Greatest DisplayLink docks 2025: Transfer over, Thunderbolt
Traditionally, you’ve had two choices to develop the port capabilities of your laptop computer: a cheap USB-C dongle or a extra highly effective, dear Thunderbolt docking station. A 3rd choice is quietly rising, making an attempt to separate the distinction. A DisplayLink docking station (typically known as a USB-C dock) makes use of information compression to supply the capabilities of a Thunderbolt dock over a typical 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 secure 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 on your laptop computer. They will even help extra shows than a local Thunderbolt dock. They’re simply not fitted to gaming.
Should you want a fuller rationalization of how DisplayLink works and what it presents, you’ll discover that immediately beneath our two beneficial DisplayLink docks, beneath. You’ll additionally discover a FAQ with solutions to questions you may need. I base my suggestions on hands-on testing of the DisplayLink docking stations.
Why you need 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 take advantage of a docking station in my every day work, linked to a number of 4K shows, and I usually overview a handful of recent merchandise every month.
Up to date Nov. 24, 2025 with some further particulars from Synaptics.
Mark Hachman / IDG
One of the best DisplayLink docking stations
Although I’ve examined various DisplayLink docking stations for laptops, I’ve two beneficial docks. They’re the identical picks that seem on PCWorld’s record of the most effective Thunderbolt desktop docks on your laptop computer.
Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615 – Greatest USB-C DisplayLink dock
Execs
- Terrific value and worth
- Wonderful stability
- Nice show port flexibility
- Assist for 2 4K60 shows
Cons
- Have to supply your individual energy provide
- Can heat to considerably alarming temperatures
- An absence of naming consistency
Greatest Costs Right now:
₹21,999
Who can buy the Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615
Like among the premium Thunderbolt docks, Ugreen’s DisplayLink dock supplies choices to make use of both HDMI or DisplayPort to attach a show, permitting you to make use of your present show cables and avoid wasting cash.
Like most DisplayLink docks, this dock was unusually secure, with no flickering between shows — one of many causes I like DisplayLink docks. Another Thunderbolt docks supply the identical flexibility to shift between screens, however not many. Ugreen’s dock does so affordably.
Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615: different concerns
Should you’re not nervous 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 advocate that you simply purchase this dock. It presents lots of the options of dearer Thunderbolt docks at an inexpensive value.
Learn our full
Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615 overview
Plugable USB-C Twin 4K Show Horizontal Docking Station (UD-6950PDH) – Greatest USB-C DisplayLink dock runner-up
Execs
- 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
Greatest Costs Right now:
₹38,425
Who can buy the Plugable USB-C Twin 4K Show Horizontal Docking Station
Should you’re a house workplace employee who doesn’t need or have to sport, this dock will go well with you simply positive. Plugable’s USB-C Twin 4K Show dock takes Plugable’s conventional strategy: present devoted show interfaces, and let the person select between which cables they’ll want to connect with their show. The dock is a fairly easy affair, with a pair of legacy USB-A ports and commonplace gigabit Ethernet connection.
Apparently, Plugable has recast this dock as a Mac-dedicated gadget, with a grayish tint as well. (That’s what you’ll see on the Amazon web page.) It’s actually not — it can work on Macs and Home windows PCs simply positive, although you’ll want the Home windows driver for it as a substitute.
Plugable USB-C Twin 4K Show Horizontal Docking Station: additional concerns
For no matter motive (perhaps the bandwidth {that a} 10Gbps port consumes?) USB-C ports aren’t widespread 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 remember 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) overview
Different DisplayLink critiques and options
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’ll use these ports to remove all of the devoted HDMI, microUSB, SD card slots, and USB-A ports that may litter up their pocket book PCs.
DisplayLink docks present among the native features of a Thunderbolt dock, specifically the flexibility to drive a number of high-resolution shows. Due to the inherent bandwidth limitations, DisplayLink docking stations supply a good selection for workplace staff, who can use these additional shows for static purposes like e mail, chat, spreadsheets, or workplace work.
A USB-C port usually supplies 10Gbps of bandwidth. Thunderbolt 3/4, which runs over the identical bodily USB-C port, provides 40Gbps. In the true world, that usually implies 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 benefit from the additional bandwidth supplied by an present Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port. Both method, it makes use of information compression to squeeze extra information throughput over the port. We use information compression every single 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.
DisplayLink is a know-how owned by Synaptics, that means it’s a proprietary commonplace. Every DisplayLink dock has a particular DisplayLink chip constructed within it. (DisplayLink docks not often, if ever, publish which Synaptics chip they use, so a DisplayLink dock’s capabilities could range by product.)
DisplayLink USB-C docks: Execs and cons
DisplayLink’s information compression means there are two negatives to the know-how, which we’ll get out of the way in which.
Whereas USB-C and Thunderbolt work out of the field, DisplayLink requires a software program driver. With out it, it can perform 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 need to use Synaptics’ official DisplayLink drivers. Most dock makers publish this info proper up entrance, however not all do. (Remember to reboot after putting in it.)
DisplayLink works completely effectively for e mail, Phrase, Excel, and something static, like an online web page. However it does have limitations: 10Gbps is a pleasant chunk of bandwidth. However pushing a ton of knowledge throughout it can trigger pictures to stutter and hitch. In follow, which means PC gaming on a DisplayLink dock is iffy: A slow-paced sport like Baldur’s Gate 3 must be positive, however a frantic shooter like Battlefield or Helldivers 2 most likely gained’t provide you with a very good expertise in any respect. Enjoying 4K video from Netflix or YouTube? It shouldn’t be an issue. Enjoying 4K video whereas copying information from a tough drive and downloading a file? All the things will work, albeit slowly.
The large benefit for me is that DisplayLink tends to be actually secure. Older Thunderbolt 3 {hardware} is usually a little glitchy when connecting to a number of shows. In my expertise, DisplayLink docks aren’t. That issues to some individuals.
DisplayLink (usually with a DisplayLink 4K emblem on it) may 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 needs to be able to rendering on 4 shows, and 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 go away it up and operating.
Mark Hachman / IDG
Can I get a bit nerdy for a second? Once you use a DisplayLink dock to connect 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 need to make: Current {hardware} is greatest. A typical DisplayLink docks works greatest 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 — you need to have a fairly supreme expertise.
To be truthful, Synaptics feels that you need to have the ability to 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, making certain optimum efficiency,” a Synaptics consultant says.
That’s a good objection. However I’m nonetheless extra comfy recommending extra trendy {hardware}, maybe as a result of I’m just a little gun-shy after utilizing different USB-C {hardware}.
Mark Hachman / IDG
How I check DisplayLink docking stations
I take advantage of 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 handbook: Does the dock want any drivers? (Sure it can.) Are there hyperlinks? What does the handbook say in regards to the dock’s capabilities, by way of energy and pace?
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 take advantage of a collection of laptops with varied generations of AMD and Intel {hardware}, and test to see if the expertise is identical 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 effectively the dock performs beneath load. I take advantage of a particular check laptop computer for this function for repeatable outcomes. I stream a 4K60 YouTube video utilizing the Ethernet port on the dock (if it has one) and notice 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 take heed to audio by the audio jack, to ensure it really works.
FAQ
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 presents an opportunity to develop your PC’s I/O capabilities, even with {hardware} that doesn’t help Thunderbolt. Should you aren’t comfy with this, be at liberty to return to the relative security of a both a generic USB-C dongle or a robust Thunderbolt dock: Each supply simplicity and a identified expertise.
How do I do know if my dock is a DisplayLink dock?
It ought to prominently function a DisplayLink emblem, which we embody a photograph of earlier within the story. Not at all times, although.
Searching for a DisplayLink dock is usually a bit complicated, too, because the time period “DisplayLink dock” isn’t actually in vogue. As a substitute, distributors will typically use “USB-C dock” as a substitute. Simply learn the documentation intently and search for the label.
How a lot ought to a DisplayLink docking station price?
DisplayLink was a less expensive various to Thunderbolt docks throughout the peak of the work-from-home years. Then, a Thunderbolt dock would price 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.
What number of gadgets 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 perhaps extra. Typically, DisplayLink is simply positive for connecting a number of gadgets concurrently. It’s after they’re all in use, transferring information, that the bus could get clogged and switch charges could decelerate.
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 secure, and supply the potential for extra shows. However when you’re a gamer, the reply is just not the identical. Players can buy a Thunderbolt dock as a substitute.
The sport adjustments, 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 connect with 4 4K shows at 144Hz refresh charges and supply improved charging. Once more, Synaptics is aggressive; its most up-to-date DL-7000 chip permits 4 4K shows to be linked at 120Hz.
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 have the ability to, 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.)
Is a DisplayLink docking station plug and play?
Not likely. You’ll want a driver from Synaptics or the dock maker to allow the dock’s full performance.
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 gained’t see this know-how marketed in any respect. Nevertheless, you can find 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. Should 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 function that laptop computer makers promote, both.
Are DisplayLink and DisplayPort the identical factor?
No, they’re not, although the names are confusingly comparable.
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 may also be routed over a USB-C connection encoded with DisplayLink, too.
Is a DisplayLink dock good for gaming?
Not particularly. It’s greatest for productiveness, which makes use of various home windows with static purposes. Any time you push gobs and gobs of knowledge over the DisplayLink bus, as you’ll with gaming, you danger the connection being saturated and your sport lowered to a stuttery mess.
You might be able to “sport” with a slow-paced sport or one which doesn’t use plenty of fast-paced movement or detailed graphics, however it’s dangerous. Purchase a Thunderbolt dock as a substitute.
