CalDigit SOHO dock review: USB-C Gen 2 performance in a travel-ready, well-built chassis

Caldigit Soho Dock Review Source: Windows Cardinal

Our pick for the best laptop docking station, the CalDigit TS3 Plus, sets a high standard. And CalDigit doesn't cease there. The new SOHO dock — which stands for Small Role Domicile Office — is a far more compact alternative that is ameliorate suited for a life on the go. I've been using it for about a calendar week to see how well it works, how information technology compares to CalDigit's other options, and where it stacks up against other portable USB-C docks and hubs.

Caldigit Soho Dock

CalDigit SOHO dock

Lesser line: The CalDigit SOHO dock is a well-congenital USB-C hub with 10Gbps performance. Its limited port selection might not make it ideal for a full-time desktop setup, but information technology's something I'll keep nearby when traveling. It's congenital well and it performs as information technology should (for the most office).

Pros

Detachable host cablevision
Upwardly to 100W ability delivery
High-quality aluminum build
SD and microSD 4.0 UHS-II readers
Dual 4K@60Hz display back up with DP ane.four

Cons

Limited port selection
Sometimes doesn't recognize DP monitor when waking from sleep

CalDigit SOHO dock: Cost and availability

CalDigit provided Windows Central with a review unit of measurement of the SOHO dock with USB-C connectivity. It's meant to work with USB-C iii.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps) for full functionality, though it volition work with USB-C Gen ane (5Gbps) at reduced performance. It will as well work with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 devices, and it'south uniform with Mac. The dock costs about $80 at Amazon and comes with a detachable USB-C host cable.

Here's a look at the specs that make upwards this meaty accessory.

Category	Spec
Host connection	USB-C 3.i Gen 2 (10Gbps)
Ports	USB-C (10Gbps) USB-C (Power passthrough) DisplayPort 1.4 HDMI 2.0b USB-A (10Gbps) SD card reader (UHS-II) microSD card reader (UHS-II)
Max display res.	Single monitor: 4K@60Hz Dual mirrored: 4K@60Hz Dual extended: 4K@30Hz
Power delivery	Up to 100W 90W to laptop
Dimensions	0.75 (H) x two.53 (W) x 3.66 (D) inches (19mm ten 64.3mm x 93mm)
Weight	0.xix pounds (0.09kg)
Warranty	Two years

CalDigit SOHO dock: What I like

Caldigit Soho Dock Review Source: Windows Cardinal

The SOHO dock is congenital into a solid aluminum block with slightly rounded corners. The front and back edges have plastic panels that house the ports, and there's also an opening on the side for the host USB-C cable. The lesser has iv rubber feet that help keep the dock in place. Surface temperatures do go hot to bear upon — CalDigit has listed between 82 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 50 degrees Celsius) as normal internal operating temperature — simply the aluminum cake helps dissipate oestrus.

The SOHO dock'southward compact, solid aluminum build should give whatever traveler the confidence to accept information technology forth.

The dock has no loose parts or rattles; I wouldn't be agape to toss this into a backpack and take it with me when traveling. The do good of having a detachable 20-inch host cable is that at that place's less risk the dock will be damaged if it's packed into a bag too tightly. And if the cable is damaged, you can always replace information technology with another.

On the front are USB-C and USB-A ports, each with upward to 10Gbps capabilities. There are also SD and microSD 4.0 UHS-II bill of fare readers to handle your removable storage. It seems they're using the aforementioned controller so you won't exist able to finer use them both at the aforementioned time, but they're withal a high spec. I measured 259 MB/southward read and 143 MB/s write speeds with a UHS-Two card. Instead of simply a friction concur, both slots have a click-to-lock part that keeps cards deeply in place. The reader slots accept 15u gold plating for a more reliable connection.

Caldigit Soho Dock Review Source: Windows Key

The back of the dock has a USB-C port for AC adapter passthrough. The hub doesn't require a carve up ability source and will run fine from charabanc power, but attaching a charger will pass power through to your laptop (and to whatsoever connected devices that need charging). HDMI 2.0b and DisplayPort 1.iv are also located on the back of the dock for video out.

Windows laptops with DP 1.4 capabilities through USB-C — like the Surface Pro vii Plus and Surface Pro 10 — will handle dual extended 4K displays at 30Hz. You can also mirror dual 4K external displays at 60Hz each, or i 4K display at 60Hz. Testing with 4K and QHD displays didn't seem to bother the SOHO dock. If you're sticking with QHD, note that the resolution will hitting upwardly to 144Hz from either video port. Both video ports take HDR10 support.

Caldigit Soho Dock Review Source: Windows Fundamental

Because the SOHO dock has 10Gbps bandwidth with USB-C Gen 2, you'll see fewer compromises when it comes to multiple connected accessories. Video and information lanes are contained, so you tin run your display and nevertheless take bandwidth for your data ports. With a monitor connected via DisplayPort, the dock didn't have issues handling a high-speed USB-C solid-state bulldoze. The CalDigit Tuff nano put upward around ane,050MB/s read and 915MB/s write speeds, the same as when continued directly to the laptop.

Starting off with the dock, at that place aren't any drivers or software to install. I plugged in the monitors, keyboard, external SSD, and microSD card into the dock before connecting it to the host laptop; once connected, all devices were recognized at once and without delay. There were some issues with waking from sleep that I'll get into in the next section, but for the virtually part the SOHO dock just did its job without issue. Its size makes it perfect for travel, but it could no uncertainty still find a more than permanent spot on a desk-bound.

CalDigit SOHO dock: What I don't like

Caldigit Soho Dock Review Source: Windows Central

Port option is likely the major point of contention for a lot of people. With no Ethernet (a staple for many docks), one USB-A, and one USB-C, users who need a lot of extra accessory connectivity volition no dubiousness exist permit down. In my instance, connecting just an external SSD and mouse has the dock filled in terms of USB. The SOHO dock is much meliorate used equally a durable travel accessory than a total-time desktop improver.

Another matter to notation: If your laptop'southward USB-C port is capped at DP 1.2 you volition come across single 4K display support at 30Hz instead of 60Hz. This is because of the addition of the HDMI port. The USB-C port on the dock also won't handle video; it'due south meant for data only.

Finally, I encountered an issue with DisplayPort monitors during testing. If I let my PC and monitor enter a slumber land, only the laptop would wake. The monitor would remain asleep until I replugged the DP cablevision at the dock or clicked effectually in the Windows 10 Project settings. No need to unplug the dock from the host, only certainly annoying. When connected with HDMI I didn't encounter the aforementioned problem.

CalDigit SOHO dock: Competition

CalDigit USB-C Pro Dock Source: Windows Central

The CalDigit SOHO dock, with its limited port option and compact design, fits better with the best USB-C hubs than it does full-size docking stations.

If you do, even so, want to go all out with ports and operation and don't mind keeping your dock on a desk, the CalDigit TS3 Plus is nonetheless an excellent selection for Thunderbolt 3 PCs. And if your PC has USB-C only, the CalDigit USB-C Pro Dock is a top full-time solution.

Every bit for smaller hubs, I have some further recommendations. OWC's USB-C Travel Dock East isn't built as well and information technology's a bit bulkier, simply it brings Ethernet, two USB-A, HDMI ii.0, an SD card reader, and USB-C passthrough for up to 100W charging. Yous lose a detachable host cable, downstream USB-C, and a microSD carte reader, but the actress USB-A and Ethernet will probable suit some people's needs. Continue in heed this is capped at 5Gbps. This dock is priced effectually $65.

There's also the HyperDrive GEN2 6-Port USB-C hub for around $100. It's built well, information technology'south relatively compact, and it brings like port pick. It has HDMI with 4K@60Hz support, USB-A (10Gbps), SD and microSD UHS-II menu readers, 3.5mm audio jack, and USB-C passthrough with up to 100W charging. The host cable is detachable.

Have a look at our collection of the best laptop docking stations for more options.

Should you buy the CalDigit SOHO dock?

Caldigit Soho Dock Review Source: Windows Central

You should purchase this if ...

Y'all desire a durable, compact dock for traveling
Y'all desire a dock with removable host cable
You lot value external display back up more than than USB connectivity

You shouldn't buy this if...

You want a full-time desktop setup
You want Ethernet
You want more than one USB-A port

The CalDigit SOHO dock, other than an issue with my DisplayPort monitor not waking upwards automatically after sleep, worked as expected. This little aluminum dock benefits from USB-C Gen ii (10Gbps) speeds, bringing respectable operation across all ports. Information technology gets hot but not as well hot, it doesn't crave an external power source, and the host cablevision tin can easily be replaced if it'south damaged.

I wouldn't buy this dock every bit a total-time desktop solution due to its port count, just I volition certainly have it on hand side by side fourth dimension I travel. The speedy SD card readers suit my photography needs, and the dual monitor output allows for easy connectivity no thing the monitor I need to use.

Caldigit Soho Dock

CalDigit SOHO dock

Bottom line: The CalDigit SOHO dock is a solid niggling PC accessory that tin expand USB-C connectivity at dwelling or on the go. If you value monitor support and high-speed USB, it should be a great choice.

Nosotros may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Don't buy Elden Ring on the hype alone — read this first

An Elden Question

Don't buy Elden Band on the hype alone — read this first

Elden Ring is an incredible game, just information technology may not exist a great feel if you don't know what y'all're getting into. Hither are some thoughts on how all-time to decide whether to purchase Elden Band, if yous haven't nevertheless decided.

These are the best Netgear routers available now

Heir-apparent'due south guide

These are the best Netgear routers available at present

Love Netgear and desire to ameliorate your home cyberspace? We've rounded up the best routers bachelor now, whether you're looking to game, ready a mesh network, or but savor lag-free internet in your abode.