CalDigit TS4 vs Plugable TBT4-UDX1
We compare the CalDigit TS4 and Plugable TBT4-UDX1 head-to-head on performance, features, value, and more. Here's which one wins.
CalDigit TS4
Scored 9.4/10 in our testing
CalDigit TS4
Best Thunderbolt 4 dock with 18 ports and 98W laptop charging
Plugable TBT4-UDX1
Best budget Thunderbolt 4 dock under $200 with essential ports
Score Breakdown
| CalDigit TS4 | Category | Plugable TBT4-UDX1 |
|---|---|---|
| 9.7/10 ✓ | Performance | 8.8/10 |
| 9.7/10 ✓ | Features | 8.5/10 |
| 9.2/10 | Ease of Use | 9.2/10 |
| 8.5/10 | Value | ✓ 9.5/10 |
| 9.4/10 ✓ | Overall | 9/10 |
Specs Comparison
| CalDigit TS4 | Spec | Plugable TBT4-UDX1 |
|---|---|---|
| 18 total — 3x TB4, 5x USB-A, USB-C, SD, Ethernet, audio | Ports | 11 — TB4, HDMI, USB-A x4, USB-C, Ethernet, audio |
| Dual 4K@60Hz or single 8K | Display | Single 4K@60Hz or dual 4K@30Hz |
| 98W laptop charging via TB4 | Charging | 96W laptop charging |
| 40 Gbps Thunderbolt 4 | Speed | 40 Gbps Thunderbolt 4 |
| Aluminum — compact vertical design | Build | 2-year warranty + US support |
CalDigit TS4
Pros
- + 18 ports — most on any dock
- + 98W charging — powers any laptop
- + Dual 4K or single 8K
- + Compact vertical design
Cons
- − Expensive — $400+
- − TB4 cable sold separately on some SKUs
- − Runs warm under full load
- − Overkill for basic setups
Plugable TBT4-UDX1
Pros
- + Under $200 — cheapest TB4 dock
- + 11 essential ports
- + 96W laptop charging
- + US-based support
Cons
- − Single 4K@60Hz only
- − Dual 4K drops to 30Hz
- − No SD card reader
- − Plastic build
Our Verdict
Based on our scoring, the CalDigit TS4 comes out on top with an overall score of 9.4/10. The CalDigit TS4 is the king of Thunderbolt docks. 18 ports cover every peripheral imaginable. 98W charging powers even MacBook Pro 16-inch. Dual 4K@60Hz or single 8K display output. The vertical aluminum design is compact on a desk. One Thunderbolt cable connects everything. This is the dock that eliminates all dongles permanently.
Buy the CalDigit TS4 on AmazonRead the full Best Thunderbolt 4 Docks 2026 guide for complete reviews of all 3 products.