This article was updated in February 2024.
The best laptop docking stations, specifically for teachers, can make all the difference in quickly starting a lesson with much more ease.
The idea behind these technological delights is to leave all the different cables you can use connected to one system, so all you have to do is plug in a single cable to connect everything.
A docking station can mean instant power for your laptop and its displays, HDMI or DisplayPort cables for displays, connected speakers, microphones connected, keyboard and mouse ready to use, dedicated webcams either document cameras connected… and more.
The goal here is to allow teachers to move between classrooms, easily plug in their laptop, and be ready to go. This saves time and effort and also allows cables to be stored safely to maintain a clear room.
So which one is right for your needs? Read on to find the best laptop docking station for teachers.
1. Targus USB 3.0 Docking Station: Best choice for laptop docking stations
The Targus USB 3.0 Docking Station is a well-rounded option that offers plenty of compatibility while keeping the price relatively low. You get the speed of USB 3.0 connectivity but also a stand that will angle your laptop for easy viewing. This unit comes with built-in charging thanks to the 90W charger, so you won't need to carry your laptop charger with you all the time.
This dock works for two output displays at the same time, so you can connect one via HDMI and another via the more traditional DVI monitor connection. Thanks to dual USB 2.0 and another pair of powered USB 2.0 ports, it's possible to have a wired keyboard and mouse connected with free ports for charging a smartphone or tablet.
For those who need the latest USB-C, perhaps to charge a phone, Targus offers a multiplexer adapter that works with the dock.
The base also features a headphone port and a microphone port, making it easy to leave a headset plugged in and ready for video lessons.
2. Kensington USB 3.0 Dual Display Docking Station – Best Budget Choice
The Kensington USB 3.0 Dual Display Docking Station is an option that gives you that well-known brand at a relatively low price compared to higher-end options. However, it undermines them while still offering some great features.
You'll get all the speed of USB 3.0 along with an easy-to-use design. This unit also has an Ethernet port for high-speed gigabit wired Internet connectivity, ideal if you don't want to worry about your Wi-Fi ever dropping out.
This docking station works with Windows laptops, Chromebooks, and Macs, allowing a USB connection to your computer to be multiplied by six. Additionally, there are DVI and HDMI with dual display output as an option, with high resolution up to 2048 x 1152 at 60Hz.
All of that, plus you get two years of coverage and lifetime technical support from Kensington.
3. StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Dual-4K Docking Station – Best for 4K Video Quality
The StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Dual 4K Docking Station is a very successful dock that features a large number of high-end connections. This includes Thunderbolt 3, which means speeds of up to 45 Gbps. As such, it supports dual displays with resolutions up to 4K.
What makes this dock a pleasure is that it can do everything via a single cable, so you plug in the laptop and everything else starts from there. That includes display, phone charging and multiple peripherals, all connected quickly. Plus, you have the option of Gigabit Ethernet for the fastest and most stable Internet connection.
4. Plugable USB-C Triple Display Dock: Best for USB-C Charging
The Plugable USB-C Triple Display Dock is ideal for anyone with a laptop that uses a USB-C charger as it will replace it. Yes, there is no need to carry a charger and this will also offer many output options. Thanks to Thunderbolt 3, USB and HDMI ports with 60W power, this covers most needs.
Have an output for up to three 4K monitors in full resolution, charge a connected smartphone, and have a laptop and keyboard connected and ready to go. This isn't cheap and it doesn't work with Chromebooks, but for everything else it does a very good job. The fact that it comes with a two-year warranty is just a huge plus.
5. Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock: Best premium dock
The Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 dock is a premium, do-it-all option for those who aren't budget conscious and just want it all. This Thunderbolt 3 charging dock delivers 85W of direct charging power to your laptop, dual monitor output, and 4K resolution.
You also get a host of other connections, including HDMI, USB-C, Ethernet and, more rarely, an SD card reader and Kensington lock for office-level physical security. This includes all of that and at the same time remains slim and, for a spring, very attractive at the same time. The price reflects all of this, but if that's not an issue, this really is one of the most complete laptop stands out there right now.
6. J5Create JUD500 USB 3.0 Ultra Station – Best for Multiple Laptops
The J5Create JUD500 USB 3.0 Ultra Station is a super small profile device that plugs discreetly into the back of your laptop, whether it's Apple Mac or Windows. This unit offers a wealth of connectivity via USB 3.0, HDMI and VGA. You also get Ethernet connectivity directly, as well as speaker or headphone and microphone connections.
But it's the unique “wormhole” feature that makes this device stand out. It allows you to connect another laptop, via USB, so you can jump between the two. It also makes sharing files between the two quick and easy over the direct cable connection. This is perfect if you have a Windows laptop and an Apple MacBook and want to switch between the two. It is also ideal for classroom use when multiple teachers are presenting on a large screen at once.
7. Dell Thunderbolt Dock WD22TB4 – Best Interchangeable
Dell Thunderbolt Dock WD22TB4 is a great option for IT departments that want to plan for changes in advance. This is thanks to an interchangeable module that allows the configuration to be varied more easily.
This model looks fantastic with that sleek black finish and also matches well with Dell laptops. In fact, this can deliver ExpressCharge for Dell laptops with a charge of 80% in just one hour, or 35% in 20 minutes.
The ports it offers include, on the front, two DisplayPorts, USB-C, two USB-A 3.2, and one HDMI 2.0. On the back you have more, including two USB 3.2, a USB-C, and a USB-A with power sharing. All of that means it can output up to 5120 x 2880, although it's limited to 60Hz.
This isn't the cheapest option, but with plenty of functionality, some specific smart features, and that great look, it's certainly an attractive option.
