CalDigit TS5 Plus Dock Review: Ports, Power & Performance

If you're searching for CalDigit TS5 Plus dock, you're probably wondering how this new dock enhances your Thunderbolt 5 Mac experience. Right from the first word: the CalDigit TS5 Plus dock delivers maximum port variety, robust 90 W power delivery, and blazing transfer speeds—everything Mac users need. In this review, we’ll answer the most common questions: Does it support dual 4K displays or even 8K? How fast are the USB‑C and Ethernet connections? Is the power brick bulky or practical? You'll get clear, friendly insights backed by real usage experience.

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Unboxing and build quality of the CalDigit TS5 Plus dock

The moment you open the box, the CalDigit TS5 Plus dock impresses with its sturdy black aluminum finish—visually matching Space Black MacBook models. It measures roughly 6 × 5 × 1.8 inches, and while the included 330 W power brick is longer and flatter than the dock, it tucks neatly under a desk. The design includes ridged surfaces for passive heat dissipation, and the braided Thunderbolt 5 cable and rubber feet are high-quality touches. You feel the build expertise CalDigit is known for as soon as you touch it.

Ports, power delivery and performance

With the CalDigit TS5 Plus dock, you get more ports and speed than many competitors. At the sides and front you’ll find:

  • A 10 Gb/s USB‑A port (7.5 W) for charging accessories like AirPods or Apple Watch.

  • Two 10 Gb/s USB‑C ports up front: one offering 7.5 W and the other a full 36 W for fast charging iPhones, iPads, or MacBook Airs.

  • Dual UHS‑II SD / microSD card slots with up to 312 MB/s transfers—perfect for photographers and videographers.

  • An audio combo jack for headsets, plus a power‑on LED indicator.

At the back, there are ports like dual Thunderbolt 5 with 90 W laptop charging, DisplayPort 2.1 capable of up to 8K@60 Hz or dual 4K displays, 10 Gb Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet fallback, additional USB‑A/C ports, and an optical S/PDIF out for advanced audio setups. The dock’s networking performance stays rock‑solid even under heavy file transfers over 10 Gb Ethernet.

The power delivery is a standout: while it's not the most compact adapter, its flat brick design stays neat under your desk, and the 330 W rating more than meets MacBook Pro power needs—even while driving multiple displays and external SSDs.

Real‑world usage and value of the CalDigit TS5 Plus dock

After weeks of everyday use, it's clear the CalDigit TS5 Plus dock was designed by people who use MacBooks like pros. It powers my MacBook Pro reliably, charges iPads and phones quickly, handles SD card offloads with minimal delay, and drives screens with crystal‑clear visuals. Compared to smaller docks like Anker's, it may feel bulkier—but you gain six extra ports, faster Ethernet, and more flexible charging. That trade‑off makes sense for professionals who need total connectivity and power.

On the software side, no dedicated driver installation was required. macOS recognizes everything instantly. If you want extended desktop, high‑resolution video, fast storage access, or reliable internet, this dock handles all tasks without hiccups.

Is the CalDigit TS5 Plus dock worth it?

In summary, the CalDigit TS5 Plus dock offers unmatched port flexibility, robust power, and high-end performance for Thunderbolt 5 Mac users. It's particularly well‑suited for creative professionals, developers, or anyone serious about workspace efficiency. The dock's single drawback—its relatively large power brick—is offset by six extra ports, dual 4K or 8K display support, and reliable Gigabit to 10 Gb Ethernet.

If your workflow includes HD or 4K media editing, frequent SD card transfers, or multiple device charging in addition to working with a Thunderbolt 5 Mac, the CalDigit TS5 Plus dock is a compelling, well‑engineered solution.

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