ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Baseus 11-in-1 docking station is currently 24% off on Amazon
- This small form-factor docking station has all the ports you need to expand your desktop or laptop
- Some might think this device is overpriced, but if you are desperate for more ports, the cost is worth every penny.
Desktops and laptops never have enough ports. Whether it’s USB, HDMI, RJ45, 3.5mm audio, or DisplayPort, you can be sure that when you need it most, it won’t be available. That’s why so many companies offer docking stations to expand the number of ports and options available to a device.
Baseus is no stranger to such needs, which is why it created the 11-in-1 docking station that can shrug off such issues with ease.
Also: The best laptop docking stations you can buy
Before I continue, know that this docking station does come with a slightly hefty price (currently 24% off on Amazon), but if you’ve ever had a situation where more ports were required, you know it’s worth every penny. Take, for instance, my iMac. I use that machine for video editing, which means I have several external drives attached.
There are so many drives that I have no ports left for other things (like card readers, which is a necessity). With the Baseus 11-in-1 docking station attached, I now have more ports than I’ll probably ever need on that machine.
Even better, the Baseus 11-in-1 docking station is totally plug-and-play, so you don’t have to worry about drivers or any other software. As far as compatibility, I’ve tried this with Linux, Mac OS, Windows, and even Android, and it works like a champ.
The specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Ports | 2 HDMI ports, 2 DisplayPort connectors, 1 USB-C port, 2 USB-A ports (supporting 10Gbps), 1 USB-A 2.0 port, 100W USB-C PD input, Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm AUX jack |
| Display Support | Can be used for Windows triple display setups with 4K resolution |
| Data Speed | Up to 10 Gbps with USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C and USB-A) |
| Chassis | Aluminum |
| Charging | 100W fast charging via USB-C. (Note: When the device is fully loaded, use a 100W adapter. Otherwise, power via the attached USB-C cable.) |
| LED Display | LED digital screen displays the connection status of each port |
| Dimensions | 2.6 x 2.6 x 4.84 inches |
| Price | $106 (currently on Amazon) |
My experience
What can you say about such a docking station other than, “It just works.”? Well, I can say that this handy device has really saved my keister a few times over the past few months. I’ve used it to read files from CFAST and SD cards, and the speed is exactly as listed… fast.
For me, the best part of this docking station is its small footprint. I have one tucked behind my iMac, so it’s easy to reach but out of the way. And given how many ports it adds, this thing has become a must-use for me.
I’ve used this docking station to allow me to attach several external drives to an iMac and still have ports left over.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
I’ve put this docking station to work for other things, such as connecting a project to a MacBook Pro, adding additional USB ports to my desktop, and even adding second monitors to whatever is needed.
At one point, I connected the docking station to my Pixel 9 Pro and was able to use the 3.5mm audio jack to listen to music via wired headphones and even connected a USB mouse to my phone. Exciting times.
Also: This 10-in-1 docking station is a multitasker’s dream
Yeah, there’s really not much that’s sexy about a docking station other than the fact that it expands the port offerings for whatever system you attach it to. That alone is worth the price of entry. When you combine that with a high-quality build, the Baseus 11-in-1 docking station becomes a good buy.
The cherry on top is how utterly simple this is to use. Plug the integrated USB-C cable into your device, then start plugging in whatever you need, and it should all work.
ZDNET’s buying advice
I’ve reviewed quite a few Baseus products over the years, and the company never ceases to impress me with the quality of the devices it produces. This 11-in-1 docking station is no exception. It’s made from solid materials, works without fail, and expands the ports on your desktop, laptop, and even your phone.
I’ve used plenty of similar devices, and if given the choice, I would always go with Baseus over the competition. For just over $100, the amount of expansion this docking station offers is well worth the price.