Best Thunderbolt 4 Docks for Mac Compared!

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Күн бұрын

Today we are going to compare the 3 biggest names in Thunderbolt docks to see which Thunderbolt 4 dock is best for you. We are comparing the CalDigit TS4 vs OWC Thunderbolt Dock vs Anker 777 Apex!
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👀 Should you get a Thunderbolt Dock? • Should you get a Thund...
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0:00 Intro and overview
3:16 SSD Test
5:59 Display Support
7:45 Ethernet
8:31 USB and SD reader
11:49 Audio and Power
13:53 Which to get?

Пікірлер: 341

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

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@pyromethious Жыл бұрын

Wouldn't the data transfer be affected by some sort of caching done by the Mac? That might explain why the first one was slower than the others.

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

@@pyromethious possible, but I don’t think so. If you run the same test 10 times you will have slight variations. I did it again after the video and it was basically the same on all.

@PeterWitham Жыл бұрын

Greatly appreciate you going into all the details on each device, thank you for making it easier to wrap my head around Thunderbolt on the Mac.

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

Glad to help!

@maestrosteve Жыл бұрын

I bought a Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Dock, and have been using it for 4 months. It's been flawless. Similar looking to the OWC that you are reviewing. They may even be the same unit with a different name on it.

@fredaker8353 Жыл бұрын

Great review Jerry. I own the TS4 and want to warn viewers about buying this in the EU. That more powerful power supply you described comes at a painful price. It develops a high pitched squeal over time. This has been reported by multiple reviewers in Germany. Sometimes the replacement units have this defect as well. Caldigit does everything they can to discourage you from making a warranty claim. They will not provide an interim loaner. They also claim that due to Brexit that you will lose weeks of transit time in customs both directions. I am waiting to send mine back before an upcoming business trip to China. This is unacceptable quality and an unacceptable policy in a unit that costs so much more than the competition. I have moved my Synology Disk Station closer to my desk. Four Iron Wolf hard drives constantly spinning masks most of the painful TS4 power supply squeal.

@boldyboldyboldy Жыл бұрын

Thanks for letting us know, I'm sensitive to high frequenciers so definitely a no-buy for me then

@MiemoPenttinen 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for the warning!

@robertogonzalez6483 8 ай бұрын

Thanks boss

@artofdao 4 ай бұрын

Do you know the new ivanky for eu?

@eierchopf1 3 ай бұрын

I‘ve sent back 2 units because of this annoying ring! Waiting for the OWC dock now hoping to find peaceat last lol

@views40 2 ай бұрын

This video is AMAZING! Excellent information, well thought out, well written, and Jerry genuinely cares. Love it! Thank you :-)

@mwdiers Жыл бұрын

I've been through four CalDigit docks at work. They keep failing. Two had HDMI ports die because the ports were too close to the power in and this evidently caused the ports to fail from heat/cool stress. They each lasted about two months. The last one, a TS3+, started getting unstable randomly after about a year, and would disconnect/reconnect. I have the OWC dock in this video for my home office setup, and it's been solid for two years now. At work I am now using the newer OWC Thunderbolt Go Dock at work and so far it has been solid.

@jinraigami3349 5 ай бұрын

Dang! Considering the thicc body of CD, it should have been more durable than OWC.

@unc1589 Жыл бұрын

Excellent presentation! I went with the Caldigit T4 and used my points (I’ll keep and eye on your videos in the future!). Gotta say I’m happy as a pig in a slop jacuzzi. It’s got everything I need!

@jessherbst810 Жыл бұрын

Very comprehensive review, good job.

@TheThaiLife Жыл бұрын

At first, I thought, another doc video. But this is really the best one I’ve seen. Great information. Thanks for explaining in a much better way why people actually need these. I want one but until now I didn’t really understand what I would use it for. Now I do, thank you.

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful, which one are you getting?

@Ian-gf8id Жыл бұрын

For those that just need additional ports, and not a card reader / headphone socket / LAN connectivity, the Caldigit Element Thunderbolt 4 dock is excellent. Small, TB4 and USB-A, powered. I find it's an excellent expansion hub/dock for my Mac Studio.

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

Yes, the Element hub is also great!

@johnmanning8982 Жыл бұрын

Good video, Thanks. I just received the TS4 today after sending back the Anker. One item you may want to mention is the cable that comes with the units. I was pleased that the TS4 cable was Thunderbolt 4

@rgarlinyc 10 ай бұрын

Great insights - thanks a ton! I also need a Thunderbird dock for 4+ external 18TB discs - I'll check to see if you review this any where now...

@richardcarlson127 Жыл бұрын

I have both the OWC TD and the CalDigit TS4. I got the OWC first, before the TS4 was available and while it worked fine, it was nowhere near as elegant a solution as the TS4. Later on we got 2.5GB Internet here and the faster Ethernet port on the TS4 came in handy. My wife inherited my OWC when she switched from a Mini to a MBP and since her use case is less demanding than mine it is working just fine for her so the money did not go to waste. I have grown to really appreciate the TS4 since i have had it, it ticks all my boxes and works great.

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

That’s so awesome to hear! The ts4 is my preferred dock. It just has More of everything. More aluminum, more ports, more power.

@tr4nnel752 Жыл бұрын

I am curious, what compromises did you need to make with the OWC in comparison to the TS4?

@richardcarlson127 Жыл бұрын

@@tr4nnel752 The Ethernet is 1GB on the OWC, 2.5 on the TS4 (we have 2GB Internet here) and the TS4 has a DP, more USB, 3 audio ports vs 1, separate SD and uSD card slots as well as better port placement. On the OWC the computer port is on the front making for an awkward cable management situation, the TS4 is on the rear that allows you to keep the cables that are always plugged in going unseen.

@tr4nnel752 Жыл бұрын

@@richardcarlson127 Thanks, appreciated! I would also miss the DP port and understand the TS4 is more versatile.

@alastairleith8612 2 ай бұрын

@@JerrySchulzeand at significantly more cost you’d hope so.

@davidwalser462 9 ай бұрын

This was an excellent review.

@JimOutLoud 2 ай бұрын

Really great video! I do a lot of traveling multi-camera Zoom meetings. So the TS-4 is what I was leaning toward... and this video reaffirmed that decision.

@247LilJoker Жыл бұрын

Great video as always. Love your content. I have a question about the Caldigit but I guess it’s is something that could be tested on all of them. Can you use a MagSafe cable and still have it charge a MacBook Pro?

@madness8556 9 ай бұрын

I got the OWC Thunderbolt dock because unlike the Caldigit TS4 that I really wanted to own, it has that extra bit thunderbolt port missing on the Caldigit.

@richardegil Жыл бұрын

Thanks I about to make a purchase on a dock and these were all in contention. Your review has solidified my decision in the CalDigit, thanks!

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

Good choice and thanks for checking it out!

@Pomdaddy 11 ай бұрын

Thank you Jerry for a very informative video. I was looking into these very docks. I have an older OWC Thunderbolt 2 dock and have upgraded my older 2012 MBP to a newer MBP M1 and a Mac mini M1. Is it possible to keep my older dock and somehow connect a newer dock? Or just replace the older dock with a newer one? Thanks again for a very professional presentation.

@Vagabondo-fs6qu Жыл бұрын

Hello Jerry. Found this very informative. Looking at the equipment on your desk, it is quite the set up. How is everything connected, i.e. cable/wiring diagram?

@ed61730 Жыл бұрын

Omg i've been looking for a product like the ts4 since i got my 16" m1max! Will defo get this sometime

@daviddas 9 ай бұрын

Nice vid. Wish you had posted a graphic comparison chart (especially of port configurations), which would have made it a lot easier for me to zero in on all the factors that matter to me.

@jamesspo Жыл бұрын

Good job. Very helpful. 👍

@markrussell. Жыл бұрын

I have the CalDigit TS4, probably one of the best things I ever bought for my computing needs. Worth every penny!

@DaneReidVoiceOver Жыл бұрын

Me too and I agree

@JoeGibbs Жыл бұрын

Jerry, great timing on this video. I have been struggling to find a hub for my 2021 M1 Macbook Pro with little success. Comparing these 3 docks clarified my decision. Thanks!!

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

Awesome. Which one are you getting?

@JoeGibbs Жыл бұрын

@@JerrySchulze The Caldigit TS4. Had considered the other 2 contenders, and recently tested and returned the Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station. Turned out it only did mirror mode for 2 displays on my 2021 M1 Pro. I am currently using my trusty TwelveSouth StayGo hub. It works in a minimalist fashion but needs to be retired for something better.

@JoeGibbs Жыл бұрын

The front audio port was a deciding factor, well plus the higher power for charging and more ports. . I like being able to plug in headphones and watch it override the rear speaker connections.

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

I just noticed the tip, thank you very much!

@khoifoto Жыл бұрын

I've been using the OWC dock for a long time with my M1 Max Macbook Pro. I also use Anker PowerExpand 5-in-1 Thunderbolt 4 Mini Dock to add more thunderbolt ports.

@musicman0024 11 ай бұрын

Super helpful. Thank you!

@JerrySchulze 11 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

@stephenkeever6029 Жыл бұрын

This is a really well done video on the 3 top docks and I found it very helpful. I have been looking at the OWC Thunderbolt Pro Dock on sale that is closer to the CalDigit features but at a lower price.

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

Ya, that dock confuses me. 10g ethernet is awesome but one usb port, one thunderbolt port for stuff....it just doesn't have enough for the price, in my opinion.

@JasonTaylor-po5xc Жыл бұрын

@@JerrySchulze Yeah, I wish it had more ports too, but other 10G options cost nearly $200-$300 alone - so if 10G is important, that seems like a solid choice. Compared to 2.5G adapters are in the $70 range - which makes the TS4 a bit spendy for what you get.

@bryans8656 Жыл бұрын

I've purchased OWC products in the past and they've been very reliable, so I would lean toward their dock.

@richardyuen5786 11 ай бұрын

I've been using a Sonnet Echo 11 Thunderbolt 4 Dock for over a year and it has been really great. No complains, always connects perfectly. I also have an older Caldigit TS3 which I still use.

@PaulSpaccavento Ай бұрын

No coil whine on the Sonnet Echo 11?

@anthony7400 Жыл бұрын

You might want to also review Displaylink based docks for people that want to drive more then 1 display from a MB Airs and even Mini.

@JustinFYI Жыл бұрын

This video answered all of the questions I would have had to sift through. Thank you Jerry!

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

Awesome!

@retomusterle2419 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the comparison, really appreciated. As you have a 10GB network, is there still no Thunderbolt dock with 10GB network?

@jesst.427 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this. I am looking to get the MacBook Pro M2 16’ model. Will I be able to use 3-4 external 1080p monitors on the TS4?

@mahmood1212 Жыл бұрын

Thank you. Very helpful.

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@jacquelynnacopoulos1278 19 күн бұрын

Hello, Thank You For Sharing and Update. I got it. Thank You Again.

@Diego_USA-BR Жыл бұрын

Great video! Thank you!

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@jaysgood10 Жыл бұрын

The power supplies for these docks are as large as the docks themselves. That’s why I went with the OWC Thunderbolt Go. Built in PS and host port on the side. Cheaper than the Cal Digit too.

@steven7488 Жыл бұрын

I hope the next-gen CalDigit TS4 can add a power button, so I can turn it off to save energy when I'm not using it

@leoyoung7547 2 ай бұрын

I work in the movie industry. I manage data on set. What I needed was to expand the number of high-speed ports I had. I copy off of the original media to at least three other drives. I wanted every port to be able to run at at least 10 Gb/s. I also have at least one TB3 reader. I chose the OWC. It even has USB A ports for my external mouse and keyboard. I had one unit die on me and there was no issue getting it replaced - over the weekend!

@JerrySchulze 2 ай бұрын

what did you replace it with?

@adsertheblade 4 ай бұрын

Hi, and thanks for the great video. I have an M1 Macbook and bought a Wavlink dock to connect it to my LG 5k2k and my RME audio interface, so I can have more real-estate when recording and mixing music. For some reason, the incoming audio is distorted in a way I'm not even sure I can describe, so recording becomes impossible, unless I unplug the screen, in which case it's perfect. The power adapter states 200w output, so I'm not sure that's what's making it fall short. Any idea if any of your offerings would solve the problem? Thanks for your time.

@darrellhornick7764 Жыл бұрын

The extra Thunderbolt 4 ports on the TS4, would they be a good way to hookup and run external monitors as well? Not really wanting to use HDMI or Display ports for monitors. I have a MacBook M1 Pro and want dual monitors. I have dual monitors now but one keeps going to sleep randomly which I don't understand.

@butlerwm Жыл бұрын

I own the OWC TB4 Hub rather than the Dock. The hub has 3 separate TB controllers; one for each port. It's what made my buying choice 2 years ago since the CalDigit equivalent at the time had a single TB controller for its 3 ports. Do you know how many controllers are in each of the three devices you've reviewed here?

@leicaman Жыл бұрын

I’ve owned the TS3 and TS4. There really is no competition for those who need Thunderbolt 4. I wish they would put Compact Flash ports on the next version.

@brentsmithline3423 Жыл бұрын

Hate host port on the front. That is the main reason I purchased the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock. Other reason it is a Thunderbolt 4 device so I should be able to use it for a number of years.

@ToddWhiteStudios 11 ай бұрын

Hello. Great video! I just got my M2 Max 16" laptop. Want to get a dock for it. Noticed the Mac power supply is 140w and these put out lower power. To be clear, I DO NOT plan to use a dock to power my Mac. I just want it to connect devices - ethernet, hard drives, audio (but not required) and I will use the HDMI connection on my Mac for the additional screen. So just the Mac display + HDMI out to second screen.... suggestions? Thanks in advance

@ed_ms Жыл бұрын

I'm using a Caldigit TS3+, the previous model. Very satisfied of it, and very reliable. There is really only 1 downside: the price. Especially after buying a MacBook which aren't the cheapest laptops out there either. All things considered, for me, it's worth the cost. All my stuff is connected and neatly organized thanks to this little grey box. In the mean time the MacBook stays charged, great for the battery life, and on the front ports I always have the possibility to quickly charge a mouse, or keyboard or whatever, without having to unplug anything else in my set-up.

@cszulu2000 6 ай бұрын

What if you went a completely different way, create a bag that goes from both ends of the fence, behind the saw, and a connection for hose in the middle or two hose connections on each side of the saw?

@bikertlk 11 ай бұрын

Good Day Sir I have a questions regarding Caldigit TS4. I am using this with a Dell XPS 15 9520 I get a weak charging state , please check power charger warning on the task bar, is there anyway to make this go away. I am a fairly new subscriber to your channel and am currently going thru your back catalog of videos and am finding them most useful Thanks

@transitengineer Жыл бұрын

Thank you, for this excellent review of these three (3) Thunderbolt 4 Docks. For myself, the Cal-Digit is the best (but also looks in my option ugly) and the OWC dock appears to be the weak model (but, has the best stylish looks).

@galoki5654 11 ай бұрын

I have the Mac mini M2 pro. using the OWC Thunderbolt Dock, performance was good. issue I have with it is when the Mac is in sleep mode, my 2 LG 27UK850s would constantly wake and go to sleep. OWC support was no help. I happen to also. have the OWC Thunderbolt Hub and so far have not had that issue.

@Leinsterbaby Жыл бұрын

I don't get the idea of putting the host port in front .... dock is meant to clean up the mess and that sort of, defeats the purpose, I would never buy a dock with a host port upfront (also considering the money asked for them). Thank you for your work.

@vargavision Жыл бұрын

Agreed.

@moonrunner8791 11 ай бұрын

Wrong

@jasonshortphd 9 ай бұрын

Because people sit their laptop in front of the dock and plug it in. Typically the laptop is open with the laptop screen still being used. If it is in the back, then it can fall down the back of the desk, people are lazy they don’t like to have to reach behind it. Only Mac people set their laptop on its side and don’t use the screen while docked. :)

@alin.danila 8 ай бұрын

The majority of these docks are designed for laptop people who need a desktop experience (hence the LAN port, HDMI for monitors etc.) I hate the front host port. Almost nobody takes into account the needs of desktop setups. I want: - only USB-C / TB4 ports (no LAN, no HDMI, no DP, … hell no USB A) - a built-in NVME slot at full speed (ideal as “working” drive / backup) - Cfexpress Type B … would be awesome

@Leinsterbaby 8 ай бұрын

@@alin.danila with a desktop, why would you mind tho? It won’t be very visible, likely … for laptop people yea, but desktops have plenty ports and likely dock away from view …

@Smack0r Жыл бұрын

Actually, I have never come across the Anker. What I did come across, though, is the Dell WD22TB4, which is rarely mentioned anywhere.

@alanwdougherty 8 ай бұрын

Can the Caldigit output 4k at HFR 120Hz+ over USB-C to HDMI 2.1 adaptor on an M1 MAC PRO? Currently, the M1 PRO will only work over specific USB-C to HDMI 2.1 adaptors with specific firmware when directly connected. Otherwise they remain capped at 60HZ

@stevecampisano3116 Жыл бұрын

Hey Jerry, I pulled the trigger on a Mac Mini M2 Pro .... I have 4 monitors (one 4K and three 2K) ... will I be able to connect all four monitors using the TS4?

@scotttild 4 ай бұрын

I have tried almost all of them and my 2016 Mac keeps telling using too much power. Do any of these work well with an older Mac ?

@maiba02 Жыл бұрын

Nice review! What about coil whine? Do any of them make some sort of electromagnetic noise when plugged? Cheers

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

None that I have heard.

@bt82 Жыл бұрын

Does the anker work with a Mac? The product page says it’s not compatible with m1 macs. It doesn’t mention m2 but I guess they weren’t out when this dock launched.

@fanjan7527 9 ай бұрын

Are there any benefits in these docks using both Thunderbolt ports on the Macbooks?

@yorgohoebeke 2 ай бұрын

Do any of these allow for a MacBook air m2 to connect to two external screens?

@conneryjohnson 11 ай бұрын

Do these units require power or can I use it for SD transfers from mg iPad without AC power?

@davidcarrico3385 Жыл бұрын

I have the Anker for the hdmi ports. I have found that adapters to hdmi have been really unreliable so like the dedicated hdmi ports.

@WilliamDecker 11 ай бұрын

You should probably outline the fact the Anker 777 doesn't support non-mirrored output on the M1/M2 macbooks. After watching this and purchasing the Anker 777, even though the product description for the Anker 777 says non-M1 (which I assumed was Thunderbolt 4 limitations) Macbooks, it won't do a non-mirrored display. Critical information in my opinion when doing a comparative between these.

@twistacatz 4 ай бұрын

Are you sure about that? Looking at product page it looks like you can. One display on one of the two HDMI ports with the other display on the TB4 port.

@souptime4109 Жыл бұрын

Work at a place that uses large volumes of the anker 777, thing is extremely buggy and frequently refuses to connect to systems or display video outs across MacOS and Windows. Requiring tons of restarts before it works again.

@jm56481 Жыл бұрын

I got one of these TS4 docks the first week it came out after some crappy experience with a Anker TB3 dock. Never had a single issue running 2 External displays one is 1440p 140hz and a 4k 60hz display. Im a software engineer and have found the 98w charging for my MBP 16 inch has been adequate although I wish it could provide the full 140W the Apple charger can provide.

@deandollahite4779 5 ай бұрын

I can’t find any docks that allow the full 140w which is odd.

@amigatommy7 3 ай бұрын

Have a calDigit and OWC. The calDigit has no sdCard slots but both run about the same. More heat with the smaller calDigit. Never tried the OWC internet port as I use a 10mb system at home.

@hmurchison8123 Жыл бұрын

Come on people. Jerry is awesome at explaining tech....let's get him to 50k Subs. Reward solid Content Creators. Great job JS

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

I appreciate that!

@WhittyPics Жыл бұрын

Your recommendation of the CalDigit Dock solved the drive disconnect issue I was having with my 2020 27" iMac. I guess mechanical drive need a powered dock?

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

That’s awesome! Ya my guess is the Mac ports just were not going it enough power.

@bujin5455 5 ай бұрын

Of course, the real question here is how stable are each of these docks. Back when I bought my OWC dock, I bought and returned a dozen other docks because they all had various issues. Such a sleep issues, where the system wouldn't sleep. Or things would disappear after sleep. Or connections to various things wouldn't work or wouldn't be stable. Reliability, stability, and functionality, are seriously big issues, and far more important to talk about in a review than just what ports are on the docks (which you can get from a spec sheet). I wish people would test the things you can only figure out by having your hands on the units. Like whether or not there were any weird behaviors over the course of a month of real world usage. Docking and undocking, sleeping, having a range of different kinds of devices plugged in, and unplugged, without power cycling the computer, etc.

@JerrySchulze 5 ай бұрын

I can honestly say, I have had Zero issues with CalDigit docks. Also, no problems with others so it comes down to features you want.

@bujin5455 5 ай бұрын

@@JerrySchulze I'd sincerely like to think that feature set is the only distinguishing consideration. However, I have no idea what sort of testing you did, nor how exhaustive it was, over what period it was performed. I know from my own experience, which I have a fair amount of it, most docks have weird issues (in fact, perhaps all of them). And if you read the reviews for most docks, you see those issues come up there as well. It's not a simple matter designing a dock that works 100% as expected. Even the OWC dock you reviewed here (and which I own, and have been using extensively for over a year) is not 100% perfect in this regard. Every so often it won't detect a displace on wake (about two to three times a week), and I'll have to power cycle the display to get the display to show up again (this issue is only present through the dock). Another weird dock issue is that when you use USB-C to HDMI, through the dock, periodically it will randomly shuffle the display order when the computer wakes up, making it so which monitor is primary, and how they relate to each other is altered. Thankfully I was able to workaround this issue by buying USB-C to Display cables, otherwise the OWC dock would be going back as well. So you see, I don't have a lot of faith in your assessment, as your testing is not good enough for you to be aware of issues the OWC dock has, and thus I don't trust your assessment of the other docks either.

@JerrySchulze 5 ай бұрын

I dont care if you trust me and I am not trying to sell you. All I can do is offer what my experoences have been. I have used the TS4 almost exclusivley for more that 2 years (before it was publiucly released). For about 6 months I used with non-apple displays and for more than a year with the studio display. Not one single issue. I also had the TS3+ for about 2 years with the same experience. Hope that helps.

@bujin5455 5 ай бұрын

@@JerrySchulze I don't suspect you do care if I trust you or not, but the value of a review is only as good as you can trust it (I hope the reason for that is obvious). Since you are providing reviews, you should try to make those reviews trust worthy (and I don't mean that in the salesmanship "you can trust" me sense, I mean that in the engineering QA sense, that is, it's a review worthy of producing confidence), assuming you want your reviews to be valuable as reviews. If you "don't care," then perhaps you should consider doing something you do care about. 🤷🏽‍♂ My OP simply said I'd find your review more valuable if it reviewed elements of the experience I couldn't figure out simply by reading the product page (which was most of your review). However, if you don't want to step it up to that level that's fine, I'm sure you'll have an audience with those people who can't bother to read the product copy.

@JerrySchulze 5 ай бұрын

That was the wrong phrase to use. My point is that I can only share my experiences and it is up to you if that is helpful or not. I hope so.

@alanbuck83 Жыл бұрын

Hi jerry I have a hdmi monitor. Do you know if I get adapters from display port to hdmi will I see any issues? Thanks for this look into docks. One of the best videos ive looked over yet. Cheers Alan

@gregorymoore2877 4 ай бұрын

You can get a DisplayPort to HDMI cable. Be sure it's an "active" cable because the "passive" ones won't work.

@Guironey Жыл бұрын

thxxxx for thisss

@sphchurch 6 ай бұрын

Question. Running a Mac mini 2018 addition. Have three external drive string to run. I currently use 3 usb hubs to get enough ports for all my peripherals. Each at least 10-1. Could I take one of the caldigit TS4’s plug my three unpowered hubs in and get the mini to quit shutting off two of drives?

@JerrySchulze 6 ай бұрын

I woud guess not, they are probably pulling to much power. Something like the Element Hub might work and is a powered hub.

@JaredHoyman Жыл бұрын

Google saw that I have been researching this for my macbook pro m2 for the last month and shoved your video in my face. I have my mac connected hdmi 2.1 at 120hz to my lg oled. Would I be able to get 120hz with an hdmi 2.1 adapter to display port with the caldigit? Just sub'd ;)

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

Hi thanks so much for watching and google for shoving it in your face! Yes, you can do that but you would need to have an "active" adapter like this...shop.caldigit.com/us/Adapters%20and%20Cables/Adapter%20?product_id=214

@dyanunrau8547 10 ай бұрын

Hi! Thanks tor the video! I just got a Mac Studio M2, and I'm having a hard time finding a docking station that will support 2 extended displays, most arent compatible yet with the M2 studio, or will only mirror, or will only do one display. The CalDigit looks like it might, but seems hard to get in Canada... any ideas?? Thanks!!

@JerrySchulze 10 ай бұрын

Any of these will do 2 extended displays along with the new Satechi thunderbolt dock. Have you checked the website directly?

@daviddas 9 ай бұрын

Also - I use a MBP driving a 4k TV. I learned the hard way that plugging in Mac > hub > HDMI > TV results in a picture that exceeds the boundaries of the 4k TV, and mysteriously, Apple disables the overscan setting, so I can't fix it! However, if I plug in the MBP's native HDMI port > TV, it works perfectly. I wish I knew why, and I'd be curious to know if any of these 3 docks DON'T have this problem.

@JerrySchulze 9 ай бұрын

No issues with a 4k display, not sure about a tv.

@daviddas 9 ай бұрын

@@JerrySchulze thanks for the reply. Tempting to try them...

@Soul_Visuals_Photography Жыл бұрын

I have a 24 inch iMac and I edit from external drives. I do photography and videography. So having four ports on the back just isn’t enough. This was a great video and I think I have made my decision to go with the OWC.

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@ryan6391 Жыл бұрын

What about reliability of software and firmware. Having a older Plugable USB-C I have a lot of problems with getting display link software to run my 2 monitors. Do all 3 of these need extra software to run or does Apple just plug and play? Thanks great video!

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

There has been an update recently for the TS4 but in my year and a half with the ts4 I have had no issues. If the Pluggable is using displaylink to create additional fake GPUs for more displays I can see more updates being required.

@FastRedPonyCar Жыл бұрын

I've had the previous generation TS3 Plus since 2018 and it's been a champ. It's $100 cheaper than the TS4 and still a very capable device if you don't need the absolute fastest USB/TB transfer speeds.

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

It is great and same thunderbolt speed.

@Genjokoan Жыл бұрын

I have Nikon Z mirrorless cameras that use XQD cards. There are only a very few docks that are XQD capable. So right up front, almost every TB4 dock has ~$100 of kit completely useless to me. The newest Thunderbolt OWC Pro Dock, with CFexpress Type B (XQD compatible) card reader at $330 looks interesting. If they added a couple of M.2 NVME slots it would be very interesting indeed.

@uddyalok23 2 ай бұрын

Dont think that CF Express B reader will read your XQD cards. I shoot Nikon mirrorless too and am looking for a dock which can read both XQD and CFB. Additionally, i read somewhere else that the OWC Pro Dock (not the one being discussed in this video) is a rebranded model of another company that OWC acquired (could be rumor). Reading various negative reviews about the TS4 too (read reviews on Amazon, B&H, Adorama etc), unfortunately this is a difficult decision.I guess I am looking for a set it and forget it dock and it looks like neither OWC or Caldigit satisfy those requirements convincingly.

@stuARTvideoproductions Жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, hey is the card reader on these docks faster than the card reader thats built into my Mac Book Pro (M1 Max)

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

In my tests, yes. Maybe about 15-20%

@bobafett9162 8 ай бұрын

can u daisy chain an eGPU to those over Thunderbolt 3?

@vfrvfr1023 Жыл бұрын

Returned the TS4 as the ethernet doesn't wake up correctly. Major issue for such an expensive device, and cal digit workarounds did not work for me. It also runs very hot. Ended up going with OWC dock but the TB3 version. My laptop only has TB3, and IMO this dock is much better anyway - it has all the connections on the back (but some additional on the front if required) and has both SD card sizes, and USB3 and USBC on the front. Its just a better design and Mini DisplayPort works fine. It also runs much cooler than the Caldigit, and nvme thunderbolt drive performance was marginally better. If the TB4 version ergonomics were the same I would have got that for future proofing. Didn't try the Anker. Using an i9 MacBook Pro.

@Valleedbrume Жыл бұрын

The host port on the front is a show stopper for me.I don’t want wires on my desk.Just my preference.

@BernardoCarignano Жыл бұрын

Great review, the only who highlighted the rear audio port and the rear connection for MAC to keep the desktop well organized without cables on the front!

@PeterJaquesMusic Жыл бұрын

For me the TS4 is the clear winner. I want the host port on the back, since the TB cable will be (semi) permanently connected anyway. On the front I need a variety of good ports, for temporarily connecting drives for audio sessions. (why would Anker put USB2 on the front?! They expect people to connect, what, a keyboard there?)

@Kynetguy Жыл бұрын

I have a couple few USB 2.0 capture cards. I would like them to share the bandwidth of a single TB4 port since there is more than adequate bandwidth without killing the entire USB bus. Which dick would be best? Or will they all accomplish what I want and it comes down to a question of port configuration? Is there a more cost effective solution? I have tried a couple usb 3.0 and 3.1 docks, they all seem to fail.

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

Yes thunderbolt would handle it all and any one of these are capable as long as it has the number of ports you need.

@shoalins55 Жыл бұрын

I returned my Caldigit. It would not wake up my laptop when it was closed. They have patches to help solve the problem, but it's not for all systems and it still didn't work for my 2019 Dell XPS running windows 11.

@peterwg725 Жыл бұрын

Can it be use for saving files into an external hard disk outside of a Mac. My thumb drive too. Thanks for helping😅

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

Yes, absolutely

@wanglee21 2 ай бұрын

If traveling and using it in a car/bus/train, will the docks work without being plugged into a battery bank or wall?

@JerrySchulze 2 ай бұрын

No they will not. Something like the CalDigit soho maybe a better option.

@s991534 11 ай бұрын

Are they come with US/Eur/UK plug?

@paulgero Жыл бұрын

Superb review. Very clear and precise. The caldigit will be the one I need.

@sameershah860 Жыл бұрын

Hey Jerry. I'm so confused as to which one to get. I need a powered dock for my music studio setup. I need to connect: > 1 USB port for HDD ( I will switch to an SSD, from which I will need 10Gbps transfer speed) > 1 USB Audio Interface (I could try switching to USB-C for this one if needed) > 1 USB port for MIDI keyboard > 1 USB port for powering my LED strips > 1 USB-C for monitor DELL S2722DC (2K @ 75Hz) > 1 USB-C for connecting my 2020 Macbook Pro 13" > 2 Ethernet ports to connect my studio sound monitors (1 port would work too) > maybe an extra USB-C port just in case? Idk which Hub to get. Also another question: I have a monitor that sends 65W of power through it's USB-C connectivity cable. If the USB Hub is gonna be powered, and the monitor is also sending 65W of power, do I need to be worried about anything for the macbook?

@gregorymoore2877 4 ай бұрын

Ethernet port to connect your speakers? What kind of speakers do you have?

@edwardmiller887 6 ай бұрын

I checked with Anker. The 777 is not compatible with the M1 chipset. Additionally, they told me the Anker 777 would not support 2 monitors on my Macbook Pro with the M2 Pro chipset.

@IanLeaRobinson 3 ай бұрын

Are there any docks that have 5 USB-C ports for input audio, SSD drives, and camera adapters, a 10GbE Ethernet input from NAS, and a Thunderbolt 4 connection for the MacBook Pro M2 Max as well as 2 monitor USB-C display ports and a CF-Express slot?

@uddyalok23 2 ай бұрын

Reading my mind here!

@himboslice_ 8 ай бұрын

my ts3+ died after 4 years, got a killer deal on the microsoft surface tb4 dock and it's been solid so far. didn't need all the fatures of the ts4.

@JerrySchulze 8 ай бұрын

thats cool!

@alastairleith8612 2 ай бұрын

12:03 there is such a thing as a 4 pin 3.5 mm male jack to 2x 3 pin 3.5 mm female jacks converter available on ebay for about $4

@arielperez6400 Жыл бұрын

I have a need to connect 3 usb a devices that must connect directly to my Mac mini to work properly. Will any of these docks expand my (1) 40gb usbc port on my mini to connect all 3 usb a ports as though they were directly connected to the mini?

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

yes, all of them, as long as they have enough usb ports for you.

@DanielRodriguez-fg5ll Жыл бұрын

very useful video. A few things I did not notice that I would suggest could be things to cover in the next video on these topic: 1) whether one really needs a TB4 dock versus a TB3. I bet that for 99.9% of your viewers, CalDigit TS3 is a better deal than CalDigit TS4. 2) overheating do to continuos use specially 3) whether it makes sense to get two docks or to connect the most crucial TB4 device separately to the machine (e.g. when laptops have different TB4 controllers per port); 4) possibility to daisy chain. I have an older 2020 iMac 5k, and I use a CalDigit TB4 element hub (it has 3 TB ports I think) connected to the iMac and two CalDigits TS3 connected to the hub.

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

Hi, I covered daisy chaining in a previous video but the only issue with connecting 2 TS3s to an Element hub is that you are restricting to a single 40gb connection. if you need that many ports you would be better off load sharing between 2 ports on the Mac.

@DanielRodriguez-fg5ll Жыл бұрын

@@JerrySchulze many thanks. that makes sense. I typically leave one of the TB3 behind the iMac for whenever I connect an eGPU. I figure, if both TB3 ports on the imac Are controlled by the same TB3 controller in the motherboard, then they are anyway constrained by 40gb regardless of how many hubs I use. no?

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

@@DanielRodriguez-fg5ll Each port on the Mac has its own 40gb channel so you can fully saturate each port.

@DanielRodriguez-fg5ll Жыл бұрын

@@JerrySchulze oh in the 2020 iMac 5k too? wow, thanks for sharing. I will give it a try to split the two CalDigits

@gsh0cked Жыл бұрын

Hi Jerry, is there a dock that allows me to hook up a MacBook pro and Mac Studio?

@JerrySchulze Жыл бұрын

Not a dock but I believe a thunderbolt KVM exists that could sit between the dock and 2 computers.

@bluediver712 6 ай бұрын

If I'd like to connect two 6K 32" displays to MacBook Pro M3 Pro what kind of and how many ports I have to have to get the expected 6K resolution with the highest refreshment rate? If I also would like to connect an external 8T SDD which slot should I use to get max speed?

@gregorymoore2877 4 ай бұрын

Is it the Apple Pro Display XDR? Doesn't that support display daisy chaining via Thunderbolt?