Power Delivery (PD) docking stations use their own included power adapter to directly charge your connected laptop while simultaneously powering peripherals. In contrast, Pass-Through Power Delivery hubs do not generate their own power; they require you to plug a separate charger (like your laptop's original power adapter) into the hub, which then passes the power through to your computer.
How Power Delivery (PD) Works
USB Power Delivery (PD) is a fast-charging standard that allows devices to dynamically negotiate power levels to ensure efficient charging. Docking stations with dedicated PD support come with their own AC to DC power adapter, enabling high power transfer directly to laptops, tablets, and smartphones. An example is the Plugable UD-7400PD, which provides its own power to deliver up to 140W of charge to the host while supporting five external displays.
How Pass-Through Power Delivery Works
A hub with pass-through charging relies entirely on an external USB-C power adapter (such as your laptop's original USB-C PD charger) being plugged directly into it. The hub allocates a portion of this incoming power (typically around 7.5W to 15W) to run its own functionality (like data transfer and peripheral connections) and sends the remaining power to the connected laptop. Because of this operating requirement, the total wattage reaching the laptop will be slightly reduced compared to plugging the charger directly into the computer. Examples include the Plugable USBC-9IN1E (up to 140W pass-through) and the USBC-4IN1 (up to 100W pass-through).
How to Choose the Right Option
If you need an all-in-one docking station that can directly charge your laptop without needing extra cables, look for one with dedicated Power Delivery support. If your laptop already has a high-wattage charger and you want to maintain power while expanding connectivity (often ideal for portable setups), a pass-through PD hub may be a better choice. If you have any questions or would like a recommendation for your specific setup, feel free to reach out to our support team at support@plugable.com.
Applicable To
USB-C and Thunderbolt docking stations or hubs with PD
