Docking stations and multiport hubs add extra video outputs, USB ports and network connections to a laptop through a single cable. They suit office staff, remote workers and anyone building an external monitor setup. The range covers more than a dozen models from StarTech.com, ATEN, UNITEK, Qoltec and Club3D, among others.
How to choose a docking station or multiport hub
Laptop connection. Most current docks connect over USB-C, and some use Thunderbolt. The laptop's USB-C port must support video output (DisplayPort Alt Mode) or Thunderbolt, otherwise the monitors stay blank. Laptops with only USB-A ports need a dock designed for that connection, which usually relies on a driver.
Video outputs. Count your monitors and match the connectors: HDMI and DisplayPort are the most common, and VGA is only needed for older screens. Check the maximum resolution and refresh rate as well, because 4K at 30 Hz looks noticeably less smooth than 4K at 60 Hz, and the limit often drops when two monitors share one connection.
Ports you actually use. Gigabit Ethernet, USB-A sockets for keyboard and mouse, an SD card reader and an audio jack are the usual extras. A small hub with a few ports is enough for one monitor and a couple of peripherals, while a full dock suits a desk with many devices permanently plugged in.
Power delivery. Many docks charge the laptop through the same cable, which removes one charger from the desk. Compare the wattage the dock passes through with the rating of your laptop's original charger. Small bus-powered hubs often pass through little or no power.
Operating conditions and certification. Specifications in our range list operating temperatures starting at 0 °C, with upper limits between 40 and 70 °C, and humidity tolerance up to 90% on several models. That matters for docks used in warm workshops, server rooms or AV installations. Several products also carry CE and RoHS compliance.
Brands in our range
- StarTech.com: a Canadian maker of connectivity accessories, including laptop docks and hubs, and the largest group of products in this category.
- ATEN: known for KVM switches and professional AV and server-room connectivity, which shows in its more business-focused products.
- Club3D: a Dutch brand specialising in display adapters and converters for DisplayPort, HDMI and USB-C.
- AXAGON: a Czech brand known for USB hubs, adapters and everyday PC accessories.
Also in our range: UNITEK, Qoltec, Vivolink and Sandberg.
Frequently asked questions about docking stations and hubs
What is the difference between a docking station and a multiport hub?
A multiport hub is usually a small adapter that adds a handful of ports, often drawing power from the laptop. A docking station generally offers more ports, several video outputs and often its own power supply, so it can also charge the laptop. The line between the two is not strict, so compare the port list rather than the name.
Will a docking station work with any laptop?
No, it depends on the laptop's port and what it supports. A USB-C laptop needs DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt to send video to a dock, and charging requires USB Power Delivery. Check your laptop's specifications before buying.
Can one docking station run two monitors?
Many can, provided the dock has two video outputs and the connection to the laptop has enough bandwidth. Some models only mirror the same image on both screens or lower the resolution when two monitors are used. Look for the stated dual-monitor resolution and refresh rate.
Does a docking station charge my laptop?
Only if it supports power delivery at a suitable wattage. The dock's pass-through rating should match or exceed what your laptop's original charger supplies, otherwise charging will be slow or the battery may still drain under heavy load.
