Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C Universal Laptop Docking Station with 2 HDMI Ports for Windows, Mac (Driver Required), and ChromeOS, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio
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AI Verdict
This 11.7-ounce DisplayLink dock provides dual 1920x1200 HDMI outputs and 6 USB ports, suitable for productivity setups that don't require laptop charging.
This dock is a situational fit for users prioritizing dual 1080p HDMI outputs and expanded USB connectivity for productivity, especially for M1/M2/M3 Macs. Its 1920x1200 resolution limit and lack of laptop charging mean it won't suit power users or those seeking a single-cable solution.
If you need laptop charging, 4K resolution, or DisplayPort, look for a dock with USB-C Power Delivery and higher resolution support like 4K@60Hz.
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Pros
- Connects two HDMI monitors up to 1920x1200 resolution, even with M1/M2/M3 Macs that typically support only one external display.
- Includes both USB 3.0 (Type-A) and USB-C host cables, offering broad compatibility with older and newer laptops.
- Expands connectivity with two USB 3.0 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
- Driver installation is plug-and-play via Windows Update for Windows 7/8.x/10/11 systems.
- Backed by a 2-year warranty and lifetime support from a North American-based team.
Cons
- Requires manual DisplayLink driver installation for macOS 10.14+ to enable display functionality.
- Does not provide power delivery to charge the connected laptop, necessitating a separate power adapter for your computer.
- Lacks HDCP support, preventing playback of encrypted content from streaming services like Netflix or Blu-Ray discs.
- Maximum display resolution is limited to 1920x1200, not supporting 4K monitors.
- Not compatible with Linux operating systems.
Dimension Scores
The dock's 11.7-ounce weight and compact size allow for easy placement on or under a desk, supporting a clutter-free workspace.
It offers flexible host connectivity with included USB-A and USB-C cables, but its fixed port layout and lack of laptop charging limit overall system adjustability.
The product has a 4.5/5 rating from 1,917 reviews and comes with a 2-year warranty, suggesting a reasonable level of construction quality.
The black, functional design is unobtrusive and typical for an entry-level docking station, without any standout visual features.
Best For
- Home office setups needing dual 1080p monitors for web browsing and document editing.
- Users with M1/M2/M3 MacBooks who need to connect two external HDMI displays.
- Workstations requiring additional USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports for peripherals and a wired network connection.
- Windows and ChromeOS users seeking a straightforward dual-monitor expansion for productivity tasks.
Not Recommended For
- Gamers or users who frequently watch full-screen video, due to lack of HDCP and potential performance limitations.
- Anyone needing to charge their laptop via the docking station's USB-C connection.
- Professionals requiring 4K display resolution or DisplayPort connectivity.
- Linux users, as the product explicitly states it is not supported.
Watch Out For
- The dock does not charge your laptop; you'll still need to plug in your computer's power adapter separately.
- Protected content from services like Netflix or Hulu will not play through the dock due to missing HDCP support.
- Mac users must manually download and install a DisplayLink driver for the displays to work, which isn't a 'plug and play' experience like on Windows.
- Video output is capped at 1920x1200 resolution, so it won't drive 4K monitors at their native resolution.
- The dock is not recommended for gaming or full-screen video, which can lead to a choppy experience.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B08B6FMPTP |
| Brand | Plugable |
| Color | Black |
| Wattage | 24 |
| Item Weight | 11.7 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Plugable |
| Number of Ports | 12 |
| Total USB Ports | 6 |
| Total HDMI Ports | 2 |
| Item model number | UD-3900Z |
| Hardware Interface | USB 3.1 Type A, USB 3.1 Type C, USB Docking Station, USB Type C |
| Product Dimensions | 5.31 x 2.76 x 7.48 inches |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users found this Plugable dock to be a straightforward solution for expanding their laptop's connectivity, especially praising its ability to drive dual 1080p monitors on M1/M2/M3 Macs after the DisplayLink driver installation. However, the consistent feedback highlights that it doesn't charge the host laptop and won't play protected content, which catches some buyers off guard. The inclusion of both USB-A and USB-C host cables is a recurring positive, making it compatible with a range of devices. While generally seen as a functional productivity tool, its limitations for gaming or 4K video are frequently mentioned.
“Ugh, it works for my two monitors on my M1 Mac, but I still gotta plug in my laptop charger separately? And Netflix won't play? Kinda annoying, but it was cheap.”
Common Praise
- Successfully enables dual 1080p HDMI monitors on MacBooks that natively support only one external display.
- Provides a good array of ports, including two USB 3.0, four USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and audio, through a single connection.
- Includes both USB-A and USB-C cables, making it compatible with various laptop generations.
- Easy setup for Windows users with automatic driver installation via Windows Update.
- Works reliably for general office and web productivity tasks.
Common Complaints
- Does not charge the connected laptop, requiring a separate power adapter.
- Cannot display content from streaming services or Blu-Ray due to the lack of HDCP support.
- Requires a manual DisplayLink driver installation for macOS, which some users found inconvenient.
- Not suitable for gaming or full-screen video playback, with users reporting performance issues.
- Limited to 1920x1200 resolution, which is not enough for 4K monitors.
Ownership Tips
- Even with the DisplayLink driver, some Mac users report occasional glitches or delays when waking from sleep.
- The dock can get warm during extended use, but it doesn't seem to affect performance.
- The included USB-C cable is long enough for most desk setups, but some users wished for a longer option.
- The four USB 2.0 ports are fine for keyboards and mice, but don't expect fast data transfers from them.
- The audio jack works as expected for basic headphones or speakers, but don't expect audiophile quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this docking station charge my laptop?
No, this Plugable docking station does not provide power delivery to your connected computer. You will need to use your laptop's own power adapter to charge it.
Can I use this dock with my M1 MacBook for dual monitors?
Yes, you can connect two HDMI monitors to your M1, M2, or M3 Mac using this dock, but you will need to manually install the DisplayLink driver for the displays to function.
What is the maximum resolution this dock supports?
The dock supports resolutions up to 1920x1200 for dual monitors. It does not support 4K resolution.
Will this dock work with streaming services like Netflix or Hulu?
No, this dock does not support HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), so it will not play encrypted or copy-protected content from streaming services or Blu-Ray.
Is this docking station compatible with Linux?
No, the Plugable UD-3900Z is not supported on Linux operating systems. It is designed for Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS.
Are both USB-A and USB-C cables included?
Yes, the docking station comes with both a USB 3.0 Type-A to Type-B cable and a USB 3.1 Type-C to Type-B cable for connecting to your host laptop.
Buying Guide
When buying a docking station, you need to think about what you're actually plugging into it. Don't just count ports; consider what you'll use them for. If you need to charge your laptop, you need a dock with Power Delivery. If you want crisp 4K displays, make sure the dock supports that resolution. This particular dock uses DisplayLink technology, which is software-based and helps older or less powerful laptops drive multiple screens, but it has limitations like no HDCP.
DisplayLink Technology
This is how the dock handles video. It uses software to compress and transmit video over USB, allowing more monitors than your laptop might natively support. The downside is it's not ideal for fast-moving video like gaming or protected content.
Power Delivery (PD)
This spec tells you if the dock can charge your laptop through the same USB-C cable that connects it to the dock. If a dock doesn't have PD, you'll still need your laptop's power brick. This dock does not have PD.
Max Resolution (1920x1200)
This is the highest picture quality the dock can output to your monitors. 1920x1200 is essentially 1080p, which is fine for basic office work, but it won't give you the sharpness of a 4K display.
HDCP Support
High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection is a copy protection scheme. Without it, you can't watch movies or shows from services like Netflix, Hulu, or Blu-ray players through the dock. This dock lacks HDCP.
Alternatives
If you need laptop charging, look for docks specifying 'Power Delivery' with a wattage rating (e.g., 60W PD). For 4K displays or gaming, search for docks with '4K@60Hz' support and native video outputs like DisplayPort, often found in Thunderbolt or higher-end USB-C docks.
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