The USB-C Pro Dock is also larger than the TS3 Plus, but for the price, we think this model's sacrifices are forgivable.

But it doesn't have a spare Thunderbolt 3 port, so you can't daisy-chain Thunderbolt devices. This dock has three fewer USB ports (three are USB-A, and one is USB-C), an SD card slot, two DisplayPort outputs, Ethernet, and audio, and it supports the same 85-watt power output. It's also designed to be compatible with computers that have USB-C but not Thunderbolt 3, making it a good fit if you need a dock that can work with lots of different kinds of computers. If a cheaper USB-C hub or dock can't meet your needs and you need the extra bandwidth of Thunderbolt 3, this CalDigit model has the best combination of ports, size, and shape we've yet found.īy subscribing, you are agreeing to Engadget's Terms and Privacy Policy.ĬalDigit's USB-C Pro Dock is less expensive than the TS3 Plus but has most of the same features. All current Apple laptops and desktops have Thunderbolt 3 ports, as do a lot of newer PCs, such as our top ultrabook picks check your computer's manual. And while most docks have a horizontal orientation, you can also position the TS3 Plus vertically to minimize its footprint. It also has an SD card slot, a DisplayPort connector (which works with HDMI via an inexpensive adapter), Gigabit Ethernet, audio-in and -out jacks, and an S/PDIF jack for digital optical audio-the last one a rarity in these devices. The CalDigit TS3 Plus has the most useful array of connections we found, starting with two Thunderbolt 3 ports, five USB-A ports, and two USB-C ports (one USB 3.2 Gen 1, one USB 3.2 Gen 2). It has more useful ports than most docks, it can charge most laptops at full speed, and it takes up little room on a desk. Read the full guide to thunderbolt 3 docks.Īfter putting in more than 25 hours of research and hands-on testing 13 Thunderbolt 3 docks with more than $7,000 worth of high-end gear, we think CalDigit's TS3 Plus remains the best choice for Mac or PC owners who need to connect multiple displays, USB-A input devices, and high-speed storage. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter.

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