Best Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga docking station 2022

Best
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga docking station
Windows Central
2022

Best overall: CalDigit TS4

If you want the absolute best of the best, you can’t beat the CalDigit TS4. Equipped with a trio of Thunderbolt 4 ports as well as three USB-C, five USB-A, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and 3.5mm audio, this dock gives you a massive amount of freedom to connect a ton of different peripheral accessories and devices. On top of that, it also supports up to two 4K displays at 60Hz, or alternatively one 8K display at 60Hz. Finally, the dock offers 98W of charging power. It’s pricey, and it can be difficult to find one available (a fresh wave of stock is coming soon), but it’s absolutely worth it.

The CalDigit Element Hub is a great alternative to the manufacturer’s TS4 dock if you’re okay with trading some ports for a lower price. It features three Thunderbolt 4 ports and four USB-A, which should be plenty for most people. Like the TS4, it supports dual 4K display usage at 60Hz, though it’s only usable with an 8K display if you use a refresh rate of 30Hz. On top of that, it’s also capable of providing up to 60W of charging power. Ultimately, if you want high-end capability for a lower price than the CalDigit TS4, this device will be great for you.

If you want to use more than two monitors, this dock should not be overlooked. Unlike every other option on this list, it’s capable of supporting three 4K displays at once. Two of them can be 60Hz, but the third will have to be 30Hz. On top of that, the dock also comes with four USB-A 3.0 ports as well as a single USB-C, and it supports 65W charging, too. Going with the Dell D6000 means missing out on Thunderbolt and the incredible number of ports that a dock like the CalDigit TS4 offers, but if you want to use more than two displays, this is the dock to go with.

If you want something that can keep your device secure and safe while it’s hooked up to the dock, check out the high-quality and surprisingly affordable Kensington LD5400T offering. The arms of the dock clamp your laptop in place, and you can keep the dock itself in position with either screws or a tether that’s included with the dock. On top of the security features, the dock also has support for dual 4K 60Hz displays, four USB-A 3.0 ports, two Thunderbolt 3 slots, and 85W of charging. This makes it a great choice that will be perfect for users looking to both significantly increase their productivity and keep their device safe with rock-solid security, though the dock’s massive size will likely disappoint some.

Folks in need of a super budget-friendly option that still gets the job done should look no further than the MOKiN USB-C Docking Station. Between its support for up to dual 4K displays at 30Hz, three USB-A ports, both an SD and microSD card reader, and 87W of host charging, this little dock offers quite a lot of value for something that only costs a tiny fraction of what more expensive docks do. The lack of downstream USB-C and Thunderbolt is a big downside, and there aren’t many ports in general, but at this rock bottom price point, those caveats are expected. At the end of the day, MOKiN’s dock is easily one of the best bang-for-your-buck options on the market.

Bottom line

Docking stations are one of the best laptop accessories you can get for devices like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga, as you can use them to expand your device’s port selection, transfer the laptop’s screen to a larger display, and charge your device (if the dock in question supports it). They often cost a lot, but they also bring immense value to the table, making them more than worth it in many cases.

There are a ton of different laptop docks out there, and each one (including the ones on this list) offers something different that will appeal to different people, depending on what they want or need. However, when it comes to the best overall dock, we think that the CalDigit TS4 takes the cake. Though it is incredibly expensive, it also offers a crazy number of ports (including plenty of Thunderbolt 4) and it also has fantastic charging capabilities and support for two 4K displays at 60Hz. A combo like that is incredible, and while the dock is very pricey, you’ll get what you pay for and then some.

If you’re having a hard time finding a CalDigit TS4 or you just want something a little less expensive, CalDigit’s Element Hub is a fantastic alternative that also features a large collection of ports, excellent support for external displays, and powerful charging. Meanwhile, the Kensington LD5400T continues to stand tall as the best security-focused docking station available, as it offers several ports as well as a special clamp that will keep your device safe from thievery. Don’t count the MOKiN USB-C Docking Station out, either; It’s currently the best choice for folks who need something as budget-friendly as possible, as it offers a decent number of ports and features for a rock-bottom price.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer with a burning passion for video games, of which he’s been an avid fan since childhood. He’s relatively new to the writing scene, but he counters that lack of experience with a rock-solid work ethic and a desire to improve at every opportunity. You’ll find him doing reviews, editorials, and general coverage on everything Xbox and PC. Follow him on Twitter.