The Steam Deck is a handheld console from Valve designed to bring AAA-level PC and console games right to your hands, offering impressive visuals without sacrificing performance. Starting at $400, the Deck is a popular option for anyone looking to play high-quality games on the go. Like most handhelds, the Steam Deck has various accessories available, with the Steam Deck Dock being one of the most useful.
What is The Steam Deck Dock?
The Steam Deck Dock is a docking station designed specifically for the Steam Deck, similar to the dock available for the Nintendo Switch. The Dock lets you connect your Steam Deck to an external display while charging it, and provides 3 USB 3.1 ports for connecting accessories like keyboards, mice, or controllers. It also offers an Ethernet port, delivering a more stable network connection, which is especially helpful for multiplayer gaming.
Reasons Why The Steam Deck Dock Is Not Worth Buying
The Steam Deck Dock performs well in terms of quality and features. Regular updates help keep it optimized, and many current owners consider it essential. However, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Below are some of the most common reasons why the Steam Deck Dock might not be the right purchase for you:
1. It’s Expensive Compared to The Alternatives
The official Steam Deck Dock costs about $90, which is fairly expensive for a docking station. For a device that mainly charges your Deck, lets you connect network cables, and outputs video to a monitor or TV, many people wonder if it’s really worth the price tag. There are also cheaper third-party alternatives available. The quality of these options can vary, but even the least expensive ones can charge your device and support video output—two features most users want in a dock.
2. Incompatible With Other Devices
Like the Nintendo Switch Dock, the Steam Deck Dock is only compatible with its specific console. The Dock doesn’t work with other handheld devices like the ASUS ROG Ally, Logitech G Cloud, or AYANEO handhelds. In contrast, many third-party docks support a wide range of devices, including phones and tablets, giving you more flexibility.
3. The Steam Deck’s Bluetooth Functionality is More Than Enough
Although the Dock provides 2 USB-A ports for connecting accessories, the Steam Deck’s built-in Bluetooth is more than enough for most people. Nowadays, most controllers, keyboards, and mice are wireless and connect easily via Bluetooth. You’ll probably only need a USB port for occasional connections, such as plugging in a mouse or keyboard for specific games.
The Best Alternatives To The Steam Deck Dock
If you want a docking station for your Steam Deck, here are some great alternatives to the official Dock: JSAUX‘s HB0702 dock is one of the most highly recommended docks for the Steam Deck. It offers nearly all the same features as the official Dock but at almost half the price, making it a top pick for Steam Deck owners looking for value.
The HB0702 features a full metallic body and two display outputs: a HDMI 2.0 port and a DisplayPort 1.2, very similar to the official Dock. Both video outputs support 4K resolution at 60Hz. You also get three USB 3.2 ports and a fast USB-C power input, all conveniently placed on the back. The Ethernet port is located on the side for network connections. Since the HB0702 is a third-party dock, the Steam Deck doesn’t fit as snugly as with the official version—even with the added grips, it can be loose for some cases. But the HB0702 is compatible with the ASUS ROG Ally, iPhones, and Android phones too. It starts at $52.99. If you want a more affordable option, check out the HB0603, which has nearly the same features at an even lower price. NewQ‘s affordable 5-in-1 Clip-On Dock is easy to use and portable. It features 2 USB 3.0 ports, a HDMI port, a USB-C charging port, and a MicroSD card slot, which can be a huge benefit if your Deck has limited storage built-in.
Although using the SD card slot requires a little setup, it’s an excellent bonus for expanding storage, especially on entry-level Steam Deck models. The HDMI output supports 4K resolution at 60Hz and the lightweight design makes it great for travel. One helpful feature is that the Steam Deck remains in handheld mode while docked, meaning you can use the Deck as a controller even when displaying games on a larger screen. The stand is not the sturdiest, and there are only 2 USB ports. There’s also no Ethernet support, and compatibility is limited mostly to Android devices. But for $39.99, it’s a solid, budget-friendly pick. The SABRENT 6-Port Docking Station is one of the most affordable options for Steam Deck owners. Priced at $29.99, it offers good quality for its price point, with a sturdy plastic build and rubberized footings for extra stability.
What sets it apart is the inclusion of two USB-C ports: one for charging and the other for connecting extra peripherals, storage devices, or even additional displays that support USB-C. It also includes three USB 3.0 ports, though we recommend using the USB-C for high-speed storage devices whenever possible. The HDMI port supports 4K resolution at 60Hz, and the wide compatibility includes devices like the ASUS ROG Ally, macOS, Linux, and smartphones. However, it lacks an Ethernet port, and a portion of the Steam Deck’s exhaust fans might be partially blocked, depending on how you position the dock. It’s still a great budget choice overall.
How Does The Steam Deck Dock Compare With Its Competitors?
Here’s a comparison of the official Dock versus its main competitors:
