Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
ASUS DC5 Universal Dock vs CalDigit Element Hub: Comparison
ASUS DC5 Universal Dock vs CalDigit Element Hub: the host power delivery difference
Host power delivery is the dividing line, ASUS DC5 Universal Dock 100W passthrough charging against CalDigit Element Hub 60 W. CalDigit Element Hub also leads on total ports, 5 on the ASUS DC5 Universal Dock versus 8 on the CalDigit Element Hub. Os compatibility is not the same on both, Windows, Mac, Chrome OS on the ASUS DC5 Universal Dock versus Mac, Windows, iPadOS, ChromeOS on the CalDigit Element Hub.
Who each one is for
The ASUS DC5 Universal Dock suits frequent travelers needing a lightweight single-monitor dock and hotel or conference room setups with one external display, though it is not built for permanent desk setups needing multiple displays and anyone needing wired Ethernet. Buy the CalDigit Element Hub for minimalist desk setups already using a separate monitor for video, though it is not the pick for office setups needing wired Ethernet. It also earns its place with laptop users who just need extra USB-C ports and modest charging on the go. Avoid it for anyone needing display output, since it has no video ports at all. Our rating of the ASUS DC5 Universal Dock (6/10): A no-frills, inexpensive travel dock for single-display needs on the road. Our rating of the CalDigit Element Hub (6/10): A sensible budget entry point into Thunderbolt 4 port expansion, not a dock replacement.
Which is cheaper, ASUS DC5 Universal Dock or CalDigit Element Hub?
At the last price check the ASUS DC5 Universal Dock was $70.00 and the CalDigit Element Hub $100, a 43% premium.
Frequently asked questions
Do the ASUS DC5 Universal Dock and CalDigit Element Hub differ on connection type?
Yes. Connection Type reads USB-C on the ASUS DC5 Universal Dock versus Thunderbolt 4 on the CalDigit Element Hub.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- ASUS DC5 Universal Dock
- ASUS
- CalDigit Element Hub
- CalDigit
Connection Type
- ASUS DC5 Universal Dock
- USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen2, compact travel dock)
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Thunderbolt 4
Model Number
- ASUS DC5 Universal Dock
- DC5 Universal Dock
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Element Hub
Port Configuration
- ASUS DC5 Universal Dock
- 1x USB-C upstream, 1x HDMI, 1x USB-C data, 2x USB-A
- CalDigit Element Hub
- 1x TB4 host, 3x TB4 downstream 40Gbps, 4x USB-A 10Gbps
Max Display Support
- ASUS DC5 Universal Dock
- Single display
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Dual 4K
Max Display Resolution
- ASUS DC5 Universal Dock
- Single 4K@60Hz
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Single 8K@60Hz or dual 4K@60Hz
Total Ports
- ASUS DC5 Universal Dock
- 5-37%
- CalDigit Element Hub
- 8Best
Host Power Delivery
- ASUS DC5 Universal Dock
- 100W passthrough charging
- CalDigit Element Hub
- 60 W
Ethernet
- ASUS DC5 Universal Dock
- No
- CalDigit Element Hub
- No
OS Compatibility
- ASUS DC5 Universal Dock
- Windows, Mac, Chrome OS
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Mac, Windows, iPadOS, ChromeOS
Price
- ASUS DC5 Universal Dock
- ~$70
- CalDigit Element Hub
- ~$100
Which one should you pick?
Choose ASUS DC5 Universal Dock if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose CalDigit Element Hub if you want the higher total ports (8 vs 5).
Price comparison
| Retailer | ASUS DC5 Universal Dock | CalDigit Element Hub |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $70.00 View on Consumercarts listing | $100.00 View on Consumercarts listing |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
ASUS DC5 Universal Dock
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A no-frills, inexpensive travel dock for single-display needs on the road.
CalDigit Element Hub
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A sensible budget entry point into Thunderbolt 4 port expansion, not a dock replacement.