The best docking stations for laptops and MacBooks

From TECHBOOK | March 10, 2022 at 11:20 am

If the laptop has too few connections, a docking station can help. TECHBOOK presents models that impress both in use and in design.

What do I need a docking station for?

Anyone who is the proud owner of a notebook usually appreciates one property in particular: flexibility. But usually a laptop or MacBook is not quite as flexible as it seems at first glance. At the latest when you are sitting at the desk in the office, you will notice that the laptop often does not have the right or enough connections to connect an external monitor, mouse, keyboard and other devices. Docking stations were developed for precisely such cases. Once set up, you can easily connect the notebook or MacBook to the docking station in the office in the morning – and the device is immediately connected to all the important hardware components. And the work? Can start immediately.

Already knew? The term “docking station” comes from English. “To dock” means “to dock” or “to couple”.

What hardware can I connect?

That depends entirely on the docking station, since each model and each manufacturer has different connections integrated. In principle, all peripheral devices that can usually also be used with desktop PCs can be connected to the laptop: monitors, mice, keyboards, printers, projectors, smartphones, LAN connections, digital cameras, external hard drives and much more.

For design lovers: HP USB-C docking station G5

Versatile, elegant and space-saving: The shapely and compact HP USB-C docking station G5 is a real all-rounder. It not only impresses with a large number of connections, but is also extremely flexible in terms of compatibility. Because it works with all USB-C and Thunderbolt-enabled laptops. Another special feature: With the practical docking station, you can even connect two external monitors at the same time.

Features of the HP USB-C Docking Station G5

Advantages and disadvantages of the HP USB-C Docking Station G5

Per

• + Space-saving and handy
• + Many connections
• + 1 year manufacturer warranty
• + Chic design and high quality

For gamers: Western Digital Game Dock D50

This model turns every laptop and every MacBook into an integrated gaming station. The Western Digital Game Dock D50 not only catches the eye with its LED light, but also inspires with its inner values. With a large number of connections, it helps to avoid cable clutter on the desk. The docking station also ensures that the laptop never runs out of storage space: the integrated 1 TB SSD hard drive allows you to store up to 25 games or numerous photos and videos directly on the dock.

Equipment of the Western Digital Game Dock D50 / 1 TB

Advantages and disadvantages of the Western Digital Game Dock D50

Rating at idealo: grade 1.8 | 4 out of 5 stars

• + Numerous connections
• + 5 year manufacturer guarantee
• + With integrated 1 TB SSD storage
• + With 13 LED pattern effects

cons

For the versatile: Verbatim USB-C multiport hub

The Verbatim USB-C Multiport Hub is a real all-rounder. This makes it ideal for anyone who needs lots of accessories: With three USB 3.0 ports, this compact docking station offers plenty of space for connecting a mouse, USB stick, hard drive or external DVD drive. There’s even a handy USB-C fast charging port. The HDMI connection, which can be used to transfer the screen content to a television or monitor, promises a razor-sharp image – even in resolutions of up to Ultra HD 4K. Last but not least, the hub also comes with practical card slots for SD and microSD memory cards, which make it ideal for (hobby) photographers.

Features of the Verbatim USB-C Multiport Hub

Pros and Cons of the Verbatim USB-C Multiport Hub

Per

• + Provides data and power
• + Robust housing
• + Many connections

cons

• – No LED display or switches
• – Relatively short cable

For tasteful ones: Dell Mobile Adapter DA300

Features of the Dell Mobile Adapter DA300

Advantages and disadvantages of the Dell Mobile Adapter DA300

Rating at idealo: 5 out of 5 stars

Per

• + Compact design
• + Simple plug & play
• + Very high quality
• + Hidden cable

cons

• – Only support one monitor output at a time

For Apple fans: Minix Neo Storage

Exclusively for Apple MacBook, Apple MacBook Air and Apple MacBook Pro: The Minix Neo Storage is a mix of external hard drive and docking station. It not only scores with its elegant design, its variety of connections is also impressive. In addition to an integrated 120 GB SSD memory, the lightweight aluminum hub also offers a 4K-capable HDMI port, two USB 3.0 ports for accessories and a USB-C port for power supply. For those who need even more storage, the adapter is available with larger SSD storage.

Features of the Minix Neo Storage

Advantages and disadvantages of the Minix Neo Storage

Rating at idealo: Grade 2.1 | 4 out of 5 stars

Per

• + With integrated 120 GB SSD storage
• + All important connections available
• + Handy

• – Compatible with Apple devices only

For practitioners: Raidsonic Icy Box USB 3.0 docking station

This docking station Raidsonic Icy Box USB 3.0 brings diversity to the office: it offers 11 connections in one hub. So you can look forward to USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports en masse. In addition, a DVI and HDMI connection are integrated as well as a microphone and headphone socket. Of course, a Gigabit Ethernet port should not be missing. The Raidsonic Icy Box USB 3.0 docking station is a real multitasking talent. In addition to a variety of accessories, two monitors can also be connected in parallel.

Features of the Raidsonic Icy Box USB 3.0 docking station

Advantages and disadvantages of the Raidsonic Icy Box USB 3.0 docking station

Rating at idealo: Grade 1.2 | 5 out of 5 stars

• + Huge variety of connections for maximum flexibility
• + Stability thanks to high-quality metal base

cons

For essentialists: Goobay USB-C Multiport Adapter 62105

Ideal for a small budget: The Goobay USB-C Multiport Adapter 62105 is not the prettiest and also not the most flexible of the docking stations. But it offers the most important connections that you could wish for from a mini adapter: The USB docking station has an HDMI connection with a resolution of up to 4K and an Ethernet port for a super-fast network connection. There is also a USB-C and a USB 3.0 socket for accessories. Not the right connections? No problem: because the inexpensive companion is available in seven other variants with a wide variety of connections.

Features of the Goobay USB-C Multiport Adapter 62105

Advantages and disadvantages of the Goobay USB-C Multiport Adapter 62105

• + Low price
• + Good workmanship

cons

• – Not a high-quality appearance

Conclusion

Docks are a dime a dozen. Which docking station is the right one depends on individual requirements. Should it be a variant for the small purse? Should it rather be small and handy or have as many connections as possible? Is the design crucial? What ports is the existing monitor compatible with? Once these questions have been answered, you are guaranteed to find the right docking station to make working at different locations even more flexible and convenient.

More exciting articles about laptops, monitors and docks