Plugable TBT4-HUB3C Review 2026 - Specs, Pros & Cons

Name: Plugable Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub
Brand: Plugable
SKU: TBT4-HUB3C

The Plugable TBT4-HUB3C is a compact Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 hub for people who want more USB-C and Thunderbolt ports, not a full desktop dock with Ethernet, audio, card readers, and fixed monitor outputs. It connects to the laptop through a front Thunderbolt 4 host port and adds three downstream Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 ports on the back. Each downstream port can handle up to 40Gbps data, up to 15W device charging, and display output when the host supports it. Plugable includes a USB-C to HDMI 2.0 adapter in the box, which helps if one of your monitors does not have USB-C input. The hub can drive up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or one 8K display at 30Hz on a compatible Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 host. It also delivers up to 60W of host charging from the included 110W power adapter. That is fine for a MacBook Air, many 13-inch and 14-inch business laptops, and lighter creator notebooks, but it is not enough for large workstation laptops under load.

Compact Thunderbolt 4 Hub 3x Downstream TB4

Pros & Cons

What We Like

Three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports turn one laptop port into a small Thunderbolt expansion hub
Each downstream port supports up to 40Gbps data and up to 15W device charging
Dual 4K@60Hz and single 8K@30Hz support cover most USB-C monitor setups on compatible hosts
Included USB-C to HDMI 2.0 adapter saves one accessory purchase for HDMI monitor users
Small aluminum chassis is easier to place than a full desktop dock
Two-year warranty and Plugable lifetime support are stronger than many generic hub brands

What Could Be Better

60W host charging is not enough for larger workstation laptops under heavy load
Workaround: Use the laptop's own charger for high-power systems, or choose a dock with 96W, 100W, or 140W host charging.
No built-in USB-A, Ethernet, audio jack, or card reader
Workaround: Add USB-C adapters or choose a full-size dock such as the Plugable TBT4-UD5 or TBT4-UDX1.
External 110W power adapter is required and is bulky compared with the hub
Workaround: Plan to hide the power brick behind the desk. The hub does not run from bus power.
Most HDMI and DisplayPort monitors need adapters
Workaround: Use the included USB-C to HDMI 2.0 adapter for one HDMI display and buy a second adapter or USB-C display cable if needed.
Thunderbolt 3 Windows compatibility is less predictable than Thunderbolt 4 or USB4
Workaround: Use a Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 host when possible. If you have a Thunderbolt 3 Windows laptop, check Plugable's controller and driver notes before buying.

Display Support

Max Displays: 2

2 displays (Dual 4K@60Hz on compatible Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 hosts using downstream Thunderbolt ports, USB-C displays, or USB-C video adapters. Plugable includes one USB-C to HDMI 2.0 adapter.)

3840x2160 @ 60Hz

1 display (Single 8K@30Hz is listed by Plugable, depending on host graphics, display, cable, and adapter support.)

7680x4320 @ 30Hz

1 display (Plugable lists single 6K support on Apple Silicon Macs. The site schema has no 6K enum, so this entry uses the nearest lower 5K enum and records the official 6K claim here.)

5120x2880 @ 60Hz

1 display (USB-C only hosts and base M1 or M2 Macs are generally limited to one external display. Some Thunderbolt 3 hosts can run two displays, but Plugable does not recommend Thunderbolt 3 Windows hosts for this hub.)

3840x2160 @ 60Hz

Ports & Connectivity

USB Ports

3x USB-C 4.0 15W

Video Outputs

3x Thunderbolt 4

Full Specifications

General
Manufacturer	Plugable
Model	TBT4-HUB3C
Release Date	2021-09
MSRP	$249.99
Connectivity
Host Connection	Thunderbolt 4
Max Data Rate	40 Gbps
Driver Required	No (native)
Display Output
Max Displays	2
2x Display	3840x2160 @ 60Hz (Dual 4K@60Hz on compatible Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 hosts using downstream Thunderbolt ports, USB-C displays, or USB-C video adapters. Plugable includes one USB-C to HDMI 2.0 adapter.)
1x Display	7680x4320 @ 30Hz (Single 8K@30Hz is listed by Plugable, depending on host graphics, display, cable, and adapter support.)
1x Display	5120x2880 @ 60Hz (Plugable lists single 6K support on Apple Silicon Macs. The site schema has no 6K enum, so this entry uses the nearest lower 5K enum and records the official 6K claim here.)
1x Display	3840x2160 @ 60Hz (USB-C only hosts and base M1 or M2 Macs are generally limited to one external display. Some Thunderbolt 3 hosts can run two displays, but Plugable does not recommend Thunderbolt 3 Windows hosts for this hub.)
Ports (6+ total)
USB-C 4.0	3x (15W)
Thunderbolt 4	3x
Power
Power Input	DC-barrel
Laptop Charging	Up to 60W

Compatibility

Windows (10+)

Best with Windows 10 or later on Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 hosts. Thunderbolt 3 Windows systems are not recommended by Plugable because downstream-port support depends on the Thunderbolt controller, driver, and firmware.

macOS (11+)

Compatible with macOS 11 and later on Thunderbolt Macs. Base M1 and M2 Macs support one external display, base M3 supports dual displays only in clamshell mode, and Pro, Max, base M4, base M5, and newer supported chips can support dual displays.

Known Issues

Base M1 and M2 MacBook Air/Pro

Limited to one external display

Base M3 MacBooks with lid open

Dual display requires clamshell mode

Thunderbolt 3 Windows systems

Not recommended by Plugable

Users who need built-in USB-A, Ethernet, audio, or card readers

Hub has only USB-C and Thunderbolt downstream ports

MacBook Neo

Not compatible

8 /10

Our Verdict

Excellent

The Plugable TBT4-HUB3C makes the most sense when you already like USB-C cabling. It gives you three fast downstream ports in a small aluminum box, and it avoids the clutter of a larger dock if your desk runs on USB-C displays, Thunderbolt SSDs, capture gear, or adapters you already own. Windows Central liked its compact, well built design and described it as a hub for users who need Thunderbolt more than a broad mix of legacy ports. Laptop Mag called it a pocket rocket, and ThunderboltLaptop praised the three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports while pointing out the same trade-offs: no USB-A, no SD card reader, and a power brick that is bigger than the hub. Amazon feedback follows that pattern. Buyers like the function, Thunderbolt support, and value, but the external power supply draws complaints. This is not the right choice if you want one cable to handle Ethernet, headphones, SD cards, and HDMI without adapters. It is a clean buy if you want to turn one Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 port into three and can live with 60W charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Plugable TBT4-HUB3C support dual monitors?

Yes, the Plugable TBT4-HUB3C can support two displays up to 4K@60Hz on compatible Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 hosts. Mac support depends on the chip. Base M1 and M2 Macs are limited to one external display, while supported Pro, Max, base M4, base M5, and some base M3 clamshell setups can support two.

How much power does the Plugable TBT4-HUB3C deliver to a laptop?

The hub delivers up to 60W of USB-C Power Delivery to the host laptop. That is enough for many ultrabooks and smaller MacBooks, but larger workstation laptops may still need their original charger under heavy CPU or GPU load.

Does the Plugable TBT4-HUB3C have USB-A or Ethernet?

No. The TBT4-HUB3C has one front Thunderbolt 4 host port and three rear downstream Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 ports. It does not include USB-A, Ethernet, audio, or card readers. Use adapters or choose a full docking station if you need those built in.

Does the Plugable TBT4-HUB3C require drivers?

No display driver is required because this is a native Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 hub, not a DisplayLink dock. Windows users may still need current Thunderbolt, graphics, and firmware updates for best compatibility.

What comes in the Plugable TBT4-HUB3C box?

Plugable lists the hub, a 0.8m Thunderbolt 4 certified USB-C cable, a 110W power adapter, a region-specific power cable, a USB-C to HDMI video adapter, and a quick start guide.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Plugable TBT4-HUB3C vs USB4-HUB3A: Which compact Thunderbolt hub should you buy?
A practical comparison of the Plugable TBT4-HUB3C and Plugable USB4-HUB3A compact Thunderbolt 4 hubs, covering ports, display support, charging, compatibility, price, and value.