Buying a USB C Docking Station under $150 - Advice Needed!

Hey all,

Looking to purchase a USB C docking station for my laptop; I don't need to move the dock around, I just want it to sit and stay on my desk where I can easily access the front ports.

I've been looking around and weighing up a few options but there's so many that I'm not sure which one to go for. Not looking to get a hub like this as I already own one and the attached cable is too short for what I need.

My minimum reqs:

  • Allows PD (min. 65w)
  • 3.5mm combo jack
  • HDMI/DisplayPort ports (running 1-2 external 1080p monitors, nothing special)
  • A few USB ports in front (a mix of 2.0 and 3.0 is fine) and back - plugging in peripherals, external SSDs/USBs on occasion
  • Long enough cable (20cm+) so the dock doesn't need to sit/dangle 5cm away from my laptop!

Since I'm not looking to chuck $600+ for a Caldigit TS4, I've been snooping around eBay, Amazon and AliExpress for docking stations between $75-$150. Here's a few I've been eyeing:

Anything glaring that I'm missing/not considering? It doesn't need to be super fancy or portable; again, it's sitting on my desk permanently. The laptop I'm using if it helps.

Cheers,
CC

Comments

  • +2

    the attached cable is too short for what I need.

    Buy a USB C extension cable.

  • +3

    Used docks on FB marketplace can be an option. Sometimes, people upgrade and they let go the previous equipment, or they are no longer WFH.

  • running 1-2 external 1080p monitors

    Any upgrade plans?

  • maybe get the same brand dock with your laptop, i know it doesnt really matter but just for peace of mind.

  • the first wavlink sounds good i like the price wink wink

  • Any reason why this requires a power supply and is $50 more than the above one besides having more USB 3.0 ports?

    Would like to know this too, is it because some things can't be charged when powered through the laptop, or something?

  • +1

    $235: ThinkPad Universal USB-C Dock v2
    Allows PD (min. 65w)

    • Yes with the included 90W adaptor. can do 100W output with separately purchased 135W

    3.5mm combo jack

    • yes

    HDMI/DisplayPort ports (running 1-2 external 1080p monitors, nothing special)

    • 1x hdmi, 2x displayport. supports up to 3x external monitors, runs 2x1080p 60hz for me just fine

    A few USB ports in front (a mix of 2.0 and 3.0 is fine) and back - plugging in peripherals, external SSDs/USBs on occasion

    • yes 1x usb-c and usb-a at front

    Long enough cable (20cm+) so the dock doesn't need to sit/dangle 5cm away from my laptop!

    • 1m cable

    install the drivers, works with basically any windows laptop. used the v1 for the last 4 years with 0 issues

  • +1

    Have a look at j5create JCD543 with the 100w power supply to see if it has what you need.

    I thought 100w would be okay, but the Dell work laptop is crappy and complains about needing 135W, so I do not use the 100w PD.

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