Monoprice 15-in-1 Triple-Display MST Docking Station Review: 15 Powerful Ports on Universal Connection

Monoprice 15-in-1 Triple-Display MST Docking Station Review

The idea of docking stations has changed dramatically with USB-C. The once clunky desktop anchors that clasped onto a laptop via wide, proprietary connections are largely relics of the past. Current docking stations transform a single USB-C connection into a wealth of ports. And few docking stations define “wealth of ports” more than the $139.99 Monoprice 15-in-1 Triple-Display MST Docking Station. My MacBook Pro or other laptops under review, tether to this dock via a single USB-C cable that powers the laptop and greatly expands its connectivity capabilities.

Specifications

• Supports 4x video outputs, 6 ultra‑fast USB ports (10Gbps), Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm audio/microphone jack
• Supports up to 3x high‑resolution external displays (any combination of HDMI & DP across the 4 ports)
• 3 USB Type-A 3.2 Gen2 ports with 10Gbps transfer speed, one with 7.5W downstream charging
• 3 USB Type-C 3.2 Gen2 ports with 10Gbps transfer speed, one with 30W PD downstream charging
• 150W distributed power supply with max 96W for host charging
• RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet
• 3.5mm audio/microphone jack
• SD/MicroSD card readers
• Plug‑and‑play
• Supports Windows, MacOS, and Thunderbolt
• Kensington and micro security slots

What we like

Pros

• Huge number of ports
• Charging options for laptops and devices via 150W of distributed power

The specification section kind of says it all. There are plenty of ports for most routine work situations, and except for high-end creators, perhaps enough for even the occassional unexpected use case.

My dock covers Bluetooth® connection dongles for workplace headsets like the Jabra Evolve 2 Buds, a Drop keyboard, a Seagate HD, and an external web cam. The dock also handles the HDMI output to my monitor, even though my personal device, and many of the review units, include HDMI. The single USB-C cable is more convenient.

On the technical side, laptops need to support DP Alt Modes, Thunderbolt or Multi-Stream Transport (MTS). Apple devices do not support MST, though they do support the other standards. Unfortunately, that means they can’t push different outputs across an array of connected monitors. The Monoprice website offers an excellent connectivity illustration that shows what works with macOS and Windows.

Minimalist packaging gets Monoprice a high score for sustainability, though I would love to see a more corporate commitment to sustainability and what it means for them on the company’s website.

What could be improved

Cons

• Supports Thunderbolt but isn’t a Thunderbolt dock

Being a licensed technology, Thunderbolt docks tend to be more expensive. This dock falls into the category of powered USB-C docks. There are many differences, but the biggest one is daisy-chaining hubs together. This dock does not support daisy chaining Thunderbolt hubs, though it effectively connects to Thunderbolt ports and leverages their video, audio and I/O capabilities.

For all but the most I/O intensive tasks, this docking station will suffice.

Monoprice 15-in-1 Triple-Display MST Docking Station: The bottom line

The world of docking stations has changed dramatically, and the Monoprice 15-in-1 Triple-Display MST Docking Station offers a versatile expansion profile that turns modern laptops and desktops into multi-port wonders. Sure, high-end laptops have started to spring up with legacy ports, but those are mostly for the convenience of connecting on the road. At home, or in an office, the ideal docking station requires only one USB-C port for power and connectivity, and that is exactly what the Monoprice 15-in-1 Triple-Display MST Docking Station provides.

Monoprice provided the 15-in-1 Triple-Display MST Docking Station for review. Images courtesy of Monoprice unless otherwise noted.

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