Looking Beyond the Plugable 7-in-1 Dual 4K HDMI? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How each alternative compares

Baseus 7-in-1 USB-C Hub with 3 USB-A Ports

The Baseus 7-in-1 USB-C Hub simplifies your setup by offering only a single HDMI output, unlike the Plugable’s dual display capability. You gain a more compact form factor, measuring 5.31 inches in length and weighing significantly less than the Plugable dock. This hub supports 4K@60Hz resolution and includes a card reader, which the Plugable also features. However, it lacks Ethernet and multiple USB-A ports for peripherals. If you primarily need one external monitor and basic connectivity without the complexity of DisplayLink drivers for dual screens, this is a straightforward choice. It provides 100W power delivery pass-through, matching the Plugable’s charging capacity but with fewer expansion options.

WAVLINK Dual 4K 100W DisplayLink Dock

The WAVLINK Dual 4K DisplayLink Dock closely mirrors the Plugable’s dual 4K@60Hz output via DisplayLink technology. Both docks require driver installation for extended displays on macOS. The WAVLINK model is positioned as a premium alternative for Mac users who need dual external monitors. While specific port counts and dimensions are not detailed in the provided data, it shares the core DisplayLink feature set. You should consider this if you prefer a different brand ecosystem or if the WAVLINK model offers specific connectivity improvements not listed here. It maintains the dual 4K capability but may differ in build quality or additional ports like Ethernet or USB-A availability, which you must verify against your specific peripheral needs.

Selore Dual 4K HDMI USB-C Dock

The Selore Dual 4K HDMI USB-C Dock expands your connectivity with a 9-in-1 port configuration, compared to the Plugable’s 7-in-1 layout. It supports dual 4K@60Hz displays via DisplayLink, similar to the Plugable, but adds more USB-A ports for peripherals. The Selore dock is designed for Windows users, as it is not suitable for Mac users requiring dual external displays. It measures 4.5 inches in length and weighs 3.39 ounces, making it slightly smaller and lighter than the Plugable dock. If you need more USB-A ports and are using a Windows PC, this dock offers greater peripheral expansion. It lacks the Ethernet and SD card slot features found on the Plugable, so you must check if those are essential for your workflow.

Giq DisplayLink Triple 4K USB-C Dock

The Giq DisplayLink Triple 4K USB-C Dock significantly increases your screen real estate by supporting three external 4K displays, whereas the Plugable supports only two. Both use DisplayLink technology, requiring driver installation for extended displays. The Giq dock is ideal for professionals who need maximum screen space and do not mind the additional driver setup. It measures 5.91 inches in length and 3.94 inches in width, making it larger than the Plugable dock. While the Plugable offers Ethernet and SD card support, the Giq focuses on display expansion. If your primary need is triple-monitor productivity rather than peripheral connectivity, the Giq model provides a robust solution for heavy multitasking workflows.

UGREEN DisplayLink Dual 4K Docking Station

The UGREEN DisplayLink Dual 4K Docking Station offers a 9-in-1 port configuration, providing more connectivity options than the Plugable’s 7-in-1 design. It supports dual 4K@60Hz displays via DisplayLink, similar to the Plugable, and requires driver installation for macOS extended displays. The UGREEN dock measures 6 inches in length and weighs 1.12 pounds, making it substantially larger and heavier than the Plugable dock. It is well-suited for macOS users who need dual external monitors and extensive port access. However, it does not include a power adapter, so you must provide your own. If you prioritize port variety and dual display support on Mac over compactness, this dock is a strong alternative.

NOVOO 11-in-1 4K 60Hz USB-C Dock

The NOVOO 11-in-1 4K 60Hz USB-C Dock stands out by including a DisplayPort in addition to HDMI outputs, a feature absent on the Plugable dock. It supports triple 4K displays via DisplayLink, offering more screen flexibility than the Plugable’s dual setup. The NOVOO dock also includes Ethernet connectivity, matching the Plugable’s networking capability. It measures 3.94 inches in length and weighs only 0.7 ounces, making it significantly more compact than the Plugable dock. If you need a DisplayPort for specific monitor connections or require triple-monitor support, this dock is a superior choice. It maintains 100W power delivery pass-through while providing a smaller footprint and additional display options.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Plugable 7-in-1 Dual 4K HDMI USB-C Dock

Best for: Users needing dual 4K displays with Ethernet and SD support

Host Interface

USB-C

Display Support

Dual

Max Resolution

4K@60Hz

Power Delivery

82W

Port Count

7

Video Ports

HDMI

View on Amazon: Plugable 7-in-1 Dual 4K HDMI USB-C Dock Affiliate link

This docking station adds two 4K@60Hz HDMI outputs to your laptop using DisplayLink technology. It provides seven ports, including Gigabit Ethernet, USB-A, and an SD card slot. The unit supports up to 82W of pass-through charging for your host device. It measures 4.72 inches square and weighs 8.82 ounces. This setup suits users needing dual extended displays on systems without native dual video support.

Pros

• Outputs two extended 4K@60Hz HDMI displays via DisplayLink
• Provides 82W pass-through charging for laptops
• Includes Gigabit Ethernet and SD card slot
• Compact design at 4.72 inches square

Cons

• Requires DisplayLink driver installation on macOS
• Charging cable is not included
• Pass-through charging limited to 82W from 100W input

Good fit if

• You need dual 4K displays on Windows or macOS
• You want a compact dock with Ethernet and SD support
• You use a USB-C laptop for charging

Skip if

• You require plug-and-play dual monitors without driver installation
• You need more than 82W of power delivery
• You prefer a dock that includes the charging cable

Verdict: Plugable 7-in-1 USB-C Dual 4K Dock delivers reliable dual 4K@60Hz output for users willing to install the DisplayLink driver. It fits professionals who need Ethernet and SD access in a small footprint.

2 Best card reader

Baseus 7-in-1 USB-C Hub with 3 USB-A Ports

Best for: Single 4K monitor setups with card reading needs

Host Interface

USB-C

Max Resolution

4K@60Hz

Power Delivery

100W

Port Count

7

Video Ports

HDMI

Max Data Speed

5Gbps

View on Amazon: Baseus 7-in-1 USB-C Hub with 3 USB-A Ports Affiliate link

This Baseus hub expands a single USB-C port into seven connections. It includes one HDMI port for 4K@60Hz video, three USB 3.0 ports, and SD/TF card slots. It supports 100W power delivery to charge your laptop while in use. The device is compact and plug-and-play. It suits users who need a simple, single-port expansion solution for basic dual-monitor or single-monitor setups without DisplayLink drivers.

Pros

• HDMI port supports 4K@60Hz resolution
• 100W Power Delivery input for laptop charging
• Three USB 3.0 ports for data transfer
• Integrated SD and TF card readers
• Plug-and-play compatibility with Windows and macOS

Cons

• Single HDMI port limits dual-monitor capability
• No DisplayLink support for extended desktops
• Only one USB-C host interface

Good fit if

• You need a single external monitor at 4K@60Hz
• You want to charge your laptop through the hub
• You frequently transfer files from SD or TF cards

Skip if

• You require dual external monitors from one dock
• You need to extend your desktop across multiple screens
• You require more than one HDMI output

Verdict: Baseus 7-in-1 USB-C Hub is a straightforward expansion tool for users who only need one 4K display and basic connectivity. It fits those who prioritize simplicity and charging over multi-monitor flexibility.

3 Best premium

WAVLINK Dual 4K 100W DisplayLink Dock

Best for: Mac users needing dual 4K displays

Host Interface

USB-C, USB4, Thunderbolt

Display Support

Dual

Max Resolution

5120x1440@60Hz, 4096x2160@60Hz

Power Delivery

100W (96W certified)

Port Count

13

Video Ports

HDMI, DisplayPort

View on Amazon: WAVLINK Dual 4K 100W DisplayLink Dock Affiliate link

This WAVLINK dock expands your laptop into a dual 4K@60Hz setup using DisplayLink technology. It offers 13 ports, including two HDMI 2.0 and two DisplayPort 1.2 outputs. You get 100W power delivery and 10Gbps USB-C data speeds. It works with Windows and macOS, though Mac users must install drivers. This is a strong option for users needing multiple high-res screens.

Pros

• Supports dual 4K@60Hz displays via HDMI or DisplayPort
• Includes 13 total ports for extensive connectivity
• Provides 100W power delivery for laptop charging
• Enables extended displays on M-series Macs with drivers

Cons

• Requires manual DisplayLink driver installation on macOS
• Does not support HDCP content protection
• DisplayPort outputs are version 1.2, not 1.4

Good fit if

• You need two 4K monitors on a Mac
• You require many ports for peripherals
• You want 100W charging from the dock

Skip if

• You need HDCP compliance for media
• You want a plug-and-play macOS experience
• You prefer DisplayPort 1.4 bandwidth

Verdict: WAVLINK Dual 4K DisplayLink Dock is ideal for Mac users needing dual 4K screens, provided you are willing to install drivers.

4 Best budget

Selore Dual 4K HDMI USB-C Dock

Best for: Windows users needing dual 4K monitors

Host Interface

USB-C

Display Support

Dual

Max Resolution

4K@60Hz

Power Delivery

100W

Port Count

8

Video Ports

HDMI

View on Amazon: Selore Dual 4K HDMI USB-C Dock Affiliate link

The Selore 9-in-1 dock connects two 4K@60Hz monitors via dual HDMI ports. It includes 100W power delivery and SD/TF card slots. You get dedicated buttons for mirror/extend modes and privacy. It supports Windows and macOS, though Mac users are limited to one external display. This compact grey unit weighs 3.39 ounces and measures 4.5 inches long.

Pros

• Dual HDMI ports support 4K@60Hz resolution
• 100W power delivery for laptop charging
• Physical buttons for mode toggling and privacy
• SD and TF card reader included

Cons

• macOS users can only use one external monitor
• Requires initial system authorization on first use
• No Thunderbolt certification listed in specs

Good fit if

• You need dual 4K displays on Windows
• You want physical buttons for quick changes
• You require SD card access on the dock

Skip if

• You use a Mac with dual monitors
• You need Thunderbolt bandwidth
• You prefer plug-and-play without setup

Verdict: Selore 9-in-1 USB-C Dock fits Windows users who need two 4K screens and physical controls. It is not suitable for Mac users requiring dual external displays.

5 Also great

Giq DisplayLink Triple 4K USB-C Dock

Best for: users needing three external 4K screens

Host Interface

Thunderbolt 4/3, USB4, USB-C

Display Support

Triple

Max Resolution

4K@60Hz

Power Delivery

100W

Video Ports

HDMI, DisplayPort

Max Data Speed

5Gbps

View on Amazon: Giq DisplayLink Triple 4K USB-C Dock Affiliate link

This Gigabyte-branded dock supports three external 4K displays at 60Hz using the DL-6950 chip. It connects via USB-C and offers 100W power delivery. The unit includes gigabit Ethernet, SD card slots, and audio jacks. It works with Windows and macOS, including Apple Silicon. The compact design fits in a laptop sleeve. You get a triple-monitor setup without bulky hardware.

Pros

• Supports up to three 4K@60Hz external displays
• 100W Power Delivery pass-through charging
• Gigabit Ethernet port for stable wired connection
• Built-in SD and Micro SD card slots

Cons

• Requires separate DisplayLink driver installation
• Wall charger not included in the box
• HDMI 2 port fails if using USB 3.0 Type-C to A adapter

Good fit if

• You need three external monitors for productivity
• You use a Mac with Apple Silicon chips
• You require wired Ethernet for video calls

Skip if

• You want a plug-and-play experience without drivers
• You only need one or two external displays
• You prefer Thunderbolt connectivity over USB-C

Verdict: Giq Triple 4K DisplayLink Dock delivers a robust triple-monitor solution for users needing maximum screen real estate. It is best for professionals who require extensive display connectivity and do not mind installing drivers.

6 Also great

UGREEN DisplayLink Dual 4K Docking Station

Best for: macOS users needing dual 4K monitors

Host Interface

USB-C

Display Support

Dual

Max Resolution

4K@60Hz

Power Delivery

100W

Port Count

9

Video Ports

HDMI, DisplayPort

View on Amazon: UGREEN DisplayLink Dual 4K Docking Station Affiliate link

This UGREEN docking station supports dual 4K@60Hz displays via DisplayLink technology, requiring a driver for macOS and Windows. It offers nine ports, including two HDMI, two DisplayPort, and gigabit Ethernet. The 100W PD 3.0 port charges laptops quickly. With USB-A and USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports, it delivers 10Gbps data speeds. It is a robust solution for users needing extensive connectivity and high-resolution dual monitor setups.

Pros

• Supports dual 4K@60Hz monitors via DisplayLink
• Includes 100W PD 3.0 charging port
• Features gigabit Ethernet connectivity
• Provides 10Gbps data transfer speeds

Cons

• Requires driver installation for display functions
• Power adapter and HDMI cables are not included
• Heavier build at 1.12 pounds

Good fit if

• You need dual 4K monitors on macOS
• You require gigabit Ethernet connectivity
• You want 100W fast charging for laptops

Skip if

• You prefer a plug-and-play setup without drivers
• You need cables included in the box
• You prioritize a lightweight portable design

Verdict: UGREEN 9-in-1 USB-C DisplayLink Dock fits professionals who need dual 4K displays and extensive ports, though you must install drivers and provide your own power adapter.

7 Also great

NOVOO 11-in-1 4K 60Hz USB-C Dock

Best for: Users needing DisplayPort and triple displays

Host Interface

USB-C

Display Support

Triple

Max Resolution

4K@60Hz

Power Delivery

100W

Port Count

11

Video Ports

HDMI, DP

View on Amazon: NOVOO 11-in-1 4K 60Hz USB-C Dock Affiliate link

This NOVOO docking station supports triple displays with two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort. It handles 4K resolution at 60Hz through its USB-C host interface. You get 100W power delivery to keep your laptop charged while running multiple screens. The compact gray unit measures 3.94 by 1.57 inches and weighs just 0.7 ounces. It is a practical solution for users needing extensive connectivity and multi-monitor setups in a small footprint.

Pros

• Supports triple monitor displays
• Includes DisplayPort output
• 4K@60Hz resolution support
• 100W Power Delivery

Cons

• Only one HDMI port compared to competitors with two
• No mention of built-in Ethernet port in key specs
• DisplayLink drivers required for triple display functionality

Good fit if

• You need a DisplayPort for your monitor
• You want to connect three screens simultaneously
• You require 100W charging for your laptop

Skip if

• You only need dual HDMI connections
• You prefer a plug-and-play setup without drivers
• You need a built-in Ethernet port

Verdict: NOVOO 11-in-1 Triple Display USB-C Hub fits users who specifically need a DisplayPort and triple screen support. It offers a compact form factor for multi-monitor workflows.

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Frequently asked questions

See also

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