Head to Head: Plugable UD-MSTH3 vs the Anker 575

When you’re comparing triple display MST docking stations, it usually comes down to a few big questions: Will this docking station support the latest displays, network, and USB devices? Can this docking station quickly charge both my computer and my phone?

In this Head to Head, we’re comparing the Plugable UD-MSTH3 USB Type-C Triple Display Docking Station and Anker model 575 USB Type-C Triple display docking stations.

The Quick Take

The Anker 575 USB Type-C docking station for Windows notebooks supports up to three external displays with two HDMI and one DisplayPort outputs, this can enable a single 4K 60Hz display, two 2K (1440P) 60Hz displays, or three 1080P displays - with a DisplayPort 1.4 capable host computer. It provides a front-facing SD/MicroSD card reader, two USB Type-C 10Gbps ports, a USB 5Gbps Standard-A port, and TRRS headset port. On the rear are two more 5Gbps Standard-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet, the display, host and power connections.  The docking station provides up to 85W host charging, and up to 18W on the front-lower USB Type-C port for device charging.

The Plugable UD-MSTH3 USB Type-C docking station, also for Windows notebooks, supports up to three HDMI displays, and can enable a single or dual 4K 60Hz displays, or three displays: a 4K 60Hz, and two 1080P 60Hz displays. It also provides front-facing MicroSD/SD card reader, two USB 10Gbps Type-C ports, one USB 10Gbps Standard-A and one USB 5Gbps Standard-A ports, 3.5mm TRRS headset port, and a separate USB Type-C Charge-Only port providing up to 30W to power and charge a connected device. On the rear are the three HDMI connections, one USB 5Gbps Standard-A and one USB 480Mbps Standard-A ports, 2.5Gbps Ethernet, host and power connections.

Quick Specs at a Glance

Display Support: Triple Display, Dual Displays, or just the one display

For triple displays the UD-MSTH3 comes out ahead, officially supporting up to one 4K 60Hz and two 1080P 60Hz displays, to Anker 575’s three 1080P displays.  Putting the 4K display in the middle and the two 1080P displays on the sides, rotated 90°, or above, that’s up to you. Most 4K displays are physically larger than 1080P so makes for a great main display while the 1080P displays can be used for reference material, conference calls, or video playback.

For dual displays the UD-MSTH3 shines, enabling two 4K 60Hz displays to the Anker 575’s two 1440P 60Hz displays. For displays of the same physical size the 4K displays will be sharper, with clearer text when using Windows display scaling options to scale similar sized displays to a similar text size.

For single displays both docking stations can enable a display up to 4K 60Hz, the Anker 575 does provide either HDMI or DisplayPort connectivity giving the edge to Anker in connectivity for one display.

Higher resolution displays allow for a wider range of display scaling for the same size display, at 200% a 4K display has the same text size as a 1080P display, at 150% a 4K display has the same text size as a 1440P display, in both cases the 4K display will have smaller pixels and appears significantly clearer and crisper. 4K displays may also be physically larger than 1080P or 1440P displays providing more screen real estate for graphical workflows like photo or video editing.

Ports and Features

The UD-MSTH3 meets or exceeds the Anker 575 in USB ports, and connectivity.

Gigabit Ethernet has been around for nearly three decades, it is reliable, but it isn’t always enough. The UD-MSTH3 provides the option to connect at 2.5Gbps, more than doubling the speed of the Anker 575 for local network and internet connectivity.

The UD-MSTH3 also provides more and faster USB ports, with three 10Gbps ports compared to two on the Anker 575, shifting one USB 5Gbps to 10Gbps, and including a bonus USB 2.0 data port, perfect for connecting printer, scanner, fax machine, or USB mouse/keyboard wireless receiver - we do recommend connecting the wireless receiver using a USB 2.0 extension cable to bring it as close as possible and in direct line of sight to the mouse and keyboard on your desk to ensure the best performance.

The UD-MSTH3 includes K-lock security slots, great for keeping your dock on your desk.

The UD-MSTH3 is designed for both vertical and horizontal use, with feet on both the bottom and side to help reduce sliding, while the Anker 575 only has feet on the end for use in a vertical configuration.

Both docking stations include similar SD and microSD card readers, and TRRS headset ports.

Charging: Both Host and Devices

Both docking stations offer USB Type-C host charging via USB Power Delivery.  Anker 575 can provide up to 85W to effectively replace a laptop’s original USB Type-C power supply rated up to 85W, while the Plugable UD-MSTH3 can provide up to 100W effectively replacing a laptop’s USB Type-C power supply rated up to 100W.

Computers that don’t include a USB Type-C power adapter, or include a USB Type-C power adapter rated over 100W should have the original power adapter connected when using either of these docking stations to ensure the system is fully powered.

Both also provide USB Type-C device charging from one port on the front, Anker 575 shares a data and charging port while the UD-MSTH3 provides a separate charge-only USB Type-C port, so charging your phone doesn’t take up a data connection.

The Anker 575’s charging port provides up to 18W while Plugable’s provides up to 30W.  The UD-MSTH3 uses a dynamic power allocation, as more power is needed on the charging port it does reduce power to the host computer, under the heaviest loads this can reduce the host charging down to 85W, however that would require charging a second computer or full-sized tablet from the docking station. The table below shows the maximum wattage allocated to the host port and front charging ports based on the power requirements of the device being charged.

While a bit more complicated in practice, the Plugable UD-MSTH3 does provide as much or more power to the host computer, and offers more to the connected device than the Anker 575. When you sit down to work you can charge your phone without worry.

Host System Compatibility

Both docking stations are compatible with modern Windows and Chromebook notebook computers that support USB Type-C video output and charging from the USB-C port.

This includes most Intel 12th generation and newer processors ( with some exceptions ), and AMD Ryzen 7000 series and newer mobile processors. Additional compatibility details for the Plugable UD-MSTH3 can be found on our product page’s Compatibility tab ( https://plugable.com/products/ud-msth3#nav-compatibility )

Most desktop computers do not support USB-C video and will not be compatible with these docking stations. Apple systems do not support MST, limiting the docking stations to enabling only one external display. ARM based Chromebooks and Windows ARM systems will support a limited number of displays, often at lower resolutions.

Support and Customer Service

Plugable sets itself apart with a dedicated North American support team composed of the engineers who actually use the hardware. Available before or after purchase, this team provides expert technical guidance to ensure a seamless user experience. For immediate assistance, customers can also utilize Watts AI, a 24/7 intelligent chat assistant designed to provide instant troubleshooting and reliable product support whenever it is needed.

Additionally, Plugable offers a 2-Year Limited Warranty + lifetime product support.

Which Dock Should You Choose?

The Plugable UD-MSTH3 is a step-up from the Anker 575 pretty much across the board, especially for multiple display support where the UD-MSTH3 shines with dual 4K or mixed 4K and 1080P triple display support.

Both docking stations are well suited for modern Windows notebooks, however requiring USB Type-C with DisplayPort and MST are not fully compatible with Apple hosts, or Windows Desktop computers, making them ideal for single-system workstations at either home or the office.