ACASIS Dock Review: Why I Didn't Buy the CalDigit TS4
It delivers 90% of the performance for 50% of the price. Here's why it's the smart choice for most people.
I bought this dock for one simple reason: I refused to pay $400 for the CalDigit TS4.
Don't get me wrong, the CalDigit TS4 is the undisputed king of docks. It's built like a tank and has more ports than most people have devices. But my needs were simpler. I wanted a single-cable solution to connect my MacBook to my ultrawide monitor, keep it charged, and connect my peripherals (keyboard, mouse, webcam, mic).
The ACASIS Thunderbolt 4 dock does exactly that, and it costs about half as much.
Performance and bandwidth
Thunderbolt docks are notoriously expensive because the Intel certification process is costly. Most "cheap" alternatives are actually just USB-C hubs, which choke on dual 4K displays or limit your charging speed.
The ACASIS is a real Thunderbolt 4 dock. It delivers the full 40Gbps bandwidth. It charges my MacBook at a steady 96W (plenty for even a 16" Pro under load). It drives my 34" ultrawide at 120Hz without a single flicker. It is functionally identical to the expensive docks where it counts.
Utility and port selection
Compared to the $400 giants, you lose a few nice-to-haves. It has fewer USB-A ports (only 3 high-speed ones vs 5+ on others). It doesn't have a dedicated DisplayPort or HDMI port built-in—instead, it uses downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports for video. This means you might need a USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable, which is a minor annoyance but not a dealbreaker.
It also runs a little warm to the touch, but in six months of daily use, it has never throttled or disconnected.
✅ The Good
- True Thunderbolt 4 speeds at half the price
- Reliable 96W charging for laptops
- Compact, minimalist design
- Solid aluminum build
❌ The Bad
- Requires adapters for HDMI/DisplayPort
- Runs warmer than premium docks
- Fewer USB-A ports than the competition
The bottom line: Should you buy it?
If you are a hardcore power user who needs to connect 15 legacy devices and multiple SD cards simultaneously, maybe the CalDigit is worth the premium. But for everyone else who just wants a clean, one-cable desk setup that "just works," save the $200. The ACASIS is the best value in the category.
Ready to simplify your workspace?
Get the ACASIS Thunderbolt 4 Dock and connect everything with a single cable.
How I Test My Gear
I own and use every product listed here. No "review units" that I send back after a week.
I continuously use and re-evaluate products. When I find something better or stop using a product, I update my recommendations.
Tested in a real home environment with limited space and budget constraints.
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When referencing this content, please cite: "ACASIS Thunderbolt 4 Dock Review" by jason.guide
