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Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station (11-in-1, USB4) vs CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against docking stations at a similar price

The CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock scores 7.3/10 overall, ahead of the Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station (11-in-1, USB4) at 5.4/10.

The CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock leads on displays, charging and power, ports and bandwidth, compatibility and reliability and ethernet and value.

The biggest difference is ports and bandwidth, where the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock scores 9/10 to the Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station (11-in-1, USB4)'s 6/10.

Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station (11-in-1, USB4)

Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station (11-in-1, USB4)

5.4/10verdict: good, not the best

The Anker 568 is a USB4 dock for Windows laptops that need up to three monitors and laptop charging over one cable. It gives the laptop up to 85W after its own draw and adds front USB-C ports with 30W each. It is a poor match for MacBooks, and owner reports of display and Ethernet drops make it a weaker choice for buyers who want a trouble-free desk.

Check price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

7.3/10verdict: buy

The CalDigit TS4 is for people who want one cable to connect a laptop to a large set of peripherals. It suits Windows laptops, Intel Macs and M1 Pro or M1 Max Macs that need two external screens and lots of fast USB. It is a poorer match for original M1 Mac owners who want two displays, or anyone who needs HDMI.

Typically about £369.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightAnker 568 USB-C Docking Station (11-in-1, USB4)CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Displays25%5/107/10
Charging and power20%7/108/10
Ports and bandwidth20%6/109/10
Compatibility and reliability20%4/106/10
Ethernet and value15%5/106/10
Overall5.4/107.3/10

Specifications

SpecAnker 568 USB-C Docking Station (11-in-1, USB4)CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Connects withUSB4 upstream host port, 40 Gbps, up to 100W to the laptopThunderbolt 4 host port; compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C (USB4) and USB-C computers, Chromebook, iPad Pro/Air/mini, iPhone 15 (USB-C), Windows Tablet. Minimum OS: macOS 11.4 (Big Sur) or above, Windows 10 (20H2) or above
External displaysUp to 3 external monitors: 1 HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz) and 2 DisplayPort (8K@30Hz or 4K@60Hz); with three connected, maximum 4K@30HzOne built-in DisplayPort 1.4; up to dual 4K 60Hz (Intel Macs, Windows, Chrome OS); up to dual 6K 60Hz (M1 Pro/M1 Max Macs); original M1 Macs do not support dual displays; single monitor up to 8K
Laptop charging100W maximum to the laptop via the USB4 port; 85W for the laptop after the dock's own 15W draw98W laptop charging from Thunderbolt 4/USB4 host port
Ports1 USB4 upstream (PD in); 2 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 front (10 Gbps, 30W each, no video); 2 USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps); 2 USB-A 2.0 (480 Mbps); 1 HDMI 2.0; 2 DisplayPort; 1 RJ45; 11 ports total18 total: 3 x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s), 3 x USB-C (10Gb/s), 5 x USB-A (10Gb/s), 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x SD 4.0 (UHS-II), 1 x microSD 4.0 (UHS-II), 1 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x front combo audio in/out (3.5mm), 1 x rear audio out (3.5mm), 1 x rear audio in (3.5mm), 1 x DC in (19.5V 11.80A)
Ethernet1 x gigabit RJ45 (1 Gbps)2.5GbE RJ45
Display techNative video over DisplayPort and HDMI; no DisplayLink mentioned; no software or driver neededNative (no driver required)
Power supplyExternal 180W DC adapter plus 1m USB4 cableExternal power supply (230W); DC input 19.5V 11.8A

Strengths and weaknesses

Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station (11-in-1, USB4)

  • + Native video on HDMI and DisplayPort, no driver needed
  • + Own 180W adapter with 100W maximum to the laptop
  • + Two front USB-C ports at 10Gbps and 30W each
  • − Three monitors drop to 4K@30Hz
  • − Not advised for MacBooks; no extended displays on macOS
  • − Owners report display flicker and Ethernet drops

Skip it if:

  • MacBook owners who want extended multi-monitor setups
  • Buyers who need an SD card reader or headphone jack
  • Anyone wanting 2.5GbE or a certified Thunderbolt dock
Read the full Anker 568 USB-C Docking Station (11-in-1, USB4) review ›

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

  • + 98W laptop charging from its own 230W power supply
  • + 18 ports, with 10Gbps USB and 2.5GbE
  • + Native display output with no driver required
  • − Original M1 Macs cannot run dual displays
  • − No HDMI port; one DisplayPort 1.4 output
  • − Some owners report reconnecting cables after sleep

Skip it if:

  • Original M1 Mac owners who want two external displays
  • Anyone who needs an HDMI port on the dock
  • Buyers who want a compact travel dock
Read the full CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock review ›

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