CalDigit TS4 Review
A long-standing Thunderbolt 4 favorite that multiple testers keep returning to even after trying newer docks, valued for consistent day-to-day reliability at a lower price than CalDigit’s TS5 line.
At a Glance
This model is best suited to buyers who want a proven, reliable Thunderbolt 4 dock without paying for Thunderbolt 5 headroom they don’t yet need. Its strongest buying points are 18 ports covering USB-A/C, DisplayPort, Ethernet and dual card readers, can be run vertically or horizontally, a design flexibility testers specifically praise, and positioned by three independent professional sources as a reliable long-term daily driver.
Technical Assessment
The TS4 undercuts its TS5 Plus sibling on networking speed at 2.5GbE rather than 10GbE, but remains the smallest and lightest dock among CalDigit’s current lineup, and its Ethernet port shares the same Thunderbolt-host requirement as the rest of the range.
Performance
Laptop Mag’s reviewer specifically calls out returning to the TS4 as a favorite based on performance alone even after testing many newer docks. Windows Central names it ‘Best TB4’ citing more ports than most users need, and TechGearLab favors its vertical-orientation design among 9 tested docks.
Features and Workflow
The feature set combines Connection Standard: Thunderbolt 4, 40Gbps, a Dual 4K@60Hz or single 8K on supporting hosts, and Warranty: 2-year limited warranty. Together, these capabilities support more complete day-to-day workflows and reduce reliance on a single headline specification.
Reliability and Ownership
No independent long-term failure-rate data was found this pass, but the consistent theme across three independent testers is that this dock has proven itself as a dependable long-term daily driver relative to newer competitors.
Buyer Fit and Trade-Offs
Best For & Key Strengths
Best For
- Buyers who want a proven, reliable Thunderbolt 4 dock without paying for Thunderbolt 5 headroom they don’t yet need.
Key Strengths
- 18 ports covering USB-A/C, DisplayPort, Ethernet and dual card readers
- Can be run vertically or horizontally, a design flexibility testers specifically praise
- Positioned by three independent professional sources as a reliable long-term daily driver
Not Ideal For & Key Trade-Offs
Not Ideal For
- Buyers who already own a Thunderbolt 5 laptop and want to make full use of its bandwidth.
Key Trade-Offs
- 98W host charging trails the Thunderbolt 5 flagships in this shortlist
- Exact current price not independently reconfirmed this pass
- No 10GbE, unlike CalDigit’s newer TS5 Plus
Technical Specifications
| Connection Standard | Thunderbolt 4, 40Gbps |
| Power Delivery To Host | 98W host charging (per widely reported spec) |
| Port Count And Mix | 18 ports total including USB-A, USB-C, DisplayPort, Ethernet, SD/microSD, audio |
| Max Display Support | Dual 4K@60Hz or single 8K on supporting hosts |
| Form Factor | Can be oriented either vertically or horizontally |