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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock vs Lemorele TC94L USB-C Docking Station

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 Lemorele TC94L USB-C Docking Station at 4.2/10.

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 Lemorele TC94L USB-C Docking Station's 4/10.

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

Lemorele TC94L USB-C Docking Station

Lemorele TC94L USB-C Docking Station

4.2/10verdict: skip

The Lemorele TC94L is for people who want to run two 1080p monitors from one USB-C laptop port. It suits home working with documents, email and browser windows rather than high-resolution displays or fast storage. Anyone who needs wired networking, 4K at 60Hz or strong laptop charging should check the limits carefully first.

Typically about £27.99 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

CriterionWeightCalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 DockLemorele TC94L USB-C Docking Station
Displays25%7/105/10
Charging and power20%8/104/10
Ports and bandwidth20%9/104/10
Compatibility and reliability20%6/104/10
Ethernet and value15%6/104/10
Overall7.3/104.2/10

Specifications

SpecCalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 DockLemorele TC94L USB-C Docking Station
Connects withThunderbolt 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 aboveUSB-C (Type-C) x1, USB-C 3.0 data with PD input; device must support DisplayPort Alt Mode
External displaysOne 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 8KTwo HDMI 2.0 ports and one VGA port; HDMI 4K@30Hz, dual HDMI 1080p@60Hz, VGA up to 1080p@60Hz
Laptop charging98W laptop charging from Thunderbolt 4/USB4 host portUSB-C PD input up to 85W (charging only); manufacturer outputs list says up to 100W
Ports18 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)2x HDMI 2.0, 1x VGA, 1x USB-A 3.0 (5Gbps), 2x USB-A 2.0 (480Mbps), 1x TF/SD slot pair (not simultaneous, 20MB/s), 1x 3.5mm audio out, 1x USB-C PD input
Ethernet2.5GbE RJ45None on the TC94L
Display techNative (no driver required)not listed
Power supplyExternal power supply (230W); DC input 19.5V 11.8ALaptop charger connects through the dock's PD pass-through port; power adapter not included

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

Lemorele TC94L USB-C Docking Station

  • + Two HDMI ports plus VGA for extra screens
  • + Dual 1080p at 60Hz listed
  • + Owners mostly rate value for money positively
  • − No Ethernet port
  • − 4K limited to 30Hz
  • − Only one 5Gbps USB-A port

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need wired Ethernet from the dock
  • Mac users who want two separate extended desktops
  • Anyone wanting 4K at 60Hz or fast USB and card transfers
Read the full Lemorele TC94L USB-C Docking Station review ›

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