Small docking stations like Plugable’s 7-in-1 are a compact and affordable docking solution.
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Small USB-C Docking stations are essential because they extend the capabilities of modern laptops without costing hundreds of dollars. Here are some of the best for less.
Large Thunderbolt docks cost $300 or more depending on the brand, and the average model costs users well over $200. With costs so high, users who travel or don’t want bulky products will appreciate that these small USB-C docking stations are affordable, compact, and capable.
These few select docks prove that not all small docks are underpowered. Instead, they rival many larger docks, delivering great performance at an affordable price.
Here are some of the favorites we’ve used while traveling or even on our desks.
OWC USB-C E Travel Docking Station
To kick off our best small USB-C docking stations list, here’s the OWC USB-C E Travel Docking Station. This palm-sized docking station features an aluminum casing and matches the sleek look of the MacBook Pro.
The Travel Dock E from OWC is a small, compact and affordable dock solution.
The OWC Travel Dock E features up to 100W USB-C transfer capability, meaning you can conserve power for your laptop without sacrificing accessory functionality. In addition to a USB-C port, the Travel Dock E also has two USB-A ports.
Photo and video editors will love the SD card reader with transfer speeds of up to 312MB/s. The single HDMI port offers 4K capability with a 60Hz refresh rate for high graphics video or gaming. quality.
The Travel Dock E’s ports are complemented by a standard Gigabit Ethernet port for high-speed Internet connections. The packet comes in at $65placing it in the middle of the pack in terms of price.
Genki cover dock
the Genki cover dock It’s popular with Nintendo Switch gamers due to the USB-C to HDMI display option, giving many an alternative to the traditional console docking station.
The Genki Covert Dock is small but mighty, a gamer’s delight.
The Genki Covert Dock is a stealthy docking station and charger with only three ports, but it proves that small can pack a big punch for a wide range of devices. It’s so compact it’s 22% smaller than the original Nintendo Switch charger.
The Covert Dock’s three ports are an HDMI display port, a standard USB-A port, and a USB-C port with a 30W gallium nitride super charger for fast charging.
Genki’s Covert Dock is available in Standard Edition or Global Edition, with power adapters to fit outlets in over 150 countries. the The Global Edition is $75 and only costs $5 more than the standard version, so it makes sense to take the upgrade.
Pluggable 7-in-1 USB-C Hub
Plugable 7-in-1 USB-C Hub proves that USB-C is an adequate bridge to the Thunderbolt platform. Its universal compatibility makes it a must-have for professionals moving from one operating system to another.
Plugable’s 7-in-1 is a competent bridge between USB-C and Thunderbolt.
As its name suggests, Plugable’s 7-in-1 USB-C hub has 7 ports with an 87W pass-through capacity. It stands out from other small docks with its three USB-A ports, a number that exceeds the competition, and each supports data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gb/s.
Another excellent feature of the 7 in 1 hub is the simultaneous port functionality. Where other small docks can only use one port at a time, Plugable’s solution lets you access multiple ports at once.
Multiple available ports come in handy for the 4K HDMI video output port with support for up to 30Hz refresh rate. Its compact size is another great selling point, but at $30the Plugable 7-in-1 USB-C Hub sells itself.
IOGear Dock Pro 6-in-1 4K Docking Station Stand
IOGear sells a small, unique docking station that holds your laptop while collapsing into a compact package for easy portability.
IOGear’s Dock Stand is a unique small docking station solution that holds your MacBook.
the IOGear Dock Pro 6-in-1 4K Docking Station Stand It’s a rugged platform with an integrated six-port docking station. It supports two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports with transfer speeds of up to 5Gb/s. After powering up the docking station, the 100W pass-through power drops to 88W for all remaining accessories.
IOGear’s Dock Stand is adjustable with five locking gears ranging from 15 to 36 degrees to find the perfect viewing angle. Plus, when you’re not using the dock, a cable wrap system hides the cord.
The docking station also supports a 4K HDMI port with a 30Hz refresh rate and a Gigabit Ethernet port for high-speed Internet. IOGear’s Dock Stand is a bit more expensive at $60but with the bells and whistles, we think it’s worth it.
Kensington G1000P USB-C Mini Dock
Sleek and compact are the perfect words to describe this palm-sized mini docking station from Kensington. the G1000P Mini Docking Station Supports universal compatibility including Chromebook making it an attractive option for multiple device users.
The Kensington G1000P is a portable powerhouse.
The G1000P USB-C Mini Dock puts its five ports to good use with two USB-A ports and one USB-C port that supports 85W power passthrough. You can increase the passthrough power to 100W with an optional adapter.
In addition to the Gigabit Ethernet port, the Kensington Mini Dock supports a 4K HDMI display with up to 60Hz refresh rate. Kensington sells the G1000P for $80which makes it a bit pricey, but you’re really paying for the name.
Targus USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Docking Station
Video editors and hardcore gamers tend to shy away from small docks due to the lack of HDMI support. Targus breaks this trend with its 4K Dual HDMI Docking Station.
The small Dual HDMI 4K docking station from Targus offers multi-monitor support.
The Targus USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Docking Station has eight ports to power even the most extreme users. Dual HDMI 4K refers to the two display ports that support 60Hz refresh rates instead of the standard single port.
It supports up to 100W pass-through power, 92W after the dock takes its power, but more than enough for all accessories. It also sports two USB-A ports, one acting as a 1.5A fast-charging socket.
Targus has gone beyond two display ports to make its dock a powerhouse and has added an SD and MicroSD card slot for video editors. All other features eclipse the USB-C and Gigabit Ethernet ports that round out the capabilities.
Although the Targus docking station is the most expensive, sold for $105the jam-packed rival offers more comprehensive hospitality solutions.
Kensington SD1600P USB-C Mobile Docking Station
Kensington’s second offer, the SD1600P USB-C Mobile Docking Stationfeatures a unique video output configuration: one 4K HMDI port and one Full HD VGA port.
A VGA display port sets the SD1600P apart from its competitors.
The SD1600P also offers users two USB-A ports and one USB-C port. It lets you disconnect from your computer and act as a low-power USB charging station so you can ditch extra chargers.
USB-C allows for 60W passthrough charging. While 60W is enough for most demands, it won’t be enough for a 16-inch MacBook Pro or equivalent PC. And like other small docks, the SD1600P supports Gigabit Ethernet cables.
Kensington makes the SD1600P compact and easy to transport with an 8-inch hidden cable system that makes everything easy to manage. The SD1600P is more expensive than the G1000P at $105but with the VGA port and cable management, the price is worth it.
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