Modern laptops, while incredibly powerful and sleek, have a major drawback: a limited number of ports. This forces a choice between using a mouse, connecting an external monitor, or plugging in an external drive. You’re left juggling cables and adapters, leading to a cluttered workspace and decreased productivity.
The good news is there’s a simple solution. USB hubs and docking stations are designed to expand your connectivity, transforming your single laptop port into a full workstation. They are an essential tool for anyone working from home or in a hybrid office setting. The demand for these devices is rapidly growing. The global USB Type-C docking station market, for instance, is projected to grow from over $1.4 billion in 2024 to more than $2.2 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%.
This growth is driven by the need for seamless multi-device connectivity. In 2024, more than 61% of corporate IT departments have already shifted to a USB Type-C hardware setup to standardize their systems. High-end users like graphic designers and content creators are also pushing for faster solutions, with over 37 million devices supporting Thunderbolt 4 and over 60% of new docks being USB4 compatible in the first quarter of 2024. This article will help you choose the best option to simplify your setup and boost your productivity.
Popular USB Hubs & Docking Stations for Laptops 2025
| Name | Key Features | Starting Price | More Relevant Information |
| CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock | 18 ports, Thunderbolt 4, 98W Power Delivery, SD/microSD card readers, 2.5 Gb Ethernet | $399 | A high-end dock for professional creatives with Thunderbolt 4 laptops. |
| Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station | 40 Gbps data transfer, 96W charging, supports up to four 4K displays or one 8K display | $249 | A versatile solution for multi-monitor setups, compatible with both Thunderbolt and DisplayLink. |
| Dell Dual Charge Dock | 90W power delivery, Qi wireless charging pad, supports dual 4K monitors, wake-on-dock feature | $179 | A convenient dock with integrated wireless charging, ideal for decluttering your desk. |
| Logitech Logi Dock | All-in-one dock, speakerphone with six beamforming mics, noise-canceling, up to 100W charging | $399 | A unique dock designed for hybrid work, combining essential peripherals into one device. |
| Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub | 8-in-1 connectivity, 10 Gbps data transfer, 85W pass-through charging, 4K@60Hz HDMI | $69.99 | A portable and budget-friendly hub for travelers and everyday users. |
| UGREEN Revodok Pro 109 USB-C Hub | 10 Gbps data transfer, 100W Power Delivery, 4K@60Hz HDMI, aluminum design | $25 | A compact hub with a focus on fast data speeds and solid power delivery. |
| Satechi Dual Dock Stand | Dual HDMI/DisplayPort support, 75W Power Delivery, integrated SSD enclosure | $149 | A dual-purpose device that functions as both a dock and a stand with expandable storage. |
| Hiearcool USB C Hub | 8-in-1, 100W Power Delivery, 4K@60Hz HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet | $20 | A highly portable and affordable hub with a range of essential ports. |
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Released on February 22, 2022, the CalDigit TS4 is an 18-port Thunderbolt 4 dock that serves as a powerful command center for your workstation. Founded in 2006, CalDigit has a long history of creating premium storage solutions and was one of the first to enter the Thunderbolt market.
The TS4 is built for demanding users like video editors, graphic designers, and other creative professionals who need maximum connectivity and speed.
It offers a massive 98W of Power Delivery to charge your laptop and features a 2.5 Gb Ethernet port for ultra-fast and stable internet. The dock’s robust build and comprehensive port selection make it a staple in professional setups.
- 18 ports, including 5x USB-A 3.0 and 2x Thunderbolt 4
- Supports up to dual 6K monitors or a single 8K display
- 98W of Power Delivery to charge a connected laptop
- Built-in SD and microSD card readers
- 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed internet
Starting Price: $399
Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Quad Display Docking Station
The Plugable TBT-6950PD is a productivity powerhouse designed for users who need to connect multiple screens. It supports up to four 4K displays or a single 8K display, a feature made possible by combining Thunderbolt technology with DisplayLink.
This makes it an excellent choice for stock traders, data analysts, or anyone who benefits from an expansive visual workspace. The dock features 40 Gbps data transfer speeds and provides up to 96W of host charging.
Its unique combination of port types ensures broad compatibility across different operating systems and devices, offering a future-proof solution for complex setups.
- Supports up to four 4K monitors
- 96W Power Delivery to the host laptop
- Features 40 Gbps Thunderbolt and USB4 ports
- Includes HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, and an SD card slot
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS
Starting Price: $249
Dell Dual Charge Dock
The Dell Dual Charge Dock (HD22Q) is a sleek and minimalist solution that simplifies your workspace by combining connectivity with convenience. It’s perfect for home office users who want to reduce desk clutter.
This dock provides 90W of power to charge your laptop and supports up to two 4K monitors. A standout feature is its integrated Qi wireless charging pad, allowing you to charge your smartphone or earbuds without extra cables.
The fabric-wrapped design with a magnetic rest for your phone adds a modern touch. The “wake-on-dock” feature allows you to power on your laptop just by connecting it, which is a significant convenience.
- 90W Power Delivery to the laptop
- Integrated Qi wireless charging pad
- Supports dual 4K monitors
- Includes USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort
- Wake-on-dock feature
Starting Price: $179
Logitech Logi Dock
The Logitech Logi Dock is a unique all-in-one device designed for the modern hybrid workspace. It goes beyond traditional docking stations by integrating a speakerphone, noise-canceling microphones, and speakers.
This makes it an ideal solution for professionals who spend a lot of time on video conferences and need to simplify their setup. The dock can connect and charge up to five USB peripherals and two monitors, all while providing up to 100W of charging power to your laptop.
The Logi Dock is certified for major video conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, ensuring a seamless and high-quality meeting experience.
- Built-in speakerphone with six beamforming microphones
- Connects and charges up to five USB devices
- Provides up to 100W of power to the host
- Supports dual 4K monitors via HDMI and DisplayPort
- Certified for leading video conferencing apps
Starting Price: $399
Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub
The Anker 555 hub is a compact and portable option for users who need to expand their connectivity on the go. As a USB-C hub, it is smaller and more travel-friendly than a full docking station. It offers 8-in-1 functionality, providing an excellent range of ports for its size.
The hub supports 85W pass-through charging, allowing you to power your laptop while using the other ports. Its 10 Gbps data transfer speeds are more than sufficient for most tasks, including transferring large files.
The aluminum build provides durability and a premium feel, making it a reliable tool for travelers and professionals.
- 8-in-1 port expansion
- 10 Gbps data transfer speed
- 85W pass-through charging
- 4K@60Hz HDMI port
- Includes SD and microSD card readers
Starting Price: $69.99
UGREEN Revodok Pro 109 USB-C Hub
The UGREEN Revodok Pro 109 is a compact and powerful USB-C hub designed for users who prioritize speed and simplicity. It features two USB-C and two USB-A ports, all with 10 Gbps data transfer speeds, making it a great option for quickly moving large files.
The hub also supports 100W Power Delivery to keep your laptop charged while you work. Its aluminum shell is durable and helps dissipate heat.
This device is an excellent choice for a minimalist desk setup, providing all the essential ports without the bulk of a full docking station. It’s a plug-and-play solution that works with most modern USB-C devices.
- 10 Gbps data transfer speeds
- 100W Power Delivery
- 4K@60Hz HDMI output
- Durable aluminum design
- Driver-free, plug-and-play functionality
Starting Price: $25
Satechi Dual Dock Stand
The Satechi Dual Dock Stand is a clever, multi-functional device that not only expands your laptop’s ports but also serves as a stand. It’s an excellent choice for users who want to improve their ergonomics and organize their desk at the same time.
This dock stands out by including an integrated SATA and NVMe SSD enclosure, which lets you add additional storage directly into the device. It supports dual 4K displays and provides 75W of Power Delivery.
It’s particularly beneficial for content creators who need high-resolution displays and a way to manage large media files. The sleek design is an added bonus.
- Integrated SATA and NVMe SSD enclosure
- Supports dual 4K monitors
- 75W of Power Delivery
- Acts as a laptop stand to improve airflow
- Includes USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort
Starting Price: $149
Hiearcool USB C Hub
The Hiearcool USB C Hub is a budget-friendly and highly portable 8-in-1 solution that proves you don’t have to sacrifice functionality for a low price. It’s an ideal choice for students, casual users, or anyone needing to add essential ports without a significant investment.
Despite its affordability, it offers 100W Power Delivery to charge your laptop, a 4K@60Hz HDMI port for external displays, and a Gigabit Ethernet port for a stable internet connection.
The inclusion of SD and TF card readers is a major plus for photographers and videographers who need to quickly offload media. Its compact size makes it easy to carry in a backpack.
- 8-in-1 port expansion
- 100W Power Delivery
- 4K@60Hz HDMI port
- Gigabit Ethernet port for stable internet
- Built-in SD and TF card readers
Starting Price: $20
FAQs
What is the main difference between a USB hub and a docking station?
A USB hub primarily expands the number of USB ports, while a docking station is more comprehensive, offering additional ports like HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and audio jacks. Docking stations also typically provide more power.
Do I need a powered or unpowered USB hub?
You should choose a powered hub if you plan to connect devices that require significant power, like external hard drives or charging phones. An unpowered hub is sufficient for low-power devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
Can a USB hub or docking station charge my laptop?
Yes, if it supports Power Delivery (PD). Look for a USB-C hub or docking station with a PD port and a high wattage rating that matches your laptop’s charging requirements.
Will a docking station slow down my laptop’s performance?
High-quality docking stations with ample bandwidth (like Thunderbolt 4) are designed to prevent performance issues. However, a low-quality hub or one with a limited bandwidth can sometimes cause lag, especially when transferring large files or using multiple monitors.
What is Thunderbolt 4 and why is it important?
Thunderbolt 4 is a high-speed data transfer protocol that offers up to 40 Gbps bandwidth. This allows you to connect multiple high-resolution displays and high-speed devices to your laptop with a single cable without experiencing performance bottlenecks.
Can I connect multiple monitors with a USB hub?
Some hubs with an HDMI or DisplayPort can support a single external monitor. For multiple monitor setups, a dedicated docking station with multiple video output ports is the best choice.
Is a docking station a good investment for a home office?
Yes, it is a worthwhile investment. A docking station can help you simplify your setup, reduce cable clutter, and connect all your peripherals (monitors, keyboards, mouse, etc.) with a single cable, transforming your laptop into a complete desktop experience.
What should I look for when buying a hub or dock?
Consider the number and type of ports you need, your laptop’s charging requirements, and the data transfer speeds. If you need to connect multiple monitors or require faster speeds, a docking station is a better fit.
Conclusion
Choosing the right USB hub or docking station is a simple yet effective way to upgrade your laptop experience. The modern market offers a wide variety of solutions, from the minimalist and portable UGREEN Revodok Pro 109 to the powerful, professional-grade CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock. Whether you’re a creative professional needing to drive multiple high-resolution displays or a remote worker looking to simplify your home office, there’s a product designed for your specific needs.
For those seeking a clutter-free desk with smart features, the Dell Dual Charge Dock and the unique Logitech Logi Dock offer more than just port expansion. For travelers and budget-conscious users, the Anker 555 and Hiearcool hubs provide essential functionality without a high price tag. By understanding the key differences between hubs and docking stations—portability, power, and connectivity—you can make an informed decision that will significantly improve your productivity and simplify your daily routine.
