Plugable's new hub takes both MacBook USB-C ports in exchange for USB-A and HDMI

By Andrew Orr

Accessory maker Plugable has released a new low-cost and compact USB-C hub for MacBook Air or MacBook Pro owners to expand the selection of USB ports, and support an external display with HDMI.

New Plugable hub

New Plugable hub

The hub extends a person's workspace with ports for Gigabit Ethernet, audio, USB-A, and USB-C. It can also add an additional display to a MacBook.

Two USB-C male connectors slide into the ports on new MacBooks, and it has a cutout so that users can also connect the MagSafe charger. The five ports on the dock include two for USB-A 3.0 with up to 5 gigabit per second speeds, a passthrough USB 4 port at up to 40 gigabits per second, one Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm jack for audio input and output.

The USB-C port lets people add an external display up to 6K at 60Hz. External display support is subject to various restrictions.

The port also has up to 100W of pass-through charging for iPhones, iPads, and other devices.

It has a cutout to fit the MagSafe charging cable

It has a cutout to fit the MagSafe charging cable

An M1 chip can manage a single external display attached through USB-C on a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. The Mac mini supports one HDMI and one USB-C monitor.

Pricing & Availability

The Plugable 5-in-1 USB-C hub is available on Amazon for $32.95.