What are docking stations?

Docking stations expand the connectivity of your portable device, transforming it into a desktop replacement. A docking station connects via Thunderbolt™ 4, Thunderbolt™ 3, USB4®, USB-C®, or USB-A and provides workstation power for your entire setup.

Do desktop docking stations charge laptops?

Yes! Unlike most hubs, most desktop docking stations are plugged into outlets, so they can provide power to both your laptop (up to 100W depending on the model) and peripheral devices. Look for Thunderbolt™ or USB-C® laptop that supports Power Delivery. Please check the specs of your laptop or contact us and we can help you identify if your USB-C® port supports Power Delivery. USB-A docks can only provide data and video; however we do sell a power splitter that supports most 20V/60W laptops, see K38310 for more information.

Do mobile docking stations charge laptops?

For mobile docking station an USB-C® power adapter is required to pass through charging to the laptop. For example, using a 100W USB-C® Power Adapter (sold separately) with a mobile docking station (reserved 15W), it will deliver power up to 85W to your laptop. Look for minimum requirement of the USB-C® adapter for best performance.

Are docking stations universal?

Not all docking stations are universal. However, here’s a selection of our best universal laptop docking stations.

Do desktop docking stations have power cords?

Yes. A desktop docking station is intended for use at a fixed desktop location. As universal laptop docking stations are designed to provide more features and functions (dual 4K video, Power Delivery, charging of mobile accessories and more), an external power supply is required. The same is true for Dell docking stations, HP docking stations, Lenovo docking stations and even 3rd party MacBook docking stations.

Can mobile docking stations be used without power cords?

Yes, a mobile docking station can be used without a power cord using bus power from laptop (5V/3A). The mobile dock and connected devices use the laptop’s battery power. If you are looking for a solution to charge your laptop while using dock functions. Plug a 100W USB-C® power adapter or your laptop’s USB-C® power adapter into the dock for pass-through charging to the laptop. Look for minimum requirement of the USB-C® adapter for best performance. Learn more at kensington.com/news/docking-connectivity-blog/hubs-vs-docks-explained/ .

Kensington Docking Stations

Simplify Your Workspace

Choose Your Kensington Docking Station

With Kensington universal docking stations, a single cable is all it takes to get a complete desktop experience from your device.

Choose your Universal Docking Station

Desktop Docking Stations

A desk with a central desktop docking station that connects a laptop to multiple devices.

Business SolutionsBusiness Solutions

Why Kensington for Docking Stations? Simple.

Your needs, met.

Whether you are outfitting the diverse needs of hot-desking or hoteling setups, or equipping your office’s road warriors, ample experience gives us the insight to offer a broad, purpose-driven product portfolio that’s perfectly optimized to satisfy your needs—no matter how diverse or challenging those needs happen to be.

A men in a video call, while a woman utilizes a docking station to connect multiple devices.

Business Needs

Multiple monitors, laptops, mice, keyboards, printers, projectors—you name it, we’ll connect it. All to keep you running at the speed of business.

A woman in a video call using a docking station to connect her laptop to multiple devices.

Hot-Desking Needs

Different people bring different “tools” to the table. We’ll make sure they can use those tools quickly and easily.

A woman working from home in conference call using a docking station to connect multiple devices.

Individual Needs

Devices are as ubiquitous in the home as they are in the office. Maybe even more so. Connect it all with Kensington.

Desktop Docking Stations

Turn your device (laptop, tablet or 2-in-1) into a productivity powerhouse on your desk. Connect to multiple monitors and add a variety of peripherals with extra USB ports. Desktop docks (self-powered) come with a power supply unit for charging your device and your other peripherals, all at once.

Turn Your Laptop into a Desktop Powerhouse

Convenience

A single cable provides a full desktop experience. You get video, data, and power from one connection.

View All Desktop Docking Stations View in Video Format

More ports

Provides more connections so you can be more productive.

View All Desktop Docking Stations View in Video Format

Multiple displays

Extends your visual productivity with one, two, or three additional monitors.

View All Desktop Docking Stations View in Video Format

A clean and ergonomic workstation

Many fixed docking stations come with a mounting option to reduce desktop cable clutter—allowing you to connect everything you need to be productive while also keeping a tidier workspace

View All Desktop Docking Stations View in Video Format

Power while you work

Connect knowing your laptop will be charged when you’re ready to go.

View All Desktop Docking Stations View in Video Format

a docking station connecting two monitors to a laptop, a keyboard, and a phone being charged.

a docking station at the center with multiple ports available to connect multiple devices.

a USB-C docking station that can display three external monitors with the laptop lid closed.

a docking station connecting two monitors to a laptop, a ergo mouse and keyboard, and a phone.

a docking station that seamlessly connects two monitors, a laptop, and a wired headphone.

Docking station connection types

Thunderbolt™ 3 and Thunderbolt™ 4

Next-level plug-and-play solution (futureproof)
Up to 40 Gbps bandwidth
Up to single 8K or dual 4K resolution (Supports a single display only for USB-C Alt Mode laptops)
Ultra-fast refresh rates (Up to single 4K @ 120Hz or 1080p @ 240Hz with DSC enabled)
Daisy chain capability
Best for MacBook or any other Thunderbolt™ 3 & Thunderbolt™ 4 enabled laptops
Ideal for graphic designers, business professionals and video editors requiring high speed data transfer
Windows / macOS** / ChromeOS*

Discover more about these docking stations

*Thunderbolt™ 4 docking stations only **M1/M2 Base Chipset supports only a single external display. Only M1/M2 Pro, M1/M2 Max, and M1 Ultra Chipset supports dual displays.

Thunderbolt 4 and its badges: USB-C cable, single 8K, dual displays, power, and DockWorks™ Software.

USB4®

Next-level plug-and play solution
Up to 40 Gbps bandwidth
Up to single 8K or dual 4K resolution
Ultra-fast refresh rates (Up to single 4K @ 144Hz with DSC enabled)
Supports USB4®, Thunderbolt™ 4, Thunderbolt™ 3, and USB-C® devices
Best for business professionals with USB4® devices that needs single 8K high resolution and high refresh rates
Compatible with Windows / macOS / ChromeOS

Discover more about these docking stations

USB4® docking station and its badges: USB-C cable, single 8K, dual displays, power, and DockWorks™ Software.

Hybrid USB-C® Alt mode and DisplayLink; USB-C/USB-A DisplayLink

Up to 10 Gbps bandwidth
USB-C® Alt Mode and DisplayLink software solution
Up to triple 4K* resolution
Can connect to USB-A legacy laptop
Ideal for meeting needs of mixed technology (USB-A and USB-C® laptops)
Windows / macOS / ChromeOS

Download the latest DisplayLink driver here Discover more about these docking stations

*USB-C® Alt Mode plus DisplayLink software solution dock.

Mobile Docking

A mobile docking station can turn your laptop into a productivity powerhouse from anywhere. At home, in the office, or on the go, portable docks feature a variety of video display and data transfer options. Portable docks are powered by a USB-C power adapter (sold separately) or your laptop’s battery when traveling.

Portable Productivity for Your Laptop

Portable

Use it anywhere—at home, in the office, or on the go.

View All Mobile Docking Stations View in Video Format

Compact

Easily fits into a backpack or carrying case.

View All Mobile Docking Stations View in Video Format

Universal compatibility

Designed to work with Windows, macOS, Chrome, SamsungDex.

View All Mobile Docking Stations View in Video Format

Adaptable power

View All Mobile Docking Stations View in Video Format

a Kensington's mobile docks, the SD1700P USB-C Dual 4K Portable Mobile Dock with Qi Charging.

a Kensington's mobile docks, the UH1440P USB-C 5Gbps Dual Video Driverless Mobile Dock.

a Kensington's mobile docks, the UH1400P USB-C 8-in-1 Driverless Mobile Hub.

a Kensington's mobile docks, the MD120U4 USB4 Portable Docking Station.

a businessman on a train trip with his laptop connected to a mobile docking station.

Business Needs

Compact and travel friendly
Can be used with existing USB-C adapter
Eliminates need to carry extra adapters

a man easily placing a mobile dock into his backpack.

Always Available

Easily fits into a backpack or carrying case
Connects to a wide variety of devices
Great for business professionals who travel

a woman at a cafe using a mobile docking station to set up her laptop with ease.

Setup a workstation anywhere

Work from anywhere
Multiple ports to connect to many peripherals
Can charge your phone or tablet on the go

Cables, Adapters and Accessories

Now that you’ve found the perfect docking solution for your needs, make sure you have all the cords and accessories to go with it.

Choose your video cables and adapters

40 Years of Innovation

With over 40 years of experience, and as a global leader in desktop productivity solutions since 2006, Kensington is the Professionals’ Choice for universal laptop and desktop docking stations. From professional-grade industrial design to intuitive user interface, every docking station is quality tested to exceed industry standards, backed with a superior warranty, and offers unmatched support—both before and after you purchase your docking station. And, our robust supply chain experience brings wisdom to both large and small-scale deployments so you can rest assured the right choices are being made whether you need one dock or a thousand and one docks.

Kensington through the years.

Kensington Docking Stations are The Professionals’ Choice since 2006. Kensington has worked closely with device manufacturers to engineer and design solutions that support workplace security and enhance productivity. As technology evolves, manufacturers continue to trust Kensington to collaborate on innovative solutions to support their devices.

2006 - Kensington partners with DisplayLink to launch USB 2.0 dock.

2017 – Thunderbolt™ 3 1st 3rd party dock.

2018 – Designed for Surface Pro 1st docking station

2020 – Thunderbolt™ 4 1st dock Engineered for Intel EVO.

2022 – 1st USB4® mobile dock in Microsoft DFS program.

2006

Kensington partners with DisplayLink to launch USB 2.0 dock

2009

1st USB 2.0 Dock introduced

2012

Launched USB 3.0 dock

2016

USB-C® 1st 3rd party dock

2017

Thunderbolt™ 3 1st 3rd party dock

2018

Designed for Surface Pro 1st docking station

2020

Thunderbolt™ 4 1st dock Engineered for Intel EVO

2021

iPad Pro 1st docking station

2022

1st USB4® mobile dock in Microsoft DFS program

Established partnerships.

Benefit from our long-standing working relationships with major manufacturers throughout the industry. Kensington works directly with Microsoft, Apple, and Google to develop innovative devices for Microsoft Surface, MacBook, Samsung, Chromebook, and more. We are proud to be part of compatibility solutions for major ecosystems, including Engineered For Intel Evo Laptops, Designed for Microsoft Surface, and others. Our purpose-driven partnerships support our passion to make your work life easy and efficient.

Resources

Blogs

MD120U4 USB4 Portable Docking Station, featuring video cables, an Ethernet cable, and thumb drives.

Blog

Top 5 Benefits of Mobile Docking

Blogs

a Thunderbolt desktop docking station connected to a MacBook Pro Max.

Blog

Why Desktop Docking Amplifies Your Experience

Blogs

a person typing on a laptop, presumably writing a blog.

Blogs

Trending Docking Station Blogs

AWARDS AND PRESS CENTER

Kensington docking stations awards received in the past: CES Innovation, Reddot Design, THE BEST, and CRN Tech Innovators.

AWARDS AND PRESS CENTER

Recognized for Excellence

Business Solutions

Kensington takes pride in keeping pace with the speed of business. We strive to pioneer solutions that push the industry forward while meeting the demands of shared and agile workspaces. We encourage you to connect with us to learn more about our business solutions.

Request Business Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are docking stations?
2. Do desktop docking stations charge laptops?

Yes! Unlike most hubs, most desktop docking stations are plugged into outlets, so they can provide power to both your laptop (up to 100W depending on the model) and peripheral devices. Look for Thunderbolt™ or USB-C® laptop that supports Power Delivery. Please check the specs of your laptop or contact us and we can help you identify if your USB-C® port supports Power Delivery. USB-A docks can only provide data and video; however we do sell a power splitter that supports most 20V/60W laptops, see K38310 for more information.
3. Do mobile docking stations charge laptops?
4. Are docking stations universal?
5. Do desktop docking stations have power cords?

Yes. A desktop docking station is intended for use at a fixed desktop location. As universal laptop docking stations are designed to provide more features and functions (dual 4K video, Power Delivery, charging of mobile accessories and more), an external power supply is required. The same is true for Dell docking stations, HP docking stations, Lenovo docking stations and even 3rd party MacBook docking stations.
6. Can mobile docking stations be used without power cords?

Yes, a mobile docking station can be used without a power cord using bus power from laptop (5V/3A). The mobile dock and connected devices use the laptop’s battery power. If you are looking for a solution to charge your laptop while using dock functions. Plug a 100W USB-C® power adapter or your laptop’s USB-C® power adapter into the dock for pass-through charging to the laptop. Look for minimum requirement of the USB-C® adapter for best performance. Learn more at kensington.com/news/docking-connectivity-blog/hubs-vs-docks-explained/ .

Knowledge Center

First Intel-Certified Thunderbolt™ 5 Dock

Recommended Products

Related Articles

Site Pages

Kensington Docking Stations

Choose Your Kensington Docking Station

Desktop Docking StationsDesktop Docking Stations

Mobile Docks (or Hubs)Mobile Docks (or Hubs)

ResourcesResources

Business SolutionsBusiness Solutions

Why Kensington for Docking Stations? Simple.

Your needs, met.

Business Needs

Hot-Desking Needs

Individual Needs

Desktop Docking Stations

Turn Your Laptop into a Desktop Powerhouse

Convenience

More ports

Multiple displays

A clean and ergonomic workstation

Power while you work

Docking station connection types

Thunderbolt™ 3 and Thunderbolt™ 4

Mobile Docking

Portable Productivity for Your Laptop

Portable

Compact

Universal compatibility

Adaptable power

Business Needs

Always Available

Setup a workstation anywhere

Cables, Adapters and Accessories

40 Years of Innovation

Kensington through the years.

2006

2009

2012

2016

2017

2018

2020

2021

2022

Established partnerships.

Resources

Top 5 Benefits of Mobile Docking

Why Desktop Docking Amplifies Your Experience

Trending Docking Station Blogs

Recognized for Excellence

Business Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

Knowledge Center