docking-stations.info

This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure.

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

8 Excellent
Adrian Cel By Adrian Cel

The Plugable TBT4-UDZ is a 16-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 docking station that sets itself apart with one standout feature: quad 4K display support on Windows. While most Thunderbolt 4 docks cap out at two external monitors, the TBT4-UDZ leverages DisplayPort MST (Multi-Stream Transport) with DSC (Display Stream Compression) to drive up to four 4K@60Hz displays simultaneously from a single Thunderbolt 4 connection on compatible Windows laptops. Mac users get dual 4K@60Hz support on M1 Pro/Max and later chips, and the newer M4 and M5 MacBook Air and Pro models are fully supported for dual displays as well. Beyond video, the dock packs an impressive array of connectivity: seven USB ports across USB-A and USB-C at speeds up to 10 Gbps, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, UHS-II SD and microSD card readers, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. Plugable delivers up to 98W of USB-C Power Delivery to keep your laptop charged through the single Thunderbolt cable. The anodized aluminum chassis includes a vertical stand for space-saving desk setups. Announced at CES 2023 and launched shortly after, the TBT4-UDZ has been well-reviewed by outlets like Laptop Mag and is Plugable's most feature-rich Thunderbolt 4 dock.

Best for Quad Displays

Pros & Cons

What We Like

  • Quad 4K@60Hz display support on compatible Thunderbolt 4 Windows laptops
  • 16-in-1 port selection covers nearly every connectivity need
  • 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet for faster wired networking
  • UHS-II SD and microSD card readers (312 MB/s)
  • 98W Power Delivery charges laptops through a single cable
  • Included vertical stand for space-saving desk setups
  • No drivers required, true Thunderbolt 4 plug and play

What Could Be Better

  • Occasional display disconnection and stability issues reported by some reviewers

    Workaround: Update dock firmware via Plugable's utility. Ensure you are using the included Thunderbolt 4 cable and your laptop's Thunderbolt drivers are up to date.

  • Front-mounted host port creates cable management challenges

    Workaround: Use the included vertical stand to position the dock where the front cable is less visible.

  • Video outputs limited to HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2 (no HDMI 2.1 or DP 1.4 features)

    Workaround: Sufficient for 4K@60Hz productivity. Not ideal for gaming monitors that require VRR or higher refresh rates.

  • MicroSD card slot spring mechanism is fiddly and hard to use
  • 135W power brick may throttle laptop charging to ~60W when many high-power USB devices are connected

    Workaround: Avoid connecting multiple high-power USB devices simultaneously, or supplement with a separate charger.

  • No downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports, only USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 for data

    Workaround: Use a separate Thunderbolt cable for daisy-chaining or high-bandwidth peripherals like Thunderbolt storage.

Display Support

Max Displays: 4
4 displays (Quad 4K@60Hz via 2x HDMI 2.0 + 2x DP 1.2 on Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Windows with DP 1.4 HBR3 DSC support.)
3840x2160 @ 60Hz
2 displays (Dual 4K@60Hz via any two video outputs. Supported on TB3/TB4 Windows, Mac M1 Pro/Max and later, M4/M5 MacBook Air/Pro.)
3840x2160 @ 60Hz
1 display (Single 4K@60Hz via any video output. Base M1/M2 Macs limited to one external display.)
3840x2160 @ 60Hz

Ports & Connectivity

USB Ports

3x USB-A 3.2
2x USB-A 3.0
1x USB-A 2.0
1x USB-C 3.2

Video Outputs

2x HDMI 2.0
2x DisplayPort 1.2

Network

1x Ethernet (1 Gbps / 2.5 Gbps)

Audio

1x 3.5mm combo

Card Readers

1x SD (UHS-II (312 MB/s))
1x microSD (UHS-II (312 MB/s))

Full Specifications

General
Manufacturer Plugable
Model TBT4-UDZ
Release Date 2023-01
MSRP $419
Connectivity
Host Connection Thunderbolt 4
Max Data Rate 40 Gbps
Driver Required No (native)
Display Output
Max Displays 4
4x Display 3840x2160 @ 60Hz (Quad 4K@60Hz via 2x HDMI 2.0 + 2x DP 1.2 on Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Windows with DP 1.4 HBR3 DSC support.)
2x Display 3840x2160 @ 60Hz (Dual 4K@60Hz via any two video outputs. Supported on TB3/TB4 Windows, Mac M1 Pro/Max and later, M4/M5 MacBook Air/Pro.)
1x Display 3840x2160 @ 60Hz (Single 4K@60Hz via any video output. Base M1/M2 Macs limited to one external display.)
Ports (11+ total)
USB-A 3.2 3x
USB-A 3.0 2x
USB-A 2.0 1x
USB-C 3.2 1x
HDMI 2.0 2x
DisplayPort 1.2 2x
Ethernet (RJ45) 1x 1 Gbps / 2.5 Gbps
Audio (3.5mm-combo) 1x
SD Card Reader 1x
microSD Card Reader 1x
Power
Power Input DC-barrel
Laptop Charging Up to 98W

Compatibility

Windows (10+)

Full support including quad 4K display on Thunderbolt 4/USB4 systems with DP 1.4 HBR3 DSC. Dual 4K on Thunderbolt 3.

macOS (11.0 (Big Sur)+)

Dual 4K@60Hz on M1 Pro/Max and later. Base M1/M2 Macs limited to single display. M4/M5 MacBook Air/Pro fully supported.

ChromeOS

Supported on Thunderbolt-equipped Chromebooks. Display output may vary by device.

Linux

Not officially supported by Plugable. May work with distributions that support Thunderbolt 4. Firmware updates require Windows.

Known Issues

M1/M2 base MacBook Air/Pro

Limited to single external display

Thunderbolt 3 Windows laptops

Limited to dual 4K displays

8 /10

Our Verdict

Excellent

The Plugable TBT4-UDZ is a compelling Thunderbolt 4 dock that delivers exceptional value for Windows power users who need multi-monitor setups. Its ability to drive four 4K@60Hz displays from a single cable is a genuine differentiator in the Thunderbolt 4 dock market, where most competitors max out at two displays. The 16-port count covers nearly every connectivity need, from fast USB-A and USB-C data ports to 2.5GbE networking and UHS-II card readers. Build quality is solid, the included vertical stand is a nice touch, and the 98W Power Delivery handles even larger laptops comfortably. However, the TBT4-UDZ is not without its shortcomings. PCWorld noted stability issues with occasional display disconnections, and the front-mounted Thunderbolt host port can create cable management headaches depending on your desk layout. The video outputs use HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2, which is adequate for 4K@60Hz but means no HDMI 2.1 features like VRR. The microSD card slot's spring-loaded mechanism has also drawn criticism for being fiddly. Compared to the CalDigit TS4, the TBT4-UDZ trades Thunderbolt downstream ports and the TS4's exceptional Mac ecosystem polish for quad display support and a lower street price. If you are a Windows user running a Thunderbolt 4 laptop who wants the maximum number of external displays without resorting to DisplayLink, the TBT4-UDZ is hard to beat. Mac users may prefer the CalDigit TS4 for its superior firmware support and additional Thunderbolt downstream ports.

Available at Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Plugable TBT4-UDZ support four monitors?
Yes, the TBT4-UDZ can drive up to four 4K@60Hz displays simultaneously using its 2x HDMI 2.0 and 2x DisplayPort 1.2 outputs. However, quad display support requires a Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 Windows laptop with DP 1.4 HBR3 DSC support. Thunderbolt 3 systems are limited to two displays, and Macs support up to two displays (M1 Pro/Max or later required).
Does the Plugable TBT4-UDZ work with MacBook?
Yes, the TBT4-UDZ is compatible with MacBooks running macOS Big Sur or later. M1 Pro/Max/Ultra, M2 Pro/Max/Ultra, M3 Pro/Max/Ultra, M4, and M5 MacBook models support dual 4K@60Hz displays. Base M1 and M2 MacBooks are limited to a single external display due to Apple's hardware limitation.
How much power does the Plugable TBT4-UDZ deliver to a laptop?
The TBT4-UDZ delivers up to 98W of USB-C Power Delivery through the Thunderbolt 4 host cable. This is sufficient to charge most laptops including 15-inch and 16-inch models during use. Note that if you connect many high-power USB devices simultaneously, charging may reduce to approximately 60W due to the 135W power supply's total capacity.
What is the difference between the Plugable TBT4-UDZ and CalDigit TS4?
The TBT4-UDZ offers quad 4K display support on Windows (vs dual on the TS4), has HDMI ports built-in (the TS4 has only DisplayPort), and typically costs less. The CalDigit TS4 counters with three Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports, 18 total ports, and superior Mac ecosystem firmware support. Choose the TBT4-UDZ for multi-monitor Windows setups; choose the TS4 for Mac-centric workflows or Thunderbolt daisy-chaining.
Does the Plugable TBT4-UDZ require drivers?
No, the TBT4-UDZ is a native Thunderbolt 4 dock that works plug and play without any drivers on both Windows and macOS. Plugable does offer an optional firmware update utility for Windows to address display-related issues, but it is not required for normal operation.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Related Products