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Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock vs CalDigit TS4: Comparison
Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock vs CalDigit TS4: the host power delivery difference
The first real difference is host power delivery: Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock 96W host charging against CalDigit TS4 98 W. Total ports runs the same way, 13 on the Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock versus 18 on the CalDigit TS4, another win for CalDigit TS4.
Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock vs CalDigit TS4: which one fits your build
Take the Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock for desk setups where space is at a premium but full Thunderbolt 4 port count still matters. It also earns its place with creators who want a fast card reader and 2.5GbE built into their daily dock. It is the wrong buy for buyers who prefer a flat horizontal dock they can stack a laptop on top of. Take the CalDigit TS4 for most WFH and professional setups wanting the safest, most broadly compatible pick without overthinking requirements. It is equally the pick for MacBook Pro M3/M4 users specifically, since most current MacBook Pro models still use Thunderbolt 4 rather than Thunderbolt 5. It is not the one for buyers with Thunderbolt 5-equipped laptops wanting to use the full available bandwidth, the TS5 Plus is the right choice for that. Our rating of the Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock (9/10): A compact, vertical Thunderbolt 4 dock that fits 13 ports and 96W charging into minimal desk space.
Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock vs CalDigit TS4 price
The CalDigit TS4 asks 7% more, $300 against $280 for the Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock and CalDigit TS4 differ on port configuration?
Yes. Port Configuration reads 2x TB4 40Gbps, 3x USB-A 10Gbps, 2.5GbE, SD/microSD UHS-II,... on the Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock versus 3x TB4 40Gbps, 3x USB-C 10Gbps, 5x USB-A 10Gbps,... on the CalDigit TS4.
Is the Ethernet the same on the Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock and CalDigit TS4?
It is. Both are listed at Yes, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Which is cheaper, Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock or CalDigit TS4?
The CalDigit TS4 asks 7% more, $300 against $280 for the Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Anker
- CalDigit TS4
- CalDigit
Connection Type
- Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Thunderbolt 4
- CalDigit TS4
- Thunderbolt 4
Model Number
- Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- PowerExpand Elite
- CalDigit TS4
- TS4
Port Configuration
- Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- 2x TB4 40Gbps, 3x USB-A 10Gbps, 2.5GbE, SD/microSD UHS-II, 3.5mm audio
- CalDigit TS4
- 3x TB4 40Gbps, 3x USB-C 10Gbps, 5x USB-A 10Gbps, 2.5GbE, SD/microSD UHS-II, front/rear audio
Max Display Support
- Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Dual 4K
- CalDigit TS4
- Dual 4K
Max Display Resolution
- Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Dual 4K@60Hz or single 8K@30Hz
- CalDigit TS4
- Dual 4K@60Hz or single 8K@30Hz
Total Ports
- Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- 13-28%
- CalDigit TS4
- 18Best
Host Power Delivery
- Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- 96W host charging
- CalDigit TS4
- 98 W
Ethernet
- Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Yes
- CalDigit TS4
- Yes
OS Compatibility
- Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Mac, Windows
- CalDigit TS4
- Mac, Windows, Chrome
Price
- Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- ~$280
- CalDigit TS4
- ~$300
Which one should you pick?
Choose Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose CalDigit TS4 if you want the higher total ports (18 vs 13).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock | CalDigit TS4 |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $280.00 View on Consumercarts listing | |
| Amazon | $300.00 View on Amazon |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Anker PowerExpand Elite Thunderbolt 4 Dock
9 / 10 Expert Rating
A compact, vertical Thunderbolt 4 dock that fits 13 ports and 96W charging into minimal desk space.
CalDigit TS4
9 / 10 Expert Rating
Best USB-C dock for most WFH setups, 98W charging, dual 4K@60Hz, 18 ports, and flawless Mac/Windows/Chrome compatibility.