Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Docking Stations

Anker 563 10-in-1 Docking Station vs CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about professionals needing extensive connectivity — read the strengths below before deciding.

Anker 563 10-in-1 Docking Station
Ranked #2 in Best Docking Stations
Anker 563 10-in-1 Docking Station
$199

The Anker 563 USB-C Docking Station (10-in-1) earns praise for its sleek design and robust functionality, offering triple display support, 100W charging, and a range of connectivity options including dual HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-A, and Ethernet ports. MacSources rated it 95% for its excellent performance, calling it ideal for work and gaming. However, reviewers noted the lack of a sleep mode and fewer ports than some competitors. The dock's large power brick and unremarkable packaging are also drawbacks. This product suits multitasking enthusiasts and professionals needing reliable connectivity but may not meet users seeking maximum portability or advanced features.

Strengths
  • Sleek and compact design that fits well in office or home workspaces
  • Triple display support with dual HDMI and DisplayPort for multitasking
  • 100W charging capability for fast laptop charging including MacBooks
Watch-outs
  • No sleep mode; continuously supplies power to all devices
  • Limited port selection compared to competitors in the same price range
  • Power brick is described as large and bulky
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Docking Stations
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4
$399

The CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt Dock earns its reputation as a gold standard in the category, offering exceptional portability and connectivity for demanding Mac users. TechRadar praised its robust aluminum build and 18-port configuration with 98W power delivery, while MacRumors noted its impressive 6K display support and 2.5Gb Ethernet. However, both reviewers acknowledged the $399.99 price tag as a significant drawback. The dock's lack of HDMI output is also a notable limitation for users requiring that connection type. This product is ideal for professionals needing extensive connectivity but may not suit budget-conscious consumers or those without Thunderbolt laptops.

Strengths
  • Incredible 98W power delivery supporting fast charging for laptops and peripherals
  • Fantastic port options with 18 total ports including 3x 10Gb/s USB-C, 5x 10Gb/s USB-A, and dual 6K displays support
  • Extra Thunderbolt 4 ports providing high-speed data transfer and device connectivity
Watch-outs
  • High price point at $399.99 making it expensive compared to alternatives
  • No HDMI port which may limit compatibility with some displays

How they stack up

Anker 563 10-in-1 Docking Station

The Anker 563 10-in-1 Docking Station offers triple display support and 100W charging, making it more feature-rich than the Plugable USBC-9IN1E which only supports one video output. It's more affordable than the CalDigit TS4 and provides better port variety, though it lacks the 98W power delivery and 18-port configuration of the CalDigit. Compared to the UGREEN Revodok Max, it offers better port selection and more reliable performance, but lacks the Thunderbolt 4 performance and build quality of the UGREEN.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4

The CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 stands out with its 18-port configuration and 98W power delivery, making it superior to the Anker 563 10-in-1 Docking Station which only offers 100W charging and fewer ports. Unlike the UGREEN Revodok Max, it provides better overall connectivity with dual 6K display support and no HDMI limitations, though it's significantly more expensive at $399.99. Compared to the Dell WD25TB4, it offers more universal compatibility and better port variety, but lacks the modular upgrade system that Dell's dock provides.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAnker 563 10-in-1 Docking StationCalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4
Power Delivery100W PD IN98W
Ports2× USB-A 3.1 Gen 1, 2× USB-A 2.0, 1× USB-C 3.1 Gen 118
Display Support2K HDMI, 2K DisplayPort2x 6K @ 60Hz
Ethernet1× 1Gbps RJ452.5Gb
USB SpeedUSB 3.2 Gen 23x 10Gb/s
ThunderboltNoThunderbolt 4
Weight0.45 kg1.1 kg
Audio1× 3.5mm Combo Jack3.5mm Headphone Jack
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