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Head-to-head · Best Docking Stations

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 vs Dell WD25TB4 Thunderbolt Dock

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 narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about professionals needing extensive connectivity — read the strengths below before deciding.

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 →
Dell WD25TB4 Thunderbolt Dock
Ranked #3 in Best Docking Stations
Dell WD25TB4 Thunderbolt Dock
4 sourcesall derived$231.99as of Aug 3

Dell laptop owners are the whole audience for the WD25TB4 Thunderbolt Dock, which supports dual 4K displays, fast USB-C charging, and a modular upgrade system. Laptop Mag, reviewing the previous-generation WD22TB4, praised that dock's 'unrivaled power delivery' and 'excellent performance,' and Mini PC Reviewer highlighted its 'sturdy design' and 'seamless integration.' Compatibility is restricted to Dell devices, and reviewers noted limited USB-A ports plus occasional coil whine. Professionals who want more connectivity out of a Dell machine will benefit; anyone on another brand or needing lots of legacy ports should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Supports dual 4K displays at 60Hz for enhanced multitasking and productivity
  • — Fast USB-C charging with SuperBoost technology reduces downtime
  • — Modular design allows easy upgrades with swappable modules for future technology
Watch-outs
  • — Full 130W charging and Dell-specific features need a Dell laptop; other Thunderbolt 4 hosts are capped at 96W
  • — Only two USB-A ports available, which may be insufficient for some users
  • — Some users reported coil whine noise under specific conditions
$231.99 · 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

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.

Dell WD25TB4 Thunderbolt Dock

The Dell WD25TB4 excels in dual 4K display support and SuperBoost charging but is limited to Dell devices, unlike the CalDigit TS4 which supports any Thunderbolt laptop. While it offers a modular design that the Anker 563 lacks, it only provides two USB-A ports compared to the Anker's more extensive port selection. The UGREEN Revodok Max surpasses it in Thunderbolt 4 performance and build quality, though the Dell dock offers better integration with Dell laptops and more reliable power delivery.

Specs side-by-side

SpecCalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4Dell WD25TB4 Thunderbolt Dock
Power Delivery98W130W
Ports182
Display Support2x 6K @ 60HzDual 4K@60Hz
Ethernet2.5Gb10GbE
USB Speed3x 10Gb/sUSB 3.2 Gen 2
ThunderboltThunderbolt 44
Weight2.43 lb0.99 lb
Audio3.5mm Headphone Jack3.5mm Combo Jack
Dimensions4.46"L x 1.65"W x 5.55"H12"L x 12"W x 3"H
Wattage230180 watts
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