Plugable USB-C Dual 4K HDMI MST Display Adapter
$39.95 USD
SKU: USBC-MSTH2Amazon Rating : (146 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). The dual monitor adapter is compatible with Mac, but with only one extended display, or dual mirrored
- 2 Year Warranty—We love our Plugable products, and hope you will too. All of our products are backed with a 2-year limited parts and labor warranty as well as Seattle-based email support
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.
Mac 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. On Mac, 1 screen is extended, 2nd is mirrored.
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
# 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 )
