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Plugable USBC-11IN1E Review 2026 - Specs, Pros & Cons

7.4 Very Good
Adrian Cel By Adrian Cel

The Plugable USBC-11IN1E is a wide, driverless USB-C hub for laptop users who want a desk setup without moving up to a full DisplayLink or Thunderbolt dock. It connects over USB-C, USB4, Thunderbolt 3, or Thunderbolt 4 and uses DisplayPort Alt Mode for video. The port list is practical: two HDMI outputs, one USB-C 5Gbps data port, three USB-A 5Gbps ports, Gigabit Ethernet, a 3.5mm audio jack, SD and microSD readers, and a USB-C Power Delivery input. Plugable lists dual 4K 60Hz output for Windows and ChromeOS when the host supports DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or Thunderbolt 4. On macOS, it is a one-extended-display hub because the second HDMI output mirrors the first. Power is also more limited than the product name might suggest. The hub accepts up to 100W USB-C PD input, reserves about 8W to 15W for itself and connected peripherals, and can provide up to 85W to the laptop. That is enough for most ultrabooks and business laptops, but not a replacement for a 100W-plus workstation charger.

Dual HDMI Driverless USB-C

Pros & Cons

What We Like

  • Dual HDMI outputs can run two 4K 60Hz extended displays on capable Windows and ChromeOS hosts
  • No DisplayLink driver is needed, which keeps setup simpler for managed Windows and ChromeOS laptops
  • 100W USB-C PD input with up to 85W host charging is enough for many ultrabooks and business laptops
  • Gigabit Ethernet, audio, SD, and microSD cover more desk accessories than basic travel hubs
  • Two-year warranty and Plugable lifetime support are stronger than most generic USB-C hub options

What Could Be Better

  • Mac users usually get one extended display, not two

    Workaround: Use a DisplayLink dock or a Thunderbolt dock that matches your Mac model if you need two independent external displays.

  • Dual 4K 60Hz requires DP 1.4 with DSC or Thunderbolt 4 support from the host

    Workaround: Check the laptop's USB-C video specs before buying. DP 1.2 hosts may be limited to single 4K 30Hz or dual 1080p class output.

  • USB data ports are 5Gbps rather than 10Gbps

    Workaround: Use a 10Gbps USB-C hub, USB4 hub, or Thunderbolt dock if external SSD speed matters.

  • No official Linux support

    Workaround: Linux users should treat this as unverified and consider a dock with explicit Linux support or vendor-tested chipset notes.

  • 85W host charging ceiling is lower than the 100W input headline

    Workaround: Use the laptop's original charger directly if it needs more than 85W under load.

Display Support

Max Displays: 2
2 displays (Dual extended 4K@60Hz over HDMI on Windows and ChromeOS when the host supports DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC over USB-C or Thunderbolt 4.)
3840x2160 @ 60Hz
2 displays (Fallback class for DP 1.2 hosts or lower-bandwidth USB-C video paths, where Plugable says dual 4K@60Hz is not available.)
1920x1080 @ 60Hz
1 display (Single extended 4K@60Hz display on macOS, Windows, or ChromeOS with a compatible DisplayPort Alt Mode host. A second HDMI display mirrors on most Macs.)
3840x2160 @ 60Hz

Ports & Connectivity

USB Ports

1x USB-C 3.0
3x USB-A 3.0

Video Outputs

2x HDMI 2.0

Network

1x Ethernet (1 Gbps)

Audio

1x 3.5mm combo

Card Readers

1x SD (UHS-II, up to 312 MB/s)
1x microSD (UHS-I, up to 104 MB/s)

Full Specifications

General
Manufacturer Plugable
Model USBC-11IN1E
Release Date 2022-12
MSRP $87.95
Connectivity
Host Connection USB-C
Max Data Rate 5 Gbps
Driver Required No (native)
Display Output
Max Displays 2
2x Display 3840x2160 @ 60Hz (Dual extended 4K@60Hz over HDMI on Windows and ChromeOS when the host supports DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC over USB-C or Thunderbolt 4.)
2x Display 1920x1080 @ 60Hz (Fallback class for DP 1.2 hosts or lower-bandwidth USB-C video paths, where Plugable says dual 4K@60Hz is not available.)
1x Display 3840x2160 @ 60Hz (Single extended 4K@60Hz display on macOS, Windows, or ChromeOS with a compatible DisplayPort Alt Mode host. A second HDMI display mirrors on most Macs.)
Ports (6+ total)
USB-C 3.0 1x
USB-A 3.0 3x
HDMI 2.0 2x
Ethernet (RJ45) 1x 1 Gbps
Audio (3.5mm-combo) 1x
SD Card Reader 1x
microSD Card Reader 1x
Power
Power Input USB-C
Laptop Charging Up to 85W

Compatibility

Windows (10+)

Plugable lists Windows 10 and newer. Dual 4K 60Hz requires a host with DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC over USB-C or Thunderbolt 4.

macOS (11+)

Plugable lists macOS 11 and newer, but not as the ideal platform. Most Macs support one extended 4K 60Hz display through this hub, with the second HDMI display mirrored.

ChromeOS (100+)

Plugable lists ChromeOS 100 and newer. Dual-display support still depends on USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode and the Chromebook's graphics capabilities.

Known Issues

USB-C ports without DisplayPort Alt Mode

HDMI output will not work

Most Mac setups that need two extended monitors

Second HDMI output mirrors instead of extending

Linux systems

Not officially supported

Laptops that need more than 85W through the dock

Host charging ceiling is below many workstation adapters

7.4 /10

Our Verdict

Very Good

The USBC-11IN1E makes the most sense for Windows and Chromebook desks where two HDMI monitors matter more than fast USB or Thunderbolt bandwidth. It gives you the ports a hybrid-work laptop usually needs, and it does it without DisplayLink software, a power brick, or a full-size dock body. The trade-offs are clear. All USB data ports are 5Gbps, Linux is not officially supported, and Mac users do not get two extended displays. Plugable's own page also warns that dual 4K 60Hz needs DP 1.4 with DSC or Thunderbolt 4, while DP 1.2 hosts fall back to lower refresh rates or lower resolutions. Amazon and Plugable show a real listing under ASIN B0BQ1CQ3YR, with Plugable's page linking to 221 Amazon reviews during this pass, and CDW lists a 4.6 out of 5 rating from 10 reviews. Buy it if you have a Windows laptop with a capable USB-C video port and want two HDMI screens plus Ethernet and audio in one bus-powered hub. Skip it for Mac dual-monitor work, Linux support, 10Gbps USB, 2.5GbE, or higher-wattage EPR charging.

Available at Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Plugable USBC-11IN1E support dual monitors?
Yes, on compatible Windows and ChromeOS systems. Plugable lists dual extended displays up to 4K at 60Hz when the host supports DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC over USB-C or Thunderbolt 4. On most Macs, the second HDMI display mirrors the first instead of extending.
How much power does the Plugable USBC-11IN1E pass to a laptop?
The hub accepts up to 100W USB-C Power Delivery input and reserves power for itself and peripherals. Plugable lists up to 85W available to the host laptop. With smaller chargers, subtract roughly the hub's own power budget from the adapter wattage.
Does the Plugable USBC-11IN1E need DisplayLink drivers?
No. It is a driverless USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode hub. That keeps setup simple, but it also means the laptop must provide native USB-C video and MST support for dual-display modes.
Will the Plugable USBC-11IN1E work with a MacBook?
It can work with compatible macOS 11 or newer systems for one extended 4K 60Hz display and peripherals. It is not a good choice if you need two independent external displays from a MacBook.
What ports are on the Plugable USBC-11IN1E?
It has two HDMI ports, one USB-C 5Gbps data port, three USB-A 5Gbps ports, Gigabit Ethernet, a 3.5mm combo audio jack, SD and microSD card readers, a USB-C PD input, and a captive USB-C host cable.

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