Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock with 100W Charging, Thunderbolt Certified, Laptop Docking Station Dual Monitor Single 8K or Dual 4K HDMI for Windows and Mac, 4X USB, Gigabit Ethernet (TBT4-UD5)
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AI Verdict
This Thunderbolt 4 dock delivers 100W charging, dual 4K 60Hz HDMI, and 13 ports for Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 5, or USB4 laptops.
This dock is a strong fit for users with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 5, or USB4 laptops who need to drive dual 4K 60Hz displays and power their machine with 96W. Its 13 ports cover most office peripheral needs, consolidating connections through a single cable.
If you need faster than Gigabit Ethernet or native DisplayPort outputs, look for docks specifically listing 2.5Gbps Ethernet or DisplayPort 1.4.
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Pros
- Provides 100W Power Delivery (96W certified) to charge compatible host laptops.
- Supports dual 4K 60Hz HDMI displays or a single 8K display via the downstream Thunderbolt 4 port.
- Features a comprehensive 13-port design including 2x HDMI, 1x downstream Thunderbolt 4, 4x USB, 1x USB-C, SD/microSD, audio combo jack, and Gigabit Ethernet.
- Includes two 10Gbps USB-A ports and one 10Gbps USB-C port for fast data transfers.
- Comes with a 2-year warranty, which users have praised.
- Recognized as a top Thunderbolt dock by Wirecutter and Tom's Guide.
Cons
- Base M1 and M2 macOS systems only support a single external display.
- The external 135W power brick is large and can be cumbersome.
- The Ethernet port is limited to Gigabit speeds, not 2.5Gbps.
- Lacks a DisplayPort output, relying solely on HDMI and Thunderbolt/USB-C for video.
- The enclosure is plastic, which some users find less premium than aluminum alternatives.
Dimension Scores
The dock's 2.42-pound weight and large external power brick make it less portable, but it functions well as a stationary desk hub.
It offers dual 4K 60Hz HDMI outputs and a downstream Thunderbolt 4 port for an 8K display, providing flexible display configurations for compatible systems.
While the dock has a plastic enclosure, it's Intel Evo certified and Plugable states it undergoes quality testing for long-term reliability.
The plastic design is described as 'unremarkable' and not as sleek as some aluminum competitors.
Best For
- Windows 10+ users with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 5, or USB4 laptops needing dual 4K 60Hz monitors.
- MacBook Pro/Air users (M1/M2/M3 Pro/Max, M4/M5) requiring dual external displays and 96W laptop charging.
- Users who need a wide array of peripheral connections including multiple USB ports, SD card readers, and wired internet.
- Desk setups where a single cable connection for power, video, and data is a priority.
Not Recommended For
- Base M1 or M2 MacBook users who require more than one external display.
- Users needing 2.5Gbps or faster Ethernet speeds.
- Individuals prioritizing a compact, travel-friendly docking solution due to the large power brick.
Watch Out For
- If you have a base M1 or M2 MacBook, this dock will only output to one external display, despite having two HDMI ports.
- The power brick is a substantial 135W unit, almost as large as the dock itself, making it less ideal for portability.
- The Ethernet port is Gigabit (1Gbps), so if your network infrastructure is 2.5Gbps or faster, you won't get those higher speeds.
- There are no DisplayPort outputs; all display connections are via HDMI or the downstream Thunderbolt 4 port.
- Some users report the dock gets warm during extended use, though it continues to function without issues.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0CNTTVVN6 |
| Brand | Plugable |
| Color | Black |
| Wattage | 96.00 |
| Department | All Ages, Unisex |
| Item Weight | 2.42 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Plugable |
| Number of Ports | 13 |
| Total USB Ports | 6 |
| Total HDMI Ports | 2 |
| Item model number | TBT4-UD5 |
| Hardware Interface | Thunderbolt |
| Product Dimensions | 9.25 x 5.47 x 2.48 inches |
What Buyers Say
Many users are drawn to this dock because Wirecutter and Tom's Guide named it a top pick, often citing its value for the features offered. People appreciate the extensive port selection, especially the two HDMI ports, which reduces the need for extra adapters. However, the large external power brick is a recurring point of frustration, and some users wish for faster than Gigabit Ethernet. Mac users, particularly those with base M1/M2 models, frequently mention the single external display limitation.
“Dude, this dock is a lifesaver for my dual monitors and all my junk, but that power brick is a monster, seriously. I wish it had 2.5 gigabit ethernet too, but for the price, I can't complain too much. My M1 Mac mini only does one screen though, which is kinda annoying.”
Common Praise
- Connects two 4K 60Hz displays simultaneously without issues on compatible systems.
- Provides 96W of power to charge laptops, eliminating the need for a separate charger.
- Offers a wide array of 13 ports, including multiple USB-A and USB-C, SD/microSD, and Ethernet.
- The inclusion of two native HDMI ports is a convenience, avoiding USB-C to HDMI adapters.
- Maintains stable connections for peripherals and displays even under heavy load.
Common Complaints
- The external power supply is bulky and takes up significant space.
- Ethernet speed is limited to Gigabit (1Gbps), not supporting 2.5Gbps or higher.
- Base M1 and M2 MacBooks only output to one external monitor, which can be a surprise.
- The plastic housing feels less premium compared to docks with aluminum builds.
- Some users would prefer more front-facing USB ports for easier access.
Ownership Tips
- The dock gets noticeably warm after several hours of continuous use, especially with multiple displays and peripherals connected.
- The included Thunderbolt 4 cable is about 2 feet long, which might limit placement options on some desks.
- The K-lock slot is a useful physical security feature for office environments.
- The downstream Thunderbolt 4 port can also charge phones or tablets at 15W.
- The SD and microSD card readers are convenient for photographers or content creators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this dock support two monitors on a base M1 MacBook Pro?
No, base M1 and M2 macOS systems are limited to a single external display with this dock. Dual display support on Mac requires M1/M2/M3 Pro/Max, M4/M5, or base M3 in clamshell mode.
What kind of charging power does this dock provide to my laptop?
The dock provides up to 100W Power Delivery, with 96W certified, which is sufficient for most power-hungry laptops.
Does this dock have a DisplayPort connection?
No, this dock features two HDMI ports and a downstream Thunderbolt 4 port for video output, but no dedicated DisplayPort.
What are the speeds of the USB ports?
It includes two USB-A ports at 10Gbps, two USB-A ports at 5Gbps, and one USB-C port at 10Gbps.
Is the Ethernet port faster than standard Gigabit?
No, the Ethernet port is Gigabit (1Gbps), not 2.5Gbps or faster.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a Thunderbolt dock, you're essentially buying a hub to turn one port on your laptop into many. Think about how many monitors you need, what resolution and refresh rate, and how much power your laptop needs to charge. Also, consider all the USB devices, card readers, and wired internet you use daily. This dock is about simplifying your desk setup with one cable to your laptop.
100W Power Delivery (96W Certified)
This tells you how much power the dock can send to your laptop. If your laptop charges with a 65W or 90W adapter, this dock can power it, meaning you only need one cable to your laptop for power and all your peripherals, like plugging in a phone to charge it.
Dual 4K 60Hz HDMI or Single 8K Display
This defines your monitor setup. 'Dual 4K 60Hz' means you can connect two monitors, each showing a sharp 4K picture updating 60 times per second. 'Single 8K' means one super-high-resolution monitor. Make sure your laptop and monitors support these resolutions and refresh rates.
40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 Speed
This is how fast data can move through the dock. 40Gbps is like having a super-wide, super-fast highway for all your data, video, and power, ensuring everything runs smoothly without bottlenecks, even with multiple high-bandwidth devices connected.
13-Port Design
This is the number and type of connections available. More ports mean you can connect more accessories like external hard drives, keyboards, mice, and memory cards without needing extra adapters or unplugging devices.
Alternatives
If this dock doesn't fit, look for docks with 2.5Gbps Ethernet for faster network speeds, or those with native DisplayPort outputs if your monitors prefer that connection type. For base M1/M2 Mac users needing dual displays, search for docks specifically advertising 'DisplayLink' technology.
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