CalDigit TS3 Plus Review 2026 - Specs, Pros & Cons

Name: CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station
Brand: CalDigit
Price: 249.99 USD
Availability: InStock

The CalDigit TS3 Plus has been one of the most recommended Thunderbolt 3 docking stations since it launched in February 2018, and for good reason. It packs 15 ports into a compact aluminum chassis that weighs just over a pound, delivers 87W of power to your laptop over a single Thunderbolt 3 cable, and supports dual 4K displays at 60Hz. CalDigit built its reputation among Mac users with this dock, and it remained the go-to pick for years before the TS4 arrived in 2022. The port selection covers the essentials well: five USB-A 3.1 ports, two USB-C 3.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, Gigabit Ethernet, a UHS-II SD card reader, and digital optical audio (S/PDIF). It is also backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 4 hosts, so it still works with current laptops. At its original MSRP of $249.99, the TS3 Plus offered strong value. Street prices have dropped further as the TS4 has taken the spotlight, making this dock an even more appealing option for buyers who do not need Thunderbolt 4 features and want a reliable, well-tested docking solution.

Mac Favorite

Pros & Cons

What We Like

87W Power Delivery charges most laptops including 15-inch MacBook Pro
Premium aluminum chassis with proven long-term durability
15 ports including 5 USB-A and 2 USB-C in a compact form factor
UHS-II SD card reader with 312 MB/s theoretical throughput
No drivers required, true plug and play on macOS and Windows
Digital optical audio (S/PDIF) output for high-quality audio setups
Thunderbolt 4 backward compatible, works with current laptops
Price has dropped well below original MSRP, often available under $200

What Could Be Better

DisplayPort 1.2 instead of 1.4 limits display bandwidth compared to newer docks
Workaround: For most dual 4K@60Hz setups, DP 1.2 is sufficient. Only matters if you need higher resolutions or HDR.
No HDMI output, requires adapters for HDMI monitors
Workaround: Use a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter cable. CalDigit sells bundle versions that include one.
Gigabit Ethernet only (no 2.5GbE or faster)
Workaround: 1 Gbps is still sufficient for most home and office networks.
No microSD card slot (only full-size SD)
Workaround: Use a microSD to SD adapter.
Base M1/M2/M3 Macs limited to single external display
Workaround: This is an Apple limitation. Consider a DisplayLink dock if you need multiple displays on base Apple Silicon.
Does not work with USB-C only laptops, requires Thunderbolt
Workaround: Check that your laptop has a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port before purchasing. Look for the Thunderbolt lightning bolt icon.
0.7m included cable is short for some desk setups

Display Support

Max Displays: 2

1 display (Single 5K@60Hz via Thunderbolt 3 downstream port)

5120x2880 @ 60Hz

1 display (Single 4K@60Hz via DisplayPort 1.2 or Thunderbolt 3 downstream)

3840x2160 @ 60Hz

2 displays (Dual 4K@60Hz using one DisplayPort 1.2 + one Thunderbolt 3 downstream with USB-C video adapter. Requires Intel Mac or M1 Pro/Max or later on Apple Silicon.)

3840x2160 @ 60Hz

Ports & Connectivity

USB Ports

5x USB-A 3.1 7.5W

1x USB-C 3.1

Video Outputs

1x DisplayPort 1.2

Network

1x Ethernet (1 Gbps)

Audio

1x 3.5mm headphone

1x 3.5mm microphone

Card Readers

1x SD (UHS-II (312 MB/s))

Full Specifications

General
Manufacturer	CalDigit
Model	TS3 Plus
Release Date	2018-02
MSRP	$249.99
Connectivity
Host Connection	Thunderbolt 3
Max Data Rate	40 Gbps
Driver Required	No (native)
Display Output
Max Displays	2
1x Display	5120x2880 @ 60Hz (Single 5K@60Hz via Thunderbolt 3 downstream port)
1x Display	3840x2160 @ 60Hz (Single 4K@60Hz via DisplayPort 1.2 or Thunderbolt 3 downstream)
2x Display	3840x2160 @ 60Hz (Dual 4K@60Hz using one DisplayPort 1.2 + one Thunderbolt 3 downstream with USB-C video adapter. Requires Intel Mac or M1 Pro/Max or later on Apple Silicon.)
Ports (8+ total)
USB-A 3.1	5x (7.5W)
USB-C 3.1	1x
USB-C 3.1	1x
DisplayPort 1.2	1x
Ethernet (RJ45)	1x 1 Gbps
Audio (3.5mm-headphone)	1x
Audio (3.5mm-microphone)	1x
SD Card Reader	1x
Power
Power Input	DC-barrel
Laptop Charging	Up to 87W

Compatibility

macOS (10.12 (Sierra)+)

Full native support. Dual displays require Intel Mac or M1 Pro/Max or later on Apple Silicon.

Windows (10+)

Full support with Thunderbolt 3 equipped PCs. No drivers needed.

ChromeOS

Supported on Thunderbolt-equipped Chromebooks.

Linux

Works with most distributions that support Thunderbolt 3. Community-tested, not officially supported.

Known Issues

M1/M2/M3 base MacBook Air/Pro

Limited to single external display

USB-C only laptops (non-Thunderbolt)

Not compatible

7.8 /10

Our Verdict

Very Good

The CalDigit TS3 Plus is a Thunderbolt 3 dock that has earned its reputation over years of real-world use. The aluminum build quality holds up over time, the 87W power delivery handles most laptops comfortably, and the 15-port layout covers day-to-day needs without forcing you into adapters. For Mac users especially, CalDigit's track record of firmware updates and compatibility support makes this a safe choice. The TS3 Plus does show its age in a few areas: DisplayPort 1.2 limits you compared to the 1.4 standard on newer docks, the Ethernet tops out at 1 Gbps instead of 2.5 Gbps, and the SD reader uses UHS-II but there is no microSD slot. If you are buying new today and your budget allows it, the TS4 is the better long-term investment with its Thunderbolt 4 support and expanded port count. But if you find the TS3 Plus at a discount (it regularly drops below $200), it remains a solid performer that will serve a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 laptop well for daily use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the CalDigit TS3 Plus support dual monitors?

Yes, the TS3 Plus supports dual 4K@60Hz displays. Connect one monitor to the DisplayPort 1.2 output and the second to the Thunderbolt 3 downstream port using a USB-C video adapter. On Mac, dual display support requires an Intel Mac or Apple Silicon with M1 Pro/Max or later.

Can the CalDigit TS3 Plus charge a MacBook Pro?

Yes, it delivers up to 87W of power via Thunderbolt 3, which is enough to charge a 15-inch MacBook Pro during use. The 16-inch MacBook Pro (which draws up to 96W) will charge more slowly under heavy load, but still charges when the machine is idle or under light use.

Does the CalDigit TS3 Plus work with Thunderbolt 4 laptops?

Yes, Thunderbolt 4 is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 docks. The TS3 Plus works with any Thunderbolt 4 laptop, though it operates at Thunderbolt 3 speeds and capabilities. You get the same 15 ports, 87W charging, and dual display support.

What is the difference between the CalDigit TS3 Plus and TS4?

The TS4 is the newer model with several upgrades: Thunderbolt 4 (vs TB3), 18 ports (vs 15), 2.5GbE (vs 1GbE), UHS-II SD and microSD readers (vs SD only), 98W PD (vs 87W), and DisplayPort 1.4 (vs 1.2). The TS3 Plus costs less and is a good option for buyers who do not need TB4-specific features.

Does the CalDigit TS3 Plus work with USB-C laptops?

No. The TS3 Plus requires a Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 port on your laptop. A USB-C only port will not work. Check for the Thunderbolt lightning bolt icon next to your laptop's port, or check your laptop's specifications before purchasing.