Plugable TBT4-UDX1 review: specs, performance, cost

Plugable TBT4-UDX1 overview

Docks could make utilizing your Mac or iPad a lot simpler, however the strengths of Thunderbolt justify the excessive value typically requested for. As of now, solely a handful of Mac fashions have Thunderbolt 4 ports, however many have Thunderbolt 3 compatibility.

Both means, you may be getting 40 Gbps straight to your Mac. The TBT4-UDXI is an efficient technique to future-proof and ship helpful options and ports to your Mac workflow.

As talked about, the UDX1 has 11 ports: 3x Thunderbolt 4 ports, 1x HDMI, 4x USB 3.0, 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, an SD reader, and a combo audio jack.

For most individuals, that is extra ports than you’d know what to do with, however for individuals who do want it, the UDX1 offers a sturdy answer. We particularly appreciated the 2 downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports within the again, permitting you to make use of them for shows, SSD utilization, and extra.

Plugable TBT4-UDX1 overview – Again ports so as of left to proper: energy, HDMI, 2x Thunderbolt 4, Ethernet, 3x USB 3.0

The UDX1 would not function DisplayPort compatibility. However it’s good that Plugable offers you an HDMI-to-USB-C adapter, which is beneficial if you wish to create a multi-monitor setup.

Thunderbolt 4 can help twin 4K shows at 60Hz, or one 8K show, which is one in every of its distinctive benefits.

We primarily used the UDX1 for 2 shows, our keyboard and mouse, and for charging units utilizing the entrance USB-A port.

It really works effectively for these primary dock use circumstances and excels at transferring information from our SSD and studying SD playing cards from a digicam.

Plugable TBT4-UDX1 overview – Prime-down view

The horizontal orientation and area gray-like shade work effectively for sneaking it below a monitor, letting the wires fade away into the background. It is easy to show off, plug, and unplug new equipment as your workflow modifications.

The UDX1 appears transportable, however the hassle is in transporting all of the wires that include your setup. Most would go away this at residence or the workplace, however it might work for a decided hybrid employee.

As for the warmth it generates, the UDX1 runs heat however not too noticeably. As a rule of thumb, do not stack different tech on prime of it.

The 96W licensed charging claims to cost a M1 MacBook Professional 14″ from 0%-50% in about half-hour. Testing on our 2022 M2 MacBook Professional 13″ had the same price and a 40-minute 50%-80% cost time.

Plugable TBT4-UDX1 overview – Again ports + USB-C-HDMI cable

The TBT4-UDX1 is nice at what it claims to do, however its weak spot falls on the person’s desire.

If you wish to take full benefit of the UDX1 with a Thunderbolt 4-compatible Mac, its worth grows significantly. Many individuals nonetheless have Thunderbolt 3 Macs, however it’s good to arrange for the longer term.

If you need numerous USB-C connections or DisplayPort to your peripherals, perhaps look elsewhere. Nonetheless, two downstream Thunderbolt 4s and 4 USB-As are highly effective, and 11 ports are arduous to refill directly.

Plugable TBT4-UDX1 overview – Held in hand

• Future-proof with Thunderbolt 4 compatibility




• 11 ports for all of your wants – together with 2 downstream Thunderbolt 4




• HDMI-to-USB-C adapter included for multi-monitor setup




• Horizontal orientation and area grey look and work effectively

• No DisplayPort compatibility




• Restricted Thunderbolt 4 Mac compatibility (for now)




• Not very best for customers needing USB-C connections

The Plugable TBT4-UDX1 is on the market on Amazon for $289.95, and the Plugable retailer for $289.95.