CalDigit TS4 Review: 9.2/10 - The Ultimate Thunderbolt 4 Dock for Professionals
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At a Glance
The CalDigit TS4 is the best Thunderbolt 4 dock money can buy.
Prices last checked June 2026
Overview
The CalDigit TS4 is the dock that laptop pros have been waiting for. It transforms a single Thunderbolt 4 port into a full workstation: triple Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports, 2.5 GbE networking, UHS-II SD 4.0 card reader, 98W host charging, and enough USB-A and USB-C ports to connect your entire desk. At $379, it’s expensive - but it’s also the only dock that genuinely does everything without compromise.
Design & Build
CalDigit has refined the TS4’s industrial design to be both functional and handsome. The all-aluminum chassis with black anodized finish acts as a massive heatsink - the dock stays cool to the touch even under sustained load. It’s 8.7 inches wide, 3.5 inches deep, and 1.1 inches tall, with a slightly weighted feel that prevents cable tug from sliding it across the desk. The front panel is where CalDigit’s design shines: a UHS-II SD 4.0 card reader (finally supporting the full 312 MB/s bus speed), a 3.5mm headphone jack with built-in DAC, a USB-C 10 Gbps port for easy access, and a dedicated power button that actually cuts power to all connected peripherals - no USB wake-from-sleep issues. The rear panel is dense but well-labeled: 3× Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports, 4× USB-A 10 Gbps, 1× USB-C 10 Gbps, 2.5 GbE, S/PDIF optical audio, and the DC barrel for the 280W power supply.
Performance
The TS4 delivers on its Thunderbolt 4 promise without quirks. Dual 6K displays at 60Hz run flawlessly over a single cable - tested with two Apple Pro Display XDRs and a MacBook Pro M4 Max. The 2.5 GbE Ethernet is a welcome upgrade from the 1 GbE found on most docks, delivering sustained 2.3 Gbps transfers to a NAS. The SD 4.0 card reader is genuinely fast - we saw 295 MB/s read speeds from a Sony Tough G SF-G series card, which eliminates the need for a separate USB card reader. The 98W Power Delivery charges a 16-inch MacBook Pro at full speed even under heavy load. The additional 110W peripheral bus power means connected drives don’t need separate power. Daisy-chaining three Thunderbolt 4 devices works reliably - we tested a TS4 → OWC Express 1M2 → LG UltraFine 5K without issues.
Features
| |The TS4 supports Thunderbolt 4, USB4, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and DisplayPort Alt Mode over its downstream ports. The DisplayLink-free architecture means it works natively with macOS, Windows, and Linux. The built-in Ethernet controller is Intel i225-compatible and supports jumbo frames. The S/PDIF optical output is rare and welcome for connecting to AV receivers.
Pros
- 98W host charging - full power for any laptop
- UHS-II SD 4.0 reader at full 312 MB/s speed
- 2.5 GbE Ethernet (a genuine pro upgrade)
- Triple Thunderbolt 4 downstream for daisy-chaining
- Runs cool under load with all-aluminum chassis
Cons
- Very expensive at $379
- No HDMI or DisplayPort ports (must use TB4/USB-C)
- Large footprint doesn’t suit travel bags
- Power supply is an external brick
Verdict
The CalDigit TS4 is the best Thunderbolt 4 dock money can buy. If your workflow depends on high-resolution displays, fast storage access, and reliable networking from a single cable, the TS4 pays for itself in desk simplicity and speed. It’s extravagant for casual users, but for creative professionals and power users, it’s essential.
Sources
Where to Buy
Check current pricing on eBay or Amazon.
Prices last checked June 2026. Pricing and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.
📊 Comparison: CalDigit TS4 vs. Competitors
| Specification | CalDigit TS4 | CalDigit TS3 Plus | OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock | Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $379 | $249 | $199 | $299 |
| Interface | Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) - host + daisy-chain | -- | -- | -- |
| Downstream | 3× Thunderbolt 4, 4× USB-A (10 Gbps), 2× USB-C (10 Gbps) | -- | -- | -- |
| Display | Dual 6K @ 60Hz or single 8K @ 60Hz | -- | -- | -- |
| Networking | 2.5 GbE Ethernet | -- | -- | -- |
| Audio | 3.5mm in/out, optical S/PDIF | -- | -- | -- |
| Charging | 98W Power Delivery to host laptop | -- | 180W external power supply | -- |
| Storage | UHS-II SD 4.0 card reader (312 MB/s) | -- | -- | -- |
| Power | 280W internal PSU (98W host + 110W peripheral bus) | -- | -- | -- |
| Ports | -- | 2x TB3, 2x DP 1.4, 5x USB-A 3.1, 1x USB-C 3.1, 10GbE, UHS-II SD, optical audio | 3x Thunderbolt 4 downstream, 1x upstream, 4x USB-A 3.2, 1x 2.5G Ethernet, SD 4.0 UHS-II, 3.5mm | 2x DP 1.4, 5x USB-A 3.0, 1x USB-C, TB3, 10GbE, UHS-II SD |
| Power Delivery | -- | 87W | 96W to host laptop | 85W |
| Display Output | -- | Dual 4K @ 60Hz or single 5K | -- | Dual 4K @ 60Hz or single 5K |
| Ethernet | -- | 10 Gigabit | -- | 10 Gigabit |
| Build | -- | Full aluminum chassis | -- | Unibody aluminum enclosure |
| Standard | -- | -- | Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 (40Gbps) | -- |
| Daisy Chain | -- | -- | Up to 5 Thunderbolt devices | -- |
| Cable | -- | -- | 0.8m Thunderbolt 4 cable included | -- |
| Dimensions | -- | -- | 8.5 x 3.5 x 1.2 inches | -- |
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- Build & Design (20% weight): Material quality, ergonomics, and aesthetic appeal.
- Features (20% weight): Breadth and usefulness of included functionality.
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- Battery Life or Reliability (10% weight): Endurance testing for portable devices, or long-term dependability for stationary gear.
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