CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

Dan Seifert from The Verge highlights the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock as the most capable and well-equipped dock currently available, praising its extensive port selection, compact design, and broad compatibility with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB-C devices. He emphasizes the convenience of consolidating multiple peripherals and charging through a single cable, making it ideal for home office setups. Seifert’s hands-on testing reveals excellent performance across a variety of devices, including high-resolution displays and fast external drives, though he notes some minor issues with specific peripherals like the Thunderbolt SSD and Elgato CamLink 4K that required troubleshooting. The dock’s high price and large power brick are acknowledged as significant drawbacks, and he suggests that upgrading from the previous TS3 Plus may not be worthwhile. Overall, Seifert’s tone is measured but positive, presenting the TS4 as a premium, reliable solution for users seeking the ultimate Thunderbolt dock experience.

Simon Jary from Tech Advisor highlights the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock as a standout successor to the popular TS3 Plus, praising its impressive array of 18 high-end ports, including a rare 2.5Gb Ethernet port and a powerful 230W power supply capable of charging most laptops at 98W. The review emphasizes the dock’s flexible design, allowing both vertical and horizontal placement, and applauds thoughtful details like the rear placement of the upstream Thunderbolt port for a cleaner desk setup. While the inclusion of a dedicated DisplayPort is seen as convenient for most users, it comes at the cost of one fewer downstream Thunderbolt 4 port, which may disappoint some power users. The TS4’s dual card readers, faster USB ports, and backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C devices add to its appeal. Although priced at the higher end, the TS4 is deemed the best Thunderbolt 4 dock tested, making it a worthy upgrade for new buyers and a compelling option for those seeking top-tier connectivity and power.

Glenn Fleishman from Macworld highlights the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock as an exceptionally well-designed and feature-rich hub, ideal for Mac users seeking extensive connectivity. Praising its impressive array of 18 thoughtfully chosen ports—including multiple USB-C and Type-A jacks, 2.5Gbps Ethernet, and dual memory card slots—he emphasizes the dock’s ability to serve as both a powerful port extender and a robust charging station with up to 98W laptop power delivery. Fleishman appreciates the inclusion of a native DisplayPort, which simplifies multi-monitor setups without sacrificing Thunderbolt ports. While he notes the dock only adds a net gain of one Thunderbolt 4 port, this minor limitation does not detract from its overall utility for high-end desktop workstations. The review conveys a tone of genuine enthusiasm tempered with measured analysis, offering unique insights into real-world usability, power management, and compatibility nuances, ultimately positioning the TS4 as the definitive Thunderbolt dock for demanding Mac users.

Cale Hunt from Windows Central highlights the CalDigit TS4 as the premier Thunderbolt 4 docking station, praising its unmatched port selection and robust power delivery of up to 98W. He emphasizes the dock’s solid aluminum build, thoughtful design for both vertical and horizontal use, and broad compatibility across Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS systems. Unique features like the inclusion of a native DisplayPort 1.4 port and simultaneous use of UHS-II SD and microSD card readers stand out as practical advantages. While Hunt notes some compatibility hiccups with less common laptops and the tradeoff of losing one Thunderbolt 4 port to accommodate DisplayPort, these are framed as minor issues relative to the dock’s overall excellence. The $360 price tag is acknowledged as steep but justified by the TS4’s extensive capabilities. Hunt concludes that for users with Thunderbolt 4 laptops seeking the best connectivity and power, the TS4 is the top choice, though availability remains limited due to high demand.

Andrew O'Hara from AppleInsider highlights the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock as a standout accessory, praising its impressive 18-port array, robust 98W power delivery, and versatile design that supports both vertical and horizontal orientations. The dock excels in real-world use, notably outperforming the MacBook Pro’s built-in SD card reader speeds and enabling convenient MagSafe charging via a front USB-C port. O'Hara emphasizes the TS4’s backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 devices, making it a future-proof choice. While the dock lacks an HDMI port—a minor drawback given the prevalence of HDMI—the reviewer considers this a small trade-off for the extensive connectivity and power options offered. The TS4’s ability to support dual 6K displays and even an 8K display (though unsupported on Mac) further cements its position as a top-tier Thunderbolt dock. Overall, the review conveys strong enthusiasm and confidence, calling the TS4 “the undisputed king of Thunderbolt 4 docks.”

Gerald Lynch from iMore highlights the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock as a powerhouse of connectivity, praising its extensive array of 18 ports, robust 98W charging, and compact yet sturdy design. He expresses clear enthusiasm for its ability to handle a wide variety of devices simultaneously, calling it the best Thunderbolt dock he has used. Lynch appreciates the dock’s convenience, speed, and versatility, noting solid real-world performance and thoughtful port placement. However, he also points out some drawbacks, including the high price, absence of an HDMI port, a bulky power brick, and occasional temperamental behavior with certain Thunderbolt displays. Despite these caveats, Lynch considers the TS4 the most complete Thunderbolt 4 dock available, ideal for users with demanding workflows who need extensive connectivity and power. His review balances excitement with measured critique, offering unique insights into practical use and competition, ultimately recommending the TS4 as a premium but worthwhile investment for serious desktop setups.

Rael Hornby from Laptop Mag highlights the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock as a standout accessory that transforms minimalist laptops into fully equipped workstations. Praising its exceptional port variety—including multiple Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, SD card readers, and 2.5Gb Ethernet—the review emphasizes the dock’s robust 98W power delivery that sustains heavy multi-device setups without faltering. The sleek, compact design and thoughtful features like offline charging and stable placement further enhance its appeal. However, Hornby notes the premium $399 price tag as a significant consideration, especially since the dock lacks native HDMI output, requiring additional adapters that add to the cost. Despite this, the TS4’s reliable performance, cool operation under load, and versatile connectivity make it a top-tier choice for professionals seeking a powerful, all-in-one docking solution. The review balances enthusiasm with practical caveats, offering a nuanced perspective on value versus features.

Cale Hunt from XDA Developers highlights the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock as a top-tier, powerful docking solution that excels in port variety, charging capacity, and build quality. Praising its 18 ports, robust 98W charging, and versatile aluminum design that supports both horizontal and vertical orientations, Hunt emphasizes the TS4’s suitability for power users seeking maximum connectivity. While acknowledging its premium $400 price tag, the review frames the cost as justified by the dock’s performance and extensive features. Hunt notes minor trade-offs, such as the reduction to two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports to accommodate DisplayPort 1.4, which may not suit all workflows. The review also provides practical insights from months of hands-on use across multiple laptops, including initial compatibility hiccups resolved over time. Comparisons to alternatives like Kensington’s SD5780T and CalDigit’s Element Hub offer balanced context. Overall, Hunt conveys measured enthusiasm, positioning the TS4 as the best Thunderbolt 4 dock for users who prioritize power and port selection without compromise.