CalDigit has been creating some of the best Thunderbolt docks and other connectivity devices for years, building a solid reputation for quality and solid performance. The TS4 is CalDigit’s flagship release from 2022, and it serves as the successor to the TS3 Plus, which used the now-outdated Thunderbolt 3 for connectivity. The CalDigit TS4 uses the latest Thunderbolt 4 technology to boost performance and port selection, and the result is a great dock that outperforms most competitors.
The TS4 has 18 total ports, up to 98W of charging to the host laptop (with plenty of charging potential for individual ports), and is housed in a sturdy aluminum enclosure with a ribbed design for heat dissipation and a little extra style. It even works in both landscape and portrait orientations. The TS4 is more expensive than a lot of other Thunderbolt 4 docks in the same class, but it pushes everything to the limits. If you want the best Thunderbolt 4 port in terms of power and performance, you’ve found it. I’ve been using this dock for months with no real issues, but is it the right one for your specific desktop?
About this reviewCalDigit provided the TS4 docking station for review and had no input on the content of this article.
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 docking station
CalDigit’s TS4 represents the best Thunderbolt 4 docking station you can buy today, at least as long as you want the most ports and power. It costs a lot at around $400, but it’s the right choice for those who don’t want to compromise.
- ports
- Three Thunderbolt 4 (one host), three USB-C ports, five USB-A ports, DP 1.4, 2.5GbE, 3.5mm combo, 3.5mm I/O, SD/microSD (UHS-II) card reader
- USB power delivery
- Up to 98 watts for host, 20 watts front USB-C, 7.5 watts USB-C, 7.5 watts USB-A
- Power supply included
- Yes
- a guarantee
- Two years
- Max display resolution.
- 8K @ 60Hz, dual 4K @ 60Hz
- Many ports and 98 watts of charge
- Additional security via a Kensington lock slot
- DisplayPort 1.4 port
- Expensive, sometimes sold out
- Shorter warranty than some competing docks
- Two TB4 downstream ports
CalDigit TS4: Price and availability
- The stock has become more reliable since its introduction in 2022
- Available starting at about $400
CalDigit’s TS4 launched in early 2022 and sold out almost immediately. The good news is that most of the stock shortage issues seem to have been resolved, and you can now find them for sale more often at third-party retailers like Amazon and B&H. CalDigit’s official website also has it for sale, along with other great docking devices like the Element Hub and SOHO Dock.
You can expect to pay around $400 for this dock, making it one of the most expensive Thunderbolt 4 options on the market. We’ll explore why the dock is still so popular despite its price, but we know this device doesn’t come cheap.
CalDigit TS4: Design and Connectivity
- Solid aluminum frame
- Works vertically or horizontally
- Lots of ports
Built like the TS3 Plus, CalDigit’s TS4 is housed in a rather compact aluminum case of three pieces that are securely held together with screws. Includes removable rubber pads if you wish to use the dock horizontally. Otherwise, the built-in rubber pad is for portrait orientation. While most Thunderbolt 4 docks only work horizontally, I appreciate the extra effort on CalDigit’s part.
The case is ribbed for better heat dissipation (although that wasn’t an issue for me), and it also gives it a little flair. The TS4 is slightly larger than the TS3, but it also comes with more ports. This is the Thunderbolt 4 port, and while it will work with older technologies like Thunderbolt 3 and the USB-C standard, you’ll get the best experience by connecting to a laptop with the latest Thunderbolt standard.
A 0.8m cable is included, allowing you to connect to the host laptop through the Thunderbolt 4 port on the back of the dock. I always appreciate a detachable cable because you won’t have to replace the entire dock if the cable becomes damaged. Once connected, the dock unlocks an additional 17 ports for use. The back of the dock, aside from the host port, contains two more Thunderbolt 4, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, four USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2), 3.5mm audio, USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), and a USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) port. DisplayPort 1.4, and AC adapter plug.
The front of the dock adds UHS-II SD and microSD card readers, a 3.5mm combo audio jack, and two more USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), and USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2) ports. The three 3.5mm ports will likely not be fully used by many people, but you still get a great deal of connectivity that should improve your workflow.
CalDigit has introduced one potential Thunderbolt 4 port to make room for DisplayPort 1.4. This decision may cramp up your workflow, but I feel the remaining two ports are sufficient for most users, and the native DP 1.4 port makes it easy to connect modern monitors. MicroSD and SD card readers can work simultaneously, and you can expect UHS-II speeds more suited to photographers or power users who need that extra transfer speed.
CalDigit TS4: Performance and Charging
- Up to 98 watts of power for the host laptop
- Works across multiple operating systems
- Best used with Thunderbolt 4
The TS4 can handle plenty of simultaneous connections thanks to its wide port selection, and it can even charge your devices. Most importantly, the dock can deliver up to 98W of power back to the host laptop, keeping it charged when you need to leave the office. You can also keep accessories with the other ports. The front USB-C connections can charge at 20W and 7.5W, respectively, while the front USB-A port reaches 7.5W. All of the rear USB ports can manage 7.5W, while the Thunderbolt 4 ports can go up to 15W.
Charging works while the dock is connected to a host laptop, but some ports can also charge when the dock is asleep. The front USB-A ports, two rear USB-A ports, and all USB-C ports will continue to charge even if there is no host laptop connected. Keep in mind that all USB ports are rated for fast transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps, a 2.5GbE port allows for blazing-fast Internet speeds, and the Thunderbolt 4 ports can load data, power, or display.
CalDigit TS4 is compatible with Windows 10/11 and macOS 11.4 Big Sur or later, plus it should work with iPads and Chromebooks that use Thunderbolt or USB-C. Screen support is a bit of a mixed bag depending on which system you connect the dock to. Windows and ChromeOS can handle dual 4K displays at up to 60Hz or a single 8K display at 60Hz (as long as your PC supports it), while the M1 Pro and M1 Max can hit dual 6K displays at 60Hz . Standard M1 Macs only support one external monitor.
Note that this display support assumes you’re connected to Thunderbolt 4. Connecting to Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C will still get you pretty good functionality, but paying that much money isn’t recommended for not using the dock with a TB4 host laptop.
When I first started using the dock last year, I ran into some complications with a Dell XPS 13 (9300) using Thunderbolt 3 and an XPG Xenia 14 using Thunderbolt 4. The XPS 13 simply didn’t want to connect due to what I can’t tell if it was a problem with Dell’s end, while the BIOS XPG Xenia 14 wasn’t up to date enough to handle the dock’s full functionality. Since then, I’ve used the TS4 with dozens of laptops, including Windows and Macs, without issue. It’s been included in many of our roundups of single laptops, including the best HP Dragonfly Folio G3 docks.
CalDigit TS4: Compared to the competition
- Many other great TB4 docks are available
- You could spend less on many other platforms
Source: Kensington
Our roundup of the best Thunderbolt docks has a bunch of great devices for you to check out, and it already includes the TS4 as our top pick for power users. This is a perfect rating for a dock with more ports, charging capability, and overall performance than a lot of the competition. If you don’t want to spend a lot—or simply don’t need as many outlets—there are plenty of alternatives available.
Kensington’s SD5780T nearly matches the TS4’s power delivery at 96 watts, has 11 total ports, including a Thunderbolt 4 host connection, comes with a longer three-year warranty, and works across Windows and Mac devices. You get dual-display support for 4K @ 60Hz (or 8K @ 30Hz, with an option for 8K @ 60Hz with DSC), a detachable cable, and a mostly aluminum build with plastic covers. The dock sits flat and takes up more space, but you’re looking at a much lower price tag that regularly starts at around $300 or less.
CalDigit’s Element Hub is another quality option for users who want to focus specifically on expanding their USB-A and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. It regularly costs around $250 and comes with four USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2) ports and three Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports. It also has an AC adapter plug and a TB4 host connection on the side. The dock is compact and well built.
Should you buy the CalDigit TS4?
You should buy CalDigit TS4 if…
- You want the best port selection and performance from a Thunderbolt dock
- Never mind losing a TB4 port downstream to DisplayPort 1.4
- You have $400 to spend on the docking station
- You have a laptop with Thunderbolt 4 capabilities
You should not buy CalDigit TS4 if…
- You don’t have a laptop with Thunderbolt 4 (or USB4)
- You want at least three Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports
- You don’t need the best performance at a high price
The CalDigit TS4 is a worthy successor to the TS3 Plus, and like the older dock, it’s a better choice for power users who can spend around $400 on an accessory. The TS4 can handle more accessories with better charging capability than many other docks, and is the perfect pairing to a modern laptop that includes Thunderbolt 4 or USB4.
Inventory levels have balanced out since the dock launched last year, and you can now find a dock for sale more reliably. It’ll cost more than a lot of the competition, but it’s well worth the money if you’re aiming to design the ultimate workstation setup.
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 docking station
The CalDigit TS4 Docking Station is the top choice for power users who don’t want to be bothered with poor performance or port selection. It costs more than most of the competition, so be prepared to shell out.
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