Revolutionize your gaming experience with the best Steam Deck dock of 2024! You won’t believe the difference it makes!
The
best
Steam Deck dock
can transform your handheld into a hybrid gaming PC. Valve’s official docking station isn’t the only option, and we’ve tried and tested an array of portable and cheap docks that come with everything you need to hook up a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
A dock is one of the best Steam Deck accessories you can buy for the Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED, as it gives you more ways and places to experience your handheld. It’ll let you play the best Steam Deck games on a big-screen TV, or play while charging inside the best Steam Deck cases. Whether you’re looking for a desktop replacement, a console alternative, or want a way to charge your device in style, scroll down to find the best Steam Deck dock for you.
Why you can trust our advice ✔
At PCGamesN, our experts spend hours testing hardware, games, and VPNs. We share honest, unbiased opinions to help you buy the best. Find out how we test.
Best Steam Deck docks in 2024:
How to chose the best Steam Deck dock
Feeling daunted by all the options? Here are some key factors to keep in mind to help you make a decision:
-
Pricing:
You could go all-out and get an expensive option, like the official dock from Valve. However, while that might give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve got a well-optimized bit of hardware that will always be compatible, it’s not going to be such a good choice for anyone on a tighter budget. Many of the cheaper options can do everything the official dock can do, so we included a few reliable budget options too. -
Ports:
Got lots of accessories that you want to have plugged in while you have your Steam Deck docked? Look out for the number of ports. We’ve used three as a kind of middle-of-the-road benchmark here (though we’ve included a couple with two) and while you can find options with even more, we don’t think many people are going to need more than four. -
Portability:
Do you travel around a lot and like to dock your Deck wherever you go? If so, you’ll want a small, compact dock that can easily fit inside your bag. Meanwhile, those with a fairly small gaming space will want to ensure that they get something compact that won’t clutter it too much. We’ve tried to include a nice selection of small but powerful docks here. -
Compatibility:
Obviously, Valve knows the Steam Deck better than any other manufacturer. While there are many third-party docks out there on the internet, some of them might have issues with Steam Decks not fitting in properly, blocking cooling vents, and so forth. We’ve not included anything with any severe compatibility options, and we advise you to research thoroughly before considering any third-party options not on this list. They are cheaper, but if you’re not careful, they’ll come with a different kind of cost.
Any more unanswered questions? Read the FAQs below:
Can you dock the Steam Deck like a Nintendo Switch?
Yes, you can dock the Steam Deck, and compatible accessories work a lot like the Nintendo Switch docking station. However, rather than using a connector at the bottom of a cradle, Steam Deck docks feature a built-in USB C cable that provides the handheld with power and arms it with HDMI output and USB connectivity.
Does a Steam Deck dock improve performance?
No, using a docking station won’t improve Steam Deck performance, as it only provides power, video output, and USB connectivity. You could struggle to boost fps when using a monitor or a TV, as external displays will use a higher resolution than the handheld’s built-in screen.
Do third-party Steam Deck docks work?
Absolutely. If they didn’t, this would have been a pretty short list! Indeed, there are several third-party choices that have features not seen in the Valve model. Don’t get us wrong, the official model is fantastic, but we know there are people that will be better off with other options.
Not bought your Steam Deck yet? Read our Steam Deck prices guide for information on where to get one at the cheapest price. Our guide on the best microSD card for Steam Deck will also be worth reading if you want to make sure you’ve got enough storage space.
VIA:
.pcgamesn.com

