Greatest DisplayLink docks 2026: Transfer over, Thunderbolt

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Traditionally, you’ve had two choices to develop the port capabilities of your laptop computer: a reasonable USB-C dongle or a extra highly effective, expensive Thunderbolt docking station. A 3rd possibility is quietly rising, attempting to separate the distinction. A DisplayLink docking station (generally known as a USB-C dock) makes use of knowledge compression to supply the capabilities of a Thunderbolt dock over a normal USB-C or Thunderbolt cable.

Why purchase one? DisplayLink docking stations work nice for regular day-to-day productiveness, and traditionally the docks are cheaper and extra steady than older Thunderbolt 3 desktop docks. They’re an improve over our picks for the most effective USB-C hubs dongles, and cheaper than the most effective Thunderbolt docking stations to your laptop computer. They'll even help extra shows than a local Thunderbolt dock. They’re simply not fitted to gaming.

In the event you want a fuller rationalization of how DisplayLink works and what it gives, you’ll discover that immediately beneath our two really helpful DisplayLink docks, under. You’ll additionally discover a FAQ with solutions to questions you might need. I base my suggestions on hands-on testing of the DisplayLink docking stations.

Why it's best to belief me: I’ve labored as a know-how journalist for about 30 years, and at PCWorld for the final decade. I’ve examined dozens of USB-C hubs, Thunderbolt docks, and DisplayLink docking stations. I exploit a docking station in my every day work, linked to a number of 4K shows, and I usually assessment a handful of recent merchandise every month.

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DisplayLink-logo-closeup.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" alt="DisplayLink logo closeup" class="wp-image-2280211" width="1024" height="805" loading="lazy" /> Search for the DisplayLink emblem to establish it as a DisplayLink dock. Mark Hachman / IDG

The very best DisplayLink docking stations

Although I’ve examined quite a few DisplayLink docking stations for laptops, I've two really helpful docks. They’re the identical picks that seem on PCWorld’s listing of the most effective Thunderbolt desktop docks to your laptop computer.

Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615 – Greatest USB-C DisplayLink dock <img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615 – Best USB-C DisplayLink dock" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ugreen-9-in-1-front.jpg?quality=50&strip=all" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Professionals Terrific value and worth

Wonderful stability

Nice show port flexibility

Assist for 2 4K60 shows Cons Have to offer your individual energy provide

Can heat to considerably alarming temperatures

A scarcity of naming consistency

Worth When Reviewed: $169.99 Greatest Costs In the present day:

Retailer Worth

$118.99 View Deal $169.99 View Deal Ugreen $169.99 View Deal Worth comparability from over 24,000 shops worldwide

Product Worth Worth comparability from Backmarket

Who can purchase the Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615

Like a number of the premium Thunderbolt docks, Ugreen’s DisplayLink dock gives choices to make use of both HDMI or DisplayPort to attach a show, permitting you to make use of your current show cables and avoid wasting cash.

Like most DisplayLink docks, this dock was unusually steady, with no flickering between shows — one of many causes I like DisplayLink docks. Another Thunderbolt docks provide the identical flexibility to shift between displays, however not many. Ugreen’s dock does so affordably.

Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615: different issues

In the event you’re not anxious about looking down the right software program driver (as a result of Ugreen, bless them, doesn't make it obvious that it wants one) than I'd suggest that you simply purchase this dock. It gives most of the options of dearer Thunderbolt docks at an reasonably priced value.

Learn our full Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615 assessment

Plugable USB-C Twin 4K Show Horizontal Docking Station (UD-6950PDH) – Greatest USB-C DisplayLink dock runner-up <img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" class="product-chart-item__image" alt="Plugable USB-C Dual 4K Display Horizontal Docking Station (UD-6950PDH) – Best USB-C DisplayLink dock runner-up" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Plugable-USB-C-Dual-4K-Display-Horizontal-Docking-Station-UD-6950PDH.png" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Professionals Terrific worth for workplace staff

Nice show flexibility

Loads of USB-A ports

SD/microSD card slots, too

100W of charging energy Cons No USB-C ports

No devoted charging ports

Worth When Reviewed: $199.00 Greatest Costs In the present day:

Retailer Worth

$179.95 View Deal $179.95 View Deal $179.95 View Deal $194.94 View Deal $209.69 View Deal Worth comparability from over 24,000 shops worldwide View extra costs

Product Worth Worth comparability from Backmarket Who can purchase the Plugable USB-C Twin 4K Show Horizontal Docking Station

In the event you’re a house workplace employee who doesn’t need or have to sport, this dock will go well with you simply tremendous. Plugable’s USB-C Twin 4K Show dock takes Plugable’s conventional method: present devoted show interfaces, and let the person select between which cables they’ll want to hook up with their show. The dock is a fairly easy affair, with a pair of legacy USB-A ports and customary gigabit Ethernet connection.

Curiously, Plugable has recast this dock as a Mac-dedicated machine, with a grayish tint besides. (That’s what you’ll see on the Amazon web page.) It’s actually not — it's going to work on Macs and Home windows PCs simply tremendous, although you’ll want the Home windows driver for it as an alternative.

Plugable USB-C Twin 4K Show Horizontal Docking Station: additional issues

For no matter purpose (possibly the bandwidth {that a} 10Gbps port consumes?) USB-C ports aren’t frequent on DisplayLink docks. (The Ugreen dock that we’ve picked as our favourite has one; this dock doesn't.) That is going to sound redundant, however simply take into account that these docks are terrific for video playback or workplace work, however gaming is past them.

Learn our full Plugable USB-C Twin 4K Show Horizontal Docking Station (UD-6950PDH) assessment

Different DisplayLink opinions and options

Laptop computer docking stations might evolve into “AI Docks”: Synaptics believes its high-speed signaling finesse may give it a leg up in future units.

DisplayLink goes ‘Professional’ to spotlight even sooner speeds: Synaptics’ DL-7000 chip will probably be rolling out in new DisplayLink docks.

Plugable Thunderbolt Docking Station with DisplayLink (TBT-6950PD) assessment: Add as much as 4 exterior shows and quick ports with this high quality DisplayLink Thunderbolt 4 dock.

It’s time to begin docking telephones once more, DisplayLink says: Fashionable smartphones are highly effective sufficient to check out this know-how once more, DisplayLink thinks.

DisplayLink USB-C docks: How DisplayLink works

USB-C hubs, Thunderbolt desktop docks, and now DisplayLink docking stations have emerged due to two components: the rising ubiquity of do-anything USB-C ports, and the belief by laptop computer makers that they will use these ports to get rid of all of the devoted HDMI, microUSB, SD card slots, and USB-A ports that may litter up their pocket book PCs.

DisplayLink docks present a number of the native features of a Thunderbolt dock, particularly the flexibility to drive a number of high-resolution shows. Due to the inherent bandwidth limitations, DisplayLink docking stations provide a sensible choice for workplace staff, who can use these additional shows for static purposes like electronic mail, chat, spreadsheets, or workplace work.

A USB-C port usually gives 10Gbps of bandwidth. Thunderbolt 3/4, which runs over the identical bodily USB-C port, provides 40Gbps. In the actual world, that usually signifies that a USB-C dongle can connect with a single 4K show (at 30Hz) whereas Thunderbolt can join to 2 4K shows, at 60Hz. DisplayLink are you able to give the benefits of a 40Gbps Thunderbolt connection by way of only a 10Gbps USB-C interface.

How? Knowledge compression. A DisplayLink dock can both use a “conventional” 10Gbps USB-C connection, or reap the benefits of the additional bandwidth supplied by an current Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port. Both means, it makes use of knowledge compression to squeeze extra knowledge throughput over the port. We use knowledge compression each day, in photographs and streamed video from YouTube and Netflix, and by no means discover. It’s the identical right here; your Home windows desktop and purposes will look the identical.

Two related merchandise with totally different traits: a Lention USB-C hub (left), which has been beforehand featured amongst PCWorld’s u003ca href=" USB-C hubsu003c/au003e, and the u003ca href="" data-product="699911" data-manufacturer="10079" class="product-link"u003eHP Thunderbolt G4 Docku003c/au003e, a part of PCWorld’s really helpful u003ca href=" Thunderbolt docksu003c/au003e.

DisplayLink is a know-how owned by Synaptics, that means it’s a proprietary customary. Every DisplayLink dock has a particular DisplayLink chip constructed inside it. (DisplayLink docks hardly ever, if ever, publish which Synaptics chip they use, so a DisplayLink dock’s capabilities might differ by product.)

DisplayLink USB-C docks: Professionals and cons

DisplayLink’s knowledge compression means there are two negatives to the know-how, which we’ll get out of the best way.

Whereas USB-C and Thunderbolt work out of the field, DisplayLink requires a software program driver. With out it, it's going to operate as a generic USB-C dock. I’ve by no means seen any DisplayLink docks use their very own distinctive drivers (although they might). In any case, you should use Synaptics’ official DisplayLink drivers. Most dock makers publish this info proper up entrance, however not all do. (You should definitely reboot after putting in it.)

DisplayLink works completely properly for electronic mail, Phrase, Excel, and something static, like an internet web page. However it does have limitations: 10Gbps is a pleasant chunk of bandwidth. However pushing a ton of knowledge throughout it's going to trigger pictures to stutter and hitch. In apply, which means PC gaming on a DisplayLink dock is iffy: A slow-paced sport like Baldur’s Gate 3 ought to be tremendous, however a frantic shooter like Battlefield or Helldivers 2 most likely received’t provide you with a superb expertise in any respect. Taking part in 4K video from Netflix or YouTube? It shouldn’t be an issue. Taking part in 4K video whereas copying information from a tough drive and downloading a file? The whole lot will work, albeit slowly.

The massive benefit for me is that DisplayLink tends to be actually steady. Older Thunderbolt 3 {hardware} generally is a little glitchy when connecting to a number of shows. In my expertise, DisplayLink docks aren’t. That issues to some folks.

DisplayLink (usually with a DisplayLink 4K emblem on it) also can connect with a number of shows, much more than Thunderbolt. I don’t have room to neatly exhibit a photograph of three and even 4 shows, however belief me — I’ve tried it on a number of events, and it really works. The hitch is that your laptop computer must be able to rendering on 4 shows, and also you’ll usually want to shut your laptop computer to take action. That will imply adjusting the Home windows Management Panel to inform your laptop computer to depart it up and operating.

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DisplayLink-shut-the-lid.png?w=1200" alt="DisplayLink Windows contol panel shut the lid" class="wp-image-2280114" width="1200" height="687" loading="lazy" /> That is solely mandatory in case you are operating 4 4K shows with a DisplayLink dock. Mark Hachman / IDG

Can I get a bit nerdy for a second? While you use a DisplayLink dock to hook up with greater than two shows, there’s much more magic happening behind the scenes. Take a DisplayLink dock just like the Plugable UD-6950PDZ, which helps three 4K shows at 60Hz. It makes use of Synaptics’ most superior chip, the DL-6950. However the DL-6950 solely helps a pair of shows. To allow a 3rd exterior show, the dock is utilizing DisplayLink for 2 shows, and your laptop computer’s personal “regular” DisplayPort connection (known as DisplayPort Alt Mode) to drive the third.

That brings up the ultimate level that I at all times must make: Current {hardware} is finest. A typical DisplayLink docks works finest on, say, a Tenth- or Eleventh-gen Core processor or a complementary AMD Ryzen laptop computer. With something extra superior — Twelfth-, Thirteenth-, and 14th-gen — it's best to have a fairly preferrred expertise.

To be honest, Synaptics feels that it's best to be capable of use older {hardware} with DisplayPort, and it ought to simply work. “No matter your PC’s specs or age, DisplayLink docks will effectively allocate bandwidth to deal with your community connection and different peripherals, guaranteeing optimum efficiency,” a Synaptics consultant says.

That’s a good objection. However I’m nonetheless extra snug recommending extra trendy {hardware}, maybe as a result of I’m just a little gun-shy after utilizing different USB-C {hardware}.

<img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Plugable-displaylink-port-closeup.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1200" alt="Plugable UD-ULTC4K port closeup" class="wp-image-803440" width="1200" height="968" loading="lazy" /> In contrast to different Thunderbolt docks we’ve examined, Plugable’s UD-ULTC4K highlights not solely which port is which however which I/O protocol every port is related to. Word the “Alt Mode” label on the underside ports. Mark Hachman / IDG

How I check DisplayLink docking stations

I exploit the identical methodology to check DisplayLink docks as I do to check Thunderbolt docking stations. Right here’s a synopsis.

First, I take the dock from its packaging and consider its development. I measure the wire size and test the dock’s bodily dimensions with a ruler.

I’ll then learn the guide: Does the dock want any drivers? (Sure it's going to.) Are there hyperlinks? What does the guide say concerning the dock’s capabilities, by way of energy and velocity?

Subsequent, I take a USB key or two and join them to the out there USB ports to find out if they've sufficient area to permit a number of to be linked on the similar time. I then look at the show ports, discover the suitable cables, after which join the dock to the laptop computer. I exploit a collection of laptops with numerous generations of AMD and Intel {hardware}, and test to see if the expertise is similar on each. If it isn’t, I make notes.

I then measure the facility output of the ports, utilizing a USB multimeter, a smartphone, and a laptop computer to measure how a lot energy the dock delivers to a laptop computer.

Lastly, I test to see how properly the dock performs beneath load. I exploit a selected check laptop computer for this goal for repeatable outcomes. I stream a 4K60 YouTube video utilizing the Ethernet port on the dock (if it has one) and observe any dropped frames. I normally test with a pre-recorded 4K60 video operating from an SSD.

I then run PCMark 10’s SSD storage benchmark off of a check SSD, linked to the dock. I measure the rating, then measure the rating once more whereas streaming a video. I then copy a big, multigigabyte folder of assorted information from my laptop computer throughout the bus and measure the time it takes to take action. I repeat the check whereas streaming video.

Lastly, I test the operation and efficiency of any SD card slots the dock has and hearken to audio via the audio jack, to ensure it really works.

FAQ 1. What's the finest DisplayLink Dock?

PCWorld recommends the Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615. It gives the pliability of selecting between HDMI and DisplayPort monitor connections and helps two 4K60 shows — and fairly stably in our assessments. At $170 it’s nice worth.

2. Do you have to purchase a DisplayLink USB-C dock?

Not all DisplayLink docks are created equal, which is why we check them. However for workplace staff on Home windows, completely. For avid gamers, give it a cross.

DisplayLink docking station gives an opportunity to develop your PC’s I/O capabilities, even with {hardware} that doesn’t help Thunderbolt. In the event you aren’t snug with this, be happy to return to the relative security of a both a generic USB-C dongle or a strong Thunderbolt dock: Each provide simplicity and a recognized expertise.

3. How do I do know if my dock is a DisplayLink dock?

It ought to prominently characteristic a DisplayLink emblem, which we embody a photograph of earlier within the story. Not at all times, although.

Purchasing for a DisplayLink dock generally is a bit complicated, too, for the reason that time period “DisplayLink dock” isn’t actually in vogue. As a substitute, distributors will generally use “USB-C dock” as an alternative. Simply learn the documentation carefully and search for the label.

4. How a lot ought to a DisplayLink docking station value?

DisplayLink was a less expensive different to Thunderbolt docks in the course of the top of the work-from-home years. Then, a Thunderbolt dock would value about $300, and a DisplayLink dock about $150 to $200 or so. Costs for each have come down some, with DisplayLink docks beginning for as little as $125.

5. What number of units can a DisplayLink dock help?

You’ll normally see near as many ports on a DisplayLink dock as you'll on a Thunderbolt dock, and possibly extra. Usually, DisplayLink is simply tremendous for connecting a number of units concurrently. It’s once they’re all in use, transferring knowledge, that the bus might get clogged and switch charges might decelerate.

6. What’s higher, a DisplayLink dock or a Thunderbolt dock?

For now, there’s a case to be made {that a} DisplayLink dock is a greater worth: They’re typically cheaper, extra steady, and provide the potential for extra shows. However if you happen to’re a gamer, the reply just isn't the identical. Avid gamers can purchase a Thunderbolt dock as an alternative.

The sport modifications, although, when Thunderbolt 5 debuts later in 2024. Then, Thunderbolt 5 bandwidth will shoot as much as 80Gbps in each instructions, permitting these docks to hook up with 4 4K shows at 144Hz refresh charges and provide improved charging. Once more, Synaptics is aggressive; its most up-to-date DL-7000 chip permits 4 4K shows to be linked at 120Hz.

7. Can a DisplayLink dock cost your laptop computer and your smartphone?

If the DisplayLink docking station ships with its personal exterior energy brick, it ought to be capable of, sure. Most DisplayLink docks provide the identical quantity of energy as a Thunderbolt dock (a most of 90 to 95W to your laptop computer, and hopefully sufficient energy to fast-charge a smartphone.)

8. Is a DisplayLink docking station plug and play?

Probably not. You’ll want a driver from Synaptics or the dock maker to allow the dock’s full performance.

9. What’s DSC and HBR3? I’ve heard that these are a competitor to DisplayLink.

Show Stream Compression with Excessive Bandwidth Price 3 (DSC with HBR3) is a extra open model of DisplayLink. It doesn’t require a software program driver, however you received’t see this know-how marketed in any respect. Nevertheless, you can see it in merchandise just like the Kensington SD5800T, which makes use of Thunderbolt 4 and DSC to allow 4 exterior 4K shows.

Mainly, the identical guidelines apply. In the event you personal a latest, trendy laptop computer, you'll have one with DSC inside: It’s discovered inside laptops with an Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics chip, or as a part of Intel’s “Tiger Lake” platform, aka the Eleventh-gen Core chips. However that is completely not a characteristic that laptop computer makers promote, both.

10. Are DisplayLink and DisplayPort the identical factor?

No, they’re not, although the names are confusingly related.

DisplayPort is a bodily show connector in addition to a show protocol. Your laptop computer can route DisplayPort show protocols over Thunderbolt with out ever utilizing the connector itself. DisplayPort can be routed over a USB-C connection encoded with DisplayLink, too.

11. Is a DisplayLink dock good for gaming?

Not particularly. It’s finest for productiveness, which makes use of quite a few home windows with static purposes. Any time you push gobs and gobs of knowledge over the DisplayLink bus, as you'd with gaming, you threat the connection being saturated and your sport lowered to a stuttery mess.

You could possibly “sport” with a slow-paced sport or one which doesn’t use loads of fast-paced movement or detailed graphics, however it’s dangerous. Purchase a Thunderbolt dock as an alternative.