Best laptop docking stations according to Reddit

Reddit mentions of Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station with Charging Support Power Delivery for Specific Windows USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 Systems (2X HDMI and 1x DVI Outputs, 5X USB Ports, 60W USB PD)

Sentiment score: 21
Reddit mentions: 37

We found 37 Reddit mentions of Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station with Charging Support Power Delivery for Specific Windows USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 Systems (2X HDMI and 1x DVI Outputs, 5X USB Ports, 60W USB PD). Here are the top ones.

#1 Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station with Charging Support Power Delivery for Specific Windows USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 Systems (2X HDMI and 1x DVI Outputs, 5X USB Ports, 60W USB PD) #3
    Features:
  • TRIPLE DISPLAY DOCK - With a compatible USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 Mac or Windows laptop, or Windows tablet, this dock can charge your device, connect up to 3 monitors, add a Gigabit Ethernet connection, add 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks, and add multiple USB ports
  • HDMI and DVI/VGA - 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
  • USB-C FEATURES - USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports can enable features such as USB Alternate Mode (Alt Mode) and USB Power Delivery (PD) charging. Support for these features is determined by your computer manufacturer. See product description for details
  • IMPORTANT NOTES - The full product description has important info regarding requirements and limitations of this dock. USB-C required. Not all devices support all features. No HDCP support. Supports Intel and M1 Macs (macOS 10.14+ with driver installation)
  • 2 YEAR WARRANTY - We love our Plugable products, and hope you will too. All of our products are backed with a 2-year limited parts and labor warranty as well as Seattle-based email support
Specs:
ColorBlack
Height6.88975 Inches
Length4.7244 Inches
Number of items1
Weight0.881849048 Pounds
Width2.63779 Inches
#2 of 240

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Found 37 comments on Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station with Charging Support Power Delivery for Specific Windows USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 Systems (2X HDMI and 1x DVI Outputs, 5X USB Ports, 60W USB PD):

u/ahmadzarief98 · 9 pointsr/chromeos

Get a laptop dock like this Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station with Charging Support\Power Delivery for Specific Windows USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 Systems (2x HDMI and 1x DVI Outputs, 5x USB Ports, 60W USB PD) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FKTZLBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_j3PyDb0TZM1ST

u/Taiyoryu · 3 pointsr/videos

If I had to guess, his current monitors do not have USB-C connectors, so not only would the company issue a new laptop, but also 3 new monitors.

EDIT: Of course, USB-C docks that support multiple monitors are available. But then I read fine print like this: "If both DisplayLink HDMI and DVI outputs are in use, both outputs will be limited to 1080P"

u/ThisGuy_IsAwesome · 3 pointsr/macbook

I've purchased this USB-C hub for folks in my office and have not had complaints. I personally use this USB-C docking station at work with my 2017 MBP.

u/shopineer · 2 pointsr/SuggestALaptop

What about the [HP Spectre x360 Convertible Laptop - 13t touch] (https://shopineer.com/laptops/HP-Spectre-x360-Convertible-Laptop-13t-touch-1ZX32AV-1)?

  • Intel Core i5-8250U (1.6 GHz, up to 3.4 GHz, 6 MB cache, 4 cores)
  • 13.3"
  • 1920 x 1080
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 256 GB SSD
  • Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • Windows 10 Home 64
  • 2.78 lbs.

    It has good build quality and a long battery life. It also comes with an active stylus.

    This latest gen quad core CPU should be great for general use and multitasking.

    You can also configure it with more RAM and a larger SSD if you prefer that.

    If you need a docking station you can connect one over Thunderbolt. For example, seems [this one] (https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Charging-Delivery-Specific-Thunderbolt/product-reviews/B01FKTZLBS) should work according to the reviews.

    For more options you can check this [list of laptops for general use] (https://shopineer.com/laptops/top-lists/best-laptops-for-general-use). You can click on the 2-in-1 column to compare different Detachable and Convertible options.

u/hi_im_rob · 2 pointsr/chromeos

For anyone who might be in the same boat I purchased this dock which came with a USB C to C cable:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B01FKTZLBS/ref=ppx_yo_mob_b_track_package_o0_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And then I purchased this USB A to C cable to connect my Lenovo to the dock:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B01GGKYR2O/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This setup works perfectly for both my thinkpad and my chromebook.

u/skybob22 · 2 pointsr/razer

Based on what you're describing, what you're looking for is probably less of a hub and more of a USB-C/Thunderbolt dock.

 


I have this CalDigit USB-C Dock which I use with my Blade 14". The build quality is very nice and sturdy and it tends to work fairly well. Though your mileage may vary.

It doesn't charge the blade 14" though b/c you can't push 165W of power through USB-C, but it should be able to charge the stealth just fine. There are also other USB-C/Thunderbolt docks such as Dell's WD15 Dock and Pluggable's USB-C Dock. Though most USB-C/Thunderbolt docks tend to have a mixed bag of reviews, so make sure to do your research before selecting one.

 

Though as for the "Affordable" part, that depends on what you consider affordable. Most of the docks tend to cost around $150

A hub, which is normally unpowered (No external supply besides the usb connection), would probably have similar ports and be cheaper, but likely would not charge the computer

u/MeliciousDeal · 2 pointsr/gadgets

I'm using this Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station for $180, but I'm sure there are cheaper options if you don't need all these ports.

u/Hothabanero6 · 2 pointsr/Surface

There's a Pluggable USB-C mini dock UD-CAM for $119 on Amazon but it only has HDMI out. It might work with an HDMI to VGA adapter. it is compatible with Surface Book 2, you probably have to email them about the Go support to be sure.

Or just get an HDMI monitor.

Other USB-C Docks with VGA are more expensive.

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Charging-Delivery-Specific-Thunderbolt/dp/B01FKTZLBS/

u/by_a_pyre_light · 2 pointsr/laptops

I'm pretty sure your laptop has a USB Type-C port though, and the video pass through is part of the USB Type-C spec. So this should still work, or you can look at this one, it just means that instead of being able to hook up 2 4K panels and a bunch of peripherals, you might be able to hook up only 1 4K panel or 1440p panel and a bunch of peripherals due to the bandwidth differences between USB Type-C and TB3.

Worse comes to worst, you can simply return it for a refund, so it costs you nothing to try.

u/AppHelper · 2 pointsr/Monitors

There are Thunderbolt 3 graphics docks that use the DisplayLink 6000-series chipset with two DisplayPort 1.2 outputs and multiple USB 3.0 ports. However, compatibility with Macs is spotty.

I have a Thunderbolt 3 to 2 x DisplayPort 1.2 adapter and it works like a charm. There are some splitters that also include gigabit Ethernet (that doesn't matter to you because Mac Minis still have Ethernet, thankfully). However, there's no USB output.

u/ncilswdk2 · 2 pointsr/Dell

Since thunderbolt 3 is relatively new there are very few docks that have been released and the ones that have don't have any reviews stating if they work with certain computers. One option: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FKTZLBS/
Another option is to buy a USB 3.0 docking station. I have Dell's D3100 which work pretty well but there are also a lot of other options but most only support 2 monitors: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECDM78E/
http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Universal-Docking-Station-DVI-Ethernet/dp/B008YT4N3E
http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Display-UltraHD-Universal-D3100/dp/B00O0M46KO/
These of course won't charge the laptop like a thunderbolt 3 dock may be able to.
Since the xps 15 does not have displayport you would not be able to daisy chain directly but would instead have to buy thunderbolt 3 to displayport cable that supports daisy chaining but I am not sure if one is out yet.

u/Zimaar · 1 pointr/Dell

Are you sure the BenQ has VGA? I checked the BenQ website it said it only has D Vid and D Sub. If you do have VGA, buy the WD15, it has VGA and HDMI.

If not, the Samsung has HDMI a connector but the BenQ only has D vid and VGA. There are two options:

  1. If you really want the Dell WD15 you should buy a D Vid to HDMI for the BenQ then connect Samsung by VGA.

  2. The second, easier option would be to buy this adapter. Same brand as the other one but more ports.

    I recommend the second option but if you do have a VGA on your BenQ buy the WD15.
u/Nawlo · 1 pointr/PixelBook

I use this one Plugable Dock every day. Works perfect with my Pixelbook. I use two 24" monitors and the pixelbook screen. One plug and done.

u/pomegranate34 · 1 pointr/thinkpad

I'm looking at this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FKTZLBS/

I don't think I care hdmi vs display port. Should I care?

u/tydaawwg · 1 pointr/razer

I got this for my stealth.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FKTZLBS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm not sure why it's not available currently but I absolutely love it. It's approved and works with the Stealth, can drive 3 monitors, charges the laptop so I can keep my charger in my bag, has an additional USB-C port, plenty of other ports. I've had it for a month and absolutely love it.

u/Ergo7 · 1 pointr/Alienware

I use something similar to this at my office. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FKTZLBS/ref=s9_dcacsd_bhz_bw_c_x_2_w

That one seems to be a newer version as it offers USB Type-C. Mine is this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECDM78E/ref=s9_dcacsd_bhz_bw_c_x_1_w

u/julianpoy · 1 pointr/thinkpad

Seems to work for the X1C5 (same hardware):

https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/comments/67zvmy/new_setup_complete_with_carbon_x1_g5/

You may need to adjust the Thunderbolt security settings, but otherwise all Thunderbolt products should be cross-device compatible.

If it doesn't work, you could always get the Thinkpad Thunderbolt Dock:

https://www3.lenovo.com/us/en/accessories-and-monitors/docking/universal-cable-docks-thunderbolt/Thunderbolt-Dock-US/p/40AC0135US

Or a 3rd party dock (uses DisplayLink, less desirable):

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Charging-Delivery-Specific-Thunderbolt/dp/B01FKTZLBS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1525276978&sr=8-2&keywords=thunderbolt+3+dock+multiple+display

u/JasonCarnell · 1 pointr/macbookpro

I Don't have the 16 inch, but I have the 15 inch 2017 model. I have 3 27 inch 2k monitors and use them and the built in screen everyday.

I use this dock to connect all the monitors and peripherals and have one cable going to my MacBook.

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Charging-Support-Power-Delivery-Thunderbolt/dp/B01FKTZLBS/ref=asc_df_B01FKTZLBS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309707619534&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7739158159097921200&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033594&hvtargid=pla-461427470761&psc=1

For a while I had issues with this dock under Mavericks, but Plugable updated their driver and have had no problems since. Been using one of these at home and one at the office, and I love it. Everyone in a while the dock will get confused and only show on one screen when I plug in my computer, but restarting the dock fixes this.

I also have used these docks for triple monitors on a MacBook Pro 13, MacBook 12, a Dell 13, and my daughters boyfriend comes over and plugs in his Windows laptop and it works great. Hell even my iPad Pro likes it, but the iPad only supports 1 external screen, so only one of the monitors will work then.

​

Edit; I should mention that I've been using these docks for 2 years without issue, and have bought 4 more for various users around the office, so my experience with them have been great.

u/BK_LCT_FS_KMB · 1 pointr/NoStupidQuestions

Thanks. The docking stations look good, but atm would be a bit much to spend. There's a USB 3.0 one for $90, and a USB-C for $180. Would there be a significant difference between these two as USB-C is faster, or is USB 3.0 plenty fast enough for this?

So I could probably just let them use without for the while, and in the future add the docking station. A few of the docking stations I found on Amazon actually just have a power LED though, it's not actually a power button they have, so the power button would still be absent from more direct access. Like these:

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Universal-Docking-Station-Ethernet/dp/B00ECDM78E/

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Charging-Support-Power-Delivery-Thunderbolt/dp/B01FKTZLBS/

u/cancerboy51135 · 1 pointr/razer

Your best bet would be to go with a powered docking station which would connect to your stealth via one usb c cable. Certain docking stations like the one linked below provide up to 60w power which would work for the stealth which can charge via usb c and only requires 45w of power. From the docking station you can connect a monitor, keyboard, mouse or whatever other accessories you may want.


I currently have this docking station for my Razer blade and love it.

u/xtalmhz · 1 pointr/USBC

When you say pd upstream to the laptop, do you mean you want the dock to be a pd upstream facing port (sinking current from the laptop) or do you want a dock that is a pd downstream facing port to source current to the laptop ( charging the laptop)?

Something like this sounds close. https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Charging-Delivery-Specific-Thunderbolt/dp/B01FKTZLBS. It has a detachable cable, can charge a laptop up to 60W and has Ethernet. Obviously has a lot more than you need, but I'm not sure you will find exactly what you're looking for.

u/recruiterguy · 1 pointr/chromeos

Wow. Not sure I'm up for getting new monitors.
I have two fairly new HDMI monitors now with the current laptop acting as a third monitor while I use a BT keyboard and mouse to work.

I'm hoping that there is a solution that allows me to run a USB C cable to a docking hub that the two monitors can be plugged in to. This might mean that I need to use some sort of USB C to HDMI or USB 3 adapter but I'm still looking.

EDIT: Something like this, for example.

u/SugaryPlumbs · 1 pointr/computers

I believe there are monitors that are capable of forming a daisy chain like you've described, but not for under your budget and they won't provide power deliver to your computer. Splitters from USB C to multiple displays are easy enough to find, but they also won't provide power.

If you really want to charge your unit and run 3 displays all in a single cable, you'll need a hub to control it all. It will take a chunk out of your budget, leaving you with cheaper display options: https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Charging-Delivery-Specific-Thunderbolt/dp/B01FKTZLBS

You're paying a premium for the "single cable solution" that's been marketed so heavily by the industry, but your tastes are your own.

u/spanky34 · 1 pointr/sysadmin

I used this on my 2017 MBP that I ran bootcamp on.

After looking at the listing, it says it's not compatible with 10.13.4 or later, which surprised me. According to their support site, functionality may have been restored by Mojave

u/aditwo · 1 pointr/Dell

You won't find anything quality under $100. You'll buy something cheap, it will be crap, then you'll get what you should have gotten in the first place.

I've used TB16 extensively and I have few of the Plugable USB-C docks that I wanted to try out:

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Charging-Delivery-Specific-Thunderbolt/dp/B01FKTZLBS

TB16 is still superior in my mind, but they both work well. The plugable one isn't built as sturdy and easily gets knocked around. It also doesn't supply enough power through the USB-C, so you have to connect power directly to the laptop anyway (maybe not a problem for you, I want my users to just have to connect one cable when moving around).


It sounds like you have a nice setup right now, I wouldn't cheap out on the dock just to save $100

u/LonerIM2 · 1 pointr/SuggestALaptop

> Thunderbolt 3 docking station

I am not an expert on those, but this looks like a great fit

u/sk9592 · 1 pointr/buildapc

In theory, yes, that is how it should work.

Be careful then shopping for "thunderbolt 3 docks" however. Most of what you see on the market are actually just USB 3.1 type C docks. Those are cheaper and might actually be just fine for you, just be aware of the difference.

USB 3.1 type C can doe everything you mentioned, but is limited to 5 or 10 Gbps.

Thunderbolt 3 is the same physical connector, but is capable of up to 40Gbps and can connect to external GPUs. USB 3.1 cannot do this. Real thunderbolt 3 accessories also tend to be more expensive.

Every thunderbolt 3 port can act as USB 3.1. The opposite is not true.

This is an example of a USB Type C dock:

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Charging-Delivery-Specific-Thunderbolt/dp/B01FKTZLBS/

It will charge your laptop, give you audio and video outputs, and a few USB ports.

There are also cheaper options like this:

https://www.amazon.com/HooToo-Adapter-Charging-MacBook-Chromebook/dp/B019R9ILTG/

It is missing the audio output and you will need to use your power charger for passthrough charging. However, you can plug a USB audio adaptor to one of its USB ports:

https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Aluminum-External-Adapter-AU-EMAC/dp/B00OJ5AV8I/

u/clickx · 1 pointr/Dell

Whoa! This is super interesting. The only thing that could keep this from working is the data/power cable. Unlike the Dell docks, which are delivering data and over solely the USB 3 connection, this HP dock had a tandem connector that utilizes both the USB C and power connections. If the distant between these two connections is the same on the XPS 13 line as it is with the ZBook, then we're in business!

EDIT: Never mind. Found a few guys who tried this dock on the XPS 13/15 and while it charges the laptop, it won't recognize it for any data transfer. Looks like the Pluggable USB-C dock was released - https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Display-Charging-Delivery-Chromebook/dp/B01FKTZLBS?ie=UTF8&keywords=plugable&qid=1466105045&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1&tag=plugabltechno-20

u/_bluequartz · 1 pointr/thinkpad

How about these?

  • Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station w/Power Delivery: US$179 direct from the brand, Gigabit Ethernet + 4x USB3 + 1x USB-C + 2x HDMI + 1x DVI
  • StarTech USB-C Dock w/Power Delivery: US$182 direct from the brand, Gigabit Ethernet + 3x USB3 + 1x USB-C + 1x HDMI + 1x DisplayPort

    Between the two, you get one more USB port and one extra display on the Plugable product, but aesthetics-wise I think the StarTech's one will look sleeker and thus better. Both requires their own barrel-type power plug though, so unfortunately you cannot reuse the existing USB-C chargers to power them to in turn power the laptop.

    Disclaimer: Not affiliated with either brands, have not tested both myself. Please do more research on the respective user reviews to see if there are any caveats especially for the multi-display output...
u/captaincoffey · 1 pointr/USBC

I use this Pluggable brand USB-C docking station with my Acer 14 for Work and am typing this on my external keyboard and mouse while driving to two HDMI monitors on my desk. It has worked flawlessly. It also charges PD 4 20V at 3 amps. That also including several USB drives, attached and it also has a 2nd usb-c to charge and attach a phone too. https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Charging-Delivery-Specific-Thunderbolt/dp/B01FKTZLBS/ref=sr_1_1