A Thunderbolt dock is like a deluxe USB hub.
ItsWirecutters top pick, and reading around the web, theres almost nobody saying anything bad about it.
After using one for a while, I have to agree.
Lifewire / Charlie Sorrel
But first, what does it do?
I have very few complaints about the CalDigit TS3+.
The TS3+ comes with a (large) power adapter and a Thunderbolt cable.
Lifewire / Charlie Sorrel
The latter is important, because adecent Thunderbolt cablecan cost around $30 on its own.
You plug in the power, then connect it to your Mac (or PC).
The more permanent connections are on the back, whereas less-used portsSD card, headphonesare on the front.
Lifewire / Charlie Sorrel
Also worth noting is not all those USB ports are equal.
Only one of the USB-C ports is USB-C 3.1 gen 2, for example.
The other is the slower USB-C 3.1 gen 1, matching the USB A ports.
In my setup, I have the CalDigit TS3+ hooked up to an M1 Mac mini via Thunderbolt cable.
The only other cable going into the Mac is a plain old USB 2.0 cable from an audio interface.
Thats the advantage of Thunderbolt over USB docks.
With an M1 MacBook, you could only use one monitor without hacks.
In Use
I have very few complaints about the CalDigit TS3+.
One is that it runs hot, but thats apparently a Thunderbolt thing.
Still, its ironic that the dock is always way hotter than the computer.
Apples M1 Macs never get hot.
The other “problem” is because of the Mac itself.
This may not bother you.
If it does, you’re able to tape over the LED.
The CalDigit TS3+ is one of the most recommended docks around.
In conclusion, the CalDigit TS3+ is a competent and reliable accessory.
And this particular dock, in my experience, does the job just fine.
