There are so many Thunderbolt docks on the market now that it’s hard to know which one to choose. Docking stations can turn a laptop into a desktop workstation with one Thunderbolt connection with a bandwidth of 40Gbps, enough to carry high-speed data, external display signals, Ethernet, and audio input and outputs. All that traffic runs through a single cable.
The latest and possibly most advanced Thunderbolt dock is being launched today by Plugable, the computer connectivity brand that’s carved a considerable niche for itself with an extensive range of docks that can drive multiple monitors and USB ports. The new Plugable TBT4-UDX1 Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Docking Station is a box of tricks that can expand the connectivity of a Mac or PC.
This new docking station provides 10 ports or connections from one Thunderbolt or USB 4 cable. It can drive up to two 4K 60Hz displays, which makes it perfect for Photoshop users or even market traders who use multiple monitors. The dock is ideal for advanced hotdesking or turning a MacBook or Mac mini into a powerful workstation with the fastest connectivity.
The power supply that ships with the TBT4-UDX1 is a robust but not overly chunky affair and can carry all the power needed by the host laptop and the components inside the dock itself.
The TBT4-UDX1 is a substantial device with excellent build quality and a machined aluminum case featuring ribbed heatsinks at either end. The dock is Thunderbolt-certified, which means it can take full advantage of all that it offers. In practise, it can serve up efficient power delivery and 40Gbps bandwidth in each direction.
What marks the TBT4-UDX1 out from some other Thunderbolt docks is the addition of a couple of downstream Thunderbolt ports, a specification often missing on many docks. Those two extra connections offer users greater flexibility for connecting peripherals like hard drives and external displays.
The dock has four USB-A ports: one at the front and three at the back. All four of the USB ports support data flows of 10Gbps. Another advanced feature is the dock’s Ethernet port, which runs at 2.5Gbps. That speed is fast enough to alleviate a wired network bottleneck and is especially handy for multigig internet connections.
In addition to the USB and Ethernet port, the TBT4-UDX1 has an SD card reader, although not with a microSD slot. There’s also an analog 3.5mm combination audio jack that can carry signals for headphones and a microphone.
The dock connects to its host computer via a Thunderbolt on the front that also outputs 100W Power Delivery (96W certified), so you can keep your laptop charging while using it. I would have preferred to see the host connection on the rear to keep the front tidier, but I am being pernickety. I like the power switch on the front of the device and its two LEDs to show the power status and the state of the Thunderbolt connection.
Unlike some Thunderbolt hubs, the TBT4-UDX1 supports native HDMI connectivity; it also ships with a handy USB-C to HDMI adapter so users can drive up to two 4K 60Hz additional displays. The dock also makes the most of the host laptop’s internal display capabilities.
This dock works with Windows and Mac devices with Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 ports. Plugable has even included a three-foot (one meter) Thunderbolt 4 cable, which is worth quite a bit on its own.
Verdict: The Plugable TBT4-UDX1 Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 docking station is a Rolls-Royce of Thunderbolt docks. It has all the connections you need… and then some. I like the two extra Thunderbolt 4 ports and the native HDMI port capable of driving 4K 60Hz displays. The 2.5Gbps Ethernet port is another standout feature that futureproofs the TBT4-UDX1. If you want a Thunderbolt 4/USB 4.0 docking station, then they don’t get much better than this. Yes, it’s a little more expensive than other docks on the market, but it is worth the extra. Highly Recommended.
Pricing & Availability: The Plugable TBT4-UDX1 Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Docking Station is available now on Amazon for $289.95 with a $15 off coupon.
More info: plugable.com
Tech Specs:
- Compatibility: macOS, Windows.
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4, USB 4.0.
- USB ports: 4 x USB A 10Gbps.
- Thunderbolt ports: 2.
- Host connection: Thunderbolt 4/USB 4.0 with 100W PD.
- Ethernet: 2.5Gbps
- Displays: 1 x HDMI 4K 60Hz, 1 x Thunderbolt with USB-C to HDMI adapter.
- Audio: Analog 3.5mm combination audio jack.
- Card slot: SD.
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