CalDigit, a leading manufacturer renowned for its innovative Thunderbolt docks, has recently announced exciting upgrades to its product lineup. After showcasing a compact yet feature-rich Thunderbolt 5 dock at CES 2025, the company is now set to enhance its larger docks with the latest technology and an increased number of ports. This move solidifies CalDigit's position as a top choice for users seeking high-performance docking solutions.
The new Thunderbolt Station 5 Plus (TS5 Plus) will be available in late April 2025, priced at $499.99. This advanced dock features an impressive lineup of ports, offering a total of 20 connections. Among these are three Thunderbolt 5 ports, five USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports, five USB-A ports, SD and microSD memory card slots, a 10Gb Ethernet port, and a headphone jack. This extensive connectivity ensures that users can seamlessly connect multiple devices without compromising on performance.
According to DigiCalc, the TS5 Plus is "the first Thunderbolt dock to feature dual 10Gb/s USB controllers," which provides increased USB bandwidth for demanding applications. Additionally, three of the dock's ports support device charging at speeds of up to 36W, while the primary host device can receive a robust 140W of power, making it ideal for high-performance laptops like the MacBook Pro.
Performance is a key highlight of the TS5 Plus. Each of its Thunderbolt 5 ports supports transfer speeds of up to 80Gbps, with an optional 120Gbps Bandwidth Boost. Windows users can connect up to three external 4K displays effortlessly, while Mac users can enjoy the capability of connecting two displays running at either 8K 60Hz or 4K 240Hz resolutions. This versatility makes the TS5 Plus an excellent choice for professionals in need of high-resolution displays and fast data transfer.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative, the Thunderbolt Station 5 (TS5) is set to launch in May 2025 at a price of $369.99. The TS5 offers 15 ports, including four Thunderbolt 5 ports, three USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two USB-A ports, a 2.5Gb Ethernet port, along with memory card slots and a headphone jack. While it may not have all the features of the TS5 Plus, its performance remains nearly identical, offering 80Gbps transfer speeds that can also be boosted to 120Gbps, along with 140W of power for a host device.
However, users should note a slight reduction in power delivery through its USB-C ports, with outputs of 20W and 15W, respectively. This makes the TS5 a practical choice for those needing essential connectivity without the extra features of the TS5 Plus.
In light of potential economic factors, CalDigit’s marketing executive, Kosta Panagos, addressed concerns regarding pricing amidst President Trump's tariffs. In an email to The Verge, Panagos stated, "As of right now, we are moving forward with the current pricing we have in place for the newly announced Thunderbolt 5 docks and for our existing product range. However, we are monitoring the situation with the tariffs, and if necessary, we may have to adjust. But as of right now, we expect to maintain the current pricing."
With these new offerings, CalDigit continues to reinforce its commitment to providing high-quality, versatile Thunderbolt docks that cater to a wide range of professional and personal needs.
