Laptops are getting thinner and thinner each day, and with that, many ports are removed to save space. If you prefer slim laptops because you want to work on any locations, but at the same time, you want to have a place to work with dual monitors and many USB devices. You can always buy a desktop, but that’s a waste of money, then you have problem with synchronizing data between each computers, not to mention you have to buy extra software licenses for both computers. Why not turn your laptop into a working station at home or at your office. In this case, you’ll probably need an USB 3.0 Docking Station or also known as Universal Docking Station.

It wasn’t possible because of technology limitations. But recently, with the development of USB 3.0 and DisplayLink technology, we can now connect a laptop to several monitors and extend to several ports. You just need to purchase an USB 3.0 docking station, plug the docking station to your laptop’s USB 3.0 port, in some case, you also need to plug the power supply, and then you’re ready to go. But with more than 20 models, it’s not an easy job to find the best Universal USB 3.0 docking station. We spent over 30 hours testing more than 10 most outstanding USB 3.0 docking station, and now we present you a list of best USB 3.0 docking stations in the market.

Find a SD3500v here: (int'l affiliate link) - Have an older computer? In this installment of our USB docking station series we look at. Jul 18, 2020 Wavlink USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station Ports: 6 x SuperSpeed USB 3.0, 2 x DisplayPort, 2 x HDMI, Ethernet, USB-C In, 3.5mm Audio Maximum supported resolution: Dual 4K @ 60Hz.

List of Best USB 3.0 Docking Stations

Dell USB 3.0 Dual Display Universal Dock D1000: Best USB 3.0 Docking Station

Specifications

• 2 x USB 2.0 – Type A
• 1 x Headphone input and output 3.5mm
• 3 x SuperSpeed USB 3.0 – Type A
• 1 x network – RJ-45 port
• 1 x DisplayPort , Super Speed cable
• 2 x HDMI
• 1x HDMI-DVI Adapter included
• Allow for a triple monitor setup

The Dell USB 3.0 Ultra HD/4K Triple Display Docking Station is a sleek, compact but powerful docking stations with a total of 5 USB Type-A ports allowing you to connect multiple devices through the dock. Did I say Type A? You’re using laptops with USB Type-C? This docking station does also have a USB Type-C version, just make sure to choose the right version when ordering one.

With the USB Type-C version, you can even charge your laptop or USB Type-C devices with the docking station.

The fact that this docking station has 3 video output ports allowing you to utilize up to 3 monitors to maximize your performance. Buying Dell monitors to use with this docking station is the perfect combination.

On the front, you’ll find the 3.5mm audio port along with 3 USB 3.0 ports. On the back, on the left to right, you’ll find power port, connector port (to connect to your laptop or pc), DisplayPort, 2 HDMI ports, LAN port, 2 USB 2.0 ports and the 3.5mm audio output port.

Why we love it

• A lot of USB ports
• Triple Monitors support
• Modern design

What we hate

• Driver is complicated (just like many other docking stations)

Lenovo ThinkPad USB 3.0 Docking Station: When you need a lot of ports

Specifications

• 4 x USB 3.0 and 1 x USB 3.0 always-on port
• 1x DVI D, 1 x DVI I
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet
• 1 x DVI-to-VGA monitor adapter

For the next candidate, we have the Lenovo ThinkPad USB 3.0 Docking Station. Now, I must say, this docking station of one the the best looking docking station: Sleek, Compact, Modern Design. Build quality is awesome. It’s a perfect combination if you’re using the Lenovo Thinkpad laptops, but it’s still okay to use with other laptops.

This docking station comes with a Power button on the top. Call me crazy, but I’d like to turn my devices off when I’m not using them for two reasons: save the power, prolong device’s life.

Moving on to connectivity, on the front, you’ll find 2 USB 3.0 Type-A ports, along with the 3.5mm audio output port. Nothing on the side. On the back is the Gigabit LAN port, DVI-D and DVI-I ports, another 3 x USB 3.0 Type A ports, connector port and the AC port.

Why we love it

• A lot of USB 3.0 ports
• Modern design
• DVI ports for the best performance

What we hate

• Only DVI ports
• Installing driver is complicated (just like many other docking stations)

AUKEY USB-C Hub: Best Small Docking Station

Specifications

• 2 x USB Type A 3.0 ports
• 1 x USB Type A 2.0 port
• 1 x USB Type C 3.0 port
• 1 HDMI port
• 1 SD card reader

What strikes me first when taking a look at this device is: what a beauty. Sleek, Chroma look, goes perfectly with my new 2016 Macbook. And guess what? It has a USB 3.0 Type C port too. The perfect combination.

Nothing much about this AUKEY USB-C Hub: it has 3 USB Type A ports, 1 USB Type C port, 1 HDMI and 1 SD card reader.This is the only docking station / hub in this article does not require an external dedicated power supply.

0.9 As A Fraction

If you travel a lot and want a docking station around, then this docking station is a must buy.

Why we love it

• Small and compact
• USB Type C
• Doesn’t require external power
• Has card reader

Targus 2K Universal Docking Station: Dock That Can Act as A Stand

Specifications

• 1 x DisplayPort
• 1 x DVI-I
• 1 x HDMI
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet
• 3 x USB 3.0 Type A ports
• 1 x Powered USB 3.0 Type A port
• 1 Audio In/Out port for mics, speakers and earphones

The Targus 2K Universal Docking Station is not meant to be shown in open space, it’s meant to be hidden, under your laptop and do its work. It can act as a stand under your laptop, and therefore, it’s not necessary to be pretty (LOL).

You’ll find that the Targus 2K Universal Docking Station is a standard, normal laptop stand, with rubber lines on top to prevent slippery. But it’s not just that, it’s full-fledged USB 3.0 Docking station with 3.5mm audio port and 2 USB 3.0 ports (in which 1 is the powered USB 3.0 port for charging) on the side. On the back, you’ll find more ports: DVI-I port, HDMI port, DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet port, another 2 USB 3.0 Type A ports, connector port and external power port.

Why we love it

Now, we love this docking station because this dock can actually be used as a laptop dock or laptop stand. This dock features a rough surface to create friction, prevent your laptop from slipping. Separate microphone and headphones ports are a plus.

There 2 two always-on USB 3.0 ports, and that’s not something you usually see on those docking stations.

What we don’t like

The lack of USB 3.0 ports also annoys us, but remember, laptops nowadays usually have more than 2 USB 3.0 ports.

Why we love it

Dock 3 0 9 X 2 7

• Can act as a stand
• Has 1 powered USB 3.0 port for charging
• Has HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort

What you need to know about USB 3.0 Docking Station

Most usb 3.0 docking stations are using DisplayLink technology, and at the moment, DisplayLink does not support Multi-Stream Transport or known as Daisy Chain through DisplayPort. Multi-Stream Transport is the technology allows using up to three monitors with just one DisplayPort.

Most docking stations do not have the ability to charge your laptop, except some docks has USB Type-C and laptops with the ability to charge by using USB Type-C port. So in most cases, you will need a dedicated power supply for your laptop.

Also, most docking stations require dedicated power supply to power itself because power from an USB 3.0 port won’t be enough. Also, the power will be used for always-on USB ports.

As far as we know, all USB 3.0 docking stations are universal, you can use those docking stations for laptops, desktops with Windows, MacOS or Linux. Although you may face some troubles finding the right drivers for Linux.

What to look for when buying an USB 3.0 Docking Station

Finding a right docking station may be tricky, depend on your requirements and use cases. But in most cases, you may look for a docking station that has these characteristics:

1. Has as many ports as possible: you won’t know how many ports you need in the future, so it’s best to get as many ports as possible
2. Has dedicated power supply: you will love the always-on USB ports
3. Supports as many external monitors as possible: 2 monitors maybe enough at the moment, but what will you do when you recognize that you want a third monitor?
4. Has Ethernet port: you may use Wifi, but wifi is not powerful and stable as an Ethernet connection, also, using Wifi means your computer uses more power, and be hotter

We believe that all our nominated docking stations all share those characteristics.

Can I plug USB 3.0 Docking Station into a USB 2.0 port

We tested by plugging a docking station into a USB 2.0 port. All the ports, Ethernet and card reader work just fine, but of course, those USB ports will only provide shared USB 3.0 speed. We also tried using external monitor(s):

• One monitor worked fine, without any lag or distort
• Two monitors had some lag and distorts: watching Youtube is impossible, but reading static content, such as Word document is do-able

Even though plugging docking station into an USB 2.0 port will work, but we strongly advise you not to, because it’s not worth the frustration that we’ll go through.

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Best USB 3.0 Docking Stations for 2021

We’ll actively add new docking stations throughout the year, but in our opinion, if there is no outstanding docking station, the list will remain the same for the whole year 2020 and 2021.

Conclude

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We hope we can help you finding to purchase the right USB 3.0 Docking Station. If you have any questions or concerns, let us know. Also, if you think we miss any good docking station, tell us, and we’ll review it immediately.