There are a few fundamental types of docking stations designed for different kinds of laptop setups. Being aware of these major categories will help you find your ideal match.
USB is the most ubiquitous laptop connector type, making USB docks widely compatible. They connect to your laptop via USB 3.0 or USB-C, providing accelerated data transfer speeds compared to older USB 2.0 docks. Higher-end USB-C models may support 4K video output and power delivery charging up to 100W.
Thunderbolt Docking Stations
Thunderbolt docks use Intel's super fast Thunderbolt 3 or 4 technology, capable of blazing 40Gbps transfer speeds. This allows support for dual 4K displays and laptop charging up to 100W. However, they are the most expensive type of dock, and require a compatible Thunderbolt laptop.
Hybrid Docking Stations
Hybrid docking stations aim to provide the best of both worlds by including multiple connectivity options such as USB, USB-C, Thunderbolt, and sometimes proprietary connectors to ensure broad laptop compatibility. However, they are usually among the priciest models.
Standalone vs. Port Replicators
Standalone docks have onboard processing capabilities, enabling advanced functionality like video conversion. Port replicators simply provide port expansion and have no independent processing power of their own.