Webwut

Technology Blog

Computers

3 Best Docking Stations For Multiple Computers

Budget Option
CKL HDMI KVM Switch 2 Port Dual Monitor...
StarTech.com Dual Monitor KVM Docking...
CKL HDMI KVM Switch 2 Port Dual Monitor...
StarTech.com Dual Monitor KVM Docking...
Budget Option
CKL HDMI KVM Switch 2 Port Dual Monitor...
CKL HDMI KVM Switch 2 Port Dual Monitor...
StarTech.com Dual Monitor KVM Docking...
StarTech.com Dual Monitor KVM Docking...

Last update on 2024-10-04 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.

Using two computers can be a paradise or a nightmare, depending on your setup. Devices that allow you to connect two computers can make things much easier, but some people might feel insecure about how to do that, or which brand to pick.

To help you, we will give you plenty of info about what type of device you need, inspecting docking stations, KVM switches, and other options.

Moreover, we will also recommend three of the best switches for multiple computers in the market right now.

Can two computers share a docking station?

Yes, they can. Some docking stations don’t feature this option natively, so you have to get a KVM switch (KVM stands for “keyboard, video, mouse”) to connect between your computers and the docking station.

On the other hand, some devices already are a fusion of KVM switch and docking station, featuring a lot of ports and allowing you to share devices with multiple computers directly.

If you are using Alienware laptop check this.

If have Asus laptop check this.

Do all docking stations work with all laptops?

No. Some docks are designed to work exclusively with Windows, while others might include support to Mac, Linux, or Chrome OS. You have to pay attention when you are buying. However, it is not hard to find a docking station that works with more than one operating system.

This becomes useful when you have two computers running Linux and Windows, for example.

The other factor to consider about compatibility is the port you are using to connect your computer to a docking station.

Some docks connect through USB-C, while others connect to the more standard type of USB. Make sure you don’t get an only-USB-C dock in case your computer doesn’t support that.

How to connect 2 computers to a docking station?

There are different ways of doing that, so let’s calmly explore each of them.

Sharing Switch

Plugable is a brand that makes many useful accessories for computers, including docks. Recently, they released a sharing switch.

This sharing switch has two ports to connect different computers, and then one USB port that you can connect to a docking station or any other USB device.

This device comes with specific cables to connect to your computers, and it is recommended that you only use them.

When everything is connected, you can choose which computer will be accessing whatever is connected to the switch’s USB port.

If you are connecting to a docking station that is connected to a monitor, a mouse, keyboard, etc., you will be able to keep switching which computer you are accessing with all these devices.

Switching between the two computers is made very easy by simply pushing a button on the Sharing Switch.

This option is great for people that already have a docking station and only want one more device that allows them to switch between computers during the day.

That way, you don’t need to waste time plugging and unplugging cables. You keep everything plugged at the same time and only push a button when you need to switch between systems.

KVM Switch

A KVM Switch has more ports than a simple Sharing Switch, but it performs basically the same function.

However, KVM Switches already come with enough ports for you to connect keyboard, mouse, one or more monitors, and also your computers.

Keep in mind that this type of device is not as powerful as a docking station, so you should make sure what you are looking for.

Docking Station With KVM Switch

Some docks in the market already have the KVM Switch, meaning that you can connect two computers to a dock with Thunderbolt 3.

This is a more robust option, ensuring the most durability and also organization for your workspace.

Moreover, docking stations that already come with KVM switches will give you more ports aside from the ones you will already use with the computers, monitors, keyboard, and mouse.

3 Best KVM Switches/Docks For Multiple Computers

Lately, plenty of docks for multiple computers, like the ones described above, went out of stock. This might be due to people working from home during the pandemics, thus having to get this sort of device.

What is easier to get right now is some sort of KVM switch with a more robust build, made to look like a dock, thus more reliable and durable.

Then, we will be listing the best among these devices so that you know where to start and what devices are worth buying.

CKL KVM Switch

Last update on 2024-10-04 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.

The KVM Switch made by CKL is very robust and incredibly top-notch. You can get different versions of it, depending on your needs.

Unfortunately, since it is primarily a KVM Switch and not a dock, you won’t have multiple USB ports to spare. Maybe that can be fixed by getting an additional hub.

The cheapest version of this switch allows you to connect two computers and display the computer being accessed on up to two monitors.

Other options allow you to connect up to four computers or up to three monitors.

Be aware, though, that each computer getting connected requires a dual HDMI port. Most laptops don’t have dual HDMI, so if you are connecting to a laptop, you might need to get an adapter.

To switch between systems, all you have to do is push the button or use any hotkeys you have configured to do the job.

Pros

  • Robust fabrication
  • Works with up to four computers
  • Supports high resolution
  • Switching time is quick

Cons

  • You can’t share printers or other devices other than keyboard, mouse, and monitors

What do the reviews say?

Customers talk a lot about how easy it is to set up this KVM switch in any workspace and how it really works.

Moreover, they also point that the switching time doesn’t take long so that if you need to switch often, you won’t face any inconvenience.

StarTech.com Dual Monitor KVM

Last update on 2024-10-04 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.

The StarTech KVM is one of the last dock-looking KVM Switches you can find on major retailers. It is highly popular because it combines usability with design and robustness.

Sometimes, you go to the page and find that it will be in stock soon. However, you can still buy it, and it will be shipped to you in a few days.

What’s so good about it is that it is compatible not only with Windows but also with macOS.

This becomes an excellent choice for people that have a different OS running on their personal and work computers, as it might occur with a certain frequency.

This device supports up to dual monitors on 4K resolution, and features an audio jack and Ethernet port.

Pros

  • Many USB ports
  • Connects to dual monitors
  • Great functionality
  • Fair price

Cons

  • No Thunderbolt 3

What do the reviews say?

Reviews confirmed what can be said just from looking at specs: this KVM switch/dock is a great addition to a person’s workspace.

With plenty of people working from home during the pandemics, many resorted to KVM switches and got amazed by their resolve.

TESmart KVM Switch

Product currently unavailable.

This is yet another option if you want a KVM switch to connect only to two monitors.

This device is very simple to install and get going, but it requires that each computer connected has two video outputs.

The company understands that not all laptops or even desktops have dual HDMI output, so it has a comprehensive list of supported adapters.

Aside from all the ports that you need to connect monitors, computers, keyboard, and mouse, you still have one USB port left and an audio jack.

You can use the USB port to connect a USB hub if you need to connect plenty of devices to your workspace.

Dock users might see this as really few options, but this is where KVM switches are right now. Perhaps in the next years, we see KVM switches with more ports to address the needs of users.

Pros

  • Great usability
  • Easy to setup
  • Good price
  • Durable

Cons

  • Requires dual HDMI for each computer connected

What do the reviews say?

As a very high-rated KVM switch, reviews point out how great of a solution this device is for most workspaces.

The only bad reviews about it come from people who had bad luck and received defective products with some bugs or glitches (like swapping audio).

Remember that if you get a defective product, you can get a new one if you contact the retailer right away.

Final Thoughts

You came here looking for docking stations for multiple computers and ended up finding out that this type of device is actually called a KVM Switch.

That happens, and that is the whole reason we write these posts: to inform people about tech.

The top pick here certainly is the StarTech model, as it takes a more dock-oriented approach, leaving you with more ports to connect other devices, and also allows dual monitors on 4K resolution.