Finding the right connections for your setup can be a daunting task. And it’s made even more difficult by the confusing and esoteric nature of USB terminology. Check out our guide to the best USB hubs for help interpreting USB terminology. In short, here are the basics to remember:
Check the port speed and don’t rely on the version number. For many confusing reasons, ports labeled USB 3.0, 3.1, and 3.2 may all be the same speed. or Speeds vary widely, which is why docking station manufacturers have recently started opting to simply tag the speed (usually something like “5 Gbps”) directly onto individual ports – use those ports for transferring large amounts of data, and use slower ports for keyboards, mice, etc.
Thunderbolt is ideal for ultra-fast data transfers and high-resolution displays. Thunderbolt is like a supercharged version of USB, and it also uses a USB-C port, but the Thunderbolt port can transfer a lot more data, which makes it perfect for moving uncompressed video files, 4K (or even 8K) displays, and lower-resolution monitors with super high refresh rates.
Keep in mind your power needs. Most laptop docking stations have some sort of power connector and USB Power Delivery (or USB-PD) that can send power to your laptop. This is sometimes called “pass-through charging.” Most devices you connect will also need their own power source, especially if you’re connecting a monitor or charging a phone or tablet. If you plan on connecting a lot of power-hungry devices, make sure your docking station can handle your power needs.
