Caldigit TS5 Plus: The Thunderbolt 5 Dock with Plenty of Ports & Power
If you're searching for a Thunderbolt dock that offers extensive connectivity, substantial power delivery, and cutting-edge performance, the Caldigit TS5 Plus is a compelling option to consider. Designed to harness the power of Thunderbolt 5, this dock promises to streamline your workspace by connecting your computer to multiple displays, speakers, networks, and other devices—all through a single cable. Let’s dive deep into what makes the TS5 Plus stand out, who it’s designed for, and whether it’s the right dock for your setup.
Initial Impressions and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the Caldigit TS5 Plus impresses with its solid build quality and classic Caldigit design. What’s especially neat is its versatility in placement: equipped with rubber feet, you can position the dock either horizontally or vertically, adapting easily to your desktop setup.
Included in the box is a high-quality braided Thunderbolt 5 to Thunderbolt 5 cable—although, I wish it were a bit longer to allow more flexible computer placement relative to the dock. Alongside this, Caldigit provides a hefty 330W power adapter, crucial for powering both your computer and the numerous devices connected to the dock.
Thunderbolt 5 Compatibility and Bandwidth Advantages
The TS5 Plus is engineered to take full advantage of Thunderbolt 5 technology, offering up to 80 gigabits per second bandwidth in standard mode and a boosted speed of 120 gigabits per second when used with devices like Apple Studio displays or other high-resolution Thunderbolt displays.
This is double the bandwidth offered by Thunderbolt 3 and 4, making it an excellent choice for users with demanding data transfer needs. However, to fully utilize this bandwidth, you’ll need a Thunderbolt 5 compatible computer. The dock is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and select USB4 versions (such as USB4 V2), but running it with older standards caps your bandwidth at 40 gigabits per second.
It’s important to note that the TS5 Plus is not designed to work with USB-C iPads like the iPad M3 or iPad A16. For iPad users, a Thunderbolt-capable iPad is necessary to leverage the dock’s full potential.
Comprehensive Port Selection: Front and Back
The TS5 Plus boasts an impressive total of 20 ports, offering extensive connectivity options for a wide range of devices.
Front Ports
UHS2 SD card slot and micro SD card slot, perfect for quickly offloading files
Two 10 Gbit/s USB-A ports, one delivering 36W for charging power-hungry devices like iPads
A headset port
An additional USB port
Having the high-power USB port on the front is a thoughtful touch, making it easier to charge devices without reaching around the back.
Back Ports
DC power input for the 330W adapter
10 Gbit Ethernet port, a standout feature for fast wired networking
Four USB-A ports
Three USB-C ports
Headphone out and microphone in ports
DisplayPort for connecting external monitors
Host Thunderbolt 5 port to connect the dock to your computer
Two additional Thunderbolt 5 ports for daisy-chaining compatible devices
This extensive port selection means you can keep multiple USB devices plugged in simultaneously without compromise—ideal for complex setups involving audio interfaces, musical equipment, external drives, and more.
Limitations and Display Support
While the TS5 Plus offers a generous number of ports, there is one notable limitation: it only has two additional Thunderbolt ports on the back. If you’re using one for a high-end display like the Apple Studio Display, that leaves only one Thunderbolt port for other devices. Attempting to use two Thunderbolt displays simultaneously will prevent daisy-chaining any additional Thunderbolt devices.
That said, the inclusion of a DisplayPort on the dock is a welcome feature, especially since many other docks have recently omitted DisplayPort or HDMI. Caldigit recommends using USB-C to HDMI adapters on the Thunderbolt ports rather than the USB data ports to ensure optimal performance.
The dock supports dual external displays on macOS, and up to three displays on Windows, provided you use the Thunderbolt or DisplayPort connections for your monitors.
Power Delivery and Network Connectivity
The TS5 Plus delivers up to 140W of power to your host computer through the Thunderbolt connection, ensuring your laptop stays charged during heavy workflows. The two Thunderbolt ports on the back each supply 36W, and the front USB port also provides 36W, while the remaining USB-C ports offer up to 7.5W each. This ample power distribution supports even the most demanding bus-powered devices.
One of the dock’s standout features is its integrated 10 Gbit Ethernet port. This is a fantastic inclusion for users who want to connect to ultra-fast wired networks or NAS devices without needing an additional adapter, saving both money and desk clutter.
Dual USB Controllers for Maximum Bandwidth
The TS5 Plus also features dual USB controllers, which means the USB ports on the front and back each have dedicated 10 Gbit/s bandwidth. This is a significant advantage over many docks that share a single USB controller, splitting bandwidth among all ports and potentially throttling performance.
With seven USB ports on the back and three on the front, this dock ensures you won't run out of space or speed for your USB devices.
Who Should Invest in the TS5 Plus?
The Caldigit TS5 Plus is tailored for users with numerous data-intensive and power-hungry USB devices. Whether you require the 10 Gbit Ethernet port, multiple USB ports, or the convenience of a built-in DisplayPort, this dock consolidates everything into one neat package.
However, I recommend purchasing the TS5 Plus primarily if you have or plan to upgrade to a Thunderbolt 5 computer. Using it with Thunderbolt 4 or earlier devices will limit your bandwidth to 40 Gbit/s, potentially creating bottlenecks when connecting multiple high-resolution displays or fast external drives.
For example, if you own an M4 MacBook Air with Thunderbolt 4, the dock will function but won’t unleash its full capabilities unless you don’t max out all ports.
Comparing the TS5 Plus with Other Caldigit Docks
Caldigit offers a few alternatives worth considering:
TS5: Very similar to the TS5 Plus but lacks the 10 Gbit Ethernet port. It does include one additional Thunderbolt port, which might be preferable if you need more Thunderbolt connectivity but can forgo the ultra-fast network connection.
Element 5 Hub: A simpler, more minimal option with plenty of Thunderbolt and USB ports but no SD card slots or built-in Ethernet. It’s more of a hub than a full-featured dock.
Choosing between these depends on your specific needs—if network speed and card reader availability are priorities, the TS5 Plus stands out as the best all-in-one package.
TS5 Plus vs. Sonnet Echo 13 SSD Dock
Another competitor to consider is the Sonnet Echo 13 SSD Dock. It offers fewer USB ports but includes one extra Thunderbolt port and is made of metal, which some users might prefer for durability and aesthetics.
A unique selling point for the Sonnet Echo 13 is its built-in SSD, which can be a great convenience but also drives the price higher depending on the SSD capacity you choose.
If your priority is having the 10 Gbit Ethernet port and a cleaner setup with more USB ports, I’d lean towards the Caldigit TS5 Plus. But if you want integrated SSD storage and an extra Thunderbolt port, the Sonnet dock is worth a look.
Final Thoughts
The Caldigit TS5 Plus is a premium Thunderbolt 5 dock designed for power users who require a multitude of ports, robust power delivery, and high-speed network connectivity in one streamlined solution. Its sturdy build, extensive port selection, and thoughtful features like dual USB controllers and a 10 Gbit Ethernet port make it a standout choice for professionals and creators alike.
While it carries a $500 price tag, the investment reflects Caldigit’s reputation for reliability and the comprehensive feature set packed into this dock. If you have a Thunderbolt 5 computer or plan to upgrade soon, and you need a dock that can handle a demanding desktop setup with multiple displays and USB devices, the TS5 Plus should be at the top of your list.
Before purchasing, carefully assess your current devices and connectivity needs to ensure this dock fits your workflow perfectly. Whether you choose the TS5 Plus or another option, having the right Thunderbolt dock can significantly enhance productivity and simplify your workspace.
If you have questions or want to explore more about Thunderbolt docks and accessories, feel free to reach out or leave a comment. The right dock can transform your computing experience, and the Caldigit TS5 Plus is certainly a strong contender.
