Plugable TBT-UDT3 Review: Top Value Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station

Quick Summary

• Product: plugable Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station (TBT-UDT3).
• Features:

– 11 ports, including four Thunderbolt 5 ports (80Gbps bandwidth; one upstream, three downstream).
– Other ports include two USB-A (10Gbps), one USB-A (5Gbps), UHS-II SD and microSD card readers, a combo audio jack, and a 2.5Gb Ethernet port.

• Performance:

– Doubles the speed of Thunderbolt 4 to bi-directional bandwidth of up to 80Gbps with an optional output mode of up to 120Gbps for video.
– supports dual-monitor configurations for Apple and Windows devices but may require adapters for specific use cases.

• Design:

– Aluminum build with a vertical or horizontal placement option via stand.
– Compact dimensions measuring about 6.9 x 3.1 x1.6 inches, weighing 692g.
– conveniently placed front-facing audio jack and card readers; rear-centered laptop connection avoids cable clutter.

• Limitations:

– No extra USB-C port; the few existing ones may not fast-charge higher-powered devices like iPhones effectively (>15W required by some models).
– Backward-compatible but tailored more toward North American users currently.

• Power supply Output: A generous external adapter with up to 180W, catering prioritized laptop charges or shared multi-device-connected current split issues 🔌🧿