Essential Devices for Boosting Remote Work Productivity

In the era of remote work, maintaining a fluid and productive work environment is more vital than ever. Connecting with the right devices can enhance your remote work experience, keeping you engaged and organized. This post delves into three must-have USB connectivity gadgets designed to boost productivity while working remotely: docking stations, USB-C multiport adapters, and chargers.

Laptop Docking Stations

Transform your laptop into a potent workstation with a laptop docking station. It’s an easy way to connect your laptop to multiple peripherals—everything from monitors and keyboards to external storage devices and SD cards. Here, we will focus on two well-known technologies that enable this: Thunderbolt and DisplayLink.

Thunderbolt Docking Stations

Harness the power of a single cable with Thunderbolt docking stations to transfer data, video, and power. These stations support various features, such as multiple 4K 60Hz displays and various peripherals, including USB-C and USB-A devices and SD card readers. Plugable’s Dual Display Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 13-in-1 docking station excels in this category.


	TBT4-UD5 $199.95 USD	TBT4-UDX1 $229.95 USD	TBT4-UDZ $269.95 USD	TBT3-UDZ $239.95 USD
Host Connection	TBT4, USB4	TBT4, USB4	TBT4, USB4	TBT3, USB4
Downstream TBT Ports	1	2	0	0
Laptop Charging	100W	100W	100W	100W
Max # of Displays	2	2	4	4
Display Types	HDMI	HDMI or TBT	HDMI or DisplayPort	HDMI or DisplayPort
# of Ports	13	11	16	14

Plugable's Top Thunderbolt ⚡️ Pick:

Buy the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock for 4K Dual Monitors or Single 8K, 100W Laptop Charging
List Price: $199.95

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Amazon US ($199.95 USD)

Direct purchase in most US states. Currently excludes AK, AZ, IL, KY, MD, MI, MN, NJ, and OH.

DisplayLink Powered Docking Stations

DisplayLink docking stations offer expansive connectivity options without necessitating a Thunderbolt or USB4 connection on the host laptop. They are generally more affordable and compatible with a broader range of devices.

DisplayLink powered docks are excellent for Apple M1 and M2 users, providing a solution to Apple's single external display limitation.

Learn more: Apple Silicon Macs and Plugable Products


	UD-3900 $99.95 USD	UD-6950Z $129.95 USD	UD-6950PDH $199.95 USD	UD-ULTC4K $229.95 USD
Host Connection	USB-A/USB-C	USB-A/USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
Laptop Charging	No	No	100W	100W
Max # of Displays	2	2	2	2
Display Types	HDMI/DVI	HDMI	HDMI	HDMI/DisplayPort
# of Ports	11	11	13	13

Plugable's Top DisplayLink Pick:

Buy the Plugable USB-C Triple 4K Monitor Docking Station with 100W Laptop Charging
List Price: $229.95

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USB-C Multiport Adapters

USB-C multiport adapters are a compact solution for on-the-go remote workers, offering essential connectivity features such as HDMI, additional USB ports and Ethernet in a pocket-sized package. These adapters are essential for remote workers who need much of the connectivity provided by a traditional docking station, but in a package that is small enough to easily stow in their laptop bag when working on the go.


	USBC-4IN1 $28.95 USD	USBC-7IN1 $34.95 USD	USBC-7IN1E $39.95 USD	USBC-11IN1E $79.95 USD
Total Ports	4	7	7	11
Power Delivery
# of Displays	1	1	1	2
Display Type	HDMI	HDMI	HDMI	HDMI
SD/microSD reader	N

Plugable's Multiport Pick:

Buy the Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub
List Price: $34.95

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GaN Powered Chargers

Keep your devices charged efficiently with GaN (Gallium Nitride) chargers, which are smaller and more powerful than their silicon counterparts. GaN chargers are a game-changer for remote workers, minimizing charging time remarkably.

Plugable Picks for Power:

The PS-EPR-140C1 delivers up to 140W of power to supported devices like Apples M2 MacBooks. When paired with Apples MagSafe charging cable the PS-EPR140C1 charger will charge from 0-100% in around 90 minutes.

Buy the Plugable 140W USB-C GaN Power Adapter
List Price: $49.95

Free 3-Day Shipping on Orders Over $35!

Direct purchase in most US states. Currently excludes AK, AZ, IL, KY, MD, MI, MN, NJ, and OH.

Amazon US ($49.95 USD)

The PS-30C1W is a 30W GaN charger that delivers quick, intelligent power to your iPhone, tablet or other USB-C device.

Buy the Plugable GaN USB-C Charger Block, 30W - White
List Price: $18.95

Free 3-Day Shipping on Orders Over $35!

Direct purchase in most US states. Currently excludes AK, AZ, IL, KY, MD, MI, MN, NJ, and OH.

Amazon US ($18.95 USD)

With the proper connectivity devices at your disposal, remote workers can continue to be productive in any setting.

Looking for my on remote and Hybrid work? Visit our "Productivity and Remote Work with Plugable" page.

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Business, Docking Stations, Power Devices, Productivity, USB Hub

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