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Monitors with Built-in Docking Stations
A docking station is a convenient tool that expands your Ultrabook’s port count and connects multiple displays while charging your laptop and other portable devices.
But despite its utility, there are several limitations dedicated docking stations have that you need to consider if you want to optimize your workstation setup.
Monitors with a built-in docking station (or docking monitor) offer similar functionalities without adding to the number of devices or additional wire clutter at your workstation.
Docking Station vs Monitor with Built-in Docks
Comparing a docking monitor with a dedicated docking station is like comparing apples with oranges. But a comparison is natural, considering that both options offer similar functionalities. Nevertheless, the two devices are pretty dissimilar when considering the targeted user base.
Monitors with Built-in Docking Stations: Features and Advantages
Monitors with built-in docking stations are suitable for home use, as most users don’t require multiple displays or express data transfer speeds. Moreover, such monitors reduce the number of connected devices while minimizing wire clutter, allowing you to optimize your workstation and helping you maintain an aesthetic appeal that complements your home office.
Most docking monitors offer multiple USB ports, an Ethernet port, and an audio jack. They provide high-performance functionality using a USB-C or Thunderbolt interface and offer power delivery of up to 100W, enough to charge most laptops.
However, a good docking monitor allows you to daisy-chain multiple monitors using a Thunderbolt or DisplayPort interface, enabling you to set up a multiscreen workstation while negating a critical advantage that a dedicated dock. Thus making a compelling case for you to consider these versatile display units over docking stations.
Dedicated Docking Stations: High-Performance and Considerations
On the other hand, a dedicated docking station offers the latest high-performance ports like Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4. It has several video inputs for setting up a multiscreen workstation, which makes it suitable for multitasking and high-productivity workflows.
However, the professional-level performance of a dedicated docking station is costly; you’ll have to shell out considerable cash. Typically, a Thunderbolt 4 docking station will set you back well over a few hundred dollars, making it imperative for you to evaluate your requirements and get a suitable device to cater to them.
Moreover, accommodating an additional device means less space at your workstation. It also means extra wires that add to the cutter. But the most significant issue is accommodating the bulky power brick that comes with dedicated docking stations, an issue that’s non-existent with a monitor with built-in docking stations.
The 8 Best Monitors with Built-In Docking Stations
Our Recommendations: At a Glance
- LG 40WP95C-W – The best docking monitor for top-of-the-line performance using a Thunderbolt 4 interface for 40Gbps data, high-resolution monitors, and 96W Power Delivery.
- Lenovo ThinkVision P27u-20 – Enables daisy-chaining of multiple monitors using a Thunderbolt interface.
- Dell U4021QW UltraSharp – This monitor offers the greatest number of connectivity ports, allowing for easy expansion of your workstation setup.
- PHILIPS Creator Series 27E2F7901 – The built-in KVM switch is perfect for multitasking users who need to work on multiple computers.
- AOC Agon AG493UCX2 – The super ultrawide form factor is ideal for immersive gaming and productivity workflows.
- SAMSUNG ViewFinity LS32A600UUNXGO – This monitor offers excellent value for money and allows daisy-chaining using a DisplayPort interface.
- ASUS Ultrawide USB-C Docking Monitor VA34VCPSN – The ultrawide monitor is geared for enhancing productivity and streamlining intensive workflows.
- HP E24d G4 Advanced Docking Monitor – The budget-friendly monitor offers several essential features, including daisy-chaining using DisplayPort.
Table of Contents
1. LG 40WP95C-W – Thunderbolt 4 Docking Monitor
Last Amazon Price Update on 2024-07-22 at 12:03 UTC+3
Pros
- Excellent image quality with a 5K2K resolution display.
- Thunderbolt 4 interface provides high-speed data transfer, power delivery, and high-resolution video signal on a single cable.
- The ultrawide form factor is ideal for multitasking and productivity workflows.
- The Nano IPS screen, 98% DCI-P3 color gamut, and HDR10 provide tremendous picture quality.
- Immersive gaming with AMD FreeSync support.
Cons
- Expensive
- The 300nits brightness is low for the specifications and price.
- No Ethernet port for network connectivity.
Power Delivery
- 96W to host computer
Ports
Ports/Spec | Details |
2x Thunderbolt 4 | 40 Gbps, 96W Power Delivery |
2x HDMI 2.0 | 4K@60Hz |
1x DisplayPort 1.4 | 4K@120Hz or one 8K@60Hz |
2x USB-A | USB-A 3.0 |
Audio | 1x 3.5mm Audio (Headphone only) |
The LG 40WP95C-W ticks almost all the checkboxes of a good monitor. Besides an impressive screen, the unit’s built-in docking station supports daisy-chaining additional monitors. And since LG uses a Thunderbolt 4 interface, setting up multiple high-resolution display screens becomes super convenient.
The monitor has a Nano IPS panel, which results in tremendous color accuracy that covers 98% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. While it’s overkill for modest everyday use cases, content creators and graphics professionals will love the level of precision.
The LG 40WP95C-W has a 40-inch ultrawide panel and comes with split-screen software, allowing you to multitask and improve productivity. To ensure your well-being, LG includes an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts screen brightness to reduce eye strain. Moreover, the screens are TUV Rheinland certified for low blue light emission to ensure you don’t strain your eye while working long hours.
The monitor has an ergonomic stand that enables you to adjust the viewing angle to maintain a healthy working posture. The stand allows three movements, including height adjustments of 11 centimeters.
The display has a native refresh rate of 72Hz and offers AMD FreeSync and Dynamic Action Sync support. The built-in speaker could be better, but this won’t be a dealbreaker for most, as gamers prefer using a headset or a more specialized sound system.
Further, with a 5ms GtG response time and features like a Black Stabilizer and a curved display panel, the LG 40WP95C-W provides an immersive gaming experience for professionals with a gaming hobby.
2. Lenovo ThinkVision P27u-20 – Docking Monitor For Daisy Chaining
Last Amazon Price Update on 2024-07-22 at 12:03 UTC+3
Pros
- Thunderbolt In and Out ports support daisy-chaining multiple monitors.
- The built-in KVM switch and docking station are ideal for multitasking and productivity workflows.
- 10-bit color depth provides a wide color gamut for realistic images and Delta E < 1 color accuracy.
- The ergonomic stand allows four movements and promotes healthy postures.
- Ethernet port for wired network connectivity.
Cons
- The 60Hz refresh rate is underwhelming for a Thunderbolt 4 monitor.
- Most ports are considerably outdated.
- Poor overall build quality.
Power Delivery
- 100W on Thunderbolt 4 port
Ports
2x Thunderbolt 4 | One Thunderbolt 4 In and one Thunderbolt 4 out |
4x USB | 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 5Gbps One USB-A port has Battery Charging 1.2 (BC 1.2) 1x USB-B Upstream |
1x HDMI 2.0 | 4K@60Hz |
1x DisplayPort 1.2 | 4K@60Hz |
Ethernet | 1x RJ-45 1 Gbps |
Audio | 1x 3.5mm headphone jack |
Apart from providing several ports for expansion, the Lenovo ThinkVision P27u-20’s most significant feature is the Thunderbolt in/out ports, allowing you to daisy chain additional monitors for a multiscreen setup.
The ThinkVision has a 27-inch IPS panel display and has 4K resolution, which Lenovo pairs with excellent color accuracy and DisplayHDR 400 to ensure you get realistic and vibrant images.
It’s an ideal display solution for graphics professionals who need high color accuracy because the monitor uses a 10-bit color depth that generates over a billion colors and covers 99.1% of the DCI-P3 and 100% of the sRGB color gamut.
Although it has a good mix of ports for data and video, high-performance professional workflows would require faster USB ports than the 5Gbps ports on this device. Nevertheless, the P27u-20 has versatile docking features, which include 100W Power Delivery, MAC address pass-through (MAPT), Wake on LAN, and PXE (pre-boot execution environment) that support remote work and ensure your computer doesn’t run out of charge.
Lenovo has built this monitor for professionals. Besides the built-in dock, the monitor also has a built-in KVM switch, which enables you to connect multiple hosts and work simultaneously on each other while sharing peripheral devices.
The monitor has an ergonomic stand with tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment to ensure the perfect viewing angle without straining your back or neck. The ergonomic design and affordable price make the P27u-20 an excellent choice for large offices requiring several multiscreen workstations.
3. Dell U4021QW UltraSharp – Docking Monitor with Most Ports
Last Amazon Price Update on 2024-07-22 at 12:03 UTC+3
Pros
- Plenty of ports enable you to connect all your peripheral devices.
- The ultrawide form factor is ideal for multitasking.
- Eye-safe technology with TUV Rheinland certifications for low blue light emission and flicker-free screen.
- MAC address pass-through, PXE boot, and Wake-on-LAN facilitate remote workflows.
- Built-in KVM switch is suitable for multitasking and improving productivity.
Cons
- Expensive
- No provision for daisy chaining multiple monitors.
Power Delivery
- 90W on Thunderbolt port
- 15W on USB-C
- 7.4W on one USB-A
Ports
1x Thunderbolt 3 | DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery 90W |
6x USB | 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps (one with BC 1.2)
1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 15W Power Delivery 1x USB-B Upstream |
2x HDMI 2.0 | up to 4K@60Hz |
1x DisplayPort 1.4 | up to 8K@60Hz |
Ethernet | 1x RJ-45 1 Gbps |
Audio | 1x 3.5mm headphone jack |
The Dell UltraSharp U4021QW has a 12-in-1 built-in docking station with multiple high-speed USB data ports, 90W Power Delivery, and several video inputs to cater to varied user needs. With a built-in KVM switch and a fully-equipped docking station, the UltraSharp is best suited for productivity workflows with demanding connectivity options.
The 40-inch IPS panel display has a 5K2K resolution with a native 60Hz refresh rate. While the refresh rate is low, remember Dell products are mostly centered around productivity workflows, making 60Hz a reasonable specification.
Gaming is not an option, considering the monitor’s refresh rate and response time of 8ms GtG.
The screen has 300nits brightness and a 1000:1 contrast ratio. The color space covers 100% of the sRGB and 98% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. It ensures you get lifelike images with vibrant colors, making the UltraSharp suitable for graphics professionals and content creators needing high-end color accuracy.
The monitor is expensive but is packed with performance features suitable for professionals. For instance, MAC address pass-through, PXE boot, and Wake-on-LAN facilitate remote working. Next, Dell Display Manager allows you to split the 40-inch screen into several small tiles, enabling you to work on several programs simultaneously.
The monitor is best suited for the power user who needs a high-performance and versatile device that helps streamline their work.
4. PHILIPS Creator Series 27E2F7901 – USB-C Docking Monitor With KVM Switch
Last Amazon Price Update on 2024-07-22 at 12:03 UTC+3
Pros
- Built-in KVM switch facilitates multitasking using more than one computer.
- DisplayPort In/Out support daisy chaining multiple monitors.
- IPS Black panel provides deeper blacks, resulting in more significant contrasts and enhanced color depictions.
- DisplayHDR 400 delivers brighter displays and vibrant colors.
- Plenty of ports for convenient expansion.
Cons
- No built-in speakers.
- No Ethernet port for network connectivity.
Power Delivery
- 96W on USB-C
Ports
1x USB-C | DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery 96W |
6x USB | 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps (one with BC 1.2)
1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 upstream (DisplayPort Alt Mode and 96W Power Delivery) 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 downstream (15W Power Delivery) |
2x HDMI 2.0 | up to 4K@60Hz |
1x DisplayPort 1.4 | up to 8K@60Hz |
Audio | 1x 3.5mm headphone jack |
The Philips Creator Series monitor is designed to deliver top-notch performance for creative workflows. With a built-in KVM switch, the 27E2F7901 enables multitasking and facilitates streamlining your work with a built-in docking station.
The monitor has a 27-inch IPS Black panel, which ensures deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and wider viewing angles, ideal for collaborative tasks in coworking spaces. The monitor delivers over one billion colors that cover 98% of the DCI-P3 color space.
The monitor rates highly on several color spectrums, including 100% of the sRGB, 110% of the NTSC, and 108.6% of the Adobe color space. Combined with DisplayHDR 400, the Philips 27E2F7901 is best suited for professional workflows that require high color accuracy and high-performance connectivity to streamline demanding workflows.
The 27E2F7901 is suitable for most workflows requiring users to work long hours. The screen has low blue light emissions, ensuring you work long hours without eye strain.
It also has an ergonomic stand that allows pivot, tilt, and swivel actions, and you can adjust the height by up to 13 cm. to get the perfect viewing angle for your posture.
Moreover, this Creator Series monitor offers Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture, allowing you to work on multiple computers simultaneously.
5. AOC Agon AG493UCX2 – Super Ultrawide Monitor with Built-in Docking Station
Last Amazon Price Update on 2024-07-22 at 12:03 UTC+3
Pros
- The 49-inch screen is great for multitasking and productive workflows.
- High-performance gaming specifications with 165Hz refresh rate, 4ms response time, and FreeSync Premium Pro.
- Built-in KVM switch facilitates multitasking.
- Affordable 49-inch monitor.
- Plenty of I/O ports for convenient expansion.
Cons
- 65W Power Delivery is inadequate for power-hungry laptops.
- The 109 DPI pixel density is unsuitable for graphics-intensive workflows.
- No Ethernet port for connectivity.
Power Delivery
- 65W on USB-C
Ports
1x USB-C | DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery 96W |
5x USB | 3x USB-A 3.1
1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 upstream (DisplayPort Alt Mode and 65W Power Delivery) 1x USB-B Upstream |
2x HDMI 2.0 | up to 4K@60Hz |
1x DisplayPort 1.4 | up to 8K@60Hz |
Audio | 1x 3.5mm headphone jack |
The AOC Agon’s super ultrawide form makes it suitable for productivity workflows. It has a built-in KVM switch that allows you to work on multiple computers conveniently, and you get PbP (Picture-by-picture), allowing you to optimize the imposing size of the screen and streamline your work, even though the 65W Power Delivery on the USB-C port is inadequate for most power-hungry laptops.
But don’t be fooled by the many features that suggest that this monitor is meant for productivity workflow. Nothing can be further from the truth, as the AOC Agon AG493UCX2 has several high-end gaming features, including FreeSync Premium Pro support.
This 49-inch giant has a high-performance VA panel display with an 1800R curvature that covers your field of view for immersive gaming, but the curve is not too aggressive to limit non-gaming use cases.
In fact, the monitor has DisplayHDR 400 and good color representations with color palettes that cover 91% of the DCI-P3 and 122% of the sRGB color space. While the HDR performance can be better, it’s not a dealbreaker, especially considering the price of this device.
Overall, the AOC Agon AG493UCX2 offers a mixed bag of features for professionals and gamers. With several features for multitasking and high-end gaming, the monitor is an attractive pick for diverse use cases.
6. SAMSUNG ViewFinity LS32A600UUNXGO – Value For Money Docking Monitor
Last Amazon Price Update on 2024-07-22 at 12:03 UTC+3
Pros
- Excellent value for money.
- Supports daisy chaining up to four monitors
- Wide selection of ports that cover varied needs.
- A three-year warranty keeps you protected from device defects and failures.
- AMD FreeSync support provides an immersive gaming experience
- The monitor’s Eye-Saver Mode prevents eye strain.
Cons
- Brightness levels could be higher to deliver more vibrant colors
- The control buttons are reportedly tricky to operate.
Power Delivery
- 90W on USB-C
Ports
1x USB-C | DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery 96W |
4x USB | 3x USB-A 3.0 5Gbps
1x USB-C upstream (DisplayPort Alt Mode and 90W Power Delivery) |
1x HDMI 1.4 | up to 4K@30Hz |
2x DisplayPort 1.2 (In/Out) | up to 4K@60Hz |
Ethernet | 1x RJ-45 |
Audio | 1x 3.5mm headphone jack |
The Samsung ViewFinity offers tremendous value for money, combined with features catering to varied use cases. Besides a built-in docking station that provides convenience for expanding your computing setup, the monitor is suitable for entry-to-mid-level gaming.
However, the most significant feature is its support for daisy chaining additional monitors using the DisplayPort In and Out ports. The monitor has a DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4 port, so you can expect video configurations up to 4K@60Hz.
The ViewFinity has a 32-inch VA panel display with 2569x1440p resolution at 75Hz refresh rate in a 16:9 aspect ratio. It has a contrast ratio of 3000:1, typical of VA panels, and a brightness of 300nits, making the ViewFinity a considerable mid-level monitor.
Its features cater to the working professional, including 90W Power Delivery over the USB-C port to keep your laptop charging while you work long hours.
Speaking of which, working long hours on the ViewFinity is devoid of problems like eye strain and backaches due to an unhealthy posture. The monitor features an Eye-Saver mode that’s TUV Rheinland-certified for low blue light emissions and prevents harmful blue light from causing eye strain.
The monitor has an ergonomic stand that offers a full range of adjustments to get the perfect viewing angle while maintaining a healthy working posture. This includes height adjustments to prevent neck strain.
7. ASUS Ultrawide Docking Monitor VA34VCPSN – USB-C Ultrawide Monitor with Built-In Docking Station
Last Amazon Price Update on 2024-07-22 at 12:03 UTC+3
Pros
- The USB-C interface carries data, power, and video signals and minimizes cable clutter.
- Asus Eye Care Technology has TUV Rheinland certification for low blue light emissions and a flicker-free screen.
- Productivity features like PbP and PiP are perfect for collaborative workflows.
- The ergonomic stand gives you the perfect viewing angle to maintain a healthy working posture.
- Ethernet port for network connectivity
Cons
- 65W Power Delivery is inadequate for power-hungry laptops.
- The 1500R curvature is too sharp for productivity workflows.
Power Delivery
- 65W on USB-C
Ports
4x USB | 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
1x USB-C upstream (DisplayPort Alt Mode and 65W Power Delivery) |
1x HDMI 2.0 | up to 4K@60Hz |
1x DisplayPort 1.4 | up to 8K@60Hz |
Ethernet | 1x RJ-45 |
Audio | 1x 3.5mm headphone jack |
While super ultrawide monitors are great for gaming and productivity, they are costly and require a colossal amount of space at your workstation. In comparison, an ultrawide monitor offers a similar utility, is more affordable, and occupies less space.
The Asus VA34VCPSN is a 34-inch ultrawide monitor with a 3440x1440p QHD resolution and 100Hz refresh rate. The monitor has 300nits brightness, and this VA panel gets a contrast ratio of 3000:1. Combined with 16.7 million colors, this ultrawide gives you the balanced mix of specifications best suited for typical office workflows.
As with most ultrawide monitors, the VA34VCPSN has several features to help you improve productivity and streamline your work. For instance, the USB-C port has DisplayPort Alt Mode and 65W Power Delivery, allowing you to charge your laptop while you work.
With PbP and PiP, you can work on multiple computers simultaneously, which is perfect for collaborative workflows or if you have separate personal and work laptops. Moreover, the monitor’s built-in docking station has an Ethernet port for network connectivity, further minimizing the cables you’ll need to plug into your laptop.
Interestingly, the monitor also offers several gaming features. Although Asus doesn’t offer high-end gaming specifications, the 1500R curved screen, support for adaptive sync, and 4ms GtG response time are enough to immerse you in gaming during an extended lunch break.
8. HP E24d G4 Advanced Docking Monitor – Budget Pick
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Pros
- DisplayPort In/Out ports facilitate daisy chaining multiple monitors.
- PXE boot, MAC address pass-through, and Wake-on-LAN are perfect for remote working roles.
- 100W Power Delivery will charge the most power-hungry laptops.
- 7.5W Fast Charging on USB-A downstream ports to charge your portable devices.
- Ethernet port for network connectivity
Cons
- FHD display is outdated, considering the competition.
- The monitor’s stand has limited ergonomics.
Power Delivery
- 100W on the USB-C port
- 7.5W on the USB-A Fast Charging Port
Ports
4x USB | 4x USB-A 3.1 (Fast Charging 7.5W)
1x USB-C upstream (DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode and 100W Power Delivery) 1x USB-C downstream |
1x HDMI 1.4 | up to 4K@30Hz |
1x DisplayPort 1.2 | up to 4K@60Hz |
Ethernet | 1x RJ-45 |
Audio | 1x 3.5mm headphone jack |
The HP E24d G4 is a docking monitor suitable for users on a tight budget. Of course, as with all budget picks, you must forego a few creature comforts that are typical on similar monitors.
The G4 has a 23.8-inch IPS panel display with a 1920x1080p resolution and 60Hz refresh rate, ideal for everyday office work involving spreadsheets, presentations, and sending emails. So, while you forego a high-resolution panel, the FHD display provides a functional screen ideal for improving productivity.
The monitor has a PXE boost, Wake-on-LAN, and MAC address pass-through, making the G4 the ideal budget monitor for system admins and professionals with a remote workstation. You can conveniently set up a multi-monitor workstation because G4 has DisplayPort In and Out, which allows you to daisy chain additional monitors.
Besides the FHD resolution and the seemingly low brightness of 250nits, you also forego a fully ergonomic stand. The G4’s stand offers (-)5-degree- to 20-degree tilt adjustment, but you’ll have to reposition the stand each time to swivel the screen.
The most significant advantages of the G4 are its budget pricing and daisy-chaining capabilities. Thus, it is ideal for large offices that need multiscreen displays for tasks suited for system admin or remote working roles.
Essential Ports to Have on a Docking Monitor
Most modern docking monitors either have a USB-C or Thunderbolt interface that provides data, power, and video on a single cable when connected to a host. Apart from that, you’ll do well to find a monitor that offers the below-mentioned ports.
DisplayPort In/Out
While it’s easy to find DisplayPort In slots of most monitors, DisplayPort Out is less common but crucial for daisy chaining monitors for a multi-display setup.
DisplayPort 1.2 and DisplayPort 1.4 support daisy-chaining, and we have listed several monitors in our guide that offer daisy-chaining via DisplayPort.
Thunderbolt In/Out
DisplayPort isn’t the only interface that allows daisy-chaining multiple monitors. Thunderbolt monitors with Thunderbolt In and Out ports also facilitate daisy-chaining while offering Power Delivery and data transfer at up to 40 Gbps speed, which is impossible using DisplayPort.
USB-A
Most monitors with built-in docking stations offer several USB-A ports. While only a few offer 10Gbps speed, USB-A 5Gbps ports are more common. But look for USB-A ports that also offer Battery Charging or Fast Charging, as you get to charge your portable devices while you continue working.
HDMI
It’s common to find HDMI ports on docking monitors. You’ll find that the most common HDMI version is HDMI 2.0, which allows 4K@60Hz video. But there are several monitors with HDMI 1.2 or HDMI 1.4, which offer 4K@30Hz at best.
Ethernet
Essential for network connectivity, Ethernet ports on docking monitors help minimize cable clutter at your workstation by reducing the number of attached cables to your computer.
