CalDigit TS4 Review: 9.2/10 - The Ultimate Thunderbolt 4 Dock for Professionals
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.
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Technical Specifications
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