CalDigit TS5 vs TS5 Plus vs Element 5 – Which Thunderbolt 5 Dock Should You Buy?

Adam Talks Tech November 3, 2025
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Trying to choose the best CalDigit Thunderbolt 5 docking station for your setup? I've extensively tested the Element 5, TS5, and TS5 Plus with my Mac Studio and laptops to break down the key differences in power, ports, and features. Watch this full comparison to learn exactly which CalDigit dock provides the right power and bandwidth for your external displays, SSDs, and all your peripherals. Product Links (Affiliate) Caldigit TS5: https://geni.us/ts5caldigit CalDigit TS5 Plus: https://geni.us/ts5plus Element 5 Hub: https://geni.us/caldigitelement5 Personalized Mac Recommendations: https://www.adamtalks.tech/mac My Full Video Making Kit: https://adamtalks.tech/gear Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate and a B&H affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This video contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase from either Amazon or B&H, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For Business Inquiries Email: [email protected] Website: https://adamtalks.tech 00:00:00 - CalDigit Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station Lineup Overview 00:00:36 - Power and Adapter Differences (Watts and Footprint) 00:01:09 - Power Provided by TS5 Plus Ports 00:01:20 - Power Provided by TS5 Ports 00:01:48 - Thunderbolt 5 Cable Included 00:01:54 - Backward Compatibility and Bandwidth Limitations 00:02:05 - External Display Support for Mac and Windows 00:02:22 - Element 5 Port Configuration and Ideal Use Case 00:02:40 - TS5 Ports and Benefits Over Element 5 (Network, SD Card, Audio) 000:3:35 - TS5 Plus Ports and Advanced Features (10 Gigabit Ethernet) 00:04:13 - Why the TS5 Plus is Best for USB Legacy Devices 00:04:44 - CalDigit Element 5, TS5, and TS5 Plus Pricing 00:04:55 - How to Choose the Right Dock (Network, SD Slots, Power) 00:05:35 - Why the Element 5 is a Great Simple Expansion Option 00:06:06 - Why the TS5 is Worth the Upgrade (140W Power, Flexibility) 00:06:23 - When to Go for the TS5 Plus (More USB, DisplayPort, 10G Network) 00:06:41 - Final Decision-Making Considerations

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