Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
MSI ranks highly in both the gaming and professional spaces thanks to their exceptional flagship laptops.
Whether you are looking for a laptop for gaming or one for work, MSI laptops promise to deliver the ultimate performance beyond your expectations.
But as much as MSI laptops are great, they are somewhat limited (as any other laptop) when it comes to connecting to peripheral devices.
This can reduce your productivity levels, and that’s why you need a docking station for your MSI laptop. Docking stations allow you to convert your laptop into a stationary workstation.
In this post, we present to you the top 3 best docking stations for MSI laptops. Keep reading to find out more!
Does MSI have a docking station?
Yes. MSI has an excellent selection of docking stations for the core flagship laptops. This is part of the reason why the brand has grown in leaps and bounds to become one of the leading laptop manufacturers in the world.
MSI docking stations are exquisite, incredibly versatile and highly portable. They boast of high-speed connectivity and they come with multiple USB, HDMI, Upstream and Display ports that allow you to connect all your peripherals and devices seamlessly.
The simple and compact design of these docking stations ensures that you can connect your cables effortless without creating clutter for a neat workspace.
The fact that these docking stations are portable means you can use them anywhere without much fuss.
Do docking stations work with all laptops?
Docking stations work with all laptops but some of them are brand-specific. If you want a docking station that can work with any laptop brand, you should opt for a universal model. This is particularly beneficial if you and your colleagues have different branded laptops.
To enhance compatibility, modern universal docking stations come equipped with multiple USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports.
They also have several other ports designed for connecting to other devices like monitors, speakers, keyboards, printers and external hard drives.
What to look for when buying a docking station?
Buying a docking station for your MSI laptop does not have to be hard as long as you know what to look for.
First, you need to know your laptop model since some docking stations are only compatible with specific brands. You also have to decide the type of docking station you want.
With that said, here are a few important points to consider when shopping for a docking station.
Number of ports
If you have several devices that you need to connect, then you must consider the number of ports that the docking station provides.
A good docking station should have multiple ports that support various gadgets. Standard docks have at least two USB 3.0 ports and two USB 2.0 ports along with other types of ports.
Types of connections
The type of connection options available is also important since not all devices connect via USB.
Peripherals like monitors, printers and speakers connect via HDMI, display ports upstream ports, and audio ports. You should also check whether the dock has Ethernet options for wired internet connections.
Size and design
The size of the dock does matter, especially if you have limited space in your workspace or gaming space.
Depending on your preferences, an ideal docking station for an MSI laptop should be compact so as not to take up much space and allow for portability.
It should have a simple design for ease of use and prevent the cluttering of cables all over your workspace.
Video support and compatibility
Laptops usually have small screens, which take away some of the thrill of gaming. For this reason, most laptop owners invest in a docking station to be able to connect their machines to an external monitor.
Therefore, you should check if the docking station can connect to an external display and whether it supports various video modes such as 4K and Ultra HD.
Charging capability
Since laptops are portable gadgets, they have to be charged to hold down power. With this in mind, you should look for a docking station that comes with built-in charging connectors to save you from the inconvenience of having to connect an external charger every time.
3 Popular docking stations for MSI laptops
From proprietary options to universal models, choosing the best docking station for your MSI laptop can be a bit overwhelming.
That’s why we are here to help. Here is a list of the top 3 most popular docking stations for MSI laptops.
Plugable USB 3.0 Horizontal
Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
First up the list is the Plugable USB 3.0 Horizontal Docking Station. Even though it is not manufactured by MSI, it is compatible with all MSI laptops that have USB 3.0 Type-A and Type-C ports.
The dock features up to six USB ports and extra HDMI, Display, Ethernet and audio ports for seamless connectivity options.
Besides, you can connect up to two external monitors at once and the fact that it supports 4K Ultra HD displays makes it even better.
The only downside is that it does not have charging capability. This means you have to go through the hassle of connecting and disconnecting your laptop charger every time.
Pros
- Supports 4K displays
- Can connect up to two independent displays
- Features six USB-A and USB-C 3.0 ports
- Supports wired net connections
Cons
- Does not have charging capability
What do the reviews say?
The Plugable USB 3.0 docking station has 1,011 reviews on Amazon with a rating of 4.6/5. The vote of confidence shows that the dock is worth checking out.
Hiearcool USB C Hub
Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Hiearcool might not be a household name yet but the Hiearcool USB C Hub Docking Station has proven to be a hit with many MSI laptop owners.
This docking station has up to 11 ports, including VGA, Ethernet, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and HDMI. It also has an SD card reader for easy transfer of files from your memory card to your laptop.
The triple display hub allows you to connect up to 3 independent monitors at a go. Besides, it supports 4K displays with resolutions of up to 1920 x 1080@60Hz.
The fact that this docking station has a smart chip provides extra protection against overloads and short circuits. This goes a long way to protect your investment from damage.
Pros
- Features up to 11 ports
- Smart chip for overload protection
- Triple display support
- Charging capability
Cons
- Does not have a heat sink
What do the reviews say?
This docking station has a global rating of 4.5 on Amazon with over 6000 sales completed. Many of the reviews are positive, meaning the majority of customers are happy with their purchase.
Kensington Thunderbolt 3
Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
If your MSI laptop comes equipped with the Thunderbolt 3 interface, then you really need to get yourself the Kensington Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station. This dock is simply a powerhouse in terms of performance and efficiency.
Although tailored for the MacBook Pro, the docking station is compatible with nearly all laptop brands, including MSI, and it works with all operating systems.
Featuring up to 5 USB ports and 3 peripheral ports, connecting your gadgets and devices won’t be a problem at all.
The selling point of this dock is that it supports 4K Ultra HD and you can connect up to two external monitors at once for impressive visual displays.
Pros
- High-speed connectivity of up to 40Gbps
- Support 4k Ultra HD displays
- Consists of up to 8 ports
- Compatible with all laptop brands
Cons
- A bit pricey
What do the reviews say?
The Kensington Thunderbolt 3 is a very popular docking station if the number of reviews on Amazon is anything to go by. It has over 2,166 reviews with a 4.5/5 star rating.
Final thoughts and best pick
We would have loved to review docking stations manufactured by MSI. However, these docks tend to run out of stock most of the time so many people prefer to purchase universal models instead.
With that said, our top pick is the Kensington Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station. This exceptional docking station comes equipped with all the features that you need to convert your MSI laptop into a desktop powerhouse.
