laptop dual monitor docking station

‍Having a dual monitor setup at your desk is a great way to boost your productivity and efficiency. It makes it much easier to have multiple windows open at once, reducing the need to constantly alt+tab between them. And as anyone who uses their laptop for work will tell you, it makes going through massive spreadsheets or document files much less of an eye strain. That said, most laptops simply aren’t built for dual monitors. If you want that setup, you’ll need a docking station instead. Here we look at the different types of docking stations available and what they can do for you and your laptop.

What is a Laptop Docking Station?

A laptop docking station is a piece of hardware that allows you to connect your laptop to multiple peripherals, such as monitors and a printer, in one fell swoop. They’re excellent if you spend most of your day at a desk, as they can make your laptop feel much more like a desktop computer. Laptop docking stations also make it super easy to switch between using your laptop and another computer. And if you’re keeping your laptop plugged in, you also get a ton of added benefits, like a USB hub, an Ethernet port and additional USB ports. There are two main types of laptop docking stations: those with a single monitor, and those with dual monitors. While single monitor docking stations are great for bringing your laptop’s screen up to a full HD resolution, dual monitors are the real productivity booster.

How to Choose a Laptop Docking Station

As we’ve covered, there are two main types of laptop docking stations: those with a single monitor and those with dual monitors. Single monitor docking stations are great for bringing your laptop’s screen up to a full HD resolution, but dual monitors are the real productivity booster. If you’re looking for a docking station for a dual monitor setup, you’re going to want to make sure it has enough ports for both monitors. For example, our top pick has five USB 3.0 ports, two of which are on the side and perfect for plugging in your monitors. If you’re using an older laptop (or one without a USB-C port), you’ll also want to make sure the docking station supports an HDMI or DisplayPort connection.

3 Best Laptop Docking Stations for Dual Monitor Setup

The first docking station on our list is the Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station. This docking station has everything you could possibly need for a dual monitor setup, including a dedicated Ethernet port, five USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port and a DisplayPort connection. And even if you’re using an older laptop that doesn’t have a USB-C port, you’ll be pleased to know that this docking station has a USB-C connection. So you can plug the docking station into your laptop without the need for an adaptor. This docking station is also compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux, and with a single cable, you’ll be able to connect two 4K monitors. The next laptop docking station on our list is the Dell WD19 dock. This docking station is basically a single monitor laptop docking station with a couple of added bonuses. Firstly, it has a dedicated Ethernet port, so you don’t have to rely on a USB connection for internet. This docking station also has two USB ports, a USB-C port, an HDMI port and a Mini DisplayPort. And lastly, this docking station is compatible with both Windows and Mac laptops.

2 Best Windows 10 PD Monitoring Docking Stations

If you’re looking for a dual monitor docking station that’s designed specifically for healthcare professionals, we have two options for you. The first is the Atrix single monitor docking station. This docking station offers a great range of features, including two USB ports, two audio ports, two Ethernet ports and two DisplayPort connections. It also has a built-in fan, so the computer inside stays nice and cool even if you have it on all day. And if you want to turn off the LEDs on the dock, you can do so with the touch of a button. The second healthcare-focused docking station is the MIMO USB-C docking station. This docking station has everything you could possibly need in a docking station, including two USB 3.0 ports, one USB-C port, two Ethernet ports, one audio port and two DisplayPort connections. This docking station is also designed with healthcare professionals in mind, and it comes with everything you need to keep your computer running smoothly for long hours.

1 Best Windows 10 HDMI Docking Station

If you want an all-in-one docking station with a single monitor connection, the Plugable USB-C Docking Station should be your top choice. This docking station offers a great range of features, including three USB 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port and an audio port. And since it’s powered by USB-C, you don’t need a power outlet to use the docking station. So if you’re trying to keep your desk area clutter-free, this may be the docking station for you. And if you want to use this docking station with an older laptop that doesn’t have a USB-C port, you can always use an adapter.

Conclusion

The docking station you buy is going to depend on your laptop model, what features you need and what you’re using it for. If you’re constantly switching between using your laptop and another computer, we recommend getting a single monitor docking station with a USB-C connection. If you’re planning on using your docking station with a dual monitor setup, you’re better off getting a docking station with multiple DisplayPort or HDMI connections. If you’re a healthcare professional, we recommend looking for a docking station with USB ports specifically designed for your industry. Whatever docking station you decide on, it’s sure to greatly boost your productivity and make working from your laptop much more comfortable. And best of all, docking stations are relatively affordable, so you’re not going to have to break the bank to get one.