Hub comparison
PowerExpand Direct 8-in-2 USB-C PD Media Hub vs Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub
Compare the published specifications for these two products. Values are shown as documented in the catalogue; an unlisted value means the specification is not available here, not necessarily that the product lacks the feature.
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PowerExpand Direct 8-in-2 USB-C PD Media Hub
Hub
Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub
Hub
Specification comparison
| Specification | PowerExpand Direct 8-in-2 USB-C PD Media Hub | Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Hub | Hub |
| USB-A ports | 2× USB-A 5Gbps | 1× USB-A 10Gbps |
| USB-C data ports | 1× USB-C 5Gbps | 3× Thunderbolt 4/USB4/USB-C downstream |
| Thunderbolt ports | 1× Thunderbolt 3 | 1× Thunderbolt 4 host + 3× Thunderbolt 4 downstream |
| Video outputs | 1× HDMI | Video via downstream Thunderbolt/USB-C ports; USB-C-to-HDMI adapter included |
| Maximum video support | 5K@60Hz via Thunderbolt 3; HDMI 4K@30Hz | Up to 2× 4K@60Hz or 1× 8K@30Hz; 1× 6K on compatible Apple silicon Macs |
| Maximum data rate | 40Gbps | 40Gbps |
| Card readers | SD UHS-I + microSD UHS-I | Not listed |
| Audio | Lightning audio | Not listed |
| Host interface | Not listed | Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 / USB-C |
| Host charging | Not listed | 60 |
| Power input | Not listed | External 100W power adapter |
Key documented differences
- USB-A ports: PowerExpand Direct 8-in-2 USB-C PD Media Hub lists 2× USB-A 5Gbps; Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub lists 1× USB-A 10Gbps.
- USB-C data ports: PowerExpand Direct 8-in-2 USB-C PD Media Hub lists 1× USB-C 5Gbps; Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub lists 3× Thunderbolt 4/USB4/USB-C downstream.
- Thunderbolt ports: PowerExpand Direct 8-in-2 USB-C PD Media Hub lists 1× Thunderbolt 3; Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub lists 1× Thunderbolt 4 host + 3× Thunderbolt 4 downstream.
- Video outputs: PowerExpand Direct 8-in-2 USB-C PD Media Hub lists 1× HDMI; Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub lists Video via downstream Thunderbolt/USB-C ports; USB-C-to-HDMI adapter included.
- Maximum video support: PowerExpand Direct 8-in-2 USB-C PD Media Hub lists 5K@60Hz via Thunderbolt 3; HDMI 4K@30Hz; Plugable 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 Hub lists Up to 2× 4K@60Hz or 1× 8K@30Hz; 1× 6K on compatible Apple silicon Macs.
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