Head-to-head · Best Thunderbolt 4 Docks

CalDigit TS4 vs Plugable TBT4-UD5

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 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.9 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about professionals docking a single TB4 laptop into a full workstation — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Thunderbolt 4 Docks

CalDigit TS4

4.9

$399

The TS4 is the best-overall TB4 dock. CalDigit's flagship — 18 ports, 98W charging, dual 6K display support. Best for professionals with one TB4 laptop and the need to dock into a full workstation setup.

Strengths

— 18 ports — most of any Thunderbolt 4 dock
— 98W charging — highest power delivery in this lineup
— 8K@30Hz or dual 6K@60Hz display support

Watch-outs

— $399 is the most expensive TB4 pick
— Large chassis takes substantial desk space
— Front-panel USB-C port limited to 10Gb/s

$399 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #2 in Best Thunderbolt 4 Docks

Plugable TBT4-UD5

4.7

$200

The TBT4-UD5 is the value pick. Wirecutter's editorial choice — 90% of the CalDigit TS4's functionality at half the price. Best for solo professionals with one monitor and a single laptop dock.

Strengths

— Wirecutter's top recommendation for TB4 docks
— $200 — 50% the price of the CalDigit TS4
— 11 ports cover most desk needs

Watch-outs

— Single ethernet at 1GbE (CalDigit has 2.5GbE)
— Single display 8K or dual 4K (CalDigit does dual 6K)
— 85W trails CalDigit's 98W

$200 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

CalDigit TS4

Most ports. Highest charging. Most expensive. Dual 6K vs lower-tier dual 4K.

Plugable TBT4-UD5

Cheapest premium TB4 pick. Fewer ports than CalDigit TS4. Wirecutter's value choice.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	CalDigit TS4	Plugable TBT4-UD5
Ports	18	11
Power	98W	85W
Display	8K@30 or dual 6K@60	Single 8K or dual 4K
Ethernet	2.5GbE	1GbE
Thunderbolt	4 (40Gb/s)	—

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