Docks and hubs expand a laptop's connections, turning one or two ports into several for USB devices, displays, network cables and accessories. They suit office workers, students and anyone running a desk setup. Our range includes USB hubs and docking stations from Lenovo, Dell, Club 3D and LogiLink.
How to choose a laptop dock or hub
Host connection. Start with the port your laptop uses to connect to the dock. In our range you will find USB Type-C models as well as hubs that connect over USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 2.0. Check the port on your laptop before ordering, because a Type-C connector alone does not guarantee that video output or charging will work through it.
Number and type of ports. Count what you plug in every day: mouse, keyboard, external drive, monitor, network cable. Models in our range offer anywhere from 4 to 9 ports in total, and the number of USB Type-A ports varies between 1, 2 and 4. A simple hub is enough for peripherals, while a docking station is the better choice if you also want video outputs or Ethernet.
Transfer speed. Several hubs in our range list a data transfer rate of 5000 Mbit/s, which is the USB 3.2 Gen 1 (formerly USB 3.1 Gen 1) speed. That is comfortable for keyboards, webcams and most external drives. A USB 2.0 connection is much slower and better kept for basic accessories.
Charging and compatibility. Some docks can power the laptop through the same cable, but the wattage must match what your laptop needs. Brand-specific docks, such as those made by Lenovo and Dell, are designed around their own laptop lines, so check the model list or specifications before buying. A universal USB-C dock offers more freedom if you switch laptops.
Docks and hubs brands we carry
- Lenovo: makes docking stations designed around its ThinkPad and other business laptops, so the dock and laptop are matched for charging and connections.
- Dell: supplies docks aimed at its Latitude, Precision and XPS laptops, commonly used in offices where staff move between desks.
- Club 3D: specialises in display adapters, cables and docking stations, with a focus on connecting laptops to external monitors.
Also in our range: EXSYS, Honeywell and LogiLink.
Frequently asked questions about docks and hubs
What is the difference between a dock and a hub?
A hub mainly adds extra USB ports, while a docking station adds a wider mix of connections such as video outputs, Ethernet and sometimes laptop charging. Hubs are smaller and simpler. Docks usually stay on the desk and turn a laptop into a full workstation with one cable.
Will a USB-C dock charge my laptop?
Only if both the dock and the laptop support charging over USB-C and the dock supplies enough power. Check the power delivery wattage of the dock against the charger that came with your laptop. If the dock offers less, the laptop may charge slowly or not at all under load.
Does any dock work with any laptop?
No. Universal USB-C docks work with many laptops, but features such as video output and charging depend on what your laptop's port supports. Brand-specific docks from Lenovo or Dell are built for certain laptop series, so confirm the model compatibility first.
How many ports do I need on a hub?
Add up the devices you connect at the same time, then allow one or two spare ports. A hub with four USB Type-A ports covers a keyboard, mouse, drive and one extra device. If you need monitors or a network connection as well, look at a docking station with a higher total port count.
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