Thunderbolt 3 docks, looking at a Caldigit TS3 Plus, but are there other/better competitors?

[atxcyclist]

I'm looking for a Thunderbolt 3 dock that has a few features, one of which this Caldigit doesn't offer but I could live without it.

 

• At least 67w charging to match my laptop's normal charger brick
• DisplayPort 1.4 port preferred for video output beyond 4Kx60 on the Displayport connection. The Caldigit only has a 1.2 port, livable but not ideal.
• Thunderbolt 3 passthrough
• A few USB A ports
• Gigabit ethernet or better
• Big plus would be a non-permanent source cable to the laptop. 

I'd like the ability to run a beyond 4Kx60 display in the future without having to use up my one Thunderbolt passthrough. I don't know enough about reputable brands to know if the mid-priced ones on Amazon are worth it or too risky. 

[Zando_]

Get a Caldigit TS4? Here: https://www.caldigit.com/thunderbolt-station-4/. 2x TB passthroughs, DP 1.4, etc: 

 

[atxcyclist]

5 minutes ago, Zando_ said:

Get a Caldigit TS4? Here: https://www.caldigit.com/thunderbolt-station-4/. 2x TB passthroughs, DP 1.4, etc: 

 

Cool, I didn't realize there was a newer version. Caldigit says explicitly it's compatible with Thunderbolt 3 machines like my M2 MacBook, so that's a plus. The only real downside is that pricetag, but it's a potential option.

[Zando_]

1 minute ago, atxcyclist said:

Cool, I didn't realize there was a newer version. Caldigit says explicitly it's compatible with Thunderbolt 3 machines like my M2 MacBook, so that's a plus. The only real downside is that pricetag, but it's a potential option.

I used a TS3 Plus when I was running a TB3/4 equipped Mac (moved back to a 2015 MBP so ofc dropped the dock) so I've loosely kept up with em. But yeah last I checked the TS4 has an eye watering price tag, ik the TS3 Plus was already bone hurty juice at the $280ish or so I remember it being. 

[atxcyclist]

13 hours ago, Zando_ said:

I used a TS3 Plus when I was running a TB3/4 equipped Mac (moved back to a 2015 MBP so ofc dropped the dock) so I've loosely kept up with em. But yeah last I checked the TS4 has an eye watering price tag, ik the TS3 Plus was already bone hurty juice at the $280ish or so I remember it being. 

Yeah, the TS3 is still going for about $299, the TS4 is $399; Definitely in the 'bone hurty' level. As ridiculous as it is, if I actually want a 5K monitor, I would be better-off from a cost perspective buying a Thunderbolt LG 5K and a USB-C ethernet adapter. 

 

I could save myself a lot of trouble if I just set-out for 4Kx60, perhaps that's the right call here, I can get a mini hub that will do that and give a few more connections for around $99 from Elgato or others.