6 Best docking stations for laptops under $400 in 2024

Modern laptops are growing increasingly slim yet powerful, but sometimes you need more ports or screens for optimal productivity. This is where docking stations come in, allowing you to expand your setup with eased connectivity and dual displays. We'll explore the 6 best docking stations for laptops under the price range of $400, from leading manufacturers that unlock enhanced multitasking through port selection, fast data transfer speeds, and wide compatibility across devices.

1. Plugable USB-C Dock

This driverless dock unleashes the potential of USB4 laptops. Dual 4K displays up to 120Hz bring high-res clarity, while 100W charging keeps devices juiced through a full workday. Extensive ports include USB 3.0, USB-C data and video outputs for limitless workflow customization.

Pros

• Dual 4K up to 120Hz displays

• Extensive port selection

• 100W charging

Cons

• Only compatible with Windows

Check the Latest Price: Amazon

2. Kensington SD4780P DisplayLink Dock

Compatibility is king with Kensington's universal dock. Its tried-and-true DisplayLink tech transmits dual 4K screens over USB-C to any laptop OS. Alongside 100W power delivery and lock slot protection, an arsenal of connectivity ports like Ethernet, USB-A, and audio deliver a true desktop experience anywhere.

Pros

• Works with Windows, Mac, Surface

• Dual 4K screens

• Built-in security

Cons

• Uses DisplayLink, not native video

Check the Latest Price: Amazon

3. Anker 568 USB-C Dock

For maximum processing power and visual fidelity, Anker's flagship USB4 solution delivers. Its powerful chip pushes 40Gbps transfer speeds through versatile ports to triple 4K video, ideal for graphics tasks. 100W charging ensures smooth sailing through intense projects on a full charge.

Pros

• Triple 4K displays

• 40Gbps data speeds

• 100W charging

Cons

• Only compatible with Windows

Check the Latest Price: Amazon

4. Satechi Dual Display Dock

Slim and portable, this dock expands MacBooks and Surfaces on the fly. HDMI and DisplayPort transmit dual screens while an SSD bay provides up to 1TB of plug-and-play external storage. At 75W, it maintains laptop juice through video calls or all-day movie marathons.

Pros

• Compact design

• SSD storage expansion

• 75W charging

Cons

• Lower power output

Check the Latest Price: Amazon

5. Kensington AD2010T4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

With Thunderbolt 4 taking off, future-proof your setup here. Dual 4K screens pair with 96W power to drive demanding applications through Thunderbolt's full-speed connectivity. Extensive downstream ports from USB-C to Ethernet to card readers enrich any workflow.

Pros

• Thunderbolt 4 compatibility

• Dual 4K screens

• 96W charging

Cons

• Premium price

Check the Latest Price: Amazon

6. CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

As the Swiss Army knife of docks, this TS4 packs 18 ports of unrivaled flexibility. Enjoy 8K resolution with one cable or spread across dual 4K/6K desks. 2.5Gb networking and Thunderbolt 4's huge bandwidth empower high-impact projects from content to engineering.

Pros

• 18 ports versatility

• 8K/dual 4K support

• 2.5Gb Ethernet

Cons

• Extremely expensive

• Large footprint

Check the Latest Price: Amazon

Note: In this article, we covered the best docking stations for laptops under $400. However, prices are subject to change, so be sure to check the latest updated prices using the Amazon links provided.

Conclusion

Whether your priority is driverless Plug and Play functionality, compatibility across ecosystems, speedy USB4 technology, smaller footprints for traveling, or all-out versatility, there is a dock to elevate any laptop workstation. By understanding your connection and display needs now and in the future, you're sure to find a top-performing dock that boosts productivity for both professional tasks and personal pleasures.

Explore more topics:

• 5 Best Android and iPhone Gimbal under $200

• 7 Best Tablets for Students under $900

• 6 Best Windows Tablets under $1000

• 7 Best Mechanical Keyboards under $200