Docks and USB hubs are for anyone whose laptop or desktop PC has too few ports. Our range includes USB hubs with several USB-A ports and docking stations that connect over USB-C. Most products come from AXAGON, GOOBAY, StarTech.com, LogiLink and ALOGIC.
How to choose a docking station or USB hub
Connection to the computer. Start with the port your computer actually has. Many models in our range connect over USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, there are also versions with USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, and a few are made for a USB 2.0 Type-A port.
Video output. If you plan to connect a monitor through a dock, make sure your laptop can send video over USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt). Most USB hubs do not carry a video signal, they simply add more data ports.
Number and type of ports. Count what you will use at the same time: keyboard, mouse, external drive, printer. Hubs in our range have from one to five USB-A ports, most often between two and four. Docking stations may also add video outputs, an Ethernet port or a card reader, so check the specification of the exact model.
Speed. USB 3.2 Gen 1 transfers up to 5 Gbit/s and USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 10 Gbit/s. A faster interface matters when you move large files to an external SSD through the hub. A keyboard and mouse work perfectly well on USB 2.0.
Power. The computer's port alone is sometimes not enough to run an external hard drive or charge a phone, and then a model with its own power adapter is the safer choice. If the dock should also charge your laptop, check how much power it passes through and whether that covers your computer.
Brands we carry
- AXAGON: a Czech manufacturer known for USB hubs, adapters and other computer accessories, and the brand with the most products in this category.
- GOOBAY: a brand of the German company Wentronic, well known for cables and adapters.
- StarTech.com: a Canadian-founded manufacturer focused on connectivity equipment for offices and IT professionals.
- ALOGIC: an Australian manufacturer that specialises in USB-C docks and hubs for laptops.
- Targus and Dell Technologies: Targus is known for laptop bags and accessories, while Dell docks are generally designed first of all for Dell laptops.
Also in our range: LogiLink, VALUE, Hama and Micro Connect.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a docking station and a USB hub?
A USB hub only adds more USB ports, while a docking station usually also offers video outputs, an Ethernet port or a card reader. If you only need to connect a keyboard, mouse and external drive, a hub is enough. If you work with an external monitor and a wired network, a docking station is the better fit.
Will a USB-C dock work with any laptop?
No, it depends on what the USB-C port on your laptop supports. Not every USB-C port carries video or charges the computer, so look for DisplayPort Alt Mode, Thunderbolt or Power Delivery in the manufacturer's specification. For plain data transfer, almost any USB-C port will do.
Does connecting many devices to a hub slow down data transfer?
Yes, speed can drop, because all connected devices share a single port on the computer. If you copy files to two drives at once, each gets only part of the bandwidth. For fast drives it is worth using a separate port or choosing a USB 3.2 Gen 2 model.
Does a USB hub need its own power supply?
Not always. Hubs used for a keyboard, mouse or memory card are usually powered directly by the computer. A separate power supply is needed when you connect several external hard drives, charge phones and tablets, or want the dock to charge your laptop.
