Choose TS4 when its downstream Thunderbolt layout fits your screens and peripherals; compare Anker 778 when its host compatibility and charging allocation fit; consider TBT4-UDZ for built-in HDMI/DP outputs with the correct Mac output groups. None is a universal dual-native-display solution for a base M1/M2 Air.
Component documentation · Not physically tested by NYBreakingThree Thunderbolt docks with different layouts
| Documented feature | CalDigit TS4 | Anker 778 | Plugable TBT4-UDZ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Host charging | Up to 98W | Up to 100W; 65W when both front 30W USB-C ports are used | 98W certified host charging; manufacturer describes up to 100W |
| Display arrangement | DisplayPort plus downstream Thunderbolt choices | Downstream TB, HDMI and two DP connectors; host limits apply | HDMI/DP output groups; one connector from each group for a Mac pair |
| Downstream Thunderbolt | Two accessory/display ports | One accessory/display port | None |
| Mac display warning | Compatible host required for two native displays | FAQ excludes base M1/M2; check exact host | Base M1/M2 one; supported two-screen Mac pair uses separate groups |
| Useful distinction | 18-port design and 2.5GbE | Power allocation changes with front-port use | Built-in display connectors; rear USB-C is data-only |
These are manufacturer specifications, not measured transfer rates, charging tests or a performance ranking. “More video sockets” is not equivalent to “more independent Mac screens.” Different vendor compatibility language also means a technically plausible connection should not be advertised as supported when the manufacturer excludes the host.
TS4: downstream Thunderbolt is the key choice
The TS4 profile includes a documented two-USB-C-screen arrangement on named M4/M5 Air models. Each monitor uses a downstream Thunderbolt output; the dock’s ordinary USB-C data sockets are not video alternatives. Its 98W host ceiling and supplied power supply are part of the bundle check.
This layout is useful if your screens already accept compatible USB-C video or if you need downstream Thunderbolt expansion. HDMI-only monitors introduce additional adapter decisions. Two direct cables may still be simpler when the laptop has the display capacity and one-cable docking is unnecessary.
Anker 778: read the exclusions and power allocation
Anker’s 778 FAQ lists base M1/M2 incompatibility and distinguishes the supported M1 Pro/Max context. Do not turn a general Thunderbolt 4 description into a recommendation for an excluded Air model. Check the exact host against the current manufacturer list before purchase.
The headline 100W host delivery is conditional: Anker says it falls to 65W when both front 30W USB-C ports are in use. That matters if your laptop workload already approaches the dock’s charging ceiling. Record which high-power peripherals you plan to connect instead of comparing only the largest wattage number.
TBT4-UDZ: built-in connectors with output groups
The TBT4-UDZ offers HDMI and DisplayPort choices, but a supported two-display Mac arrangement uses one output from each group. Windows quad-display marketing does not promise four independent native displays on a Mac. There is no downstream Thunderbolt accessory port, and the rear USB-C is data-only.
That makes it a different fit from the TS4 even when both can satisfy a supported dual-screen host. List your required USB peripherals and whether any actually need Thunderbolt downstream connectivity. A matching USB-C plug does not settle the question.
Choose by the constraint that matters to you
- M1/M2 Air with two external desktops: compare a supported software display route; these native docks do not increase the host count.
- Listed M4/M5 Air with USB-C displays: inspect the TS4 reference path or direct cables.
- HDMI/DP monitors on a compatible Mac: compare output groups and the number of additional adapters required.
- Power-sensitive laptop workload: compare the complete power allocation, not a headline alone.
Read the Air dock guide for a chip-first selection. No price, stock, affiliate approval or hardware test result is implied by this comparison.
Evidence you can inspect
Current TS4 documentation includes base M4 for two displays and permits two USB-C monitors on the two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports.
CalDigit TS4 current product documentation ↗
Source location: Compatibility; dual displays; connect two monitors option 3
Evidence reviewed 2026-09-18 · Rule v1 · Next review 2026-12-17
Source retrieval: available. Last successful retrieval: 2026-09-30.
Limitations and evidence basis
Official documentation. Component-derived connection plans are not independently demonstrated end-to-end. No physical test by NYBreaking.
Connect the included Thunderbolt cable to Computer. Two downstream Thunderbolt ports support USB-C display connections. Supplied PSU required; host charging up to 98W.
Source location: Pages 7, 15, 17: host connection, option 3, included components
Evidence reviewed 2026-09-18 · Rule v1 · Next review 2026-12-17
Source retrieval: available. Last successful retrieval: 2026-09-30.
Limitations and evidence basis
Official documentation. Component-derived connection plans are not independently demonstrated end-to-end. No physical test by NYBreaking.
Selected Mac two-display connections require one output from each group. M3 closed-lid rules remain host-specific.
Plugable TBT4-UDZ output capabilities ↗
Source location: macOS; output groups; M3
Evidence reviewed 2026-09-18 · Rule v1 · Next review 2026-12-17
Source retrieval: available. Last successful retrieval: 2026-09-30.
Limitations and evidence basis
Official documentation. Component-derived connection plans are not independently demonstrated end-to-end. No physical test by NYBreaking.
M1 MacBook Air (2020, 13.3-inch) documents one native external display up to 6K60 and native DisplayPort over USB-C. Closing the lid does not document a second native external display.
Apple: MacBook Air M1 (2020) specifications ↗
Source location: Display Support; Charging and Expansion
Evidence reviewed 2026-09-18 · Rule v1 · Next review 2026-12-17
Source retrieval: available. Last successful retrieval: 2026-09-30.
Limitations and evidence basis
Official documentation. Component-derived connection plans are not independently demonstrated end-to-end. No physical test by NYBreaking.
13.6-inch M2 MacBook Air (2022) documents one native external display up to 6K60 and native DisplayPort over USB-C; do not inherit the M3 dual-display clamshell rule.
Apple: MacBook Air M2 (2022) specifications ↗
Source location: Display Support; Charging and Expansion
Evidence reviewed 2026-09-18 · Rule v1 · Next review 2026-12-17
Source retrieval: available. Last successful retrieval: 2026-09-30.
Limitations and evidence basis
Official documentation. Component-derived connection plans are not independently demonstrated end-to-end. No physical test by NYBreaking.
Source availability and latest checks
- C1: last successful automated retrieval 2026-09-30.
- C2: last successful automated retrieval 2026-09-30.
- P5: last successful automated retrieval 2026-09-30.
- A10: last successful automated retrieval 2026-09-30.
- A11: last successful automated retrieval 2026-09-30.
A successful retrieval confirms availability, not unchanged meaning. An editorial source review is separate.
- CalDigit TS4 specifications and dual-display wiring
- Anker 778 Thunderbolt Docking Station FAQ
- Plugable TBT4-UDZ product documentation
Additional manufacturer documentation reviewed 30 September 2026. These references support this guide; they do not create a tested finder result.
Put the conditions into your own setup.
Choose the exact equipment, then save or print the connection checklist.
Open the plannerFound a mismatch? Report a correction. No active paid affiliate links on this page.