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CalDigit Element Hub vs HP USB-C Dock G5: Comparison
What is the difference between CalDigit Element Hub and HP USB-C Dock G5?
Host power delivery is where these two genuinely part company, CalDigit Element Hub 60 W against HP USB-C Dock G5 100 W, a 40% lead for HP USB-C Dock G5. Add total ports to that, 8 on the CalDigit Element Hub versus 10 on the HP USB-C Dock G5, and the pattern holds.
Who each one is for
The CalDigit Element Hub is the one to take for minimalist desk setups already using a separate monitor for video, though it is not built for office setups needing wired Ethernet. The same goes for laptop users who just need extra USB-C ports and modest charging on the go. It is not the one for anyone needing display output, since it has no video ports at all. Buy the HP USB-C Dock G5 for IT departments equipping large Windows office fleets on a budget and standard business laptops that don't need Thunderbolt bandwidth, though it is the wrong buy for Mac users, since it targets Windows enterprise deployments and power users who want Thunderbolt-level throughput. Our rating of the CalDigit Element Hub (6/10): A sensible budget entry point into Thunderbolt 4 port expansion, not a dock replacement. Our rating of the HP USB-C Dock G5 (6/10): A practical, low-cost dock for standard office fleets that don't need Thunderbolt speed.
CalDigit Element Hub vs HP USB-C Dock G5 price
At the last price check the CalDigit Element Hub was $100 and the HP USB-C Dock G5 $130, a 30% premium.
Frequently asked questions
Do the CalDigit Element Hub and HP USB-C Dock G5 differ on connection type?
Yes. Connection Type reads Thunderbolt 4 on the CalDigit Element Hub versus USB-C on the HP USB-C Dock G5.
Is the Bus Powered the same on the CalDigit Element Hub and HP USB-C Dock G5?
It is. Both are listed at No, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- CalDigit Element Hub
- CalDigit
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- HP
Connection Type
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Thunderbolt 4
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode, non-Thunderbolt)
Model Number
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Element Hub
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- USB-C Dock G5
Port Configuration
- CalDigit Element Hub
- 1x TB4 host, 3x TB4 downstream 40Gbps, 4x USB-A 10Gbps
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- 1x USB-C host cable, 1x USB-C data (15W), 4x USB-A 5Gbps, 2x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x RJ45, 1x combo audio
Thunderbolt Version
- CalDigit Element Hub
- 4
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- None
Max Display Support
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Dual 4K
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- Up to 3 displays
Max Display Resolution
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Single 8K@60Hz or dual 4K@60Hz
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- Dual 4K@30Hz or Single 4K@60Hz
Host Cable Captive
- CalDigit Element Hub
- No
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- Yes
Total Ports
- CalDigit Element Hub
- 8-20%
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- 10Best
Host Power Delivery
- CalDigit Element Hub
- 60 W-40%
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- 100 W
Ethernet
- CalDigit Element Hub
- No
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- Yes
Bus Powered
- CalDigit Element Hub
- No
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- No
Max Displays Windows
- CalDigit Element Hub
- 2
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- 3
HDMI Port Count
- CalDigit Element Hub
- 0
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- 1
HDMI Version
- CalDigit Element Hub
- None
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- 2.0
DisplayPort Port Count
- CalDigit Element Hub
- 0
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- 2
Downstream Thunderbolt Port Count
- CalDigit Element Hub
- 3
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- 0
USB-A Port Count
- CalDigit Element Hub
- 4
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- 4
Max USB Data Rate
- CalDigit Element Hub
- 10Gbps
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- 5Gbps
macOS Supported
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Yes
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- Yes
Windows Supported
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Yes
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- Yes
ChromeOS Supported
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Yes
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- Yes
Weight
- CalDigit Element Hub
- 180 gBest
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- 748 g
OS Compatibility
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Mac, Windows, iPadOS, ChromeOS
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- Windows 10/11, macOS, ChromeOS
Price
- CalDigit Element Hub
- ~$100
- HP USB-C Dock G5
- ~$130
Which one should you pick?
Choose CalDigit Element Hub if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose HP USB-C Dock G5 if you want the higher total ports (10 vs 8) and the higher host power delivery (100 W vs 60 W).
Price comparison
| Retailer | CalDigit Element Hub | HP USB-C Dock G5 |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $100.00 View on Consumercarts listing | |
| Newegg | $130.00 View on Newegg |
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
CalDigit Element Hub
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A sensible budget entry point into Thunderbolt 4 port expansion, not a dock replacement.
HP USB-C Dock G5
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A practical, low-cost dock for standard office fleets that don't need Thunderbolt speed.