The Best Docking Station Universal for Windows Laptops in 2020
Docking Station Universal: Top Seven Options
A docking station universal can power your laptop with the capabilities of a desktop computer. It is a handy device that enhances laptops' abilities. Especially of the latest laptops that only have a few (or sometimes just one) USB ports.
Many laptop manufacturers endorse their docking stations. However, many other brands are producing and distributing premium quality docking stations with varying flexibilities to fulfill their users' requirements.
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We have shaped this article in the form of a listicle. For this, we have scrapped the internet to shortlist some of the best docking station universal for the latest Windows laptops.
What is a Docking Station Universal?
A docking station universal is a connectivity device that acts as a hub of ports for laptops. These devices occupy a single port on the computer and provide multiple connectivity ports. Including type-A, -B, and -C ports, video output ports, and, in some devices, an ethernet port as well.
By allowing laptops to connect to various peripherals, these devices blend a laptop's portability with a desktop's capabilities. And convert simple laptops into full-fledged desktop computers that can travel with you.
But what makes the docking station universal? This device's compatibility with a wide variety of computers lends them the name of Docking station universal. These docking stations do not require any particular set of features to connect and work seamlessly with many different computers.
List of Best Universal Docking Stations for Your Latest Laptop
If you have recently bought a brand-new laptop, or are planning to buy one, you might want to consider purchasing a docking station. Because all the latest laptops solely rely on just one or maximum of two USB C ports for connectivity.
However, buying a docking station can often be a little tricky. As the sheer number of options available can be a bit overwhelming.
For the sake of this article, we have put together some of the most promising Universal docking stations intending to help you buy the best dock for your computer. So, let's dive in.
1. Kensington LD5400T Thunderbolt 3 Dual 4K Dock
Kensington's LD5400T is a bit retro in its appearance. This $85.92 device seems as if it belongs to the early 2000s. However, its appearance is the only thing old about this device as its technical features are no less futuristic.
It comes with Kensington's trademark K-fob smart lock solution. And provides two locking options to provide dock security in the workplace.
This device is universal in the truest sense as it offers compatibility with Windows and macOS. Moreover, it has expansive compatibilities and provides DisplayPort and USB C port for video output with daisy chaining with five extra Thunderbolt 3 devices.
This docking station universal has 4 USB type-A 3.2 ports with an 85w power delivery port dedicated to laptop charging. Additionally, it also has a high-speed ethernet port and a 3.5mm audio jack and comes with a 3-year warranty.
2. SZ Langpai HRY-230 Docking Station
Langpai has been in the computer peripheral industry for the past 5 years and has been driving their passion for delivering technologically advanced products through their computer peripherals.
Langpai's HRY-230 is a 12-in-1 docking station universal with 12 ports offering unmatched connectivity. Moreover, it has 4K HDMI and VGA ports with an SD Card reader. All of this is enclosed in a die-cast aluminum alloy housing with a folding bracket structure. Thereby, making it perfect for carrying in your laptop bag.
It has 3 USB 3.0 and 2 USB 2.0 ports with 100w power delivery and an RJ 45 ethernet jack for a high-speed internet connection. In addition to all of this, this ultra-modern device supports 5 GBPS data transfer and the brand promises prompt logistics with product delivery within 4-7 days.
3. Icy Box Thunderbolt 3 Type C Docking Station
The Icy box thunderbolt three docking station is a USB C hub that comes at $289.99. This device justifies its price by being a 2019 Red Dot Award winner. Moreover, it's unique and elegant looking Aluminium-Polycarbonate casing also compensates for its price.
As far as video output is concerned, the Icy box's dock supports a dual 4K display and provides o/p through an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, and a mini-DisplayPort. Moreover, it has 2 USB C 3.1 ports, 4 USB A 3.0 ports and supports 85w charging.
This device also has a Gigabit Ethernet port for high-speed internet connection, an SD card reader slot, and supports lightning-fast data transfer with data transfer rates hitting 40 GBPS.
4. Cable Matters USB C Triple Display Docking Station
Cable Matters is a seasoned player in the field of docking stations and other computer accessories. Their $239.99 device offers three 4K monitors or a single 5K monitor with a combination of HDMI and DisplayPorts.
This device has a simple driver installation that begins with downloading the driver from the brand's website.
The triple display docking station has 5 USB 3.0 ports and a single USB C port that provides 60w power delivery for host charging. One of its USB 3.0 ports also provides 7.5w for charging phones or power banks. It also has a gigabit ethernet port and a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio i/o.
5. CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock
CalDigit's TS3 docking station comes for $249.99 and is compatible with windows 10. This device redefines hub connectivity by providing an astounding 15 ports, including dual 4K or single 5K video output.
It has 2 USB 3.1 Type-C and 5 USB 3.1 Type-A ports and offers power delivery with up to 87w dedicated for charging.
Furthermore, this docking station universal has an SD card reader, audio input and output jack, and a high-speed internet Giga-bit ethernet port.
6. Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock
Elgato's sleek and super Thunderbolt 3 pro dock sports a price tag of a hefty $349.99 and is compatible with Windows and Mac OS. Moreover, it offers a dual 4K display with one DisplayPort and one Thunderbolt 3 port.
This pro dock has 2 USB Type-C 3.1 ports and 2 USB Type-A 3.1 ports. What's unique with this device is that it provides a 3.5mm audio i/o jack at the front and a 3.5mm stereo jack at the back. So, you don't have to remove your headphones to plug your speakers.
It has an SD card and a micro-SD card reader with a Gigabit Ethernet port for high-speed internet connection. And above all, it provides one-click ejection for all the connected devices, so you don't need to eject each device separately before you head out.
7. Startech Thunderbolt 3 Dual 4K Dock
Startech's Thunderbolt 3 dock will leave you short of $192 but will provide 2 Thunderbolt 3 USB C ports, 1 USB 3.0 Type-C port, and 2 USB 3.0 Type-A ports with one dedicated to charging and the other one for data transfer. This device promises a data transfer speed of up to 40 GBPS.
It also comes sporting a Gigabit ethernet port, so you don't have to stay bound to slow and insecure Wi-Fi. Moreover, this docking station universal is easy to set up and use with its plug and play feature that requires no prior-to-use driver installation.
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Conclusion
Docking station universal is gradually becoming a necessity with all the modern computers shrinking in their compatibility. A Docking station universal, often with a USB C connector, provides the computer with as many ports as the user desires. Thus, effectively converting a laptop computer into a desktop.
As per your requirements, you can get a docking station with HDMI, DP, or VGA ports with USB A, B, or C ports for connecting your peripherals. Moreover, most universal docking stations have an ethernet port as well as SD Card reading slots.
From our list of best-docking stations, Langpai's HRY-230 docking station, with its foldable housing, would be ideal for people who travel a lot and have to take their accessories with them. In comparison, Icy box's dock would work well for people who want to have a dock that fulfills their technical requirements and pleases their aesthetics.
