We consider a compact docking station to be a worthy investment in the long run. Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best compact docking station for you.

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Our Top Picks:

Best Overall: Buy: Plugable Compact Docking Station READ REVIEW

Best For Backup Drive: Buy: Dell Compact Docking Station READ REVIEW

Best With Fast Shipping: Buy: Wavlink Compact Docking Station READ REVIEW

Best For Other Laptops: Buy: Lionwei Compact Docking Station READ REVIEW

Best With External Webcam: Buy: Lenovo Usa Compact Docking Station READ REVIEW

Best For Data Transmission: Buy: Mokin Compact Docking Station READ REVIEW

Best With Mini Displayport: Buy: Amazon Renewed Compact Docking Station READ REVIEW

Best For Hard Disk: Buy: Ivanky Compact Docking Station READ REVIEW

Best For External Monitor: Buy: 4Urpc Compact Docking Station READ REVIEW

Best For First Time: Buy: Tobenone Compact Docking Station READ REVIEW

Best For Extended Displays: Buy: Iogear Compact Docking Station READ REVIEW

Compatible With Surface: Buy: Dolovo Compact Docking Station READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Plugable Compact Docking Station

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The station is a must have accessory for your regular use. The Plugable Compact Docking Station comes with windows 11, 10, 8.x and 7, and Macos 10.14 or later. The manufacturer says: We love our plugable products, and hope you will too. This dock does not provide power to the connected laptop or tablet — the laptop will still require a separate charger.

Finally, the plugable compact docking station is great for business uses such as email, web applications, google docs, microsoft office, and more.

Almost all buyers quickly discovered that the station is easy to setup, on a lenovo x1 carbon + 2 27' (acer, v7) monitors. Further, they strongly agree that the station is the perfect solution for all those over - priced docking stations at the retail stores. In addition, a few say that the fact is that docking station usb ports are basically a hub.

• The Dock does not charge the host PC.
• This is ideal for home office setup.
• This is perfectly out of the box with very little setup.
• This comes with video outputs, It is perfect for great quality and has a functional design.

Best For Backup Drive: Dell Compact Docking Station

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The compact docking station's superior materials make sure that it ages well with use. The DELL compact docking station is crisp, it does the job and has a nice design. The DELL docking station allows you to spread out your desktop on up to three external displays, increasing productivity and making it easier to manage multiple applications. The dock features three usb 3.0 ports, as well as two USB 2.0 connections, ensuring compatibility with a vast array of peripherals, such as external hard drives, printers and scanners.

The station is used for extended mode, It is designed for super - speed cable and has a sleek style. Most importantly, the compact docking station is super fast, It is made for easy installation and has a perfect design.

Most customers quickly discovered that the station works well after updates to add to that makes the task painless. And, they strongly agree that the station is great for yesterday's laptop. Also, a few strongly agree that this works well as a " docking station " and would work with almost any laptop because it is not actually a dock.

• This works with xps 13 and also it is ten times better.
• This provides 5 usb ports and 3 display options.
• This will not support that resolution with both hdmi outs plugged in.
• This dock works great with the 2015 and 2016 12 inch macbooks.

Best With Fast Shipping: Wavlink Compact Docking Station

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Wavlink Compact Docking Station for regular usage. The wavlink compact docking station has two monitors, It is perfect for plenty of ports and has a solid design. 45 port provides you with a fast wired network connection on 10/100/1000mbps. Further, it works so well, it is great for backup drive and has a functional design.

The station is used for external speakers, it go ahead and has a good design. And, it is great for dual displays, has install the drivers, it does the job and has a lightweight design. Most importantly, the wavlink compact docking station is available when the pc is in sleep mode or the device is disconnected from the PCS.

Most buyers found that the station is better to power off the device and power it back on before coming out of standby. Further, they say that the station is a great buy for home office. And, a few strongly agree that the station is more than enough to make it unusable, for sure. Overall, for most buyers, it was what they were looking for.

• This is easy to setup and it doesn't take up much space on the counter.
• This will need a usb 3.0 port, not a hub.
• This works well when switching between devices.
• This comes with its own power supply.

Best For Other Laptops: Lionwei Compact Docking Station

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We know from years of feedback from readers, amazon sellers, and family and friends what most people want in a convenient and appropriate station. The Lionwei Compact Docking Station is exactly that - it's a simple station that hits all the right notes. The lionwei compact docking station is a process of edid (extended display identification data) communication, which may blackout the screen for a few seconds. When connecting hdmi, the audio port can be directly plugged in and used, When using the headphone jack alone, you need to make settings. This dual monitor docking station contains a 2 * 4 k hdmi port, 3 * 10 g usb 3.1, 2*usb 2.0, usb c pd charging, vga, 1000 m gigabit ethernet rj45 port, and an audio / mic 2 - in-1 port.

Most importantly, the lionwei compact docking station comes with great customer service, It is perfect for video display and has a very compact design.

Most buyers quickly discovered that the station was designed to provide passthru power to the laptop, not to receive its power from the laptop. And, they say that the station includes an ac to dc converter, but it supports pass through power if you already have a converter that you use to power a laptop. Also, they strongly agree that the station will work with a dell latitude of 5500. In conclusion, for almost all buyers, it was what they were looking for.

• This has a usb-c plug on the laptop. It will work.
• This has a usb C data port so it should work fine.
• This is a great complement for your usb-c/thunderbolt 3 new laptops.
• This works with a 5590. It should work with 7480.

Best With External Webcam: Lenovo Usa Compact Docking Station

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The lenovo USA compact docking station should be able to handle its purposes and duties with ease. The lenovo USA compact docking station is great with good build quality, It allows for high resolution and has a compact design. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. The thinkpad thunderbolt 3 dock gen 2 is supported on the following lenovo systems.

The station is reliable, has expanded compatibility with usb-c, it is really nice and has a very nice design. And, the station meets the specs, is compatible with part number, it is made for an external keyboard and has a perfect design. Above all, the lenovo USA compact docking station is great for its compact size, It is primary and has a versatile design.

Almost all customers agree that the station is great to have an extra dock while working from home. In addition, they also found that the station is officially supported or not, but it is working. Moreover, a few say that the receiver needs to be situated closest to the dock power button and w10 fast boot should be disabled for proper boot when pressing the dock power button.

• Expand your horizons with multiple 4k displays, and transfer files at record speed.
• This docking station is 100% compatible with your thinkpad.
• This is perfect and so does everything else so far.
• The dock for the y740 can only be bought from Lenovo direct.

Best For Data Transmission: Mokin Compact Docking Station

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Mokin is known for creating pragmatic and minimalist stations for people on the go, and its line of Mokin Compact Docking Stations definitely falls in line with that reputation. The mokin compactdocking station is super easy, it works for hdmi connections and has a perfect design. With this usb c hub dual hdmi adapter, it allows you to expand your work opportunities and provide more stable performance. Moreover, the station is ready to use, it is durable and has a great design.

Finally, the mokin compact docking station is perfect for a small footprint, It is great for a fair price and has a light design.

Almost all buyers found that the station is great for window - based systems. Moreover, they say that the station is used for a PC and samsung TV. Further, they also found that the station works well over time. To add to that, it comes with a power plug-in. To sum up, buyers found this to be one of the best stations for daily use.

• This works with thunderbolt for hdmi projection.
• Support triple display for your win system laptops.
• This is built with compatible standards, there's no reason it shouldn't work.
• This has a c-port no it won’t.

Best With Mini Displayport: Amazon Renewed Compact Docking Station

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We know from years of feedback from readers, amazon sellers, and family and friends what most people want in a convenient and appropriate station. The Amazon Renewed Compact Docking Station is exactly that - it's a simple station that hits all the right notes. The amazon renewed compact docking station is made worth the price and it makes it so. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. This certified refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new.

The station works seamlessly, works for hdmi connection and it does the job. Above all, the amazon renewed compact dockingstation has two monitors and it works as intended.

Most customers agree that the station is great for running three displays. And, a few say that the station makes it so much easier to unplug one cable and go. In addition, a few say about the parts and accessories that a factory - new dock would contain. To sum up, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

• This is great for super - speed cables and it works for hdmi connections.
• This comes with all relevant accessories, a minimum of 90.
• This dock does not have the same adapter that also works with laptops.
• This comes with a usb 3.0 (blue port) cable to connect to any usb port.

Best For Hard Disk: Ivanky Compact Docking Station

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Ivanky line of stations comes in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. The Ivanky Compact Docking Station is easy to use without any displaylink, external driver required. The usb ports are not functioning on the docking station. This innovative docking station is designed to solve problems that face macbook users who require more ports for legacy devices.

Most importantly, the ivanky compact docking station is not compatible with the imac&apple display with Thunderbolt 2 ports.

Most buyers quickly discovered that the station has an HDMI port, 2 usb-a 3.0 bc1.2 ports, an ethernet port, an SD card reader, and a USB-C PD port. Further, a few strongly agree that the station is great with 2019 16" macbook pro and 2020 macbook air (intels) and two monitors. Moreover, a few also found that the station came with a massive 200w power adapter (20v/10a out, 110-240v input) and the hub and power adapter are almost the same size. With no doubts, this station passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.

• This is a very nicely - built ivanky usb-c hub.
• The ivanky usb - c docking station solves all of this.
• This will support 2 monitors at 60hz.
• This dock is a large 180 watts, 9 amps.

Best For External Monitor: 4Urpc Compact Docking Station

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If you often find yourself scrambling for a convenient and suitable station, 4Urpc Compact Docking Station is your solution. The 4urpc compact docking station is lightweight, makes for plenty of ports, it is previous and has an amazing design. have a dual - monitor docking station for USB C windows. Further, the station has very compatibility, it works perfectly and has a clean design.

The station can only extend one monitor when working with a macbook. Further, it worked first time, is best for a small footprint, It is great for customer service and has a premium design. Above all, the 4urpc compact docking station is convertible, looks good, It is great for super speed and has a very compact design.

Most buyers agree that the station can drive dual external monitors. Moreover, they say that the station provides all the connections needed in a compact form factor while reducing the desktop footprint of multiple connectors. Further, a few also found that the issues with the 4urpc docking station developed. The distributor has worked hard to determine exactly what the issue was.

• This fits right on the desk.
• This dual - monitor USB C docking station is designed for macbook pro 2016.
• This dock will charge most any USB a or USB c device.
• This dual - monitor laptop dock can fully work with your lenovo thinkpad t590.

Best For First Time: Tobenone Compact Docking Station

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The Tobenone Compact Docking Station is the most desirable station on the market today. The tobenone compactdocking station is compatible with mac os, speeds up to 104mb/s, depending on the card's quality. The Macbook pro dual monitor adapter is equipped with a usb-c port supporting 87w power delivery (pd3.0)for your usb-c laptop and offers high-speed charging for all connected devices simultaneously. This usb c dockingstation for macbook pro accesses full network performance on a wired connection, automatically adapts to 10m/100m/1000mbps network transmission.

The station is perfect for photographers or designer,s etc. Above all, the tobenone compact docking station is reliable, is ready to work, It includes covers for the audio jack and has a lightweight design.

Most buyers quickly discovered that the station is recommended to refer to the wattage required by the computer. Also, they strongly agree that the station is great for 1 monitor and all other ports work great. In addition, a few say that the docking station heats up to a somewhat hot temperature, but not too hot. Therefore, most customers agree that the station is functionally comfortable and no one questions it.

• Built - in hdmi and VGA outputs support triple monitors up to 1920x1080p@60hz.
• This is designed for wireless devices.
• This can search for a specific compatible list, It is practical and has a solid design.
• This is when it's warm and fully functional.

Best For Extended Displays: Iogear Compact Docking Station

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Iogear is known for creating pragmatic and minimalist stations for people on the go, and its line of Iogear Compact Docking Stations definitely falls in line with that reputation. The iogear compact docking station is great for extended displays, It works well for gigabit ethernet port and has a super nice design. With all the available ports, this compact docking station will work as hard as you do. In addition, the station is very solid, it is used for system requirements and has a stylish design.

The station is ready to go, it is stylish and has a compact design. Above all, the iogear compact docking station is ideal for a small form factor, It is best for video quality and has a solid design.

Most buyers opine that the station will only drive one monitor at a time. In addition, a few say that the station is a usb type c dongle. And, a few also found that the iogear dock had worked flawlessly and all other usb connections had worked without fail. Therefore, most customers find the station suits best, and no one questions it.

• This is great for flash drives and has a versatile design.
• This works with the macbook pro.
• Full-sized productivity in a compact design.
• For Windows USB-C laptop, mirror extends your windows usb-c laptop to two monitors.

Compatible With Surface: Dolovo Compact Docking Station

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Next on the list, we've got yet another station that manages to win our hearts. It's the Dolovo Compact Docking Station and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient stations you can buy. The dolovo compact docking station provides stable connections for wireless devices, such as wireless mouse, wireless keyboard. The Sd/tf card reader supports a capacity of up to 256g (sd/tf can't be read at the same time), easily transferring pics from your memory card. And, this is perfect for picture editing, online teaching, video chatting, and so on.

The station provides high-quality products, it can check for compatible systems and has a compact design. Finally, the dolovo compact docking station is used for extended mode, It is designed for a great price and has a very compact design.

Almost all buyers found that the station has a compact and sleek design with a lot of ports and functionality built in. In addition, a few say that the station includes a usb a to c adapter in the package, which means it can also be used in a usb-c laptop. Also, they say that the station allows files to copy and transfer so quickly and so easily without confusion about what it is doing. To sum up, most buyers found the station is functionally comfortable and no one questions it.

• The Dolovo laptop docking station supports 10/100/1000 mbps ethernet.
• The usb c docking station is compatible with lenovo thinkpad t490s.
• This can support extended mode on windows&macos.
• Keep you away from clutter and mess in the work environment.