Plugable created the TBT-UDM Thunderbolt 4 dock with Apple users in mind. It offers more than a dozen ports — including dual 4K HDMI — in an aluminum chassis intended to blend into Mac setups.
Just as importantly, it launched Tuesday at a price lower than usual for a Thunderbolt dock.
Plugable TBT-UDM Thunderbolt 4 dock is made for Mac
Thunderbolt 4 runs much faster than standard USB connections, with a maximum data transfer speed of 40Gbps. That enables docks to include very high-speed ports, plus high-resolution HDMI ports, too. These docks can provide far more ports than any MacBook, and in a range of port types, too.
The Plugable TBT-UDM uses Thunderbolt 4 to enable users to connect two 4K 60Hz HDMI displays to Macs that support dual external monitors — no driver required.
And it boasts a total of 13 ports, including a downstream Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps) port, a USB-C port, four USB-A ports, a SD/microSD UHS-II card reader, an Ethernet port and a 3.5mm audio jack. Its Thunderbolt 4 connection to the Mac provides 100W host charging.
Clearly, the dock is ready to be at the center of a complex Mac setup, with multiple monitors and other peripherals — especially with its space gray aluminum exterior featuring curved corners.
About those dual monitors
As noted, the Plugable TBT-UDM doesn’t need a software driver to offer dual external monitors. As convenient as that is, it means the Mac itself must support multiple external screens.
MacBooks with the base version of the M1, M2, and M3 processors support only one external display, though the M3 supports two in clamshell mode.
Confused? Be sure to read Cult of Mac’s guide on how many external displays each MacBook Pro or MacBook Air supports.
Plugable TBT-UDM Thunderbolt 4 dock: Price and availability
While Thunderbolt 4 is quite speedy, it’s not the latest version. That helps keep the cost of this dock down, though. The Plugable TBT-UDM comes in at $199.95, before a 20% launch discount. That’s a $40 savings.
Buy it now: Amazon
The peripheral launched Tuesday and is ready to order now.
