In this article of ours, we have listed some of the best iPad Docking Stations. Since the 2018 iPad Pro refresh, Apple’s flagship iPads have used the versatile USB-C port for charging and peripheral connections. It has replaced Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector on not only the 11-inch iPad Pro (1st/2nd-gen) and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd/4th-gen) but also the cheaper iPad Air (4th-gen) and iPad mini (6th-gen). The latest iPad Pro with the Apple M1 chip is even more capable with its USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 port.
That single universal USB-C port unlocks the door to a world of peripherals, including hubs that add additional USB ports, SD card readers, display outputs, and many more, transforming your iPad into a full-fledged computer. If you own one of the newer iPads, a USB-C hub or docking station is a must-have accessory for your device.
As the title suggests, this guide will show you the best iPad docking stations you can buy in the UK, which will allow for connecting a wide range of accessories to your iPad.
Contents
- 1 List of the Best iPad Docking Stations UK
- 2 Best iPad Docking Stations Reviews
- 2.1 1. Baseus 6-in-1 USB-C Hub and Docking Station
- 2.2 2. CalDigit USB-C Pro Dock
- 2.3 3. Kensington StudioDock [iPad Pro 11” 2018+ / iPad Air 2020+]
- 2.4 Kensington StudioDock iPad Pro Docking Station Stand – Adjustable Tablet Holder foriPad Pro 12.9” 2018/2020/2021
- 2.5 4. Byeasy 7-in-1 USB-C Docking Station
- 2.6 5. Satechi 6-in-1 USB-C Hub with Foldable Stand
- 3 Conclusion
List of the Best iPad Docking Stations UK
Best iPad Docking Stations Reviews
After going through an ocean of iPad docking stations and hubs, we have specifically picked the best ones to showcase on the list below. Lucky for you, all of them are readily available to buy on Amazon UK.
1. Baseus 6-in-1 USB-C Hub and Docking Station
- ⭐【USB Hub Customized for iPad Macbook】: Baseus usb hubs designed with 90 Degree L-Shape suitable for the most corner use of iPads Macbooks(dangling at the side). Compact & Portable & Invisible & Aluminum Durable. Clean design and minimalist style is perfect for your iPad Pro Macbook Pro.
- 😊【6 in 1 Multiple Ports Adapter】: USB Type C Hub with 4K HDMI×1, PD 100W Power Delivery Port×1, USB 3.0×1, SD×1, Micro SD×1, 3.5mm Audio Interface×1. It is sturdy fits in easily and very useful. The usb c hubs solves the problem of a total lack of ports on a new MacBook Air.
- ⚡【4K HD Video Display Synchronization】: Experience crystal clear HDMI video on compatible monitors for brilliant high-resolution display. Supports high-resolution 4K HDMI display (30Hz). The 3.5mm headphones Jack keeps you focus on call or music. (Note: The HDMI of this product supports 2.0 specification. If the product needs 2.1 specification, it will be unstable.)
If you are looking for something that doesn’t get in your productivity, the Baseus USB-C Hub and Docking Station is worth a look. It’s an L-shaped dock that attaches to the corner of your iPad rather than just dangling at the side.
It’s a plug-and-play solution that connects to your iPad’s USB-C port. The plug itself is 90° angled, saving space and putting a lot less stress on the connector. The dock’s unobtrusive design doesn’t hamper its versatility. It features all the ports you need, including HDMI 2.0-out, USB-C PD charging, USB 3.1 Type-A port, SD card reader, microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm auxiliary audio output.
The USB-C PD charging port enables up to 60W fast charging, so you never have to worry about running out of juice. It also gets you Ultra HD display output, super-fast data transfer, and convenient access to flash storage. The Baseus 6-in-1 docking station is compatible with newer-gen iPads, Macbooks, and compatible Windows laptops.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sleek and durable design | Single USB-C port |
| Six different ports | |
| USB-C PD passthrough |
2. CalDigit USB-C Pro Dock
- [UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY] Can be used with computers with USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, or even USB-A. Perfect for IT Environments utilizing both Windows and Macs **Functionality will vary depending on host connection. Please refer to the compatibility chart for more information
- [10 PORTS OF CONNECTIVITY]: 1 x Thunderbolt 3 (Backwards Compatible with USB-C), 2 x DisplayPort 1.2, 3 x USB 3.2 Type A (5Gb/s), 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s Data Only), Gigabit Ethernet, UHS-II SD Card Slot (SD 4.0), 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack. **USB-C Pro Dock does not have a downstream Thunderbolt 3 port
- [POWERFUL 85W LAPTOP CHARGING]: Provides up to 85W to charge your laptop and power all of your USB peripherals [STAND ALONE CHARGING] Front facing USB-A port can charge devices without being connected to a computer
If you are a power user, the CalDigit USB-C Pro Dock is one of the best docking stations you can buy for your iPad Pro. It has all the versatile ports you expect to see on a proper docking station, including USB-C/Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort 1.2 outputs, USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gb/s) Type-A and Gen 2 (10 Gb/s) Type-C ports, Gigabit Ethernet, UHS-II SD card slot, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack.
The Caldigit Pro Dock works over both USB-C and Thunderbolt interfaces, so you use it with your compatible MacBook or Windows laptop as well. It provides up to 85 watts of power to your devices and all your USB accessories. Thanks to the two DisplayPort 1.2 ports, you can hook up two 4K@60Hz monitors.
Sure it’s expensive, but the Caldigit USB-C Pro Dock will convert your iPad into a productivity powerhouse on the go.
| Pros | Cons |
| Premium build | Expensive |
| Ten connectivity options | |
| Gigabit Ethernet |
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3. Kensington StudioDock [iPad Pro 11” 2018+ / iPad Air 2020+]
- MAGNETIC CONNECTION: This iPad stand allows you to magnetically attach your iPad Pro 11" (2018 or later) or iPad Air (2020+) in portrait or landscape mode for an instant desktop experience
- MADE FOR APPLE: An ergonomic tablet holder designed for Apple, Studiodock promises rapid iPad charging and Qi wireless iPhone and AirPod charging
- 4K HDMI STREAMING: Effortlessly take videos beyond your iPad with a port for single 4K HDMI 2.0 video - perfect for iMovie, Keynote, Netflix & more.
The Kensington StudioDock is so far the most expensive docking station, but it’s also the most elegant and capable of the bunch. You can attach your iPad Pro or iPad Air to its magnetic holder, and you can rotate it to portrait or landscape mode for a desktop-like experience. The stand makes it easier to write/draw on the screen with an Apple Pencil.
There are two Qi charging pads at the base of the stand, one for your iPhone and the other for your Apple Watch or AirPods (or any other supported device). The I/O on the back includes three Type-A USB 3.0 ports, a single HDMI 2.0 port, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. There’s also a USB-C slot (up to 18W throughput), a 3.5mm audio jack, and an SD 4.0 card reader on the sides of the stand.
Overall, the Kensington StudioDock is a fantastic iPad accessory for professional users. Note that the original StudioDock is incompatible with the 2021 iPad Pro due to slight differences in thickness, so make sure to buy the newer version if you have the recent iPad Pro model.
| Pros | Cons |
| Ergonomic magnetic stand | Very pricey |
| Plenty expansion slots | |
| Qi wireless charging pads |
Kensington StudioDock iPad Pro Docking Station Stand – Adjustable Tablet Holder foriPad Pro 12.9” 2018/2020/2021
- MAGNETIC CONNECTION: This iPad stand allows you to magnetically attach your iPad Pro 12.9" (2018/ 2020/2021) in portrait or landscape mode for an instant desktop experience
- MADE FOR APPLE: An ergonomic tablet holder designed for Apple, Studiodock promises rapid iPad charging and Qi wireless iPhone and AirPod charging
- 4K HDMI STREAMING: Effortlessly take videos beyond your iPad with a port for single 4K HDMI 2.0 video - perfect for iMovie, Keynote, Netflix & more.
4. Byeasy 7-in-1 USB-C Docking Station
- 7 in 1 Type C Docking Station: This product is a bracket-shaped type c docking station, which expands the limited USB-C connectivity of your devices with 1 HDMI port, 2 USB 3.0 ports, SD/TF outputs, 1 PD port and 1 3.5mm jack
- Strong compatibility: This USB C Docking Station provides a compact and convenient solution for users who use USB3.1 Type-C interface such as Macbook, iPad Pro, Notebook, Tablet and mobile phone etc. The docking station is compatible with WIN XP/7/8/10/MAC 10.2.8 and higher, Linux system
- Plug and Play: The adapter supports high-definition 4K@30hz HDMI output, supports SD/TF card reading and data transmission, provides 2 5Gbps USB3.0 ports, and users can charge Macbook and other devices through the C port PD terminal, during the charging process, HDMI, USB3.0 interface, card reader can be used at the same time, 3.5 audio can be connected to headphones and speakers. No need to install drivers
This 7-in-1 USB-C docking station from Byeasy plugs into your iPad’s USB-C port and expands your connectivity options with two USB 3.2 (5 Gb/s) Type-A and one USB Type-C port, single HDMI (4K@30Hz) output, SD/microSD card readers, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. The Type-C port supports up to 60W power delivery.
The adjustable stand provides sturdy support for newer-gen iPad Pro and iPad Air models. Thanks to its collapsible and lightweight design, you can simply fold up the docking station and carry it on the go.
You can also use the Byeasy 7-in-1 USB-C Docking Station with other compatible tablets, smartphones, and laptops. It comes with an 18-month warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee policy.
| Pros | Cons |
| Premium and durable | Stand can’t support iPad in portrait mode |
| Foldable design | Single USB-C port |
| Reasonable price |
5. Satechi 6-in-1 USB-C Hub with Foldable Stand
- UPGRADE YOUR WORKSPACE - the Aluminum Stand & Hub’s 2-in-1 design transforms your iPad Pro (2021 M1 and 2018 & newer) or USB-C device into a fully functional workstation, whether you’re at your desk or on-the-go.
- 6-IN-1 USB-C HUB - features USB-C PD charging (up to 60W), 4K HDMI display output (up to 60Hz), USB-A data port (up to 5 Gbps), micro/SD card readers (UHS-I), and an audio jack port – via built-in USB-C cable.
- ELEVATES YOUR VIEW - raises your iPad Pro or USB-C device to an optimal viewing angle, perfect for taking your next Zoom call or making final edits on-the-go – complete with protective padding to help guard your device against scratches.
The Satechi 6-in-1 USB-C docking station combines both a stand and a versatile array of ports at the back. It includes a single USB Type-C (5 Gb/s, 60W PD) and a Type-A (5 Gb/s) port, HDMI 2.0-out, 3.5mm audio jack, and SD/microSD card readers.
The cleverly-designed stand with protective padding raises your iPad Pro or iPad Air to a better viewing angle, ideal for productivity work and video conference calls. The convenient foldable design and durable aluminium finish make this iPad docking station perfect for on-the-go portable setups. Its integrated USB-C cable also allows for a seamless connection with iPad and other compatible devices.
The Satechi 6-in-1 USB-C hub is an excellent pick for your iPad. It will work with your MacBook or Surface laptop as well.
| Pros | Cons |
| Compact and lightweight | No Ethernet jack |
| Sturdy stand | |
| 4K@60Hz output over HDMI |
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Conclusion
The best iPad docking stations above will allow you to take full advantage of your latest iPad device. Rather than limiting yourself to a traditional workstation, you can buy one of the following USB-C hubs to combine the capabilities of a desktop with the convenience of a handheld tablet.
If you have any queries regarding the iPad docking stations, visit the comments section below and let us know.
Steven J
Have the Kensington studiodock it’s very much awesome to use with the M1 iPad pro, particularly for power iPad users