Plugable
Plugable USB 3.0 to DisplayPort 4K DisplayLink Video Graphics Adapter
Best productivity booster for professionals needing extra screen space via USB.
Enhance your productivity by adding a 4K external monitor through a simple USB 3.0 connection. This adapter acts as an external video card, delivering crisp visuals and stable performance for multitasking and creative workflows. It's an ideal solution when your computer's built-in video ports are insufficient, allowing for expanded screen real estate. Supporting multiple displays, each via a separate adapter, it offers flexibility for various setups. While it handles standard video playback smoothly, it's not recommended for graphically intensive applications like gaming or video editing due to HDCP limitations.
$92.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.3
/ 5
Category Rank
1694
/ 2621
#1694 in Audio & Video Cable Adapters & Couplers
Price vs Category Average
+22%
Above average
Chipset
5500
/ DisplayLink DL-
Who it's for
- Professionals needing extra screen real estate for productivity
- Users with limited video ports on their laptops
- Office workers using standard USB-equipped computers
Who should skip it
- Gamers and video editors requiring low-latency performance
- Streamers watching protected content from subscription services
- Users preferring plug-and-play hardware without software management
Performance breakdown
Multitasking Efficiency
Seamlessly adds screen real estate for productive office and creative workflows.
Setup Simplicity
Plug-and-play functionality makes expanding your desktop environment remarkably straightforward.
Compatibility Range
Broad support across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS ensures versatility.
Gaming Performance
DisplayLink technology struggles with the high frame rates required for gaming.
Visual Fidelity
Delivers crisp 4K resolution, though limited to 30Hz for that output.
Build Portability
Compact, lightweight design fits easily into any laptop bag or sleeve.
Key Specs
Chipset
DisplayLink DL-5500
Connection Interface
USB 3.0
Maximum Resolution
3840x2160 @ 30Hz
Supported Resolutions
3840x2160 @ 30Hz, 3440x1440 @ 50Hz, 2560x1440, 2560x1080, 1920x1080 (1080p) @ 60Hz
Audio Output
Stereo
Compatibility
Windows 11/10/8.1/7/XP, Mac 10.14+, Linux, Chrome OS
Min Processor Speed
2 GHz
Packaged Quantity
1
Know before you buy
This adapter is designed for productivity tasks like office work, web browsing, and multitasking. It is not recommended for gaming or professional video editing because the DisplayLink technology and USB 3.0 bandwidth limitations can cause latency and performance issues.
No, at its maximum 4K resolution of 3840x2160, this adapter supports a refresh rate of 30Hz. If you require a 60Hz refresh rate, you will need to lower your resolution to 1080p.
Yes, this adapter is compatible with macOS (10.14 and later), Linux, and Chrome OS, in addition to Windows. You will need to download and install the latest DisplayLink drivers from the Plugable website to ensure proper functionality.
Yes, you can connect multiple monitors by using a separate adapter for each display. Since each adapter acts as an external video card, your computer can manage multiple screens simultaneously through your available USB ports.
Yes, this adapter supports stereo audio output through the DisplayPort connection. You can select the adapter as your audio output device in your computer's sound settings once it is connected.
This adapter requires a USB 3.0 port for optimal performance. While it may physically fit into a USB 2.0 port, the bandwidth will be significantly restricted, which will likely result in poor video quality and lag.
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