Best
laptop docking stations for Dell XPS 13
Windows Central
2022
The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is a remarkably flexible hybrid laptop. It will perform excellently, but if you want to use it with a monitor like a desktop PC, you’re going to want to get yourself a laptop dock. These docks will give you the additional ports you might need and more options for connecting your Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 to monitors. Here are some of the best laptop docking stations for the Dell XPS 13 that money can buy.
Best overall:
Dell D3100 docking station
Staff pick
Dell’s D3100 dock offers support for a 4K display and two HD displays simultaneously, making it one of the few docks that supports a triple-monitor setup. It also has two USB 2.0 ports and three USB 3.0 ones, which is plenty for most people. The price isn’t too bad, either, giving this dock great value on the dollar.
Elite pick:
Kensington SD5700T
This large dock features 10 ports, including four USB-A and three Thunderbolt 4 slots. Ports for Ethernet, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack are included as well. The dock also features 90W charging and supports a single 8K display or dual 4K ones. It even comes with Kensington’s beloved lock slot for maximum security, too.
Compact and powerful:
CalDigit Element Hub
If CalDigit’s TS3 Plus dock is too big for you, check this one out. With four Thunderbolt 4 ports, four USB-A ones, support for up to an 8K display or dual 4K ones, and 60W charging, this compact dock brings the heat.
Slimmed-down style:
Plugable horizontal docking station
This docking station offers the power for dual 4K monitors and has six USB 3.0 ports, all while being slim and compact, making it a great option.
Compact excellence:
StarTech Mini Dock
The StarTech Mini Dock packs a single USB 3.0 port and the ability to connect to dual 4K monitors in the palm of your hand. All this makes it an outstanding choice in terms of size-to-capability performance.
Tall and small:
Plugable vertical laptop dock
Plugable’s vertical dock makes the most out of a razor-thin design by offering support for two HD displays and two USB 3.0 ports. If you want a solid dock that takes up vertical space instead of desk space, this is the one for you.
Best miniature:
j5create USB 3.0 Ultra Station JUD500
Essentially a flute-shaped stand, this nifty dock gives you two USB 3.0 ports and lets you connect to a single HD display. If you want something basic and minimal, this is right up your alley.
Best budget:
Plugable UD-3900H dock
Folks looking for an affordable dock with great value should check out the Plugable UD-3900H. It supports a single 1440p display or dual 1080p HD monitors, and it also comes with six USB-A ports. The dock is nice and small, too, so it won’t take up much space.
If we had to choose …
All of these different laptop docks are great, and one of them is bound to offer whatever you’re looking for in a dock to go with your Dell XPS 13 2-in-1. However, if we had to choose, we would go with the Dell D3100 docking station, as we think it offers the best overall balance between value and price. Most people won’t need more than five USB ports for peripherals, and the ability to use three full displays with your laptop is incredible. Only one of them can be 4K, true, but three screens at once can and will give you some impressive flexibility for both work and recreational activities.
If you’re looking for something elite, then it doesn’t get any better than the Kensington SD5700T. The combination of 10 different ports (including Thunderbolt 4) and dual 4K display connectivity is the definition of premium.
People looking for something on the smaller side size-wise, though, should go with the j5create Ultra Station, as at its affordable price and small form factor, two extra USB 3.0 ports, and the ability to connect to an HD monitor is an absolute steal. The CalDigit Element Hub, StarTech Mini Dock, and Plugable UD-3900H are great compact options, too.
For more awesome options, check out our roundup of the best laptop docking stations as well as the best Thunderbolt 3 docks and best Thunderbolt 4 docks.
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