If you are the owner of a Steam Deck, you know that Valve does not provide a Steam Deck Dock like some other manufacturers of similar devices. So, you would need a dock and wondering if a third-party dock could be compatible or you can use one on the Steam Deck. While you can use third-party docks, you cannot use just any dock. Keep reading and we will suggest the best docks that you can use the Steam Deck.
Can you Use Third-Party Dock with the Steam Deck | what is the Best Steam Deck Dock?
Since the Steam Deck has a single USB – C port, you can try your luck by using an external port, but there can be compatibility issues with the USB-C and the Steam Deck. You should keep in mind that the USB should be enabled with Power Delivery (PD) for it to work, or else it will read as a charging port. Any USB type C with PD pass-through will allow you to connect any AC adapter to the main hub, which in turn can help you power up your Steam Deck. You can also try using a USB-A with PD plugged into an adapter with USB – A to USB – C, since they are cheaper in comparison to USB – C, but even then you will need to do some trial and error to find out which works. You should also take note that the USB – C port enables at least 45W power delivery.
Below we will look at the top 5 best steam deck docks available in the market to use.
MCY 12-in-1
As the name suggests, the MCY 12 in 1 has a whole plethora of features that you can use for both gaming and productivity. It is a triple display docking station offering 4K resolution on both Windows and Mac, with mirroring for Mac. It offers 85W for Type-C, which is above the bare minimum needed. Besides the C-port, the MCY also contains two USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, Ethernet, SD/Micro SD slot, and VGA support.
WALNEW 7-in-1 Hub
Similar to the MCY, but offers 100W PD for the Type-C, this device also houses an SD and TF card reader, as well as pretty much the same features as the MCY but for half the price. The WALNEW 7 in 1 is compatible with Windows, Mac, and select phones.
Anker
Anker has some pretty powerful docks that are compatible with the Steam deck, and it also caters to all price ranges. Each dock offers varying PD, but all of them will work flawlessly. Plus, its build and design are perfect for work on the go. You can try looking at the 3-in-1 options of the range as these are low-end but work just as good, if not better, than the high-end Anker docks.
Tobenone
Another company that deals with docking stations, their USB – C offers 100W PD and comes in pairs, which makes it a powerful combo of 16 – in – 2. It has just about every port, Ethernet, card slots, and HDMI support, but can look a bit bulky on the desk. Nevertheless, it is quite powerful and can take up a load of your Steam deck and more.
UTechSmart 15-in-1
Not only does it offer Type C compatibility but also functions well with Type A. it supplies 100W of PD and has mostly the same features as any other dock. It is not as hefty as the Tobenone and uses quite a lot of power to help you with work or gaming. Also, its ergonomic design keeps all the ports in place instead of causing havoc at your desk.
These are all the best docks currently available in the market that is compatible with the Steam Deck. If you like this guide you can check out our other guides as well.