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Plugable USB-C Dual 4K HDMI MST Display Adapter
$39.95 USD
SKU: USBC-MSTH2Amazon Rating : (163 Reviews)
Features
- Easy Dual Display—Simple one-plug USB C adapter for dual extended 4K 60Hz HDMI displays for Windows and ChromeOS computers. Adapter supports HDCP to play copy-protected media through streaming services so it is compatible with platforms like Netflix and Hulu
- USB-C to HDMI—Connect two HDMI monitors through a single USB-C, Thunderbolt, or USB4 port for dual extended displays up to 4K 60Hz for crisp, clear streaming, gaming, and working
- Plug and Play—No drivers to download or install. The USBC to HDMI adapter uses Alt Mode graphics and an MST chip to drive two displays natively from the host laptop for seamless performance
- Compatiblity—For Windows 10, 11+ and ChromeOS 100 or later systems with a USB-C, Thunderbolt or USB4 port and DP Alternate Mode over USB-C support (DP 1.4). Not recommended for macOS.
- 2-Year Coverage, Lifetime Support—Every Plugable product, including this USB C to HDMI adapter, is covered against defects for 2 years and comes with lifetime support. If you ever have questions, contact our North American-based team - even before purchase
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Dual Display the Easy Way
You have two 4K HDMI screens and one USB-C port. It’d be nice to find an easy way to combine them with a cost effective docking station alternative. Now the Plugable USB-C Dual 4K HDMI MST Display Adapter (USBC-MSTH2) has you covered.
Compatible with Windows and Chrome computers with USB-C DP 1.4 support—so most modern laptops—a single USB-C port can be used to extend your display across two 4K screens at 60Hz with this adapter for monitor to usb. Designed around Multi-Stream Transport (MST), the display uses Alt Mode graphics and an MST chip to drive two independent displays natively from the host laptop—no driver installation required. And with HDCP support—something a lot of video adapters don’t have—you can play copy-protected media through streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
With a form factor smaller than a full docking station, you can easily slip this adapter in your bag for use in between your home, office, or other workspace.
A couple of things to note about this USB C HDMI adapter. If your computer only supports DP 1.2, you can enjoy all the same benefits, but at a resolution of 1080p 60Hz across both displays.
macOS doesn’t support MST—the underlying technology driving the dual HDMI adapter for 2 monitors, so while you can use the USBC-MSTH2 with an Apple device, you can only extend to one 4k monitor, the second external monitor will be mirrored.
Dual 4K 60Hz
Extend to two displays at up to 4K 60Hz through a single USB-C port with this Type C to HDMI adapter.
Plug and Play
This USB-C to HDMI adapter taps into your host computer’s native graphics capabilities — no drivers or software to download.
Travel Ready
Small and sturdy with an integrated 6.75” (17cm) cable, this USBC to HDMI adapter
is ready to travel to and from the hybrid office.
Compatibility
Connector for two monitors is compatible with Windows 10, 11+, ChromeOS 100+ hosts with USB-C, Thunderbolt or USB4 and DisplayPort Alt Mode support. Not recommended for macOS
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
# of Displays |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Video Ports |
2x HDMI |
2x HDMI |
HDMI, DisplayPort |
HDMI, DVI (or HDMI/VGA with included adapter) |
Resolution Supported |
4K 60Hz |
1080p 60Hz |
4K 60Hz |
1080p 60Hz |
Laptop Connection |
USB-C |
USB 3.0 or USB-C |
USB 3.0 or USB-C |
USB 3.0 or USB-C |
Driver Required |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Chipset |
MST |
SMI |
DisplayLink |
DisplayLink |
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What is the maximum resolution supported on the USBC-MSTH2?
The maximum resolution for the USBC-MSTH2 will depend upon the capabilities of the computer it is connected to. Most modern laptops that support USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode should support two displays. However, the maximum resolution will depend on the supported DP version.
You may have to research some technical specifications for your laptop to see exactly what version of DisplayPort your computer supports.
- DisplayPort 1.2 should allow for two 1080P displays to be connected.
- DisplayPort 1.4 should allow for two 4K displays to be connected.
If you're unsure or can't find the appropriate technical specifications for the version of DisplayPort your computer supports, you may want to contact the computer manufacturer support team for more detailed information.
Does the Plugable USBC-MSTH2 video adapter come with a power supply?
This display adapter draws power from the USB-C port that it is connected to in order to function. So there is no need for an external power supply to operate this device but it is recommended to keep in mind that this will draw power from your computer.
Does the Plugable USBC-MSTH2 video adapter come with cables?
This device does not include any extra cables, but it does have a built-in USB-C cable for connecting to the host computer. For connecting displays, you will want to use a set of HDMI cables.
Will the USBC-MSTH2 work with a computer that supports Thunderbolt 3 or 4?
Because Thunderbolt 3 and 4 does support DisplayPort Alt Mode and Multi-Stream Transport (MST) mode, this display adapter should be fully compatible. The only exception for this is with Apple products, as they do not support Multi-Stream Transport (MST) mode.
Could I use a USB Type-A adapter To connect this with my computer if there is no USB-C port available?
This display adapter requires a connection that supports USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode for extending the displays. The use of any adapter to convert a USB-C signal to USB Type-A would not have the capability of supporting display extensions. As such, this device would not function for extending displays when used in such a manner.
If your computer does not have a USB-C port, you may want to look into our USB 3.0 display adapters such as the following, which should be compatible:
- Plugable USB-C or USB 3.0 to Dual HDMI Adapter
- Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dual Monitor Adapter
Note that each of these devices do require driver installation.
If I connect the Plugable USBC-MSTH2 to a MacBook, would I be able to see two distinct screens, or would both screens display the same content?
When you connect this directly to a MacBook, you will only see mirrored content on both screens. This is because macOS and iPadOS are not designed to support Multi-Stream Transport (MST) which the Plugable USBC-MSTH2 video adapter relies on to power two displays.
Does the USBC-MSTH2 work on any USB-C port?
The USBC-MSTH2 will only work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode for extending displays.
If your computer does not support DisplayPort Alt Mode, you may want to look into our USB 3.0 display adapters such as the following, which should be compatible:
- Plugable USB-C or USB 3.0 to Dual HDMI Adapter
- Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dual Monitor Adapter
Note that each of these devices do require driver installation.
Are there any drivers or software that need to be installed in order to use this USB-C dual HDMI adapter?
There's no need to worry about downloading drivers, as the adapter does not require any additional software.
The USBC-MSTH2 does require a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode for extending displays.
If your computer does not support DisplayPort Alt Mode, you may want to look into our USB 3.0 display adapters such as the following, which should be compatible:
- Plugable USB-C or USB 3.0 to Dual HDMI Adapter
- Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dual Monitor Adapter
Note that each of these devices do require driver installation.
Is this USB-C to dual HDMI adapter compatible with macOS, iPadOS?
It's important to understand that macOS and iPadOS are designed to only support Single-Stream Transport (SST) mode, so only a single display is supported. A second HDMI display connected to the USBC-MSTH2 is limited to mirror the screens. On the other hand, Windows has the capability to support both Single-Stream Transport (SST) and Multi-Stream Transport (MST) modes.
Can I Connect a DisplayPort (DP) Monitor to the HDMI Port on This Device Using an Adapter or Cable?
No. Most DisplayPort to HDMI cables and adapters are one-way adapters from a DisplayPort Source (computer or docking station) to a HDMI Sink (television, computer monitor, or projector). These cables do not work in reverse.
DisplayPort uses packet-based data transmission, breaking the video stream into individual packets of data allows for longer cable runs, use in both copper and fiber-optic cables, and allows for higher bandwidth than other video formats. It is relatively easy to convert from DisplayPort to HDMI (computers with HDMI output ports already do this internally) and dual-mode DisplayPort outputs have built-in adapters to output a HDMI signal for use with passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapters.
HDMI uses a video signal, similar to DVI, this requires more power to operate at the same cable lengths as DisplayPort and requires significantly more processing power to create DisplayPort packet-based data.
Externally powered HDMI to DisplayPort adapters do exist, these generally have a USB or small barrel plug for power, and can convert from a HDMI Source to DisplayPort Sink. In most cases they have reduced resolution or refresh rates compared to modern signal sources and can introduce delay in the data connection between the display and computer potentially causing reduced connectivity or display performance problems.
We do not currently recommend using HDMI to DisplayPort adapter with our docking stations. In our testing they have been unreliable compared to a native DisplayPort connection. Many of our newer docking stations include both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs to reduce the need for additional adapters or adapter cables.
No Sound? How to Change Your Default Audio Device to Your Plugable Product
Whether you're on Windows, macOS, or Linux, it's common to add new audio devices to your computer.
Some examples of additional audio devices you may want to switch to include:
- Bluetooth headsets, headphones, and speakers
- Speakers built into a display, such as a TV or monitor
- A USB sound card, digital audio converter (DAC), or analog to digital converter (ADC)
- USB microphones
- Audio jacks on a docking station
These steps don't apply to the Plugable Performance NIX HDMI Capture Card (USBC-CAP60).
Here are the steps that you need to set a new default audio recording or output device on different operating systems.
Set Audio Output Device
Set Audio Recording Device
Set Default Playback Device in Windows
- Check that your device is properly connected, and that any necessary drivers are installed
- It is also a good idea to make sure that your sound device is turned on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Right-click on the speaker symbol in the Windows taskbar/system tray
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Playback Devices. The Sound window will open with the Playback tab highlighted
-
Windows 10/11—Select Open Sound Settings then click the link under 'Related Settings' for Sound Control Panel, then click the Playback tab
- Alternatively, after selecting Open Sound Settings, use the dropdowns under the Output header
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Playback Devices. The Sound window will open with the Playback tab highlighted
- Find your device in the window
- A Plugable USB 3.0 docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as Plugable Audio
- A Plugable USB 3.0 Silicon Motion docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as SMI USB Audio
- A Plugable USB 2.0 docking station will appear as USB Multimedia Audio Device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
- Right-click on the device you found in step 3 and select Set as Default Device. A check mark should appear next to your device, and sound should now play through it
- Click OK to exit the window
Additional Configuration for Bluetooth
Please see our pairing and configuration guide for Bluetooth devices.
Set Default Playback Device in macOS
- Open System Preferences
- Click Sound
- Select Output
- Select the most appropriate device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
Set Default Playback Device in Linux
- Ensure that you audio device is connected to the PC
- If the audio device is self-powered, it is a good idea to make sure that it is powered on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Launch the 'Settings' application in your distro
- Go to the 'Sound' option
- Find the dropdown for your 'Output Device', and change it to your preferred output device
- For additional sound device controls, you may want to consider using Pulseaudio Volume Controls (package name pavucontrol)
Set Default Recording Device in Windows
- Check that your device is properly connected, and that any necessary drivers are installed
- It is also a good idea to make sure that your sound device is turned on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Right-click on the speaker symbol in the Windows taskbar/system tray
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Recording Devices. The Sound window will open with the Recording tab highlighted
-
Windows 10/11—Select Open Sound Settings then click the link under 'Related Settings' for Sound Control Panel, then click the Recording tab
- Alternatively, after selecting Open Sound Settings, use the dropdowns under the Input header
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Recording Devices. The Sound window will open with the Recording tab highlighted
- Find your device in the window
- A Plugable USB 3.0 DisplayLink docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as Plugable Audio
- A Plugable USB 2.0 docking station will appear as USB Multimedia Audio Device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
- Right-click on the device you found in step 3 and select Set as Default Device. A check mark should appear next to your device, and sound should now play through it
- Click OK to exit the window
Additional Configuration for Bluetooth
Please see our pairing and configuration guide for Bluetooth devices.
Set Default Recording Device in macOS
- Open System Preferences
- Click Sound
- Select Input
- Select the most appropriate device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
Set Default Recording Device in Linux
- Ensure that you audio device is connected to the PC
- If the audio device is self-powered, it is a good idea to make sure that it is powered on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Launch the 'Settings' application in your distro
- Go to the 'Sound' option
- Find the dropdown for your 'Input Device', and change it to your preferred input device
- For additional sound device controls, you may want to consider using Pulseaudio Volume Controls (package name pavucontrol)
My Docking Station/Adapter Works Well With My Windows Laptop, but When I Close the Lid the Displays and Laptop Turn Off or Sleep. How Do I Fix This?
Most Windows notebook computers power management settings will default to putting the computer to sleep with the lid closed, regardless of any external displays, keyboard, or mouse connected to the computer. If this is happening but you would prefer the system to remain active with the lid closed utilizing the external display or displays, these settings can be changed by performing the following:
For Windows 10:
- Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the menu.
- From the right side of the Power Options settings page, select the blue link for Additional power settings
- From the choices present on the left-hand side of the Power Options window, please click on Choose what closing the lid does
- Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing
- Click the Save Changes button and restart the system (making sure that the laptop’s power adapter is also connected) and test the behavior again.
For Windows 11:
- Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the menu.
- In the upper left corner of the settings window, in the search box, type "lid" then select Change what closing the lid does from the search results
- Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing
- Click the Save Changes button to apply the new settings.
Closing the lid should no longer put the computer into sleep mode when an external display and power source is connected, instead one of the external displays should now become the Primary display with the desktop icons instead of the laptop's built-in display.
The lid may still need to be opened to perform the following tasks:
- To power on the computer from a fully powered off state
- To log into the computer if logged out or if the computer is restarted with the lid closed
- To wake the computer from a deep sleep state ( hibernation, or Windows hybrid sleep states )
Understanding Heat Generation in Electronics
It's not uncommon for users to notice a certain level of heat generation from electronics and by extension, Plugable products during operation. In this knowledge base article, we'll explore the reasons behind this heat generation and why it is considered a normal experience within reasonable limits.
Electronics, by their nature, generate heat during operation. This is primarily a result of the electrical current flowing through various components, such as integrated circuits, transistors, and other electronic elements. As Plugable products are designed to efficiently process and transfer data (among other functionality), some level of heat generation is inherent.
Factors Influencing Heat Generation:
- Power Consumption: The power consumption of a device directly influences the amount of heat it generates. Higher power usage, especially during data transfer or charging processes, can lead to increased heat.
- Enclosure Design: The design of the product's enclosure and its ability to dissipate heat play a crucial role. Adequate ventilation and heat sinks are often incorporated to manage and disperse generated heat effectively. This is evident in our TBT3-UDZ and TBT4-UDZ designs. The metal case in these docks are designed to function as a heatsink with thermal pads placed throughout the enclosure. This allows heat dissipation from inside to the outside, but will also make it feel as if the device is “too hot”.
- Ambient Temperature: The external environment may also play a role. Higher ambient temperatures can contribute to increased perceived heat from the product. This means that summer temperatures may increase the heat generation of not just Plugable products, but many other electronic devices.
Normal Heat Levels: While it is normal for electronic devices to generate heat, Plugable products are engineered to operate within safe temperature ranges. We conduct rigorous testing to ensure that the heat generated during normal operation falls within industry-standard safety parameters. While not all products are or need to be UL certified, we try to go by UL guidelines for thermal readings. The UL threshold is 77C/170.6F, and we aim for around 71C/160F.
Tips for Users:
- Ventilation: Ensure that Plugable products have sufficient ventilation around them. Avoid placing them in enclosed spaces where heat dissipation may be impeded.
- Usage Patterns: Intensive tasks such as high-speed data transfer or charging multiple devices simultaneously may result in increased heat generation. This is generally normal but may be more noticeable in such scenarios.
- Accessories: A number of our devices will allow for the connection of USB accessories and as such, these will require power. If too many “power-hungry” devices are connected, this will cause the device to run much hotter than expected. Be sure to keep in mind the power limits of your dock/device.
In conclusion, experiencing heat from Plugable products is a normal aspect of their operation. Users can rest assured that we prioritize the safety and efficiency of our devices. By understanding the factors influencing heat generation and following simple usage guidelines, users can make the most of their Plugable products while ensuring a reliable and efficient user experience.
How to Use Two External Displays with the Lid Closed on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro M3
Overview
With the release of Apple’s M3 CPU chips and the Sonoma 14.6 update your base MacBook Air and MacBook Pro systems with M3 chips can now host two external displays natively in clamshell mode. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up and using two external displays with the lid closed on your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro equipped with an Apple M3 chip.
Requirements
Before getting started, ensure you have the following:
- MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with an Apple M3 chip.
- macOS Sonoma 14.3 or later for an M3 MacBook Air or macOS Sonoma 14.6 or later for an M3 MacBook Pro.
- Two external displays with compatible video inputs (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C).
- A dock or graphics adapter can be used as well.
- External keyboard and mouse (wired or wireless).
- Power adapter or power source for your MacBook
- A docking station that provides adequate charge can be used in place of the native power adapter, be sure to check the wattage your dock provides.
Steps to Set Up Dual External Displays with the Lid Closed
1. Set Up Your External Keyboard and Mouse
- If you’re using a wired keyboard and mouse, connect them directly to your MacBook or Plugable dock.
- For wireless peripherals, ensure they are paired with your MacBook and functioning properly.
- An AC adapter/power cable of some kind will also need to be connected for clamshell mode to function properly. This adapter can be one from a docking station or the included Apple adapter.
2. Connect Your Displays
- Connect the first external display to your MacBook using the appropriate cable (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C)
- Close your laptop’s lid.
- Connect the second external display using a similar method.
- Ensure both displays are powered on and set to the correct input source.
3. Configure Display Settings
- Open System Settings on your MacBook.
- Go to Displays.
- You should see both external displays listed. Arrange them according to your preference by dragging the display icons.
- Adjust the resolution, refresh rate, and other settings as needed.
4. Enable "Clamshell Mode" (Lid Closed Mode)
- With your external displays connected and set up, close the lid of your MacBook.
- Your MacBook will automatically switch to "Clamshell Mode," where the internal display turns off, and the external displays become your primary screens.
- Ensure your MacBook is connected to a power source to prevent it from entering sleep mode.
5. Check the Display Arrangement
- With the lid closed, check that the external displays are functioning as expected.
- If necessary, re-open the Displays settings to adjust the arrangement, resolution, or other preferences.
Troubleshooting Tips
- No Display on External Monitors: If the external displays are not showing anything, open the lid of your MacBook and check the connections.
- MacBook Sleeps When Lid Is Closed: Make sure your MacBook is connected to a power adapter. Clamshell Mode requires the MacBook to be plugged into an external power source.
- Performance Issues: If you experience lag or performance drops, try lowering the resolution or refresh rate of the external displays.
Thunderbolt Dock Users
With these steps, one can use Plugable Thunderbolt docks to enjoy a dual-display setup without the need for additional software installation. The dock leverages the native capabilities of the MacBook Air M3 and MacBook Pro M3, providing a straightforward and efficient solution for expanding your workspace with additional USB ports, audio, and ethernet (as well as the dual displays).
Additional Resources
If you should need any assistance with your setup, please feel free to reach out to our support team at support@plugable.com.
How do I know if my computer supports Multi-Stream Transport (MST)?
Most modern laptops that support USB-C DisplayPort 1.2 Alt Mode should Support two displays.
You may have to research some technical specifications for your laptop to see exactly what version of DisplayPort your computer supports.
- DisplayPort 1.2 should allow for two 1080p@60Hz displays to be connected.
- DisplayPort 1.4 should allow for two 4K@60Hz displays to be connected.
- DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC 1.2 support should allow you to connect 8K@60Hz displays.
Display Stream Compression (DSC) 1.2 enables visually lossless compression for ultra-high-definition (UHD) displays, while also supporting High Dynamic Range (HDR).
If you're unsure or can't find the appropriate technical specifications for the version of DisplayPort your computer supports, you may want to contact the computer manufacturer support team for more detailed information.
