Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock (TBT4-UD5)
The Plugable TBT4-UD5 delivers 13 ports including 100W charging, dual 4K, 2.5GbE Ethernet, and 7 USB ports — the best TB4 dock for port density at $199.
Plugable TBT4-UD5 Review: 100W Charging + 2.5GbE at $199 — Best Budget TB4 Dock
What Can You Run on This?
- High-density USB hub replacement for AI workstations
- 100W charging for MacBook Pro and large Windows laptops
- Dual 4K monitor setup on Windows mini PCs
- 2.5GbE connection to NAS for fast model weight access
- Connecting 7 USB devices through a single Thunderbolt cable
Full Specifications
| Interface | Thunderbolt 4 |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Desktop Dock |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 100W charging — highest of any dock in this roundup, handles 16" MacBook Pro
- 2.5GbE included at the $199 price point — rare at this tier
- 7 USB ports total (mix of USB-A and USB-C) — maximum connectivity
- Dual 4K at 60Hz on Windows and Mac
- Plugable's excellent driver support and compatibility documentation
Cons
- Larger desktop footprint than Anker 777
- Only dual 4K — not triple displays like Anker 777
- Less brand recognition than CalDigit or Anker
Who Should NOT Buy This
Honest assessment
- Users needing triple monitor support
- Compact desk setups — larger form factor
Our Verdict
Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock (TBT4-UD5)
The Plugable TBT4-UD5 is the best budget TB4 dock if 2.5GbE and 100W charging matter to you. At $199 it matches the Anker 777's price while adding 2.5GbE networking and 10W more charging — significant advantages for users with a NAS or large laptops. If you need triple displays, pick the Anker 777 instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1Does the Plugable TBT4-UD5 support 2.5GbE on Mac?
Yes. macOS natively supports 2.5GbE via Thunderbolt dock without additional drivers. The 2.5GbE port works immediately on Mac Mini M4 and MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 4.
Q2Can the Plugable dock charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro at full speed?
Yes — the TBT4-UD5 delivers 100W via its Thunderbolt upstream cable, which matches Apple's recommended 96W charger for the 16" MacBook Pro. Most docks top out at 90W, making this a meaningful advantage for heavy laptop users.
Complete Your Setup
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Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock (TBT4-UD5)
~$199