When it comes to expanding the capabilities of your MacBook or other USB-C equipped devices, two popular options stand out among the crowd: the Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C PD and the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock. Both products are designed to provide users with a convenient way to connect multiple devices to their computer, but they differ significantly in terms of features, performance, and price.

For those searching for usb hubs for macs that can handle a wide range of peripherals, the Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C PD is an attractive option. This compact hub offers eight different ports, including two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, one SD card slot, one microSD card slot, one Ethernet port, and one USB-C port with Power Delivery (PD) support. The USB-C PD port can charge your MacBook at speeds of up to 100W, making it a great option for users who need to keep their device charged while using multiple peripherals.

On the other hand, the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock is a more robust solution that takes advantage of the faster speeds offered by Thunderbolt 3 technology. This dock features five USB-A ports, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, one DisplayPort, one Ethernet port, and one audio jack. The TS3 Plus also supports up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or a single 5K display at 60Hz, making it an excellent choice for users who need to connect multiple high-resolution monitors to their MacBook.

One of the key differences between these two products is the level of performance they offer. The Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C PD is limited by its USB-C port, which has a maximum bandwidth of 5Gbps. In contrast, the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock can take advantage of the much faster speeds offered by Thunderbolt 3, with a maximum bandwidth of 40Gbps. This makes the TS3 Plus a better option for users who need to transfer large files or connect high-bandwidth devices such as external hard drives or graphics cards.

Another important consideration is the level of power delivery offered by each product. The Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C PD can charge your MacBook at speeds of up to 100W, which is sufficient for most users. However, the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock can deliver up to 85W of power to your device, which may not be enough to charge larger MacBooks such as the 16-inch MacBook Pro.

In terms of design and build quality, both products are well-constructed and durable. The Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C PD is a compact hub that can be easily carried in a bag or purse, making it a great option for users who need to connect multiple devices on the go. The CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock, on the other hand, is a larger and more substantial device that is designed to stay on your desk.

Ultimately, the choice between these two products will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a compact and affordable usb hub for macs that can handle a wide range of peripherals, the Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C PD may be the better option. However, if you need a more robust solution that can take advantage of the faster speeds offered by Thunderbolt 3 technology, the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock is the way to go.

Here's a summary of the key differences between these two products:

• Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C PD:
  • Compact and portable design
  • Eight different ports, including two USB-A ports and one HDMI port
  • USB-C PD port can charge your MacBook at speeds of up to 100W
  • Limited by its USB-C port, which has a maximum bandwidth of 5Gbps
• CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock:
  • More robust design with five USB-A ports and two Thunderbolt 3 ports
  • Supports up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or a single 5K display at 60Hz
  • Can deliver up to 85W of power to your device
  • Takes advantage of the faster speeds offered by Thunderbolt 3 technology, with a maximum bandwidth of 40Gbps

Whether you're looking for a simple and affordable usb hub for macs or a more robust solution that can handle high-bandwidth devices, both the Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C PD and the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock are excellent options to consider.