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Head-to-head · Best Docking Stations

Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub vs CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.1 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about professionals needing extensive connectivity — read the strengths below before deciding.

Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub
Ranked #6 in Best Docking Stations
Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub
3 sources2 derived$48.16as of Aug 1

Creatives who need several connections at once are the target for the Anker 555 USB-C Hub. Fstoppers praised the 4K 60Hz HDMI output and PC Tech Bits found the data transfer speeds reliable. It handles pass-through charging up to 85 watts and includes Ethernet, USB-A, USB-C, and card readers. PC Tech Bits cautioned that it needs a quality charger to avoid performance issues, and Reddit users reported occasional compatibility quirks. MacBook Air and Pro owners get the most out of it; Linux users and people with older devices may not.

Strengths
  • — Compact and lightweight design at 4.5 ounces with small footprint
  • — 4K HDMI output at 60 Hz supporting high-definition displays
  • — 85-watt pass-through charging capability for power delivery
Watch-outs
  • — No rubber feet provided, causing potential sliding on surfaces
  • — Requires separate USB-C cable and power adapter for full functionality
  • — Charging performance drops with power-hungry laptops or overloaded ports
$48.16 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Docking Stations
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4
8 sources$379.99as of Aug 1

TechRadar's Collin Probst gave the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt Dock a full 5-star review and called it the gold standard for Thunderbolt docks. It carries 18 ports, four of them Thunderbolt 4 connections, delivers 98W of power, and the build quality feels durable enough to trust on a busy desk. The Verge's Dan Seifert called it 'nearly perfect' with the most well-equipped configuration available, though he flagged the $380 price tag as a significant drawback. Both reviewers agree on the superior port selection and performance, and both note the bulk. Power users and professionals who need maximum connectivity are the audience, not casual users or anyone shopping on portability or affordability.

Strengths
  • — Incredible 98W power delivery supporting fast charging for laptops and peripherals
  • — Fantastic port options with 18 total ports including 3x 10Gb/s USB-C, 5x 10Gb/s USB-A, and dual 6K displays support
  • — Extra Thunderbolt 4 ports providing high-speed data transfer and device connectivity
Watch-outs
  • — Costs noticeably more than most Thunderbolt 4 docks, and the two-year warranty is shorter than some rivals offer
  • — No HDMI output, so an HDMI display needs an adapter or a DisplayPort connection
  • — Bulky external power supply that reviewers flagged as a cable-management problem
$379.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub

The Anker 555 8-in-1 Hub is more compact and affordable than the CalDigit TS4, but lacks the 98W power delivery and 18-port configuration that makes the CalDigit a powerhouse for demanding users. Compared to the Plugable USBC-9IN1E, it offers more ports and better charging capabilities, though the Plugable has a more plug-and-play design and doesn't require a separate power adapter. Unlike the Anker 563, it provides better HDMI output and pass-through charging but is less versatile in terms of port variety.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4

The CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 stands out with its 18-port configuration and 98W power delivery, making it superior to the Anker 563 10-in-1 Docking Station which only offers 100W charging and fewer ports. Unlike the UGREEN Revodok Max, it provides better overall connectivity with dual 6K display support and no HDMI limitations, though it's significantly more expensive at $399.99. Compared to the Dell WD25TB4, it offers more universal compatibility and better port variety, but lacks the modular upgrade system that Dell's dock provides.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAnker 555 8-in-1 USB-C HubCalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4
Power Delivery100-watt input, 85-watt pass-through charging98W
PortsHDMI, USB-A 3.2, USB-C 3.2, Ethernet, SD, microSD18
Display Support4K at 60 Hz HDMI output2x 6K @ 60Hz
EthernetGigabit Ethernet2.5Gb
USB Speed10 Gbps USB throughput3x 10Gb/s
ThunderboltNoThunderbolt 4
Weight0.28 lb2.43 lb
Audio3.5mm Audio Jack3.5mm Headphone Jack
Dimensions—4.46"L x 1.65"W x 5.55"H
Wattage—230
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