With up to 20 ports, the CalDigit TS5 and TS5 Plus docks are ready to deliver a big boost in connectivity to not Thunderbolt 5 ports, but any Mac Apple has made for the last nine years.
CalDigit has officially unveiled the TS5 and TS5 Plus, its next-generation Thunderbolt docking stations designed to push the limits of desktop connectivity for Mac and PC users.
The two new docks leverage Thunderbolt 5 technology, Intel’s latest high-speed connection standard that doubles the bandwidth of previous generations. The increased throughput offers an array of high-speed ports, extensive data transfer capabilities, and robust charging support for today’s power-hungry devices.
According to CalDigit, the TS5 and TS5 Plus are the company’s most powerful docking stations to date, arriving more than a decade after the debut of the original Thunderbolt Station.
TS5: performance-first docking with 15 ports
The TS5 features 15 ports, including four 80Gb/s Thunderbolt 5 connections that support high-performance workflows and displays.
CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 5 (TS5). Image credit: CalDigit
The dock supports 120Gb/s Bandwidth Boost, allowing professionals to connect multiple high-resolution monitors with smooth performance. Users can run dual 6K displays or connect ultra-fast drives and monitors simultaneously without slowdown.
- 1 USB-A 2.0 (480Mb/s)
- 2 USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s)
- 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s)
- 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s, 20W charging)
- 4 Thunderbolt 5 (80Gb/s) – 1 upstream, 3 downstream
- 1 DisplayPort 1.4
- 1 SD 4.0 Card Reader (UHS-II)
- 1 3.5mm Audio In/Out
- 1 2.5GbE Ethernet
- 1 DC In (Power Supply)
- 1 Kensington Lock Slot
The TS5 supports 140W of host charging, making the dock powerful enough for larger laptops like Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro that require substantial power delivery.
TS5 Plus: Dual USB controllers & 10Gb Ethernet
The TS5 Plus expands connectivity to 20 ports, and has two features that most Thunderbolt docks don’t have.
The Plus model features dual 10Gb/s USB controllers, eliminating bandwidth bottlenecks that typically occur when multiple high-speed devices operate simultaneously. The dual controller design means connected peripherals like external SSDs maintain peak performance even when used together.
CalDigit’s premium dock also includes native 10Gb Ethernet which is ten times faster than standard gigabit connections. It provides professional-grade network speeds for large file transfers and server access.
Thunderbolt Station 5 Plus (TS5 Plus). Image credit: CalDigit
The TS5 Plus offers three 80Gb/s Thunderbolt 5 ports and matches the TS5’s 140W host charging capability. The Plus variant also provides enhanced 36W charging on select downstream ports for power-hungry accessories.
- 3 USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s)
- 1 USB-A 2.0 (480Mb/s)
- 2 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s)
- 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s, 20W charging)
- 3 Thunderbolt 5 (80Gb/s) – 1 upstream, 2 downstream
- 1 DisplayPort 1.4
- 1 SD 4.0 Card Reader (UHS-II)
- 1 3.5mm Audio In/Out
- 1 10GbE Ethernet
- 1 DC In (Power Supply)
- 1 Kensington Lock Slot
- 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s) via second USB controller
- 2 USB-C ports with 36W charging (non-Thunderbolt)
For display connectivity, Mac users can connect dual 4K displays at 240Hz or dual 8K displays at 60Hz, provided their systems support it. Windows PC users gain an additional advantage, with the TS5 Plus supporting up to three external displays on compatible systems.
How the models compare
While both docks feature Thunderbolt 5 technology, the TS5 is good for users who prioritize multiple Thunderbolt connections. The TS5 Plus offers more versatility with additional USB ports and faster networking, making it better for people with demanding workflows.
The TS5 provides one more Thunderbolt port than the Plus model, but lacks the dual USB controller system and 10Gb Ethernet that set the Plus apart for professional environments.
Mac display support depends on the chip inside. M1 and M2 Macs typically support only one external display, while M3 models allow up to two when the lid is closed.
Macs with Pro or Max chips support more — M1 Pro and M2 Pro can handle two displays, while M1 Max and M2 Max support up to four. Mac Studio models with M1 Ultra can drive as many as five displays.
Pricing & availability
The premium TS5 Plus launches in the U.S. in late April 2025 with a retail price of $499.99. Meanwhile, the more affordable TS5 will follow in the U.S. in late May 2025, priced at $369.99.
Both models are compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 devices, though at reduced speeds compared to Thunderbolt 5-equipped computers.
