The Best Steam Deck Dock In 2024

The best Steam Deck docks transform your handheld into a powerful desktop PC by connecting it to external displays, wired networks, USB peripherals, and power. They are essential accessories for the Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED, but not all docks are made the same. To enjoy your Steam Deck on a monitor or TV, look for a dock with at least two USB-A ports and HDMI or DisplayPort. Most docks even let you cradle your Steam Deck for comfortable gaming on the sofa or just about anywhere.

Valve offers an official docking station for the Steam Deck, and while it delivers in terms of features and quality, its high price puts it out of reach for many gamers. Below, you’ll find excellent Steam Deck dock alternatives, ranging from budget options to premium ones with advanced features like M.2 SSD slots. If you need more accessories for your portable, the best Steam Deck controllers will put your new docking station to good use.

Game Rant’s Picks for the Best Steam Deck Docking Stations in 2024

JSAUX offers a wide range of high-quality Steam Deck accessories, from carrying cases and screen protectors to stands and docking stations for a desktop experience. The 7-in-1 Docking Station (HB0702) is their third-generation dock for the Steam Deck, offering a significant upgrade over both JSAUX’s previous offerings and most third-party docks. It boasts the same port configuration as the official dock from Valve but at a more attractive price point, making it the perfect replacement.

The dock offers six ports for connecting different peripherals, including a DisplayPort and HDMI. Whether using a TV or gaming monitor, this dock allows easy connection for up to two 4K displays to your Steam Deck, and it can also support high refresh rate, 1080p monitors up to 120Hz, ideal for competitive gaming. It has three USB-A ports for your keyboard, mouse, and other gaming peripherals, as well as an Ethernet jack for fast, reliable wired connectivity.

However, you’ll have to look elsewhere if you have USB-C accessories you want to use with the Steam Deck, as the only USB-C port in this dock is dedicated to power, and does not support external peripherals. If that doesn’t matter, you’re getting a well-connected dock with a solid and durable aluminum build quality that makes it look and feel like a premium product.

Valve’s official docking station for the Steam Deck costs more than most third-party options, but it makes up for it with better connectivity and a high-quality design that seamlessly complements the Steam Deck. It’s made from the same high-quality plastic as the Steam deck, with a matching matte black finish that makes it feel like a natural extension of the Deck, rather than an afterthought. That and other refinements, like firmware updates via SteamOS, make the official dock worthy of its premium pricing.

The Valve Steam Deck Docking Station provides six ports for connecting peripherals and an additional USB-C port for power. It includes its own power adapter, unlike most third-party docks. When connected, the dock offers three USB-A ports for your keyboard, mouse, and flash drives, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and HDMI and DisplayPort. It can drive up to two 4K/60Hz displays or 1440p monitors at 120Hz for a smooth gaming experience. It only lacks a downstream USB-C port, but includes everything else you need to play Steam Deck games on a monitor or TV.

For comparison, the JSAUX 7-in-1 Docking Station offers a similar port selection but lacks 1440p at 120Hz support and doesn’t include a power supply. Those seeking a sleek and premium build quality, better specs, easy firmware upgrades, and an included charger, will find that Valve’s official dock is the best way to go.

The iVoler 5-in-1 docking station proves you can transform your Steam Deck into a desktop powerhouse without breaking the bank. While it may not boast the most ports or the highest build quality, it offers enough functionality for a significant price cut compared to premium docks. It fits the Steam Deck perfectly, even when using a protective case like Dbrand’s Killswitch, and has anti-slip pads to keep the Deck securely in place.

Connecting the docking station opens up a 4K HDMI port for plugging in an external display and three USB-A ports for gaming peripherals like a mouse, keyboard, and SSD. Even with all ports in use, the dock offers consistent performance, but the HDMI port only supports 30Hz in 4K. You must bump the resolution down to 1440p or 1080p for higher refresh rates. It also supports charging up to 65W, which is plenty for the Steam Deck.

However, unlike its premium counterparts with aluminum builds, the iVoler’s plastic construction feels a touch less substantial and might not offer the same long-term durability. Nonetheless, if you don’t have much to spend and want to use desktop mode on your Steam Deck, this dock will get the job done for a fraction of the price.

The Ugreen 6-in-1 Steam Deck Dock stands out from the pack as the only option with a downstream USB-C port. This is great if you want to connect USB-C accessories, like the best USB-C mice, to your Steam Deck without needing any additional adapters. It’s also more affordable than the official dock and JSAUX’s 7-in-1 Docking Station, while still offering all the essential ports for desktop mode, including two USB-A ports, Ethernet, and an HDMI port for plugging in an external display.

The build quality is up there with other premium Steam Deck docking stations. It has a durable aluminum build quality with a sleek space gray finish that blends in well in any setup. The cradle is also a little wider, which is perfect if you have a protective case or skin on your Steam Deck or want to use the dock with other gaming handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally. For the price, the Ugreen dock offers unbeatable value, and it might even be the best Steam Deck dock if you don’t need a dual-monitor setup.

The Baseus GamerX Series 6-Port Dock is more affordable than many docking stations for the Steam Deck and offers excellent connectivity. It has all the ports gamers need for a streamlined desktop experience on the Deck and an adjustable design that sets it apart from the competition.

Many docks aren’t wide enough to fit the Steam Deck with a case, especially thick and rugged cases like the Unicorn Beetle PRO from Supcase. Instead of having to remove your case every time, this dock comes with an adjustable cradle that can slide far back enough to fit the Steam Deck with any case. It also works perfectly with other handhelds, including the ASUS ROG Ally.

The port selection is a pretty standard affair, with three USB-A ports, Ethernet, and HDMI. You can plug in a 4K 60Hz monitor or TV to your Deck and a bunch of USB accessories, but you’ll need an adapter for USB-C devices. The rest of the dock screams premium with its aluminum build quality and sleek finish. It can even collapse down for easy storage or travel.

For Steam Deck users who want extra storage, but are hesitant to upgrade the Steam Deck’s internal SSD—a process that could potentially shorten the lifespan of your Deck—Sabrent offers the perfect solution with its 6-Port USB-C Docking Station With M.2 Port (DS-SDNV). This dock looks similar to most Steam Deck docks, down to the ports offering, but has a hidden M.2 slot that allows gamers to expand the Steam Deck’s storage with a fast and reliable M.2 SSD.

In addition to extra storage, this dock boasts a 4K HDMI port, an Ethernet jack, and three USB-A ports. While one USB port uses slower USB 2.0 speeds, it’s perfectly suitable for connecting a gaming mouse or keyboard. With support for 4K external displays at 60Hz, this dock provides a smooth and detailed desktop gaming experience on the Steam Deck. It can also charge the Deck at full speed when paired with a powerful USB-C charger.

Choosing The Right Docking Station For Your Steam Deck

When choosing a docking station for the Steam Deck, consider the number of ports, external display support, charging, and build quality. A simple desktop mode setup with a gaming keyboard, mouse, and monitor needs a docking station with at least two USB-A ports and HDMI/DisplayPort. All the featured docking stations in this guide meet the minimum number of ports, and some include more connectivity for your convenience but also at extra cost.

The JSAUX 7-in-1 Docking Station is our top pick for the best Steam Deck dock due to its extensive port variety, support for dual 4K monitors, and faster charging capabilities. It offers similar connectivity to the official Steam Deck from Valve, though at a more attractive price. The JSAUX dock even accommodates the Steam Deck with a case, ticking all the boxes for the ideal Steam Deck docking station. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the iVoler 5-in-1 Steam Deck Dock provides the essential ports for desktop mode at nearly half the price of the JSAUX.

FAQ

Q: Does any docking station work with a Steam Deck?

Yes, Valve engineered the Steam Deck to work with most USB-C compliant docking stations and hubs. So, you can use any USB-C compatible dock with the Deck without issues.

Q: Is the Steam Deck more powerful when docked?

No, docking stations offer additional connectivity and charging capabilities, but they don’t add any extra performance to the Steam Deck.

Q: Can I use a USB-C hub for a Steam Deck?

Yes, you can use a normal USB-C hub with the Steam Deck for desktop mode without any issues, but you may not be able to prop it up like a dedicated Steam Deck dock.