Cable Matters 201056 dual-HDMI travel hub review

Buy around the exact dual-screen configuration

The Cable Matters 201056-BLK is intended for a USB-C Windows or Linux computer that supports native video and DisplayPort MST. It combines two HDMI outputs, two USB 2.0 data ports, wired Ethernet and USB-C charging input in a travel-style body. Its main purpose is a pair of independent HDMI screens on a suitable computer.

There is an important documentation difference to resolve before purchase. The current manufacturer page lists dual 4K60 or single 8K30 video and 100 W pass-through charging. The original manual linked from that same page describes dual 4K30, single 4K60 and 60 W laptop charging. The sources do not clearly identify a separate hardware revision. Confirm the actual supplied unit and supported mode instead of assuming every historical 201056 listing has the newer table.

Keep each documented arrangement together

The linked original Windows 10 manual gives a particularly useful complete table: two 1920×1080 screens at 60Hz, two 2560×1440 screens at 60Hz, two 3840×2160 screens at 30Hz, or one 3840×2160 screen at 60Hz. It expressly distinguishes the single-screen maximum from the two-screen mode.

The current product page additionally states two 4K60 screens and one 8K30 screen on compatible hosts. Those current claims are retained as their own manufacturer-table arrangement. They are not combined with an older power or network figure to create a new configuration that neither source documents completely.

The computer must provide the necessary USB-C video output and support MST for two separate external desktops. Suitable graphics hardware, cables and monitors remain necessary. A physical USB-C connection alone does not confirm the video mode.

This is not a Mac dual-extension dock

The manufacturer excludes macOS from the supported dual-display arrangement. Two connected screens on an unsupported system should not be counted as two independent desktops merely because both light up. Mirroring and extended desktops solve different problems.

Cable Matters' current firmware-tool article includes 201056 among products that can receive updates, but explicitly says that group does not become capable of 4K120 on macOS through that tool. An update listing is not proof of Mac multi-display support. Choose a separately documented Mac-compatible arrangement if independent external screens are your essential requirement.

USB data remains in the USB 2.0 class

Both downstream USB-A ports are USB 2.0, rated up to 480 Mbps. A USB 3.0 device can connect but remains limited by that data path. This is appropriate for lower-bandwidth accessories such as a keyboard/mouse receiver; it is not a hub for several fast external storage devices.

The original manual says the USB 2.0 sockets do not charge a smartphone. They should not be confused with the separate USB-C input used for computer charging. There is no downstream USB-C data socket or built-in card reader in this port arrangement.

Ethernet documentation also differs. The original manual explicitly limits the network connection to Fast Ethernet rather than Gigabit; the current page uses 480 Mbps wording. Neither establishes a 1 Gbps network capability. If a particular network link rate is essential, confirm it for the exact unit rather than interpreting the presence of an RJ-45 socket as Gigabit.

Power and travel use

The original manual expressly says the dock can charge a laptop up to 60 W, using a suitable separate PD charger and cable. The current page advertises 100 W pass-through. Because those records differ, we do not assign one universal numerical computer-power guarantee to all units identified by the family name.

The 6-inch attached USB-C tail wraps into the protective case. The original instructions recommend connecting display, network and charging cables before attaching the dock, and warn that removing charging power can interrupt active functions.

Choose the 201056 when its confirmed Windows/Linux two-HDMI arrangement matches the actual desk. Choose differently for Mac dual extension, 5 Gbps USB data, verified Gigabit Ethernet or a power budget that cannot be confirmed for the supplied unit. The full configuration matters more than the largest number appearing in any one source.