The Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED are some of the best handheld gaming PCs out there, ready to put you right in the center of the action just about anywhere. However, sometimes you want to witness everything on a bigger screen, use different controllers, or just have a dedicated spot to store and charge your device. The easiest solution is to grab a dock. It’s an essential Steam Deck accessory and an inexpensive way to get even more out of your gaming handheld, turning it into a tiny gaming PC.
TL;DR – These are the Best Steam Deck Docks:
A solid Steam Deck dock will offer an HDMI port to easily connect the Steam Deck to a great gaming monitor or gaming TV. Some extra fancy docks include a DisplayPort, making a dual-monitor setup a plausible option.
Beyond blowing up the screen size, the best docks offer a host of additional ports for hooking up peripherals, adding storage, and charging the Steam Deck. All of our picks include speedy power delivery that far exceeds the 45W the gaming handheld is capable of charging at. The Steam Deck’s battery life isn’t great, so you’ll never need to worry about running low on juice when it’s docked. And if spotty Wi-Fi is a problem, a few of our picks even offer an ethernet port. Plus, most have a stand built in for safekeeping.
Below are seven Steam Deck docks IGN’s experts have carefully reviewed and selected. From the official dock to the budget-friendly and portable, we’ve found something that will work brilliantly for everyone’s needs. Many of our top picks are even compatible with Steam Deck alternatives and some tablets, making for a sound versatile investment.
Additional contributions by Georgie Peru
1. Jsaux Docking Station HB0603
Best Steam Deck Dock
Yes, Steam makes its own official dock for its gaming handheld, but it’s not our favorite dock – the Jsaux Docking Station HB0603 takes the honor. That’s in large part thanks to the price, setting you back half of what the official one does, while still offering everything you need from a Steam Deck dock and then some.
For starters, you get the essential USB-C cable connection between the dock and your device and one HDMI 2.0 to hook up a 4K TV or 4K gaming monitor so you can enjoy all the action in 4K at 60Hz on a much bigger screen. We wish a DisplayPort was included as an additional option for hooking up a display, but given the budget price, that slight flaw can be forgiven.
Beyond the basics, the Jsaux Docking Station is equipped with three USB-A 3.0 ports for hooking up all the essential gaming accessories, like a gaming mouse or controller. We love the inclusion of an ethernet port, ensuring lag and latency are left in the dust when it comes to your internet connection. All this means you can essentially use your Steam Deck like a desktop gaming PC. A USB-C port with 100W PD will keep the Steam Deck topped up as you play. Just note that the Steam Deck isn’t capable of hitting that speedy charging rate; it taps out at 45W. Still, this dock is compatible with the ROG Ally and a bunch of other handheld gaming PCs where fast charging can come in handy.
If we haven’t sold you on this $40 dock yet, the build may just seal the deal. The Jsaux Docking Station weighs under a half pound, keeps compact dimensions, and has a surprisingly sturdy build, making it a viable option to take on the go. You can skip looking for somewhere to prop your Steam Deck, as this dock doubles as a sleek stand to keep your device posted next to the TV without creating any additional clutter.
2. Sabrent 6-Port Docking Station
Best Budget Steam Deck Dock
For under $30, the Sabrent 6-Port Docking Station saves you money without skimping on features, ensuring you can enjoy using your Steam Deck on a larger display and a whole lot more. Its HDMI 2.0 port can support 4K at 60Hz, keeping action crisp and smooth on the bumped-up display.
Five other ports are on the dock, and we especially like the Type-C USB 3.0 port for charging up accessories or external storage. The second USB-C port is used for power delivery, while three additional Type-A USB 3.0 ports are available for connecting keyboards, mice, controllers, and more. However, the dock lacks an ethernet port. At least a speedy, reliable gaming router should work almost as great for competitive online gamers.
Connecting to the Steam Deck is simple, as the Sabrent 6-Port Docking Station includes an attached USB-C cable to reach around and plug into the Steam Deck when docked. That cable offers up to 95W power delivery, which is overkill for the Steam Deck. Still, the dock is compatible with other gaming handhelds that can take advantage of that extra power.
Even with all that connectivity, the dock is still compact. It shouldn’t interfere with any of the Steam Deck’s vents, while the side positioning of the USB-A ports is convenient for peripherals with shorter cables. Given the low cost, this dock is made of mostly plastic, but it feels sturdy and includes rubber grips and feet to keep the pricey portable from tumbling when using the dock as a stand. However, if you’ve got a case on the Steam Deck, it may be a cramped to fit.
3. NewQ Steam Deck Dock
Best Portable Steam Deck Dock
The Steam Deck is built to be portable, and if you’re like us, you want its dock to be too. The NewQ Steam Deck Dock is small without making sacrifices. It weighs less than 3oz and manages its size by putting the ports closer together. Although it might seem a bit cramped, all the ports still have enough space to be used simultaneously.
Unlike other docks where the Steam Deck slots into a stand, this one clips to the back of the device without blocking any vents or essential ports. A surprisingly sturdy kickstand is included for a tidy setup when you want to switch things up and play with a controller while the Steam Deck is docked. Plus, taking the NewQ Steam Deck Dock on the go is simple, as it folds up to fit in something as small as a jacket or pants pocket.
The latest model of the NewQ Steam Deck Dock now includes a microSD card slot for extra storage, along with all the ports and a built-in USB-C cable. An HDMI 2.0 port is ready to blow up the Steam Deck’sscreen while still enjoying a 4K/60Hz refresh rate. Two USB-A 3.0 ports make it simple to connect peripherals, and a single USB-C offers up to 100W PD, far more than the 45W the Steam Deck is capable of charging at.
Sure, NewQ’s dock is missing an ethernet for a wired internet connection and a DisplayPort to hook up additional displays. And maybe it has one less USB port than your typical dock. Luckily, these ports aren’t a necessity, especially if you’re after portability – something this dock excels at.
4. Steam Deck Docking Station
Best Steam Deck Dock for Dual Monitors
While there are dozens of great third-party docks, the one made by Valve itself is the best option for those after a dual-monitor setup. This official Steam Deck dock offers up an HDMI 2.0 – like the majority of other docks – to enjoy 4K/60Hz and FreeSync support on a larger display. However, it takes things a bit further, offering a DisplayPort 1.4 for a multi-monitor setup to squeeze even more functionality out of the Steam Deck. Plus, if your monitor doesn’t have an HDMI port, the dock offers that other connectivity option.
Those aren’t the only ports on board the Steam Deck Docking Station. It includes a USB-C for power, three USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 ports to connect peripherals, and a Gigabit ethernet for a stable connection when doing some competitive online gaming. With so much connectivity, this dock essentially turns the Steam Deck into a tiny gaming PC. The only missing feature is an M.2 slot for expanding SSD storage.
Valve’s dock is pretty compact but still acts as a viable stand, placing the Steam Deck at a perfect angle when playing with a controller or mouse and keyboard. The dock’s integrated USB-C cable also adds extra security to prevent the handheld from falling out due to accidental bumps when connected to the Steam Deck. Around the back of the dock are the ports, which are all easily accessible and well-spaced.
The biggest downside to the official dock? The price. It’s fairly expensive, especially considering many other docks with similar features are available for far less. The Steam Deck itself isn't cheap, so adding nearly a hundred bucks to the price tag isn't an easy pill to swallow. Still, the guaranteed compatibility with the Steam Deck and DisplayPort functionality could be worth the peace of mind.
5. Ugreen Steam Deck Dock 9-in-1
Best Steam Deck Dock for Multiple Ports
The Steam Deck is severely lacking in ports, but the Ugreen Steam Deck Dock 9-in-1 makes up for that in spades. With a whopping nine ports on board, including an HDMI 2.0 to display 4K/60Hz on a big screen and two USB 3.2 (Type A and Type C) for speedy 10Gbps data transfers from external storage devices, this dock can turn the Steam Deck into a compact gaming PC. Two additional USB-A 2.0 ports are ideal for connecting mice, controllers, and keyboards, while an SD card slot is available for additional storage. An ethernet also makes for a more reliable connection to the internet when online gaming.
On the dock is a USB-C port capable of 85W input when you grab a great USB-C charger with a 100W output. Unfortunately, the dock doesn’t come with one. (At least a short USB-C cable is included to connect the Steam Deck.) Since the charger is overkill for the Steam Deck, it's luckily compatible with most other gaming handhelds and even tablets, some of which can get more out of that impressive power delivery.
The Ugreen Steam Deck Dock 9-in-1 has a slightly different design from the others in this guide. It looks like a little box when folded up for storage and travel, but opens up to reveal an adjustable stand when using the Steam Deck, providing the perfect angle as you game. The only major downside is that you’ll want to place the Steam Deck slightly off-center in the dock for the best ventilation. Otherwise, the vents will be slightly obstructed.
6. Ugreen USB-C Hub w/ Ethernet Port
Best USB-C Hub for Steam Deck
For the versatile gamer, the Ugreen USB-C Hub with Ethernet Port is a great docking station for the Steam Deck, as well as a laptop or tablet. It’s designed with two USB 3.0 ports, two USB-C ports (one for input and one for charging), and HDMI 2.0 port for 4K video and gaming.
However, what really separates this one from the others on this list is it comes with two memory card readers: One for SD/TF cards and the other for microSD cards. This makes it great to play games loaded on a memory card or to give the handheld additional storage space. Alternatively, this hub is also ideal for laptops with a small number of ports like the Apple MacBook Air. It can also give all your connected devices a steadier and more reliable connection to the internet, thanks to its included ethernet port.
7. NYXI 8 in 1 Docking Station
Most Durable Dock for Steam Deck
This 8-in-1 Steam Deck docking station comes with a wealth of ports like USB 3.1, HDMI and DP ports, VGA, and ethernet. It features a solid yet lightweight build, with anti-slip stickers to ensure the dock remains in place when you dock your Steam Deck.
It’s on the pricier end of the scale when it comes to the best Steam Deck docks, but it does offer everything you need in a compact package. The angled USB-C cable is a winner too, making it easy to plug in your Steam Deck without trailing or awkwardly placed cables.
What to Look for in a Steam Deck Dock
There are a lot of Steam Deck docks available, and Steam makes its own docking station that's a perfect fit for the handheld. However, with dozens of top-tier docks on Amazon and elsewhere, you might find one that suits you better at a lower price.
An ideal docking station should have at least one USB-C port to connect the Steam Deck itself and three USB 2.0 ports for peripherals, such as a keyboard, mouse, and gaming controller. Since you want to dock the handheld, you also want to play games on a bigger display than the one built-in — which means having peripherals that will enhance your gaming experience.
Speaking of which, an ideal dock should also have at least one HDMI 2.0 port to connect to a monitor or 4K TV. However, if your monitor supports DisplayPort 1.4 for higher bandwidth, then look for a docking station that comes with one built-in. Most docks have HDMI 2.0 support, while others come with both. It’s rare to find one that only supports DisplayPort 1.4.
Meanwhile, a power-in outlet is another thing to look for, since you don’t want to draw power from the Steam Deck while docked. A good outlet can power-on the handheld while charging it at the same time. Now, when you take it out of the dock and put it back in handheld mode, it will have enough juice for up to eight hours of use.
Additionally, an ethernet port is also something to consider, but not completely necessary since the Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED are both Wi-Fi-enabled. If you have super-fast home Wi-Fi (around 700Mbps), then you don’t really need a hardwire connection. Memory card readers are also nice docking station add-ons, but not needed since the handheld comes with one built-in.
Steam Deck Dock FAQ
Does a Steam Deck dock charge the Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck has a notoriously mediocre battery life. Luckily, most docks should charge your Steam Deck as you play. Make sure to grab a hub that supports pass-through power via a USB-C and ensure it delivers enough power. The Steam Deck charger supports 45W, while all the docks we’ve chosen far surpass that amount. It’s also essential to have the dock plugged into a good outlet. Otherwise, the dock may end up drawing power from your Steam Deck.
Do new Steam Decks come with a dock?
Unfortunately, a docking station is not included when you buy a new Steam Deck or Steam Deck OLED. The official Steam Deck dock that is sold by Valve has to be purchased separately. You will also likely need to purchase a separate gaming keyboard or Steam Deck controller to play games while your Steam Deck is docked.
Do you need a docking station to connect to a TV?
Although a docking station is the arguably the best way to connect a Steam Deck to a TV or monitor, it isn't the only option available to you. All you really need is a compatible USB-C to HDMI adapter to make the connection.
