Plugable USB C Docking Station Dual Monitor

UPDATE 16 March 2024:

I bought an AW3225QF 4K 240Hz monitor and was excited that I could at least hit 120 Hz on my M2 Max 16″ MacBook Pro, and sure enough I cannot access anything above 60 Hz in macOS 14.2 Sonoma despite being on a thunderbolt 4 port. If I plug the monitor directly into the laptop, it makes available 120, variable 120, and 240 Hz, so I know it’s not the cable or the computer…it’s this dock. I’m far out of my return period, but had I a >60Hz monitor back when I bought this, I would have instantly returned it.

I had originally posted a review indicating problems where when certain applications having darker windows were maximized in Windows 11 or macOS 13.5, the whole display would do some kind of HDR-style color shift even though it was configured for SDR. I have no idea how or why that was happening, but as I troubleshot the way through it, everything pointed to this dock as the problem since once I pulled it out of the chain between the windows laptop and the monitor, the problem went away. I promptly setup a return and packed the dock up. I then plugged in the Mac and tried to work, but the problem returned. The only constant remaining was the HDMI input of my Dell S3221QS and the cable, so I swapped inputs and the problem went away for all devices. Weirdly enough, plugging a device that was previously connected into the now “good” port, directly, into the “bad port” had no effect — the problem did not exist on that “bad port” for the other device, so I’m perplexed but the dock is exonerated.

The dock itself was plug-n-play. I mainly bought for the 120 Hz HDMI 2.1 support over Thunderbolt/USB4 mainly, and for that, it works very well. It’s a sleek design and I like it that the uplink is on the back, leaving the front to peripherals so you get a clean look at the desk if you’re not using the front ports.

On the other hand, I do wish there were more USB-C ports on the back rather than the USB-A ports. It’s a Thunderbolt 4/USB4 dock and those A ports are low-speed, low-wattage ports anyway so …would it have been too confusing to have a mishmash of usb-c ports? There are labels everywhere saying which ports do what so I doubt that’s the reason, so it’s disappointing that one has to give up C ports for A in 2023, but I digress.

On another sticking point: I really wish companies would stop using these huge power bricks that have to sit half way up the length of the cable (you get 2-3′ of some thick cable to the wall, a brick, then some few feet of a thin cable that’s just not long enough to go up the snake on the back of the stand-up desk, so I have a brick zip-tied to the snake at a midpoint…it looks stupid and it’s annoying). OWC has a “go” dock that is crazy expensive and integrates the brick into the dock itself, connecting it by a standard 3-prong wire. It also only does HDMI 2.0 despite supporting more displays (and a theoretical data rate that would match HDMI 2.1…that they made that choice is why I did not buy it). But as a. comparison to my previous points: it’s laden with thunderbolt ports, not USB-A, and has no half-n-half uber brick. It’s perhaps a riskier design since power supplies are prone to failure but if the warranty is good…it’s a nice solution.

TL;DR: does what it says on the tin and does it well. There are some trade-offs they made, but the goodness appears to be there.

Many docks can’t reliably connect to external monitors and some don’t even work at all. This Plugable dock works and is the best dock I have used save for one minor one mentioned later.

My setup is simple. The laptop is a MacBook Pro with an M2 Max chip. The MBP’s ports are Thunderbolt 4/USB4-compliant, an important detail. The monitor is a Dell ultrawide display connected over HDMI. I have a basic USB-A mouse and a USB-C keyboard.

A single USB4 cable connects the dock to my laptop to connect all of my peripherals and provide an ample 100W of power. It has not been necessary to use another charger. The monitor displays a picture in a few seconds, reliably. Opening or closing the laptop to switch between one and two screens is very responsive and takes a fraction of a second.

My only issue was the dock would not fully power on at first. The power light would blink indefinitely. Unplugging the power cable from my power strip and plugging it back in solved this issue and I have not had a problem since.

I have not tried the Ethernet port nor a second external monitor. My peripheral needs are simple but I need reliability. This dock has performed great so far.

Two months later: the dock is still good but the coil whine from the AC adapter has become noticeable at night when it’s quiet. I wish Plugable offered a higher-quality AC adapter with better sound dampening.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Having experienced the Plugable USB C Docking Station Dual Monitor firsthand, I am eager to share my thoughts on this device. As a user who relies heavily on multitasking and extensive connectivity, the functionality of this device is quite impressive.

From the outset, the build quality of the docking station is worth mentioning. It boasts a solid, sturdy construction that conveys durability. Its design is sleek and minimalistic, fitting comfortably into most workspace aesthetics. The absence of drivers for installation makes the setup straightforward and user-friendly; you just need to plug and play. This feature is especially commendable for those who are not particularly tech-savvy.

In terms of performance, this Plugable docking station shines. The dual monitor support, with 4K HDMI 2.1 up to 120Hz, is a highlight, offering clear, high-quality visuals. The refresh rate is fantastic, lending itself to a smooth, uninterrupted experience whether I’m working on complex graphic design tasks, streaming video content, or simply handling everyday work.

The inclusion of USB4 100W laptop charging is another significant advantage, as it eliminates the need for an additional power brick. Not only does it free up another power outlet, but it also reduces cable clutter on your workspace. The additional 20W USB-C charging port provides a convenient way to power up secondary devices.

Another beneficial feature is the 2.5Gbps Ethernet connection. In an era where stable, high-speed internet is crucial, the ability to bypass Wi-Fi and plug directly into a fast Ethernet connection is a godsend.

The 11-in-1 functionality makes this docking station versatile. With a single connection, it effectively transforms a laptop into a full-fledged desktop workstation. However, I would caution potential users to ensure their devices are compatible with the number of inputs and outputs on this dock.

I do have a minor gripe. While the SD card reader is a welcome addition, its placement can be slightly inconvenient depending on your desk setup. It would be great if future iterations considered a more accessible location for this feature.

In summary, the Plugable USB C Docking Station Dual Monitor offers excellent performance, versatility, and ease of use. It significantly enhances productivity and simplifies your digital life. Despite its minor shortcomings, it is an excellent investment for anyone seeking a reliable docking station. It’s particularly beneficial for remote workers, digital professionals, and anyone needing a centralized, clutter-free workstation.

Équipement qui me permet d’ajouter 2 écrans sur mon PC HP. Performance à la hauteur de mon PC Thunderbolt; transfert de données très rapide. Rapidité suffisante pour souris et petits équipements branchés avec multiports USB. J’apprécie également le bouton de fermeture sur cet appareil.