Best HDD/SSD docking stations for 2022

HDD and SSD which are used in computers is often not enough. If your PC has a lot of file information, games, programs installed, then the disk space runs out over time. In this case, you can clean the computer by removing all unnecessary or use drives that are connected using a docking station.

Varieties and purpose

Many novelties can be connected to different devices, for example, a laptop, phone, computer. A review of users showed that some types convert video and photographs from a camera to a smartphone or computer well.We can safely say that all equipment connected to the docking station is a complete media system.

According to the purpose of the device are divided into:

• Wireless. They are considered the most convenient to use and mobile. The main thing is to remember about recharging so as not to encounter an unplanned shutdown. Some models are equipped with Wi-Fi.
• Wired. Can only be used for tablet PC. They turn on after connecting to a network, a computer, using a cable, or they can operate on battery power. To understand which one is better to buy, you need to consider your personal preferences.
• Chargers. The device is used only when it is necessary to charge a smartphone or tablet.
• Universal. They have a number of additional functions, in addition to recharging the device. This can be connecting a mouse, speakers, keyboard, etc.
• Multimedia. Designed only for working with media files.
  The best manufacturers have developed a special portal through which materials will be transferred without outside interference. The user can not only receive files, but also view them, copy if necessary.

Docking station for HDD and SSD - what is it?

The work is based on the corresponding functionality that allows you to connect two devices, combining their working capabilities. Considering what kind of docking stations there are, it is worth considering this system, which has a certain number of compartments, where drives will be installed in the future. It can be connected to a PC and the drive can be used in the same way as if it was already built in. In addition, today there are models that have many different features and functions. But the main thing remains a simple and quick expansion of disk space and significant savings in space on the computer.You can connect a monitor, keyboard, network, mouse, etc. to such equipment. Thus, you will get rid of the need to reconnect all the components separately each time.

Criterias of choice

The right choice directly depends on how comfortable you will be working with the equipment, so you should pay attention to the following points:

• The docking station must be compatible with the OS.
• When choosing, the functionality of the device is taken into account based on personal preferences.
• The main form factor is the number of ports. Decide on their number and variety in order to connect cables as conveniently as possible in the future.
• The dimensions of the device should not create discomfort when using it in an apartment. Small-sized docking stations can combine a large number of additional features.
• Choose trusted manufacturers.
• Inexpensive models are often of poor quality.
• It is better to make a purchase in specialized stores and listen to the advice of sellers if necessary.
• All equipment must be guaranteed.

Today, the best docking stations are available in several forms. They may differ in their capabilities, functions and technical parameters. Therefore, before making a purchase, you need to decide on the model. To do this, just look at the ranking of the best docking stations for HDD/SSD for 2022. Almost all such equipment can work with HDD and SSD. Dimensions are considered the only drawback, since each model is equipped with bays that are suitable for both 2.5 and 3.5 inch hard drives. Budget options handle only one drive at a time, more expensive ones have one, two or four bays.

Other details

A separate category includes devices that support eSATA and IDE drives.Modern models are capable of supporting a USB Type port. In addition, it is worth taking a closer look at stations that have an eSATA, SATA III, and Thunderbolt interface. Each of them has different bandwidth. Often, all equipment can be backed up by files. On high-frequency models, you just need to press the button located on the case to start this process.

During copying, there is no need to turn on the PC. LEDs will inform you when the work is finished. With some stations, discs can also be connected to other devices, such as a TV. Thus, you can start a recorded program that you did not have time to watch earlier. Some devices can also be connected to phones, laptops, etc. Additional features include automatically switching to standby mode after a period of inactivity. Many units have an individual cooling system, where two or one fan is provided. If you do not know where to buy such a device, then you can order it online, for example, from AliExpress, or buy it in an online store.

Advantages and disadvantages

As with any device, the popularity of models is influenced by certain advantages and disadvantages, which should be taken into account in order not to make mistakes when choosing a technique.

Pros:

• If necessary, hard drives can be quickly changed.
• It is possible to use different types of ports.
• Different buttons to turn on/off.
• High reliability. All ports are hidden in the case, which provides good protection against damage, some devices have several additional ports.
• Stations equipped with an eSATA port allow you to work simultaneously with several HDDs at once using the original interface.

Minuses:

• Popular models have a high price.
• The size. Often, such equipment is bulky and designed to be installed on a desktop, protected from vibration.
• In open-type devices, dust may accumulate inside.
• Additional food. Some models require additional power from the mains.

Best HDD Docking Stations

This top is compiled taking into account customer reviews, which will allow you to quickly make a choice.

Agestar3FBCP for HDD 2.5'/3.5

The rating of high-quality docking stations is opened by this model. It is designed for the AgeStar 3FBCP hard drive. Allows you to quickly and efficiently transfer information from someone else's drive. No more fiddling with wires and disassembling your computer. The device has a strict design and is made in black. The dimensions of the docking station are 80x20x80, so it can be used at home, and if necessary, there are no problems moving the device to another place. The packaging has a bright color, a description, detailed information about the device, technical specifications, in addition, the delivery set and photos of ways to connect hard drives are indicated. There is a description in Russian.

On the top of the docking station is:

• Switch on / off (on / off);
• Indicator of work (on) "power";
• Rubber plug to protect the interface under which there is a 3.5 IDE HDD connector, as well as a connector for connecting external power;
• Two switches providing write protection to the hard disk.

At the end are:

• USB 3.0 external power;
• Interface for connecting 2.5″ IDE HDD;
• Interface for connecting SATA H;
• Installation can be done by hand. To do this, you must have step-by-step instructions and an understanding of how to connect the station.

• Reviews, users say that the technique supports all types of hard drives;
• The kit includes everything you need;
• There is a write protection mode;
• No need to configure and install additional drivers;
• The average price is 2,010 rubles;
• Good build quality;
• High connection speed;
• Compact size;
• Beautiful appearance.

• Small warranty period, 10 months.

Orico6228US3-C-BK

It is designed for 2.5" and 3.5" hard drives. Made in black and has a USB 3.0 port. The main material used in the production is good quality matte plastic, the case size is 132x117x67 mm. USB3.0 can transfer 5Gbps data, the port itself is located on the back of the device. On the top there are two slots for SATA hard drives. In addition, there is support for SATAII and SATAI. The device is compatible with such operating systems as: Windows, Linux, Vista and Mac. The docking station is easy to work with. Disks are very easy to insert and remove from the slots. At the top there is a blue light LED indicator for indication when reading information. The average price is 3,269 rubles.

• Can work simultaneously with two disks.
• There is a disk clone mode, USB 0 with high read and write speed.

• High price.

Palmexx HDD DockPX/HDD-Dock-875D

This is a model from China used for hard drives. Supports USB 2.0 and all 2.5"/3.5" SATA and 2.5"/3.5" IDE hard drives of any capacity. Made from plastic. Thanks to a well-thought-out design, it is possible to quickly install and remove discs. Upon purchase, the power supply and cable are included.The main characteristics make this model widely in demand in the work of system administrators, it does a great job if you need to quickly transfer files from one disk to another. In addition, the IDE connection interface helps to solve problems with the old PC. The device has a stylish design. It is made in red and black colors, has a smooth rounded body. The average price is 1,682 rubles.

• Beautiful appearance;
• Ease of use;
• Affordable price.

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ThermaltakeBlacXDuet 5G ST0022E

The Chinese-made docking station allows you to use one port to which several hard drives can be connected. This type of device supports 2.5-inch and standard 3.5-inch hard drives. In addition, there are two data interfaces to choose from: eSATA and USB 2.0. The average cost is 5,870 rubles. On the top wall of the device there are two slots used for installation. There is also a button to remove the hard drive. On the front are hard drive activity indicators. Thermaltake BlacX Duet does not apply to large-sized equipment. Its width is 14 cm, height - 7 and length - 12 cm. Weight reaches 334 grams. On the back, there are data ports such as:

• eSATA;
• USB;
• There is a connector for connecting the power supply to the device.

• Thanks to an external power supply, you can significantly reduce the load on the PC motherboard;
• Fast file transfer up to 5.0Gbps;
• The station is compatible with USB 3.0 SuperSpeed.

The cable is of high quality, resistant to corrosion, which allows you to use it for more than one year.

• There is support for 2.5 and 3.5 SATA I/II/III and SSD;
• Additional functions allow you to write and read information from several discs at once;
• No additional software or drivers required for use;
• More convenient work with the device is provided by hot replacement;
• The model does not have a case, which allows you to maximize heat transfer from working disks;
• Compatible with different types of OS such as: Windows, Mac OS, Windows 7 32bits and 64bits.

• In the event of a breakdown, it is difficult to find component parts;
• Makes a lot of noise during operation
• High price.

Best SSD docking stations

Agestar Subt

Designed for SSD and HDD drives, equipped with a USB 2.0 port. The body is made of plastic. The manufacturer made a model of compact dimensions - 158.8x82.55x109.5 mm. At the back is USB 2.0 with a speed of 480 Mbps. There is a backup function. Mains power supply. The station has a convenient design, there is a separate compartment where drives are installed, the interface supports HDD SATAII.
At the same time, the equipment works with such operating systems as: Vista, Mac, Windows. Average price: 1,472 rubles.

• According to buyers, you can quickly connect 2.5 - 3.5 drives without additional boxes or opening the system unit;
• Mobility - easily transferred between computers.

• Lack of e-SATA interface in this model.

Gembird HD32-U3S-4

The main purpose is the exchange of data between your PC and drives in 2.5- and 3.5-inch. The technique works with SSD and HDD devices. The external box is connected using the USB 3.0 interface. The speed is 5 Gbps. Thus, even large amounts of information will be moved and copied in a short period of time. The body is made of aluminium. External box with HDD support function, the volume of which is 4 TB.SATA connection interface used. What to pay attention to? In order to ensure the functioning of the station, an external power source is required. Also included is a USB cable. The outer block is made of metal. Average price: 1,478 rubles.

• Convenient change of HDD devices;
• Fast data transfer;
• Compact size.

• The plug is not fixed;
• The 3.0 cord is too short.

AgeStar 3FBCP IDE

Computer equipment is used to connect media 3.5, 2.5 SATA HDD/ 2.5 SSD / 3.5, 2.5 IDE HDD to PC via USB 3.0 interface. Thanks to the Hot-Plug function, you can quickly connect or disconnect the drive without interfering with your computer. The case is plastic, has a beautiful appearance, so the device can be used both at home and in the office. USB 3.0 is located behind the PC box. This model is compatible with such OS as: Microsoft, Windows XP, 7, Vista. It has compact dimensions of 85x67x22 mm, which allows you to independently transport the device if necessary. The "Back Up" button provides the use of file backup. The interface bandwidth is 5000 Mbps. What is the price? Average price: 1,780 rubles.

• Reliability;
• Quality assembly;
• eSATA (SATA) and USB 2.0 support;
• Aluminium case;

• Transfer speed over USB0 is slow about 50mb/s.

Docking stations are a very useful technique. Today on the market you can see high-quality Russian-made models. They can be useful not only for tablet owners. Most often, a full-sized system unit does not have such a device. To remove or connect the hard drive, you have to open the case, which is very inconvenient. The docking station saves from this.Don't know how to choose? The final cost directly depends on the parameters, functions, additional features and technical characteristics. Inexpensive devices are those that can only hold one drive. An increase in their number increases the price of equipment. Therefore, when choosing, first of all, consider the number and types of disks to be used, their parameters and device functions. Then, taking into account all the recommendations, based on the information received, make a decision, and in order to understand which company is better to buy a device, take a look at our rating.