CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock – 87W Charging, 7X USB 3.1 Ports, USB-C Gen 2, DisplayPort, UHS-II SD Card Slot, Gigabit Ethernet for Mac & PC, Thunderbolt 4 Compatible (0.7m/2.3ft Cable)
CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock – 87W Charging, 7X USB 3.1 Ports, USB-C Gen 2, DisplayPort, UHS-II SD Card Slot, Gigabit Ethernet for Mac & PC, Thunderbolt 4 Compatible (0.7m/2.3ft Cable)
Reviewed by: Daniel Roberts
United Kingdom
The CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock has long been recognized as one of the most powerful and reliable docking stations for both Mac and PC users. Built with professionals and power users in mind, this dock expands a single Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 port into a comprehensive workstation hub with an impressive array of connectivity options.
One of the standout features is its 87W charging power, which is strong enough to keep high-performance laptops like MacBook Pros fully charged while in use. This is a huge advantage for creatives and professionals who need to run multiple demanding applications without worrying about battery drain. Unlike many docks that only provide 60W or 65W charging, the TS3 Plus delivers near full-capacity charging for most modern laptops.
The dock includes a remarkable 15 ports of connectivity, with 7 USB 3.1 ports (both USB-A and USB-C), a USB-C Gen 2 port for faster data transfers, and a UHS-II SD card reader that is perfect for photographers and videographers dealing with large media files. The inclusion of Gigabit Ethernet ensures a stable wired internet connection, which is essential for professionals who need consistent speeds for large uploads, video calls, or cloud-based workflows.
Display connectivity is handled through Display Port 1.2, which allows users to connect high-resolution monitors up to 4K at 60Hz. When paired with Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C video adapters, you can achieve dual-monitor setups with excellent clarity and smoothness. For designers, editors, and multitaskers, this makes the TS3 Plus an indispensable tool.
Another key strength of the CalDigit TS3 Plus is its build quality and design. Compact yet durable, the aluminum enclosure not only looks professional but also helps with heat dissipation during heavy use. Its vertical or horizontal orientation gives flexibility for different desk setups, and the included 0.7m (2.3ft) Thunderbolt cable provides ample reach without adding clutter.
Compatibility is another major advantage. While it is marketed primarily as a Thunderbolt 3 dock, it is also fully Thunderbolt 4 compatible and works across mac OS and Windows. For Mac users, especially those with M1 Pro, M1 Max, M2, or Intel-based Mac Books, it delivers seamless plug-and-play functionality. PC users with Thunderbolt 3/4 laptops or even USB-C ports will also find excellent performance, though some features like dual 4K monitors may depend on system limitations.
For media creators, the UHS-II SD card slot is a welcome feature. It dramatically speeds up the transfer of large RAW photo files and 4K video footage compared to standard UHS-I readers. Combined with fast external drive connections via USB-C and Thunderbolt 3, it makes content management far more efficient.
In conclusion, the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock remains one of the best all-around docking stations available. It offers powerful charging, unmatched port selection, professional-grade build quality, and compatibility across platforms. Whether you’re a creative professional, software developer, or business user, this dock transforms your laptop into a fully functional desktop workstation.
Final Verdict: ★★★★★ (5/5)
A premium docking solution that delivers power, speed, and versatility. Ideal for Mac and PC professionals who demand the best in connectivity and reliability.
