Plugable has introduced two USB-C hubs starting at $39.99 that bring 4K 144Hz HDMI output to compatible Macs, offering high-refresh-rate monitor support without a larger docking station.
The new Plugable USBC-6IN1 costs $39.99, while the USBC-8IN1E costs $59.99. Both hubs support a single external display at up to 4K 144Hz or 8K 30Hz through HDMI 2.1.
They also offer USB-C pass-through charging and don't require drivers on macOS, Windows, or ChromeOS. Previously, Plugable offered 4K 144Hz output only in its more expensive USBC-10IN1E hub.
The new models bring that capability to smaller, more affordable accessories. Mac users still need compatible hardware and macOS 26 or later to achieve the advertised refresh rates.
Two USB-C hubs with different connectivity options
The $39.99 USBC-6IN1 offers HDMI 2.1, three USB-A ports, and one USB-C data port. All four USB data ports support speeds up to 5Gbps, while the USB-C port and one USB-A port can deliver up to 7.5W of power to connected devices.
The aluminum hub measures 4.79 inches long and includes a built-in 6.7-inch USB-C cable. It provides the essential connections for a monitor and USB accessories without adding Ethernet or memory card readers.
The $59.99 USBC-8IN1E adds Gigabit Ethernet and separate SD and microSD card readers. Both readers support UHS-I speeds up to 104MB/s and can operate simultaneously, allowing photographers to transfer files from two cards without swapping them.
The $59.99 USBC-8IN1E adds Gigabit Ethernet and separate SD and microSD card readers.
The USBC-8IN1E also includes a 5Gbps USB-C data port, a 5Gbps USB-A port, and a USB 2.0 port intended for wireless keyboard and mouse receivers. It measures 5.99 inches long and uses the same 6.7-inch integrated cable.
Both hubs support up to 100W of USB-C Power Delivery input, with a maximum of 85W passed through to the connected laptop. The remaining 15W is reserved for the hub and its ports, and neither model requires an external power adapter for basic operation.
Monitor compatibility depends on the processor
Achieving 4K 144Hz or 8K 30Hz requires a Mac running macOS 26 or later with an M1 or M2 Pro or Max chip, or an M3 chip or newer. Users also need a compatible monitor and HDMI 2.1 cable.
The $39.99 USBC-6IN1 offers HDMI 2.1, three USB-A ports, and one USB-C data port. Base M1 and M2 MacBooks, along with the MacBook Neo, are limited to 4K 60Hz through these hubs. Windows laptops require DisplayPort 1.4 with Display Stream Compression to reach the higher resolutions and refresh rates, while systems using DisplayPort 1.2 are limited to 4K 60Hz.
Each hub provides one HDMI output and doesn't increase the number of external displays a Mac can natively support.
Plugable lists the USBC-6IN1 and USBC-8IN1E for $39.99 and $59.99, respectively, with availability beginning October 20 through Amazon and Plugable's website. The company also advertises a 20% launch discount.