Device Docking & Connectivity Products

A docking station and a USB hub both expand your laptop’s connectivity, but they serve different purposes based on power needs, port selection, and display capabilities.

Docking Station

A laptop docking station is designed for desk setups that require multiple ports, stable power, and high-performance display connections. It comes with its own power adapter, providing dedicated power delivery instead of relying on the laptop. Most Kensington docking stations feature:

• Extra video outputs: Supports DisplayPort™ and HDMI® for multi-monitor setups.
• Expanded connectivity: Includes USB Type-A and USB Type-C® ports, Ethernet, and SD card slots.
• Stable power delivery: Ensures consistent charging for connected devices.

USB Hub

A USB hub is a smaller, more portable solution for users who just need extra USB ports. Unlike a docking station, a USB port hub does not have a separate power adapter and relies on the laptop for power. Key differences:

• No built-in power supply: Draws power from the laptop or requires a USB-C® power pass-through adapter.
• Basic port expansion: Adds extra USB-A and USB-C® ports for peripherals but lacks dedicated video adapters.
• More compact & travel-friendly: Ideal for on-the-go users who only need a few extra ports.

If you only need extra USB connections without external displays or power delivery, a multi-port USB hub is the better choice. For full desk setups with multiple monitors and high-speed connectivity, a Kensington docking station is the best solution.

To understand the difference in more detail, visit this blog.

A DisplayLink® docking station uses software-based compression to transmit video over USB, requiring driver installation. In contrast, a Thunderbolt™ docking station utilizes direct PCIe lanes for faster, plug-and-play data and video transfer without the need for additional software.

DisplayLink® Docking Station

• Technology: Uses software-based compression for video transmission over USB.
• Performance: Good for office work but relies on the CPU/GPU, which may impact performance.
• Data Transfer Speed: Typically, 5-10Gbps (USB 3.0/ USB-C®). Some Kensington docking stations, like the SD5900T, combine DisplayLink® + Thunderbolt™ 4 for speeds up to 40Gbps.
• Display Support: Supports multiple displays (often dual 4K) with some compression.
• Compatibility: Works with most laptops via USB-A or USB-C®.
• Daisy-Chaining: Not supported.
• Power Delivery: Up to 100W, depending on the model.
• Best For: Office setups, web browsing, and general productivity.

Thunderbolt™ Docking Station

• Technology: Uses direct PCIe lanes for high-speed data and video transfer.
• Performance: Faster, more reliable, and ideal for high-performance tasks.
• Data Transfer Speed: Up to 40Gbps (Thunderbolt™ 3/4).
• Display Support: Supports dual 4K or single 8K with no compression.
• Compatibility: Requires a Thunderbolt™-enabled laptop.
• Daisy-Chaining: Supported for additional device connections.
• Power Delivery: Typically, up to 100W, with some models reaching 140W for laptop charging.
• Best For: Creative professionals, gaming, and high-speed data transfer.

If you need a general-use laptop docking station that’s widely compatible and supports multiple displays, a DisplayLink® dock is a great choice. However, if you require faster data speeds, zero-compression video output, and daisy-chaining, a Thunderbolt™ docking station is the better option.

Cables used for Thunderbolt™, USB4, and DisplayPort™ video transfer fall into two categories: active cables and passive cables. The main difference lies in how they manage signal transmission over different lengths.

Active Cables: Best for long-distance and high-speed connections

An active cable has a built-in signal booster, allowing it to maintain full performance over longer distances. Ideal for:

• Thunderbolt™, USB4, and DisplayPort™ high-speed data transfer.
• Long-distance video connections without loss of quality.
• Converting DisplayPort to HDMI®, VGA, or other formats (requires active cables).

Passive Cables: Best for short-distance use

A passive cable does not have a signal booster, making it best for shorter connections:

• Under 0.8m for Thunderbolt™ and 2m for DisplayPort™.
• Lower-cost solution for basic setups.
• May reduce bandwidth over longer distances.

If you’re setting up a multi-monitor desk setup or a Kensington docking station an active cable ensures maximum performance and reliability. For basic connections within close range, a passive cable is a simple and budget-friendly alternative.

Selecting the right docking station, USB hub, or adapter depends on your laptop’s ports, external display needs, and data speed requirements. Here’s what to consider:

Port Compatibility

• USB-C®, Thunderbolt™, or USB-A? Check which ports your laptop supports.
• A Kensington docking station ensures compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Chromebooks for seamless connectivity.

Essential Connectivity

• A USB hub or multi-port USB hub is great for expanding USB-A and USB-C® ports.
• If you need high-resolution external displays, a docking station with DisplayPort™ or HDMI® is ideal.
• For wired internet, choose a docking station with Ethernet support.

Display and Resolution Support

• Dual 4K, 8K, or multiple monitors? A Thunderbolt™ docking station provides seamless multi-display connectivity without performance loss.
• If your laptop doesn’t support native multi-display output, a Kensington DisplayLink™ docking station allows multiple monitors over USB.

Data Transfer Speed

• Thunderbolt™ (40Gbps) is the best option for high-speed data transfer and multiple monitors.
• USB-C® (10Gbps) works well for general use and single-display setups

Kensington provides universal docking stations designed for seamless multi-device connectivity across Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. Kensington docking stations support USB-A, USB-C®, HDMI®, DisplayPort™, Ethernet, and SD card slots, making them adaptable to various desk setups.

Kensington offers a variety of high-performance docking solutions, including:

• Thunderbolt™ 5 and Thunderbolt™ 4 docking stations designed for maximum speed, power, and multi-monitor support.
• USB-C® driverless docking stations that require no software installation, ensuring plug-and-play usability.
• USB-C® DisplayLink® docking stations that enable effortless multi-monitor expansion, ideal for hybrid work setups.

Visit this page to explore all Kensington connectivity solutions.