Which Should You Choose: USB-C Hub or Docking Station? Differences and 5 Recommendations
When using a laptop,
you may start to notice a few things.
There aren't enough USB ports.
I want to connect an external monitor.
I want to use a wired LAN as well.
I want to import photos from an SD card.
I want to connect an external SSD.
While laptops are thin and easy to carry,
some models have very few available ports.
That is where these are useful:
USB-C hubs and docking stations.
Both are items used to increase the number of ports available via a USB-C port,
but they are suited for slightly different uses.
Do you want to carry it around with you?
Do you want to leave it on your desk?
Are you using one external monitor?
Do you want to use multiple monitors?
How many USB ports do you need?
Depending on how you use them,
the best choice will vary.
The model you should choose will vary.
The price also,
ranges significantly from USB-C hubs that can be purchased for a few thousand yen,
to docking stations that cost tens of thousands of yen.
That is precisely why,
"Choosing one with many ports is safe."
is not necessarily the case.
Consider the features necessary for your PC environment,
whether a USB-C hub is sufficient,
or if a docking station is actually needed.
It is important to choose based on that.
In this note,
while organizing the differences between USB-C hubs and docking stations,
I will introduce 5 units with different roles.
*This note contains Amazon Associate links.
The products introduced are selected based on practicality, review ratings, and more.
Rather than deciding on a "top recommendation,"
I have compiled this so you can choose a model that fits your usage.
Since prices and availability change,
please check Amazon or the manufacturer's official page before purchasing.
The difference between USB-C hubs and docking stations
Although they look similar,
USB-C hubs and docking stations
are intended for slightly different uses.
USB-C Hub
A USB-C hub is
an item for easily increasing the number of ports on a laptop.
USB-A.
HDMI.
SD card.
Wired LAN.
These types of ports
can be used from a single USB-C port.
Since many models are relatively compact,
not only at home,
it is also characterized by being easy to carry and use on the go.
"I want to increase the number of USB ports a little."
"I want to connect one external monitor."
For such purposes,
it is easier to choose if you start by looking at USB-C hubs.
Docking Station
Docking stations are,
compared to USB-C hubs,
primarily models designed for stationary use to connect many peripherals all at once.
Multiple external monitors.
Wired LAN.
USB devices.
Audio.
Power supply.
These connections,
can be easily consolidated into a single device.
Many models use an AC adapter,
and they tend to be larger and more expensive than USB-C hubs.
"I use my laptop as the center of my desk setup."
"It's a hassle to plug in multiple cables every time."
For people like that,
it makes sense to choose a docking station.
Which is better, a USB-C hub or a docking station?
If you're unsure,
first, think about how you use it on a daily basis.
One external monitor.
A few USB devices as well.
You want to carry it only when necessary.
For this type of usage,
a USB-C hub is often sufficient.
On the other hand,
you use multiple external monitors.
You also use a wired LAN connection at all times.
You connect many USB devices.
You use your laptop almost exclusively while it is on your desk.
For this kind of environment,
a docking station will be easier to use.
Neither one is inherently superior.
If you prioritize portability, choose a USB-C hub.
If you want to consolidate your desk setup, choose a docking station.
Using this approach as a standard will make it easier to choose.
3 points to check before choosing
1. Decide on the necessary ports first
USB-C hubs and docking stations
often look more convenient the more ports they have.
However,
even if the number of unused ports increases,
it only results in a higher price and larger size.
First,
check what you usually connect.
For example,
HDMI if you connect an external monitor.
Ethernet if you use a wired LAN.
SD card if you import photos.
USB-A if you use a mouse or keyboard.
If you use an external SSD,
the data transfer speed of USB-C or USB-A is also important.
Rather than "how many ports it has,"
it is recommended to look at
"whether it has the ports you need"
first.
2. Check the wattage for PD charging
Some USB-C hubs
support pass-through charging via USB PD.
While connecting a charger to the hub,
This is the feature that allows you to power your laptop.
However,
even if the product page says,
"100W supported",
it does not necessarily mean that 100W will reach your laptop.
For example, the Anker 332 supports up to 100W input,
but the pass-through charging to the laptop is a maximum of 85W.
It is safer to check both the power required by your laptop
and the actual wattage that can be delivered to the PC.
3. Check video output and data transfer speeds
Just because it has HDMI,
it does not mean every model can output the same video quality.
4K/30Hz.
4K/60Hz.
Multi-screen output.
The supported range varies depending on the model.
Also,
if you are using an external SSD or similar device,
you should check the data transfer speed.
If the speed is slow, it will take time to transfer files.
The data transfer speed of the USB port is also important.
Is it 5Gbps compatible?
Is it 10Gbps compatible?
Is it Thunderbolt compatible?
Depending on the peripherals you use,
the required performance will vary.
In particular,
even if it has a USB-C port,
it might be for charging only.
It might be for data transfer only.
It might support video output.
The roles can differ.
Do not assume that "it's USB-C, so it can do everything."
Instead,
make sure to check the purpose of each port.
Reasons for choosing the 5 models introduced here
For USB-C hubs and docking stations,
the required performance changes significantly depending on how you use them.
Therefore, this time,
rather than lining up 5 similar models,
I have selected models with different roles.
You only want to add the necessary ports
You want to use LAN and SD cards while on the go
You want many ports even on a USB-C hub
You want to consolidate multiple peripherals at your desk
You want to build a professional workstation with Thunderbolt 5
These are the five ways to use them.
Both price and performance differ.
Just because a model is expensive,
does not mean it is suitable for everyone.
Based on the features you need right now,
try narrowing down your candidates.
1. Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1)
For those who want to simply add only the necessary ports
You are using a USB-C hub for the first time.
You want to connect one external monitor.
You want to add a few USB devices.
For people like that, a good candidate is
the Anker 332 USB-C Hub.
It is equipped with
1x HDMI
2x USB-A
1x USB-C for data transfer
1x USB-C for PD charging
for a total of 5 ports.
The USB-A and data transfer USB-C ports support up to 5Gbps.
The HDMI port supports up to 4K/30Hz.
It supports up to 100W PD input,
and can provide up to 85W pass-through charging to your laptop.
Hearing that it has 5 ports,
might make it feel like a small number.
However,
an external monitor,
a mouse,
a keyboard,
and an external SSD.
For this amount of peripherals,
it is a sufficiently easy-to-use configuration.
Recommended for people like this
Those using a USB-C hub for the first time
One external monitor
Do not use SD cards
Want to carry it around
Do not need a model with more features than necessary
Points to check before looking at products
Since HDMI is up to 4K/30Hz,
consider a different model if you want to use it at 4K/60Hz.
Also,
the data transfer USB-C port,
does not support charging or video output.
If you are torn between the Anker 332 and,
the Nano 7-in-1 which also supports SD cards,
I have compared the differences in detail in another note.
▶ Which should you choose, Anker 332 or Nano 7-in-1? Comparing differences and who they are for
Check on Amazon
▶ See details for Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1) on Amazon
2. Satechi 7-in-1 USB-C Slim Multiport Adapter with Ethernet
For those who want to use LAN and SD cards while on the go
You want to carry it around with your laptop.
However,
you want to use not only HDMI,
but also wired LAN and SD cards.
For such people,
the Satechi 7-in-1 USB-C Slim Multiport Adapter is a strong candidate.
It is equipped with:
4K/60Hz compatible HDMI.
Gigabit Ethernet.
Two 10Gbps USB-A ports.
SD card slot.
microSD card slot.
And USB-C PD.
USB-C PD supports up to 100W input,
with up to 80W output to the device.
The unit weighs about 64.5g,
so it is designed for portability despite its multifunctionality.
For example,
I usually carry it around with my MacBook.
I connect to a wired LAN at work.
On days when I take photos,
I import data from an SD card.
At home,
I connect to an external monitor via HDMI.
If that is how you use it,
it becomes easier to handle with a single hub.
Recommended for people like this
Those who also want to prioritize portability
Those who want to use a wired LAN
Those who use SD cards
Those who want to output to an external monitor at 4K/60Hz
Those who also want to use USB-A devices at high speeds
Points to check before looking at products
For USB-C PD,
even with a maximum 100W input,
the output to the device is a maximum of 80W.
If you are using a laptop that requires high power output,
make sure to check the required power.
Check on Amazon
▶ See details for Satechi 7-in-1 USB-C Slim Multiport Adapter on Amazon
3. UGREEN Revodok Pro 11-in-1
For those who want to consolidate many ports even with a USB-C hub
You want a USB-C hub.
However,
5 or 7 ports are not enough.
For such people,
a multi-port type is also an option.
The UGREEN Revodok Pro 11-in-1 is
for those who want to combine multiple USB ports, video outputs,
card readers, and more,
into a single hub.
Because it can expand the range of connectable devices
more than a compact 5-in-1,
it is a good match for people who also want to use their laptop at a desk.
On the other hand,
the more ports you have,
The device size will also be larger.
Rather than carrying it around every day,
it is easier to think of it as a multi-functional hub that can be used both at home and on the go.
Recommended for people like this
5 to 7 ports are not enough
Use multiple USB devices
Want to use an SD card as well
Also need video output
Do not need a device as large as a docking station
Points to check before looking at products
Just because it is 11-in-1,
does not mean all ports can be used at maximum performance simultaneously.
Depending on the PC used and the connection method,
the conditions for video output and data transfer may change.
Before purchasing,
be sure to check the specifications, focusing on the ports you plan to use.
Check on Amazon
▶ See details for UGREEN Revodok Pro 11-in-1 on Amazon
4. Anker 563 USB-C Docking Station (10-in-1)
For those who want to consolidate multiple peripherals at their desk
For your laptop,
if you use it at the same desk almost every day.
External monitors.
Wired LAN.
USB devices.
Audio.
If you want to consolidate these devices,
rather than a USB-C hub,
a docking station is a strong candidate.
The Anker 563 is a
10-in-1 USB-C docking station.
2x HDMI.
1x DisplayPort.
USB-A.
USB-C.
1Gbps Ethernet.
3.5mm audio jack.
and more.
Since it also supports multi-screen environments using DisplayLink,
it is also suitable for those who want to create a desk setup using multiple monitors.
Compared to a standard USB-C hub,
it is larger in size,
weighing about 300g.
It also uses the included AC adapter.
Therefore,
rather than carrying it around every day,
it is best to think of it as a model to be placed and used on a desk.
Recommended for these people
Those who use their laptop mainly at a desk
Those who want to use multiple external monitors
Those who use a wired LAN
Those who want to consolidate USB devices
Those who want to reduce the amount of wiring each time
Points to check before looking at products
The Anker 563 does not have
SD card or microSD card slots.
Also,
for multi-screen output,
You need to check the OS you are using and the DisplayLink requirements.
Regarding the Anker 563,
I have summarized who it is suitable for and points to note,
in a separate note as well.
Check on Amazon
▶ See details for the Anker 563 USB-C Docking Station (10-in-1) on Amazon
5. CalDigit TS5 Plus
For those who want to build a professional desk setup with Thunderbolt 5
External monitors.
High-speed storage.
Wired LAN.
Multiple USB devices.
For those who want to consolidate these peripherals,
in a professional manner,
the Thunderbolt dock is an option.
The CalDigit TS5 Plus is
a high-end docking station that supports Thunderbolt 5.
It differs significantly from
typical USB-C hubs in both price and performance.
Therefore,
rather than buying it because
"I don't have enough ports,"
it is a model intended for those who want to make their laptop the center of a full-fledged desk setup.
it is a model designed for those who want to build a serious desk setup.
You handle large amounts of data.
You use high-speed external storage.
You utilize multiple high-resolution displays.
For these purposes,
it makes it easier to create an environment that leverages the performance of Thunderbolt 5.
Recommended for these people
You are using a PC that supports Thunderbolt 5
You use high-speed external storage
You use multiple displays
You want to build a full-fledged desk environment
You want to prioritize performance and expandability over price
Points to check before looking at products
The price is
significantly higher than a standard USB-C hub.
Also,
to utilize the performance of Thunderbolt 5,
compatibility on the side of the connected PC and peripherals is also important.
Just having a USB-C port
does not mean you can use Thunderbolt 5 performance.
Check if your PC is compatible
before you make your selection.
Check on Amazon
▶ See details for CalDigit TS5 Plus on Amazon
For those who only want to choose from USB-C hubs
In this note,
I introduced not only USB-C hubs,
but also docking stations.
"I don't think I need a docking station."
"I want to choose from portable USB-C hubs."
For those of you wondering about this,
I have compiled 5 easy-to-choose USB-C hubs currently available,
categorized by their intended use.
▶ Which USB-C hub should you choose? 5 recommendations that are easy to pick even for beginners
For those who also want to use an external SSD
Using a USB-C hub,
makes it easier to connect an external SSD as well.
Photos and videos.
Work documents.
Backup data.
If you want to save files like these,
an external SSD is also convenient.
However,
if you are using a high-speed external SSD,
be sure to check the data transfer speed of the USB-C hub as well.
Regarding how to choose an external SSD,
I have summarized it by use case in this note.
▶ Which external SSD should you choose? 5 recommendations that are easy to pick even for beginners
Summary | Choose Between a USB-C Hub and a Docking Station Based on Your Needs
USB-C hubs and docking stations are
both
items used to compensate for a lack of ports on a laptop.
However,
they are suited for different types of use.
If you only need to add a few necessary ports,
Anker 332.
If you want to use LAN or SD cards while
on the go,
Satechi 7-in-1.
Even with a USB-C hub,
if you want to consolidate many ports,
UGREEN Revodok Pro 11-in-1.
If you want to connect multiple peripherals at your desk,
Anker 563.
If you want to build a professional workstation with
Thunderbolt 5,
CalDigit TS5 Plus.
Each one has
a reason to be chosen.
What is important is
not choosing the model with the most ports.
It is also not about choosing the highest-performance model.
Usually,
what do you connect?
Where do you use it?
Do you carry it around?
How many external monitors are there?
What data transfer speed is required?
Once you organize those points,
you will see whether a USB-C hub is enough,
or if a docking station is necessary.
Think about the features required for your PC environment,
and try choosing a model that fits how you use it.
PC work,
can be made easier to use with peripherals just by setting up a USB-C hub or docking station.
Peripheral devices will become easier to use.
Actually,
・External monitors
・External SSDs
・Keyboards and mice
・Laptop stands
If you organize these items together as well,
your daily PC work will become even more comfortable.
"I want to make my PC work more comfortable"
"I want to gradually improve my work environment"
For those who feel this way,
I have compiled other articles, so please take a look for reference.
▶ Click here for how to navigate the PC/Work Efficiency Magazine
※I have summarized the notes you should read first