Caldigit Thunderbolt Station 4 (TS4) review

Value When Reviewed

€410

Finest Costs Right now: CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 (TS4)

The successor to the favored TS3 Plus docking station, Caldigit’s TS4 Thunderbolt Station 4 dock has quite a bit to reside as much as—and, with a large number of high-end ports and design flexibility, it succeeds by not altering an award-winning system.

In some ways, the TS3 redefined the docking station and was our long-time favorite Thunderbolt 3 docking station.

Caldigit has waited longer than most to launch a Thunderbolt 4 dock, however we aren’t upset as this one is one of the best we’ve examined. Later, we’ll focus on the variations between Thunderbolt 3 (TB3) and Thunderbolt 4 (TB4) and whether or not TS3 Plus homeowners ought to improve to the brand new TS4.

A docking station permits a laptop computer proprietor to create a busy desktop setup with only a single USB-C/TB connection between pc and dock.

All of the exterior gadgets are linked to the dock: from exterior screens to quick SSD drives, printer, webcam, reminiscence sticks, keyboard and mouse (in case you haven’t caught up with Bluetooth, in fact). Many docks additionally embrace a card reader so you may add cheap moveable storage playing cards, normally SD or microSD.

A dock additionally frees you from the vagaries of Wi-Fi with a wired Ethernet Web connection.

You simply stroll up, plug in and begin working, and unplug while you need to take your laptop computer elsewhere. Your most popular setup is ready for you while you return.

Thunderbolt 4 works with the most recent Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 computer systems and can be backwards suitable with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C.

It really works with macOS 11.4 (Large Sur) or above, Home windows 10 (20H2) or above, Chromebook, iPad Professional/iPad Air/iPad mini, and Home windows Pill. All should have both Thunderbolt or USB-C.

Specs and options

The TS3 had 15 ports, and the TS4 goes three higher with a mighty 18.

• One upstream Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps, 98W)
• Two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps, 15W)
• One DisplayPort 1.4 video port
• 5 USB-A ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)
• One USB-C port (10Gbps, 20W)
• Two USB-C ports (10Gbps, 7.5W)
• 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
• UHS-II SD and microSD card readers (320MBps)
• 3.5mm combo audio jack (entrance)
• 3.5mm Audio In and Audio Out ports (again)
• 230W energy provide

That’s as spectacular an array of recent ports as we’ve seen on a docking station.

Thunderbolt 4, USB-C and USB-A ports   All of the USB ports are not less than 10Gbps (twice the bandwidth of the TS3’s USB ports), and there are eight of them!

You’ll be able to daisy-chain as much as six Thunderbolt gadgets, together with additional TB4 hubs. Nevertheless, keep in mind that the laptop computer has a 40Gbps connection to the dock, so the entire gadgets linked are sharing that that bandwidth.

Other than its 40Gbps bandwidth, one of many benefits of Thunderbolt 4 is the flexibility for a tool to incorporate as much as 4 TB4 ports, so some is likely to be stunned that Caldigit has included simply three (one upstream to the pc and two downstream to gadgets).

The corporate determined that switching one TB4 for a DisplayPort video port made sense as almost all dock customers join not less than one exterior show to their laptop computer and so having a video port merely is smart.

Twin show dock

In fact, you may join shows through Thunderbolt—both on to a monitor with a USB-C connection or utilizing a USB-C-to-DisplayPort or USB-C-to-HDMI adapter.

Having the built-in video port included saves you from shopping for a USB-C adapter in case you want one as a result of your required monitor has a USB-C connection—though you’ll in fact nonetheless require a DisplayPort cable.

DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 4 show connections are just about similar in functionality, so leaving three downstream TB4 ports might need made extra sense than swapping one for the built-in DisplayPort for the sake of comfort.

In the event you choose to attach an HDMI show you will have the selection to both join an Energetic-DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter to make use of the video port or use a USB-C-to-HDMI Adapter with one of many TB4 ports.

Caldigit selected DisplayPort 1.4 over HDMI on the TS4 as a result of DP is native to the Thunderbolt design and it’s extra versatile than HDMI—with an adapter, you may convert to any monitor you need akin to HDMI, DVI or VGA. It may additionally assist increased resolutions and refresh charges, whereas with HDMI it may be capped.

HDMI 2.0 is restricted to supporting 4K shows at 60Hz, whereas DisplayPort 1.4, as discovered on the TS4, can deal with 8K at 60Hz. DP additionally beats HDMI on pass-through audio. For extra particulars, see our function on the distinction between DisplayPort and HDMI.

One other dock that dares to assume totally different is the Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station, which options two HDMI ports however subsequently just one downstream TB4 port, though it’s not really useful for Mac customers.

You’ll want to make use of one of many TS4’s two downstream TB4 ports if you wish to add a second show.

Home windows customers with a TB4 or USB4 pc can join a single 8K show at 60Hz; Mac customers, a single 6K show at 60Hz. Older Intel Macs and newer M1 Professional and M1 Max MacBooks can join two 4K shows at 60Hz, though plain M1 MacBooks are sadly restricted to only the one exterior show—Apple’s, not the dock maker’s fault.

The dock will assist a single 4K show at as much as 144Hz, 3440×1440 at 180Hz and 2560×1440 at 240Hz; be aware that some refresh charges require DP.14 HBR3 and DSC 1.2 assist from the host, GPU and monitor.

Tremendous-fast Ethernet

One of many standouts is the super-fast 2.5Gb Gigabit Ethernet, which, as you’d count on, has the potential to be 2.5 instances sooner than customary Gigabit Ethernet. You should purchase 2.5Gb adapters for different docks however these will add on an additional $30-50 (£30-50) and take up certainly one of your USB-C ports, leaving the 1Gbe Ethernet unused. So, kudos to Caldigit for together with it as customary.

We’ve got examined the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock that included a 10Gb Ethernet port, however all others have been customary 1Gb Ethernet.

Be aware that to make the most of the highest velocity, you want a linked machine that’s 2.5GbE or above. It may be a router/community swap that has a 2.5GbE port or increased, or you may join a NAS storage machine that has a 2.5GbE port or increased.

The two.5Gb Ethernet port is backwards and forwards suitable with different speeds of Ethernet.

Tremendous energy

With a 230W energy provide, the TS4 is essentially the most powered docking station we’ve ever examined.

It wants all that energy as a result of it may well cost a laptop computer at 98W—greater than sufficient for many even massive laptops—in addition to energy linked gadgets. Apple’s 16in MacBook Professional (2021) can deal with 140W over MagSafe however 98W ought to maintain even that power-hungry laptop computer glad.

Every USB port has a minimal charging energy of seven.5W, and the downstream TB4 ports can provide 15W.

One of many front-placed USB-C ports can cost at a beneficiant 20W – excellent for Apple’s MagSafe Charger, for instance.

One factor we recognize on different docking stations is an influence swap, as seen on some Anker and Kensington docks. Caldigit omits one as a result of it turns into a degree of wear-and-tear failure that might render the entire dock unusable if damaged. So, simply disconnect on the finish of the day if you wish to protect your laptop computer’s inner battery.

Helpfully, there’s a downloadable software program utility that permits you to disconnect all your linked exterior drives with only one click on.

Audio ports back and front

There are three audio ports in-built. On the entrance is a 3.5mm combo jack for both wired headphones or a microphone, and on the again are separate 3.5mm jacks for attainable audio system, headphones and mic. Solely entrance or again audio ports can be utilized at one time.

The older TS3 Plus included a professional-level Digital Optical Audio (S/PDIF) port on the again, however that is omitted from the TS4, because it’s a comparatively area of interest requirement.

SD and microSD slots

Having each SD and microSD card readers gives flexibility, whereas some docks provide you with simply SD.

MicroSD is clearly smaller however no extra moveable. Nevertheless, some telephones embrace a microSD slot, so it’s a extra versatile answer.

These reminiscence playing cards are usually not only for skilled customers akin to photographers and video producers who use them to rapidly switch information. Anybody can decide up a top quality 512GB card for round $60/£50, and so they provide a cheap method of upping the storage in your laptop computer and are tremendous moveable, too.

Each card readers can be utilized on the similar time.

Apple’s newest 14in and 16in MacBook Professional fashions boast their very own SD card slot. Nevertheless, though rated as 312MBps UHS-II, Apple has throttled the velocity to 250MBps. So for optimum velocity, the TS4’s full-speed UHS-II beats Apple’s. Plus you don’t want an adapter for microSD because the TS4 has a devoted slot for the smaller reminiscence card.

Design

Docking stations are available two totally different codecs: horizontal or vertical. I choose vertical because it saves desk area however horizontal can provide a cleaner look.

Caldigit’s design with the TS3 Plus and now TS4 dock is extra versatile, as it may be laid flat or stand upright, and not using a particular stand required of some docks. It comes with two rubber toes that may be fitted both method.

Which method you angle the dock to face you is much less non-obligatory, as the ability provide is linked to the again.

Each different TB4 dock or hub (except Caldigit’s personal Thunderbolt 4 Factor Hub) positions the upstream computer-connecting TB4 port on the entrance, which at all times strikes me as an unpleasant place to place it. Who needs a cable protruding the entrance when it could possibly be hidden across the again with the also-essential energy cable?

Sure, plugging in on the entrance is simpler and faster however it’s important to reside with the cable flapping round your desk on a regular basis you’re linked.

On the Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 Station, the upstream port is positioned on the again, and I’d award it an additional star only for that tidy choice.

Other than that, the TS4 continues the good-looking appears to be like of the TS3 Plus. It’s neither modern nor shiny—it’s grilled to help warmth dissipation—however it has useful magnificence.

Thunderbolt 4 compatibility

Other than the additional ports, energy and a few centimetre in top, the primary distinction between the TS3 Plus and the TS4 is the inclusion of the most recent licensed Thunderbolt 4 expertise.

For Apple customers, the variations between TB3 and TB4 are fewer as a result of Apple at all times gave them every thing that TB3 may provide. Producers of Home windows computer systems, however, may decide and select which options they favored, so that you needed to test your specs to see what advantages had been bestowed in your machine. It would, for instance, not even attain the utmost 40Gbps bandwidth or not assist twin shows.

Thunderbolt 4 is stricter. To label a pc Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 suitable, producers need to observe all the principles. So Home windows customers with a TB3 laptop computer is likely to be higher off with a TB4 pc, whereas Mac customers have many of the primary advantages already.

New to Thunderbolt 4 for everybody, nonetheless, are a number of benefits over Thunderbolt 3.

With TB3 you possibly can daisy chain Thunderbolt gadgets however solely in a linear method the place you needed to take away gadgets backwards from the tip of the chain. With TB4, you may take away any machine with out breaking the chain in a function known as ‘Hubbing’.

TB4 can be a extra data-safe expertise, because it requires Intel VT-d-based direct reminiscence entry (DMA) safety, also referred to as DMA remapping.

TB4 requires PCIe (peripheral part interconnect categorical) at 32Gbps for storage speeds as much as 3,000MBps—double the minimal TB3 necessities.

Thunderbolt 4 cables may be as much as 2m lengthy and nonetheless deal with the complete 40Gbps bandwidth; the place TB3 cables needed to be a most 0.7m until boosted with costly energetic expertise.

The TS4 comes with a 0.8m Thunderbolt 4 cable.

Study extra concerning the differences between Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3 and USB4.

Above: Caldigit TS3 Plus (left) vs Caldigit TS4 (proper); entrance view

Do you have to improve from Caldigit TS3 Plus to TS4?

The TS4 is a good docking station in case you are shopping for for the primary time, however what about upgrading from an present dock.

In case your present dock has USB-C solely, then upgrading to 40Gbps Thunderbolt is a should for suitable computer systems. As TB4 is backwards suitable, shopping for a future-proof Thunderbolt 4 dock makes essentially the most sense as we speak even when your older laptop computer is Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C.

The Caldigit TS3 Plus dock used to put on the docking station crown however its newer sibling the TS4 has stolen its crown. So ought to TS3 Plus homeowners improve, too?

The 2 docks are bodily and stylistically related, with the TS4 a little bit taller and deeper and a smidge wider.

Though TB4 is backwards suitable, Thunderbolt 3 MacBook or Home windows customers don’t have any apparent must improve as they gained’t profit from Thunderbolt 4’s smarter options. Home windows TB3 homeowners may do higher upgrading their laptop computer to a totally licensed TB4 pc if their present TB3 PC is function restricted, as some are. Apple’s TB3 MacBooks already embrace most (however not all) of the TB4 advantages; see above.

That mentioned, everybody will profit from the TS4’s extra quite a few, sooner and extra highly effective USB ports, and, if they’ve the correct setup, the two.5 Gigabit Ethernet too. The TS3 Plus had simply an SD card reader, whereas the TS$ has each SD and microSD slots.

And the dock’s 98W charging is an enormous plus for homeowners of larger-screen laptops; the TS3 Plus had a formidable however nonetheless lighter 87W max charging energy.

Thunderbolt 4 is backwards suitable, so even in case you personal a USB-C or TB3 laptop computer or pill now, shopping for a TB4 dock just like the TS4 will work together with your present pc and be prepared on your improve to a Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 machine sooner or later.

In the event you choose pro-level digital audio, the TS3 Plus’s Optical Audio (S/PDIF) port didn’t make the minimize to the TS4.

Above: Caldigit TS4 (left) vs Caldigit TS3 Plus (proper); again view

Value

The Caldigit Thunderbolt Station 4 prices $399.95, £439.99 or €410. On launch the really useful pricing was a lot decrease—$359.95, £324.99 or €324.99—which reveals that tech part and transport prices are rising quick.

Expectedly, that is dearer than the TS3 Plus and in addition places the TS4 on the high-end of the value vary for Thunderbolt 4 docks.

See our roundup of all one of the best Thunderbolt 4 docks and hubs.

If a TB4 hub—normally simply 4 TB4 ports and a number of USB-A ports—isn’t sufficient for you, you want a dearer full docking station.

There are cheaper alternate options, akin to Anker Apex Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station with its two HDMI ports or the Kensington SD5700T, which can be really useful.

However none provide the vary of top-end ports, energy and versatile design of the TS4, which is price the additional outlay in case you can afford it.

As you’ve spent a superb deal shopping for one of the best docking station, you may need to use the lock to safe the TS4 to your desk.

Verdict

Whereas some might grumble concerning the built-in DisplayPort at the price of one of many downstream TB4 ports, the Caldigit Thunderbolt Station 4 is a wonderfully outfitted and well-designed dock.

It’s acquired all of the top-end ports you possibly can want for (greater than some other), a beneficiant energy provide (bigger than some other) and charging energy, and a compact and versatile design (higher than some other).

The TS4 replaces its Thunderbolt 3 predecessor, the TS3 Plus, as the highest docking station for homeowners of recent laptops and tablets.