10 Best Docking Stations for Vostro 3520

As you consider upgrading your Vostro 3520 laptop's capabilities, you're likely wondering which docking station is the best fit for your needs. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to navigate the market. From compact designs to advanced connectivity features, each docking station has its unique strengths. You might be drawn to the Dell WD19S's power adapter or the CalDigit TS4's Thunderbolt 4 technology. But what about the other eight options that made the cut? Let's take a closer look at the top contenders and explore what sets them apart.

Key Takeaways

• When choosing a docking station for Vostro 3520, ensure compatibility with the laptop model and connected devices, and verify supported operating systems.
• Opt for a docking station with power delivery capabilities around 65W to 90W to efficiently charge your laptop and support fast charging protocols like USB PD.
• Consider a docking station that supports multiple display outputs like HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C, and verify the maximum resolution supported, such as 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz.
• Select a docking station with high-speed data transfer capabilities like USB-C ports and multiple high-speed USB ports for simultaneous connections, such as USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt connectivity.
• Look for a docking station with a comprehensive port selection, including USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and audio jacks, to support your connectivity needs.

Dell WD19S Docking Station with Power Adapter

If you're a Vostro 3520 user who needs a reliable and powerful docking station that can handle multiple monitors and charge your laptop simultaneously, the Dell WD19S Docking Station with Power Adapter is an excellent choice.

This docking station boasts a 130W power adapter and 90W power delivery, ensuring your laptop stays charged while you work.

You'll appreciate the three USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C ports, and two DisplayPort and one HDMI port for connecting multiple monitors.

The RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port provides a stable internet connection. With a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz, you'll enjoy crisp and clear visuals.

The included 130W power adapter and USB Type-C cable make setup a breeze.

Best For: Vostro 3520 users who need a reliable and powerful docking station that can handle multiple monitors and charge their laptop simultaneously.

Pros:

• Handles video from multiple monitors with no issues and provides plenty of power for the laptop
• Allows for a one-plug connection to the corporate Dell laptop and easily keeps the laptop charged
• Drives two external monitors with a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz

Cons:

• Some users may receive a faulty or open and returned dock
• Dell branded products are considered overpriced by some users
• No other drawbacks mentioned by customers

Anker 10-in-1 USB C Docking Station

With its ability to support up to 3 monitors and high-speed charging up to 100W, the Anker 10-in-1 USB C Docking Station is an ideal choice for users who need a reliable and efficient docking solution for their Vostro 3520 laptops.

You'll appreciate the multiple connectivity options, including dual HDMI and DisplayPort, which enable you to multitask with ease. The docking station also features fast file transfer with USB-C and USB-A ports, making it perfect for transferring large files quickly.

Additionally, the Anker 10-in-1 dock offers solid power delivery, allowing you to charge your laptop and phone simultaneously. With an 18-month warranty and customer service support, you can trust that you're getting a high-quality product that's backed by a reputable brand.

Best For: Professionals and users who need a reliable and efficient docking solution for their laptops, particularly those who require multiple monitor support and high-speed charging.

Pros:

• Supports up to 3 monitors for multitasking and features fast file transfer with USB-C and USB-A ports
• Offers high-speed charging up to 100W for laptops and 30W for phones, making it ideal for users who need to charge multiple devices simultaneously
• Backed by an 18-month warranty and customer service support from a reputable brand, ensuring a high-quality product that is reliable and efficient

Cons:

• Requires DisplayLink driver for independent display outputs on Macs, which may be an additional step for some users
• Some users have reported USB connection inconsistency and display resolution issues
• Has limitations for 2K and 4K monitor displays, which may not be suitable for users who require high-resolution output

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

You'll get unparalleled connectivity with the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock, boasting an impressive 18 ports, including 40Gb/s Thunderbolt 4, USB-A/C, and 2.5GbE, making it an ideal choice for those who need extreme flexibility and speed.

With this dock, you can power your laptop with 98W charging, while also connecting to single 8K or dual 6K 60Hz displays. You'll appreciate the 2.5 gigabit Ethernet port for fast networking.

While some users have reported the dock running warm and minor network connectivity issues, the overall feedback is positive, with easy setup and functionality.

Best For: Professionals and heavy users who require extreme flexibility, speed, and high-performance connectivity for their devices.

Pros:

• Offers unparalleled connectivity with 18 ports, including 40Gb/s Thunderbolt 4, USB-A/C, and 2.5GbE
• Provides powerful 98W charging and supports single 8K or dual 6K 60Hz displays
• Universally compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, and USB-C devices, including Apple M2, M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra, Intel-based Macs, Windows PCs, and Chrome OS devices

Cons:

• Some users have reported the dock running warm and minor network connectivity issues
• Requires firmware update for best compatibility
• Has a high-end price range

HP USB-C Dock G5 Adapter for Laptops & PCs

The HP USB-C Dock G5 Adapter stands out as a top choice for those seeking a universal docking solution, designed to support both HP and non-HP laptops with USB-C and Thunderbolt functionality.

You'll appreciate its compact design, which takes up minimal space (just 5 x 5 inches) and reduces clutter by eliminating the need for extra cords and wires.

With this adapter, you can enjoy easy single-cable setup and support for up to three displays. It also provides advanced network manageability features for secure and remote management, and firmware updates are pushed to your laptop for efficient updates.

As a bonus, it's backed by a strong 4.4-star customer review rating and a manufacturer-provided warranty.

Best For: Those who need a universal docking solution for their HP or non-HP laptops with USB-C and Thunderbolt functionality.

Pros:

• Compact design that takes up minimal space and reduces clutter
• Supports up to three displays and provides easy single-cable setup
• Advanced network manageability features for secure and remote management

Cons:

• No specific cons mentioned in the product description
• No information available on the warranty duration or specific terms
• May not be compatible with older laptops or devices without USB-C functionality

Microsoft Surface Dock 2

If you're a Microsoft Surface user seeking a seamless and powerful docking experience, the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 stands out as a top choice, offering compatibility and a range of features tailored to your device.

You'll appreciate the dock's wired connectivity technology, which supports up to six USB ports, including two USB-C ports with 10 Gbps speed and video display enabled. Additionally, you'll have access to a network RJ-45 port and a headphone/microphone combo port.

With a maximum power supply wattage of 199 W, you can power your devices with confidence. The dock's compact design and lightweight construction make it easy to take on the go, and its Kensington security slot provides an extra layer of protection.

Best For: Microsoft Surface users seeking a seamless and powerful docking experience.

Pros:

• Offers compatibility and a range of features tailored to Microsoft Surface devices
• Supports up to six USB ports, including two USB-C ports with 10 Gbps speed and video display enabled
• Compact design and lightweight construction make it easy to take on the go

Cons:

• Some users have reported difficulties with multiple monitors and sound output
• Screen dimming issue has been reported, with lack of helpful information online
• Some users have experienced issues with the first dock, and the new one is pricier

RVP+ 13-in-1 Docking Station for Laptops

What sets the RVP+ 13-in-1 Docking Station apart is its ability to support triple display with 4K HDMI and DisplayPort, making it an ideal choice for those who need to multitask across multiple screens.

With its fast and powerful 100W laptop charging, you can keep your device powered up while working on multiple projects. The docking station also features effortless data transfer with USB-C 3.1 and USB 3.0, ensuring you can move files quickly and efficiently.

Additionally, its stable Gigabit Ethernet provides a reliable wired Internet connection. You'll appreciate the compact and lightweight design, which measures 4.73 x 4.73 x 1.46 inches and weighs just 0.035 ounces.

With its excellent customer reviews and 4.3-star rating, this docking station is a great option for your Vostro 3520.

OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock

With 96W charging and support for up to 8K displays, the OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock is an ideal choice for professionals and creatives who need a reliable multi-connectivity solution for their Vostro 3520.

You'll appreciate the versatility of this dock, which features a range of ports including Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm Stereo Audio Input/Output.

The dock also supports up to 8K displays at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz, making it perfect for those who need high-resolution visuals.

With its compact design and 96W power delivery, you can connect multiple devices without worrying about running out of power.

Plus, it's compatible with M1/M2 Macs, PCs, and USB-C devices, making it a great option for those with diverse device ecosystems.

Best For: Professionals and creatives who need a reliable multi-connectivity solution for their devices.

Pros:

• Supports up to 8K displays at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz for high-resolution visuals
• Features a range of ports including Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm Stereo Audio Input/Output for versatile connectivity
• Compact design with 96W power delivery to connect multiple devices without running out of power

Cons:

• Some issues with fullscreen video playback on external monitor
• Placement of charging port may be inconvenient for some users
• No mention of specific warranty or support details

Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock with USB-A Adapter

This Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock with USB-A Adapter is an ideal choice for those seeking a dependable docking station that can support up to two 4K displays, making it ideal for professionals and multitaskers who need to connect multiple monitors and devices simultaneously.

With its 2 DisplayPort 1.2 ports, 2 HDMI ports, and 1 USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port, you'll have no trouble connecting all your devices. You'll also appreciate the 3 USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports and 2 USB 2.0 Type-A ports for added convenience.

Plus, the included USB Type-C cable with Type-A adapter assures compatibility with most Windows laptops. With a 4.5-star rating from 161 customers, this dock has proven itself to be a dependable and efficient solution for your docking needs.

Best For: Professionals and multitaskers who need to connect multiple monitors and devices simultaneously.

Pros:

• Supports up to two 4K displays, ideal for multitasking and professionals
• Includes a variety of ports, including DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A, for connecting multiple devices
• Has a 4.5-star rating from 161 customers, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction

Cons:

• Some customers have reported issues with the product's reliability, including monitor ports becoming non-functional after a short period of time
• Customer support can be difficult to communicate with, leading to frustration and wasted time
• Some customers have had to purchase additional power cords and docking stations to get the product to work properly

TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station for MacBook Pro/Air

You'll get the most out of the TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station if you're a MacBook Pro or Air user needing a powerful docking solution with 18 versatile ports to expand your laptop's capabilities.

This docking station is compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and full-featured USB-C laptops, and it supports multiple operating systems, including macOS, Windows, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Android. You'll need to install DisplayLink Drivers to get started.

With three HDMI and three DisplayPort ports, you can connect up to four 4K monitors at 60Hz, making it perfect for multitaskers and professionals.

The included 120W power adapter charges your laptop at up to 100W and your phone at 18W via the front USB-C port, reducing charging time and simplifying cable management.

Best For: MacBook Pro or Air users needing a powerful docking solution with multiple ports to expand their laptop's capabilities.

Pros:

• Offers 18 versatile ports for expanded laptop capabilities
• Supports multiple operating systems, including macOS, Windows, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Android
• Includes a powerful 120W power adapter for fast laptop and phone charging

Cons:

• Requires installation of DisplayLink Drivers for setup
• May require additional power for some laptops to support multiple monitors
• Limited to three monitors on macOS, with HDMI 3 and DP 3 unable to be used simultaneously

USB C Docking Station Dual Monitor for MacBook Pro

If you're a MacBook Pro user seeking a docking station that can support dual 4K monitors at 60Hz or 30Hz, this USB C docking station is an ideal choice.

It's designed to match your MacBook's Space Gray color and has a minimalist look that eliminates the need for multiple cables and adapters.

This compact dock offers 15-in-2 expansion, featuring two 4K HDMI ports, four USB 3.0 ports, one USB-C port, and more.

You'll enjoy super-speed data transmission, strong power delivery, and stable wired Ethernet. Plus, it's plug-and-play, with no drivers needed.

With its easy setup and intuitive operation, you can focus on getting work done.

Best For: MacBook Pro users who need a reliable and versatile docking station to support dual 4K monitors and multiple devices.

Pros:

• Supports dual 4K monitors at 60Hz or 30Hz with two HDMI ports
• Offers super-speed data transmission with four USB 3.0 ports and one USB-C port
• Provides strong power delivery with up to 87W charging for MacBook Pro/Air

Cons:

• May experience minor malfunctions after extended use (e.g., a year)
• Headphone jack requires manual selection in System Preferences
• No specific details on warranty or durability beyond customer reviews

Factors to Consider When Choosing Docking Stations for Vostro 3520

When choosing a docking station for your Vostro 3520, you'll want to take into account a few key factors to make sure you find the right one for your needs.

You'll need to think about how portable and compact you need the station to be, as well as which devices you'll be connecting to it.

From there, you can start weighing the importance of power delivery options, display and resolution capabilities, and data transfer speeds.

Portability and Size

Considering the dimensions and weight of a docking station is essential, as it directly impacts the overall portability of your Vostro 3520 setup. You'll want a compact design that complements the size of your laptop for easy transport and storage. A lightweight docking station is a must, as it won't weigh you down when carrying it with your laptop. Look for features like a slim profile and space-saving design to enhance portability without compromising functionality.

When choosing a docking station, you need to strike a balance between portability and the number of ports or connectivity options you need for your specific use case. If you're always on the go, a smaller and lighter docking station might be the way to go. However, if you need multiple ports for your peripherals, you might need to compromise on size and weight.

Ultimately, you should prioritize a docking station that meets your specific needs without adding unnecessary bulk to your Vostro 3520 setup.

Compatibility and Devices

Your Vostro 3520's seamless integration with a docking station hinges on compatibility, so it's crucial to confirm that the station is specifically designed for your laptop model. You don't want to end up with a docking station that can't connect to your laptop or other devices you need.

When selecting a docking station, check if it's compatible with your Vostro 3520 and the devices you plan to connect, such as monitors, keyboards, and peripherals. Make certain the docking station supports the required ports and connectivity options for your specific needs.

Furthermore, consider the operating systems supported by the docking station to guarantee smooth functionality with your devices. You wouldn't want to discover that the docking station only works with Windows but not with your macOS.

Power Delivery Options

Power delivery options play a crucial role in maintaining your Vostro 3520 laptop stays charged and powered throughout the day. When selecting a docking station, you'll want to take into account its power delivery capabilities to make sure it can support your laptop's charging needs.

Look for docking stations with Power Delivery (PD) capabilities that meet or exceed the power requirements of your Vostro 3520, typically around 65W to 90W.

You'll also want to check if the docking station offers multiple power output options to accommodate various devices, including laptops, smartphones, and other peripherals. Make sure it supports fast charging protocols like USB Power Delivery (USB PD) for efficient and quick charging of your devices.

Additionally, assess the power rating and compatibility of the docking station's power adapter to guarantee it meets the power demands of your Vostro 3520 and any additional devices you plan to connect.

Display and Resolution

When it comes to selecting a docking station for your Vostro 3520, clarity and precision matter, and that's why you need to examine the display and resolution capabilities to guarantee a smooth visual experience.

You should consider the maximum resolution supported by the docking station to make sure it's compatible with your monitors, whether you're using 4K @ 60Hz or 8K displays. Look for docking stations that offer multiple display outputs like HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C, which will allow you to set up dual or triple monitor configurations.

Additionally, check if the docking station supports extended displays for multitasking or mirrored displays for presentations. Don't forget to verify if the docking station requires specific drivers or software for optimal display performance on different operating systems.

Data Transfer Speeds

As you've secured a seamless visual experience with the right display and resolution, now it's time to ponder the data transfer speeds of your docking station to guarantee efficient file transfers and top performance.

You'll want to ponder the data transfer speeds offered by the docking station, such as USB 3.0, USB 3.1, or Thunderbolt connectivity. Look for docking stations with high-speed data transfer capabilities, like USB-C ports with speeds up to 10 Gbps, for quick access to external drives or peripherals.

USB 3.0 ports provide data transfer rates of up to 5 Gbps, ideal for connecting to external hard drives, SSDs, or flash drives for seamless data transfer. If you need even faster speeds, Thunderbolt docking stations offer data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps, making them suitable for high-bandwidth tasks like video editing or data backup.

To ponder you can connect multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing data transfer speeds, choose a docking station with multiple high-speed USB ports. By pondering these factors, you can guarantee your docking station meets your data transfer needs and provides top performance.

Connectivity and Ports

With a range of devices to connect, you'll want to think about the docking station's port selection, which should include a mix of USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and audio jacks to guarantee smooth compatibility with your peripherals.

Consider the number and types of ports available to guarantee your devices can connect without any hassle.

If you need multiple monitors for increased productivity, look for docking stations that support dual or triple display setups.

Fast data transfer speeds, like USB 3.0 or higher, are also essential for smooth connectivity with external devices.

Additionally, check if the docking station offers power delivery (PD) capabilities to efficiently charge your laptop or devices while connected.

Finally, make sure the docking station is compatible with your Vostro 3520 laptop, guaranteeing it's designed to work seamlessly with your specific model.

Noise and Heat Emission

You'll want to pick a docking station that won't disrupt your focus with excessive noise or put your laptop at risk of overheating. A noisy docking station can be distracting and affect your productiv