Historically, you’ve had two options to expand the port capabilities of your laptop: an inexpensive USB-C dongle or a more powerful, pricey Thunderbolt docking station. A third option is quietly emerging, trying to split the difference. A DisplayLink docking station (sometimes called a USB-C dock) uses data compression to offer the capabilities of a Thunderbolt dock over a standard USB-C or Thunderbolt cable.
Why buy one? DisplayLink docking stations works great for normal day-to-day productivity, and in my experience the docks are cheaper and more stable than older Thunderbolt 3 desktop docks. They’re an upgrade over our picks for the best USB-C hubs dongles, and cheaper than the best Thunderbolt docking stations for your laptop. They can even support more displays than a native Thunderbolt dock. They’re just not suited for gaming.
If you need a fuller explanation of how DisplayLink works and what it offers, you’ll find that directly under our two recommended DisplayLink docks, below. You’ll also find a FAQ with answers to questions you might have. I base my recommendations on hands-on testing of the DisplayLink docking stations.
Why you should trust me: I’ve worked as a technology journalist for about 30 years, and at PCWorld for the last decade. I’ve tested dozens of USB-C hubs, Thunderbolt docks, and DisplayLink docking stations. I use a docking station in my daily work, connected to multiple 4K displays, and I typically review a handful of new products each month.
Mark Hachman / IDG
Mark Hachman / IDG
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</div></figure><p class="imageCredit">Mark Hachman / IDG</p></div>The best DisplayLink docking stations
Though I’ve tested a number of DisplayLink docking stations for laptops, I have two recommended docks. They’re the same picks that appear on PCWorld’s list of the best Thunderbolt desktop docks for your laptop.
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<h2 data-p_name="Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615" class="product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title " id="ugreen-9-in-1-usb-c-revodok-docking-station-cm615-best-usb-c-displaylink-dock">
Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615 – Best USB-C DisplayLink dock </h2>
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<p class="product-chart-subTitle">Pros</p>
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Terrific price and value </li>
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Excellent stability </li>
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Great display port flexibility </li>
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Support for two 4K60 displays </li>
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<p class="product-chart-subTitle">Cons</p>
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Have to provide your own power supply </li>
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Can warm to somewhat alarming temperatures </li>
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A lack of naming consistency </li>
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Best Prices Today:
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<a class="product-chart-item__pricing-details--link" href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=111346X1569483&url=https://www.ugreen.com/products/ugreen-9-in-1-usb-c-docking-station&xcust=2-1-801587-6-2081421-17684&sref=https://www.pcworld.com/feed" target="_blank" data-vars-product-name="Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615" data-vars-product-id="2081421" data-vars-category="Computer Accessories,Docks and Hubs,Laptop Accessories" data-vars-manufacturer-id="17684" data-vars-manufacturer="Ugreen" data-vars-vendor="Ugreen" data-vars-po="" data-product="2081421" data-vars-link-position-id="003" data-vars-link-position="Product Chart" data-vars-outbound-link="https://www.ugreen.com/products/ugreen-9-in-1-usb-c-docking-station" rel="nofollow">$139.99 at Ugreen</a> </span>
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<div class="product-content">Why I liked the Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615
Like some of the premium Thunderbolt docks, Ugreen’s DisplayLink dock provides options to use either HDMI or DisplayPort to connect a display, allowing you to use your existing display cables and save some money.
Like most DisplayLink docks, this dock was unusually stable, with no flickering between displays — one of the reasons I like DisplayLink docks. Some other Thunderbolt docks offer the same flexibility to shift between monitors, but not many. Ugreen’s dock does so affordably.
Who should buy the Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615
If you’re not worried about hunting down the proper software driver (because Ugreen, bless them, does not make it apparent that it needs one) than I would recommend that you buy this dock. It offers many of the features of more expensive Thunderbolt docks at an affordable price.
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Read our full
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Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615 review </a>
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Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Display Dock – Best USB-C DisplayLink dock runner-up </h2>
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