Quick Summary
- 1The CalDigit TS5 is recommended over the TS5 Plus for most Mac users despite having fewer ports.
- 2It delivers 64 GB/s max PCIe bandwidth and up to 140W of Power Delivery.
- 3The dock includes an additional Thunderbolt 5 downstream port compared to its sibling.
- 4It is priced $100 less than the TS5 Plus, offering superior value.
Quick Summary
The search for the perfect Thunderbolt 5 docking station for Mac has a clear frontrunner. After a month of hands-on testing, the CalDigit TS5 has proven itself to be the superior choice for the majority of Mac users, even when compared to its more powerful sibling.
While the TS5 Plus offers a higher port count, the standard TS5 strikes an ideal balance of performance, connectivity, and value. It provides the essential bandwidth and power delivery needed for modern workflows while maintaining a more accessible price point.
Performance Parity
At its core, the CalDigit TS5 delivers the same foundational performance metrics as the higher-end TS5 Plus. Users can expect a maximum PCIe bandwidth of 64 GB/s, ensuring rapid data transfer for external drives, GPUs, and other high-speed peripherals.
Power delivery is equally robust, with the dock capable of providing up to 140W to connected devices. This is sufficient to charge even the most demanding MacBook Pro models, keeping your workstation powered and ready without the need for a separate charger.
The key differentiator lies in the port selection. The TS5 features a total of 15 ports, which is fewer than the TS5 Plus. However, this configuration includes a critical advantage for certain setups.
- 64 GB/s maximum PCIe bandwidth
- Up to 140W Power Delivery
- 15 total connectivity ports
"It provides 64 GB/s max PCIe bandwidth, up to 140W of Power Delivery, and a heaping helping of I/O."— Product Specifications
Strategic Connectivity
Where the CalDigit TS5 truly distinguishes itself is in its thoughtful port arrangement. It includes an additional Thunderbolt 5 downstream port compared to the TS5 Plus, a feature that provides greater flexibility for daisy-chaining or connecting multiple high-resolution displays directly to the dock.
This specific configuration makes the TS5 exceptionally versatile. For professionals who need to connect a chain of Thunderbolt devices or a complex multi-monitor setup, this extra downstream port can be more valuable than the additional ports found on the larger model.
The "heaping helping of I/O" ensures that all standard connectivity needs are met, from USB-A and USB-C to Ethernet and audio, creating a single-cable solution for a complete desktop environment.
It provides 64 GB/s max PCIe bandwidth, up to 140W of Power Delivery, and a heaping helping of I/O.
Value Proposition
Beyond its technical specifications, the CalDigit TS5 presents a compelling financial case. It is priced $100 less than the TS5 Plus, making high-performance Thunderbolt 5 technology more accessible to a broader range of users.
This price difference is significant when considering that the TS5 does not compromise on the core performance metrics that matter most. Users receive the same top-tier bandwidth and power delivery, along with a strategic port selection that is better suited for many common Mac workflows.
The decision to recommend the TS5 over the TS5 Plus is rooted in this balance of capability and cost. For most users, the extra investment for the TS5 Plus does not translate to a meaningful improvement in their daily computing experience.
The Verdict
After extensive real-world use, the conclusion is clear. The CalDigit TS5 is not merely a compromise but a strategic choice that optimizes for the needs of most Mac users. It delivers flagship-level performance where it counts.
The combination of 64 GB/s PCIe bandwidth, 140W power delivery, and the unique inclusion of an extra Thunderbolt 5 downstream port creates a versatile and powerful hub. This is all achieved while maintaining a more attractive price point than its sibling.
For anyone building a modern Mac workstation, the TS5 represents the sweet spot of functionality and value in the Thunderbolt 5 ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
The CalDigit TS5 sets a high bar for what a Thunderbolt 5 dock should be: powerful, versatile, and reasonably priced. Its success lies in understanding that more ports are not always better; the right ports are.
As more Mac users adopt Thunderbolt 5, the TS5's specific configuration will likely become the benchmark for a balanced, user-centric design. It proves that top-tier performance and thoughtful connectivity can coexist without a premium price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CalDigit TS5 and TS5 Plus share the same core performance, including 64 GB/s PCIe bandwidth and 140W power delivery. The main differences are that the TS5 has 15 ports (fewer than the Plus) but includes an extra Thunderbolt 5 downstream port and costs $100 less.
The TS5's key advantage is its strategic port selection, which includes an additional Thunderbolt 5 downstream port. This provides greater flexibility for daisy-chaining devices or connecting multiple displays, making it ideal for many professional workflows.
Yes, the CalDigit TS5 delivers 64 GB/s of PCIe bandwidth and 140W of power delivery, which are the same high-performance metrics as the TS5 Plus. This makes it fully capable of supporting demanding tasks like data transfer from high-speed drives and charging powerful laptops.
The TS5 is recommended for most Mac users because it offers the same essential performance as the TS5 Plus but at a $100 lower price. Its unique port configuration, with an extra Thunderbolt 5 downstream port, is also more beneficial for many users than the additional ports on the Plus model.
