In this post I will review what I believe are the 5 best docking stations for Lenovo laptops.
I will discuss the main features that are important when selecting a suitable docking station. These features include how many external monitors the dock supports, data transfer rates, number and type of USB ports and the laptop docking interface connectivity (i.e single cable USB-A, USB-C etc.)
In this review I have purposefully selected all Lenovo products for reasons of longer term compatibility and reliability. Your needs are likely unique to your preferred setup. Therefore this list includes docking stations that have different intended uses based on their technology, physical size and price point. I’ve provided my opinion for what docks are best for what situation.
Below is the list my 5 best docking stations for Lenovo laptops:
Table of Contents
- Best Docking Stations for Lenovo Laptops Comparison Table
- Thinkpad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock Review
- ThinkPad USB-C Gen2 Dock Review
- ThinkPad ThunderBolt 3 Gen2 Dock Review
- ThinkPad Ultra Docking Station Review
- Lenovo USB-C Mini Dock Review
- Final Thoughts – Best docking stations for lenovo laptops
Best Docking Stations for Lenovo Laptops Comparison Table
Thinkpad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock Review
The Hybrid USB-C with USB-A dock is Lenovo’s answer to bridging past technology with present technologies. The dock support laptops that offer both USB-A and USB-C docking compatibility.
The Dock also supports the ThinkPad Rapid Charge feature and is compatible with most Lenovo laptops. It’s versatile performance and UHD 4K compatibility make this dock one of the Best Docking Stations for Lenovo Laptops.
- Supported External Monitors: 2
- Refresh Rate: 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz via Display Port; 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz via HDMI
- Ports: Three USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, one USB-C port, Gigabit Ethernet, two Display ports, two HDMI ports, one stereo-microphone port
- Docking Interface Connectivity: USB-A or USB-C (Adaptor)
- Data Transfer: 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen2 ports and USB-C)
- Warranty: 3 Years
Main Features
The main feature of the Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock is the USB-A to USB-C adaptor for either USB-A or USB-C docking options.
A standout feature of the ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock is the ThinkPad Rapid Charge support. Basically, Lenovo launched the RapidCharge technology several years ago, and it’s still considered as one of their most groundbreaking features to this day.
Instead of relying on high voltage, RapidCharge utilizes high currents to substantially increase the charge rate of batteries supplied to Lenovo laptops.
Additionally, it rocks three USB 3.1 slots that makes it perfect for rapid data transfer tasks.
Ports
The Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock sports three USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and a single USB-C port.
The dock also offers two display ports and two HDMI ports.
Dock Ports: 3 x USB 3.1 Gen2 ports (one on opposite side of dock), 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x USB-C port (opposite side of dock), Gigabit Ethernet, 2 x Display ports, 2 x HDMI ports, 1 x stereo-microphone port (opposite side of dock).
Docking Interface Connectivity
The main feature of the Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock is the USB-A to USB-C adaptor for either USB-A or USB-C single cable docking options.
USB-A to USB-C adaptor
Intended Use
If you have a mix of old and new laptop devices that support both USB-A and USB-C docking connectivity support. Then the Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock is a perfect solution. This dock features a USB-A to USB-C adaptor that supports either connection options.
The dock also offers excellent performance in a variety of situations; it’s offers fast data transfer at 10 Gbps and offers super fast charging which is perfect for user environments that require the flexibility to go mobile often.
The dock only supports 2 external monitors so this may limit its use for some productivity applications.
Pricing
The Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock is a mid range dock. Most of the docks included on this list come in a similar price point. For an up to date pricing on the Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock click the link.
Pros and Cons
| Pros |
- Supports USB-A and USB-C laptop docking connections
- Supports Rapid Charge technology
- affordably priced
| Cons |
- Supports only two external monitors
ThinkPad USB-C Gen2 Dock Review
Lenovo’s ThinkPad USB-C Gen2 Dock is a great value basic docking solution for USB-C compatible laptops. It’s supplied with five USB ports (three 3.1 and two 2.0), good refresh rates, and can support three external monitors simultaneously.
- Supported External Monitors: 3 (2 x 4k or 3 x 1080p)
- Refresh Rate: 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz
- Ports: Three USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, one USB-C port, One HDMI port, two Display ports, Gigabit Ethernet, Stereo/Microphone Combo
- Docking Interface Connectivity: USB-C
- Data Transfer: 10Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen2 ports and USB-C)
- Warranty: 3 Years
Main Features
The ThinkPad USB-C Gen2 Dock supports USB-C docking connectivity only and supports 3 external monitors (2 x 4k or 3 x 1080p).
Ports
This docking station is outfitted with three USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, a single USB-C port, and two USB 2.0 ports.
The ThinkPad USB-C Gen2 Dock includes a single HDMI port and two display ports.
Docking Interface Connectivity
The ThinkPad USB-C Dock Gen 2 is designed for USB-C single cable connectivity docking only.
Dock Ports: 3 x USB 3.1 Gen2 ports (one on opposite side of dock), 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x USB-C port (opposite side of dock), 1 x HDMI port, 2 x Display ports, Gigabit Ethernet, Stereo/Microphone Combo (opposite side of dock).
Intended Use
The dock is intended for USB-C docking only – A fast single cable docking solution. The dock is perfect for rapid data transfer and includes triple monitor support perfect for productivity applications.
Pricing
The ThinkPad USB-C Dock Gen 2 is one of the best value options on this list. If you require a high performance dock that does require USB-A docking connectivity. This dock is a great option. For an up to date pricing on the ThinkPad USB-C Dock Gen 2 click the link.
Pros and Cons
| Pros |
- Great Value
- Space-saver design
- 3 monitor support (2 x 4k or 3 x 1080p)
- 10Gbps data transfer
| Cons |
- Fewer monitor connection options
ThinkPad ThunderBolt 3 Gen2 Dock Review
The ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Gen2 is a top-shelf high-end Lenovo docking station that offers remarkable performance, a diverse selection of USB ports, super fast data transfer speeds, 5K compatibility, and rapid charging ability. It’s undoubtedly one of the Best Docking Stations for Lenovo Laptops.
- Supported External Monitors: 3 x 4k Monitors
- Refresh Rate: 4K at 60 Hz
- Ports: One USB-C port, five USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, one Thunderbolt3 port, One HDMI port, two Display ports, Gigabit Ethernet, Stereo/Microphone Combo
- Docking Interface Connectivity: USB-C
- Data Transfer: 40 Gbps (Thunderbolt3 port)
- Warranty: 3 Years
Main Features
The standout feature of this Lenovo docking station is the Thunderbolt3 Port. It’s the only dock out of the five on the list that is equipped with this feature.
In a nutshell, the Thunderbolt port offers ridiculously fast transfer speeds, that are substantially faster than top USB-C type connections (4x faster).
The ThinkPad ThunderBolt 3 Gen2 Dock also allows triple 4K monitor support.
Ports
The docking station is equipped with a single USB-C port, five USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, and one Thunderbolt 3 port.
The dock includes dual HDMI and dual Display ports.
Dock Ports; 1 x USB-C port, 5 x USB 3.1 gen2 ports (one on opposite side of dock), 1 x Thunderbolt3 port (opposite side of dock), 2 x HDMI ports, 2 x Display ports, Gigabit Ethernet, Stereo/Microphone Combo (opposite side of dock).
Docking Interface Connectivity
The ThinkPad ThunderBolt 3 Gen2 Dock is designed for USB-C/Thunderbolt single cable docking only.
Intended Use
The ThinkPad ThunderBolt 3 Gen2 Dock is build for productivity. If you need a super fast and reliable docking station then the ThinkPad ThunderBolt 3 Gen2 Dock is the docking station for you.
The Thunderbolt port provides super fast data transfer and the 3 x 4K-monitor support makes this dock ideal for video editing, multi-tasking, gaming, day trading, and pretty much anything that requires high performance computing power.
Pricing
The ThinkPad ThunderBolt 3 Gen2 is packed with features and with this comes a higher price. This dock is definitely one of the pricier docks on the list but considering the superior performance it packs a lot of bang for the buck. For an up to date pricing on the ThinkPad ThunderBolt 3 Gen2 click the link.
Pros and Cons
| Pros |
- Super fast data transfer
- 3 x 4k Monitor support
- Only Lenovo docking station with Thunderbolt 3 connection
| Cons |
- More expensive option
ThinkPad Ultra Docking Station Review
The ThinkPad Ultra Docking Station a first glance is immediately appears unique from the other docks on this list. The ThinkPad Ultra Dock is a mechanical dock. Your laptop snaps to the dock which can then be key locked into place for added security. The laptop connects to the dock via two connections: A USB-C and Ethernet side connectors.
The dock features 5k UHD support, triple 4k monitor support, outstanding refresh rates, easy connectivity, and sports six USB ports. This dock is designed exclusively for ThinkPad notepads. The major benefit of this dock is it offers a driver free way to conveniently connect devices.
- Supported External Monitors: 3 x 4k external Monitors
- Refresh Rate: 4096 x 2160 at 60 Hz via Display port; 4096 x 2160 at 60 Hz via HDMI; 2048 x 1536 at 85 Hz via VGA
- Ports: Four USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, two USB-C Ports, One HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet connection, two Display Ports, VGA port, Stereo combo port
- Docking Interface Connectivity: Side connector USB-C and Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Data Transfer: 10 Gbps
- Warranty: 3 Years
Main Features
The ThinkPad Ultra Docking Station is ideal as convenient driver free docking solution.
The unique design offers a dock side mechanical key locking solution for workstation security. Perfect for a shared office environment.
The Ultra Dock supports ThinkPad’s Rapid Charge technology.
The ThinkPad Ultra Docking Station also allows triple 4K monitor support.
Ports
The Thinkpad Ultra dock includes Four USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, two USB-C Ports, One HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet connection, two Display Ports, VGA port, Stereo combo port.
Docking Interface Connectivity
This docks connectivity solution is similar to older style docking stations. Laptops snap on to the docking station body. The laptop connection is made to the dock via a USB-C port and a Gigabit Ethernet port. The laptop can be mechanically key locked to the dock.
Intended Use
This dock has many of the features offered by the ThinkPad ThunderBolt 3 Gen2 Dock without the lightning fast transfer rates. The differentiating feature of this dock is the dual laptop connection via USB-C and Gigabit Ethernet port. The benefit of this is the ability to connect laptops to any connected dock device driver free.
The best application of this dock is for enterprise scale use. Mostly large scale business environments that require the flexibility for different laptops to integrate with various workstations without the need to install device drivers every time.
However if you are a personal user you may find value in the ability to mechanically lock the laptop to the dock. I personally like to docking station mount and secure snap connection to the dock. Its also a nice space saving design with the dock sitting below the laptop when in use.
Pricing
This dock is priced similar to the ThinkPad ThunderBolt 3 Gen2. If you prefer the driver free connection and mechanically key lock security feature over the faster transfer rates. This dock is definitely a well priced option. For an up to date pricing on the ThinkPad Ultra Docking Station click the link.
Pros and Cons
| Pros |
- Supports 3 x 4k monitors
- Driver free connectivity
- Mechanical lock with optional master-key lock
- 10 Gbps transfer rates
- Space-saver design
| Cons |
- Only compatible with Lenovo notebooks
Lenovo USB-C Mini Dock Review
Lenovo’s USB-C Mini Dock is the smallest, cheapest, and most mobile docking station for general use.
- Supported External Monitors: Single 4k external Monitors
- Refresh Rate: 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz
- Ports: One USB-C 3.1 Gen1 Port, one USB-A Gen1 port, one USB 2.0 port, One VGA port, one HDMI port, Headphone-Microphone Jack, Gigabit Ethernet.
- Docking Interface Connectivity: USB-C single connection
- Data Transfer: 5 Gbps
- Warranty: 1 Year
Main Features
The Lenovo USB-C Mini dock as the name suggests is a compact docking station option. Given this its specifications are paired down to a handful of features. The docks main features include support for a single 4K resolution external monitor via VGA or HDMI, single cable USB-C connectivity, USB-A port, USB 2.0, USB-C port and compatibility with most Lenovo notebooks and laptops.
Ports
The Lenovo USB-C Mini Dock includes a single USB-C 3.1 Gen1 port, a single USB-A 3.1 Gen1 port, and a single USB 2.0 port.
This dock includes a VGA port, a HDMI port, and a headphone-microphone jack.
Dock Ports: 1 x USB-C 3.1 Gen1 Port, 1 x USB-A Gen1 port, 1 x USB 2.0 port, 1 x VGA port, 1 x HDMI port, Headphone-Microphone Jack, Gigabit Ethernet.
Docking Interface Connectivity
The Lenovo USB-C Mini Dock is designed for USB-C docking only via a single cable.
Intended Use
The Lenovo USB-C mini dock is intended for general purpose mobile use. Its perfect for setting up a portable workstation. It provides a tidy clutter free and easy to setup computer setup. What I personally would have liked to see is the ability to support more than a single monitor. But for a mobile solution its otherwise an excellent dock.
Its also a great option for someone wanting a very affordable basic laptop docking solution.
Pricing
This is a great value for money product. If you are only looking for a basic docking station and you don’t require super fast transfer rates and happy with a single external monitor. This a great option. For an up to date pricing on the Lenovo’s USB-C Mini Dock click the link.
Pros and Cons
| Pros |
- Compact and mobile
- Excellent basic dock solution
- Great price
| Cons |
- Only supports a single monitor
- Slower data transfer rates
- Only 1 year warranty
Final Thoughts – Best docking stations for lenovo laptops
In this post I have outlined what I think are the 5 best docking stations for Lenovo laptops.
I have purposefully selected all Lenovo products for reasons of longer term compatibility.
Your docking needs are likely specific to your own needs. This list of 5 best docking stations for Lenovo laptops attempts to encompass a range of use cases and specification requirements. For this reason its difficult to select a single best option.
If you are looking for a high performance docking station that is fast, has multiple ports and supports multiple 4k monitors. Then the ThinkPad ThunderBolt 3 Gen2 Dock is hard to go past.
If the ThunderBolt 3 Gen2 Dock is over kill for your needs and prefer a more affordable option. Consider the ThinkPad USB-C Gen2 Dock as a great al-round performer. If mobility or budget is a significant priority then the Lenovo mini USB-C dock is a great option. If you need both USB-A and USB-C laptop connectivity compatibility then the Thinkpad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock is the dock to go for. Finally if you require multiple laptops to have connectivity to various USB devices then consider the ThinkPad Ultra Docking Station.
