I N C E P T I O N A I

CalDigit TS3 Plus vs Top 5 Thunderbolt Docks in Canada 2025: Which One Performs Better?

Thunderbolt and USB-C docking stations are essential accessories for modern Mac and Windows laptops. They expand a slim laptop into a full desktop experience with multiple displays, fast wired Ethernet, high-speed storage connections, and reliable power delivery. In Canada, demand for docks is driven by hybrid work, content creation, and the rise of compact laptops that sacrifice ports for portability. Buyers prioritize a high-performance port array, fast charging, display support, cross-platform compatibility, build quality, and future-proofing. The CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock stands out for its extensive port selection and durable design, but shoppers also consider Thunderbolt 4 upgrades, Windows-optimized docks, compact hubs, and style-driven options when deciding which dock best fits their workflow and budget.

Top Picks Summary

1. Best Thunderbolt 3 Dock

2. Best Windows Business Dock

3. Best Upgrade from TS3 Plus

4. Best Compact Thunderbolt 4 Hub

5. Best for Creative and Gaming Setups

Top Picks Summary

  1. CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock
  2. HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2
  3. CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
  4. CalDigit Element Hub
  5. Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma
1
BEST THUNDERBOLT 3 DOCK

CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock

CalDigit

CalDigit's TS3 Plus remains best-in-class for Thunderbolt 3 docking thanks to its unusually broad mix of legacy and modern ports and dependable single-cable workstation performance, making it an excellent fit for users who value extensive I/O without replacing older peripherals. Compared with the newer Thunderbolt 4 models and minimalist hubs in this list, the TS3 Plus typically delivers better price-per-port and more legacy connectivity (SD, optical audio, multiple USB-A) even though it lacks the TB4 protocol's added futureproofing.

4.6
★★★★☆

  • Port-packed powerhouse

  • 85W charging

  • Port-packed powerhouse

  • 85W charging

Review Summary

91%

"Users praise the TS3 Plus for its solid build, extensive port selection and reliable long-term performance as a Thunderbolt 3 dock. Common complaints are occasional compatibility or power-delivery quirks and its premium price."

  • Studio-quality audio

  • Provides up to 85W laptop charging and full-featured Thunderbolt 3 connectivity.

  • Studio-quality audio

  • Provides up to 85W laptop charging and full-featured Thunderbolt 3 connectivity.

Optimized Work Efficiency

Tech-Savvy Living

Time-Saving Convenience

CalDigit's TS3 Plus remains best-in-class for Thunderbolt 3 docking thanks to its unusually broad mix of legacy and modern ports and dependable single-cable workstation performance, making it an excellent fit for users who value extensive I/O without replacing older peripherals. Compared with the newer Thunderbolt 4 models and minimalist hubs in this list, the TS3 Plus typically delivers better price-per-port and more legacy connectivity (SD, optical audio, multiple USB-A) even though it lacks the TB4 protocol's added futureproofing.

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-10%348.19$
Suggested Price 385.99$
2
BEST WINDOWS BUSINESS DOCK

HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2

HP

HP's Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2 is a market leader for enterprise and managed deployments, offering a high power budget, solid OEM compatibility and business-focused features at a competitive per-seat cost. Versus the TS3 Plus it prioritizes power delivery and corporate manageability over the same breadth of consumer-focused legacy ports, and compared to TB4 docks it trades the bleeding edge protocol for a mature, widely supported solution that eases large-scale procurement.

4.2
★★★★☆

  • 120W power delivery

  • Enterprise-ready security

  • 120W power delivery

  • Enterprise-ready security

Review Summary

83%

"Enterprise buyers appreciate the HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2 for stable connections, strong power delivery and tight integration with HP laptops. Reported downsides include driver/firmware headaches, limited macOS support and fewer enthusiast-oriented ports."

  • Slim desk footprint

  • Delivers up to 120W power delivery to charge larger laptops while powering peripherals.

  • Slim desk footprint

  • Delivers up to 120W power delivery to charge larger laptops while powering peripherals.

Optimized Work Efficiency

Time-Saving Convenience

HP's Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2 is a market leader for enterprise and managed deployments, offering a high power budget, solid OEM compatibility and business-focused features at a competitive per-seat cost. Versus the TS3 Plus it prioritizes power delivery and corporate manageability over the same breadth of consumer-focused legacy ports, and compared to TB4 docks it trades the bleeding edge protocol for a mature, widely supported solution that eases large-scale procurement.

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$299-399 CAD

3
BEST UPGRADE FROM TS3 PLUS

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit

CalDigit's TS4 upgrades the product family to Thunderbolt 4, delivering stronger baseline performance, broader device compatibility and simpler peripheral management for users who want to futureproof their workstation. While technically superior to the TS3 Plus in bandwidth and TB4 features, the TS4 typically commands a premium, and customers seeking a smaller footprint or lower cost might prefer the Element Hub or the legacy-port richness of the TS3 Plus.

4.7
★★★★☆

  • Thunderbolt 4 speed

  • 98W laptop charge

  • Thunderbolt 4 speed

  • 98W laptop charge

Review Summary

92%

"Reviewers consider the CalDigit TS4 a best-in-class Thunderbolt 4 dock thanks to broad port selection, high host charging (around 98W) and dependable performance. The main negatives are its high price and occasional early firmware updates required."

  • Pro-grade SD slot

  • Thunderbolt 4 connectivity with higher baseline performance, improved security, and up to 98W laptop charging.

  • Pro-grade SD slot

  • Thunderbolt 4 connectivity with higher baseline performance, improved security, and up to 98W laptop charging.

Optimized Work Efficiency

Tech-Savvy Living

Time-Saving Convenience

CalDigit's TS4 upgrades the product family to Thunderbolt 4, delivering stronger baseline performance, broader device compatibility and simpler peripheral management for users who want to futureproof their workstation. While technically superior to the TS3 Plus in bandwidth and TB4 features, the TS4 typically commands a premium, and customers seeking a smaller footprint or lower cost might prefer the Element Hub or the legacy-port richness of the TS3 Plus.

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From 698.31$
4
BEST COMPACT THUNDERBOLT 4 HUB

CalDigit Element Hub

CalDigit

The CalDigit Element Hub is a compact, value-oriented Thunderbolt hub that emphasizes port density and portability over legacy connectors, making it a smart choice for users who need multiple TB4 ports and minimal bulk. Against the TS3 Plus it forgoes card readers and many legacy I/O but offers a lower-cost, more portable way to expand modern Thunderbolt devices; compared with premium, style-focused docks it trades bells-and-whistles for straightforward utility and a friendlier price-per-port.

4.4
★★★★☆

  • Daisy-chain master

  • 60W passthrough

  • Daisy-chain master

  • 60W passthrough

Review Summary

86%

"The CalDigit Element Hub is praised for its compact Thunderbolt 4 hub design, reliable performance and multiple TB4 downstream ports for expansion. Users note it lacks native USB-A ports, provides moderate host charging, and is more of a hub than a full-featured dock."

  • Pocket-sized powerhouse

  • Small four-port Thunderbolt 4 hub that expands a single TB4 port into multiple high-speed ports.

  • Pocket-sized powerhouse

  • Small four-port Thunderbolt 4 hub that expands a single TB4 port into multiple high-speed ports.

Tech-Savvy Living

Time-Saving Convenience

The CalDigit Element Hub is a compact, value-oriented Thunderbolt hub that emphasizes port density and portability over legacy connectors, making it a smart choice for users who need multiple TB4 ports and minimal bulk. Against the TS3 Plus it forgoes card readers and many legacy I/O but offers a lower-cost, more portable way to expand modern Thunderbolt devices; compared with premium, style-focused docks it trades bells-and-whistles for straightforward utility and a friendlier price-per-port.

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$129-179 CAD

5
BEST FOR CREATIVE AND GAMING SETUPS

Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma

Razer

Razer's Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma positions itself as a premium, style-conscious option, combining TB4 performance with Chroma RGB integration and a design that appeals to creators and gamers. It competes with the TS3 Plus by offering modern protocol speeds and ecosystem features, but typically costs more and provides fewer legacy ports—making it a choice for buyers who value aesthetics and TB4 capability over maximum legacy I/O or the best price-per-port.

4.1
★★★★☆

  • Chroma-lit flair

  • Thunderbolt 4 bandwidth

  • Chroma-lit flair

  • Thunderbolt 4 bandwidth

Review Summary

79%

"Users like the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma for its premium styling, Chroma lighting and solid TB4 feature set. Criticisms focus on its high price, limited macOS support for lighting/custom software and occasional firmware or compatibility quirks."

  • Gamer-oriented ports

  • Thunderbolt 4 connectivity combined with Razer Chroma RGB lighting for a customizable desktop aesthetic.

  • Gamer-oriented ports

  • Thunderbolt 4 connectivity combined with Razer Chroma RGB lighting for a customizable desktop aesthetic.

Aesthetic & Personal Appeal

Tech-Savvy Living

Optimized Work Efficiency

Razer's Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma positions itself as a premium, style-conscious option, combining TB4 performance with Chroma RGB integration and a design that appeals to creators and gamers. It competes with the TS3 Plus by offering modern protocol speeds and ecosystem features, but typically costs more and provides fewer legacy ports—making it a choice for buyers who value aesthetics and TB4 capability over maximum legacy I/O or the best price-per-port.

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From 449.99$

What research and standards say about docks and why they matter

Scientific standards and workplace research help explain why high-quality docks improve productivity and system reliability. Thunderbolt and USB Power Delivery specifications set objective performance limits such as bandwidth and charging capacity, while productivity and ergonomics research shows measurable benefits from multi-monitor setups and stable wired networking. Understanding these technical standards and practical findings makes it easier to pick a dock that meets your performance and health needs.

Thunderbolt specifications: Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 both support up to 40 Gbps of data bandwidth. Thunderbolt 4 adds stricter certification for display and docking features, improving consistency across devices.

USB Power Delivery: The USB-IF PD standard allows docks to deliver up to 100 W of laptop charging over USB-C. Matching the dock's PD rating to your laptop's requirements prevents undercharging or slow battery recovery.

Display and graphics: DisplayPort alternate mode and Thunderbolt bandwidth determine how many external monitors and what resolutions a dock can drive. Look for explicit dual 4K or single 8K support if you work with high-resolution video or large spreadsheets.

Productivity and ergonomics: Multiple peer-reviewed workplace and ergonomics studies indicate that dual and multi-monitor setups can increase productivity and reduce time spent switching windows, while properly configured external displays and docking setups reduce neck and eye strain.

Reliability and firmware: Research into peripheral ecosystems shows that certified standards and vendor firmware support reduce compatibility issues. Thunderbolt 4 certification and vendor updates generally result in fewer driver conflicts on both Mac and Windows systems.

Across Canada in 2025, the market for docking stations is focused on performance, compatibility, and future readiness. On this page we compared the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock with the HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2, the newer CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock, the compact CalDigit Element Hub, and the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma. The CalDigit TS3 Plus remains a solid choice for Thunderbolt 3 users who need a robust port array and reliable build. The CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock is the best overall pick for future-proofing and broad compatibility, while the HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2 is a strong Windows-focused alternative with generous power delivery. The CalDigit Element Hub is ideal if you want a compact, no-frills hub, and the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma adds gamer-oriented lighting and premium styling. I hope you found what you were looking for; refine or expand your search using the site search to compare specific specs, pricing, or compatibility with your exact Mac or Windows model.