The Best USB-C Docks for Expanding Your Laptop's Connectivity

26 April 2025

Laptops are amazing—portable, lightweight, and powerful enough for most tasks. But let's be real: they often lack the ports we need to connect all our peripherals. Ever found yourself juggling between unplugging your external hard drive to free up a slot for your USB mouse? Frustrating, right?

That's where USB-C docks come into play. These nifty hubs expand your laptop's connectivity, giving you extra USB ports, HDMI outputs, SD card readers, and even Ethernet connections. Whether you're working remotely, gaming, or managing multimedia projects, a good USB-C dock can transform your laptop into a fully functional workstation.

But with countless options on the market, how do you pick the best one? We've done the legwork for you and rounded up the best USB-C docks to supercharge your laptop setup.

🔌 Why Do You Need a USB-C Dock?

You might be wondering, "Do I really need another gadget?" Well, if you've ever encountered any of these issues, then yes:

- Limited ports – Most modern laptops, especially ultrabooks and MacBooks, come with only a few USB-C ports. That’s not enough for connecting external drives, monitors, or even a wired keyboard.
- No Ethernet port – Wi-Fi is great, but when you need a rock-solid connection (especially for work calls or gaming), an Ethernet port makes a huge difference.
- External monitors – Need to extend your display for more productivity? A USB-C dock gives you extra HDMI or DisplayPort options.
- Charging struggles – Some docks even offer Power Delivery (PD), meaning they can charge your laptop while handling other connections.

Clearly, a USB-C dock isn’t just an accessory—it’s a necessity. But not all docks are created equal. Let’s break down the best options available in 2024.

🏆 Best USB-C Docks for Every Need

1️⃣ CalDigit TS4 – Best Premium USB-C Dock

Why It Stands Out: If you want the best of the best, the CalDigit TS4 is a powerhouse. With 18 ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, and SD card readers, this dock is perfect for creatives and professionals.

Pros:
✔ 18 connectivity options
✔ 98W charging power
✔ Ultra-fast 2.5Gb Ethernet
✔ Dual 4K or single 8K display support

Cons:
❌ Expensive
❌ Requires an external power adapter

💡 Perfect for: Power users, video editors, and professionals who need top-tier connectivity.

2️⃣ Anker PowerExpand Elite – Best Mid-Range Dock

Why It Stands Out: The Anker PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 dock delivers solid performance at a mid-range price. With Thunderbolt 3, USB-A, HDMI, SD card slots, and 85W power delivery, it's ideal for multitaskers.

Pros:
✔ Affordable compared to premium docks
✔ Supports dual 4K displays
✔ 85W charging for MacBook Pro
✔ Reliable build quality

Cons:
❌ Short cable length
❌ Gets warm during extended use

💡 Perfect for: Professionals looking for a well-rounded dock without breaking the bank.

3️⃣ Plugable USB-C Triple Display Dock – Best for Multiple Monitors

Why It Stands Out: Need to connect three external displays? The Plugable USB-C Triple Display Dock has you covered, offering two HDMI and one DisplayPort option. It's a dream for multitaskers who rely on multiple screens.

Pros:
✔ Supports triple 4K displays
✔ Includes Gigabit Ethernet for stable internet
✔ Plenty of USB-A and USB-C ports

Cons:
❌ No Power Delivery (you’ll need a separate charger for your laptop)
❌ Bulky design

💡 Perfect for: Multi-monitor enthusiasts, stock traders, and productivity geeks.

4️⃣ Twelve South StayGo – Best for Travelers

Why It Stands Out: Compact yet powerful, the Twelve South StayGo is designed for people on the move. It has USB-A, HDMI, SD card slots, and a detachable travel cable for ultimate portability.

Pros:
✔ Small and lightweight
✔ Detachable cable for easy carrying
✔ Works well with iPads and MacBooks

Cons:
❌ Doesn’t support high-power charging
❌ Fewer ports compared to larger docks

💡 Perfect for: Travel bloggers, remote workers, and digital nomads.

5️⃣ Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro – Best for MacBook Users

Why It Stands Out: This sleek Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro is ideal for Mac users and delivers incredible Thunderbolt 3 speeds, dual 4K display support, and 85W Power Delivery—meaning it can fully charge a MacBook Pro while in use.

Pros:
✔ Super-fast data transfers (40Gbps)
✔ Dual 4K monitor support
✔ Sleek, professional design

Cons:
❌ Pricey
❌ Requires an external power adapter

💡 Perfect for: MacBook Pro & MacBook Air users who need high-speed connectivity and dual displays.

🛠 What to Consider Before Buying a USB-C Dock

Before you go clicking "Add to Cart," here are a few things to keep in mind:

✅ Compatibility

Not all docks work with every laptop. Make sure the dock you choose supports your laptop’s operating system and port speeds (USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, or Thunderbolt 4).

✅ Power Delivery (PD)

Some docks charge your laptop while in use, while others don’t. If you don’t want to juggle multiple power adapters, go for a dock with at least 85W charging.

✅ Port Selection

Need multiple monitors? Make sure the dock has dual HDMI or DisplayPort outputs. Transferring files from a camera? Look for SD card slots. Know what ports you need before buying.

✅ Portability vs. Performance

If you’re always on the go, a compact and lightweight dock (like the Twelve South StayGo) makes sense. But if you're setting up a full workstation, a larger, more powerful dock (like the CalDigit TS4) is the way to go.

🏁 Conclusion

A USB-C dock might seem like a small gadget, but it can completely change the way you use your laptop. Whether you need extra USB ports, dual monitor support, or a wired internet connection, there’s a dock out there that perfectly fits your needs.

So, which one should you go for? If you want premium performance, grab the CalDigit TS4. Need an affordable, mid-range option? The Anker PowerExpand Elite is your best bet. And if you’re always traveling, the Twelve South StayGo is a lifesaver.

At the end of the day, the best USB-C dock is the one that seamlessly fits your workflow. Now, go ahead and upgrade your setup!