2 Best 144Hz Docking Stations, Compared

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You need the best overall dual 4K 144Hz performance Plugable Thunderbolt 5 Dual HDMI Dock It delivers dual 4K 144Hz via HDMI with Thunderbolt 5 support.
• You require 100W charging for your USB4 laptop StarTech USB4 Dock 4K 144Hz It provides 100W power delivery alongside dual 4K 144Hz output.
• You prefer a compact Space Gray dock design Plugable Thunderbolt 5 Dual HDMI Dock It measures 1.97 inches long and weighs 8.92 ounces for portability.

Our 2 picks

1 Best overall

Plugable Thunderbolt 5 Dual HDMI Dock

Best for: Dual 4K 144Hz setups with Thunderbolt hosts

Refresh Rate

144Hz (what this guide is about)

Host Interface

Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, USB4

Display Support

Dual

Max Resolution

8K@60Hz, 4K@144Hz

Power Delivery

140W

Port Count

16

View on Amazon: Plugable Thunderbolt 5 Dual HDMI Dock Affiliate link

The Plugable TBT-UDH2 is a 16-port docking station built for high-resolution workflows. It supports dual 4K displays at 144Hz or dual 8K at 60Hz via HDMI 2.1. This dock delivers 140W of power delivery to your laptop and includes six USB-C ports. It works with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 hosts. You will get reliable connectivity for hybrid work setups without needing extra drivers.

Pros

• Dual HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K at 144Hz or 8K at 60Hz
• 140W power delivery charges laptops efficiently
• Six USB-C ports with two front-facing 30W charging ports
• 2.5Gbps Ethernet for fast wired internet
• Driverless setup for Windows 11 and macOS 13+

Cons

• Requires Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4 host connection
• Does not support Thunderbolt 3, standard USB-C, or Windows ARM hosts
• Base M1, M2, and M3 chips only support one external display

Good fit if

• You need dual 4K displays running at 144Hz
• You use a Thunderbolt 5 or Thunderbolt 4 laptop
• You require 140W power delivery for your device

Skip if

• You only have Thunderbolt 3 or standard USB-C ports
• You use a base M1, M2, or M3 MacBook
• You want a compact dock with fewer ports

Verdict: Plugable TBT-UDH2 Thunderbolt 5 Dock delivers high refresh rate performance for users with compatible hosts. It suits professionals who need dual 4K 144Hz displays and fast charging.

2 Best budget

StarTech USB4 Dock 4K 144Hz

Best for: Dual 4K 144Hz setups with USB4

Refresh Rate

144Hz (what this guide is about)

Host Interface

USB4, Thunderbolt 4 / 5

Display Support

Dual

Max Resolution

8K 60Hz

Power Delivery

100W

Video Ports

DisplayPort

View on Amazon: StarTech USB4 Dock 4K 144Hz Affiliate link

This StarTech dock supports dual 4K displays at 144Hz refresh rates. It uses a USB4 or Thunderbolt host connection to deliver 100W of power to your laptop. The unit includes a 2.5GbE Ethernet port for stable networking. It works with macOS and Windows without drivers. The design is compact and gray. It suits users who need high refresh rates and fast charging in one device.

Pros

• Supports dual 4K displays at 144Hz
• Delivers 100W power delivery to laptops
• Includes 2.5GbE Ethernet connectivity
• Driverless plug-and-play for macOS and Windows

Cons

• Uses DisplayPort outputs instead of HDMI
• No HDMI ports for direct monitor connection
• VESA mount sold separately

Good fit if

• You need dual 4K 144Hz displays
• You use a USB4 or Thunderbolt laptop
• You want 100W fast charging

Skip if

• You require HDMI outputs for your monitors
• You need a single 8K display only
• You prefer a dock with built-in VESA mounting

Verdict: StarTech USB4 Dock 100W Dual 4K is a solid choice for users needing dual 144Hz displays and 100W charging. It fits those with USB4 or Thunderbolt laptops who can adapt to DisplayPort connections.

Specifications side by side

How to Choose the Right Dock

1. Check host port type

   Your laptop’s available ports determine which dock works. The Plugable Thunderbolt 5 Dual HDMI Dock requires a Thunderbolt host to deliver dual 4K 144Hz signals. If your laptop lacks Thunderbolt, this model will not function as intended. The StarTech USB4 Dock supports USB4 or Thunderbolt connections. You must verify your computer has the correct interface before purchasing. Using an incompatible dock results in no video output or reduced performance. Always inspect your laptop’s side ports to confirm the available connection standard.

2. Verify refresh rate support

   A 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth motion for gaming or fast-paced work. Both listed docks support this high refresh rate at 4K resolution. However, the connection method matters. The Plugable model uses HDMI to achieve this speed. The StarTech unit relies on DisplayPort connections for its dual 4K 144Hz output. You need monitors that accept these specific input signals. If your displays only have HDMI, the StarTech dock may require adapters. Confirm your monitor inputs match the dock’s output technology to maintain the 144Hz frame rate.

3. Assess power delivery needs

   Power delivery charges your laptop while you work. The StarTech USB4 Dock offers 100W of power delivery. This wattage suits most modern laptops requiring substantial charging power. The Plugable Thunderbolt 5 Dock does not list a specific wattage in its provided attributes. You should check its total power output separately if charging is a priority. If your laptop requires more than 65W, the StarTech option provides a clear advantage. Ensure the dock’s power delivery meets your laptop’s minimum charging requirements to avoid battery drain during use.

4. Match resolution requirements

   Both docks support 4K UHD resolution. This standard provides sharp text and detailed images for professional work. You need monitors that support 4K input to utilize this capability. Running a 4K dock at 1080p wastes potential clarity. The Plugable dock delivers this via dual HDMI outputs. The StarTech dock uses DisplayPort connections for its 4K signal. You must ensure your monitors can handle 4K at 144Hz. Some 4K monitors only support 60Hz over certain connections. Verify your monitor specifications to guarantee the full resolution and refresh rate combination.

5. Consider physical dimensions

   Dock size affects desk space and portability. The Plugable Thunderbolt 5 Dock measures 5.91 inches in height and weighs 8.92 ounces. Its Space Gray finish may blend with certain laptop designs. The StarTech USB4 Dock is larger, measuring 7.5 inches in length. It weighs 11.7 ounces and comes in Gray. You should place the dock where it does not obstruct other ports. A larger dock may offer better heat dissipation. Consider your desk layout when choosing between the compact Plugable unit and the longer StarTech model.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• 144Hz vs 120Hz docking station
• best portable monitors under 50
• best 144Hz docking stations
• best UGREEN SSD docking stations