Compare host charging, network requirements and the connection you can actually use.
The decision in brief
How the options differ
Start with the exact computer. The TS5 Plus has higher documented link, charging and Ethernet ratings, but those features have host requirements. A newer dock name is not a universal upgrade to an older computer.
By CompareFoundry · Published · Editorial review · Manufacturer documentation, not hands-on testing.
The buying guide
Package and specification details
Match the upstream protocol
TS4 documents a 40 Gb/s path; TS5 Plus documents 80 Gb/s bidirectional operation and a separate 120 Gb/s boost mode. These are link specifications, not measured SSD throughput. Check the computer before paying for bandwidth it cannot expose.
Host charging is documented at 98 W for TS4 and up to 140 W for TS5 Plus. Their adapter ratings are different quantities. Whether the laptop accepts that power still depends on the host and its charging requirements.
Check the network path before choosing its headline speed
TS5 Plus documents 10 Gb/s Ethernet with Thunderbolt or USB4 PCIe requirements and a Windows driver condition. TS4 lists 2.5 Gb/s. Neither figure guarantees file speed through the complete network; verify the switch, server and cabling too.
These manufacturer specifications do not establish measured performance, noise, long-term reliability or running cost. We have not independently tested these products. Check current prices, stock and operating-space instructions with the seller and manufacturer.
Exact model only. Confirm regional power accessories and any additional display adapters before buying. No stock or checkout validation.
Source · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS4 specifications and packageChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
TS5 Plus (US package)TS5 Plus; US-market package, confirm the US mains cord; no extra display adapters assumed.
The link may open several packages. Check current price and availability with the seller. Opens in a new tab.
External rating
TS4 (US package)
4.4 out of 5from 156 ratings · B&H Photo ↗ · Checked October 23, 2026.
TS5 Plus (US package)
4.2 out of 5from 22 ratings · B&H Photo ↗ · Checked October 23, 2026.
Host connection
The documented upstream protocol and connection limits.
Connector shape is not protocol support. A backward-compatible connection may lose some features.
TS4 (US package)Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 at up to 40 Gb/s; other host connections have feature limits.Source · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS4 specifications and packageChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
TS5 Plus (US package)Thunderbolt 5 at 80 Gb/s bidirectional; 120 Gb/s bandwidth boost is a separate mode.Source · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS5 Plus host and power requirementsChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Maximum documented host charging
The host charging limit for the reviewed package, not the power supply rating.
The host must accept the offered power. A model sold in multiple revisions needs package-specific evidence.
TS4 (US package)98 WSource · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS4 specifications and packageChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
TS5 Plus (US package)140 WSource · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS5 Plus host and power requirementsChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Charging conditions
Revision, host and rated-versus-certified qualifications.
Do not promise full charging under every workload or substitute the adapter wattage.
TS4 (US package)Maximum documented host charging is 98 W; the external power supply is rated separately.Source · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS4 specifications and packageChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
TS5 Plus (US package)Up to 140 W to a compatible host; the supplied 330 W adapter rating is not laptop charging power.Source · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS5 Plus host and power requirementsChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Nominal Ethernet rate
The maximum documented Ethernet link rate, not measured file throughput.
Host support, drivers, network equipment and cabling must all be suitable.
TS4 (US package)2.5 Gb/sSource · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS4 specifications and packageChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
TS5 Plus (US package)10 Gb/sSource · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS5 Plus host and power requirementsChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Ethernet conditions
Host and driver qualifications for the network port.
A physical network connector is not proof that the port works over every upstream connection.
TS4 (US package)A rated network link is not a measured file-transfer result; the host, driver, switch and cabling remain dependencies.Source · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS4 specifications and packageChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
TS5 Plus (US package)Ethernet requires a Thunderbolt host or USB4 with PCIe support. Windows requires the documented Ethernet driver.Source · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS5 Plus host and power requirementsChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Display arrangement
Documented display paths and host-dependent limits.
Check exact resolution, refresh rate, host GPU and simultaneous-screen requirements. Do not add alternative connectors together.
TS4 (US package)Use the manufacturer host/display matrix. GPU, operating system, display mode and any adapters control the usable simultaneous arrangement.Source · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS4 specifications and packageChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
TS5 Plus (US package)Use the manufacturer host/display matrix. GPU, operating system, display mode and any adapters control the usable simultaneous arrangement.Source · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS5 Plus host and power requirementsChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Built-in DisplayLink documented
Whether DisplayLink is established as part of the dock itself.
An optional external adapter does not become a built-in feature. Unknown does not mean absent.
TS4 (US package)Not verified
We have not verified this value. It is not a confirmed no or zero. Check the original source or ask the manufacturer if it affects your choice.
No explicit built-in DisplayLink declaration or denial was verified for this exact dock. Native display guidance does not settle every optional adapter.Source · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS4 specifications and packageChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
TS5 Plus (US package)Not verified
We have not verified this value. It is not a confirmed no or zero. Check the original source or ask the manufacturer if it affects your choice.
No explicit built-in DisplayLink declaration or denial was verified for this exact dock. Native display guidance does not settle every optional adapter.Source · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS5 Plus host and power requirementsChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Host and software requirements
Important software, host and configuration conditions.
Check the current manufacturer support page for the exact computer; no installed compatibility or security certification is claimed.
TS4 (US package)Verify the exact host port, GPU and display requirements. A USB data port on the dock is not automatically a display output.Source · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS4 specifications and packageChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
TS5 Plus (US package)Display and network features depend on host capabilities. Do not apply the full Thunderbolt 5 feature set to an ordinary USB-C connection.Source · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS5 Plus host and power requirementsChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Power arrangement and supplied equipment
Built-in or external power and reviewed package contents.
Confirm the regional mains cord before buying; a global product page is not a checked US checkout.
TS4 (US package)External 230 W power supply and power cord documented; confirm the US mains selection.Source · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS4 specifications and packageChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
TS5 Plus (US package)External 330 W power supply and power cord documented; confirm the regional cord.Source · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS5 Plus host and power requirementsChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Included host cable
The cable documented as supplied with this package.
A replacement cable needs appropriate protocol and power ratings; a matching connector alone is insufficient.
TS4 (US package)Thunderbolt 4 host cable, 0.8 m.Source · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS4 specifications and packageChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
TS5 Plus (US package)Braided Thunderbolt 5 host cable, 1.0 m.Source · 2026-10-11CalDigit: TS5 Plus host and power requirementsChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Questions to check before buying
TS4 (US package)Read the source notes for the exact package and operating conditions.
TS5 Plus (US package)Read the source notes for the exact package and operating conditions.
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