You bought a sleek, powerful MacBook Pro or Dell XPS. But now your desk is a mess of dongles, adapters, and cables just to connect a monitor and a mouse. This is called "Dongle Hell," and it kills your productivity.
A simple USB hub ($30) isn't enough for creators. You need a Thunderbolt 4 Dock. It turns your laptop into a full desktop workstation with a single cable.
The king of docks is the CalDigit TS4. It costs as much as an iPad, but for power users, it is the best investment you can make for your setup.
CalDigit TS4 Dock: $399.95
RESULT: 1 Cable for Everything
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| The Ultimate Thunderbolt 4 Dock to End 'Dongle Hell' Forever |
Why Do You Need Thunderbolt 4 (Not USB-C)?
Cheap USB-C hubs share bandwidth. If you plug in a 4K monitor and a hard drive, your internet slows down.
Thunderbolt 4 offers a massive 40Gbps bandwidth. This means you can run dual 6K monitors, charge your laptop at nearly 100W, and transfer files at lightning speed simultaneously—all through one cable.
CalDigit TS4 vs. Anker 778: Battle of the Docks
These are the two heavyweights in the docking station market. Let's see which one deserves a spot on your desk.
| Feature | CalDigit TS4 | Anker 778 Thunderbolt 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Ports | 18 Ports (Insane) | 12 Ports |
| Charging Power | 98W (Charges MacBook Pro Fast) | 100W |
| Display Support | Dual 6K 60Hz | Quad 4K (via HDMI) |
| Build Quality | All Metal (Heat Dissipation) | Plastic/Metal Mix |
Why CalDigit TS4 is the "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time)
1. 18 Ports in One Block
It has everything: 2.5Gb Ethernet (for fast internet), SD & MicroSD card slots (for photographers), 5 USB-A ports, 3 USB-C ports, and high-fidelity audio jacks. You will never run out of holes to plug things into.
2. 98W Charging Power
Most docks only offer 60W or 85W charging, which isn't enough for a 16-inch MacBook Pro under heavy load. The TS4 delivers a massive 98W, so you can leave your Apple charger in your backpack.
3. It Works with Everything
Unlike some docks that are "Mac only," the TS4 works perfectly with Windows PCs, Chromebooks, and even iPads. It is truly plug-and-play.
🚀 The "Single Cable" Life Setup
Step 1: Plug your monitor, keyboard, mouse, ethernet, and speakers into the back of the CalDigit TS4.
Step 2: Keep the dock at the back of your desk to hide all those messy cables.
Step 3: When you come home, plug JUST ONE Thunderbolt cable into your laptop.
Step 4: Boom. Your laptop is now charging, connected to the internet, and displaying on two monitors instantly.
Final Verdict: The Heart of Your Desk
If you just browse the web, a $30 dongle is fine. But if you are a video editor, developer, or gamer who wants a clean, powerful desk setup, the CalDigit TS4 is non-negotiable.
It’s expensive, yes. But it buys you sanity and speed every single day.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Prices are accurate as of January 2026. We may earn a commission from affiliate links.
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