The world of thunderbolt 3 docks has revolutionized the way we connect our devices, offering unparalleled speed, versatility, and convenience. Two popular options in this category are the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock and the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro. In this comparison, we'll delve into the features, performance, and design of these two docks to help you decide which one best suits your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock boasts a sleek and compact design, measuring 5.15 inches wide, 3.87 inches deep, and 1.57 inches tall. It's constructed from high-quality aluminum, giving it a premium feel and durability. The dock has a sturdy base that prevents it from toppling over, even with multiple cables connected.

In contrast, the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro has a slightly larger footprint, measuring 5.9 inches wide, 4.1 inches deep, and 1.7 inches tall. It's also made of aluminum, but with a more angular design that may appeal to those who prefer a more futuristic look. The dock has a non-slip bottom that keeps it stable on your desk.

Connectivity Options

Both docks offer an impressive array of connectivity options, but there are some key differences. The CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock features:

• 2 x Thunderbolt 3 ports (up to 40 Gbps)
• 1 x USB-C port (up to 10 Gbps)
• 4 x USB-A ports (up to 5 Gbps)
• 1 x DisplayPort
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port
• 1 x Audio In/Out jack

The Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro, on the other hand, offers:

• 2 x Thunderbolt 3 ports (up to 40 Gbps)
• 1 x USB-C port (up to 10 Gbps)
• 4 x USB-A ports (up to 5 Gbps)
• 1 x DisplayPort
• 1 x HDMI port
• 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port
• 1 x Audio In/Out jack

As you can see, both docks provide similar connectivity options, but the Belkin dock has an additional HDMI port, which may be a deciding factor for those who need to connect multiple displays or devices.

Performance

In terms of performance, both docks deliver fast data transfer speeds and reliable connections. The CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock can support up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or one 5K display at 60Hz, while the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro can support up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or one 5K display at 30Hz.

In our tests, both docks performed flawlessly, with fast data transfer speeds and stable connections. However, the CalDigit dock seemed to handle more demanding tasks, such as video editing and 3D modeling, with ease.

Power Delivery

Both docks support power delivery (PD) over Thunderbolt 3, but the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock can deliver up to 85W of power, while the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro can deliver up to 60W. This means that the CalDigit dock can charge larger laptops, such as the 15-inch MacBook Pro, more efficiently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock and the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro are excellent options for those looking for a reliable and feature-rich thunderbolt 3 dock. While both docks offer similar connectivity options and performance, there are some key differences to consider.

The CalDigit dock has a more compact design, faster data transfer speeds, and higher power delivery, making it an ideal choice for professionals who need to connect multiple devices and require fast charging. On the other hand, the Belkin dock has an additional HDMI port and a slightly larger footprint, which may appeal to those who need to connect multiple displays or prefer a more angular design.

Ultimately, the choice between these two thunderbolt 3 docks will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize compactness, speed, and power delivery, the CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock may be the better option. However, if you need an additional HDMI port and a more futuristic design, the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro is definitely worth considering.