Last Updated: September 17, 2019 (Refresh Now)
Plugable Thunderbolt 3 Dock with Charging Compatible with MacBook Pro 2019 2018 2017 and Specific Windows Laptops Supports DisplayPort or HDMI up to 4K 60 Gigabit Ethernet Audio 5 USB 3 0 Ports
Last Updated: September 17, 2019 (Refresh Now)
7.7
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
148
Old Reviews
0
Unverified
32
Spam Test
PASS
4K
RESOLUTION
3
NUMBER OF USB PORTS
Yes
USB
Yes
HDMI
Review Analysis - 116 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Ports
65usb c, thunderbolt 3, plugable, displayport, docking station
+78%
-22%
" ... Plenty of ports for all my peripherals. ... Currently running 2 USB3 SSD drives and a TB3 SSD drive, with the occasional thumb drive plugged in the front. ... Now both drives connected to the USB3 ports drop off anytime the iMac goes to sleep. ... the drive connected to the TB3 port remains unaffected. ... Note: I have not tried plugging the external monitor back into the iMac as I am waiting on a new monitor. ... "
" ... Attached to dock: 2x 30" monitors, one via displayport, one via usb-c to displayport cable plus all my usb peripherals (keyboard, mouse, headset, yubikey, external ssd, webcam, etc). ... "
" ... Everything connects through USB-C. At first I had problems with getting the sound through the device but tech support was great and was able to walk me through resolving this for me. ... I have two 27 inch monitors through one USB-C connection to my 13 unch Macbook Pro, touchbar. ... "
" ... I have used this for a week now, totally stable, hasn't disconnected drives randomly unlike some previous thunderbolt 2 docks I have owned. ... As an audio producer, I have loads of external gear Its great to just be able to plug one cable into my 13 inch MacBook Pro and have all the connectivity I need. ... "
" ... You just need to make sure you are not accidentally downgrading one of the ThunderBolt cables. ... "
" ... I had been using the Pluggable USB 4.0 Dual Display Docking station with 2 additional screens (total 3 screens with the Apple screen), which quit working after the MacOS update to 10.13.4 (and beyond). ... "
" ... I haven't tested the Ethernet port yet, but will change my review if there are any problems. ... The main difference between this dock and the cheaper, older Plugable Thunderbolt 3 dock is 5 USB-A 3.0 ports instead of 2, and the vertical stand. ... Included with the dock is a DisplayPort to HDMI 2.0 converter which is capable of 4Kx2K @60Hz, or 1080p @120Hz. ... There are other docks with similar port counts, but this one has more USB-A ports than most, Ethernet, and DisplayPort/HDMI/USB-C video (up to 2 displays, or more with Thunderbolt daisy-chaining). ... I did my research, and this is the only dock that combines this great combo of ports and is stable and reliable. ... "
" ... Every port on the Plugable worked perfectly on the first try. ... I am using two external monitors, both 1080p HDMI. ... Hotplugging the docking station works perfectly with both monitors coming on about 3 seconds after attaching the Plugable. ... USB ports, Ethernet jack, and system charging work properly. ... "
Device Compatibility
58dock, docking station, dell xps, dell, works great
+81%
-19%
" ... First off, the product works great with my 13" MacBook Pro. ... "
" ... It's so nice to have just 1 cable going into your laptop. ... Makes transitioning from desktop to laptop mode so much easier and faster. ... "
" ... I use two monitors, headphones, my laptop and it all connects seamlessly. ... So excited to have found something that only requires one input to my laptop for all the things! ... "
" ... (This is all coming from a 2017 13 Inch MacBook Pro.) ... "
" ... I'm using it to power a Dell XPS 13 9350 (windows 10 home current version) and connect a Dell 2560 x 1440 monitor via the (full size) DisplayPort connection, 1gbit ethernet, mini-jack headset, and as needed memory stick and USB Blu-ray drive. ... The green indicates the dock is plugged in to power and blue indicates it is connected to a host device. ... "
" ... Either way support was super helpful and reasonable and I really do like the hub compared to others I've tested (none are great so far but I'd say this is my top pick, also company is in WA which is always nice to see local fringe tech companies doing cool stuff). ... "
" ... When I bought a new Macbook Pro 15" 2017, I knew I wanted a docking station because I use my laptop as a desktop about 80% of the time. ... I will say that the docking station works fine powering a single external display, or if I have the external display on with the laptop on. ... "
" ... I really really really wanted to get my 3rd 30" working again like I had on my old windows desktop so . ... "
Product Reliability
25months, 2 months, dead, zero, well
+64%
-36%
" ... I didn't have to jump through any hoops to get it working, just plugged it in and I was good to go. ... "
" ... Worked from first moment . ... "
" ... I've only owned it a few days, but it's working exactly as described. ... "
" ... Been going strong for several months. ... This one has functioned without issue. ... "
" ... Day 1 review: Edited after week 1. ... EDITED after 1 year - Upped from four to 5 star as we have never had an issue with it once Dell (or MSFT) update their thunderbolt drivers. ... "
" ... I have this for several month and am happy with it. ... "
" ... Works well, but has reliability issue. ... "
" ... I've had zero issues or glitches during use though. ... "
Resolution
17monitor, displayport, 60hz, 1080p, dock
+94%
-6%
" ... I am using two external monitors, both 1080p HDMI. ... "
" ... My monitor is a Samsung 40in 4K TV connected via HDMI. ... BTW, when not copying files the monitor connects at 4K @ 60Hz. ... "
" ... I do not use 4K, so this serves my purposes perfectly. ... "
" ... No issues with the external monitor (newest Dell S2719DM) with 2560x1440 resolution at 60Hz. ... "
" ... I'm using it with a 4k monitor and a 2016 15" MacBook Pro in clamshell mode. ... Single cable to the mac gets me 4k 60 Hz video, digital audio, USB, etc. ... "
" ... I have to monitor are all from LG, one is LG 34UM59-P 34" 21:9 FreeSync IPS Monitor with resolution 2560 x 1080 and another one is LG 27UD60-B 27" 16:9 UHD IPS 4K Gaming Monitor with resolution 3840 x 2160. ... "
" ... Hooked up to my Dell 2518D UHD IPS LED Monitor via DisplayPort and it works flawlessly. ... "
" ... I have two 4k displays hooked up by mini DisplayPort and HDMI, which both run through the dock to my 15" MacBook Pro. ... "
Cables
16dock, thunderbolt 3 cable, single cable, meter, macbook pro
+81%
-19%
" ... It is solidly built, has weight, can stand up to take little space on my desk, and they even included some cable and adapters to make life even easier. ... "
" ... And those that did output required active cables to work properly. ... "
" ... You just need to make sure you are not accidentally downgrading one of the ThunderBolt cables. ... "
" ... It's so nice to have just 1 cable going into your laptop. ... "
" ... It was instantly appealing to get a docking station that everything feeding into the laptop in a single cable, including power. ... "
" ... The power cable plugs in tightly, and feels secure. ... "
" ... Their support was extremely helpful and quickly figured out that I received a bad cable that was only connecting at 20Gbps instead of 40Gbps. ... They offered to factory test a cable and send as replacement to me. ... Or order me the same cable they sell through amazon and ship to me at no cost which would get me a cable faster. ... "
" ... Longer ones can be purchased separately, but if you do this, be sure to get a true Thunderbolt 3 cable and NOT an identical-looking USB C cable (such as the one Apple supplies with the new MacBook Pro). ... "
Charging
16usb c, dock, mbp, power supply, plugable
+94%
-6%
" ... The docking station also has the ethernet cable, phone charger, external USB drive _and_ it charges the laptop. ... "
" ... - Have USB charging ports ready ... "
" ... The charging functionality is also fantastic. ... I nearly returned this item thinking that it wouldn't actually charge my computer and I'm so glad I double checked that. ... "
" ... I'm impressed with the speed at which the battery charges, I'd read some info online saying that the plugable unit wouldn't charge MacBooks as quickly as it's own USB-C charger, however this didn't seem to have an impact with my current setup. ... "
" ... 60W Power Delivery Charging, Video, Ethernet, and Sound with 5 available USB 3.0 Type A ports. ... "
" ... It even replaces my laptop charger so I can leave the charger in my bag. ... "
" ... The Plubable Thurderbolt 3 docking station (TDT3-UDV) offered everything I need plus charging capability! ... This allows one plug connectivity and I can keep my travel charger at home which lightens my computer bag. ... "
" ... The docking station charges the Mac as fast as the Apple charger, it runs my 4K monitor, and a couple of older USB devices I use at my desk. ... "
Setup
15easy, plug, support, macbook pro, installation
+93%
-7%
" ... When I was installing it I had a problem and they had very prompt and extensive support. ... "
" ... Setup is essentially 'power up and plug in' simple with the one step of authorizing the thunderbolt device in Windows, which is noted in the instructions (a dialog window opens automatically). ... "
" ... As for the unit itself - it's a great addition to my setup. ... "
" ... I got a thorough and friendly reply within an hour! ... "
" ... Installation was simple, plugged it in and it worked as expected. ... "
" ... Exactly what I was looking to add to my setup. ... "
" ... It is very expensive and I was hesitant to spend the money but this is the easiest plug and play product I have ever used. ... "
" ... Setup was very easy. ... "
Keyboard
11mouse and keyboard, usb, laptop, dock, connected
+73%
-27%
" ... Mouse and keyboard stay connected and so far never have disconnected. ... "
" ... Also, any keyboard or mouse including the Logitech Unifying receiver must be connected directly to the dock. ... "
" ... The laptop boots up faster when connected to the dock and the USB mouse and keyboard function more smoothly. ... "
" ... USB ports handle backup drive, wireless keyboard, etc. ... "
" ... One or two keyboard clicks and my monitor, laptop, speakers, ethernet/networking, bluetooth for VOIP/headset have turned on without issue. ... "
" ... I also connect to a USB KVM to share mouse and keyboard with my Lenovo laptop (which has its own docking station), and a pair of Bose speakers that sound excellent through the headphone jack on the dock. ... "
" ... Using it with a MacBook Pro 2017 with the changeable function keys. ... "
" ... It enables a keyboard shortcut to swap audio instantly. ... "
Build Quality
9feels, dock, vertical, metal, looks
+78%
-22%
" ... Solid build and looks great on the desk. ... Everything has been working rock solid. ... "
" ... Lot's a metal here, very durable constructed. ... The base has enough heft that it is difficult to knock it over in normal use (vertical orientation.) ... "
" ... This unit has nice fit-n-finish and has surprising heft to it ... "
" ... It is solidly built, has weight, can stand up to take little space on my desk, and they even included some cable and adapters to make life even easier. ... "
" ... This is some solid gear. ... "
" ... I am impressed by the stand, which is made of heavy metal and is actually stable with the dock vertical, even with a bunch of cables coming out the front and back. ... The stand is actually much heavier than the dock itself, and I'm impressed that they include it considering it must make shipping more expensive. ... The dock itself feels like a quality item, although it's plastic and doesn't weigh much. ... The power cable plugs in tightly, and feels secure. ... "
" ... It looks awesome with aluminum casing etc. ... "
Overall performance
8dell, works, solid, reliability, product
+88%
-13%
" ... Everything has been working rock solid. ... "
" ... This device works well with a Dell Precision 7530. ... "
" ... My Dell XPS13 is powerful enough for photo-editing, so I decided to ditch the desktop. ... "
" ... I am using it with a brand new Dell XPS and so far it has performed very well. ... "
" ... Their support is as solid and reliable as their product. ... "
" ... Works well, but has reliability issue. ... "
Mouse
8usb, mouse and keyboard, keyboard, etc, dock
+75%
-25%
" ... Mouse and keyboard stay connected and so far never have disconnected. ... "
" ... Also, any keyboard or mouse including the Logitech Unifying receiver must be connected directly to the dock. ... "
" ... The laptop boots up faster when connected to the dock and the USB mouse and keyboard function more smoothly. ... "
" ... USB ports handle backup drive, wireless keyboard, etc. ... "
" ... Attached to dock: 2x 30" monitors, one via displayport, one via usb-c to displayport cable plus all my usb peripherals (keyboard, mouse, headset, yubikey, external ssd, webcam, etc). ... "
" ... I also connect to a USB KVM to share mouse and keyboard with my Lenovo laptop (which has its own docking station), and a pair of Bose speakers that sound excellent through the headphone jack on the dock. ... "
Display Clarity
8display, laptop, external display, dock, docking station
+50%
-50%
" ... my display will black out from time to time, annoying. ... "
" ... The issue with the monitor blacking out was actually the monitor's issue. ... Then the monitor stops blacking out. ... "
Software Platform
7software, hardware, error, updates, supported
+43%
-57%
" ... Windows was throwing Device Error 43's at me like it was handing out birth control pills at the clinic. ... "
" ... If figured it might be a firmware issue or an adapter problem or something, so I reached out the the company to see if they could help me. ... "
" ... Since plugging this very expensive device into my MBpro, it has caused multiple kernel panics and restarts. ... "
Ease of Use
6setup, use, troubleshooting, super, software
+83%
-17%
" ... Setup was very easy. ... "
" ... As for the unit itself - it's a great addition to my setup. ... "
" ... It makes it super quick and easy to use the laptop with a host of other peripherals. ... "
Memory
6ssd, external, editing, usb c, usb
+67%
-33%
" ... Currently running 2 USB3 SSD drives and a TB3 SSD drive, with the occasional thumb drive plugged in the front. ... "
" ... External HDDs (WD) have a stable average download/upload speeds of 100 Mb/S. ... "
" ... It works fine unless I connect an external drive (Samsung T3) to the dock and copy a large file to/from the drive. ... "
Returns
6returning, replacement, refund, product, get
+33%
-67%
" ... One way or the other, if it fails completely I'll be looking elsewhere for a replacement. ... "
" ... However, realizing that I had only a week and a half left in my return window, and not wanting to get stranded with a defective product, I decided to do some homework. ... "
" ... Returning and going to go with a different product. ... "
" ... I'll be returning it. ... "
Marketplace
6works, response, support, seller, reply
+83%
-17%
" ... exactly as advertised. ... "
" ... It works as advertised. ... "
" ... And finally, the price can't be beat - at least on Amazon. ... "
" ... Works as advertised. ... "
" ... Day 1 review: Edited after week 1. ... "
Design
6works, well, dock, design, solid
+100%
" ... Really like the look and feel of the Plugable Dock. ... Solid build and looks great on the desk. ... "
" ... The design is slick and works fine for my Dell XPS 9560. ... "
" ... It looks nice, it works well. ... "
" ... It looks awesome with aluminum casing etc. ... "
" ... It is visually appealing as well (as much as a dock can be). ... "
Price
5worth, get, well, amazon
+80%
-20%
" ... And finally, the price can't be beat - at least on Amazon. ... "
" ... Worth the additional cost to get one that works ... "
" ... Well worth the price - You get what you pay for. ... "
" ... Great unit, great price, offers more than some more expensive docks. ... "
USB
5ports, usb c, dock, hub, thunderbolt 3
+60%
-40%
" ... All other devices such as printers and external hard drives work fine when connected directly to the dock or to a second usb 2/3 hub downstream. ... "
" ... The main difference between this dock and the cheaper, older Plugable Thunderbolt 3 dock is 5 USB-A 3.0 ports instead of 2, and the vertical stand. ... "
" ... I have a USB hub daisy-chained to one of the USB ports, and that is working fine as well. ... "
Sleep Tracking
3seems, dock, unplug, laptop
+100%
" ... Everything seems related to sleep. ... "
" ... I haven't tested things like sleep etc . ... "
" ... The dock and the computer flawlessly support hot plug/unplug and sleep/wake. ... "
Lagging
3restart, mac, dock, zero, macbook
+33%
-67%
" ... So I have to restart to make it work. ... "
" ... Within about 10 seconds of shutting the Mac down, this reboots it. ... "
Product As Described
3works
+100%
" ... exactly as advertised. ... "
" ... It works as advertised. ... "
" ... Works as advertised. ... "
Delivery
3arrived
+100%
" ... Delivered super quick. ... "
" ... The product is amazing and does exactly as promised. ... "
" ... Delivered quickly and on time. ... "
Size
3looks, solid
+67%
-33%
" ... Solid build and looks great on the desk. ... "
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Specifications
Connectivity
Number of USB ports: 3
USB: Yes
HDMI: Yes
Display
Resolution: 4K