Best hard drive docking stations for 2020

When a standard flash drive is no longer enough, solid-state drives come to the rescue. Their memory capacity allows you to store hundreds of gigabytes of information. However, constantly disassembling the system unit and fixing the HDD are only additional problems. Therefore, the manufacturers went further and created a device that will allow hot swapping in a couple of minutes and this requires only two points: a USB interface and a free socket.

The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best docking stations for hard drives for 2020.

Should I choose a docking station or an external case?

Often, users ask themselves about the practicality of using docking stations, because there are smaller external boxes that have almost the same functions and are several times cheaper than their expensive counterparts.

First, it is important to understand that they are not the same devices and are designed to perform different tasks. Before using this or that equipment, you need to think about the purpose of the application. After all, devices are capable of both simplifying operation and complicating it.

Hard drive docking stations are often purchased by users who need to constantly work with multiple hard drives. The connection is provided via USB or eSATA. The information transfer rate depends on the selected type.

Dock station

This equipment is capable of connecting two or more (depending on the model) drives to a computer, in addition, it will take a couple of seconds to replace one HDD with another (even an SSD). It is enough to remove one device and connect the second. In this case, the connection is possible using such interfaces as: USB 2.0 / 3.0, eSATA. The main difference between such a device is that it works directly with SATA and makes it possible to connect products of various form factors (if provided by the manufacturer). This solution allows you to work faster and transfer information to various devices, including: laptops, netbooks and desktop computers.

Outer case

This option does not differ in functional features, because it only works with a specific HDD or SSD. Connection is via a standard USB interface. It is not possible to connect the drive directly, which poses limitations when using multiple hard drives. This option is less in demand among professionals. In addition, some external boxes quickly fail, which entails additional costs.

Where is the docking station used?

This device is in great demand in the IT field, when an employee needs to constantly connect a dozen different solid state drives to 20 or more computers. At the same time, hard drives differ not only in volume, but also in form factor. For example, when you need to connect a laptop HDD to a computer, and you need to do this once, then parsing the block will create time costs. And when the situation is the opposite, then it is simply impossible to do it without an auxiliary element.

Also, the greater advantage of such models is that they are able to transfer information two to three times faster. This became possible thanks to the use of the eSATA connector, which is equipped with most of the laptops. The information transfer speed is capable of up to 3 GB per second, which allows you to more effectively unleash the potential of docking stations. External cases are deprived of such an opportunity, which is why the user receives only 25-100 MB / s, which is not bad, but not enough for some purposes.

Main advantages and disadvantages

Like any equipment, this product has a number of positive and negative sides. Their knowledge will help determine the choice of a product and learn more about its capabilities.

The advantages of using the device:

• The main advantage of such models is the "hot swap" of drives. A person does not have to spend 10 or 15 minutes on this process, it is enough to disconnect one device and connect another, the computer will automatically recognize everything.
• Convenient connection through popular interfaces that are present on every PC and laptop.
• Some manufacturers equip docking stations with additional USB ports, which greatly increase their functionality.
• The speed of information transfer increases several times, which increases the efficiency of the device.
• A person gets the opportunity to work with two solid state drives or hard drives. In addition, the connection takes place through the usual SATA port for such products.
• The docking station guarantees reliable operation throughout the entire period of operation. In addition, each port is located in the equipment case, allowing quick access to a different interface. Some manufacturers equip the device with special connectors for memory cards, flash drives, keyboards; in some versions, monitor connection is supported, which is also an advantage.
• There is a special button to turn the device on and off, which allows you to do it instantly.

Despite all the positive characteristics, such a device also has some drawbacks that can cause the refusal to use it:

• High price. If a person wants to get a functional device, then one thousand will not be enough for him, in some cases even two will not be enough.
• Large dimensions of the structure will take up space on the desktop. All units are designed for surface placement only, so they are heavy and rubberized to reduce vibration.
• To work with the docking stations, additional power from the mains is required, since the equipment will not start otherwise. This can also create additional problems, especially in areas where there is no extra power outlet.
• Although replacing drives takes a couple of seconds, it may actually take longer. The user cannot simply remove the device and insert a new one. It is necessary to safely remove it, wait until the pancakes stop rotating and the magnetic heads (for HDD) stop completely and only then disconnect the device. Failure to comply with this rule can destroy the drive and render it unusable.
• In addition, dust periodically accumulates inside the equipment, especially if an open model is used, which can create discomfort in operation. Solving the problem is easy - just periodically blow out the connectors.

If a person does not want to buy a ready-made version, then with the help of video tutorials, you can create a docking station with your own hands. Of course, you still have to spend money and effort on this. But the result is worth the wait. This option is suitable for those who know at least a small technical part and want to create a unique product from the accumulated materials. For implementation, you will need: the appropriate interfaces, a 5 or 12 V power supply and a case where all this will be located. When assembling, the main thing is to follow the instructions and carry out constant monitoring so that you do not have to redo the errors that occurred at the beginning.

Rating of the best docking stations up to 3,000 rubles

For HDD / SSD - Orico 6518US3, Black

An excellent Chinese device that can work with SSD and HDD. Supplied in a nice and durable plastic case. Due to its small size, it takes up a minimum of space on your desktop. The connection is carried out via SATA3, which provides the user with high-speed information transfer.

Connection is carried out using a network adapter (for powering the device) and a USB connection to a computer. The maximum transfer rate is 5 GB per second. Supported hard disk capacity - 8 TB. The installed power supply has a power of 30 W, which will provide the user with uninterrupted operation for a long period.

To monitor the current state, there is an LED indicator. The product warranty is 2 years, which is a great advantage. Weight - 690 grams.

Sold at a price - 1,770 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

KKMOON HDD Docking Station

A popular product on AliExpress that has a good build. Supplied in a box containing the device itself, a power adapter, USB for connecting to a PC and a driver disk. The peculiarity of the product is that for a small price, a person gets the opportunity to use two drives.

The body is made entirely of plastic. The only drawback is that the glossy appearance is quickly erased, since the product retains prints and minor scratches well. Therefore, transportation must be approached responsibly. On the front panel there are two ports for connecting flash drives and a slot for a memory card.

Sold at a price: from 1,200 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

For HDD / SSD - DEXP HA131

This option is designed to connect one device such as SSD or HDD. Power is supplied from a 220 V electrical network; for this, an appropriate adapter is used. The case is completely made of plastic, which is durable and reliable.

To connect the hard drive to the computer, USB 3.0 is used. The bandwidth of the product reaches 5 GB per second, which is a positive result. The maximum supported volume is 8 TB. The device weighs 1.1 kg.

Sold at a price of 1,550 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

For HDD / SSD - HDD AGESTAR 3UBT8

An excellent product from a Chinese manufacturer that supports simultaneous operation of two drives. The popular SATA 3 interface is used for connection, which provides high-speed data exchange.

The body is made of aluminum and plastic, which is an excellent solution and has a positive effect on the appearance. Power is supplied from the AC mains. On the body there is a convenient on and off button. It is possible to connect not only HDD, but also a solid-state drive, which is also an advantage. The warranty is 12 months.

Sold at a price of 2 640 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

For HDD / SSD - Gembird HD32-U3S-4

Convenient solution for most users. The docking station is highly efficient and capable of handling large amounts of information. The connection interface is SATA 3, which guarantees high-speed exchange.

Connection to a computer is via USB 3.0.Electrical energy is used to power the equipment. The appearance is practically no different from previous models. In addition, the advantage of this option is its low price, which reaches 1,900 rubles.

The hard disk is detected immediately after connecting, which also saves seconds, disconnecting does not take much time. The build quality is high.

The average price is 1,900 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Top 3 Expensive Universal HDD / SSD Docking Stations

ORICO NS200RU3-BK

An excellent system designed to run smoothly with two hard drives. The design is simple and does not require knowledge from the user. Fastening is quick and reliable, no additional tools are required from the owner.

Supports drives up to 10 TB, which is an excellent result, while providing the user with a high speed of information exchange. The cooling system is passive, but despite this, it provides high-quality heat dissipation.

It is produced in a beautiful plastic case, on the back panel there is a shutdown button and a USB 3.0 port. Thanks to the built-in protection system, a person can not worry about the safety of their drives, neither current leakage, nor electrical interference and voltage surges are not afraid of this device.

The average cost is 11,000 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Thermaltake BlacX Duet 5G ST0022E

A reliable device from a top manufacturer that supports a variety of drives. The product is immediately ready for use, so no additional software installation is required. To achieve effective cooling, the manufacturer decided to create a caseless version, this improves heat dissipation, so the hard drive will not overheat. The product is compatible with Windows and Mac OS operating systems. The weight of the finished structure is 400 grams. Internal interface - SATA.

Sold at a price of 5,990 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

AGESTAR 3UBT6-6G

An excellent model that can work with SSD and HDD. The number of compartments is 2, which will ensure efficient operation. Power is supplied from the mains, the connection to the computer is via USB 3.0 Type B. Cooling - passive. The body is made entirely of plastic, which is distinguished by its strength characteristics.

The average cost is 3,500 rubles.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Finally

A docking station is a useful solution for every person who writes hundreds of gigabytes of information every day or transfers it to another computer. If you have experience using the models described in the rating, or more interesting representatives, tell us about it in the comments.