Best Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 docks and docking stations Windows Central 2021
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 money can buy.
- Best overall: Dell D3100 Docking Station
- Elite pick: CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station with USB-C to HDMI 2.0b
- Slimmed-down style: Plugable Horizontal Docking Station
- Bulkier build: Wavlink Horizontal Laptop Docking Station
- Compact excellence: StarTech Mini Dock
- Tall and small: Plugable Vertical Laptop Dock
- Best miniature: j5create USB 3.0 Ultra Station JUD500
Best overall: Dell D3100 Docking Station
Staff pickDell's D3100 dock offers support for a 4K display and two HD displays simultaneously. It also has two USB 2.0 ports and three USB 3.0 ones, making it our favorite choice.
Elite pick: CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station with USB-C to HDMI 2.0b
This dock is an absolute monster, featuring 15 total ports (including seven USB 3.1 ports!), support for dual 4K displays, and powerful 85W charging for your Dell XPS 13 2-in-1.
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.
Bulkier build: Wavlink Horizontal Laptop Docking Station
Wavlink's solution offers the same functionality as Plugable's horizontal dock, but it's a bit on the bulkier side and has a boxier design. This design does mean that it will stand up to drops and bangs better if that's a concern. It's a bit pricier, too, though.
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.
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 CalDigit TS3 Plus. The combination of 15 different ports (including seven USB 3.1s) 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.
For more awesome options, check out our roundup of the best laptop docking stations as well as the best Thunderbolt 3 docks.
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