With the rise of USB-C as the new standard for connecting and powering devices, USB-C docking stations have become an essential accessory for many laptop users. By allowing you to connect multiple peripherals like monitors, storage drives, and more through a single cable, a good docking station can instantly transform your laptop into a full-fledged workstation. And if you have a powerhouse machine like the Alienware m15 r7, you‘ll definitely want to take full advantage of its capabilities with the right dock.
As a laptop expert and Alienware enthusiast, I‘ve tested all the top docking stations to find the best of the best for the m15 r7 and similar laptops. Whether you‘re looking to connect multiple high-res displays, maximize your USB ports, or just cut down on cable clutter, these are the docks that deliver the performance, power, and portability you need. I‘ll share my hands-on experience as well as the key specs and features to help you find the perfect USB-C companion for your battlestation.
The 10 Best USB-C Docking Stations
1. Alienware Graphics Amplifier
While not a traditional docking station, the Alienware Graphics Amplifier deserves a spot at the top of this list for any m15 r7 owner looking to take their visuals to the next level. This innovative device houses a full desktop GPU to give your laptop a massive boost in graphics power. It connects via a dedicated port on the back of the laptop and also offers 4 USB 3.0 ports to connect your peripherals. If your main priority is gaming performance, the Graphics Amplifier is a uniquely powerful option.
2. CalDigit TS3 Plus
For a more conventional docking station, the CalDigit TS3 Plus is an excellent choice, with a whopping 15 ports including two Thunderbolt 3 ports, DisplayPort, five USB-A ports, Ethernet, and full 87W charging for the laptop. It can handle dual 4K displays at 60Hz or a single 5K display. I love the sleek space gray design as well. It‘s pricey at around $300, but if you want the ultimate connectivity for your Alienware, it doesn‘t get much better than this.
3. Plugable USB-C Triple Display Dock
Another strong contender for power users is this Plugable dock, which stands out for its ability to connect three displays simultaneously via HDMI and DisplayPort. The Plugable is also a great value, typically priced around $200. In addition to the display ports, it gives you five USB 3.0 ports, Ethernet, and audio. 60W charging is solid if not quite as high as the CalDigit. This is ideal if multiple monitors are a must-have for your mobile command center.
4. Dell WD19
Dell‘s own WD19 dock is a reliable choice that‘s fully compatible with the Alienware m15 r7 and provides up to 130W of power delivery to keep your laptop juiced up. It supports one 5K display or two 4K displays at 60Hz, and provides a solid array of ports including USB-A, USB-C, Ethernet, and audio combo jack. The WD19 is well-built and relatively compact considering its capabilities. At around $250 it‘s not cheap, but you can trust it to work perfectly with your Alienware.
5. Kensington SD5600T
Kensington is a well-known brand for laptop docks and the SD5600T is one of their best, with 100W charging, 4K triple display support via HDMI and DisplayPort, six USB ports, an SD card reader, and Ethernet. This is the dock I currently use and it has been rock-solid. The vertical design saves space on the desk and it just looks slick next to the m15. It‘s very full-featured and a bit less expensive than some of the other flagship docks at around $220.
6. HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2
Another strong premium option, this HP dock has the highest power delivery on our list at 120W, plus all the USB ports you could want, Ethernet, combo audio, and support for dual displays up to 4K 60Hz. It feels very well constructed and has an understated yet modern look. The Thunderbolt and USB-C ports offer some future-proofing as well. It‘s expensive at $300+ but a top choice if you demand the best.
7. Anker PowerExpand Elite Docking Station
If you like your tech to look as good as it performs, the Anker PowerExpand Elite will definitely catch your eye. The sleek column design features 13 ports including Thunderbolt 3, 2 HDMI, multiple USB ports, Ethernet, and an audio jack. 85W charging will keep your m15 powered up and it can handle dual 4K displays. It‘s a strong value at under $250.
8. Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro
Belkin is another trusted name in docking stations and their Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro is a beast, supporting dual 4K displays at 60Hz, 85W charging, 40Gb/s data transfer speeds, SD card readers, Ethernet, and all the USB ports you‘d expect. The metal construction feels premium and durable. It‘s on the high end of the price spectrum at around $330, but the performance is top notch.
9. Targus Universal DV4K Docking Station
If you‘re looking for a great USB-C dock for your Alienware without breaking the bank, the Targus Universal DV4K is an excellent mid-range option. You still get dual 4K display support, 100W charging, Gigabit Ethernet, an audio jack, and a variety of USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, all for around $150. The plastic build is not as premium as some others but performance is very solid for the price.
10. Plugable USB-C Mini Docking Station
Finally, if portability is a priority, check out this mini dock from Plugable. While it won‘t give you the full range of ports and features of the bigger docks, it still supports dual 4K displays via HDMI and DisplayPort, 85W pass-through charging, Gigabit Ethernet, and a few USB ports in an impressively compact package, perfect for taking your Alienware on the go. The best part? It‘s very affordable at under $100.
How to choose the best USB-C dock for your m15 r7
With so many great options out there, you might be wondering how to narrow it down. While the right dock for you depends on your specific needs and budget, here are the key things I recommend considering:
1. Port selection
How many displays do you plan to connect and at what resolution/refresh rate? How many USB ports and what types (USB-A, USB-C, Thunderbolt) do you need for your peripherals? Do you need an SD card slot, Ethernet port, or audio jack? Make sure the dock has all the essential ports to support your desired setup.
2. Power delivery
A key benefit of USB-C docks is the ability to charge your laptop while it‘s connected. The Alienware m15 r7 can draw a lot of power, so I recommend looking for docks with at least 85W power delivery, and preferably 100W or more if you plan to use it while gaming or running intensive tasks.
3. Size and portability
Consider where you‘ll be using the dock and how much space you have. Some options like the Plugable Mini Dock are impressively portable, while others like the Alienware Graphics Amplifier are meant to be more of a permanent desktop fixture. There are also various sizes in between, so think about your ideal desk setup.
4. Price
USB-C docking stations range significantly in price from under $100 to over $300. Generally, you‘ll pay more for premium construction, more ports, higher power delivery, and advanced features like Thunderbolt support. Determine your budget and look for the dock that best balances your must-have features with the price you‘re comfortable with.
The benefits of using a USB-C dock with your Alienware laptop
After testing numerous docks with the m15 r7, I can confidently say that a good docking station is a game-changer. Being able to connect all my peripherals and displays with a single cable makes it so quick and easy to switch between a portable and desktop setup. With the right dock, I never feel like I‘m sacrificing performance or connectivity for the sake of portability.
I love being able to use my laptop as the brains of a full battlestation, taking advantage of the excellent performance and display output of the m15 while still having a minimalist, clutter-free desk setup thanks to the dock. And with the high power delivery of the top docks, I don‘t have to worry about my laptop dying during an intense gaming session or video editing crunch.
The other big benefit is future-proofing. While the m15 r7 has a good selection of built-in ports, a dock with Thunderbolt and next-gen USB support helps ensure you‘ll be able to take advantage of the latest high-speed peripherals and displays for years to come. In my opinion, it‘s absolutely worth investing in a quality dock to get the most out of a premium laptop like the Alienware m15.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use any USB-C dock with the Alienware m15 r7?
In most cases, yes. The m15 has a standard USB-C port that should work with virtually any USB-C docking station. However, for the best performance and compatibility, I recommend sticking with docks from major brands like Dell, Plugable, CalDigit, etc. and avoiding off-brand options.
Is a Thunderbolt dock worth it?
It depends on your needs. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 offer some benefits like faster data speeds (up to 40Gbps) and the ability to connect high-resolution displays at higher refresh rates. But Thunderbolt docks also tend to be more expensive. If you don‘t have any Thunderbolt peripherals and don‘t need bleeding-edge transfer speeds, a good USB-C 3.2 dock should be plenty for most users.
How much power delivery do I need?
For the Alienware m15, I recommend a dock with at least 85W power delivery, and ideally 100W or more if you plan to use it for gaming or other demanding workloads. This will ensure the laptop stays charged even when pushed to its limits.
Are there any docks designed specifically for the Alienware m15?
The Alienware Graphics Amplifier is designed to work with Alienware laptops like the m15, but it‘s more of a specialized device for boosting GPU performance than a traditional docking station. Dell also makes several universal docks that are guaranteed to work perfectly with Alienware laptops, like the WD19. But in general, any reputable USB-C dock should work fine with the m15.
Conclusion
A USB-C docking station is easily one of the best accessories you can get for your Alienware m15 r7 or similar gaming laptop. It allows you to take full advantage of your laptop‘s capabilities while keeping your setup clean, organized, and flexible. Whether you want to connect multiple high-res displays, add a ton of USB ports, or turn your m15 into a desktop powerhouse, there‘s a dock out there that will meet your needs and budget.
After extensive hands-on testing, the CalDigit TS3 Plus and Plugable USB-C Triple Display Dock stand out as two of the strongest options. But for m15 owners, all of the docks on this list will deliver great performance and expanded connectivity.
My biggest tip: don‘t skimp on your docking station. You‘ve already invested in a top-of-the-line laptop, so it‘s worth getting a dock that will do it justice. Trust me, once you experience the convenience and performance of a good USB-C dock, you won‘t want to go back to a dongle life.
