunderbolt connections. Compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
Bestseller No. 3 
Dell Pro Dock WD25 - USB Type-C with DP Alt Mode Connector, DisplayPort/HDMI/USB 3.2 Gen2 Connectivity, Up to 100-Watt Power delivery - Black
- Powerful compatibility: Power essential productivity across the AI PC workplace. The Dell Pro Dock offers enhanced compatibility and drives up to 100W of power to new mainstream Dell AI PCs and non-Dell PCs.
- Modern manageability: The Dell Pro Dock is part of the world’s most manageable commercial docking family, with flexible management capabilities, designed to uplevel IT efficiency and keep users working without disruption.
- Thoughtful design: Configure your workspace with an ambidextrous USB-C cable that can be routed left or right. Features a new robust USB-C connector, designed for enhanced durability.
- A leader in sustainable innovation: Experience up to 72% reduction in power consumption on standby mode. Built with at least 65% postconsumer recycled materials and packaged with 100% recycled or renewable packaging.
- Upgraded for modern work: Expand your views with native support for up to four high-res displays. Keep your PC accessories connected and charged with the latest ports, while staying productive with faster USB and network speeds.
Bestseller No. 4 
Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C Universal Laptop Docking Station with 2 HDMI Ports for Windows, Mac (Driver Required), and ChromeOS, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio
- Flexible Expandability - This USB 3.0 laptop docking station provides dual HD HDMI video outputs, wired Gigabit Ethernet, a 3.5mm combination audio jack, two USB 3.0 ports, and four USB 2.0 ports. Includes both USB 3.0 and USB-C cables for flexible host connectivity. Please note: this dock does not charge the connected computer
- Docking Station Dual Monitor - 2x HDMI ports let you easily connect two HDMI monitors, even if your computer only supports one output like an M1, M2, or M3 Mac. Supports resolutions up to 1920x1200; lower resolutions such 1080p (1920x1080) are also supported
- Compatibility - Universal docking station for laptop compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.x, and 7 systems, macOS 10.14+ (Driver Required), and ChromeOS 100+. Plug and play driver installation via Windows Update. On macOS, the DisplayLink driver must be manually installed for displays to work Linux not supported
- Recommended Use - For use with web and productivity software at home or the office. Not recommended for gaming. DisplayPort connections not supported. This USB C dock does not support HDCP, will not playback encrypted or copy-protected content
- 2-Year Coverage, Lifetime Support - Every Plugable product, including this docking station, is covered against defects for 2 years and comes with lifetime support. If you ever have questions, contact our North American-based team - even before purchase
Bestseller No. 5 
UGREEN 7 in 1 Docking Station Dual Monitor, USB C Hub Dual 4K@60Hz HDMI Display, 10Gbps USB-A/C Data Ports, 100W PD, Aluminum Revodok Pro Laptop Docking Station for HP, Thinkpad, Dell and More
- 7 In 1 USB C Laptop Docking Station:UGREEN Docking station comes with 2 HDMI, two 10Gbps USB A ports, two 10Gbps USB C portsand, a PD 100w charging transfer port. To achieve the full capabilities of hub, ensure your laptop's USB-C port is a full-function or Thunderbolt 3/4 port and Ensure that the cables you are using are compatible with the interface.
- Dual 4K@60Hz HDMI Display: The Dual HDMI Dock features two 4K@60Hz HDMI ports, allowing dual-screen 4K@60Hz HD configuration. Please ensure your laptop supports DP1.4. Note: Due to macOS limitations, all extended monitors will display the same content.
- Lightning Fast Transfer Speeds: This dual HDMI USB C hub docking station comes with two USB A&C ports for connecting keyboards, mice, and transferring data in USB 3.2. Note: The 10Gbps USB A and C ports do not support charging, video or audio transfer, 10G rate requires the cable to also support 10G rate, 10G rate requires the cable to also support 10G rate.
- PD100W USB C Adapter: The PD 100W Fast Charging Docking Station boasts 100W, Please note that the charging cable and power adapter are not included. Additionally, the port only supports charging; it does not facilitate data transfer or video output, PD100W requires a 100w+ charger or original charger(100w+ required)
- Wide Adaptability: The Type-C docking station is compatible with ThinkPad X1, ZenBook, Chromebook, Surface, etc. Note: Windows systems can utilize an extended dual-screen display, Mac devices are limited to mirror mode.If you are a Mac user and want two external monitors to display different images, we do not recommend using this dock.
This is the first time that I have heard about a laptop docking station. This station looks really great and can provide you with space and comfort while giving the professional look. I may just have to invest in one of these docking stations that seems to be of great benefit. And Like your pointed out make sure that it is the right fit for your model. Thanks again for opening my eyes to these docking stations.
Hey Norman. It is important to make sure you get the right one and make sure it can handle the number of monitors you want and the type of connections.
Once you find out how incredible these docking stations are, you will never, willingly, go back to just a laptop. You will continue using your laptop remotely and by itself at times but you won’t want to do that all of the time.
Wow, I really learnt something new today. I didn’t know there’s such thing called docking station.
But why do you want to “project” your laptop screen onto a desktop monitor instead of just working on the desktop computer?
Hey Jerry, you have a great question that I would love to answer.
I have a 17″ laptop screen but most people have a 13″ to 15″ screen. These may feel fine for the young with youthful sight but this does not work well when you sit at a computer for long hours writing. You may only need one screen but eye stain is a serious problem for those of us who work on a computer all day.
As an engineer I need at least two screens because I have the graphics software up on my left screen and excel sheets up on my right screen and then I normally have PDF images up on my laptop screen. It is much more comfortable to use large screens and multiple screens. I can also get much more accomplished utilizing multiple screens rather than expanding and collapsing windows over and over again as I have to go back and forth between programs.
Let me put this in a different perspective for those who work online or only need one screen and how a docking station can help improve your work. Here is a short list:
1. Quickly dock your laptop to create the workstation.
2. Get access to at least one more “large” monitor, which is probably a 24″ monitor or larger (remember the eye strain issue?).
3. Have access to an ergonomic keyboard or a larger keyboard which will cause less strain on your arms, hands, and back. You should notice your back may also start hurting.
4. Your speakers are connected directly to the docking station and it’s nice to have a better sound system when stuck at your computer for long hours.
5. The printer/copier/scanner is connected to the docking station and you don’t have to worry about connecting a lot of cables to get hooked up.
The most important thing for me is being able to relax my eyes as I don’t have to squint at a smaller monitor and my body is in a more relaxed position when I use the ergonomic keyboard. Remember that in the morning and and whey you are refreshed, you don’t always recognize eye and body strain but by the end of the day when you’re tired and worn out, you will be thankful for the workstation.
Checkout the picture of my workstation in this article and tell me if that doesn’t look cool and would be more comfortable to work at. Please remember that I love being able to take my laptop and go sit by the lake or in a couch and be free from my workstation but it’s better for me to have the choice of both.
Hi Rick, I think that laptop docking stations are fantastic. We had them at in our office at work and it effectively meant that we could use any workspace as a hot desk – all the centralized printers worked regardless of where we were in the office. Laptops seem to be the way to go for business use, they are super portable and are just as fast and efficient as the traditional desktop. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Karen
Thanks Karen. I guess we have been fortunate to have been introduced to docking stations with the power of a laptop. You’re right though, because this is quickly becoming the future for many companies.
As an engineer, I work with a lot of technicians who only work at the office and it use to be that only the desktops offered the power needed to run the high end graphics software but that is simply not the case anymore. I would recommend that even people who only work at the office still utilize a laptop because you never know if you will get sick for a long period of time or have a family member that needs attention or have an ice storm hit and be stuck not being able to get to work. I know some people would see this as a blessing but for some of us, we still have to get our projects completed no matter what is going on in the world.
Laptops combined with a workstation gives you the best of both worlds.
Hello Rick,
I work from home, but I haven’t set up anything like a docking station before. I have more than one setup: a desktop and a laptop. The docking station seems like it makes your laptop into a hybrid between a desktop and a laptop.
I may need to look into investing in a docking station because my hands are starting to hurt from typing so much. I’ve been considering getting an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, and it sounds like the docking station setup may be the best way to have the ergonomic setup. Is that what you would recommend?
Yes. I am an engineer and need powerful laptops with dual cooling fans to keep my laptop cool. I have been working strictly from a laptop with docking stations for the past 8 years at least.
I don’t consider this a hybrid system because these new laptops are really powerful unless you are needing to run the latest and greatest power hungry games. I am always on the go and working between the office, home and on the road at other locations. The laptop is critical for my mobility but having larger 24″ dual monitors and an ergonomic keyboard are just as important.
It takes a little time to get use to an ergonomic keyboard but these keyboards are designed to put your hands in a more natural position.
There have been several times I was forced back to using my laptop all day and it is no fun typing in that position for long hours.
I would strongly recommend looking into a docking station. As I have alluded to here, I will never go back to a desktop or solely a laptop. I need the flexibility of a laptop and the comfort of a workstation.
I hope that helps.
Hi Rick,
I had no idea that you needed a docking station to do this. A lot of great information here. I assume that you plug your laptop into the docking station and then plug a mouse, keyboard, etc. also into the docking station? I’m intrigued about how to set this up. Thanks much
That’s exactly it. You either snap your laptop into place on top of the docking station or you plug it into the dock with one cable and as you said, everything else plugs into the docking station. You can always plug one monitor into your laptop and then plug the keyboard and mouse in separately but it is much more time consuming and you can’t get dual monitors, at least on the laptops I am familiar with.
The docking stations only cost somewhere between $100 and $200 typically and they are well worth it.