Finding the best usb c dock laptop suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Reviews
1. Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock US (40AF0135US)
Feature
USB Ports: 3x USB 3.1 gen2 (10Gbps, 1x always-on USB charging); 2x USB2.0; 1x USB-C port (Data,5V 3A power).Ports: 1x Gigabit Ethernet; 2x Display Port; 2x HDMI Port; 1x Stereo/Mic Combo Audio Port.
Enterprise-class universal docking. Supports ThinkPad RapidCharge. Works with older Lenovo and non-Lenovo laptops.
Can charge mobile devices with 15W and 10.5W from USB-C port and USB3.0 always power-on port respectively.
Compatibility: E580, E480, E470, L580, L480, L470, L380, L380 Yoga, Lenovo Tablet 10, Miix 520-12IKB, T580, T570, T480, T480s, T470, T470s, T460, ThinkPad 25, X1 Carbon Gen 6, X1 Carbon Gen 5, X1 Yoga Gen 3, X1 Yoga Gen 2, X1 Tablet Gen 3, X1 Tablet Gen 2, 13 Gen 3 Windows, X280, X270, X260.
Description
The ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A dock expands the capabilities of most any laptop, new or old, making it perfect for enterprise customers with mixed-PC or shared-desk environments. Featuring enterprise-class manageability, like PXE boot and MAC address pass-through, the ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A docking station offers three high-speed USB 3.1 ports and includes a USB-C to USB-A adapter to provide port replication to non-Lenovo or USB-C laptop computers. This ThinkPad Hybrid dock also supports dual monitor setups, up to dual UHD 4K resolution, and rapid charging for ThinkPad notebooks. What's in the Box: ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock; USB-C to USB-A adapter cable; 135W AC Adapter; Setup poster; Warranty poster. Compatibility: E580, E480, E470, L580, L480, L470, L380, L380 Yoga, Lenovo Tablet 10, Miix 520-12IKB, T580, T570, T480, T480s, T470, T470s, T460, ThinkPad 25, X1 Carbon Gen 6, X1 Carbon Gen 5, X1 Yoga Gen 3, X1 Yoga Gen 2, X1 Tablet Gen 3, X1 Tablet Gen 2, 13 Gen 3 Windows, X280, X270, X260.2. StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 Dock - Mini - Dual HDMI - 4K 60Hz - Bus Powered - Laptop Docking Station - USB C Docking Station
Feature
DUAL 4K 60Hz HDMI AND THUNDERBOLT 3 SPEEDS: This Mini Thunderbolt 3 Dock lets you connect two 4K 60Hz HDMI external monitors (up to 4096 x 2160p at 60Hz), with up to 40Gbps of throughput.CREATE A MOBILE WORKSTATION: Turn your MacBook Pro or Windows laptop into a mobile dual video workstation with two USB-A ports, and a Gigabit Ethernet port, all through a single attached Thunderbolt 3 cable.
BUS-POWERED FOR EASY PORTABILITY: This mini dual 4K docking station offers versatile portable docking. It's bus-powered, with no external power required. The attached USB-C cable (7.9 in./ 20 cm) allows flexible setup.
THUNDERBOLT 3 COMPATIBILITY: This portable Thunderbolt 3 docking station is compatible with the latest Thunderbolt 3 equipped laptops including: MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, and HP Spectre.
INDUSTRY-LEADING SUPPORT: StarTech.com offers a 3-year warranty and free lifetime technical support on all docking stations. With over 3000 products supporting 200+ technologies and connectors globally, StarTech.com makes hard to find easy.
Description
This Thunderbolt 3 docking station packs big performance into a cost-effective, compact mini dock, delivering essential connections for productivity. Connect to dual 4K HDMI displays, Gigabit Ethernet and two USB (Type-A) ports. Designed for portability, the Thunderbolt 3 dock is bus-powered and features a compact design in durable aluminum.
Compatible with macOS and Windows, its ideal for your MacBook Pro, Dell XPS or other Thunderbolt 3 laptop.
Create a Dual-4K 60Hz HDMI Workstation
Great for Ultra HD tasks, this portable Thunderbolt 3 dock supports 40Gbps of throughput and 4K resolution (up to 4096 x 2160p at 60Hz) on two HDMI monitors, through a single Thunderbolt 3 port. Run resource-demanding applications on two independent displays without draining system resources.
The Ports you Need Most
To enhance your productivity, the Gigabit Ethernet port (with PXE Boot support) ensures reliable wired network access. A USB 3.0 Type-A port, with ample space around it, lets you connect a USB device, such as a flash drive, for easy file access. Connect another device to the USB 2.0 Type-A port.
Bus Powered for Easy Portability
This mini dual 4K docking station is bus-powered, with no external power required. For flexible setup, the attached USB-C cable has an extended length (7.9 in./ 20 cm).
The TB3DKM2HD is Thunderbolt 3 Certified, and backed by a StarTech.com 3-year warranty and free lifetime technical support.
3. HP Spectre Travel Dock for HP USB-C Charging Laptops (with VGA, HDMI, Ethernet, and multiple USB ports) (2SR85AA#ABL)
Feature
Brand new and authentic HP products ship from and are sold by Amazon.com (check above).Full connectivity: VGA, HDMI, Ethernet, USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports let you seamlessly connect to multiple accessories or an external display.
Lightweight design: At only 0.29 pound (0.13 kilogram), this dock is slightly larger than a cell phone, making it easy to pack alongside your laptop.
15.71-inch 399-millimeter) docking cable: Stay connected to all your accessories without worrying about space thanks to an extra-long cable.
Plug and power: Only one USB-C laptop port required for Travel Docking and power functions.
Compatibility: Rigorously tested across HP laptops with USB-C charging ports.
Dimensions and weight: 5.7 x 2.16 x 0.65 inches (144.8 x 54.8 x 16.5 millimeters); 0.29 pound (0.13 kilogram); cable length 15.71 inches (399 millimeters).
Description
Stretch productivity to its limits with the HP Spectre USB-C travel dock. Equipped with a range of ports and a slim, lightweight design, this essential travel tool Connects your laptop to all your accessories no matter where you are.4. Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station with Charging Support/Power Delivery for Specific Windows USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 Systems
Feature
Provides compatible Windows USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 systems with up to three additional displays and up to 60W of charging power. Utilizes cutting edge USB 3.1 features along with the tried and tested features of our best-selling UD-3900 dockNOT macOS COMPATIBLE (10.13.4 version and later). Requires compatible Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C Windows system such as the Microsoft Surface Book 2, Dell XPS 9350 / 9360 / 9370 / 9550 / 9560, Lenovo Yoga 720 13" & Carbon X1 5th Gen, most 13" HP Spectre x360 models
Advanced features of the UD-ULTCDL such as host-charging and "Alt Mode" video output must be supported by host system to function. As such, dock is not compatible with legacy USB 3.0/"USB-A" systems. Not all systems with USB-C ports support charging or video output; please see Technical Specifications PDF below for most up-to-date system compatibility list. Not recommended for gaming
Two additional video outputs (1x HDMI & 1x DVI/VGA) and Gigabit Ethernet via DisplayLink DL-3900. "Alt Mode" 4K HDMI port supports resolutions up to 3840x2160 4K@30Hz; DisplayLink HDMI and DVI outputs support 1080P@60Hz
We love our Plugable products, and hope you will too. All of our products are backed with a 1 year limited parts and labor warranty as well as Seattle-based email support.
Description
NOT macOS COMPATIBLE (10.13.4 version and later) The Plugable UD-ULTCDL USB-C Docking Station provides up to three additional display outputs via a combination of USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode ("Alt Mode") and DisplayLink USB graphics. Up to 60W via USB-C Power Delivery ("PD") to charge your host computer, Gigabit Ethernet, audio, and 6x USB device connectivity. All through a single USB-C cable.See important notes regarding Alt Mode and PD compatibility below.
Graphics Performance
Main HDMI port utilizes USB-C Alt Mode which has a direct "pipeline" to the host graphics processor (GPU), and connected monitor will perform as if natively attached. The 2nd and 3rd outputs are powered by DisplayLink DL-3900 which leverages the host GPU & CPU; these outputs are not recommended for gaming.
Alt Mode and PD Compatibility
Alt Mode video supported on select systems including Dell XPS 9350, 9360, 9550, 9560, Dell Precision 5510, HP Spectre 13" x360 13t. The included power supply can charge compatible host systems with up to 60 watts of PD power. Charging speed is host dependent but behaves as if laptop/tablet were connected to it's stock charger.
DisplayLink graphics require Intel / AMD / NVIDIA GPU and driver.
Cannot be mixed with non-DisplayLink USB graphics adapters and drivers (e.g. MCT, j5, or SMSC). HDCP/Blu-ray playback not supported.
Incompatible Systems
NOT macOS COMPATIBLE (10.13.4 version and later). Most current phones & tablets with USB-C ports do not support Alt Mode video output. ASMedia USB 3.1 controllers do not support Alt Mode at this time.
In the Box
UD-ULTCDL dock with stand, 1m USB-C cable, DVI-VGA adapter, and 60W (20V, 3A) power adapter with US power plug
5. StarTech.com USB C Dock - 4K - For Windows Laptops - USB C to HDMI and DisplayPort - 60W Power Delivery (USB PD) - Laptop Docking Station
Feature
CONNECT TO TRIPLE 4K MONITORS: This 4K USB C dock lets you connect your USB-C equipped Windows laptop to a triple 4K monitors, 2x DisplayPort (DisplayLink) and 1x HDMI (DP Alt Mode). You can connect to a single 5K monitor using two DisplayPort ports.CREATE A POWERFUL WORKSTATION: The USB Type C dock lets you transform your USB-C laptop into a triple video workstation with 5x USB 3.0 ports Gigabit Ethernet port, and Power Delivery (60W) to power and charge, all through a single USB-C cable.
CONNECT MORE DEVICES: The USB C port replicator lets you connect your latest and legacy USB devices with 5x USB 3.0 ports (4x USB-A and 1x USB-C). Fast-charge your smartphone. The USB ports are backward compatible to support your existing devices.
CONNECT TO USB-A: The dock also connects to USB 3.0 laptops with a USB-A port, using a USB-C to A cable (such as USB315AC1M, sold separately) but only dual display is supported and Power Delivery is not available through USB-A.
INDUSTRY-LEADING SUPPORT: StarTech.com offers a 3-year warranty and free lifetime technical support on all docking stations. With over 3000 products supporting 200+ technologies and connectors globally, StarTech.com makes hard-to-find easy.
Description
This TAA compliant USB-C dock for Windows laptops takes productivity to a whole new level, with support for triple 4K monitors - a first in the market. The 4K USB-C Dock provides 60W charging power and 5x USB 3.0 ports to connect your peripheral devices. Its ideal for Dell XPS or other USB-C enabled laptop.
Enhance Productivity
The 4K USB-C Dock lets you create a three-monitor Ultra HD workstation. Connect:
- 2x 4K DisplayPort (DisplayLink) at 4096 x 2160 resolution / 3840 x 2160 @ 60Hz and
- 1x 4K HDMI (DP Alt Mode) at 4096 x 2160 resolution @ 24Hz / 3840 x 2160 @ 30Hz
For high-resolution applications, the universal laptop docking station connects to a 5K display (5120 x 2880 resolution) at 60Hz, by connecting the two DisplayPort ports to a single 5K display.
Powerful Connections
This triple-monitor docking station lets you connect your peripherals to transform your laptop into a full-sized workstation. It gives you five USB 3.0 ports (1x USB Type-C and 4x USB Type-A incl 1x Fast-Charge port), a Gigabit Ethernet port, headset jack and separate 3.5 mm audio and microphone ports.
60W Power Delivery
Using a single cable, the USB-C docking station with Power Delivery (up to 60W) will power and charge your laptop, and power your peripherals with its 120W power adapter. The DK30CH2DPPD is backed by a StarTech.com 3-year warranty and free lifetime technical support.
6. Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Dock with Charging for MacBook Pro Late 2016/2017/2018 & Specific Windows Laptops (Docking Station Supports DisplayPort or HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio, 5 USB 3.0 Ports)
Feature
The Plugable TBT3-UDV Thunderbolt 3 Single Display Docking Station provides up to 60W of power to compatible Thunderbolt 3 host systems. Enables an additional display, wired gigabit Intel Ethernet, audio input/output, and USB expansion with 1x Thunderbolt 3 USB-C port (10Gbps), and 5x USB 3.0 ports (5Gbps). Constructed from anodized aluminum with a space gray finish, the TBT3-UDV includes a removable stand for vertical or horizontal orientationConnect a single display up to 4K 60Hz (40962160@60Hz) via the integrated DisplayPort output, or an HDMI display using the included Active DisplayPort to HDMI 2.0 adapter. Also supports popular lower resolution modes such as 3440x1440, 2560x1600, 2560x1440, 2560x1080, 1920x1080 (1080P)
The second Thunderbolt 3 port on the dock supports up to 5 daisy chained Thunderbolt 3 devices or a single USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) device. 2016, 2017 and 2018 MacBook Pro, Mid 2017 iMac and Dell Thunderbolt 3 systems can support an additional USB-C Alt Mode video adapter (sold separately) to provide a second display
DisplayPort output requires "Active" adapters for conversion to other connection types; passive dual-mode "level-shifter" adapters are not compatible. Not compatible with Dual-Link DVI monitors. Not compatible with previous Thunderbolt 1 & 2 systems. Please see additional important compatibility details regarding Windows systems below
We love our Plugable products, and hope you will too. All of our products are backed with a 1 year limited parts and labor warranty as well as Seattle-based email support
Description
Plugable's TBT3-UDV Thunderbolt 3 Single Display Docking Station offers high-performance expansion of your Thunderbolt 3-enabled Mac or compatible Windows Thunderbolt 3 system while also providing up to 60W of power to charge the host. Connect a DisplayPort display up to 4K@60Hz. DP to HDMI active adapter included. If supported by the host, a second display can be added using a purchased separately USB-C to video adapter or cable such as the Plugable USB-C to DisplayPort or Plugable USB-C to HDMI cableSupports connection to wired gigabit Ethernet networks using the integrated 1.0 Gbps i210 Intel network adapter and 10Gbps peer-to-peer networking when directly connected to a second Thunderbolt 3-enabled system. Provides a combined analog audio input and output jack for connecting stereo headphones and microphone. Provides five extra USB 3.0 Type-A ports for device connectivity (one in front, four in back). Is positioned vertically to save space, and has a removable stand that also allows the unit to placed horizontally.
Best performance on Apple and Dell Thunderbolt 3 systems; compatibility with other Thunderbolt 3 systems varies depending on BIOS and firmware updates from your manufacturer. Requires updated NVM firmware, BIOS, and Thunderbolt/GPU drivers on host system. Docking station will not function if attached to a non-Thunderbolt 3 capable USB-C port.
Dell and Apple Thunderbolt 3 systems support a second display through the dock, but require an additional USB-C to video adapter (purchased separately).
Included in the box are the Thunderbolt 3 dock, a 0.5 meter (20 inches) Thunderbolt 3 40 Gb/s cable, quick installation guide and a UL certified 20V/6.75A (135W) power adapter (US AC Wall Outlet Plug, 100-240V 50/60Hz)
7. Dell WD15 Monitor Dock 4K with 180W Adapter, USB-C, (450-AEUO, 7FJ4J, 4W2HW)
Feature
3x SuperSpeed USB 3.0; 2x USB 2.0. Designed For Dell Latitude 5280, 5480, 5580, 7280, 7370, 7480 and Dell Precision Mobile Workstation 3510, 5510, 5520, 7510, 7710Display / Video: 1x HDMI; 1x VGA; 1x Mini DisplayPort. Networking Data Link Protocol : Gigabit Ethernet
1x RJ-45 Ethernet port; 1x Headphone/Mic 3.5mm port; 1x audio out 3.5 mm port.
180W AC Power Adapter with 7.4mm barrel.
Display Port over USB Type-C Cable, See compatible systems in the description.
Description
The Dell Dock provides a common docking experience for both Dell and non-Dell platforms via Display Port over USB Type-C, ensuring a reliable connection and crisp display. Featuring a powerful DisplayPort over USB Type-C cable, with the Dell Dock you can quickly connect your laptop or tablet to a single data and power source up to 130W for Dell devices, and 60W for non-Dell devices. Youll also enjoy an easy, reliable connection from your laptop or tablet to dual FHD displays or a single 4k display at 30Hz, and all your essential peripherals. The Dell Dock is compatible with select Dell laptops, workstations, tablets and many compatible non-Dell devices with USB-Type C port(s) having data, video, and power capabilities. Easily connect to displays, a mouse, keyboard and audio devices through the Dell Dock from your compatible system of choice. It is compatible with the following models: The Precision series: 15 (3510), 15 (3520), 15 (5510), 15 (5520), 15 (7510), 17 (7710); The XPS series: 12 (9250), 13 (9350), 13 (9360), 13 (9365), 15 (9550), 15 (9560); The Latitude series: 15 (E5570), 12 (5280), 12 (5285), 12 (5289), 14 (5480), 15 (5580), 12 (7275), 12 (7280), 13 (7380), 14 (7480); As well as the Venue 10 Pro (5056). Whats in the box: 1x Dell Dock; 1x DisplayPort over USB Type-C Cable; 1x 180W AC adapter with 7.4 mm barrel; 1x Quick Setup Guide.8. Plugable USB C Dock with Charging for Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C MacBooks and Specific Windows, Chromebook, Linux Systems (Docking Station Supports HDMI Display, 60W Charging, Ethernet,4X USB 3.0 Ports)
Feature
The Plugable UD-CA1A is PCMag.com Editors' Choice award-winning universal USB 3.1 Type-C docking station with Power Delivery. Power up your productivity with a 4K-capable HDMI display ouput (supports 4K at 30Hz, 2560x1600 and lower at 60Hz), Ethernet, audio input/output, and five additional USB ports while providing up to 60W of power to charge your attached systemIdeal single display docking solution to expand the functionality of supported Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C systems, the UD-CA1A is compatible with USB-C systems like the 2016/2017/2018 MacBook Pros,12" MacBook Retina, Chromebooks, Microsoft Surface Book 2, HP Spectre x360 13", and Dell XPS (9350, 9550, 9360, 9560, 9370), Lenovo X1 Carbon X1 G5. Not all models of USB 3.1 Type-C systems support these features. Please see Technical Specifications PDF below for additional systems.
Leverages USB 3.1 technologies to enable charging and video output; Up to 60W charging provided via USB-IF Power Delivery ("PD") standard, and HDMI output is enabled through "VESA DisplayPort Alternate Mode over Type-C" ("Alt Mode") functionality; Host system must also be compatible with these technologies to for charging and video output to function
Requires compatible USB 3.1 Type-C system; not compatible with legacy USB 3.0 and 2.0 systems. Not all USB-C ports and systems support PD or Alt Mode; please see our website for additional compatibility tables. DisplayPort monitors are not supported
We love our Plugable products, and hope you will too. All of our products are backed with a 1 year limited parts and labor warranty as well as Seattle-based email support
Description
The Plugable UD-CA1A USB-C Docking Station provides an additional display output (via DisplayPort Alternate Mode), up to 60 Watts of Power Delivery (PD) to charge your host computer via USB-C (host computer must support PD over USB-C), gigabit Ethernet, audio, and expanded USB device connectivity. All through a single USB-C cable.Performance
The UD-CA1A docking station utilizes Alternate Mode display technology which uses a direct "pipeline" to the graphics processor in your system, and your connected monitor will function and perform as a natively attached display. The Alternate Mode video (native DisplayPort signal) gets converted to HDMI 1.4 to accommodate widely available HDMI monitors.
Compatible Systems
Plug and play installation on any Windows, Mac, or Linux host which supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode (Alt Mode) video output functionality. Current examples are the 2017 / 2016 MacBook and MacBook Pro, and Dell XPS 13". Dell XPS 15" will function but displays a warning on boot if a 130W charger is not detected.
Incompatible Systems
No current Android phones or tablets with USB-C support Alternate Mode video output. ASMedia USB 3.1 controllers do not support Alternate Mode video at this time.
Power and Charging
The UD-CA1A's power supply can charge hosts with up to 60 Watts of power via the USB Power Delivery standard. As mentioned above, some devices which support video output over USB-C will not charge via USB-C. For these systems, the charger from your system manufacturer will be required.
In the Box
UD-CA1A docking station with stand, 1m long USB-C cable, 80W (20V, 4A) power supply with US power plug, and quick start guide.
9. HP Y0K80AA#ABA Dock for USB-A/C Laptops (USB-A/C to HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, USB-A and Ethernet)
Feature
Multi ports - Connectivity for devices through HDMI, DisplayPort and 4 USB ports, 1 USB-C, Ethernet.Minimum system requirements:windows 10; windows 8.1; windows 8; windows 7One cable for your laptop - Easily connect/disconnect laptop as needed using a single cable.
Connect to two displays simultaneously - Some ports won't power both. You can connect to HDMI and then to the DisplayPort and have two screens going on at once.
Keep your space organized with the small form factor. (It fits in the palm of a hand.). Compatibility with HP laptops/ tablets with USB-C and USB ports
Multiple Ports:Connect your laptop to Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C[2], and four USB ports. 1-year limited warranty
