The best Type-C USB docking stations to up your connection count

For the best balance of features and specs, we suggest this Anker Hub. It's affordable yet still high-quality, with each connection being reliably effective. While five ports might not seem like a lot, it has the standard set you would expect while remaining compact. This Anker USB Hub sports a brilliant transfer rate despite its smaller size.

If we were to have anyone complain about this docking station, it would be that it's not the best for long-session use. After a while, it tends to heat up, especially if each connection is being used at once. However, stick to small tasks, and this one is a fantastic pick.

One of the best uses for a USB-C docking station is transferring files, and if that's your priority, consider the Anker 555 Docking Hub. It can reach a data transfer rate of 10 gigabytes per second, which is staggeringly fast. Even the biggest files and programs can be moved between devices in a few seconds.

It has eight ports, including a handy HDMI connection and compatibility with SD and microSD cards. While the Ethernet port is a bit niche for a docking station, it never hurts to have one (as we've discussed in our guide to wired vs Wi-Fi internet connections).

With 14 ports, this Anker Triple Display USB-C Hub is the king of capacity. If your desk space has multiple monitors and devices, you can keep everything neat, tidy, and, most importantly, connected. Plus, even with everything in use at once, it retains a solid performance level.

Still, it's not without fault. While the main cable is USB-C, the body only has one USB-C connection for transferring files. In a lot of cases, you'll have to rely on the USB-A ports.

The Belkin USB-C 4-in-1 Multiport Adapter is a great jack-of-all-trades you can rely on. It's easy to use right out of the box and small enough to be portable, so it's a good travel option. The connections are all very stable, so even though there are only four, you can count on each to perform to its best.

Similar to the Anker 14-in-1, this docking station falls short for USB-C file transferring, except this time it's worse. This model only has a USB-C connection for power delivery, meaning it cannot completely transfer files through Type-C. Once again, you'll need to use USB-A here.

Macs often feel limited in their connection options, but luckily, the Belkin 6-in-1 USB Type C Hub is a great companion that can fix that. Stick this around the back of the Mac, and you've got access to the core connections you'd want to see, with the USB-C connection reaching that lovely 10 Gbps transfer rate.

It has no charging ability, which limits its uses outside of pairing with a Mac or similar device. Even so, it's a fantastic tool when used in the right situation.

Despite the many uses and benefits of Type-C connections, they can often seem rare or at least uncommon to see, so if you're tired of that, the Belkin CONNECT can turn one into four. No longer will you have to juggle which device gets the privilege of the USB-C port; they can all enjoy the 10 Gbps transfer rate.

Of course, what you see is what you get with this docking station. It has no other ports, just USB-C. It's not a versatile design, but it is highly efficient at what it does best.

The Belkin USB-C 11-in-1 isn't just a great docking station; this design doubles as a laptop stand. You can keep all your cables in one area instead of sprawled across a desk. Raising a laptop like this usually assists its ventilation system in keeping it cool, so it's a great tool to have on a hot day.

As you can expect from an 11-in-1 docking station, there's a solid variety of ports available. That said, we do feel that the video connections could be a bit more consistent and reliable as the rest of the ports.

For those just after something simple and affordable, go for the Amazon Basics USB Hub. Compact, effective, and budget-friendly, it's the tool you'll be glad to have. A surprisingly great feature is its cable length, which doesn't feel restrictive whatsoever, unlike some other docking stations.

As can be seen from its image, the port variety here isn't stellar. Three USB-A connections and an Ethernet port will suit plenty of situations, but not as many as other docking stations are capable of.

We've mentioned a few times in favour now of docking stations that are compact and portable, but we think the Lexar H31 is best when it comes to travel. It's got a great set of ports for its size, and the HDMI is especially reliable. We're quite impressed by the transfer rates for the SD and micro SD connections, so if you use those in your travels, consider this model.

Outside of its niche, the Lexar H31 struggles to stand out. There are better options for transfer rate, better options for port variety, and better options for value. It's a great travel tool but maybe prioritise other docking stations first.

One last Anker docking station, and this time it's the 552. Let's note the negative first this time; while a 9-in-1 design isn't the largest on this list, it does take up a fair bit of desk space, so you'll need to take that into account. Still, the pros outweigh the cons here.

The 552 is a powerhouse for charging devices, and you're able to use most of the ports at once without seeing a dip in the output. Most impressively, it's able to do so without heating up too much, so you won't need to fret over it. A great pick for a hub you can use for long sessions.