Docking stations and port replicators for laptops: one connection to the laptop links monitors, network, keyboard, mouse and other equipment. Our range has over 500 models, including Dell, Lenovo, I-TEC and HP INC. stations.
They suit office desks, home offices and shared desks where a laptop needs to be connected and disconnected quickly.
How to choose a docking station
Connection to the laptop. Check which port your computer has first. Most stations in our range use USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2), and there are Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 5 models too. Thunderbolt is worth choosing for several high-resolution monitors or fast data transfer, while USB-C is usually enough for everyday office work.
Video outputs. Count your monitors and check how many the station can drive at once, not only how many sockets it has. Many models have one HDMI port, a good number have two, and a few have three. Some stations have no HDMI at all, so look for DisplayPort or other video outputs on those.
USB ports and card reader. Two or three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports cover a keyboard, mouse and external drive, and models with four are available. Many stations have no USB 2.0 ports, which is no drawback, since newer USB ports work with older devices. An integrated card reader is found on some models and is handy for copying photos from a camera.
Network and power. Gigabit Ethernet is the usual standard, and some models offer 2.5 Gbit/s, which helps if your local network or server supports it. If the station needs to charge the laptop, its power output should be at least that of the original charger.
Compatibility. Stations from Dell, Lenovo, HP INC. and Microsoft are often designed for laptops from the same manufacturer, so check your model before buying. Universal stations, such as those from I-TEC or Targus, are made for computers from different manufacturers with USB-C or Thunderbolt.
Brands we carry
- Dell: stations for Latitude, Precision and XPS business laptops, including universal USB-C models.
- Lenovo: USB-C and Thunderbolt stations for ThinkPad laptops.
- HP INC.: stations for EliteBook and ZBook laptops.
- Microsoft: stations for Surface devices.
- Fujitsu: port replicators for its own business laptops.
- I-TEC and Targus: universal USB-C and Thunderbolt stations suited to laptops from different manufacturers.
- ICY BOX: a German manufacturer known for drive enclosures and USB-C stations.
- Honeywell and Datalogic: makers of barcode scanners and mobile terminals, so their products in this category are often charging and communication cradles for such devices rather than laptop docks.
Also in our range: Conceptronic, Sandberg.
Frequently asked questions about docking stations
What is the difference between a docking station and a USB hub?
A docking station usually offers more connections and functions than a USB hub. Besides USB ports, it often includes HDMI, Ethernet and power for the laptop. A hub simply adds more USB ports.
Will a docking station work with any laptop?
No, it works only with laptops whose port supports the station. Universal stations work over USB-C or Thunderbolt, while manufacturer stations are often made for specific series. Check your laptop's ports and the station's description before buying.
How many monitors can I connect to a docking station?
It depends on the model, its video outputs and the laptop's capabilities. Many stations have one HDMI port, and some have two or more. Thunderbolt stations generally allow more monitors at higher resolutions.
Will a docking station charge my laptop?
Many USB-C and Thunderbolt stations charge the laptop over the same cable, but not all do. The station's power output needs to match what the laptop requires. If it is too low, the laptop may charge slowly or not at all.
