The new ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 packs in plenty of ports as well as an improved webcam and new Intel CPUs under the hood. But seeing as though it is a business laptop, if you're considering buying the device, a docking station will be a great add-on purchase. This helps make your ThinkPad a better laptop for use in the office, or at home when plugged into a monitor.
In addition to the existing two Thunderbolt 4 and USB-A ports, as well as HDMI and the headphone jack on the incoming ThinkPad model, a lot of the docks we're about to suggest can expand things out for you. You'll get an Ethernet port for faster and more stable internet connections, microSD and SD card slots for extra storage, and even dual HDMI or DisplayPort support for plugging in extra monitors. So without further ado, here are nine of our favorite docking stations for the new ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8.
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Lenovo ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Editor's ChoiceWhile expensive, this is the official dock for the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8. It packs in Thunderbolt 4 technology that'll get you support for using multiple 4K displays. That's on top of the additional ports it offers like gigabit Ethernet, USB-A, and a headphone jack.
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Kensington Triple-Display USB-C Docking Station SD4839P
Premium PickThis Kensington docking station is yet another expensive pick, but it is more hassle-free if you want to connect to triple displays. It doesn't require any special drivers and is a bit compact. You'll also get USB-A ports, too, and up to 85W charging for your ThinkPad.
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j5create USB USB-C Hub
Best ValuePriced at $50, this is one of the most affordable docks you can find for your ThinkPad. That doesn't mean it won't pack the ports you need though. You still get HDMI, as well as Ethernet and dual USB Type-A ports. These are the basics for connecting USB drives, printers, and monitors to your ThinkPad.
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Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station (13-in-1)
USB-C hubAnker's docking station is another high-end product, but it gets you up to 13 different ports on your ThinkPad. You also get up to 85W laptop-charging in addition to a microSD and SD card readers, USB-C data port, 3 USB-A ports, 2 HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, an Ethernet port, SD/microSD card slots, a 3.5 mm AUX port, and a DC input.
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Plugable UD-ULTC4K
With plenty of USB-A portsIf you want a dock for your ThinkPad that's designed for businesses then this one from Plugable is for you. It doesn't use Thunderbolt protocol, but still offers support for up to three 4K displays, in addition to a ton of USB-A ports, Ethernet, and SD card readers.
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CalDigit Element Hub
Compact Thunderbolt 4 dockThis docking station from CalDigit is for those who might have cluttered desks. It's a small dock, but it offers a great mix of ports, including four USB-A 3.2 ports, and four Thunderbolt 4 ports. The entire dock is also made out of aluminum and is sure to match the feel of your ThinkPad.
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Anker PowerExpand 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Mini Dock
For expanding ThunderboltThis Anker PowerExpand 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Mini dock is great for its size. It's powerful and can power dual 4K monitors at 60Hz, along with offering USB-A and Thunderbolt 4 ports, but it also has a sleek footprint that isn't too large. You can take it with you on the road with your ThinkPad if you please.
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DockCase USB-C Smart Visual Hub 7-in-1
A dock with a screenThe DockCase USB-C Smart Visual Hub 7-in-1 is one of the more unique docks in this list. If you want to be on the safe side and monitor how much power your connected accessories are using over the USB-A or HDMI port, there's a display onboard that can help you see that information.
Recapping the best docking stations for Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 in 2023
From Lenovo to Anker, and even lesser-known brands like j5create, those were the best docking stations we can think of for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8. For the absolute best experience, we suggest going with the official dock, the Lenovo ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock. That dock matches the branding of your laptop and supports multiple 4K displays. It even has Ethernet ports and extra USB-A ports board. Another great option is the Kensington Triple-Display USB-C Docking Station, which packs in ports needed for connecting up to three displays, and a worry-free driverless setup. Even if you're on a budget, nothing is wrong with checking out the j5create USB-C Hub, which still has the basics like HDMI and USB Type-A.
If you don't already own the new ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8, you can buy it with the link below. It starts at $1,457.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 is an exciting update in its line, delivering improved processors on top of premium design and the business security features you expect from a ThinkPad.