Compared to desktops, laptops lack functionality because of their limited number of ports. This can be a serious setback if your laptop does not have enough ports to plug in all of your significant peripherals, and that is where docking stations come in.
While many high-performance docking stations are perfect for Surface Pro 7, we believe the Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station is the best of its kind due to its outstanding features and functionality.
A docking station or USB hub is one great way to expand your laptop’s connectivity options, especially if you have a laptop with limited ports like Microsoft Surface Pro 7.
Stick around as we discuss some of the best docking stations for Surface Pro 7 available on the market.
Table of Contents
- Best Docking Station For Surface Pro 7 – Comparison Table
- Does Surface Pro 7 Come with a Docking Station?
- Why do I Need a Docking Station for Surface Pro 7?
- Can I connect my Surface Pro 7 to a Monitor?
- Does Surface Pro 3 Dock Work with Surface Pro 7?
- How do I Connect Two Monitors to my Surface Pro 7?
- What Monitors are Compatible with Surface Pro?
- What to Look for?
- Best Docking Station for Surface Pro 7
- 1. Bawanfa Surface Pro 7 Hub Docking Station Review
- 2. Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station Review
- 3. Kensington SD700 Surface Pro Docking Station Review
- 4. VELOGK 6-in-2 Surface Pro 7 Docking Station Review
- 5. Rocketek Surface Pro 7 Hub Docking Station Review
- 6. Surkit Dock Station for Surface Pro 7 Review
- Key References
Best Docking Station For Surface Pro 7 – Comparison Table
Does Surface Pro 7 Come with a Docking Station?
No, the Surface Pro 7 does not come with a docking station.
- However, Microsoft separately sells a docking station known as the Surface Dock, which supports all Surface devices from Surface Pro 5.
- These include Surface Go, Surface Pro 6, Pro 7, Pro X, Surface Laptop 1 and 2, and Surface Book 2 and 3.It has 4 USB-C ports with 10 Gbit/s, 2 mini-display ports, an audio connection, and a Gigabit Ethernet port.
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Why do I Need a Docking Station for Surface Pro 7?
Using one of the best docking stations for Surface Pro 7 is a simple, inexpensive way to add functionality to your Surface Pro 7 laptop while making your work easier and more comfortable.
- These docking stations are beneficial for remote workers. These handy peripherals can turn your laptop into a feature-rich replacement desktop PC.
- This is particularly important if you have a laptop with limited ports like the Surface Pro.
- These docking stations allow you to expand your laptop’s connectivity options and make it even more versatile by adding ports such as extra USB ports and Ethernet LAN ports, as well as video connections.
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Can I connect my Surface Pro 7 to a Monitor?
Yes, you can connect your Surface Pro 7 to a monitor. Follow the steps below to connect your Surface Pro 7 to a monitor.
- Connect the adapter to your Surface Pro 7 and the external display.
- Attach the USB-C end of the adapter into the USB-C port on your Surface Pro 7.
- Take the video cable connected to your external monitor and connect the other end to the adapter.
- Turn on your external monitor and your Surface Pro 7.
Does Surface Pro 3 Dock Work with Surface Pro 7?
Unfortunately, the Surface Pro 3 docking station isn’t compatible with the Surface Pro 7.
How do I Connect Two Monitors to my Surface Pro 7?
To connect 2 monitors to your Surface Pro 7, simply connect them to the Mini DisplayPort at the docking station with a DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable. After connecting, select what to display on each monitor by opening the Action Center and hitting the Project tab to see the monitor options.
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What Monitors are Compatible with Surface Pro?
By adding one of the best external monitors to the Surface Pro range, including Pro X and Pro 7, it can become a real workspace in your home or office. All the monitors in this overview can be a perfect complement to the Surface Pro 7.
- Dell UltraSharp U2721DE
- ViewSonic VX2457-MHD
- HP Z27
- BenQ EX3501R
- BenQ PD2700Q
- Dell P2421
- Lenovo ThinkVision M14
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What to Look for?
A) Design
Laptop docking stations come in two versions in terms of design: vertical hubs and horizontal hubs.
- Horizontal docks tend to occupy more workspace than vertical docking stations.
- Unfortunately, the majority of laptop hubs on the market are of horizontal orientation.
- Still, almost all docking stations are very portable and compact, either vertically or horizontally.
- So, it shouldn’t be a problem to carry it in your laptop bag. Most laptop hubs weigh less than 20 ounces, so they are not a burden to transport.
B) Compatibility
When shopping for the best docking station for Surface 7, compatibility should be the most crucial factor on your list.
- Don’t make the mistake of buying a laptop docking station blindly without checking compatibility, as it may require a host port that your laptop does not have.
- Check the docking station specifications and ensure it is compatible with one of the host ports of your laptop.
- Also, some docks are only compatible with laptops running Microsoft Windows.
- Therefore, it is essential to check if the docking station is compatible with your laptop’s operating system.
C) Ports
The primary reason you are investing in a docking station is that you want to use additional ports, right?
- This means that you should automatically ignore any laptop dock with fewer ports than you require for your essential peripherals.
- If you are not sure how many ports you need, make sure you don’t buy a dock with fewer than 5 USB ports.
- Also, if you plan to run a multi-monitor setup, ensure the docking station supports the needed number of monitors.
D) Resolution
If you are involved in any work related to multimedia content, you must configure a multiscreen setup to improve your workflow and make it more efficient.
- And since every detail counts in multimedia content, you should aim for high resolution.
- Many docking stations support 4K screen resolution. Also, high-end devices support a 5K screen resolution, but they are comparatively more expensive.
- In general, you will need to invest in a docking station that supports at least FHD (1080p) resolution.
- Anything below this resolution really is not worth it. You must also ensure that the docking station supports a triple monitor configuration if necessary.
Suggested Reading:
Best Docking Station for Surface Pro 7
Here are the top 6 best docking stations for Surface Pro 7 on the market today:
1. Bawanfa Surface Pro 7 Hub Docking Station Review
The Bawanfa Surface Pro 7 Hub Docking Station features a compact and bevel-side design that perfectly fits your Surface Pro 7.
- Its wireless design will make your desk space cleaner and more organized. This Surface Pro 7 docking station dual monitor supports 4K resolution at 60Hz, so you can show your Surface Pro 7’s high-resolution on a monitor, projector, or HDTV via an HDMI port.
- The dual USB 3.0 ports allow users to connect a mouse, keyboard, USB flash drive, MP3 player, USB sticks, thumb drive, and many more.
- Thanks to the card reader, you can expand the SD/TF slot quickly and read and write two cards simultaneously, keeping you away from the haSSLe of frequent re-plugging and unplugging.
- This Bawanfa Surface Pro 7 Hub Docking Station is equipped with a USB Type C hub that charges your Surface Pro 7 while connecting to a power delivery port, allowing you to charge while connecting to several peripherals.
- Compact design
- Crystal clear HDMI output.
- Fast data transfers
- Supports 4K video resolution.
- Lacks VGA output
2. Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station Review
While many high-performance docking stations are perfect for Surface Pro 7, we believe the Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station is the best of its kind due to its outstanding features and functionality.
- This Surface dock works seamlessly with virtually all versions of Microsoft Windows, from Windows XP to Windows 10.This laptop hub offers 4 USB 2.0 ports, 2 USB 3.0 ports, and 1 Ethernet port.
- Weighing just 13 ounces, this is one of the lightest docking stations on the market.
- Besides, it takes up little space and therefore does not take up much space on the desk. We also really like this device’s aesthetics, with its blue port outlines and glossy black exterior.
- One feature that sets this unit apart from other docking stations is the dual output, which you can use to power up to 2 FHD monitors simultaneously.
- You can also use it to power a 2K monitor using an HDMI connection. The Plugable USB 3.0 is reasonably priced, making it one of the best docking stations for Surface Pro 7 without sacrificing functionality.
- Lightweight and compact design.
- Works with all versions of Windows.
- Supports monitors with 2K resolution.
- It comes at an affordable price.
- Not the most durable docking station.
3. Kensington SD700 Surface Pro Docking Station Review
The Kensington SD7000 is an excellent Surface Pro 7 docking station that looks like the Surface Studio Dock.
- This Surface dock is designed for those who use their Surface Go or Surface Pro as their only PC. It is a great docking station that lets you easily dock your Surface Pro 7 to a monitor, mouse, keyboard, and any other peripherals you want to connect.
- It has 1 USB Type-C, 4 USB Type-A 3.0, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort ++ v1.2, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm audio connection.
- Plus, your Surface Pro stays plugged in, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power.
- This Surface Pro docking station dual monitor also has a foldable stand that can be folded, and the Surface Pro tilted like the current Surface Studio. It’s cool, and while it’s not quite as “magical” as the Surface Studio’s built-in hinge mechanism, it is good enough for what it’s.
- Also, you can attach a Surface Pen to the side of the Kensington Dock. This is very useful for keeping your pen in a secure place.
- The Kensington SD7000 Docking Station is an expensive but remarkable accessory for Surface Pro 7 users.
- Excellent build quality
- The articulated hinge allows different modes.
- Lots of connections, including multiple displays.
- Use Surface Pro as a desktop again.
- Perfectly fits the Surface range.
- Lacks SD card slot.
- Comparatively bulky
4. VELOGK 6-in-2 Surface Pro 7 Docking Station Review
With the massive expansion and minimum size, the VELOGK Surface Pro 7 Docking Station allows you to quickly expand your Surface Pro 7 laptop into six connection ports.
- It comes with an HDMI adapter that supports 4K video resolution, allowing you to stream high-definition and immersive media to a larger HDTV, monitor, and projector.
- The SD/TF card reader makes accessing your files easy. Also, it can read and write 2 cards at the same time, keeping you away from the trouble of constantly re-plugging and unplugging.
- The VELOGK 6-in-2 Surface Pro 7 Docking Station is an ideal solution for mobile presentations or those situations where you need an extra USB connection for an external drive or mouse.
- Stylish bevel-edge design
- Allows R-n-W cards simultaneously.
- Supports 4K HDMI video resolution.
- Superfast data transfer speed.
- It doesn’t work with a protective case.
5. Rocketek Surface Pro 7 Hub Docking Station Review
The Rocketek Surface Pro 7 Hub Docking Station has a compact and slim design without compromising on accessibility.
- It offers users the ability to expand 2 USB-A and USB-C ports into 7 ports of instant connection, making it a workhorse.
- This unit has 2 Superspeed USB 3.0 ports as well as SD/TF card slots. With a data transfer speed of up to 5Gbits/s, you can transfer data and backup files efficiently.
- Thanks to an extra USB-C port, you can charge your Surface Pro 7 while still using the docking station.
- The Rocketek Surface Pro 7 Hub Docking Station also supports 4K resolution @60Hz, allowing you to show your laptop’s resolution display on a monitor, projector, HDTV via an HDMI port.
- Slim and compact design.
- Download movies and transfer files faster.
- Comes with a 4K HDMI port.
- Not the most glamorous.
6. Surkit Dock Station for Surface Pro 7 Review
The Surkit Dock Station for Surface Pro 7 features a sturdy and compact design that will last many uses with reliable connectivity.
- This unit supports dual USB 3.0 ports which can transfer up to 5Gbps. Additionally, it is packed with a wide range of ports, including two Mini DisplayPorts, an audio jack output, and a Gigabit Ethernet port.
- The adapter allows users to share presentations, videos, and photos to a larger projector, TV, or monitor with ease.
- The Surkit Dock Station for Surface Pro 7 is a flexible and sturdy docking station that comes at an affordable price.
- This docking station is capable of a 4K high-resolution display at 30Hz through the DisplayPort.
- Easy to use
- Speedy USB 3.0 ports.
- Space-saving design
- 4K display support
- Ethernet connection requires an adapter.
Our pick for the best docking station for Surface Pro 7 is the Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Docking Station.
- It offers a range of ports, including two USB 3.0 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, HDMI and DVI, a Gigabit LAN port, headphone, as well as microphone audio jacks.
- This docking station has a sleek, modern look and has a vertical design that is easy to mount next to your Surface Pro 7.
With the best docking station, you can unlock your Surface Pro 7 full potential. The best docking stations use power from a high-bandwidth device’s USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports to handle everything from USB power delivery to 4K monitors.
Laptop docking stations also allow you to connect peripheral devices such as USB keyboards and mice and create a more stable Internet connection through Gigabit Ethernet.
Key References
- “How to connect your Surface to a TV, monitor, or projector | Microsoft Devices Blog”. Accessed March 22, 2021. Link.
- “Connect Your Surface to a Monitor, HDTV, or Digital Projector – dummies”. Accessed March 22, 2021. Link.