Don’t Buy the $90 Steam Deck Dock [Alternatives]

Ever since the PSP was retired, many have felt that no handheld console could truly recapture its magic and versatility. For several years, this seemed to be the case, even though Nintendo continued releasing handheld consoles. However, with the launch of Valve‘s Steam Deck, the world of handheld consoles experienced an exciting revival.

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.

Most controllers feature Bluetooth, and you can buy a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse set from Amazon for an affordable price. These may not be high-end gaming devices, but they will still offer reliable performance and last for years of regular use. All things considered, this makes the Dock less necessary for most people.

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:

1. JSAUX HB0702

Best Third-Party Dock

Pros

• Better value for price
• Priced competitively
• A max of 100W fast charging
• The dock does not block the Deck's exhaust fans and prevents it from heating up
• Supports the ASUS ROG Ally and iOS and Android

Cons

• The Steam Deck doesn't fit perfectly in the dock
• Only outputs at 4K

Dimensions: 175.8mm x 99mm x 36.1mm | Body: Metallic outer build | Ethernet Port: Yes | Base: Rubberized corners and grips present in the docking station | Charging: 100W USB-C fast charging (The Steam Deck charges at a maximum of 45W only) | Display Options: HDMI 2.0 port and DisplayPort 1.2 port | Display Output: 4K@60Hz | USB Ports: 3 USB 3.2 ports | Compatibility: Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, iPhone, Android | Warranty: 18 months limited warranty

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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.

2. NewQ Clip-On 5-in-1 Dock

Best Dock for Extra Storage Space

Pros

• MicroSD card slot
• Pretty cheap
• Small design allows it to be portable
• Allows you to connect to an external display in handheld mode and use the Deck as a controller
• The dock does not block the Deck's exhaust fans and prevents it from heating up
• Compatible with Android devices

Cons

• Extra SD card requires some setup
• Less USB ports
• No Ethernet port
• The plastic stand is not as sturdy
• Only HDMI display port
• Only capable of 4K output
• Not compatible with other handheld consoles

Dimensions: 119.9mm x 80mm x 20.1mm | Body: Plastic | Ethernet Port: No | Base: Plastic stand | MicroSD Card Slot: Present | Charging: Standard 45W charging | Display Options: HDMI 2.0 port | Display Output: 4K@60Hz | USB Ports: 2 USB 3.0 ports | Compatibility: Steam Deck, Android | Warranty: 18 months warranty

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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.

3. SABRENT 6-Port Docking Station

Best Budget Dock

Pros

• Very cheap
• The Deck fits perfectly in the dock
• Allows you to connect to an external display through USB-C
• Sturdy base
• A max charging output of 90W when charging
• Compatible with a wide range of devices

Cons

• The dock blocks the Deck's exhaust fans a bit
• No Ethernet port
• Only HDMI display port
• Only able to output at 4K

Dimensions: 122.9mm x 78.2mm x 29.7mm | Body: Plastic | Ethernet Port: No | Base: Rubberized base footings | Charging: 90W USB-C fast charging (The Steam Deck charges at a maximum of 45W only) | Display Options: HDMI 2.0 port | Display Output: 4K@60Hz | USB Ports: 3 USB 3.0 ports | USB-C Ports: 2 | Compatibility: Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, macOS, Linux, iPhone, Android | Warranty: 1 year without registration, 2 years with registration

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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: