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    HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISON

    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.

    Our Pick

    CalDigit TS4

    Scored 9.4/10 in our testing

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    Best Overall

    CalDigit TS4

    Best Thunderbolt 4 dock with 18 ports and 98W laptop charging

    Overall:9.4/10Winner
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    Best Budget TB4

    Plugable TBT4-UDX1

    Best budget Thunderbolt 4 dock under $200 with essential ports

    Overall:9/10
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    Score Breakdown

    CalDigit TS4CategoryPlugable TBT4-UDX1
    9.7/10 ✓Performance8.8/10
    9.7/10 ✓Features8.5/10
    9.2/10 Ease of Use9.2/10
    8.5/10 Value✓ 9.5/10
    9.4/10 ✓Overall9/10

    Specs Comparison

    CalDigit TS4SpecPlugable TBT4-UDX1
    18 total — 3x TB4, 5x USB-A, USB-C, SD, Ethernet, audioPorts11 — TB4, HDMI, USB-A x4, USB-C, Ethernet, audio
    Dual 4K@60Hz or single 8KDisplaySingle 4K@60Hz or dual 4K@30Hz
    98W laptop charging via TB4Charging96W laptop charging
    40 Gbps Thunderbolt 4Speed40 Gbps Thunderbolt 4
    Aluminum — compact vertical designBuild2-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 Amazon

    Read the full Best Thunderbolt 4 Docks 2026 guide for complete reviews of all 3 products.

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