CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock Review

The CalDigit TS3+ is probably one of the best USB-C Thunderbolt 3 docks on the market right now. It's so good that even Apple offers it for sale on their website. If you have a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or even a Windows laptop, you can't go wrong with one of these.

Featuring multiple connectivity options such as thunderbolt 3 ports, multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, displayport, ethernet, and even a digital out - you'll have all the ports required for your editing, student, design, office, or development needs. I personally use it with my Dell 4K display. Don't forget that this dock also provides up to 87 watts of charging capability, so it will also charge your laptop!

Products mentioned in this video:

🔥 EXCLUSIVE YOUTUBE VIEWER DEALS:

⌨️ MAC ACCESSORIES I USE:

⚡ SOCIAL MEDIA + OTHER LINKS:

00:00 Introduction
02:10 Unboxing
03:44 Ports Overview
04:50 External Displays & Device Speeds
06:20 My CalDigit TS3+ Desk Setup
09:47 Negatives
10:41 Conclusion

#m1macbook #caldigit #createdtech
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Disclaimer: Some of the above links are affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase. These are all products I have personally tested and highly recommend. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[samiam]

$567! Makes me even more determined to wait for the 14” MBPs. Hopefully Apple gives them some more use ports including a SD card reader...

[LarryBecker]

A good review with many valid points. I would probably buy this $250 dock for my M1 MacBook Pro except it is only Thunderbolt 3. The competing OWC version of a VERY SIMILAR dock, also priced at $250, has Thunderbolt 4 ports and that extra speed for no extra money is the deciding factor for me.

[mkfreel]

The optical audio out is an appealing feature. If you are connecting an external DAC you won’t have to use up a USB port. Plus my Schiit Modi 3 would look right at home stacked on top of the TS3.

[TavishMan]

Can I switch off charging with this dock or will my laptop constantly be charged while plugged in to it?

[AndrewRockYoutube]

I almost bought the Caldigit but did not want to waste the money on a work around for the low number of ports for the M1. Instead, I got the Samsung CJ791 Thunderbolt 3 Monitor and it virtually eliminates the need for a docking station at all.

Andrew

[pkerry]

100% I recommend this dock I bought this for my M1 mac last year it is still the best thunderbolt dock you can get on the market with 15 ports its a must get

[VnDuzen]

Bought this 2 years ago for around 250 GBP. Haven't looked back ever since. Never gave me any issues and it is build LIKE A TANK.

[dimkatgr]

If you close the MacBook’s lid would the monitor shut down as well?

[tbheightsproductiify]

Nice review. Can I also know where you got the wall tiles from? looks amazing with the RGB LEDs!

[ajfromca]

M1 macs won’t support dual monitors on this dock, it’s a limitation on the MacBook. Intel macs and windows devices will support dual monitors no issues.

To dual monitor on a M1 Mac you need to use a displaylink dock.

[aigor]

what about the DP cables? did you try the first one you've got and it worked? or you had to try a few? asking cause I just had to return thr SOHO, which didn't show any image from my MBP M1 1st gen and just to get any image from some random DELL had to try 3 cables. I hope to have better luck with this one. Besides, some people also say that this dock (TS3) is causing some problems when hybernating, and then waking up it blocks the pc. Did you experience anything like that?

[sanjindervisevic]

Maybe a great dock, but the price is insane (at least in my country). It's 1/3 of the price I paid for the MacBook m1 air. Not worth it!

[WilliamVargasphotography]

Question: If you plug in the Macbook/Windows laptop to the dock with the lid closed, is there a way to power the laptop on or wake it up? There's no buttons on the actual dock as must docking stations have.

[devarni]

How does it compare to the OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock, which is praised by a lot of people? I search for a dock with at least 4 USB3/USB-C ports

[NarimanKenessariyev]

Thank you for this review! Is that 3.5mm headphone jack compatible with Apple Earpods? I mean can that single jack provide sound and mic?

[ChadEveryday]

My problem is my Macbook randomly ejecting my external drives while working on projects. Do you know if this dock will help prevent that? or is this a software issue?

[azatecas]

If any of you are looking for a cheap PC/Linux ONLY thunderbolt 3 Dock, I recommend the old dell tb16 docks. I found one for $35 on Ebay and it came with the power charger. the only downside is that it isnt Mac compatible for whatever reason. I wont display out or use Ethernet. But it works great on other Lightning devices.

[megalomaniacko]

Would it always charge your laptop until fry out your battery or it allows turning the juice off keeping the other docks usable? Thanks!

[CapNRGMusic]

$250 on Amazon... Dude - My PC is hooked to a VERY nice doc that cost about $80 and has a LOT more ports and has worked with every Mac I have tried it with as well... I got it at Best Buy!! I hope the CalDigit comes with some lube... lol

[ozhenry]

Sorry mate how did you connect your monitor to the dock I have the same monitor but my usb c cable won’t work