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Trendy laptops, together with the most effective Chromebooks available on the market, are extremely succesful machines for each work and play. Whereas Chromebooks are workhorses, generally it’s possible you’ll end up needing extra ports and connectivity choices to really harness their full potential.
Certain, you should utilize dongles to allow you to use your USB port for wired Ethernet or to increase the variety of ports out there, however these dongles could be limiting. A docking station is an important Chromebook accent for anybody who needs to simply add USB and Ethernet ports, let you join a number of screens, and even energy your laptop computer for an all-in-one answer.
These docking stations are available in all shapes, sizes, value factors, and configurations. Not all docking stations play properly with ChromeOS, so to make selecting one a breeze, we handpicked the most effective ones out there.
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Supply: Plugable
Plugable UD-MSTHDC Docking Station
Finest total
Our favourite docks and docking stations for Chromebooks in 2023
Supply: Plugable
Plugable UD-MSTHDC Docking Station
Finest total
Constructed particularly for Chromebooks
Plugable’s UD-MSTHDC dock is constructed particularly for Chromebooks and gives 13 downstream ports. The USB-C host cable can ship as much as 60W of charging energy again to your laptop computer, and the dock will deal with twin 4K shows at 60Hz.
- Works With Chromebook licensed
- Twin 4K@60Hz monitor help
- 60W charging again to host
Plugable’s UD-MSTHDC is likely one of the newer docks on this roundup, launched not too long ago by Plugable as a Chromebook-first answer. It has Works With Chromebook certification however can even work with Home windows gadgets. The dock has 13 downstream ports, together with on the entrance 3.5mm audio, twin USB-A at 10Gbps, and USB-C at 10Gbps with 15W of charging energy. The again of the dock has one other 4 USB-A ports at 5Gbps, Gigabit Ethernet, two DisplayPort and two HDMI, and an AC plug. The USB-C host cable lives on one finish of the dock, whereas the opposite finish has lock slots.
This dock will let you energy as much as twin 4K exterior screens — every with a 60Hz refresh charge — and the combination of HDMI and DP means fewer potential dongles. As well as, the USB-C host cable can ship as much as 60W of charging energy again to your Chromebook. Though it is a comparatively costly possibility, it is a highly effective Chromebook accent for anybody who needs a extra everlasting setup.
Supply: HyperDrive
HyperDrive 14-in-1 USB-C Dock
Finest worth
A high-end dock at a fantastic value
HyperDrive’s 14-port USB-C dock is Works With Chromebook-certified and is accessible at a severely discounted value when procuring at Amazon.
- Works With Chromebook licensed
- 13 downstream ports
- Potent exterior show help
- Very costly on the $250 MSRP
HyperDrive’s 14-in-1 USB-C dock (HD-GD1000) is repeatedly priced at about $250 on the official HyperDrive web site, however Amazon is presently providing it for about $80. That is an excessive low cost for a Works with Chromebook-certified dock that may work with nearly another laptop computer with USB-C; it additionally contains 13 downstream ports and a USB-C host reference to as much as 65W of charging energy.
The dock gives as much as twin 4K monitor help at 60Hz (with triple show help at a decrease refresh charge) through the twin HDMI and twin DisplayPort hookups, plus the USB-C port can deal with video. It additionally has three USB-A at 10Gbps, two USB-A at 4.8Gbps, Gigabit Ethernet, two downstream USB-C at 10Gbps, and a 3.5mm audio combo jack, which is just about all you will ever want.
Supply: StarTech
StarTech.com USB-C Docking Station DK31C3MNCR
Premium decide
Triple monitor help, 13 downstream ports
Seeking to maximize exterior monitor help to your Chromebook? The StarTech USB-C dock is designed particularly for Chromebooks and options triple 4K help at 30Hz. It has 13 downstream ports and as much as 60W of charging energy.
- Works With Chromebook licensed
- Triple 4K monitor help at 30Hz
- As much as 60W of charging energy
- May be overkill for some customers
Designed particularly for Chromebooks, the StarTech USB-C Dock (DK31C3MNCR) is a superb possibility with a number of video outputs, together with a USB-C port able to delivering a video sign. It could transmit a 4K 30Hz sign to 3 screens, a 4K 60Hz sign to 2 screens, or a 5K 60Hz sign to a single monitor. In the event you’re excited by a multiscreen setup with a bunch of nice Chromebook screens, this must be a best choice.
In different options, you get 60W energy supply for charging the Chromebook, a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connectivity, and an audio jack for audio system or microphones. You can even use the VESA mounting holes to mount the dock and cut back the litter in your desk. The screw lock host publish additionally ensures no unintended disconnection to the dock.
Supply: Kensington
Kensington Triple-Show USB-C Docking Station SD4839P
Finest charging
As much as 100W of energy out there
Searching for a dock that may deal with Chromebook and different laptops? Need tons of charging potential? This Kensington USB-C dock can ship as much as 100W of energy to the host and options 10 downstream ports.
- Works with most Chromebooks and different laptops
- 10 complete downstream ports
- Triple exterior show help
- 100W of laptop computer charging is not wanted by everybody
This dock from Kensington works with a variety of gadgets, together with most Chromebooks. It has a modern design that sits low in your desk, and it boasts a reasonably beneficiant collection of ports. The entrance has 4 USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2) at 10Gbps every, one downstream USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), and a 3.5mm audio jack. The again of the dock gives two DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and Gigabit Ethernet. The host USB-C port is positioned out of the way in which on the facet of the dock.
When related to a laptop computer, the dock can ship as much as 100W of energy to the host. It could additionally deal with as much as three exterior shows, with most resolutions relying in your laptop computer’s USB-C port capabilities. This can be a nice possibility should you usually swap between gadgets, because it ought to work with nearly any laptop computer on the market.
Supply: Acer
Acer USB-C Dock
Triple show help
Sturdy wedge design
Acer’s D501 USB-C dock comes with two USB-A 3.1 (Gen 2), two USB-A 3.1 (Gen 1), two HDMI, two DisplayPort, Ethernet, downstream USB-C 3.1 (Gen 2), and three.5mm audio. It connects with USB-C and gives as much as 60W of energy again to the host laptop computer.
- Works With Chromebook licensed
- Helps as much as three shows
- As much as 60W of charging energy
- Can get extra ports in different docks
Licensed by Works With Chromebook, the Acer USB Sort-C Dock (D501) will work seamlessly with Chromebooks from all manufacturers. It additionally packs just about all the pieces you want from a dock. There are 11 ports, together with 4 USB-A, two HDMI 2.0, and two DisplayPort 1.4. The dock may ship as much as 60W energy to a related laptop computer, sufficient to quick cost nearly any Chromebook available on the market.
Amongst different highlights, two of 4 USB-A ports and the one downstream USB-C port on the dock are rated USB 3.1 Gen 2 and help as much as 10Gbps knowledge switch charges, which is superb if you wish to join any quick exterior storage. Moreover, you possibly can join as much as three screens utilizing Acer D501. Nevertheless, you will solely get a Full HD output should you plug in three screens; 4K output is just doable when just one or two exterior screens are connected.
Supply: CalDigit
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Finest Thunderbolt
The last word dock for Thunderbolt 4
CalDigit’s TS4 is not for everybody, however those that want Thunderbolt 4 connectivity — particularly when working throughout gadgets — will discover that it gives essentially the most ports and essentially the most energy. It is costly, however it’s constructed nicely and must be related for years.
- 18 ports for optimum connectivity
- Works throughout working methods and gadgets
- As much as 98W of charging energy
- Thunderbolt is required to get essentially the most out of this dock
- Very costly
Thunderbolt connectivity is not but tremendous frequent in relation to Chromebooks — the HP Dragonfly Professional Chromebook that we reviewed is a high-end exception — however it’s usually the usual for Home windows and is kind of in place with Macs, due to their USB4 hookups. The great thing about Thunderbolt is that it is backwards suitable with many requirements, together with common ol’ USB-C that your Chromebook may supply. In the event you usually swap between gadgets and working methods, this is likely one of the greatest docks you should buy at present. It prices a fortune, however its extensive collection of ports and powerful efficiency make it a prime possibility for energy customers and execs.
CalDigit managed to cram 18 ports into the complete aluminum physique, with three Thunderbolt 4 (one reserved for the host connection), three USB-C, 5 USB-A, DisplayPort 1.4, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm audio combo, 3.5mm in/out, and UHS-II SD and microSD card readers. It could optimally deal with as much as an 8K show at 60Hz, however provided that you are utilizing Thunderbolt. It could ship as much as 98W of charging energy again to the host, and its entrance USB-C port may deal with as much as 20W of charging energy for related equipment. The remainder of the USB-C and USB-A hookups prime out at 7.5W.
Supply: OWC
OWC USB-C Journey Dock E
Compact design
Excellent to be used whereas touring
OWC’s Journey Dock E is a compact dock that does not require AC energy, making it excellent for these on the go. It gives 5 downstream ports, USB-C passthrough for host charging, and a set host cable.
- 100W energy passthrough
- UHS-II SD card reader is a pleasant addition
- No AC energy required
- Not splendid for a everlasting setup
- Some will want greater than 5 ports
- Fastened host cable
Those that usually journey may not wish to depart their dock behind, and in that case, the OWC Journey Dock E must be a fantastic alternative. It doesn’t require AC energy, however it does have a USB-C passthrough port that may deal with as much as 100W of energy. So even when your Chromebook has only one USB-C port, you possibly can nonetheless hold it topped up.
The dock in any other case has two USB-A 3.2 ports at 5Gbps every, an HDMI 2.0 port for a 4K exterior show, a UHS-II SD card reader, and Gigabit Ethernet. The host cable is fastened, which is a draw back — if it will get broken, you will possible have to switch your entire dock — however the package deal stays reasonably priced. It could actually be used full-time on a desk, however it’ll excel when on the transfer.
Supply: Anker
Anker 341
Price range hub
A bridge between dock and hub
The Anker 341 is a USB-C hub with six downstream ports, 4K exterior show help, and 85W passthrough charging capabilities. It is also reasonably priced and moveable, making it excellent for individuals who do not fairly want a full desktop docking station.
- Passthrough charging as much as 85W
- Six downstream ports
- Common compatibility
- Host cable is fastened
- Not splendid for a extra everlasting setup
Whereas this accent belongs extra within the realm of nice USB-C hubs for Chromebooks, its seven ports and rock-bottom pricing hold it within the working each time we discuss increasing ports. The Anker 341 prices solely about $35 and contains seven complete ports in addition to a set USB-C host cable. Furthermore, it is designed to work throughout completely different laptops utilizing completely different working methods, together with ChromeOS.
The HDMI port can deal with 4K at 30Hz, there are microSD and SD card readers, and the USB-C port gives passthrough charging at as much as 85W. Moreover, you get a downstream USB-C port and two downstream USB-A ports. This hub does not require an AC energy supply, making it nice for journey. And for these in an workplace, it is helpful to have round when you want to learn detachable storage or add a number of USB-A ports on a budget.
Getting the most effective docking station to your Chromebook
Choosing the right docking station to your favourite Chromebook will depend on the ports you want most, the scale you possibly can match in your desk (or in your baggage), and the value. That is why our suggestions supply a wide range of docks that fall in numerous value brackets and have a various collection of ports.
Our favourite dock for Chromebooks proper now’s the Plugable UD-MSTHDC. It is Chromebook-certified, but it may possibly additionally work with Home windows laptops for added versatility. It has 13 downstream ports, together with a mixture of twin HDMI and twin DisplayPort, with help for twin exterior shows at a 60Hz refresh charge every. It additionally has six USB-A ports, 3.5mm audio, Gigabit Ethernet, and downstream USB-C at 10Gbps with 15W of charging potential. When related, the dock may ship as much as 60W of charging energy to the host laptop computer.
If the Plugable dock is a bit too dear, the HyperDrive 14-in-1 USB-C Dock must be a fantastic second alternative. At $120, this docking station has 13 downstream ports, 65W of charging energy, and twin exterior show help at 60Hz. In the event you want one thing much more budget-friendly and are keen to surrender the flexibility to cost your laptop computer, then the OWC USB-C Journey Dock E is a superb possibility at $60. This compact dock provides two USB 3.2 Sort-A ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI port able to powering a 4K monitor at 60Hz, an Ethernet port, and an SD card reader.
Supply: Plugable
Plugable UD-MSTHDC Docking Station
Finest total
For Chromebooks and Home windows laptops
The Plugable UD-MSTHDC docking station is Works With Chromebook-certified however may work with Home windows laptops. It gives 13 downstream ports, with help for twin 4K shows at 60Hz every.