Head-to-Head: Plugable TBT-6950PD vs. CalDigit TS4

Continuing our Head-to-Head series, today we are comparing the Plugable TBT-6950PD docking station with CalDigit’s TS4 docking station. Overall, these two docking stations offer similar capabilities, but some vast differences should be noted. Depending on your needs, this information can help inform you about which docking station is best for you.

Both the TBT-6950PD and the TS4 are powerful multi-display docking stations that can maximize productivity and leverage the incredible bandwidth available from Thunderbolt 4 systems. Let’s take a closer look at their technical specifications.

Feature Comparison: Plugable TBT-6950PD vs. CalDigit TS4

Prior to exploring the advantages of our Thunderbolt docking station with quad display capabilities, the TBT-6950PD, it’s important to point out a few reasons why the CalDigit TS4 may be a better choice. If you need a large number of USB ports to connect your devices to the dock, then the TS4 may be the better choice, given its large number of USB-A and USB-C ports.

If you need to connect a microphone with a 3.5mm analog audio jack to the dock, the TS4 may be the better option. It offers a choice of a combination analog audio jack on the front (which isn’t compatible with standard microphones) or two separate 3.5mm analog audio jacks (one for input and one for output), one of which is compatible with a microphone.

The TBT-6950PD Advantage

Host connectivity

Longer Thunderbolt 4 cable: The TBT-6950PD includes a 1.0-meter 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 cable in the box, while the CalDigit TS4 only includes a 0.8-meter cable. While it may not sound like a big difference, it equates to approximately a six-inch advantage for the Plugable cable. 

Better host port location: The TBT-6950PD connects to the host computer via a Thunderbolt host connection port located on the side of the unit. This allows all ports on the front and back of the dock to be available for peripherals. The CalDigit TS4 has the host connection port on the back of the unit, meaning that one less external peripheral can be connected to the back.

Video capability

Larger number of connected displays: The TBT-6950PD supports up to four external displays at up to 3840x2160 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate via a combination of its two HDMI video output ports and downstream Thunderbolt/USB-C ports.

The CalDigit TS4 only supports a maximum of two external displays, which limits its effectiveness in complex desktop environments. Further to this, the dock has a built-in DisplayPort output, which is less common than HDMI or USB-C. 

Better compatibility 

Compatible with a larger number of computers: The TBT-6950PD is a hybrid docking station that internally combines two different technologies to drive the connected displays. The first is USB Type-C technology, and the second is DisplayLink USB video technology.

The combination of these two technologies allows the TBT-6950PD to drive up to four external displays when connected to a host computer that supports Thunderbolt 4 or USB4, which is two more than the TS4 supports. 

Even if the TBT-6950PD is connected to a host computer that only supports USB-C, the dock will support up to three external displays, which is one more than the TS4 supports. 

Superior macOS compatibility: Thanks to DisplayLink technology, the TBT-6950PD is significantly more compatible with macOS devices, including M1, M2, and M3 Macs. 

These Mac models are limited in native display output, but with DisplayLink, the TBT-6950PD enables multi-display setups that would otherwise be impossible. 

The CalDigit TS4, on the other hand, is restricted by macOS’s native limitations, making it a less versatile choice for Mac users who need multiple external displays.

Compatibility testing

Extensive Interoperability Testing: Compatibility is a top priority for Plugable. The TBT-6950PD has undergone rigorous testing across various operating systems, including Windows and macOS, and is Thunderbolt certified by Intel. 

Additionally, it’s tested with multiple models of major laptop brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Apple to ensure seamless functionality in diverse environments. 

サポート

Dedicated Customer Support: The Plugable support team—based in North America and comprised of the engineers who helped design and test our products—is always ready to assist. 

With easy evaluation, return, and warranty policies, as well as extensive resources like updated knowledge base articles, community forums, and FAQs, we are committed to providing reliable, accessible support when needed. 

Additionally, Plugable's Watts AI chat is available 24/7, offering a convenient and efficient self-serve option for troubleshooting and questions at your fingertips.

サマリー

Both the Plugable TBT-6950PD and CalDigit TS4 docking stations offer impressive capabilities, but their differences cater to distinct user needs. The TS4 excels in port variety, providing more USB connections and dedicated audio input/output options. However, the TBT-6950PD stands out with superior display support, better macOS compatibility, a longer Thunderbolt 4 cable, and a more accessible host connection port. Additionally, Plugable ensures extensive compatibility testing and dedicated customer support, making the TBT-6950PD a strong choice for users seeking a versatile and reliable multi-display docking solution.