Last Updated: June 17, 2020 (Refresh Now)
CalDigit USB C Pro Dock 85W Charging Thunderbolt 3 UHS II SD Card Slot USB C Gen 2 USB A x 3 Dual DisplayPort 1 2 LAN 3 5mm Audio for Thunderbolt and USB C Computers 0 7 Meter Cable Gray
Last Updated: June 17, 2020 (Refresh Now)
6.3
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
120
Old Reviews
0
Unverified
6
Spam Test
PASS
Yes
USB
3
NUMBER OF USB PORTS
5120 GB
MEMORY
0.14 meters
SIZE
Review Analysis - 114 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Ports
71usb c, ports, thunderbolt, thunderbolt 3, displayport
+62%
-38%
" ... Dual displays on Mac or Windows with one cable! ... "
" ... 2) USB 3 Gen 2 support for 10Gbps to allow my backups to go at full speed to external 10 Gbps supported NVME drive ... 4) Many USB ports - all USB 3 ... Has extra NIC port that I can set up for teaming ... If you have similar needs - the Dell is a latitude 7490 and it works flawless with this docking station. ... "
" ... That led me to CalDigit and until I ran across this new USB C Pro Dock, I thought I would have to spend a lot more. ... "
" ... Supports multiple 4k monitors, has a real Thunderbolt cable, is constructed really well, and it works on PC & Mac. ... "
" ... I finally found a really good working Thunderbolt dock for my 2016 15" macbook pro. ... This is the 4th dock that I've tried and everything checks out, it does 4k @ 60hz, provide 85w power and high speed ethernet port. ... "
" ... With one cable my 13” MacBook Pro has power, a USB C drive for time machine backup, 60Hz 4K monitor via display port, a usb webcam, and USB ports to spare. ... For the price of dongles (that don’t do 60Hz 4K) and a higher-power power adapter for your desk (to power your MacBook PLUS everything plugged into your thunderbolt/usbC ports), you get a one-cable solution. ... Leave the USB power adapter that Apple ships in your backpack for when you are mobile. ... "
" ... I bought this to use under a conference table to connect HDMI, Ethernet, and a USB webcam to a slightly older MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt-2. ... and newer Thunderbolt-3-over-USB-C laptops (like the latest MacBook Pros) with full speed and Thunderbolt-3's better video capabilities. ... No issues with wake from sleep, no issues with HDMI (via an active DisplayPort adapter which is required). ... It would be nice if the hub had its own HDMI, but the adapter is inexpensive, small, and lossless, and maybe DisplayPort is better for some people. ... The documentation, and the labels on the port themselves, are quite clear, straightforward, and specific on most points. ... This makes it less convenient to swap in a Thunderbolt-3/USB-C laptop if the hub is under the table like mine. ... The docs do say Ethernet and video will work with a USB-C flavor iPad Pro. ... This would be a useful improvement to fast-charge a device via USB-C while a computer is plugged into the "computer" port – or to support bus-powered USB-C peripherals. ... It also has three USB-A (USB-3.2-Gen.1) "data" ports. ... "
" ... I bought an adapter for my old Apple 27in Cinema Display (mini thunderbolt 2 display port) and so far the monitor works great. ... "
Device Compatibility
49macbook pro, macbook, caldigit, 2019, ipad pro
+63%
-37%
" ... I finally found a really good working Thunderbolt dock for my 2016 15" macbook pro. ... "
" ... I gave it to my spouse and bought this new one, anticipating the purchase of a second monitor. ... I can finally use one cable to connect everything. ... "
" ... Also, the fan of the surface pro 7 was almost always running while plugged to the dock. ... "
" ... using for dual monitor secondary workplace. ... "
" ... I would like to report that the Cal Digit Dock is working perfectly working for the latest Spectre(late 2019) laptop. ... I called their tech support to see if this unit will work with Spectre laptop before purchasing it on amazon. ... "
" ... I use this dock with my HP Envy laptop and the operation has been nearly seamless--the only problem is that a Windows 10 process (specifically "Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation") will occasionally go haywire while the dock is connected and consume high (~40%) CPU. ... "
" ... I use this at work with my MacBook Pro, multiple monitors, works well. ... "
" ... All the devices have been working great! ... "
Product Reliability
32dock, stopped working, replacement, caldigit, started
+31%
-69%
" ... Two main issues: ... Also ordered a replacement dock, same issue. ... "
" ... I suspect it's just defective. ... "
" ... Here are some of the problems I've experienced since purchasing this dock about 1 month ago (none have been resolved despite dealing with CalDigit tech support and going to the trouble of installing 3rd party beta drivers): ... "
" ... Though the rear somehow loses power intermittently. ... "
" ... I would get the message that the device was not ejected properly. ... "
" ... CalDigit knows this is an issue and failed to mention it, or resolve it. ... Another month, and still nothing from CalDigit. ... "
" ... Twice now, in as many weeks, this unit has stopped working for no discernible reason. ... First time is stopped working, it started working properly about an hour later, worked fine until just now when, exactly the same as last time, just stopped working. ... Since this unit is unreliable, who knows if it will start working again, who knows if it will stop working again after that . ... "
" ... However, now just a few months later it appears one of the display ports is dead again. ... "
Cables
21cables, tb3, dock, connect, unplug
+62%
-38%
" ... I am currently using it with one external monitor, and for charging with one cable. ... "
" ... Such a cable is included with the dock, and this is described in the docs. ... "
" ... The Monoprice was great, worked with both machines, but a very noticeable coil whine existed and I tried changing cables with no luck(Pluggable long length docking cable(TB3 and USB C compatible). ... "
" ... I hooked up all the cables and IT JUST WORKS! ... "
" ... When I arrive at work I just dock my laptop with the thunderbolt cable and it’s ready to go. ... "
" ... I can finally use one cable to connect everything. ... "
" ... It is super awesome to be able to connect one cable for all things on my computer and and I don’t have any lag in my mouse and keyboard or any flickering in my monitors like I used too with the cheaply $40 dock. ... "
" ... My use-case - bought a new Macbook Pro 2020 13" and wanted to set it on my desk, connect one cable, and power the laptop, drive 2 - 4K 27" Displays, external speakers, hard-wired ethernet, and keyboard / mouse. ... "
Charging
21laptop, charging, dock, dell, ports
+81%
-19%
" ... for charging your mac, extending displays and using multiple usb ports. ... "
" ... - charges full 85W with all possible ports occupied. ... - this thing should now charge devices connected to the front USB-A even when the computer is asleep/off ... "
" ... The dock provided enough power to quickly charge my MacBook Air. ... "
" ... Laptop comes with 65 watt charger. ... I mainly bought this for charging the laptop and using external monitor with one thunderbolt 3 cable. ... I am currently using it with one external monitor, and for charging with one cable. ... "
" ... Not only can I connect two displayport displays (Not mirrored but extended) but it also replaces the Apple charger that I used to need for my machine. ... "
" ... I have been using this dock 12 hours/day 6 days/week for 2 months now to charge my 16" MacBook Pro with two external 4K@60Hz displays (Dell U2718Q). ... "
" ... It runs a bit warm, but considering it's charging the Macbook, driving two 24 inch monitors and all the ports, I would say it's operating within an expected range. ... "
" ... It did fast charge the iPad though (or something close to that). ... This would be a useful improvement to fast-charge a device via USB-C while a computer is plugged into the "computer" port – or to support bus-powered USB-C peripherals. ... "
Mouse
13usb, keyboard and mouse, keyboard, external, dock
+38%
-62%
" ... It would not recognize the mouse on boot up. ... "
" ... Half the time my keyboard or mouse are not recognized by any of my laptops, I have to reconnect the computer multiple time for the dock to work. ... Even reconnecting the keyboard/mouse does not work. ... "
" ... It worked with the MacBook Air but I found the mouse responsiveness to be laggy when connected via the USB-A port on the dock. ... "
" ... Instead, everytime I disconnect and reconnect at least 1 monitor does not connect and my keyboard / mouse does not connect. ... "
" ... Also, the dock will not work with a wireless mouse. ... "
" ... Even my Logitech receiver I use to connect my mouse and keyboard doesn't work anymore. ... "
" ... Also, my USB wired keyboard and mouse dont work consistent - keeps disconnecting and reconnecting. ... "
" ... With 2 monitors plugged in (both not working, naturally), network cable plugged in, usb adapter for wireless keyboard and mouse - mouse would lag badly on laptop display - was nearly impossible to open app or close windows. ... "
Display Clarity
13monitors, dual, flicker, dell, wake
+46%
-54%
" ... It does not support the 2nd display PERIOD. ... "
" ... But the display will not work. ... "
" ... I have to turn the monitor off and on to bring it up. ... "
" ... I've not seen anything like this before on my TB16 docks, but resetting my display every x minutes with a screen lock and power save is a real pain. ... Good thing I have to reset it frequently for the display too. ... The OS doesn't seem to notice the display gone at times when I do wake it up, which is odd, and thus suspect the dock isn't coming fully back online. ... "
" ... 2nd EDIT: Now, ~2 months after purchase, the unit does not run either screen. ... Sometimes the screens will flicker on and off a few times a second but mostly they don't even wake up. ... "
" ... On my Dell precision 7530, dual display works but none of the usb peripherals or sound work. ... "
" ... - Does not display on monitors. ... "
Price
12money, value, price, dock, point
+58%
-42%
" ... Good purchase, totally worth it. ... "
" ... A stand to hold the dock vertical would have been nice to see for this price point. ... "
" ... What a sweet deal: equivalent functionality for 2/3's the price! ... "
" ... It's over $200 and you could probably get by with a cheaper one if you were on a budget. ... "
" ... You can't beat this dock for performance in this price range! ... "
" ... Overall this is a great value. ... "
" ... and most impressive point is value is under the 200USD. ... "
Keyboard
12mouse, monitor, keyboard and mouse, dock, usb
+58%
-42%
" ... When connected to the Chromebook, this dock will charge it, and the peripherals connected to it via USB (mouse, keyboard) work just fine. ... "
" ... With my Macbook Pro open on a short riser in between the monitors and my keyboard, I have a sweet 3 monitor setup that has made my extended "stay-at-home" working from home period much much more bearable. ... "
" ... All I do is plug in via thunderbolt 3 on my macbook pro and use the wireless keyboard and mouse to wake it up. ... "
" ... Also, a caveat for KVM users, this dock likes to go janky when you have a mechanical keyboard. ... "
" ... It has worked perfectly for me with 2 monitors, a wired keyboard, and mouse. ... "
" ... I can close the lid to use the external monitor only with external keyboard and mouse. ... I can also wake the computer up with the mouse or keyboard with the lid closed with the external monitor connected. ... "
" ... No issues with this dock waking the monitor when touching my Bluetooth keyboard or trackpad. ... "
USB
11usb c, usb a ports, dock, ports, hub
+64%
-36%
" ... I had tried several cheaper "USB-C Hubs" thinking I could get what I needed from a $40 device . ... "
" ... The usb and power functions work. ... "
" ... That led me to Amazon and the CalDigit USB-C Pro Dock. ... "
" ... Although the dock connects to the laptop with TB, all of the docks devices are behind a USB bridge. ... "
" ... This makes it less convenient to swap in a Thunderbolt-3/USB-C laptop if the hub is under the table like mine. ... "
" ... 4) Many USB ports - all USB 3 ... "
" ... I didn't need the extra usb-c and usb-a ports so it was nice to get what I needed for less money. ... "
Software Platform
9dock, windows 10, display, caldigit, windows
+11%
-89%
" ... However, the firmware doesn't seem to recognize the 4k monitor and I always have to go in and tinker with the display settings which is a huge pain when you have multiple computers you need to quickly switch between. ... "
" ... So I guess it's a hardware issue for this particular new version. ... "
" ... Arch Linux particularly, 5.1.8 kernel. ... Reviewing dmesg logs show no kernel events - the device simply stops working. ... I do not suspect they will care that their product doesn't work under linux as other docks do. ... I ended up doing some updates to my system (arch linux) that improved things, but it still is quite quirky. ... Every time linux powers down the displays (basic power management), the displays freak out, and often will not work after until I disconnect and restart the hub at the TB3 port. ... The OS doesn't seem to notice the display gone at times when I do wake it up, which is odd, and thus suspect the dock isn't coming fully back online. ... "
" ... This means connecting a mobile device (including iOS and iPadOS) switches off the device’s own audio, even when the dock has no audio out path. ... "
" ... Sometimes though, the IDs must get messed up and my position and rotation settings get lost (because the computer recognizes them as new displays). ... "
" ... I don't know if this works for a Windows or Linux PC - I don't care either, that isn't why i bought it. ... "
Sleep Tracking
9wake, macbook, dock, waking, monitors
+22%
-78%
" ... It could only handle one usb device and the dock lost the monitors after the MacBook Pro went to sleep. ... "
" ... It worked fine out of the box with my MacBook Air but if the computer went to sleep while plugged into the dock it would take down the network switch with a broadcast storm breaking the Internet in my whole house. ... "
" ... Waking from sleep has been the biggest issue, in that not all monitors wake, or reconnect. ... "
" ... Often, only 1 monitor will wake up from sleep. ... "
" ... Sometimes after the mac goes to sleep only the left monitor comes up. ... "
" ... When coming out of sleep mode it doesn’t wake one of the monitors. ... "
Resolution
94k 60hz, usb c, macbook pro, displays, displayport
+78%
-22%
" ... I'm probably not taxing it all that much as I only have HD monitors plugged into it at the moment. ... "
" ... This is the 4th dock that I've tried and everything checks out, it does 4k @ 60hz, provide 85w power and high speed ethernet port. ... "
" ... MacBook pro 2016 with touch bar (Catalina)/Macbook pro 2018 with touch bar (Mojave) + LG UL500 27" 4K with mac scaling to 2560x1440 ... "
" ... I wanted to get a docking unit for the laptop to re-purpose an existing pair of Dell 2415Q 4K monitors and also have a wired Gigabit Ethernet connection (RJ-45 ports on laptops are only a fond memory). ... "
" ... display: 4k 60hz, 1080p 144hz both not a problem. ... "
" ... Laptop specs: Core i7 (10th gen), 4K Oled,16 GB Ram, 1tb SSD with 32gb Octane. ... "
" ... All the ports I needed and one of the few hubs that offered dual 4k/60hz extended desktop with 85W power delivery. ... "
Returns
8return, returned, replacement, caldigit, support
-100%
" ... Thoroughly disappointed and will be returning it once I find an alternative. ... "
" ... Unfortunately it didn’t work for my setup and I had to return it. ... But I’m returning it as this didn’t work for me. ... "
" ... Otherwise, I'll be returning at the end of the return period. ... "
" ... So I contacted CalDigit. ... After my experience with this one, I think I'll avoid jumping through the AMA hoops (which would likely take another month), and just return it through Amazon. ... "
" ... CalDigit won't even replace it or process a refund. ... "
" ... Returned for refund. ... "
" ... I got tired of thinking about it and just returned it. ... "
" ... Will be returning it - scared to try a replacement. ... "
Size
8use, works, looks, dock, desk
+88%
-13%
" ... It looks great on my desk and functions great. ... "
" ... Compact and easy to use. ... "
" ... In a small, handsome package that doesn't overheat and is priced reasonably? ... "
" ... Sleek dock for your desk that looks great and works great. ... "
" ... Nicely built dock. ... "
" ... It works perfectly and is small enough I can easily throw it in a backpack to use between work and home. ... "
" ... Small form factor and great design with a solid build. ... "
Drivers
7drivers, caldigit, dock, network, firmware
+57%
-43%
" ... There are also drivers to install on the MacBook from the CalDIgit support site. ... "
" ... MSI need to "enable thunderbolt update" in the "Bios" (then update to the latest thunderbolt driver), everything work fine after. ... "
" ... The fix involved receiving a driver installer from CalDigit that replaces the Apple network adapter driver. ... "
" ... This CalDigit dock lives up to their reputation - it connects very quickly, has no lag, and has no drivers. ... "
Ease of Use
6use, set, product, setup, quick
+100%
" ... I am amazed how easy is was - just plug in and go. ... "
" ... Compact and easy to use. ... No setup required. ... "
" ... This product works really well and is easy to set up. ... "
" ... Looks great and easy to use. ... "
" ... The solution is fairly simple, either ... "
Memory
6usb, two, sd, external, drives
+67%
-33%
" ... A treat to be able to pull in data from several external hard drives (I've done four), the SD slot, Ethernet, then output to two displays (I've only tested it with one) while charging the laptop, all through a single wire? ... "
" ... If you work from home in any capacity and want to upgrade your set up for your Mac I would highly recommend this one or the higher end model by the same company ... "
" ... 2) USB 3 Gen 2 support for 10Gbps to allow my backups to go at full speed to external 10 Gbps supported NVME drive ... "
" ... Laptop specs: Core i7 (10th gen), 4K Oled,16 GB Ram, 1tb SSD with 32gb Octane. ... "
Build Quality
6looks, feels, build, stable, small
+83%
-17%
" ... Looks and feels high quality and performs great. ... "
" ... The single aluminum external shell is built for war ... "
" ... This dock looks and feels great, the color now matches my MacBook Pro 15. ... "
" ... Small form factor and great design with a solid build. ... "
Setup
5easy, set, product
+80%
-20%
" ... I am amazed how easy is was - just plug in and go. ... "
" ... No setup required. ... "
" ... This product works really well and is easy to set up. ... "
" ... No utilities installation required for general use. ... "
Cleaning
5made, home, cleaned, cables, thunderbolt 3
+80%
-20%
" ... This has cleaned up the clutter of wires on my desk and made it easy to switch between my work computer and personal computer while working from home. ... "
" ... Overall, this made us a believer in thunderbolt 3 cables and feel it’s a good long term investment for a clean/efficient home office. ... "
" ... It cleaned up my desk really nice! ... "
" ... Cleaner desk now, minimal cables. ... "
Network
5use, house, dock, wired, wifi
+20%
-80%
" ... Sometimes its great, most of the times - connectivity issues. ... "
" ... When I called tech support I was told there was signal interference and I would need to get a USB extender to get the dongle away from the dock in order for it to work. ... "
" ... The entire house could catch on fire??? ... "
" ... This is completely unacceptable and makes one of the primary uses for me (hardwired network connection) very frustrating to use. ... "
Fit
5bit, slipping, price, point, jack
+40%
-60%
" ... IS ABSOLUTELY LAUGHABLE - DON'T FALL FOR IT. ... "
" ... But whenever I try to plug in hard drives, they still keep dropping off. ... "
" ... Later I tried 4 different sets of headphones and all had this issue of slipping out of the jack so I figured it must be a faulty headphone jack and returned it for another through Amazon. ... "
Firmware
4problem, need, mac, drivers, dock
-100%
" ... However, the firmware doesn't seem to recognize the 4k monitor and I always have to go in and tinker with the display settings which is a huge pain when you have multiple computers you need to quickly switch between. ... "
" ... I checked support site for firmware releases, but there are nothing but mac drivers. ... Seems like this needs some firmware updates to behave properly, but company doesn't show any still. ... "
" ... CalDigit had me install a new driver that supposedly updated the controller firmware on the dock, but even after this the problem persisted (although less often). ... "
Overall performance
4thunderbolt 3, issues, drives, data, dangerous
+50%
-50%
" ... This is very dangerous for drives while moving data. ... "
" ... If the system runs for long enough and the laptop is demanding too much power it will overheat and shutdown. ... "
Marketplace
4amazon, one, dock
+25%
-75%
" ... I troubleshooted the issue with customer support and there's nothing I can do but to put in a replacement order through Amazon. ... "
" ... The first one I recieved was dead on arrival. ... "
" ... I'll also further escalate this to Amazon support and see what happens. ... "
Features
4dock, price, light, front, blue
+50%
-50%
" ... But then as soon as you need to start using other features it fails. ... "
" ... • There's an obnoxious blue light on the front of this dock that can not be turned off. ... "
Design
4dock, feels, works, use, quality
+100%
" ... The dock certainly looks nice. ... "
" ... Looks great and easy to use. ... Sleek dock for your desk that looks great and works great. ... "
" ... Looks and feels high quality and performs great. ... "
" ... This dock looks and feels great, the color now matches my MacBook Pro 15. ... "
Sound Quality
3dual, display, dell, analog
-100%
" ... Warning macbook pro 16 on external high rez monitors is loud! ... "
" ... Everything worked as hoped except audio. ... It’s own analog out exactly mirrors the problems DACs present when connected, but adds muddy and dark sound that is worse than my Apple USBC to analog dongles. ... "
" ... On my Dell precision 7530, dual display works but none of the usb peripherals or sound work. ... "
Video Playback
3well, sent, audio
+33%
-67%
" ... Both exhibited stuttering of the audio and video sent to the displays, as well as very poor audio and video being sent from webcams through the dock. ... "
" ... My only complaint, criticism, critique would be the handling of video. ... "
Heating
3bit
+67%
-33%
" ... It does get a bit warm, so I used double-sided thermal tape to attach a small aluminum heat sink to the top. ... "
" ... The metal helps dissipate the heat. ... "
Comfort
3jack, issue, headphones, absolutely, headphone
+33%
-67%
" ... IS ABSOLUTELY LAUGHABLE - DON'T FALL FOR IT. ... "
" ... Later I tried 4 different sets of headphones and all had this issue of slipping out of the jack so I figured it must be a faulty headphone jack and returned it for another through Amazon. ... "
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High Velocity Reviewers
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Inactive Reviewers
PASS
Unverified Review Streak
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Review Count Per Reviewer
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Reviewer History Overlap
Specifications
Body
Size: 0.14 meters
Connectivity
USB: Yes
Number of USB ports: 3
HDMI: Yes
Memory
Memory: 5120 GB
Display
Resolution: 4K
Yes
USB
3
NUMBER OF USB PORTS
5120 GB
MEMORY
0.14 meters
SIZE