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CalDigit TS4 Review 2026 - Specs, Pros & Cons

9.2 Outstanding
Adrian Cel By Adrian Cel

The CalDigit TS4 is the most fully equipped Thunderbolt 4 docking station available, and the port count alone makes the case. With 18 ports packed into a compact aluminum chassis, this dock covers everything a power user could need: triple Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and UHS-II SD card readers. CalDigit, a long-time favorite among Mac users, designed the TS4 as a single-cable desktop solution. Connect one Thunderbolt 4 cable to your laptop, and you get dual external displays, high-speed data transfer across all your peripherals, and up to 98W of laptop charging. It works equally well for a creative professional running a MacBook Pro with a Pro Display XDR, a Windows developer with multiple monitors, or a home office worker who wants a clean desk setup. At $379.99 it is not cheap, but the range of connectivity options and the proven reliability make the premium easier to accept. CalDigit has consistently updated the TS4's firmware to support new Mac and Windows hardware, and that ongoing support is a real differentiator.

Best Overall Editor's Choice

Pros & Cons

What We Like

  • Industry-leading 18 ports including 3 Thunderbolt 4 downstream
  • 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet for faster wired networking
  • UHS-II SD and microSD card readers (312 MB/s)
  • 98W Power Delivery charges even 16-inch MacBook Pro
  • Premium aluminum build with excellent thermal management
  • No drivers required, true plug and play
  • Consistent firmware updates for new hardware support

What Could Be Better

  • Premium price point at $379.99

    Workaround: Watch for sales. The TS4 regularly drops to $299-329 on Amazon.

  • No HDMI output, requires DisplayPort cables or adapters

    Workaround: Use a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter or cable. Most modern monitors support DisplayPort.

  • Base M1/M2/M3 Macs limited to single external display

    Workaround: This is an Apple limitation, not a CalDigit issue. Consider a DisplayLink dock if you need multiple displays on base Apple Silicon.

  • 0.8m host cable is short for some desk setups

Display Support

Max Displays: 2
1 display (Single 8K@30Hz via DisplayPort 1.4 (Windows only))
7680x4320 @ 30Hz
1 display (Single 4K@60Hz via any video output)
3840x2160 @ 60Hz
2 displays (Dual 4K@60Hz via DisplayPort 1.4. Requires M1 Pro/Max or later on Mac.)
3840x2160 @ 60Hz

Ports & Connectivity

USB Ports

3x USB-C 4.0 15W
3x USB-C 3.2 7.5W
5x USB-A 3.2 7.5W

Video Outputs

1x DisplayPort 1.4

Network

1x Ethernet (1 Gbps / 2.5 Gbps)

Audio

1x 3.5mm combo
1x 3.5mm headphone
1x 3.5mm microphone

Card Readers

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

Full Specifications

General
Manufacturer CalDigit
Model TS4
Release Date 2022-01
MSRP $379.99
Connectivity
Host Connection Thunderbolt 4
Max Data Rate 40 Gbps
Driver Required No (native)
Display Output
Max Displays 2
1x Display 7680x4320 @ 30Hz (Single 8K@30Hz via DisplayPort 1.4 (Windows only))
1x Display 3840x2160 @ 60Hz (Single 4K@60Hz via any video output)
2x Display 3840x2160 @ 60Hz (Dual 4K@60Hz via DisplayPort 1.4. Requires M1 Pro/Max or later on Mac.)
Ports (12+ total)
USB-C 4.0 3x (15W)
USB-C 3.2 3x (7.5W)
USB-A 3.2 5x (7.5W)
DisplayPort 1.4 1x
Ethernet (RJ45) 1x 1 Gbps / 2.5 Gbps
Audio (3.5mm-combo) 1x
Audio (3.5mm-headphone) 1x
Audio (3.5mm-microphone) 1x
SD Card Reader 1x
microSD Card Reader 1x
Power
Power Input DC-barrel
Laptop Charging Up to 98W

Compatibility

macOS (11.0 (Big Sur)+)

Full native support. Dual displays require M1 Pro/Max or later.

Windows (10+)

Full support including dual 4K and 8K single display.

ChromeOS

Supported on Thunderbolt-equipped Chromebooks.

Linux

Works with most distributions supporting Thunderbolt 4.

Known Issues

M1/M2/M3 base MacBook Air/Pro

Limited to single external display

9.2 /10

Our Verdict

Outstanding

The CalDigit TS4 is the best Thunderbolt 4 docking station you can buy in 2026. No other dock matches its combination of 18 ports, native dual-display support, 2.5GbE networking, and UHS-II card readers in a single package. It works reliably with both Mac and Windows, requires zero drivers, and delivers up to 98W of charging power through a single cable. The aluminum enclosure dissipates heat well and feels solid on any desk. For Mac users especially, the TS4 is the top recommendation because CalDigit's firmware updates consistently deliver day-one compatibility with new Apple hardware. The only real downsides are the price tag and the lack of HDMI ports (you will need DisplayPort cables or adapters). If you own a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 laptop and want the most complete docking solution available, the CalDigit TS4 is the dock to get. Budget-conscious buyers might look at the Anker 575 for a USB-C alternative, but if Thunderbolt connectivity and maximum port count are priorities, nothing else comes close.

Available at Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the CalDigit TS4 support dual monitors?
Yes, the CalDigit TS4 supports dual 4K@60Hz displays natively via its Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayPort connections. On Mac, you need an M1 Pro, M1 Max, or later chip for dual display support. Base M1/M2/M3 Macs are limited to one external display.
Can the CalDigit TS4 charge a MacBook Pro 16-inch?
Yes, the TS4 delivers up to 98W of power via USB-C Power Delivery, which is enough to charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro while using it. For the fastest charging, Apple recommends 140W (MagSafe), but 98W is sufficient for normal use.
Does the CalDigit TS4 work with Windows laptops?
Yes, the TS4 is fully compatible with Windows 10 and 11 laptops that have a Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 port. It's plug and play with no drivers needed. It also works with USB-C laptops at reduced bandwidth.
Is the CalDigit TS4 worth the price?
For users who need a full-featured docking station with maximum ports and reliability, the TS4 justifies its price. Its 18 ports, 2.5GbE, UHS-II card readers, and reliable Thunderbolt 4 performance make it the most complete dock available. If you only need basic connectivity, a cheaper USB-C dock may suffice.
What's the difference between CalDigit TS4 and TS3 Plus?
The TS4 is a significant upgrade over the TS3 Plus: it adds Thunderbolt 4 (vs TB3), more USB ports (18 vs 15), 2.5GbE (vs 1GbE), UHS-II card readers (vs UHS-I), and higher power delivery (98W vs 87W). The TS4 also supports dual displays natively.

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