If you own a Steam Deck, you might be on the lookout for the best dock for your portable machine to give it even more versatility. Our guide provides direction on what will meet your needs.
The Steam Deck has developed into a great alternative to a desktop PC or laptop for gaming on the go. For users who don’t have a lot of space or who might want to see their games on a bigger screen, a Docking station creates even more options for Steam Deck users.
Valve does offer its own dock for the Steam Deck, but it is lacking in features compared to many third-party offerings such as JSAUX, and has a hefty price tag. So we’ve used our hands-on experience and scoured the internet for the best Steam Deck docks that offer up adorable price points, good build quality, and a range of input and output ports.
1. JSAUX docking stations – HB0604 & HB0602
- Ports: 2x USB-A ports, 1x USB-C (100w), HDMI 2.0 (4K60 or 1440p/120Hz)
- Features: Ethernet support (1x RJ45 Network adapter), USB-C power passthrough, M.2 slot
- Price: $129.99
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable metal build quality | Expensive |
| Ethernet port | Not compatible with some Steam Deck cases |
| Multiple ports | Mounting M.2 drive will require a guide |
| M.2 slot |
The JSAUX Docking Station range currently comes in five different flavors. Our personal recommendation is HB0603, which boasts additional storage options.
Coming in at a whopping $30 more than the official dock, and providing nearly all the same benefits, the JSAUX Docking Station is our top recommendation for those wanting to have all the bells and whistles.
It comes equipped with Ethernet, HDMI, and three USB-A 3.0 ports. The only thing it is missing is DisplayPort, but you’re more often than not going to have a spare HDMI port on your TV or monitor.
However, if you just want a decent dock that will support your accessories and has an HDMI port on it, you will want to seek the HB0602, which currently sits at $35.99. Its downside is losing a USB-A port, and the two on there are only USB 2.0. Ideal for accessories, but bad for external storage.
While not as fully loaded, it is on average with the prices for USB-C hubs.
2. UGreen docking station
- Ports: x2 USB-A ports, X1 USB-C data port, x3 HDMI ports
- Features: Ethernet support, compatible with both Steam Deck models & the Asus ROG Ally, up to 240Hz refresh rate support,
- Price: $39.99
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | Obstructs Steam Deck vents |
| Easy plug-and-play setup | Not as sturdy as other docks |
The UGreen Steam Deck dock is more than ideal for anyone on a budget. The small and compact dock can fit easily on your gaming desk, or gaming setup in your living room, especially if you’re low on space. Additionally, if you travel a lot with your Steam Deck it’s small enough to take with you wherever you go.
The setup is miraculously easy too. You will need an additional HDMI cable to get a connection going between Steam Deck and the display of your choice, but that’s it. The dock comes with a built-in power cable for your handheld, but once you have everything plugged in, you’re good to go.
The only caveat with the UGREEN dock is that you need to be mindful of how it holds your Steam Deck. With vents on the back right-hand side of the handheld, if placed right in the middle, the UGreen dock can partially cover them up.
With that in mind, we recommend ensuring your Steam Deck is sat more to the right. While annoying, it should be the least of your worries with its more than agreeable price tag.
3. Sabrent Steam Deck dock
- Ports: x1 HDMI 2.0 port (4K60 or 1440p/120Hz), x1 USB-C data port, x3 USB-A ports, x1 USB-C power delivery port.
- Ethernet: N/A
- Features: Output to 4K with the HDMI port, HDMI 2.0 port with support up to 4K/60Hz on secondary display, non-slip base
- Price: $29
| Pros | Cons |
| Secure rubberized build quality | Awkward USB port location |
| Non-slip base | Single HDMI port |
| Uniform design | No Ethernet |
| Compatible with Steam Deck & Windows handhelds |
The Sambrent Steam Deck dock looks almost identical to that of the official dock from Valve. The uniform all-black design gets the job done and looks sleek and professional when connected to your Valve handheld.
While it missteps by sticking all the USB ports on its side, the Sambrent dock succeeds by including a USB-C port. Something the official Valve dock does without entirely. Not only that, but the dock comes with an angled USB-C connector for when hooking up to your Steam Deck, keeping everything neat and tidy.
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The HDMI port also makes it easy to connect the Sambrent to the smart TV of your choosing. While it could use a DisplayPort, being able to connect the Sabrent dock to any TV or monitor, so long as it has the option, can never be understated.
Its lack of features and niceties is likely what brings the price down to be so reasonable. At $29, giving the Sambrent dock a go feels like a no-brainer, especially if you want to test the Steam Deck on your TV without breaking the bank.
4. Valve Steam Deck dock
- Ports: x3 USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 ports, x1 HDMI 2.0 (4K60 or 1440p/120Hz)
- Features: USB-C power passthrough, DisplayPort 1.4
- Price: $89
| Pros | Cons |
| Official Valve product | Expensive for what it is |
| SteamOS firmware update support | |
| Includes charger | |
| Compact design |
Valve’s official Steam Deck dock wasn’t the first to hit the market. By the time we could get our hands on one, there were already multiple, cheaper third-party offerings. However, the official Valve Steam Deck dock is still a worthwhile investment if you have the money to spare, and want the reassurance that comes with an official accessory.Unlike the Steam Deck itself, the Valve Dock is compact. At only 4.5 inches wide, the official dock doesn’t take up more of that valuable gaming desk space than it needs to.
However, despite its small design, there’s still enough room for its array of ports, which also happens to include a DisplayPort 1.4 port for all your modern monitor needs.
The official Valve Steam Deck dock also comes with a gigabit Ethernet port, so you can do without WiFi and get the true desktop PC experience.
How to choose the best Steam Deck dock
What Steam Deck dock is best for you depends on a few key factors. These include, how much you’re willing to pay for your Steam Deck dock. Then, do you need all those ports? Do you need it to be compact and portable?How much you’re willing to pay for a Steam Deck dock can greatly change what you get for your handheld.
If money isn’t an object, then picking up the official Valve dock will also give you access to its many ports and Ethernet support. Even still, the JSAUX dock with an M.2 drive will give it a run for its money.
However, not everyone can spare the $89 – or $129 – needed to grab the official option, especially after already laying down the cost needed to get a Steam Deck in the first place.
Luckily, there are plenty of budget options available, like the UGreen and Sabrent Steam Deck docks as mentioned above.
While the cheaper options can lack some valuable features, sometimes you just don’t need them. Like ethernet compatibility and a DisplayPort, if you aren’t reliant on those features anyway, you won’t be missing out on much.
In the end, it’s all a matter of preference. What Steam Deck dock is right for you will ultimately come down to what ports you want to make use of.
Picking up one of the best microSD cards for Steam Deck will help ensure you have plenty of storage for any Steam Deck game you want to play ith your new dock – especially if you haven’t yet picked up the 1TB OLED or upgraded the SSD.
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