Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jul 27
ZDNET Picks CalDigit TS4 as Best Laptop Dock With 18 Ports and 98W Charging
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jul 27

ZDNET Picks CalDigit TS4 as Best Laptop Dock With 18 Ports and 98W Charging

2 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jul 27

Summary

  • CalDigit’s TS4 took ZDNET’s top overall spot in its latest expert-tested laptop docking station rankings, ahead of rivals from Kensington, Baseus, Dell, Belkin, Satechi, Orico and Anker.
  • 18 ports, 98W power delivery and support for dual 4K displays or an 8K monitor drove the TS4’s win, with ZDNET citing broad compatibility across Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and even iPads.
  • Price remained the main drawback: the TS4 costs about $380 and does not support triple-monitor setups, leaving room for alternatives tailored to specific users.
  • Kensington’s $220 SD5000T5 stood out as the most powerful option with Thunderbolt 5, up to 140W charging and triple 4K support, while Satechi’s $400 CubeDock was named best for MacBook users.
  • The roundup reflects a wider shift toward faster Thunderbolt 5 docks and more specialized designs as buyers weigh port count, display support, charging power and operating-system compatibility.

Insights

With Thunderbolt 5 driving dock prices sky-high, is upgrading truly necessary or just an expensive trap for average users?
Despite promises of one-cable simplicity, could the confusing mix of USB4 and Thunderbolt standards actually ruin your multi-monitor setup?
As new docks integrate built-in SSDs and smart displays, are they quietly replacing traditional desktop PCs for modern hybrid workers?