Plugable TBT3-UDZ critique: The Cadillac of Thunderbolt docks

Expert’s Score
Pros
- Tons of ports
- Space-conserving vertical stand
Our Verdict
Even though we take into account the Plugable TBT3-UDZ to be the ideal, most versatile Thunderbolt 3 dock you can purchase, there is no query that it’s priced appropriately.
Most effective Prices Today: Plugable TBT3-UDZ
$369.00
Cost-free
$369.00
$369.00
Plugable’s TBT3-UDZ is only a person of the ideal Thunderbolt 3 docks we have analyzed, even though it is also one of the most pricey. (Luckily, you can uncover high quality funds alternatives amid our tips of most effective Thunderbolt docks, of which the TBT3-UDZ presently tops the listing.)
With a boatload of ports, like choices for using DisplayPort or HDMI for equally shows, the TBT3-UDZ gives overall flexibility and then some. There is even a sturdy stand to mount it vertically on your desk. We unquestionably value that given that the dock in any other case steps 7.6 x 4.1 x 1.4 inches.
On the front, the TBT3-UDZ consists of a 10Gbps USB-C and a 10Gbps USB-A (USB 3.1) port, microSD and SD card slots (SD, SDHC, SDXC, or MMC) plus a headphone jack. On the rear, five USB-A (USB 3. ports) and gigabit ethernet complement a pair of DisplayPort 1.4 ports and HDMI 2. ports. It’s all dependent on Intel’s Titan Ridge chipset.

Mark Hachman / IDG
This show flexibility is exceptionally uncommon, and 1 of the dock’s advertising details: You can basically obtain no matter what screen you’d like and know that there is an readily available exhibit port on the dock. On the other hand, you’re shelling out for such overall flexibility.
A 30-inch 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 cable connects the dock to your notebook, and is able of providing 96W of electric power. The USB-A port on the front supports battery charging, and provides 7.5W of energy. By natural means, this is a run dock, with a hefty 170W (!) charger. For that reason, you’ll want to depart it on your desk as a common docking station.
General performance was superb, driving each 4K shows at 60Hz, and transferring our test file at close to peak speeds even though at the same time playing back again two 4K/60Hz video clips on both of those shows in excess of ethernet. The desirable gun-steel chassis never warmed uncomfortably, even though it’s a whopping 4.1 pounds—probably heavier than the laptops it is driving. The extra pounds, in addition the chassis stand, retains the TBT3-UDZ rock-solid whilst in its vertical, space-preserving orientation. A single of our check displays sometimes had troubles waking up from snooze when applying this dock, even though it’s not rather crystal clear whether or not the dock, the cable, or one thing within our exam notebook was at fault.

Mark Hachman / IDG
A two-calendar year guarantee covering restricted parts and labor is provided, and Plugable appears to be to have an great name for buyer services.