Plugable USB-C Triple HDMI Docking or Plugable Dual 4K DisplayPort HDMI? Which Plugable Model to Buy
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When evaluating the plugable USB c triple display vs dual displayport hdmi options, you face a choice between two distinct docking stations. Both devices offer Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 ports, and support for Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. They also both lack Linux compatibility and HDCP support for protected content. The main difference lies in display output and charging. One model provides dual 4K outputs without charging your laptop. The other supports three displays and includes 100W Power Delivery to charge your host device.
Key differences
| Aspect | Plugable Dual 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dock | Plugable USB-C Triple HDMI Docking Station |
|---|---|---|
| Display Support | Dual | Triple |
| Video Ports | HDMI, DisplayPort | HDMI |
| Max Resolution | 3840x2160 @ 60Hz | 4K @ 30Hz (via Alt Mode) |
| Power Delivery | Not listed | 100W |
| Host Interface | USB-C, USB 3.0 | USB-C, USB4, Thunderbolt |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Plugable Dual 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dock if
- You need two monitors running at 4K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate.
- You prefer the flexibility of using a DisplayPort connection for one of your screens.
- You do not require the docking station to charge your laptop.
Choose Plugable USB-C Triple HDMI Docking Station if
- You need to connect three monitors to a single laptop.
- You want your laptop to charge while connected to the dock via 100W Power Delivery.
- You are using a MacBook with Apple Silicon that requires specific multi-display bypass technology.
Verdict: Choose the Dual DisplayPort and HDMI Dock if you prioritize higher refresh rates and native DisplayPort connectivity for two screens. Select the Triple HDMI Dock if you need three displays and want to charge your laptop through the dock. Your choice depends on whether you value resolution speed or display count and charging capability.
Dual vs Triple Display Setup
Display Support
The Plugable Dual 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dock (UD-6950Z) supports two simultaneous 4K monitors. It uses DisplayLink technology to drive both screens at 3840x2160 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. The Plugable USB-C Triple HDMI Docking Station (UD-3900PDZ) supports three displays. One screen runs at 4K 30Hz via native USB-C Alt Mode, while the other two run at 1080p 60Hz via DisplayLink. If you need three screens, the triple dock is the only option. If you prefer higher refresh rates on all screens, the dual dock offers 60Hz on both.
Power Delivery
Power delivery capabilities differ significantly between these two docking stations. The Plugable USB-C Triple HDMI Docking Station includes 100W USB-C Power Delivery. This allows you to charge your host laptop while it is connected to the dock. The Plugable Dual 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dock does not charge the host computer. You must use a separate power adapter for your laptop when using the dual dock. For users who want a single cable for video, data, and power, the triple dock provides a more complete solution.
Video Ports
The video output options vary based on your monitor connections. The Plugable Dual 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dock provides one HDMI port and one DisplayPort. This mix allows you to use monitors with either connector type. The Plugable USB-C Triple HDMI Docking Station provides three HDMI ports. This is ideal if all your monitors use HDMI inputs. It does not offer DisplayPort outputs. If your monitors require DisplayPort, you will need adapters for the triple dock, or you should choose the dual dock for native compatibility.
Host Interface
Connection to your laptop also varies. The Plugable Dual 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dock connects via USB-C or USB 3.0 host interfaces. This flexibility means it can work with older laptops that only have USB 3.0 Type-A ports, provided they support DisplayLink. The Plugable USB-C Triple HDMI Docking Station requires USB-C, USB4, or Thunderbolt connections. It relies on native USB-C Alt Mode for one display. If your laptop only has USB 3.0 Type-A ports, the triple dock will not work for video output.
Build Size
Physical dimensions affect desk space and cable management. The Plugable Dual 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dock measures 7.5 inches in length, 2.8 inches in width, and 5.3 inches in height. It weighs 12.3 ounces. The Plugable USB-C Triple HDMI Docking Station is larger in length at 7.9 inches and wider at 3.3 inches, but significantly thinner at 1.2 inches in height. It weighs slightly less at 11.7 ounces. The dual dock is taller and more boxy, while the triple dock is flatter and wider.
Which Plugable Dock Fits Your Needs
You need two high-resolution 4K screens
The UD-6950Z drives two monitors at 3840x2160 resolution and 60Hz. This refresh rate ensures smooth visuals for office work and web browsing. You get dual 4K clarity via HDMI or DisplayPort. The dock connects through USB-C or USB 3.0. It does not charge your laptop, but it delivers the sharp, high-refresh-rate display performance you need for productivity tasks.
You want three displays with fast charging
The UD-3900PDZ supports up to three HDMI monitors, expanding your workspace significantly. It includes 100W Power Delivery to charge your host laptop while you work. The dock uses native USB-C Alt Mode for one display and DisplayLink for the others. This combination allows you to connect multiple screens and keep your device powered simultaneously without extra cables.
You use Apple Silicon MacBooks
The UD-3900PDZ is designed to bypass native single-display limits on Apple M1 through M5 MacBooks. It enables triple extended HDMI displays on these systems. The dual 4K dock lacks this specific compatibility feature for bypassing macOS limitations. If you run a mixed fleet of modern Apple laptops, the triple HDMI dock ensures reliable multi-monitor functionality across all your devices.
The products compared
Plugable Dual 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dock
Best for: Dual 4K productivity setups
- Host Interface
- USB-C, USB 3.0
- Display Support
- Dual
- Max Resolution
- 3840x2160 @ 60Hz
- Video Ports
- HDMI, DisplayPort
- Ethernet Speed
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Connectivity
- USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet
View on Amazon: Plugable Dual 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dock Affiliate link
This Plugable dock supports dual 4K monitors at 60Hz via HDMI and DisplayPort. It connects through USB-C or USB 3.0 and includes Gigabit Ethernet and six USB 3.0 ports. The device is optimized for productivity tasks like web browsing and office work. It does not support gaming or protected content playback. You need to install drivers manually on macOS systems.
Pros
- Supports dual 4K displays at 60Hz
- Includes Gigabit Ethernet and six USB 3.0 ports
- Connects via USB-C or USB 3.0
- Works with Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS
Cons
- Does not charge the host computer
- Not compatible with Linux
- No support for gaming or protected content
Good fit if
- You need dual 4K monitors for productivity
- You require Gigabit Ethernet and multiple USB ports
- You use Windows or ChromeOS for work
Skip if
- You need to charge your laptop through the dock
- You want to play games on the external displays
- You use Linux without manual driver installation
Verdict: Plugable Dual 4K USB-C Dock is a solid choice for professionals who need two high-resolution screens and extensive connectivity without the need for laptop charging.
Plugable USB-C Triple HDMI Docking Station
Best for: Users needing three HDMI displays and wired networking
- Host Interface
- USB-C
- Display Support
- Triple
- Max Resolution
- 4K @ 30Hz
- Power Delivery
- 100W
- Port Count
- 12
- Video Ports
- HDMI
View on Amazon: Plugable USB-C Triple HDMI Docking Station Affiliate link
This Plugable dock supports three HDMI displays, combining one 4K @ 30Hz output with two 1080p @ 60Hz outputs. It connects via USB-C, USB4, or Thunderbolt and includes 100W power delivery for your laptop. The unit also offers gigabit Ethernet and six USB 3.0 ports. It works with Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS, making it a solid choice for hybrid workspaces needing expanded connectivity.
Pros
- Supports three simultaneous HDMI displays for extended productivity
- 100W USB-C Power Delivery keeps your laptop charged
- Includes gigabit Ethernet for stable wired networking
- Compatible with USB-C, USB4, and Thunderbolt hosts
- Works with Apple Silicon M1 through M5 MacBooks
Cons
- 4K resolution is limited to 30Hz refresh rate
- No native Linux operating system support
- Does not support HDCP content protection
Good fit if
- You need three monitors connected to a single laptop
- You require gigabit Ethernet for reliable network access
- You use a Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS computer
Skip if
- You need 4K resolution at 60Hz refresh rates
- You require a Linux operating system driver
- You need HDCP compliance for protected media
Verdict: Plugable UD-3900PDZ 12-in-1 USB-C Dock provides a practical triple-monitor solution for users who prioritize screen real estate and wired connectivity over high refresh rates. It is ideal for professionals who need a stable, multi-display setup for data analysis or conferencing.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Plugable Dual 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dock | Plugable USB-C Triple HDMI Docking Station |
|---|---|---|
| Host Interface | USB-C, USB 3.0 | USB-C |
| Display Support | Dual | Triple |
| Max Resolution | 3840x2160 @ 60Hz | 4K @ 30Hz |
| Power Delivery | not stated | 100W |
| Port Count | not stated | 12 |
| Video Ports | HDMI, DisplayPort | HDMI |
| Max Data Speed | not stated | 5Gbps |
| Ethernet Speed | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Resolution | not stated | 1080p FHD |
| Connectivity | USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet | USB-C, HDMI |
| Refresh Rate | not stated | 60Hz |
| Features | DisplayLink | not stated |
| Dimensions | 1.97 × 2.76 × 1.97 inches | 7.87 × 3.54 × 1.18 inches |
| Weight | 12.3 ounces | 11.7 ounces |
| Size | 7.5" × 2.8" × 5.3" | 7.9 x 3.3 x 1.2 inches |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | UD-6950Z | UD-3900PDZ |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use both Plugable docks with macOS and Windows?
Yes, both models support Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. You can connect either dock to a laptop running any of these operating systems. Both devices lack Linux compatibility, so you must ensure your computer runs one of the supported platforms. This cross-platform support allows you to switch between different types of computers without changing hardware.
What is the size difference between the UD-6950Z and UD-3900PDZ?
The UD-6950Z measures 7.5 by 2.8 by 5.3 inches. The UD-3900PDZ is slightly larger at 7.9 by 3.3 by 1.2 inches. The dual display model is thicker and heavier, weighing 12.3 ounces. The triple display unit is thinner but wider, weighing 11.7 ounces. Consider your desk space when choosing between the two form factors.
Does the triple display dock support 100W power delivery?
Yes, the Plugable USB-C Triple HDMI Docking Station supports 100W power delivery. This allows you to charge your laptop while using three monitors. The dual 4K dock does not list power delivery specifications in its attributes. You will need to use a separate charger for the laptop if you choose the dual display model.
Which dock is better for users needing wired networking?
Both docks offer Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired networking. This ensures a stable internet connection for data analysis or conferencing. The triple display dock is specifically noted as ideal for users who prioritize wired connectivity. You can rely on either device for a consistent network link while managing multiple screens.
Can I connect three monitors to the UD-6950Z?
No, the UD-6950Z supports only two simultaneous 4K monitors. It uses DisplayLink technology to drive these two screens at 3840x2160 resolution. If you require three displays, you must choose the UD-3900PDZ. The dual display dock is designed for productivity setups that need two high-resolution screens.
Do these docks support HDCP content protection?
No, neither dock supports HDCP. This means you cannot play protected content like certain streaming videos or Blu-rays on the external displays. Both devices are designed for productivity tasks rather than media consumption. You can still use the screens for office work, coding, or data analysis without HDCP interference.
What is the model number for the triple HDMI dock?
The model number for the triple HDMI dock is UD-3900PDZ. It is also identified by ASIN B08DDH5CPW. This 12-in-1 USB-C dock provides a practical triple-monitor solution. Use this model number when searching for drivers or compatibility information for your specific setup.
Is the dual 4K dock suitable for professional work?
Yes, the UD-6950Z is a solid choice for professionals. It provides two high-resolution screens and extensive connectivity. The dock supports 60Hz refresh rates for smooth visuals during office work. It is ideal for users who need dual 4K clarity via HDMI or DisplayPort without requiring laptop charging.