The Steam Deck is a handheld and portable gaming computer built primarily as a method to play PC games on the move, and it is more of a Nintendo Switch build but just a little bigger in size. The performance of this device is fantastic, and it doesn’t only provide you access to the Steam platform; it also lets you play games on cloud game streaming services like Amazon Luna and Xbox Game Pass.
However, if you have a Steam Deck, you can make the most of it by using a Dock, otherwise referred a USB-C hub. Docks are necessary to have if you want to enjoy more wired connectivity with other devices while also keeping the host device plugged into a power source. This is due to the Steam Deck’s single USB-C port, which limits the devices it may be used with at a time.
Although the official Steam Deck Dock became available in late 2022, there are already been a number of docking stations produced by outside parties, and they have excellent specifications and work well with the Steam Deck. But which of these Steam Deck Docks are the best?
With so many utterly useless docks available, we don’t want you to buy one and then regret it, so this article will review the best docks for the Steam Deck to help you decide which one to buy for yourself. However, let’s first discuss why you should have a docking station for your Steam Deck.
Why Should I Get a Docking Station for my Steam Deck?
Although the Steam Deck is an amazing gadget, it only has one USB-C port that may be used to charge or connect to other devices like an external display, keyboard, mouse, controllers, an ethernet cable, and a power source.
But what if you want to keep your Steam Deck plugged into the power supply while connecting it to many devices simultaneously? The Steam Deck Dock, a hub that connects to the one USB-C port on your Steam Deck, does just that by enabling you to use devices that your Steam Deck wouldn’t typically be able to connect with.
The Steam Deck Dock is usually used to connect with TVs or monitors so that users can enjoy high-quality gaming on a big screen while the Steam Deck is comfortably seated on the dock. Additionally, it comes in handy if you wish to connect numerous input devices simultaneously and share your screen with other people while playing a multiplayer game.
Overall, the dock makes it simple to connect to peripherals like TVs and other devices.
What Are The Best Steam Deck Docks?
Here are our top picks for the best docks to use with Steam Deck for optimum experience.
Best Budget Steam Deck Dock – NewQ All-in-1
The NewQ Steam Deck dock is a very simple and compact station that you can use as a connection point for other devices as well as a support for your deck to sit on while you play with a controller. This particular Steam Deck dock is built like a backbone for Steam Deck and has its HDMI and USB sitting at the top, giving you the same experience as the Steam Deck build itself.
It has a single USB-C connector that can handle up to 100W of power for charging and an HDMI port for connecting to an external monitor. It also has two USB A ports for connecting to peripherals like a controller, mouse, and keyboard.
This device’s affordability—it only cost $34.99 when purchased from the manufacturer’s website—is one of its most intriguing aspects. You may enjoy playing games while still in front of your docked Steam Deck with the NewQ docking station’s ergonomic design.
In case you plan to use the NewQ Steam Deck dock to connect with an external monitor for a better and larger experience, you won’t need to be concerned about the display quality because it supports a 4K resolution and a refresh rate of 60Hz, so you will get a high-quality display.
Also, it has a wide range of compatibility so that you can use it with several devices and operating systems. Overall, NewQ’s docking station is best for anyone looking for an affordable option for their Steam Deck while also having important quality.
Pros
- It has a compact size and design, which makes it easy to hold it with your Steam Deck
- It sticks with a Steam Deck firmly
- It is very affordable
Cons
- It has a limited number of ports
JSAUX Steam Deck Dock – HB0702
If you want to enjoy a higher number of ports with a Stream Deck dock, JSAUX Steam Deck dock is an option you should check out. This station comes with a total of 7 hardware interfaces which would allow you to connect multiple devices to Steam Deck all at once.
This JSAUX Steam Deck dock has three USB-A 3.0 with up to 5Gbps which can be used for transfer and to enjoy an immersive experience with external gaming devices. With this docking station, you will also get a 1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet port as an internet source to your Steam Deck to enjoy a faster upload and download compared to using Wi-Fi.
Moreover, the JSAUX Steam Deck Dock HB0702 has an HDMI port, and it also comes with a DisplayPort for those who want a better gaming experience. Aside from all those, this JSAUX docking station has a rigid design with which your Steam Deck can sit without worrying about slipping, and its body is built with anti-scratch.
In its box, you will also find a 45W Steam Deck PC charger, an European plug Adapter, a UK plug adapter, and a right-angle USB-C to USB-C adapter. This docking station is recommended as it has one of the best builds, and it is well-featured.
Pros
- It is quite affordable
- It has pretty enough ports for you to use
- It comes with extra accessories
Cons
- Its SSD support isn’t plug-and-play
Best Overall Steam Deck Dock – JSAUX M.2
Other than the previously reviewed JSAUX docking station, the JSAUX M.2 Steam Deck dock HB0604 is a similarly excellent Steam Deck dock with just one significant difference from that: the inclusion of an M.2 SSD expansion slot.
We are conscious that you will only be able to install a certain number of games on the Steam Decks, even if you are using the largest storage option available (512GB onboard storage). However, with the use of the JSAUX M.2 Steam Deck dock, you can increase the storage capacity of your Steam Deck
Even though the Steam Deck has a MicroSD card slot, the M.2 interface SSD HD provided by this docking station will improve your gameplay and provide up to 900MB/S data transfer.
This gadget is a 6-in-1 docking station; in addition to the M.2 SSD expansion slot, it also features a USB-C port for charging, two USB-A 3.2 ports for connecting gaming devices, a Gigabit LAN Ethernet connector, and an HDMI port that supports 4k@60hz and 2k@120hz.
The JSAUX M.2 Steam Deck dock only includes a 65W charger, but it also allows up to 100W of maximum power delivery. The only downside to this docking station is the price, which ranges from $109 to $259.99, depending on whether you want an SSD and what size you prefer. Overall, if you want to play more games on your Steam Deck, this is the choice we recommend.
Pros
- It allows you to expand your Steam Deck storage capacity
- Excellent input and output
- It is generally well-featured
- Its M.2 interface SSD HD has a high data transfer speed
Cons
- It is too expensive
Official Steam Deck Dock
In late 2022, Valve unveiled the Steam Deck dock, an official docking station that enables users to connect with many devices simultaneously while enhancing the flexibility and extensibility of their gaming setup.
This docking station’s form factor is ideal for the Steam Deck because it is neither too large nor too small. Additionally, it includes a molded rubber seat so that your Steam Deck can sit comfortably without scratching. Its appearance harmonizes with the Steam Deck’s outside color scheme.
Like the other Steam Deck docking stations covered in this article, it comes with a USB-C dongle that you will use to connect to the Steam Deck.
This docking station offers three USB-A 3.1 Gen1 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, USB-C for power delivery, and HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 interfaces that support up to 4k@60 Hz resolutions or 1440p@120 Hz. Moreover, MST (Multi-Stream Transport) support, which enables the usage of several monitors, is available with the use of both HDMI and DP.
You don’t need to be concerned about being restricted to a specific set of devices because it is compatible with a variety of displays and peripherals. Although it costs $89, which is a bit more than some options, it is a choice you will undoubtedly enjoy for a long time.
Pros
- It has both HDMI and DP
- It supports MST
- It is compatible with several devices
Cons
- It is a bit costly
- It is currently out of stock
Best Design Steam Deck Dock – YYDSTDK
The YYDSTDK Steam Deck dock would be your best choice if you value good design and are looking for a very affordable docking station for your Steam Deck.
The device features an appealing Aluminium alloy body and a sturdy design that makes it highly stable to hold your Steam Deck when connected to other devices. Additionally, this Steam Deck dock is incredibly portable and light.
It is a 6-in-1 Steam Deck docking station with three USB-A 3.0 connections, a USB-C port for power, and Gigabit Ethernet. It misses DisplayPort, but it does include HDMI 2.0, which you may use to connect to screens and enjoy up to 4k@60Hz.
Furthermore, it has a broad range of compatibility and enables up to 100W pass-through charging, removing the need for power delivery concerns. Aside from that, the YYDSTDK Steam Deck dock only costs $36.99 for all its capabilities.
Pros
- It has an appealing look and design
- USB 3.0 for better data transfer speed
- It is very light and portable
- It is less expensive
Cons
- It may require tweaking for some graphically intensive games
iVoler 5-in1 Hub Steam Deck Dock
iVoler’s Steam Deck Dock is another option to expand your Steam Deck’s wired connectivity and start enjoying its games on a larger screen.
If you’ve ever used a Nintendo Switch dock, this gadget will most likely feel familiar to you in terms of both form and features. It is one of the most affordable docking stations on this list.
iVoler Steam Deck dock has 3 USB-C 3.0 ports for connecting your Steam Deck with peripherals, an HDMI port for external displays, and a USB-C port for power delivery. Also, It supports charging Steam Deck at full speed.
This dock is also made of Aluminium, just like the YYDSTDK Steam Dock, and while its design may not be top-notch, it is nonetheless nice. Moreover, its design prevents sliding, and its color matches your Steam Deck. Hence, it is also recommended to be used with your Steam Deck.
Pros
- It is very affordable
- It supports full-speed charging of your Steam Deck
- It has a nice design
Cons
- Limited ports
Best Multiport Steam Deck Dock – Belkin Connect USB-C hub
There are a number of well-known USB-C hubs on the market, but not all of them work with Steam Deck. Belkin Connect would be a perfect choice for you if you were looking for a USB-C hub for your Steam Deck.
This type of Steam Deck dock is especially portable, and this specific one is even compact. Although the Belkin Connect USB-C hub is primarily made for PCs, you can use it with your Steam Deck thanks to its slant design, which allows you to place any device on it.
It boasts the most connectors of any device on our list, including two USB-A 3.0 ports, one USB-A 2.0 port, a VGA port, 3.5mm audio in/out, Gigabit Ethernet, a card reader for SD and MicroSD cards, a 4K DisplayPort port, a 4K HDMI port, and a USB-C power supply port.
Like the other options on this list, it also enables 100W passthrough charging. This dependable hub can serve as both a Steam Deck dock and a USB-C hub for your PC.
Pros
- It is well-featured
- It has an audio in/out port
- It allows you to connect with a variety of devices
- It has a nice wedge design
Cons
- It is expensive
- It is built primarily for laptops
Best Steam Deck Dock – Final Words
Having discussed the best Steam Deck dock available, there are still some factors to consider before making a purchase, including the required specs, compatibility, build, and design. These will enable you to choose the option that best meets your needs. It is also important to remember that to get the most out of a docking station; you should plug it into a power source so that it can supply the necessary power for the peripherals to function. In addition, you should keep in mind that the majority of the docking stations we discussed in this article are only compatible with Steam Deck.
Looking for more ways to take your games on the go? Learn how to install Steam Link on iOS, how to install Steam Link on the Raspberry Pi, and check out our complete guide on how to run Steam Link.
Frequently Asked Questions: Steam Deck Docks
The compatibility between your Steam Deck and any dock is unrestricted to the official Steam Deck Dock, therefore, you may undoubtedly use any dock with it. So, if all you can afford for your Stream Deck is a third-party dock, go for it, but be sure it has all the features you need.
Although “docking station” and “USB hub” are frequently used interchangeably, the main distinction between them is their number of connection ports, the design, and the high-resolution support most docking stations have. Therefore, as docking stations usually have better features than USB hubs, they are preferable to those USB hubs.
Connecting your Steam Deck to a dock is pretty straightforward, and all you have to do is plug the USB-C dongle from the dock into the port at the top of your Steam Deck, and you are good to go.
While using a Steam Deck dock, it is imperative to have it plugged into a power source so that external devices such as a mouse and keyboard can function without issue, as the docking station won’t have enough power to run them.
The best Steam Deck docks come from JSAUX, Valve, NewQ, YYDSTDK, Belkin, and iVoler.
Yes, a Steam Deck dock is worth it since you can easily hook up your Steam Deck to a TV, projector, or monitor. Plus, you can connect peripherals like a gaming keyboard and mouse or external hard drives to your Steam Deck.
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