CalDigit TS5 vs TS5 Plus
The TS5 has more downstream Thunderbolt ports for $100 less. The TS5 Plus has more total ports, 10GbE and front-facing access.
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Quick answer
Get the TS5 ($399.99) if you chain Thunderbolt devices. It has three downstream TB5 ports and Tom’s Hardware calls it the best option for most people. Get the TS5 Plus ($499.99) for 10GbE, 20 ports and front-facing SD, microSD and USB-C, if you can live with its large 330W power brick.
Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026
Check CalDigit TS5 Thunderbolt 5 Dock price (opens in a new tab)Check CalDigit TS5 Plus Thunderbolt 5 Dock price (opens in a new tab)
Key facts at a glance
| CalDigit TS5 Thunderbolt 5 Dock | CalDigit TS5 Plus Thunderbolt 5 Dock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.99 | $499.99 |
| Total ports | 15 | 20 |
| TB5 downstream | 3 | 2 |
| Ethernet | 2.5GbE | 10GbE |
| Card readers | SD and microSD UHS-II | SD and microSD UHS-II (front) |
CalDigit makes two Thunderbolt 5 docks.
CalDigit TS5 Thunderbolt 5 Dock vs CalDigit TS5 Plus Thunderbolt 5 Dock: side-by-side
| TS5 | TS5 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.99 | $499.99 |
| Total ports | 15 | 20 |
| TB5 downstream | 3 | 2 |
| Ethernet | 2.5GbE | 10GbE |
| Card readers | SD and microSD UHS-II | SD and microSD UHS-II (front) |
| Front ports | — | 2× 10Gbps USB-C, USB-A, cards, audio |
| Host charging | 140W | 140W |
| Cooling | Passive | Passive |
How much do they cost?
CalDigit TS5 Thunderbolt 5 Dock plans
| Item | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| CalDigit store | $399.99 | Shown out of stock when checked |
CalDigit TS5 Plus Thunderbolt 5 Dock plans
| Item | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| CalDigit store | $499.99 | Windows Central notes it sells out |
What are the pros and cons?
CalDigit TS5 Thunderbolt 5 Dock: pros
- Three TB5 downstream ports
- $100 less
- Tom’s Hardware’s top pick
CalDigit TS5 Thunderbolt 5 Dock: cons
- 2.5GbE only
- No front ports
CalDigit TS5 Plus Thunderbolt 5 Dock: pros
- 10GbE
- 20 ports
- Front card readers and USB-C
- DP 2.1
CalDigit TS5 Plus Thunderbolt 5 Dock: cons
- Large 330W brick
- Two TB5 downstream
- Overkill for many (Windows Central)
Which should you choose: CalDigit TS5 Thunderbolt 5 Dock or CalDigit TS5 Plus Thunderbolt 5 Dock?
For most desks, the TS5 is enough and costs less. The TS5 Plus is for people with 10GbE networks or who want card readers and ports on the front.
Choose CalDigit TS5 Thunderbolt 5 Dock if…
- You connect several Thunderbolt drives or displays
- You want to save $100
Choose CalDigit TS5 Plus Thunderbolt 5 Dock if…
- You have 10GbE networking
- You use SD cards often
- You want ports on the front
Displays
CalDigit says the TS5 Plus can drive four monitors only with an M5 Max Mac; most laptops support fewer. Check your laptop’s Thunderbolt display limits first. For other TB5 docks, see best Thunderbolt 5 docks.
Older CalDigit docks
If your laptop has Thunderbolt 4, the previous-generation TS4 is covered in Kensington SD5700T vs CalDigit TS4 and best Thunderbolt 4 docks.
Frequently asked questions
Which has more Thunderbolt ports?
Do they charge laptops at the same speed?
Are they fanless?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
- CalDigit: TS5 (us.caldigit.com)
- CalDigit: TS5 Plus (us.caldigit.com)
- Tom’s Hardware: Thunderbolt 5 docks tested (May 2026) (tomshardware.com)
- Windows Central: CalDigit TS5 Plus review (windowscentral.com)
Related
OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock vs CalDigit TS5
Both docks deliver 140W and Thunderbolt 5 speeds. The OWC is smaller and $70 cheaper; the CalDigit has four more ports, including three 10Gb/s USB-C.
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comparisonKensington SD5700T vs CalDigit TS4
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