These multi-monitor docking stations add extra screen space that makes you more productive. And at the same time, the extra ports add a range of functions, be it an SD card reader or a high-speed flash drive. Besides, docking stations for laptops reduce the chaos in your desk by eliminating wires and adapters. You need to connect your laptop to the dock, and that’s about it. So if you are looking for the best docking station for dual monitors, here are our top recommendations. But first,
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1. Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station
Ports: 1 x HDMI, 1x DVI-I, 2x USB 3.0, 4x USB 2.0, 1x 3.5mm audio, 1x Gigabit Ethernet
You can easily drive a single display up to 2560x1440p @ 50Hz using an HDMI port. There are quite a few ports to connect your keyboard or mouse. The AUX connection lets you rope in a few speakers with AUX inputs. Plus, the USB 2.0 USB ports ensure you can connect everything—from your printer to a wired scanner. Cool, we’d say. For the price, the Plugable’s USB 3.0 docking station does a pretty good job. So far, it has amassed a handsome number of positive reviews. A few of the users have state that they could connect dual displays to their MacBook with an M1 chip. That’s great since the M1 chip can only support one external display if you connect it directly to a MacBook. That said, it has some limitations. The USB ports lack Power Delivery, which means you’ll have to charge your laptop separately. It is a limitation but, the low price tag makes up for it.
2. Dell USB 3.0 4K Triple Display Docking Station
Ports: 1 x DisplayPort, 2 x HDMI, 2 x USB 2.0, 3 x Superspeed USB 3.0 , 3.5 Audio, Ethernet port
It’s a simple plug-and-play device and doesn’t need any extra drivers to work. But the feature that has won the hearts of many users is the space between the various ports. So even if you have a rugged or braided HDMI cable, this dock can accommodate them easily. Even if it’s a compact device, the number of ports is sufficient. Dell has thrown in a bunch of USB 3.0 USB-A ports as well. It also ships with an HDMI to DVI adapter if you have an older monitor. There’s a slight catch. If you have 4K monitors, only one can stream in 4K, and the other two will stream at Full HD. But at the end of the day, this Dell dock is compatible with a few selected models from Acer, Dell, Lenovo, and HP. Do make sure to check the compatibility before you hit the Buy button.
3. Tobenone Store USB Type-C Docking Station
Ports: 2 x HDMI, 4 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB C PD 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm Audio, 1 x SD card reader and 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port
The Tobenone Store’s docking station can drive two 4K monitors @ 60Hz. If you recollect, this was a major limitation with the Dell dock. Even though it supports Apple Mac laptops, it can’t drive dual-displays on MacBook running the M1 chip. N ew users have had no issues with their MacBooks running M2 chips. The form factor is a little different from the ones above. It has a vertical form factor, but the good news is that the device is small and compact and doesn’t occupy much space. If you want to avoid spending big bucks and want a functional laptop dock, then the Tobenone Store docking station is one of the best docking stations for multiple monitors.
4. Belkin USB Type-C Dual Display Dock
Ports: : 2 x HDMI, 2 x USB-A 3.1 Gen1, 1 x USB-A 3.1, 1 x USB-C, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x 3.5mm Audio
There are fewer ports than the Tobenone Store’s dock, but it gets the basic work done. But, you might lose out on USB ports that are available in other docks. It works as advertised, and several people have backed this as part of their reviews. All you need to do is plug the dock into a power source and the laptop and then plug in the monitors, and that’s about it. It’s a well-made product and is durable. The aluminum casing ensures that it lasts a long time. One of the flaws of this dock is its HDMI placement, which are stacked on top of one another. So, if you have braided cables with thick strain reliefs, you may have some issues plugging them.
5. Anker PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 3, 2 x USB-C, 4 x USB-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x SD/microSD card slots, 1 x 3.5 mm AUX port
That said, it brings a whooping 13 ports to the table. It packs two Thunderbolt ports and USB Type-C ports. Plus, it has quite a few power options up its sleeves. Apart from the 85W Power Delivery, it has a 15W Thunderbolt port. All the fancy features mean that the Anker PowerElite is expensive compared to its counterpart. If only you want something premium, then this is the right buy. The Belkin dock or the one by Pluggable will better fit your requirements.
6. Plugable USB Type-C Triple 4K Docking Station
The Plugable USB Type-C docking station supports up to three 4K monitors. You can get up to 4K @ 60Hz when you connect the right cable. As mentioned above, you get to pick DisplayPort and HDMI connectors for video and make a flexible setup. This triple-monitor laptop dock works with MacBooks and Windows laptops. However, MacBook M1 supports only up to one external monitor. But the good news is that some users have reported their M1 MacBook working fine with more than one external monitors. When it comes to ports, you get a good number. The USB 3.0 ports (5Gbps data transfer) give you ample flexibility to move your files around. It’s worth noting that the USB Type-C port comes with 20W Power Delivery and can handle up to 10Gbps transfer rates. Another cool thing is that the USB Type-C docking station has a neat design. The ports are cleverly arranged in the front and back. Plus, the vertical design has a small footprint to fit anywhere on your desk. This Pluggable USB Type-C docking station is one of the best docking stations for multiple monitors if you want to expand the capabilities of your MacBook Pro (or your Windows laptop).
7. Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock
The main highlight of this docking station is its compact form factor. You can simply pack it up and get going when the need arises. Use a good number of zip-ties to tie the extra length of cables, and you will be all set. At the same time, the aluminum finish adds to the aesthetics and complements the metal finish of MacBooks. There are quite a few connectivity options, including downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB Type-A 3.2 ports, a couple of USB Type-A 2.0 ports, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports. The USB Type-A 3.2 ports aid in faster transfer of data, whereas the Thunderbolt 4 ports can deliver 15W of power. Do note that there are no HDMI ports. So if you don’t have a USB Type-C or Thunderbolt monitor, you may have to invest in a converter or adapter. It supports up to two monitors using the Thunderbolt and USB Type-C ports. Several users have reported that it works with dual displays on MacBook Pro M1.
Hello, Productivity
These were some of the best docking stations for multiple monitors. It’s true that not too long ago, a dual-monitor or a multi-monitor rig gave the impression of some heavy work in progress. Thankfully, things have changed, and multiple monitors are a common scene. After you get the dock, do make sure to buy a quality monitor arm so that the displays do not crowd your desk. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
