We encourage Mac users with a TS4 to update to macOS 13 Ventura for the best experience
THUNDERBOLT STATION 4
18 Ports of Extreme Connectivity
18 Ports
98W Laptop Charging
8K Display
Dual Displays
2.5GbE
What sets the TS4 apart from the rest?
98W Laptop Charging
18 Ports
8K Display
Dual Displays
2.5GbE
“If your desk and workload demands many connection options, there’s no better docking device on the market than the CalDigit TS4.”
“With a wide range of ports and exceptional performance, the CalDigit TS4 leaves most docks in its dust.”
“The CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 dock is a sublime piece of equipment…”
“…overall there’s no better alternative on the market today.”
“The pinnacle of Thunderbolt 4 docking stations.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(5/5 Stars)
“The dock of our dreams.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(5/5 Stars)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(5/5 Stars)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(5/5 Stars)
“The best Thunderbolt dock gets even better.”
“The gold standard Thunderbolt dock.”
Thunderbolt Station 4 | TS4
The iconic Thunderbolt Station is back, now in its 4th iteration, featuring the classic design first introduced by CalDigit.
Not only is the TS4 the most powerful dock ever created, the dock with the most ports, the dock with the highest charging capabilities, the first dock with 2.5GbE, it is the dock that will drive us into the Thunderbolt 4 generation.
More is More
The TS4 offers a staggering 18 ports of connectivity, the most featured on any Thunderbolt dock ever.
The purpose of a device like this is to never run out of ports, and for the majority of us, that should certainly not be the case with the TS4.
Thunderbolt 4 Dock Comparison
| CalDigit TS4 | Kensington SD5700T | Sonnet Echo 11 | OWC Thunderbolt Dock | Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ports |
18 |
11 |
11 |
11 |
10 |
TS4 Unboxing & Overview
More Videos
Universally Compatible
Having the ability to use the TS4 on any Type-C computer or tablet is incredibly convenient.
Compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, and USB-C computers, the TS4 adapts to the host computer it connects to, providing the features available to your computer or tablet.
- Thunderbolt 4 PC
- Intel Thunderbolt 3 Mac¹
- M1/M2/M3 Pro, M1/M2/M3 Max & M1/M2 Ultra Mac¹
- M1/M2/M3 Mac¹
- Thunderbolt 3 PC
- USB4 PC
- USB-C PC
- USB-C Windows Tablet
- Thunderbolt or USB-C iPad²
- Thunderbolt or USB-C Chromebook
² Functionality is dependent on host computer or tablet’s capabilities.
Fast & CONSISTENT Charging
| Dock | Laptop Charging |
|---|---|
|
CalDigit TS4 |
98W |
|
CalDigit TS3 Plus |
87W |
Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Ports
The TS4 features three Thunderbolt 4/USB4 ports with 40Gb/s performance.
One of the ports is used as the host connection to the laptop, and the two remaining ports can be used to connect Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, or USB-C devices to the TS4. This includes monitors, SSDs, hubs, and much more.
8 USB Ports
With 8 USB ports on the TS4, a mixture of USB-A and USB-C, you have plenty of port connectivity to connect your USB accessories*.
All of the USB ports on the TS4 offer 10Gb/s performance.
20W USB-C Port
One of the front-facing USB-C ports can supply up to 20W of power for your attached USB-C device.
This is ideal for accessories that require more power, such as Apple’s MagSafe wireless charger.
AN ICONIC ORIGINAL REFRESHED
In 2015, CalDigit first introduced the iconic horizontal and vertical design orientation in an effort to innovate and compliment a variety of unique workflows. With the feedback of our audience, CalDigit has continued to pioneer and iterate on this design choice, which has become synonymous with the Thunderbolt Station line of docking solutions.
Whilst others devices may look like the TS4, there is only one original concept here at CalDigit: listening to our consumers.
AN ICONIC ORIGINAL REFRESHED
In 2015, CalDigit first introduced the iconic horizontal and vertical design orientation in an effort to innovate and compliment a variety of unique workflows. With the feedback of our audience, CalDigit has continued to pioneer and iterate on this design choice, which has become synonymous with the Thunderbolt Station line of docking solutions.
Whilst others devices may look like the TS4, there is only one original concept here at CalDigit: listening to our consumers.
Single 8K or Dual 6K 60Hz Displays
When it comes to connecting a monitor the TS4 offers outstanding visual clarity.
Single Monitor
If you’re looking to add a single monitor to the TS4 you can either connect it to the DisplayPort connector or to one of the spare Thunderbolt 4 ports. If you wish to connect a HDMI monitor you can either connect an Active DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter, or use a USB-C to HDMI Adapter ***.
Dual Monitors
- macOS users on M1/M2/M3 Pro, M1/M2/M3 Max, M1/M2 Ultra, or Intel based Macs can connect up to dual displays.
- M1/M2/M3 based Macs do not support dual monitors through their Thunderbolt ports. M3 MacBook Air can support dual external monitors (5K & 6K) when the laptop lid is closed.
- Windows PC Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 users can connect up to dual displays.
NOTE: If you intend to connect dual monitors above 4K 60Hz, such as dual 5K 60Hz or 6K 60Hz, your monitors and host GPU must support DSC 1.2 (Display Stream Compression) and DP 1.4 HBR3. Apple M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max & M1 Ultra support DSC 1.2 & DP 1.4 HBR3. Please note that the LG UltraFine 5K monitor does not support DSC.
In addition, if you intend to connect a single display above 4K 60Hz your host GPU and monitor must also support DSC 1.2 and DP 1.4 HBR3.
*Some Windows PC manufacturers have decided to restrict functionality on their Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C ports such as charging and monitor compatibility. Check to see if your PC supports external monitors.
*Intel MacPro 2019 with Radeon Pro 580X or Vega MPX Module can NOT support 6K (such as Apple Pro Display XDR) behind TS4. It is limited to 5K only. To use Pro Display XDR at 6K behind TS4, please upgrade to the MPX Module that can support DSC. For the DSC support, please check with GPU’s spec or check https://support.apple.com/kb/SP797
**Some refresh rates require DP 1.4 HBR3 and DSC 1.2 support from host GPU and monitor.
Some Thunderbolt 3 hosts that only support DP 1.2 will be capped at a lower resolutions & refresh rates.
The bit/color depth may vary in order to support higher refresh rates.
The support of higher refresh rates may vary due to OS updates.
*** Current Mac computers, including Apple Silicons M1 / M2 / M3, can only support up to HDMI 2.0b over its Thunderbolt ports. As such, resolution will be limited to 4K 60Hz when using an HDMI adapter. If higher refresh rate is required, please use USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to DisplayPort or DisplayPort to DisplayPort connection.
2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
The TS4 is a dock that provides a lot of unique features, and that is certainly the case with the inclusion of 2.5GbE.
2.5GbE is 2.5x faster than traditional Gigabit Ethernet, and is becoming the new standard for routers, switches, and NAS devices.*
USB to 2.5GbE Adapters cost anywhere between $20 – $55.
The TS4’s 2.5GbE functionality represents great value for money.
Of course you can use the 2.5GbE port on the TS4 with traditional 1GbE Ethernet devices.
Tablets
Connect the TS4 to your Thunderbolt/USB-C iPad, or Windows tablet, and take your workflow to the next level.
SD 4.0 & microSD
Offline Charging
The front USB-A port, all of the USB-C ports, and two of the rear USB-A ports on the TS4 provide offline charging.
This function allows those specific ports the ability to charge your USB devices, such as phones and tablets, even when the TS4 is not connected to a host device.
3x Audio Ports
Some people prefer to connect their headphones to the front of a dock for easy convenience, whilst others prefer to have them plugged into the back of a dock to keep their workflow cleaner.
The TS4’s two audio output ports, one on the front and one on the back, cater for either scenario*.
The back of the device also offers an audio input port for connecting a microphone.
3x Audio Ports
Some people prefer to connect their headphones to the front of a dock for easy convenience, whilst others prefer to have them plugged into the back of a dock to keep their workflow cleaner.
The TS4’s two audio output ports, one on the front and one on the back, cater for either scenario*.
The back of the device also offers an audio input port for connecting a microphone.
Security Lock
Apple SuperDrive
REAR HOST PORT
Docking Station Utility
Individually disconnecting all the external drives connected to a dock can be a hassle.
To solve this CalDigit includes a free macOS utility that allows you to instantly disconnect all of your connected external drives with one click*.
Interface
3 x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s)
3 x USB-C (10Gb/s)
5 x USB-A (10Gb/s)
1 x DisplayPort 1.4
1 x SD 4.0 (UHS-II)
1 x microSD 4.0 (UHS-II)
1 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
1 x Front Combo Audio In/Out (3.5mm)
1 x Rear Audio Out (3.5mm)
1 x Rear Audio In (3.5mm)
1 x DC In (19.5V 11.80A)
Minimum System Requirements
macOS 11.4 (Big Sur) or above
Windows 10 (20H2) or above
Thunderbolt 4 Computer
Thunderbolt 3 Computer
USB-C (USB4) Computer
USB-C Computer
Chromebook (Thunderbolt or USB-C)
iPad Pro/iPad Air/iPad mini (Thunderbolt or USB-C)
Windows Tablet (Thunderbolt or USB-C)
Power Delivery
Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Host Port: Up to 98W (5V, 9V, 15V/3A, 20V/4.9A)
Each Downstream Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Port: 15W (5V/3A)
Front 20W USB-C Port: 20W (5V/3A, 9V/2.22A)
Remaining USB-C Ports: 7.5W (5V/1.5A)
USB-A Ports: 7.5W (5V/1.5A)
Size & Weight
Height: 5.55” (141.0mm)
Width: 1.65” (42.0mm)
Length: 4.46” (113.0mm)
Weight: 1.41 lbs (0.64kg)
In the Box
1 x CalDigit TS4
1 x Thunderbolt 4 Cable (0.8m)
2 x Rubber Feet Strips
1 x Power Cord
1 x Power Supply (230W)
Warranty
2 Years
| TS4 | OWC Thunderbolt Dock | Anker Apex 12-1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
No. Ports |
18 |
11 |
12 |
|
Laptop Charging |
98W |
68W |
57W |
|
Power Supply |
230W |
135W |
120W |
|
Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s) |
3 |
4 |
2 |
|
Total USB Ports |
8 |
4 |
5 |
|
USB-C (10Gb/s) |
3x 10Gb/s |
X |
1x 10Gb/s |
|
USB-A (10Gb/s) |
5x 10Gb/s |
3x 10Gb/s |
2x 10Gb/s |
|
20W USB-C Port |
✓ |
X |
✓ |
|
Offline Charging Ports |
8 |
4 |
2 |
|
Built-In Video Port |
✓ |
X |
✓ |
|
DisplayPort 1.4 Port |
✓ |
X |
X |
|
SD 4.0 UHS-II |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
microSD UHS-II |
✓ |
X |
X |
|
Ethernet Speed |
2.5GbE |
1GbE |
1GbE |
|
Front Audio Combo In/Out |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Rear Audio In/Out Ports |
✓ |
X |
X |
|
Security Lock |
✓ |
✓ |
X |
|
Host Connection |
Rear-facing |
Front-facing |
Front-facing |
|
Vertical or Horizontal Orientation |
✓ |
X |
X |
|
Apple SuperDrive Support |
✓ |
✓ |
X |
*3rd party information collected from 3rd party's website on 2/1/22 & via internal CalDigit testing.
All Thunderbolt 4 devices, including the TS4, require macOS 11.4 (Big Sur) and above.
Windows 10 (20H2) and above.
Yes, the TS4 is fully compatible with Thunderbolt 3 computers.
Yes, the TS4 is fully compatible with M1/M2 Mac based computers including the M2 MacBook Air, M2 13" MacBook Pro, M2 Pro/Max 14"/16" MacBook Pro, M2/M2 Pro Mac mini, and original M1 based MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac mini.
Yes, the TS4 works on both the M1 Max and M1 Ultra Max Studios.
Yes, the TS4 works on the 14” and 16” M1/M2 Pro or M1/M2 Max MacBook Pro.
The 16” MacBook Pro with the M1 or M2 Max chip includes a 140W power supply.
Thunderbolt has a 100W maximum charging capability, and the TS4 charges at 98W, almost the maximum.
The TS4’s 98W will power and charge the 16” MacBook Pro in the majority of scenarios.
If you are using CPU and GPU intensive application, and connecting power hungry bus-powered Thunderbolt devices to the 16” MacBook Pro’s spare Thunderbolt ports, it is recommended to connect the MacBook Pro’s charger.
For people that are not using the MacBook Pro in this way, you will be able to power and charge the 16” MacBook Pro with an M1 or M2 Max chip as normal.
Yes, the TS4 is compatible with USB-C computers.
The TS4 adapts to the capabilities of the host USB-C computer, and the functionality of the TS4 will depend on the USB-C computer’s capabilities. Some Windows PC manufacturers have decided to limit the functionality of their USB-C ports, such as display output and charging. Check with your PC manufacturer for the maximum capability of your USB-C port. Ethernet is only supported on Thunderbolt based hosts, and the Ethernet port on the TS4 will not function on USB-C computers, because USB-C does not support PCIe. We recommend to USB-C users, who want to connect to Ethernet, to purchase a low-cost USB-A to Ethernet adapter (sold separately) which will provide Ethernet when connected to a TS4.
8K 30Hz, as long as your computer supports it, and if you are using a host that supports DSC you could get a higher refresh rate.
The maximum dual monitor resolution is 6K 60Hz through DSC support on an M1 Max, M1 Pro or M1 Ultra computer.
For all other computers that support dual displays the maximum resolution is up to 4K 60Hz.
Check below for the maximum number of displays that can be connected through the TS4 to your computer’s Thunderbolt or USB-C port.
The below data is for reference only. Check with your computer manufacturer for confirmation.
macOS (M1/M2): 1x External Display
macOS (M1 Pro): 2 x External Displays
macOS (M1 Max): 2 x External Displays
macOS (Intel Thunderbolt 3): 2x External Displays
Windows (Thunderbolt 4): 2 x External Displays
Windows (Thunderbolt 3): 2 x External Displays
NOTE: Some Windows PC manufacturers have decided to limit the functionality of their Thunderbolt 3 ports, such as limiting display output to 1 external display. Check with your PC manufacturer.
Windows (USB-C): 1 x External Display
NOTE: Maximum number of displays on Windows USB-C hosts is dependent on your USB-C port. Some Windows PC manufacturers have limited the output of their USB-C ports, such as display output. Check with your PC manufacturer.
iPad OS: 1 x External Display
Option 1 (DisplayPort Monitor)
Directly connect a DisplayPort monitor to the DisplayPort connector.
Or
Connect a USB-C to DisplayPort Video Adapter (sold separately) to one of the spare Thunderbolt ports.
Option 2 (Thunderbolt Monitor)
Directly connect a Thunderbolt monitor to one of the spare Thunderbolt ports on the TS4.
Option 3 (USB-C Monitor)
Directly connect a USB-C monitor to one of the spare Thunderbolt ports on the TS4.
Option 4 (HDMI Monitor)
Add an Active DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter (sold separately) to the DisplayPort connector.
Or
Connect a USB-C to HDMI Video Adapter (sold separately) to one of the spare Thunderbolt ports.
Yes. For example, if you want to connect an HDMI monitor, you can connect an Active DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter (sold separately).
Make sure to use an “Active” adapter.
Option 1
- Connect one monitor to the DisplayPort connector.
- Connect the second monitor to one of the spare Thunderbolt 4 ports via USB-C Video Adapter (sold separately).
Option 2
- Connect one monitor to one of the spare Thunderbolt 4 ports via a USB-C Video Adapter (sold separately).
- Connect the second monitor to one of the spare Thunderbolt 4 ports via a USB-C Video Adapter (sold separately).
Option 3
- Connect two USB-C or Thunderbolt monitors directly to two of the Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Yes, you can directly connect the Apple Pro Display XDR to one of the spare Thunderbolt 4 ports and output at full 6K resolution.
98W.
Yes, if your laptop charges at less than 98W, the TS4 will only supply the amount of power your laptop requires.
For example, if you are using the 13” M1 MacBook Pro which charges at 61W, the TS4 will only supply 61W.
If your are using a Mac mini, iMac, or desktop computer the TS4 will not supply power via the Thunderbolt connection.
Yes, you can use all the ports on the TS4 at the same time.
The front 20W USB-C port is ideal for use with USB-C devices that require more power, such as Apple’s 20W MagSafe wireless charger.
Yes, both card readers can be use at the same time.
No. When two audio outputs are connected the system will default to the front audio output. You can only use one audio output at a time.
For the optimal compatibility we recommend to use certified 40Gb/s Thunderbolt 4 cables.
Customers can use longer 2M Thunderbolt 4 cables with the TS4 without losing any performance (sold separately).
