The verdict
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.
Plugable TBT4-UD5
Strengths
- +Wirecutter's top recommendation for TB4 docks
- +$200 — 50% the price of the CalDigit TS4
- +11 ports cover most desk needs
- +85W charging adequate for most laptops
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
How it compares
Cheapest premium TB4 pick. Fewer ports than CalDigit TS4. Wirecutter's value choice.
Who this is for
At a glance: solo professionals with one external monitor who want CalDigit-like functionality at half the price.
Why you’d buy the Plugable TBT4-UD5
- Wirecutter's top recommendation for TB4 docks.
- $200 — 50% the price of the CalDigit TS4.
- 11 ports cover most desk needs.
Why you’d skip it
- Single ethernet at 1GbE (CalDigit has 2.5GbE).
- Single display 8K or dual 4K (CalDigit does dual 6K).
- 85W trails CalDigit's 98W.
Rating sources
Our 4.7 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
