CalDigit has announced the release of two new Thunderbolt 5 docking stations, the TS5 and TS5 Plus, on April 7. Both Dock Stations are designed to expand connectivity for laptops and desktops equipped with Thunderbolt 5, supporting a wide range of external devices and multiple display configurations.
The two models target different user needs: the TS5 provides a balanced set of features with 15 ports, while the TS5 Plus offers expanded I/O with 20 ports and enhanced internal architecture to manage high-bandwidth workloads. Both are compatible with macOS and Windows systems and are intended for professional users working with high-speed peripherals, external displays, and high-power charging requirements.
CalDigit TS5: 15-Port Thunderbolt 5 Dock
The TS5 serves as the entry-level option in CalDigit’s new Thunderbolt 5 dock lineup. It is equipped with 15 ports that cover a variety of data, video, network, and audio needs. It also supports host charging up to 140W.
Front I/O Configuration:
- 1 × USB-C 10Gbps (7.5W power delivery)
- 1 × USB-C 10Gbps (20W power delivery)
- 1 × UHS-II SD 4.0 card reader
- 1 × UHS-II microSD 4.0 card reader
- 1 × 3.5mm combination audio jack (headphone/microphone)
Rear I/O Configuration:
- 1 × Thunderbolt 5 upstream port (140W power delivery to host)
- 3 × Thunderbolt 5 downstream ports (15W each)
- 1 × USB-C 10Gbps (7.5W)
- 1 × USB-A 10Gbps (7.5W)
- 1 × USB-A 480Mbps (7.5W)
- 1 × 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port (RJ45)
- 1 × 3.5mm stereo in/out audio ports
- 1 × Security lock slot
- 1 × DC power input
Display Support:
- Windows systems with Thunderbolt 5: Up to 3 external displays
- macOS systems: Up to 2 external displays
The TS5 is scheduled to be available in late May 2025 and will be priced at $369.99 in the United States.
CalDigit TS5 Plus: 20-Port Dock with Dual USB Controllers
The TS5 Plus is a more advanced version of the TS5, offering additional ports and improved internal bandwidth handling through the use of two independent USB controllers. This design is intended to minimize data congestion when multiple high-speed devices are connected simultaneously.
Front I/O Configuration:
- 1 × USB-A 10Gbps (7.5W)
- 1 × USB-C 10Gbps (7.5W)
- 1 × USB-C 10Gbps (36W)
- 1 × UHS-II SD 4.0 card reader
- 1 × UHS-II microSD 4.0 card reader
- 1 × 3.5mm combination audio jack (headphone/microphone)
Rear I/O Configuration:
- 1 × Thunderbolt 5 upstream port (140W power delivery to host)
- 2 × Thunderbolt 5 downstream ports (36W each)
- 3 × USB-C 10Gbps (7.5W)
- 4 × USB-A 10Gbps (7.5W)
- 1 × 10 Gigabit Ethernet port (RJ45)
- 1 × 3.5mm stereo in/out audio ports
- 1 × Security lock slot
- 1 × DC power input
Display Support:
- Windows systems with Thunderbolt 5: Up to 3 external displays
- macOS systems: Up to 2 external displays
The TS5 Plus is set to launch in late April 2025, with a retail price of $499.99.
Product Positioning
Both the CalDigit TS5 and TS5 Plus are designed to take advantage of Thunderbolt 5’s increased bandwidth and feature set. With support for multiple 4K or 6K displays, high-speed storage devices, and network interfaces, these docks are positioned for professionals in media production, software development, and technical fields that require stable, high-throughput peripheral expansion.
The inclusion of high-power host charging (up to 140W) makes both docks suitable for use with power-hungry laptops, including larger mobile workstations. The presence of dedicated SD and microSD readers, high-speed USB ports, and multi-gigabit Ethernet adds to their utility for users in photography, video editing, and enterprise environments.
CalDigit has not announced regional pricing outside the United States at this time. More information is expected as the products approach their respective launch windows.
