The best Steam Deck dock 2024: Park your portable PC

The best Steam Deck dock is what we’d call an essential accessory, and Valve’s official docking station isn’t the only option out there. In fact, if you don’t fancy splashing out on the deal deal, there are tons of third party alternatives that will transform the handheld into a hybrid. Whether you’re looking for a fully ledged desktop experience, a way to connect your Steam Deck to a TV, or something that’s great for travel, we’ve tested plenty of models at a variety of price points.

With so many Steam Deck docks to choose from out there, actually settling for a specific USB-C hub can be tricky. In fact, while many docking stations will connect to most of the best gaming handhelds out there, like the Steam Deck and the newer Steam Deck OLED, different specs will alter your experience slightly. For example, some docks will support 100W Power Delivery, meaning you’ll be able to charge your portable PC and supply juice to a bunch of peripherals, whereas some only feature a a single HDMI port and minimal USB connections to minimise size,

So, to simplify the whole process of buying a docking station for Valve’s portable powerhouse, we’re rounding up a bunch of the best Steam Deck docks alongside their strengths and weaknesses. We’d consider all the accessories featured below to be the cream of the crop, but every option pulls off different tricks that’ll suit a diverse range of playstyles and setups.

The Quick List

The best Steam Deck dock overall

The Steam Deck dock scene is abundant with options, but the Baseus 6-in-1 docking station stands tall among its rivals. Featuring an adjustable cradle, fantastic build quality, and a great selection of ports, this dock delivers on multiple fronts, and it’s compatible with more than just Valve’s portable powerhouse.

Features: Armed with three USB 3.0 ports, HDMI output, Ethernet, and 100W Power delivery via USB-C, the Baseus Steam Deck dock almost covers everything you’d need for desktop use. It is missing an additional DisplayPort, but that omission is forgivable given that most options out there stick with just HDMI. 

Design: When we say the Baseus dock is compatible with other handhelds, we don’t just mean you can jam the Asus ROG Ally or larger Lenovo Legion GO onto it and hope for the best. That adjustable cradle we mentioned above moves to suit even the chonkiest handheld gaming PCs out there, whether you’re using the Steam Deck or a premium Ayaneo 2S portable. It also doubles as a way to flatten the dock while not in use, which helps it look the part on your desk and makes it more streamlined for sticking in a backpack.

The Baseus dock also has sensible port placement on its side, as it avoids sticking the Ethernet port on the side like other docking stations out there. Instead, it places one of its three USB A ports to the left instead, making it easier to connect things like a PC controller or storage drive. 

Performance: We put the Baseus Steam Deck dock to the test using a 4K gaming monitor, mouse, keyboard, and PC controller, and it provided seamless connectivity across the board. Connecting the Steam Deck’s own power adapter supplied everything with enough juice while still charging the handheld PC, which is important given we’re looking for hybrid functionality. We also didn’t notice any glitches or issues with the dock’s HDMI out, as it provided us with a 4K 60Hz when playing classic games like Fable: The Lost Chapters.

Verdict: Ultimately, clever design choices help the Baseus Steam Deck dock stand out in a busy market, and while it’s not the absolute cheapest option on the market, it’s well worth the money. If your monitor hasn’t got HDMI, you might have to opt for an adapter if this docking station takes your fancy, but the accessory is pretty accommodating otherwise.

Read more: Baseus 6-in-1 docking station review

The best cheap Steam Deck dock

The iVoler 5-in-1 Steam Deck Dock has both price and specs on its side, as it packs quite a lot of functionality into a cheap package. If you’re not willing to wait for around for discounts and looking to spend under $25, this is probably the docking station you’re looking for.

Features: It might cost less than its fancier rivals, but the iVoler Steam Deck dock is packing just as many ports. It’s got three USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, and Ethernet, but Power Delivery is capped at 65W. That’s not going to be an issue if you’re only connecting a few peripherals, but heavy desktop use could put those constraints to the test.

Design: Admittedly, the iVoler Steam Deck dock isn’t the prettiest accessory around, and the bold logo at the front cramps its style. Yet, it still manages to be pretty discrete, with its black colorway helping it blend into the background rather than serving as a statement piece. As for build quality, it feels like a cheap Steam Deck dock, which perhaps doesn’t matter much considering it’ll simply sit on your desk or TV unit, but it’s notably light feeling compared to alternatives.

Performance: Unlike other Steam Deck docks, the iVoler model we tested was capped at 4K 30fps. That’s not a complete deal breaker given than Valve’s portable is designed with 800p gameplay in mind, but it does mean you’ll have to sacrifice frame rate when playing the classics. Nevertheless, we played Potion Permit, Powerwash Simulator, Disney Dreamlight Valley, and Cult of the Lamb using this dock, and it performed admirably throughout.

Verdict: If you’re looking to pay as little as possible for a Steam Deck dock, iVoler’s docking station won’t disappoint. So long as you’re not looking to run older games at 4K 60fps, or have an aversion to cheap feeling accessories, this add-on will deliver all the basics for far less than Valve’s official accessory.

Read more: iVoler 5-in-1 Steam Deck Dock review

The best premium Steam Deck dock

It’s pretty expensive, but the official Valve Steam Deck dock pairs with the portable powerhouse perfectly. It boasts slightly higher specs than most other docking stations out there, includes a charger, and receives firmware updates from the handheld while plugged in. However, the fact it fit the Steam Deck like a glove hampers compatibility with other handhelds.

Features: Paying $89 for a Steam Deck dock might feel ludicrous given the price of third-party options. Yet, the official accessory provides an extra power adapter, a cradle that contours perfect to Valve’s portable, and better specs. Specifically, the dock features three USB 3.1 ports (slightly faster than the ones included in every other dock), HDMI out, Ethernet, and a DisplayPort. The dock will also receive firmware updates from the Steam Deck while connected, meaning you’ll be able to easily resolve any out of the box quirks and gain additional features down the line.

Design: Made from the same high quality plastic as the Steam Deck, Valve’s official docking station has quality on its side. It’s clear that the accessory and handheld share the same DNA, and it feels like a natural extension of the portable rather than just a compatible add-on. If you’re the kind of player than couldn’t stand those Mad Catz third party controllers back in the day, you’ll appreciate this admittedly pricey docking station for what it is. 

The fact Valve’s dock is tailor made for Steam Deck is both a blessing and a curse, as while it achieves first-party perfection, it won’t accommodate other handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally. That gripe might sound a little silly given the name of the product, but it could matter if you decide to switch out your device with something beefier. Not to mention if a Steam Deck 2 comes along, you may end up needing to pick up another dock.
 
Performance: Most docking stations provide the same performance, but the Valve Steam Deck dock has a first party edge. That’s largely thanks to its firmware catering directly to SteamOS, which will automatically adjust settings respond better to resolution changes. We played Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus or Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection using the dock and both games ran seamlessly, with the dock providing seamless output to a big screen (albeit with actual PC performance being limited to the Steam Deck itself).

Verdict: Cost aside, the Valve Steam Deck dock pairs perfectly with the handheld, and so it should. If you’re needing an additional charger anyway, and would rather embrace build quality and specific functionality over compatibility with other handhelds, it’s worth the investment. 

Read more: Valve Steam Deck Docking Station review

The best Steam Deck dock for TV

The Syntech Steam Deck Docking Station caters to living room rocking the best gaming TV with its discrete design and port placement, and it’s pretty affordable too compared to the real deal. Its smaller stature doesn’t compromise specs, but it does admittedly feel a bit cheap compared to other dock’s we’ve tested.

Features: All the usual ports are included with the Syntech Steam Deck dock, including HDMI, Ethernet, three USB 3.0 ports, and 100W Power Delivery. However, this accessory is notably smaller than other dinky docks out there, and manages to include more ports to boot.

Design: Syntech’s round approach to docking station design may feel a bit weird at first, but it actually adds a lot of situational functionality. For example, if you’re using the Steam Deck as a desktop hybrid, you’ll be able to easily connect a wired gaming mouse to one of the side ports without moving the dock. It’s a small thing, but when you consider the fact most docks are designed with skirting cables round the back away from surfaces, it’s easy to see why this design might appeal to couch dwellers. 

Performance: We tested the Syntech dock with a nice variety of Steam games, including God of War, Have a Nice Death, and Roots of Pacha. The docking station happily provided 4K 60fps output both in game and while using SteamOS, and no weird connectivity glitches or issues occurred while it was in use. That’s really all you need when it comes to using the Deck as a hybrid PC, but time will tell whether its cheaper build quality will stand the test of time.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a docking station that’ll provide living room functionality while being discrete, the Syntech Steam Deck dock is waiting to serve. It suffers from the same build quality issues as iVoler’s accessory, but if you’re not fussed about using plasticy accessories, you’ll get alone with this add on just fine. 

Read more: Syntech 6-in-1 Steam Deck docking station review

The best Steam Deck dock for travel

Most Steam Deck docks will fit in your backpack with ease, but the Acefast GaN Smart PD Charger Hub is a docking station and power adapter in one. That means you won’t have to bring the Deck’s original power brick with your on your travels, and it’s compact enough to slip into your pocket.

Features: Naturally, missing out features like Ethernet and additional USB ports helps keep the Acefast’s charger hub compact, but it still packs a punch. Not only will it supply your Steam Deck and connected peripherals with 65W power, but the fact it’s a GaN (gallium nitrate) charger means it boasts fast charging without being bulky.  Sure, you won’t be able to hook up multiple peripherals (unless you use an additional USB hub), but if you’re travelling around and staying in hotels, all you really need is HDMI out.

Design: The Acefast GaN Smart PD Charger Hub looks just like a standard smartphone charger, and it’ll fit in your pocket without adding much bulk. Its prongs flip inwards when not in use, meaning there’s no risk or it damaging other devices when in your backpack. That said, there’s no UK version of this accessory yet, and complying with the country’s power standards could add extra bulk to that version. 

Performance: Despite its extremely compact size, the Acefast GaN Smart PD Charger Hub functions exactly like an ordinary Steam Deck dock. Connectivity was seamless and instant during testing, and it helped us get a few hours in with Indie games like Tunic and Dredge. We even managed to plug in more than one peripheral using a hub and experienced no issues in relation to Power Delivery, but keep in mind it provides 65W compared to the usual 100W we’ve come to expect.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a plug and play Steam Deck dock that you can easily use in a hotel or at a friends house, the Acefast GaN Smart PD Charger Hub checks almost every box. Sadly, since there’s no UK version of this device, we can only currently recommend it to US handheld players. Nevertheless, it’s still a must have accessory for on the go play, and its the perfect travel companion for Valve’s Steam Deck.

Read more: Acefast GaN Smart PD Charger Hub review

The best Steam Deck dock for desktop

The JSAUX USB-C 6-in-1 Steam Deck dock provides decent functionality for anyone who uses a gaming desk, and it serves as a cheaper alternative to the real deal. It’s not perfect, and there are some design choices that hamper its versatility, but it’s one of the first docking station’s we’d recommend if your looking for affordable functionality.

Features: Kitted out with HDMI, three USB 3.0 ports, and 100W Power Delivery, the JSAUX Steam Deck dock checks all the usual boxes in terms of specs. There’s also an Ethernet port that’ll save you from resorting to the Deck’s built in Wi-Fi, and the cradle borrows queues from Valve’s official docking station. A bit of a no thrills option that sticks to core functionality, but the same could be said for 99% of third party options out there.

Design: The JSAUX USB-C 6-in-1 model we reviewed just so happens to be red, which is a little bit garish. That said, there’s a gun metal grey version that’s more likely to blend in with your setup, so keep that in mind when shopping around. Underneath the Iron Man-esque paint job is an aluminium body that feels pretty sturdy, providing a premium feel that’s harder to achieve with plastic. 

Most of this docks ports are situated on the side, but its Ethernet port is annoying located on the side. Ideally, we’d prefer permanent connections to live on the back for the sake of cable management, as placing a USB port on the side instead would provide quick connectivity for things like wired controllers.

Performance: JSAUX was one of the first accessory makers to jump on the Steam Deck dock bandwagon, and its 6-in-1 dock provides a refined experience. There are no glitches, bugs, or power issues to be found when using the docking station with a TV or monitor, but that admittedly applies to every other docking station on this list.

Verdict: Again, it has its flaws, but the JSAUX USB-C 6-in-1 is our go to Steam Deck affordable Steam Deck dock for desktop use. If you’ve got the funds to spend, we’d perhaps point you towards the Baseus docking station instead, but both help Valve’s portable become a hybrid gaming PC for your desk.

Read more: JSAUX USB-C 6-in-1 review

The best Steam Deck dock alternative

The Wavlink 13 in 1 Multiport technically isn’t made with Valve’s powerhouse specifically in mind, but it makes for a great Steam Deck dock alternative for players who don’t want a single use accessory.

The biggest advantage of the Wavlink 13 in 1 Multiport USB C docking station over some others in our roundup is the inclusion of DisplayPort as well as HDMI. The former means that you can output at a maximum of 4K60, but also means that you will have far greater compatibility with monitors featuring a sharper picture quality. DisplayPort may play better with some gaming monitors in general as even an older form of the input can provide noticeable improvements over the likes of HDMI connections thanks to a far higher data bit rate. 

This model also features 4x USB 3.0 ports for high-speed connections of your peripherals and any data drives that you may have to hand. Priced at $64.99 / £59.99, the Wavlink 13 in 1 Multiport is one of the more affordable options on the market and offers everything that you could need out of a Steam Deck dock ahead of the official release date. 

Best steam deck dock: FAQ

Which docks work with the Steam Deck?

Any Steam Deck dock you consider ahead of the official model’s release later this year is going to need its own power (45W minimum through USB Type C), and enough ports to be able to use comfortably. Opting for a smaller hub instead of a dock may work for casting the video signal, but you may not benefit from stable performance over time. That’s why in our chosen units, we’ve ensured that there’s a suitable amount of power provided to the Steam Deck for maximum compatibility. 

Does the Steam Deck OLED work with existing docking station

The Steam Deck OLED effectively uses the same USB-C output as the original LCD version, so you’ll be able to use existing docking station. While there’s no guarantee that a next generation Steam Deck will also work with current docks, the standard is used across the board by laptops and PCs.

Should you use a 3rd party dock for Steam Deck?

You can absolutely use a third-party option with Steam Deck, but not every docking station will feel like it’s made with the handheld in mind. If you’re fussy about materials, fit, and aesthetics, you may want to spend the extra cash on Valve’s official docking station. Otherwise, there are plenty of great alternatives out there, and some of them can perform tricks the real deal can’t.

What to look for in the best Steam Deck dock

The best Steam Deck dock should provide your handheld with video output, USB ports, and somewhere for your handheld to sit. Most options out there can provide the basics, but others go above and beyond to turn Valve’s portable powerhouse into a hybrid PC. From add-ons with build in SSD storage to cradles with a build in cooler, third party solutions pack additional tricks that could fundamentally enhance your experience. Of course, if you’re looking for something that fits the Deck like a glove, you’ll want to consider picking up Valve’s official docking station instead. 

Which ports does the Steam Deck have?

The Steam Deck features a UBS C port for charging / power, as well as a 3.5mm jack, and a microSD card slot. Due to that USB C port, though, you have many options for expansion, as the above Steam Deck docks can demonstrate. 

Can I use a Steam Deck dock with Asus ROG Ally?

Most Steam Deck docks out there will work with the Asus ROG Ally, but there are a few things to consider before picking up any old docking station. For example, the ROG Ally is sightly thicker than the Steam Deck, meaning it might not fit on some cradles out there. You’ll also want to pay close attention to each dock’s Power Delivery capabilities, as Asus’ handheld requires more juice.

How we test Steam Deck docks at GamesRadar+

We spend hours testing the best Steam Deck docks to ensure they provide Valve’s gaming handheld with proper hybrid functionality. Our expert team of staff and freelancers test each accessory to ensure great performance and functionality, whether you’re using the portable PC with a monitor, gaming TV, or peripherals like a mouse and keyboard.

Of course, some Steam Deck docks provide a specific use case. For example, there are docking stations that cater to desktop users, while others are more suitable for travel. We take this into account when testing every Steam Deck dock option, and it’s something that’ll help you find the right accessory for your needs.

For more information on how we approach testing and reviews, check out our  full Hardware Policy.

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