BENFEI Laptop Stand with USB C 6-in-1 Docking Station Review: Solid Ergonomics Meet Utilitarian Desk Management

BENFEI Laptop Stand Review

As I continue to assess tools that address the shifting dynamics of hybrid work environments and the increased demand for portable yet stable workspace solutions, the BENFEI Laptop Stand with USB-C 6-in-1 Docking Station represents an interesting approach to consolidating desk real estate.

In my previous assessments of docking solutions, I’ve observed an evolution toward integrated designs that balance ergonomics with connectivity demands. This particular unit from BENFEI attempts to merge the mechanical simplicity of an adjustable stand with the functional complexity of a multi-port hub, addressing two distinct workspace challenges in a single aluminum alloy chassis.

The proliferation of USB-C-only laptops has created a gap in legacy port availability, while simultaneously, the rise of remote work has intensified awareness around ergonomic positioning and posture-related strain. BENFEI’s solution reflects this convergence, offering height adjustability from 68mm to 178mm alongside four USB 3.0 ports, HDMI 4K@60Hz output, and 100W power delivery through a single connection point. What distinguishes this device from standalone hubs or simple laptop risers is its attempt to address both domains without compromise, though as I’ll explore, the execution reveals both strengths and inherent limitations in this dual-function approach.

What we like

Pros

• Ergonomic height and angle adjustment (68mm to 178mm range)
• Solid aluminum alloy construction with anti-skid silicone protection
• Four front-facing USB 3.0 ports with 5 Gbps transfer speeds
• HDMI 4K@60Hz video output on side panel
• 100W power delivery with 90W pass-through laptop charging
• 18-month unconditional warranty
• Single-cable connection simplifies desk organization

The BENFEI Laptop Stand’s ergonomic design provides genuine utility for extended work sessions, with a height adjustment range spanning 68mm at its lowest to 178mm at its highest. I found the aluminum alloy construction delivered the stability necessary to support laptops up to 4.5 kilograms (approximately 10 pounds) without flexing or drifting during typing.

The dual-hinge mechanism requires deliberate force to adjust, which initially feels like resistance but actually helps maintain positioning under the weight and movement of active laptop use. The anti-skid silicone pads placed strategically on contact surfaces protect the laptop chassis from scratches while preventing the gradual slippage that plagues lighter stands, creating a platform that feels anchored rather than precarious during use.

The four USB 3.0 ports on the front panel of the BENFEI Laptop Stand provide immediate access for frequently swapped devices such as flash drives, charging cables, and peripheral connections. Operating at 5 Gbps transfer speeds, these ports handle external SSD drives and data-intensive peripherals without bottlenecking, as confirmed through independent testing. For workflows involving multiple USB devices—keyboards, mice, webcams, charging stations, or storage arrays—the front-facing orientation enables tool-free plug-and-play connectivity without reaching behind the laptop or fumbling with hidden ports.

At the $39.99 USD as listed on the manufacturer’s direct site, this represents a significant expansion of port availability compared to purchasing a standalone USB hub, which typically ranges from $25 to $40 for similar specifications without the stand functionality.

The BENFEI Laptop Stand’s HDMI port on the side panel supports 4K resolution at 60Hz, confirmed through testing with both tablet and laptop configurations. This specification matters for professionals working with high-resolution displays where the difference between 30Hz and 60Hz affects cursor responsiveness, video playback smoothness, and overall visual comfort during extended sessions.

Placing the HDMI port on the BENFEI Laptop Stand’s side rather than the front reduces cable clutter in the primary work zone, allowing the display cable to route discreetly to an external monitor without crossing the keyboard area. The 21.6-inch (55cm) integrated USB-C cable uses soft silicone and woven construction, providing sufficient length to accommodate laptops with USB-C ports on either the left or right side while maintaining a durable feel that resists the kinking and fraying common in thinner cables.

Power delivery specifications are practical rather than maximal, with 100W input capability and up to 90W pass-through charging to the connected laptop. This headroom allows the BENFEI Laptop Stand hub’s own power requirements to be met while still providing sufficient wattage for power-hungry laptops, including many MacBook Pro configurations that demand 87W or 96W for full-speed charging.

Testing confirmed that even with a 65W power supply, the hub maintained stable operation across all ports while continuing to charge the laptop, suggesting efficient power management within the dock’s internal circuitry. The single-cable connection approach transforms what might otherwise be a tangle of power adapters, an HDMI cable, and multiple USB connections into a single plug-and-unplug operation, which I observed dramatically simplifies the transition for users who regularly move between stationary desk work and mobile computing.

The 18-month unconditional warranty provided by BENFEI exceeds the typical 12-month warranty for accessories in this price range, offering additional protection against manufacturing defects and component failures.

The warranty terms specify friendly, accessible customer service, which matters when dealing with connectivity issues that may require troubleshooting rather than a simple replacement. Combined with the sub-$40 pricing, this warranty duration suggests confidence in the product’s longevity and represents a meaningful value proposition for users concerned about the durability of integrated electronics subjected to daily plug/unplug cycles and heat generation from power delivery.

What could be improved

Cons

• Front-facing USB ports direct cables into the primary workspace
• Limited to USB-A ports with no additional USB-C data ports
• No Ethernet, SD card, or audio jack options
• Stiff hinges require a significant force to adjust
• Forward-oriented cables may interfere with the keyboard and mouse area
• No Thunderbolt support

The decision to position all four USB ports on the BENFEI Laptop Stand’s front panel creates an unavoidable cable management challenge. During use, I observed that connecting multiple devices, even slim USB flash drives, results in a forest of cables and dongles extending directly into the area where keyboard, mouse, and work materials typically reside.

This front-facing orientation provides immediate access, which benefits quick device swapping, but for semi-permanent connections like keyboard receivers, mouse dongles, or charging cables that remain plugged in throughout the workday, the visual clutter and physical obstruction undermine the cleaner workspace that the single-cable laptop connection was meant to create. Rear-facing or side-mounted USB ports, though less convenient for transient devices, would better serve the more common use case of semi-permanent peripheral attachment.

The port selection reflects a conservative USB-A focus that overlooks the increasing prevalence of USB-C peripherals and storage devices. Modern external SSDs, smartphone charging cables, and many contemporary peripherals have shifted to USB-C connections, requiring users to carry additional adapters or forgo the convenience of direct connection.

The inclusion of only one USB-C port—dedicated to the laptop connection—means that users working with multiple USB-C devices must still use a separate hub or rely on adapters, partially defeating the docking station’s integration purpose. For a device marketed toward current MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and XPS users—all of which embrace USB-C ecosystems—the absence of even one additional USB-C data port represents a missed opportunity to future-proof the design.

Beyond USB connectivity, the hub omits several ports that have become standard in competing docking stations at similar or slightly higher price points. Gigabit Ethernet, which provides stable wired network connectivity crucial for video conferencing and large file transfers, is absent despite being a common requirement for stationary desk setups. SD and microSD card readers, valuable for photographers, videographers, and anyone working with camera equipment or drones, would add minimal cost but significant utility.

The lack of a dedicated 3.5mm audio jack means users cannot connect wired headphones or speakers directly through the dock, forcing them to use the laptop’s own audio port or rely on Bluetooth alternatives that introduce latency and connection management overhead. This may not be a big issue for most laptops, but those using the dock with an iPad on a keyboard will be particularly disappointed. At $39.99, BENFEI has prioritized price accessibility, but port selection limits this dock to basic connectivity expansion rather than comprehensive workstation replacement.

The substantial force required to adjust the BENFEI Laptop Stand’s hinges, while contributing to stability once positioned, creates friction during routine adjustments. The aluminum construction and robust hinge mechanism are deliberately stiff to prevent drift under laptop weight, but this stiffness makes quick ergonomic adjustments—shifting from typing position to video-viewing angle, for instance, require two hands and deliberate effort.

For users who frequently alternate between sitting and standing positions, or who regularly adjust viewing angles throughout the day, this stiffness becomes a barrier to fluid workspace adaptation rather than a feature that enhances stability. A hinge mechanism with graduated resistance, firmer at extreme angles, more yielding at mid-range adjustments, would better balance stability needs with adjustment frequency.

The absence of Thunderbolt support further defines the BENFEI Laptop Stand as a value-focused USB-C accessory rather than a high-performance docking solution, with all data and display traffic constrained to standard USB 3.0 and USB-C bandwidth without multi-4K monitor flexibility or advanced daisy-chaining. This may limit its appeal for more demanding professional or creative workflows that rely on those capabilities.

BENFEI Laptop Stand: The bottom line

The BENFEI Laptop Stand with USB-C 6-in-1 Docking Station accomplishes its core mission of elevating laptops to ergonomic viewing heights while expanding port availability via a single-cable connection. At $39.99 with an 18-month warranty, it delivers tangible value for users primarily concerned with USB-A expansion and external display connectivity, particularly in environments where desk space and cable management are constraints. The aluminum alloy construction inspires confidence in long-term durability, and the genuine 4K@60Hz HDMI output meets the requirements of high-resolution display work.

However, the BENFEI Laptop Stand’s front-facing USB port orientation and the absence of USB-C data ports, Ethernet, and card readers limit its utility for users with more complex peripheral ecosystems or those who have already transitioned to USB-C-centric workflows. The stiff hinge adjustment mechanism prioritizes stability over flexibility, making this stand better suited to set-it-and-forget-it configurations rather than dynamic workspace arrangements. For basic laptop elevation with modest port expansion needs, the BENFEI delivers functional competence; for comprehensive docking station capabilities that address the full spectrum of modern connectivity requirements, users should consider alternatives with broader port selection despite higher price points

BENFEI provided the Laptop Stand for review. Images courtesy of BENFEI unless otherwise noted.

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