6 Best Alternatives to the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 (2026)
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The CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock offers robust connectivity with 87W charging and dual 4K display support. If you are looking for caldigit ts3 plus thunderbolt 3 alternatives, you might want a different form factor or higher power output. This dock uses a heavy aluminum build and requires a specific Thunderbolt 3 host for full functionality.
We selected these options because their specifications overlap with the original. You might prefer a lighter USB-C hub or a dock with more power delivery. Some users need triple monitors or faster Ethernet. Others want simpler setups without the bulk of a full docking station. Each alternative listed here shares key features like card readers or high-resolution video support. You can choose based on your specific port needs and display requirements.
How each alternative compares
MOKiN 13-in-1 USB-C Docking Station
The MOKiN 13-in-1 USB-C Docking Station supports triple monitors, whereas the CalDigit TS3 Plus is limited to dual 4K or single 5K displays. You get 100W power delivery here, which is higher than the TS3 Plus’s 87W. This dock lacks Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, relying instead on USB-C and HDMI outputs. It is heavier at 4.66 ounces compared to the TS3 Plus’s 1.32 pounds, though the TS3 Plus is physically larger. If you need three screens and do not require Thunderbolt speeds, this is a strong alternative. The TS3 Plus remains better for users who need SD card slots and Thunderbolt 3 host connectivity.
Baseus Triple Display Dock with SD and TF Reader
The Baseus Triple Display Dock offers 120Hz refresh rates, which the CalDigit TS3 Plus does not specify. It supports dual monitors via HDMI and DisplayPort but lacks Thunderbolt 3. You get Ethernet and USB-A ports, similar to the TS3 Plus, but without the Thunderbolt 4/3 host interface. The Baseus unit is lighter at 7.04 ounces and smaller than the TS3 Plus. It is ideal if you prioritize high refresh rates over Thunderbolt bandwidth. The TS3 Plus is better for users who need UHS-II SD card transfers and 40Gb/s data speeds. Choose Baseus for gaming or high-frame-rate work on Windows or macOS without Thunderbolt requirements.
HODO 8-in-2 MacBook USB-C Hub
The HODO 8-in-2 MacBook USB-C Hub is much smaller and lighter than the CalDigit TS3 Plus. It provides Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, matching the TS3 Plus’s host interface. However, it offers fewer ports and lower power delivery than the 87W dock. It supports HDMI output but lacks the TS3 Plus’s extensive USB-A array and Ethernet port. The HODO is best for MacBook users who need basic expansion and SD access without the bulk of a full dock. If you require multiple peripherals or wired networking, the TS3 Plus is superior. Choose HODO for portability and direct Thunderbolt 3 passthrough with minimal footprint.
Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock with 130W Charging
The Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock offers 130W charging, significantly more than the TS3 Plus’s 87W. It supports up to four 4K displays, exceeding the TS3 Plus’s dual 4K limit. It uses Thunderbolt 4, which is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 hosts. The Dell dock is heavier at 1.28 pounds and lacks the TS3 Plus’s UHS-II SD card slot. It is ideal for Dell laptop users needing high power and multi-monitor setups. If you need SD card access or a more compact form factor, the TS3 Plus is better. Choose Dell for maximum power and display capacity with Thunderbolt 4 speeds.
Vicfluxion 9-in-1 USB-C Hub with DisplayPort
The Vicfluxion 9-in-1 USB-C Hub supports dual 4K displays via HDMI and DisplayPort, similar to the TS3 Plus’s video output. It lacks Thunderbolt 3, relying on USB-C for data. It includes Ethernet and card readers, matching some TS3 Plus features. The Vicfluxion is much lighter at 2.56 ounces and smaller than the TS3 Plus. It offers no power delivery specification, unlike the 87W charging of the TS3 Plus. This hub is best for users who need basic dual-monitor and networking support without Thunderbolt speeds. Choose the TS3 Plus if you need Thunderbolt connectivity, SD card slots, and laptop charging.
Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Dock Gen 2
The Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Dock Gen 2 provides 135W charging, which is higher than the TS3 Plus’s 87W. It supports dual 4K displays, matching the TS3 Plus. It uses Thunderbolt 3, ensuring compatibility with similar hosts. The Lenovo dock is heavier at 2 pounds and lacks the TS3 Plus’s UHS-II SD card slot. It offers HDMI and DisplayPort outputs but fewer USB-A ports than the TS3 Plus. This dock is ideal for ThinkPad users needing high power and reliable dual-monitor support. Choose the TS3 Plus if you need SD card access or a lighter, more compact design with integrated heat sink.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Best for: Thunderbolt hosts needing dual 4K displays and SD access
- Host Interface
- Thunderbolt 3
- Display Support
- Dual
- Max Resolution
- 5K@60Hz
- Power Delivery
- 87W
- Port Count
- 15
- Video Ports
- DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3
View on Amazon: CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock Affiliate link
The CalDigit TS3 Plus is a Thunderbolt 3 docking station built for high-performance setups. It delivers 87W of power delivery to charge your laptop while running peripherals. The dock supports dual 4K displays or a single 5K screen. It includes 15 ports, featuring a fast UHS-II SD card slot and Gigabit Ethernet. This station suits users who need robust connectivity and video output from a single cable.
Pros
- 87W power delivery for laptop charging
- Supports dual 4K or single 5K displays
- 15 ports including UHS-II SD slot
- Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
Cons
- Requires a host device with Thunderbolt 3 or higher
- M1 Macs cannot support dual displays over Thunderbolt
- Only includes Gigabit Ethernet, not 2.5G
Good fit if
- You need to drive two 4K monitors from one laptop
- You frequently transfer large files via an SD card
- You want a single cable to charge and connect devices
Skip if
- Your laptop lacks a Thunderbolt 3, 4, or 5 port
- You use an M1 Mac and need dual external displays
- You require 2.5Gb Ethernet speeds
Verdict: The CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock offers extensive connectivity and high-resolution display support for users with compatible Thunderbolt hosts. It is ideal for professionals who rely on SD card transfers and dual monitor setups.
MOKiN 13-in-1 USB-C Docking Station
Best for: Triple monitor setups with wired networking needs
- Host Interface
- USB-C
- Display Support
- Triple
- Max Resolution
- 4K
- Power Delivery
- 85W
- Port Count
- 13
- Video Ports
- HDMI, DisplayPort
View on Amazon: MOKiN 13-in-1 USB-C Docking Station Affiliate link
The MOKiN 13-in-1 docking station supports triple displays via two HDMI and one DisplayPort output. It delivers 85W power delivery to your laptop and includes a gigabit Ethernet port for stable wired networking. You get three 10Gbps USB 3.1 ports for fast data transfer, along with SD card readers and audio jacks. This gray hub weighs 4.66 ounces and connects via a single USB-C host interface.
Pros
- Supports triple monitor setups with dual HDMI and DisplayPort outputs
- Provides 85W power delivery for compatible laptops
- Includes gigabit Ethernet for reliable wired internet
- Features three 10Gbps USB 3.1 data ports
Cons
- MacOS users are limited to one extended display in docking mode
- Power delivery output is 85W, lower than the 100W input rating
- Only one USB-C host port required for all connections
Good fit if
- You need to connect three monitors to a single laptop
- You require a gigabit Ethernet port for stable networking
- You want SD and microSD card reading capabilities built in
Skip if
- You use a Mac and need to drive multiple external displays simultaneously
- You require more than 85W of power delivery for your laptop
- You need a docking station with more than 13 total ports
Verdict: MOKiN 13-in-1 USB-C Docking Station fits users who need triple display support and wired networking in a compact gray unit, provided they do not rely on macOS multi-monitor extensions.
Baseus Triple Display Dock with SD and TF Reader
Best for: Users needing 120Hz displays and Ethernet
- Host Interface
- USB-C
- Display Support
- Dual
- Max Resolution
- 4K@120Hz
- Power Delivery
- 85W
- Video Ports
- HDMI, DisplayPort
- Max Data Speed
- 5Gbps
View on Amazon: Baseus Triple Display Dock with SD and TF Reader Affiliate link
The Baseus docking station connects dual monitors via HDMI and DisplayPort. It supports 4K resolution at 120Hz on a single display. The unit includes an Ethernet port for stable wired internet and a card reader for SD and TF media. Power delivery reaches 85W for your laptop. This compact gray hub suits users who need high refresh rates and reliable connectivity without Thunderbolt.
Pros
- Supports 4K@120Hz on a single HDMI display
- Includes 1000Mbps Ethernet port for stable connection
- Built-in SD and TF card reader slots
- Provides 85W Power Delivery to laptops
- Dual monitor support via HDMI and DisplayPort
Cons
- Limited to USB-C host interface, not Thunderbolt
- Maximum power delivery is 85W, lower than 130W alternatives
- No mention of Thunderbolt certification for data speeds
Good fit if
- You need 120Hz refresh rates for smoother visuals
- You require a wired Ethernet connection for stability
- You frequently transfer files from SD or TF cards
Skip if
- You need Thunderbolt 3 or 4 connectivity
- You require more than 85W charging power
- You want to connect four displays simultaneously
Verdict: Baseus 4K 120Hz USB-C Dock is a practical option for users who prioritize high refresh rates and wired networking over Thunderbolt speeds. It fits those who need reliable dual-monitor support and card reading in a compact form factor.
HODO 8-in-2 MacBook USB-C Hub
Best for: MacBook users needing SD access and Thunderbolt 3
- Host Interface
- USB-C
- Max Resolution
- 5K
- Power Delivery
- 100W
- Port Count
- 8
- Video Ports
- HDMI, Thunderbolt 3
- Max Data Speed
- 40Gbps
View on Amazon: HODO 8-in-2 MacBook USB-C Hub Affiliate link
The HODO 8-in-2 hub expands two USB-C ports into eight connections. It includes a Thunderbolt 3 port supporting 40Gbps data and 5K video. An HDMI port outputs 4K UHD. You get two USB 3.1 ports, one USB 2.0, SD and microSD readers, and audio. It passes up to 100W of power through the Thunderbolt port. This setup suits MacBook users needing direct expansion without extra cables.
Pros
- Thunderbolt 3 port supports 40Gbps data transfer
- HDMI output handles 4K UHD resolution
- Passes up to 100W power delivery
- Includes SD and microSD card readers
- Compact 3.63-ounce weight
Cons
- Second USB-C port lacks video and charging support
- Only one external drive can connect at a time
- Incompatible with Logitech mice and keyboards
Good fit if
- You use a MacBook Pro or Air with USB-C ports
- You need to connect 4K displays via HDMI
- You require SD card access for photo workflows
Skip if
- You need to connect multiple external drives simultaneously
- You rely on Logitech input devices
- You require video output from the second USB-C port
Verdict: HODO 8-in-2 USB-C Hub provides essential expansion for Mac users who need Thunderbolt 3 speeds and SD card access. It fits those prioritizing direct port multiplication over multi-drive connectivity.
Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock with 130W Charging
Best for: multi-monitor Dell laptop setups
- Host Interface
- Thunderbolt 4
- Display Support
- Up to 4
- Max Resolution
- 4K
- Power Delivery
- Up to 130W
- Video Ports
- HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4, USB-C, Thunderbolt 4
- Ethernet Speed
- 2.5GbE
View on Amazon: Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock with 130W Charging Affiliate link
The Dell SD25TB4 is a Thunderbolt 4 dock designed for heavy multitasking. It supports up to four 4K displays and delivers 130W of power delivery for compatible laptops. The unit features dual DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 ports alongside a 2.5GbE Ethernet connection. Its compact, ambidextrous design uses recycled materials. This dock suits users who need high-bandwidth connectivity and robust security features for professional workflows.
Pros
- 130W power delivery for supported devices
- Supports up to four 4K monitors
- Thunderbolt 4 connectivity with 2.5GbE Ethernet
- Remote Wi-Fi management via Dell Console
Cons
- 96W power delivery for non-Dell laptops
- No mention of built-in audio or webcam
- Limited to 4K maximum resolution
Good fit if
- You need to drive four external displays
- You require 130W charging for your laptop
- You want remote IT management capabilities
Skip if
- You need 8K display support
- You use a non-Dell laptop and need 130W charging
- You prefer a smaller footprint under 1 pound
Verdict: Dell SD25TB4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock fits professionals who need to connect four 4K screens and require high-speed data transfer via Thunderbolt 4. It is ideal for Dell laptop users who benefit from the full 130W charging output.
Vicfluxion 9-in-1 USB-C Hub with DisplayPort
Best for: Dual 4K displays with Ethernet and card readers
- Host Interface
- USB-C
- Display Support
- Dual
- Max Resolution
- 4K@60Hz
- Power Delivery
- 85W
- Port Count
- 9
- Video Ports
- HDMI, DisplayPort
View on Amazon: Vicfluxion 9-in-1 USB-C Hub with DisplayPort Affiliate link
This Vicfluxion dock expands a single USB-C port into a dual-monitor workstation. It supports 4K@60Hz output via HDMI and DisplayPort, making it suitable for multitasking. The unit includes Gigabit Ethernet for stable wired connections and SD/TF card slots for quick data offloading. It delivers 90W of power delivery to your laptop while in use. The compact design fits well on desks where cable management matters.
Pros
- Dual 4K@60Hz video output via HDMI and DisplayPort
- Gigabit Ethernet port for stable 1000Mbps networking
- 90W power delivery supports laptop charging while docked
- SD and TF card slots for fast media transfer
Cons
- 90W power delivery is lower than 130W competitors
- Requires specific laptop support for DP Alt Mode
- No Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 connectivity
Good fit if
- You need dual 4K displays on a standard USB-C laptop
- You require a wired Ethernet connection for stable internet
- You want SD card access for photo or video work
Skip if
- You need Thunderbolt 4 speeds for high-bandwidth devices
- You require three monitor outputs for triple display setups
- You need more than 90W charging for your laptop
Verdict: Vicfluxion 9-in-1 USB-C Dock with HDMI and DP offers a practical dual-monitor solution for users who need Ethernet and card readers. It suits those who prioritize wired connectivity and standard video output over Thunderbolt speeds.
Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Dock Gen 2
Best for: Dual 4K display setups with 135W charging needs
- Host Interface
- Thunderbolt 3
- Display Support
- Dual
- Max Resolution
- 4K
- Video Ports
- HDMI, DisplayPort
- Ethernet Speed
- 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T
- Connectivity
- USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3
View on Amazon: Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Dock Gen 2 Affiliate link
This dock connects your laptop to two 4K displays via HDMI and DisplayPort. It uses a Thunderbolt 3 interface for high-speed data transfer. The 135W power adapter supports your laptop while charging. It includes an Ethernet port for wired internet. This setup suits users who need reliable dual-monitor support and strong charging power for their workstation.
Pros
- 135W Power Delivery for laptop charging
- Dual 4K display support via HDMI and DisplayPort
- Thunderbolt 3 host interface for high bandwidth
- Built-in Gigabit Ethernet port
Cons
- Limited to dual monitor output
- No USB-C data port for direct peripheral connection
- Windows 7 and 10 support only
Good fit if
- You need 135W charging for high-power laptops
- You require dual 4K display connectivity
- You prefer a wired Ethernet connection
Skip if
- You need triple or quad monitor support
- You require Thunderbolt 4 compatibility
- You need macOS native support
Verdict: Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Dock delivers stable dual 4K video and 135W charging for compatible systems. It fits users who prioritize wired connectivity and reliable display output over modern multi-monitor expansion.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock | MOKiN 13-in-1 USB-C Docking Station | Baseus Triple Display Dock with SD and TF Reader | HODO 8-in-2 MacBook USB-C Hub | Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock with 130W Charging | Vicfluxion 9-in-1 USB-C Hub with DisplayPort | Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Dock Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Host Interface | Thunderbolt 3 | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | Thunderbolt 4 | USB-C | Thunderbolt 3 |
| Display Support | Dual | Triple | Dual | not stated | Up to 4 | Dual | Dual |
| Max Resolution | 5K@60Hz | 4K | 4K@120Hz | 5K | 4K | 4K@60Hz | 4K |
| Power Delivery | 87W | 85W | 85W | 100W | Up to 130W | 85W | not stated |
| Port Count | 15 | 13 | not stated | 8 | not stated | 9 | not stated |
| Video Ports | DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3 | HDMI, DisplayPort | HDMI, DisplayPort | HDMI, Thunderbolt 3 | HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4, USB-C, Thunderbolt 4 | HDMI, DisplayPort | HDMI, DisplayPort |
| Max Data Speed | 40Gb/s | 10Gbps | 5Gbps | 40Gbps | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Ethernet Speed | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit | 1000Mbps | not stated | 2.5GbE | 1000Mbps | 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T |
| Resolution | not stated | 4K UHD | 4K UHD | not stated | 4K UHD | 4K UHD | 4K UHD |
| Connectivity | USB-C, DisplayPort, Ethernet, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3 | USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet | USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, USB-A | USB-C, HDMI, Thunderbolt 3 | USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 4 | USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, USB-A | USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3 |
| Refresh Rate | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 60Hz | not stated |
| Features | Card Reader | Card Reader | Card Reader | Card Reader | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Dimensions | 6.8 × 5.4 × 4.8 inches | not stated | 5.9 × 2.8 × 2.91 inches | 5.12 × 1.3 × 0.51 inches | 8.07 × 3.54 × 1.39 inches | 5.53 × 1.65 × 0.59 inches | 8.66 × 3.15 × 1.18 inches |
| Weight | 1.32 pounds | 4.66 ounces | 7.04 ounces | 3.63 ounces | 1.28 pounds | 2.56 ounces | 2 pounds |
| Size | 0.8 Meter Cable | 13 IN 1 | not stated | 8-in-2 | Talla única | not stated | 1.2" x 8.7" x 3.1" |
| Color | TS3 Plus - Space Gray | Gray | Gray | Space Gray | Black/White | Grey- HDMI&DP | Black |
| Model | TS3PLUS-US07-SG | 0231 | not stated | HD2c03H | SD25TB4 | not stated | 40AN0135US |
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Frequently asked questions
Can these alternatives support triple monitors like the MOKiN?
Yes, the MOKiN 13-in-1 USB-C Docking Station supports triple monitor setups. It offers 4K UHD resolution and 100W power delivery. Most other options, including the CalDigit TS3 Plus, are limited to dual displays. The Baseus dock also supports dual 4K displays at 120Hz, but not triple screens.
Which dock provides the highest charging wattage?
The Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 3 Dock Gen 2 provides 135W charging. The Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock also offers 130W. These exceed the 100W provided by the MOKiN dock and the 87W from the CalDigit TS3 Plus. The HODO hub offers lower power suitable for smaller devices.
Do these docks include SD card readers?
Most listed docks include card readers. The CalDigit TS3 Plus, MOKiN, Baseus, HODO, and Vicfluxion units all feature SD or TF card slots. The Dell and Lenovo docks do not list card readers in their specifications. You should verify specific port layouts if media transfer is a priority.
Are Thunderbolt 4 docks available as alternatives?
Yes, the Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock is available. It supports four 4K screens and provides 130W charging. The CalDigit TS3 Plus uses Thunderbolt 3 technology. Thunderbolt 4 offers higher bandwidth and stricter certification requirements. This dock is ideal for Dell laptop users needing high-speed data transfer.
Which option is best for MacBook users needing Thunderbolt 3?
The HODO 8-in-2 MacBook USB-C Hub is designed for this use. It provides Thunderbolt 3 speeds and SD card access. It connects via USB-C and HDMI. This compact hub fits users who prioritize direct port multiplication over multi-drive connectivity. It is a lightweight option for essential expansion.
Do these hubs support Ethernet connectivity?
Several options include Ethernet ports. The MOKiN, Baseus, and Vicfluxion docks all feature wired networking. The CalDigit TS3 Plus also includes an Ethernet port. The HODO hub and Dell dock do not list Ethernet in their specs. Wired networking is useful for stable internet connections in office setups.
What is the weight difference between the heaviest and lightest dock?
The Lenovo ThinkPad dock is the heaviest at 2 pounds. The Vicfluxion 9-in-1 hub is the lightest at 2.56 ounces. The MOKiN dock weighs 4.66 ounces, while the CalDigit TS3 Plus weighs 1.32 pounds. Portability varies significantly, with USB-C hubs being much lighter than full docks.