The Logi Dock is a small but powerful speakerphone that also functions as a hub with USB-A and USB-C ... [+] ports, plus connections for two external monitors and a Bluetooth connection.

Logitech makes some excellent keyboards and mice. The brand is also synonymous with great desktop accessories like webcams and camera lights. The company has now launched its new Logi Dock, a desktop hub and connectivity center designed to put many of the desktop accessories you might need in one handy device.

The Logi Dock is supplied with a chunky 100W power supply and it also includes a speaker, microphone array USB hub, video outputs and a Bluetooth receiver. So here, in one device, are all the connectivity options you might want in one gadget that’s easy to use.

An ample power supply provides juice to the Logi Dock and passes power through to drive the host computer via a USB-C connection. That USB connection carries video, audio and data to and from the host computer. However, the Logi Dock can’t output video to a USB-C monitor but offers HDMI and DisplayPort ports for driving two external monitors alongside the host computer display.

Lights under the front lip of the Logi Dock glow in different colors. The purple light signifies ... [+] when it's time to join a Microsoft Teams meeting.

The main feature of the Logi Dock is its audio function. This compact speaker can pump out high-quality audio with considerable muscle thanks to two woofers and two passive radiators. As a result, the sound quality is excellent and perfect for listening to a wide range of audio, including music and computer audio. It’s also ideal for relaying sound from a smartphone or video conferencing software.

Alongside the built-in speakers, the Logi Dock also has an array of six noise-canceling microphones that can pick up sound from all around. The array is ideal for group meetings, especially if you’re using Zoom or Microsoft Teams. It’s been certified for use with both apps and there’s a dedicated Microsoft Teams button, volume controls, microphone and webcam mute buttons, all ranged along the top of the Logi Dock. The mic mute and video off buttons are perfect for whenever you need some privacy. With one touch of a button, the webcam or microphones can be turned off while you take a moment.

At the Logi Dock’s rear are a couple of USB-A ports with power and data for attaching legacy peripherals like a keyboard or mouse. In addition, two USB-C ports also carry data at speeds of up to 5Gbps and fast charging. These can be used for connecting and powering an external SSD or hard drive. There’s also a third USB-C port on the left side of the unit, which makes plugging in peripherals a bit more convenient.

At the rear of the Logi Dock there are USB-A and USB-C ports. there is also ports for driving ... [+] external monitors using HDMI and DisplayPort, with resolutions up to 4K and a refresh rate of 60Hz.

The dock also has an HDMI port and a DisplayPort, which can be used simultaneously to drive two external 4K screens at 60Hz in separate or mirror mode. If you’re using an Apple Mac with an M1 chip, you’ll only be able to mirror to the external monitors, but with Apple MacBooks that have the new M2 chip, you can drive two separate screens.

The Logi Dock is compact and can sit on a desk without taking up much space. It brings all the computer cables and connections into one device and should help cut down on desktop clutter. In addition to the USB and video ports, the Logi Dock has a Bluetooth receiver for connecting with a smartphone or a second laptop, thanks to multipoint connectivity. It’s ideal for use as a speakerphone when taking phone calls at your desk or it can also stream any audio from a phone or second computer.

If the Logi Dock sounds a little like it’s offering a bit of everything, that’s true. But, in some ways, I think it’s a handy device looking for a market. It’s one of those gadgets you don’t know you need until you try it out. It’s ideal for hotdesking and includes a Kensington Lock so that the Logi Dock can be safely secured, ensuring no one makes off with it.

On the top of the Logi Dock are touch controls for Microsoft Teams, volume, microphone mute and a ... [+] button to disable the host computer's webcam. The top of the unit also house the six beamforming microphones.

I noticed a few issues when testing the Logi Dock on my Mac. First, on a few occasions, it complained about not having enough power, despite being powered with the substantial power brick that comes with the Logi Dock. I also think it’s a shame that it can’t drive USB-C monitors, but that may be due to power limitations.

One unusual and valuable function of the Logi Dock is that it can sync with your work calendar. The Logi Tune app can sync with Office 365 and Google Calendar to help you stay on top of your day and receive notifications of upcoming appointments. It can also quickly let you join meetings with one button press. Using the Logi Sync software, employees in the office, at home, or somewhere else can stay connected while ensuring everyone’s Logitech video collaboration devices are kept up to date.

Verdict: The Logi Dock is a useful piece of kit. Although it’s not cheap, it does put most of the tools required for hotdesking or working from home in one device. In this age of hybrid working and online video meetings, it takes the faff and hassle out of getting set up and keeping in touch. The only thing it doesn’t have is a webcam. Fortunately, Logitech makes some excellent webcams, so that’s not a problem. The Logi Dock is a little expensive for home users, but for corporate office use or when working from home, it solves many issues and can be managed by the corporate IT department with the Logi Sync software. The calendar syncing with Logi Tune is another useful feature; you need never miss a meeting ever. The unit will even warn you when it’s time to join a call and will take care of everything. Finally, the Logi Dock is available in Graphite or Off-White finishes.

Pricing & Availability: The Logi Dock is available now and costs £399 / $399 / €399.

More info: www.logitech.com

The Logi Dock is available in Off-White and Graphite finishes.