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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock vs Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A 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 Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock at 5.8/10.

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

They score the same on ethernet and value.

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

Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock

Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock

5.8/10verdict: good, not the best

This dock suits someone who wants one USB-C cable to run two 4K monitors, wired network and a batch of USB devices from a laptop. It fits desk setups, especially managed ones that use PXE boot, Wake-on-LAN or MAC pass-through. It is less suited to anyone who needs rock-solid video or 2.5GbE-class networking.

Typically about £118.99 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 DockLenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock
Displays25%7/106/10
Charging and power20%8/106/10
Ports and bandwidth20%9/107/10
Compatibility and reliability20%6/104/10
Ethernet and value15%6/106/10
Overall7.3/105.8/10

Specifications

SpecCalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 DockLenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock
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 aboveOne USB-C upstream port to laptop (10 Gbps, 5V/3A) with USB-C to USB-A dongle; supports USB-C, USB4, Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4 and USB-A laptops
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 8KUp to two UHD displays via DisplayPort or HDMI; 3840x2160 @ 60 Hz per port, 5120x2880 @ 60 Hz when DP1 and DP2 drive one monitor
Laptop charging98W laptop charging from Thunderbolt 4/USB4 host portnot listed
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)USB-C (10 Gbps, 5V/3A); USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 x3 at 10 Gbps (one always-on); USB-A 2.0 x2; DP 1.4 (4K @ 60 Hz); HDMI 2.0 (4K @ 60 Hz); RJ45; DC power-in; 3.5 mm combo audio
Ethernet2.5GbE RJ45Gigabit Ethernet
Display techNative (no driver required)DisplayLink video connection, per owner review; datasheet footnote lists DisplayLink among supported laptop video modes
Power supplyExternal power supply (230W); DC input 19.5V 11.8ASeparate ThinkPad Slim-tip 135 W AC power adapter shipped with the dock

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 ›

Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock

  • + Two 4K 60 Hz outputs, with a 5K option
  • + Five USB-A ports, three at 10 Gbps
  • + Ships with its own 135 W power adapter
  • − Owners report display dropouts and black screens
  • − Reports of random disconnects and wake failures
  • − Gigabit Ethernet only, and no card reader

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need rock-solid multi-monitor video with no driver fuss
  • Anyone who wants an SD card reader built into the dock
  • Users who need Ethernet faster than gigabit
Read the full Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock review ›

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