Best Thunderbolt 4 Docks for Mac Compared! 

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Greatly appreciate you going into all the details on each device, thank you for making it easier to wrap my head around Thunderbolt on the Mac.

I've been through four CalDigit docks at work. They keep failing. Two had HDMI ports die because the ports were too close to the power in and this evidently caused the ports to fail from heat/cool stress. They each lasted about two months. The last one, a TS3+, started getting unstable randomly after about a year, and would disconnect/reconnect. I have the OWC dock in this video for my home office setup, and it's been solid for two years now. At work I am now using the newer OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock at work and so far it has been solid.

I bought a Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock, and have been using it for 4 months. It's been flawless. Similar looking to the OWC that you are reviewing. They may even be the same unit with a different name on it.

This video is AMAZING! Excellent information, well thought out, well written, and Jerry genuinely cares. Love it! Thank you :-)

Excellent presentation! I went with the Caldigit T4 and used my points (I’ll keep and eye on your videos in the future!). Gotta say I’m happy as a pig in a slop jacuzzi. It’s got everything I need!

Good video, Thanks. I just received the TS4 today after sending back the Anker. One item you may want to mention is the cable that comes with the units. I was pleased that the TS4 cable was Thunderbolt 4

For those that just need additional ports, and not a card reader / headphone socket / LAN connectivity, the Caldigit Element Thunderbolt 4 dock is excellent. Small, TB4 and USB-A, powered. I find it's an excellent expansion hub/dock for my Mac Studio.

At first, I thought, another doc video. But this is really the best one I’ve seen. Great information. Thanks for explaining in a much better way why people actually need these. I want one but until now I didn’t really understand what I would use it for. Now I do, thank you.

Great review Jerry. I own the TS4 and want to warn viewers about buying this in the EU. That more powerful power supply you described comes at a painful price. It develops a high pitched squeal over time. This has been reported by multiple reviewers in Germany. Sometimes the replacement units have this defect as well. Caldigit does everything they can to discourage you from making a warranty claim. They will not provide an interim loaner. They also claim that due to Brexit that you will lose weeks of transit time in customs both directions. I am waiting to send mine back before an upcoming business trip to China. This is unacceptable quality and an unacceptable policy in a unit that costs so much more than the competition. I have moved my Synology Disk Station closer to my desk. Four Iron Wolf hard drives constantly spinning masks most of the painful TS4 power supply squeal.

Really great video! I do a lot of traveling multi-camera Zoom meetings. So the TS-4 is what I was leaning toward... and this video reaffirmed that decision.

Thanks I about to make a purchase on a dock and these were all in contention. Your review has solidified my decision in the CalDigit, thanks!

Very comprehensive review, good job.

I have both the OWC TD and the CalDigit TS4. I got the OWC first, before the TS4 was available and while it worked fine, it was nowhere near as elegant a solution as the TS4. Later on we got 2.5GB Internet here and the faster Ethernet port on the TS4 came in handy. My wife inherited my OWC when she switched from a Mini to a MBP and since her use case is less demanding than mine it is working just fine for her so the money did not go to waste. I have grown to really appreciate the TS4 since i have had it, it ticks all my boxes and works great.

Great insights - thanks a ton! I also need a Thunderbird dock for 4+ external 18TB discs - I'll check to see if you review this any where now...

I got the OWC Thunderbolt dock because unlike the Caldigit TS4 that I really wanted to own, it has that extra bit thunderbolt port missing on the Caldigit.

I have the CalDigit TS4, probably one of the best things I ever bought for my computing needs. Worth every penny!

Omg i've been looking for a product like the ts4 since i got my 16" m1max! Will defo get this sometime

This is a really well done video on the 3 top docks and I found it very helpful. I have been looking at the OWC Thunderbolt Pro Dock on sale that is closer to the CalDigit features but at a lower price.

I've been using a Sonnet Echo 11 Thunderbolt 4 Dock for over a year and it has been really great. No complains, always connects perfectly. I also have an older Caldigit TS3 which I still use.

Jerry, great timing on this video. I have been struggling to find a hub for my 2021 M1 Macbook Pro with little success. Comparing these 3 docks clarified my decision. Thanks!!

I'm using a Caldigit TS3+, the previous model. Very satisfied of it, and very reliable. There is really only 1 downside: the price. Especially after buying a MacBook which aren't the cheapest laptops out there either. All things considered, for me, it's worth the cost. All my stuff is connected and neatly organized thanks to this little grey box. In the mean time the MacBook stays charged, great for the battery life, and on the front ports I always have the possibility to quickly charge a mouse, or keyboard or whatever, without having to unplug anything else in my set-up.

I work in the movie industry. I manage data on set. What I needed was to expand the number of high-speed ports I had. I copy off of the original media to at least three other drives. I wanted every port to be able to run at at least 10 Gb/s. I also have at least one TB3 reader. I chose the OWC. It even has USB A ports for my external mouse and keyboard. I had one unit die on me and there was no issue getting it replaced - over the weekend!

I've been using the OWC dock for a long time with my M1 Max Macbook Pro. I also use Anker PowerExpand 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Mini Dock to add more thunderbolt ports.

Of course, the real question here is how stable are each of these docks. Back when I bought my OWC dock, I bought and returned a dozen other docks because they all had various issues. Such a sleep issues, where the system wouldn't sleep. Or things would disappear after sleep. Or connections to various things wouldn't work or wouldn't be stable. Reliability, stability, and functionality, are seriously big issues, and far more important to talk about in a review than just what ports are on the docks (which you can get from a spec sheet). I wish people would test the things you can only figure out by having your hands on the units. Like whether or not there were any weird behaviors over the course of a month of real world usage. Docking and undocking, sleeping, having a range of different kinds of devices plugged in, and unplugged, without power cycling the computer, etc.

Thank you Jerry for a very informative video. I was looking into these very docks. I have an older OWC Thunderbolt 2 dock and have upgraded my older 2012 MBP to a newer MBP M1 and a Mac mini M1. Is it possible to keep my older dock and somehow connect a newer dock? Or just replace the older dock with a newer one? Thanks again for a very professional presentation.

I've purchased OWC products in the past and they've been very reliable, so I would lean toward their dock.

This was an excellent review.

Nice vid. Wish you had posted a graphic comparison chart (especially of port configurations), which would have made it a lot easier for me to zero in on all the factors that matter to me.

The power supplies for these docks are as large as the docks themselves. That’s why I went with the OWC Thunderbolt Go. Built in PS and host port on the side. Cheaper than the Cal Digit too.

Great video as always. Love your content. I have a question about the Caldigit but I guess it’s is something that could be tested on all of them. Can you use a MagSafe cable and still have it charge a MacBook Pro?

Good job. Very helpful. 👍

Thank you, for this excellent review of these three (3) Thunderbolt 4 Docks. For myself, the Cal-Digit is the best (but also looks in my option ugly) and the OWC dock appears to be the weak model (but, has the best stylish looks).

Hello, Thank You For Sharing and Update. I got it. Thank You Again.

Hello Jerry. Found this very informative. Looking at the equipment on your desk, it is quite the set up. How is everything connected, i.e. cable/wiring diagram?

Super helpful. Thank you!

Thank you for this. I am looking to get the MacBook Pro M2 16’ model. Will I be able to use 3-4 external 1080p monitors on the TS4?

You might want to also review Displaylink based docks for people that want to drive more then 1 display from a MB Airs and even Mini.

The extra Thunderbolt 4 ports on the TS4, would they be a good way to hookup and run external monitors as well? Not really wanting to use HDMI or Display ports for monitors. I have a MacBook M1 Pro and want dual monitors. I have dual monitors now but one keeps going to sleep randomly which I don't understand.

I’ve owned the TS3 and TS4. There really is no competition for those who need Thunderbolt 4. I wish they would put Compact Flash ports on the next version.

Hate host port on the front. That is the main reason I purchased the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock. Other reason it is a Thunderbolt 4 device so I should be able to use it for a number of years.

Hi, and thanks for the great video. I have an M1 Macbook and bought a Wavlink dock to connect it to my LG 5k2k and my RME audio interface, so I can have more real-estate when recording and mixing music. For some reason, the incoming audio is distorted in a way I'm not even sure I can describe, so recording becomes impossible, unless I unplug the screen, in which case it's perfect. The power adapter states 200w output, so I'm not sure that's what's making it fall short. Any idea if any of your offerings would solve the problem? Thanks for your time.

I have the Mac mini M2 pro. using the OWC Thunderbolt Dock, performance was good. issue I have with it is when the Mac is in sleep mode, my 2 LG 27UK850s would constantly wake and go to sleep. OWC support was no help. I happen to also. have the OWC Thunderbolt Hub and so far have not had that issue.

I hope the next-gen CalDigit TS4 can add a power button, so I can turn it off to save energy when I'm not using it

I have tried almost all of them and my 2016 Mac keeps telling using too much power. Do any of these work well with an older Mac ?

Thank you. Very helpful.

Hey Jerry, I pulled the trigger on a Mac Mini M2 Pro .... I have 4 monitors (one 4K and three 2K) ... will I be able to connect all four monitors using the TS4?

Do these units require power or can I use it for SD transfers from mg iPad without AC power?

Thank you for the comparison, really appreciated. As you have a 10GB network, is there still no Thunderbolt dock with 10GB network?

Does the anker work with a Mac? The product page says it’s not compatible with m1 macs. It doesn’t mention m2 but I guess they weren’t out when this dock launched.

Great video! Thank you!

I got one of these TS4 docks the first week it came out after some crappy experience with a Anker TB3 dock. Never had a single issue running 2 External displays one is 1440p 140hz and a 4k 60hz display. Im a software engineer and have found the 98w charging for my MBP 16 inch has been adequate although I wish it could provide the full 140W the Apple charger can provide.

Question. Running a Mac mini 2018 addition. Have three external drive string to run. I currently use 3 usb hubs to get enough ports for all my peripherals. Each at least 10-1. Could I take one of the caldigit TS4’s plug my three unpowered hubs in and get the mini to quit shutting off two of drives?

You should probably outline the fact the Anker 777 doesn't support non-mirrored output on the M1/M2 macbooks. After watching this and purchasing the Anker 777, even though the product description for the Anker 777 says non-M1 (which I assumed was Thunderbolt 4 limitations) Macbooks, it won't do a non-mirrored display. Critical information in my opinion when doing a comparative between these.

Are there any benefits in these docks using both Thunderbolt ports on the Macbooks?

I own the OWC TB4 Hub rather than the Dock. The hub has 3 separate TB controllers; one for each port. It's what made my buying choice 2 years ago since the CalDigit equivalent at the time had a single TB controller for its 3 ports. Do you know how many controllers are in each of the three devices you've reviewed here?

What if you went a completely different way, create a bag that goes from both ends of the fence, behind the saw, and a connection for hose in the middle or two hose connections on each side of the saw?

Do any of these allow for a MacBook air m2 to connect to two external screens?

Hello. Great video! I just got my M2 Max 16" laptop. Want to get a dock for it. Noticed the Mac power supply is 140w and these put out lower power. To be clear, I DO NOT plan to use a dock to power my Mac. I just want it to connect devices - ethernet, hard drives, audio (but not required) and I will use the HDMI connection on my Mac for the additional screen. So just the Mac display + HDMI out to second screen.... suggestions? Thanks in advance

Can the Caldigit output 4k at HFR 120Hz+ over USB-C to HDMI 2.1 adaptor on an M1 MAC PRO? Currently, the M1 PRO will only work over specific USB-C to HDMI 2.1 adaptors with specific firmware when directly connected. Otherwise they remain capped at 60HZ

Have a calDigit and OWC. The calDigit has no sdCard slots but both run about the same. More heat with the smaller calDigit. Never tried the OWC internet port as I use a 10mb system at home.

Actually, I have never come across the Anker. What I did come across, though, is the Dell WD22TB4, which is rarely mentioned anywhere.

I have a 24 inch iMac and I edit from external drives. I do photography and videography. So having four ports on the back just isn’t enough. This was a great video and I think I have made my decision to go with the OWC.

Good Day Sir I have a questions regarding Caldigit TS4. I am using this with a Dell XPS 15 9520 I get a weak charging state , please check power charger warning on the task bar, is there anyway to make this go away. I am a fairly new subscriber to your channel and am currently going thru your back catalog of videos and am finding them most useful Thanks

Nice review! What about coil whine? Do any of them make some sort of electromagnetic noise when plugged? Cheers

As I have stated consistently… The Caldigit docks - TS3 and now TS4 - they are the best! Best feature set, best build… just the best… and they cost some money, but then again, there’s no free lunch

I've had the previous generation TS3 Plus since 2018 and it's been a champ. It's $100 cheaper than the TS4 and still a very capable device if you don't need the absolute fastest USB/TB transfer speeds.

very useful video. A few things I did not notice that I would suggest could be things to cover in the next video on these topic: 1) whether one really needs a TB4 dock versus a TB3. I bet that for 99.9% of your viewers, CalDigit TS3 is a better deal than CalDigit TS4. 2) overheating do to continuos use specially 3) whether it makes sense to get two docks or to connect the most crucial TB4 device separately to the machine (e.g. when laptops have different TB4 controllers per port); 4) possibility to daisy chain. I have an older 2020 iMac 5k, and I use a CalDigit TB4 element hub (it has 3 TB ports I think) connected to the iMac and two CalDigits TS3 connected to the hub.

Work at a place that uses large volumes of the anker 777, thing is extremely buggy and frequently refuses to connect to systems or display video outs across MacOS and Windows. Requiring tons of restarts before it works again.

I have Nikon Z mirrorless cameras that use XQD cards. There are only a very few docks that are XQD capable. So right up front, almost every TB4 dock has ~$100 of kit completely useless to me. The newest Thunderbolt OWC Pro Dock, with CFexpress Type B (XQD compatible) card reader at $330 looks interesting. If they added a couple of M.2 NVME slots it would be very interesting indeed.

Your recommendation of the CalDigit Dock solved the drive disconnect issue I was having with my 2020 27" iMac. I guess mechanical drive need a powered dock?

Returned the TS4 as the ethernet doesn't wake up correctly. Major issue for such an expensive device, and cal digit workarounds did not work for me. It also runs very hot. Ended up going with OWC dock but the TB3 version. My laptop only has TB3, and IMO this dock is much better anyway - it has all the connections on the back (but some additional on the front if required) and has both SD card sizes, and USB3 and USBC on the front. Its just a better design and Mini DisplayPort works fine. It also runs much cooler than the Caldigit, and nvme thunderbolt drive performance was marginally better. If the TB4 version ergonomics were the same I would have got that for future proofing. Didn't try the Anker. Using an i9 MacBook Pro.

Hi! Thanks tor the video! I just got a Mac Studio M2, and I'm having a hard time finding a docking station that will support 2 extended displays, most arent compatible yet with the M2 studio, or will only mirror, or will only do one display. The CalDigit looks like it might, but seems hard to get in Canada... any ideas?? Thanks!!

I have the Anker for the hdmi ports. I have found that adapters to hdmi have been really unreliable so like the dedicated hdmi ports.

Hey Jerry. I'm so confused as to which one to get. I need a powered dock for my music studio setup. I need to connect: > 1 USB port for HDD ( I will switch to an SSD, from which I will need 10Gbps transfer speed) > 1 USB Audio Interface (I could try switching to USB-C for this one if needed) > 1 USB port for MIDI keyboard > 1 USB port for powering my LED strips > 1 USB-C for monitor DELL S2722DC (2K @ 75Hz) > 1 USB-C for connecting my 2020 Macbook Pro 13" > 2 Ethernet ports to connect my studio sound monitors (1 port would work too) > maybe an extra USB-C port just in case? Idk which Hub to get. Also another question: I have a monitor that sends 65W of power through it's USB-C connectivity cable. If the USB Hub is gonna be powered, and the monitor is also sending 65W of power, do I need to be worried about anything for the macbook?

Hi jerry I have a hdmi monitor. Do you know if I get adapters from display port to hdmi will I see any issues? Thanks for this look into docks. One of the best videos ive looked over yet. Cheers Alan

I have a need to connect 3 usb a devices that must connect directly to my Mac mini to work properly. Will any of these docks expand my (1) 40gb usbc port on my mini to connect all 3 usb a ports as though they were directly connected to the mini?

What about reliability of software and firmware. Having a older Plugable USB-C I have a lot of problems with getting display link software to run my 2 monitors. Do all 3 of these need extra software to run or does Apple just plug and play? Thanks great video!

If I'd like to connect two 6K 32" displays to MacBook Pro M3 Pro what kind of and how many ports I have to have to get the expected 6K resolution with the highest refreshment rate? If I also would like to connect an external 8T SDD which slot should I use to get max speed?

I have a couple few USB 2.0 capture cards. I would like them to share the bandwidth of a single TB4 port since there is more than adequate bandwidth without killing the entire USB bus. Which dick would be best? Or will they all accomplish what I want and it comes down to a question of port configuration? Is there a more cost effective solution? I have tried a couple usb 3.0 and 3.1 docks, they all seem to fail.

Thanks mate, hey is the card reader on these docks faster than the card reader thats built into my Mac Book Pro (M1 Max)

This video answered all of the questions I would have had to sift through. Thank you Jerry!

thxxxx for thisss

For me the TS4 is the clear winner. I want the host port on the back, since the TB cable will be (semi) permanently connected anyway. On the front I need a variety of good ports, for temporarily connecting drives for audio sessions. (why would Anker put USB2 on the front?! They expect people to connect, what, a keyboard there?)

Great review, the only who highlighted the rear audio port and the rear connection for MAC to keep the desktop well organized without cables on the front!

my ts3+ died after 4 years, got a killer deal on the microsoft surface tb4 dock and it's been solid so far. didn't need all the fatures of the ts4.

If traveling and using it in a car/bus/train, will the docks work without being plugged into a battery bank or wall?

Also - I use a MBP driving a 4k TV. I learned the hard way that plugging in Mac > hub > HDMI > TV results in a picture that exceeds the boundaries of the 4k TV, and mysteriously, Apple disables the overscan setting, so I can't fix it! However, if I plug in the MBP's native HDMI port > TV, it works perfectly. I wish I knew why, and I'd be curious to know if any of these 3 docks DON'T have this problem.

I think that any user needs to start from what connections and workflow he/she has. I have the TS4 and it's perfect when using a MacBook + Studio Display + NAS (TB3), already there all TB are taken. That's due to video editing in 4K, which I think you need at least a 10Gbe ethernet for. I connect via TB3/4 and any other guest, connects via a Qnap TB/10Gbe converter via the 10Gbe switch in the network or thru the 2nd TB3 port on the NAS, while still enjoying 2.5Gbe thru the TS4. Then all the other ports on the TS4 goes to other equipment such as Wacom, iPhone, iPad etc etc.

Are they come with US/Eur/UK plug?

I have a HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2, several usb B and C, Network and charge port.

The host port on the front is a show stopper for me.I don’t want wires on my desk.Just my preference.

Comparison of three Thunderbolt 4 docks: Cal digit ts4, OWC Thunderbolt Dock, and Anker 777 Apex. Differences in ports and materials. ✦ Comparison of three Thunderbolt docks for Mac Users 00:00 ✦ Comparison of Thunderbolt 4 docks with varying number of downstream ports 02:12 ✦ Magic Stand Case: the all-in-one phone case 04:18 ✦ Comparison of dock displays for Mac with high refresh rates and networking features. 06:32 ✦ Multiple USB ports on different docks and their capabilities 08:32 ✦ Comparison of SD card slots, audio jacks and charging ports on various docks 10:35 ✦ Choose the ts4 dock for consistent 98 watts of power 12:25 ✦ Three Thunderbolt 4 docks for Mac, each with unique features 14:26

Are there any docks that have 5 USB-C ports for input audio, SSD drives, and camera adapters, a 10GbE Ethernet input from NAS, and a Thunderbolt 4 connection for the MacBook Pro M2 Max as well as 2 monitor USB-C display ports and a CF-Express slot?

I have the CalDigit and Anker… CalDigit wins every time hands down. I run both, they are both always hooked up everyday at the same time running my monitors and connections. But, if I had the chance to go back I would just buy two of the CalDigits.

Can it be use for saving files into an external hard disk outside of a Mac. My thumb drive too. Thanks for helping😅

12:03 there is such a thing as a 4 pin 3.5 mm male jack to 2x 3 pin 3.5 mm female jacks converter available on ebay for about $4

can u daisy chain an eGPU to those over Thunderbolt 3?

The TS4 is nice but it’s over twice $$$USD the price I paid for the OWC. 😢 $399 plus tax compared to $189 with tax (⚡️Amazon Lightning deal⚡️).😊 I want the TS4. But I just don’t have that immediate need for it just yet. The OWC does serve all my needs for now. I recently/originally bought the OWC for use with my M1 MacBook Pro. Yet I use it now mainly with my 2020 27” iMac since it only has the two Thunderbolt3 ports (2x @40gbps) & the four USB-A ports (all @5gbps). I do use USB-A to USB-C adapters with the OWC & I get three more USB-C ports (@10gbps😊). Plus the extra USB-C Thunderbolt4 (@40gbps) I have the 10Gb Ethernet port on the iMac. So the 2.5gb port on the TS4 or the 1gb port on the OWC ain’t a big deal. I use a USB-C to HDMI adapter on one of the OWC Thunderbolt4 ports for my second display. So I still have two Thunderbolt4 ports on the OWC left open when needed. I use a Thunderbolt4 external hard drive (Acasis 40Gbps NMVe M.2 enclosure with a 2TB Samsung 980 pro) directly connected to the second Thunderbolt3 port on my iMac that I boot off as my main hard drive now instead of the internal (trying to preserve the internal TBW I guess). My Work flow & Performance is absolutely great between the Intel iMac, the M1 MacBook, the OWC dock, all my music gear, my other devices & my external hard drives All mainly for music making & music production. Anything needing a USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, or 3.2 port there is a USB port to utilize. Microphone’s & headphone to the audio interface, Montage7 synthesizer, MIDI keyboards, a few USB connected Multi-effect pedals for my guitars, FaceTime headphone & mic, DVD SuperDrive, Samsung T7’s, phone-keyboard-trackpad-mouse charging, etc. are all connected right now. “Absolutely no more cable clutter at all, anymore”. I have no need to unplug-disconnect or play around with cables because of the addition of the OWC dock. ❤I love it❤& the price I paid❤I have the extra Thunderbolt4 ports available when needed for power hungry devices like my external NMVe hard drives & T7’s. I have no real need for the SD card readers yet but it’s nice to have them available when needed. I know nothing about the Anker. I prefer the OWC. I don’t know why. Maybe because I’ve bought other OWC products already & they all work great. But all of these docks here are great. For use with my M1 MacBook Pro, eventually, I’ll be saving up for the TS4. I’m just not using it as much now because of my studio being set up so well with my Intel iMac & the OWC dock. I love RU-vid channels like this. You did a great job comparing all these here. Thanks for sharing. P.S. I use a TP-Link Kasa Smart plug as an on/off switch for the OWC dock. No plugging or unplugging. Works great. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Do any of these have rack ears? Which one fits best in a 1/2 space rack?