Docks with Power Delivery feature charges the host laptop using the same USB-C connector and doesn’t need an additional charger. Here, the USB-C cable acts at the bridge between the dock, peripherals, and the host laptop by transmitting both power and signal. While most notebooks and compact laptops can do with a power output of 60W, though some power-hungry laptops need a little more. So, if you are in the market looking for good docking stations for laptops with USB-C Power Delivery, here are the best ones. But before that,
Have a MacBook Pro? Here are the best USB-C to HDMI Cables for Mac usersLooking to save desk space? Here are the best vertical laptop stands
1. Dell WD19 130W Docking Station
Power Delivery: 90WPorts: 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0B, 1x USB-C Multifunction DisplayPortGigabit Ethernet: Yes, 1SD Card Reader: No
It has a flat design and saves desk space. Besides that, the ports are cleverly arranged, and you’ll be able to use most of them at the same time. Even if your monitors do not have HDMI ports, you can attach an adapter to get the work down. However, check the compatibility of the laptop with the dock beforehand. Alternatively, you can also check out the Dell WD15 dock. This dock also supports 4K displays.
2. Plugable UD-CAM
Power Delivery: 85WPorts: 4x USB 3.0 Ports, 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x 3.5mm Audio JackGigabit Ethernet: Yes, 1SD Card Reader: No
But, the UD-CAM docking station has more USB-A ports. While this may not be much of an issue if you have more USB-A compatible devices, you might want to consider this point if you have more USB-C devices. Another issue is the use of the HDMI 1.4 ports, which will allow you to watch 4K on only one device. The mini size of the docking port also means fewer ports. You won’t find a dedicated SD-card reader. And it comes with a dedicated power adapter which is almost as big as the dock itself. However, if you want to extend the display to a single monitor and want to reap the maximum benefits of the USB-A peripherals, this is the one you should have.
3. Cable Matters USB C Dock for Windows
Power Delivery: 80WPorts: 2x DisplayPort, 5x USB-A, 1x USB-CGigabit Ethernet: Yes, 1SD Card Reader: Yes
Other than the above, the other USB-C PD port supplies power to up to 18W, which can be considered decent for charging smartphones and tablets while supporting 10Gbps of bandwidth. However, this docking station doesn’t have any HDMI ports, and all the display connections are via the two 4K DisplayPort connectors. The only thing you have to keep in mind is to attach Active DisplayPort to HDMI cables. If you must know, these active cable helps connect a DP output to a display with HDMI outputs. At the same time, do make sure to use USB 3.2 Gen 2 cables to get the most of the USB-C PD port. This dock also bundles a Dynamic bandwidth switch, which lets you switch between HD and 4K. Switching to the HD setting will enable high speeds on the connected peripherals. The vertical design of the laptop dock ensures that it doesn’t occupy much space on your desk. Alternatively, you can also place it horizontally if you are not happy with the vertical look. There are neat rubber paddings at the belly to keep the dock in position.
4. Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station
Power Delivery: 60WPorts: 2 X HDMI, 1 x DVI/VGA , 1 x USB-C PD, 1 x USB-C 3.0, 4 x USB 3.0 Type-AGigabit Ethernet: Yes, 1SD Card Reader: No
This Plugable dock uses two display technology—Alt Mode and DisplayLink—to run three displays simultaneously, which is a tad rare in this department. The dock is cleverly designed and has a vertical design. Not only is it easy to configure all the wires, but the vertical design also occupies less space.
5. Kensington SD4820P USB-C Docking Station
Power Delivery: 60WPorts: 1 x HDMI v2.0, 2 x DisplayPort++, 1 x USB-C 3.1 Gen2, 1 x USB-A 3.1 Gen2, 4 x USB-A 3.1 Gen1Gigabit Ethernet: Yes, 1SD Card Reader: No
Like the Cable Matters laptop dock, this one also comes with a dynamic switch that lets you switch between 2-lane and 4-lane setting. When you switch to the 2-lane setting, the speeds of the connected peripherals will go up. However, the display of the monitors will switch to 1920 x 1080p.
Get the Power!
So, which of these docking stations will you get for your laptop? If you have a Dell laptop, it’s safe to go with the Dell Wd19 provided it suits your requirement. If not, the Kensington SD4820P looks like a good option if you want multiple displays. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.