Is the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock the Best Value USB C Hub Available? The All-in-One Solution Every MacBook and PC User Needs
- Gavin P. Tate
- Jun 11
- 4 min read
In the modern world of sleek ultrabooks, minimalist MacBooks, and lightweight laptops, port availability has quietly become a daily frustration for many tech users.
As manufacturers compete to make thinner and lighter devices, the number of onboard ports shrinks. While this trend improves portability, it leaves professionals juggling dongles and adapters just to perform basic tasks.
That’s where the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock enters the picture—a robust, professional-grade docking station designed specifically to solve these common connectivity headaches. Whether you’re a creative professional, remote worker, or just someone tired of swapping cables and adapters, this dock could be the upgrade you never knew you needed.
A True Connectivity Powerhouse
One of the most impressive aspects of the CalDigit TS3 Plus is the sheer number of ports packed into its compact form factor. It features 15 ports—an almost unheard-of offering in the docking station world.
Here’s a breakdown of what you get:
7 x USB 3.1 Ports (5 x Type-A, 2 x Type-C)
Perfect for connecting a variety of devices including external hard drives, flash drives, keyboards, and smartphones.
1 x USB-C Gen 2 Port
This port is ideal for faster data transfer speeds—twice as fast as USB 3.1 Gen 1.
DisplayPort
Allows connection to an external monitor at resolutions up to 5K or dual 4K displays, perfect for video editors and designers.
SD Card Reader (UHS-II)
For photographers and videographers, this high-speed SD card slot makes media transfers seamless and fast.
Gigabit Ethernet Port
A must-have for those who prefer a reliable, high-speed wired internet connection over spotty Wi-Fi.
3.5mm Audio In & Out Jacks
For connecting headphones, microphones, or other audio gear.
Optical Audio Out (S/PDIF)
A rare feature on docks in this price range, catering to audiophiles and professionals needing clean digital sound output.
With this variety, the dock is truly built to accommodate modern workflows, making it easy to connect multiple devices without stress.
Single Cable Simplicity with 85W Charging
One of the most valuable features of the CalDigit TS3 Plus is its 85W power delivery, which can fully charge compatible MacBooks and PCs directly through the Thunderbolt 3 cable.
This means you only need one cable to charge your device and access all the peripherals connected to the dock.
For professionals who spend hours switching between meetings, creative tasks, and web browsing, this single-cable convenience saves desk space and mental effort. No more unplugging your laptop from power and data cables separately.
Design that Complements Your Desk
A docking station is more than a tool—it’s also part of your desk’s visual appeal. The CalDigit TS3 Plus features a premium Space Grey aluminum body, designed to perfectly match Apple’s MacBook lineup but still looks right at home alongside any PC.
The small, vertical-standing design ensures it won’t clutter your desk, and the included 0.7m (2.3ft) Thunderbolt 3 cable gives you flexibility in where to place the dock, whether that’s neatly behind a monitor or beside your laptop.
Top-Tier Performance for Demanding Users
It’s easy to dismiss docking stations as simple port expanders, but the CalDigit TS3 Plus performs like a professional-grade tool.
Transfer speeds reach up to 40Gb/s via Thunderbolt 3, allowing you to move massive video files, high-res photos, or entire projects in seconds.
The SD Card Reader is UHS-II compatible, meaning you get blazing fast speeds perfect for 4K video editors and photographers working with large RAW files.
DisplayPort output supports a 5K display or dual 4K monitors—ideal for content creators, stock traders, and coders who work on multiple screens.
Even the Ethernet port stands out by providing stable gigabit connectivity, which is critical for large file uploads, 4K streaming, or reliable video calls.
Serious Audio Options
An unexpected bonus feature on the CalDigit TS3 Plus is the inclusion of an optical audio output (S/PDIF)—something you rarely see on docks in this category.
This is a valuable addition for:
Audio engineers who want lossless digital output to studio monitors.
Home theater enthusiasts setting up multi-channel sound systems.
Streamers or podcasters who need clean digital output for professional-grade recordings.
It’s another touch that shows CalDigit thought of more than just basic users—they designed this dock with creators and pros in mind.
Who Should Buy the CalDigit TS3 Plus?
This dock fits a wide range of users, but is especially ideal for:
Creative Professionals—Photographers, videographers, graphic designers, and music producers who require fast media transfer, reliable monitor output, and plenty of ports for gear.
Remote Workers & Professionals—Those who work from home or travel frequently will appreciate the ability to connect everything at once while charging their laptop simultaneously.
Tech Enthusiasts & Minimalists—Anyone who hates clutter or constantly swapping dongles will find the dock life-changing.
MacBook Pro & PC Laptop Users—It’s compatible with both ecosystems, making it an excellent choice for multi-platform households or offices.
Setup and Compatibility
Getting started with the CalDigit TS3 Plus is remarkably simple. It’s plug-and-play on most modern MacBook Pro (2016+) and Thunderbolt 3-equipped PCs. No complex drivers. No weird software.
The dock also plays well with external hard drives, displays, SD cards, and other standard peripherals, making it one of the most flexible docking solutions currently available.
What Could Be Improved?
While the CalDigit TS3 Plus hits almost every note, here are minor considerations:
Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 Support: This dock is Thunderbolt 3-based, so it lacks Thunderbolt 4 support—which may matter in the distant future but is no issue today.
Price Point: It sits in a premium price range for docks, but the feature set and build quality more than justify the investment for serious users, giving it great value for money.
Final Verdict: Worth It?
Without a doubt.
The CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock is an exceptional choice for anyone who wants to streamline their workstation, maximize laptop functionality, and do it all with a single cable. From the generous port selection to the professional-grade features like UHS-II SD and optical out, this dock proves itself as more than just a hub—it’s a true productivity enhancer.
For MacBook and PC users looking for an all-in-one docking solution that lasts, this is one of the most complete and reliable options on the market.
