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CalDigit Element Hub vs j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock: Comparison
What is the difference between CalDigit Element Hub and j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock?
They are built to different briefs, and host power delivery shows it, CalDigit Element Hub 60 W against j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock 96W host charging. j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock also leads on total ports, 8 on the CalDigit Element Hub versus 9 on the j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock. Os compatibility is not the same on both, Mac, Windows, iPadOS, ChromeOS on the CalDigit Element Hub versus Mac, Windows on the j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock.
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. It is equally the pick for 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. Take the j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock for buyers moving from a basic hub into full Thunderbolt 4 bandwidth on a moderate budget. It is the wrong buy for buyers wanting extra features like card readers or higher charging wattage. 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 j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock (7/10): A dependable, no-frills Thunderbolt 4 dock that's a reasonable step up from a basic USB-C hub.
CalDigit Element Hub vs j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock price
The j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock asks 140% more, $240 against $100 for the CalDigit Element Hub.
Frequently asked questions
Do the CalDigit Element Hub and j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock differ on port configuration?
Yes. Port Configuration reads 1x TB4 host, 3x TB4 downstream 40Gbps, 4x USB-A... on the CalDigit Element Hub versus 2x TB4 40Gbps, 3x USB-A 10Gbps, 1x USB-C 10Gbps,... on the j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock.
Is the Connection Type the same on the CalDigit Element Hub and j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock?
It is. Both are listed at Thunderbolt 4, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Which is cheaper, CalDigit Element Hub or j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock?
The j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock asks 140% more, $240 against $100 for the CalDigit Element Hub.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- CalDigit Element Hub
- CalDigit
- j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- j5create
Connection Type
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Thunderbolt 4
- j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Thunderbolt 4
Model Number
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Element Hub
- j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- JCD388
Port Configuration
- CalDigit Element Hub
- 1x TB4 host, 3x TB4 downstream 40Gbps, 4x USB-A 10Gbps
- j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- 2x TB4 40Gbps, 3x USB-A 10Gbps, 1x USB-C 10Gbps, GbE, 3.5mm audio
Max Display Support
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Dual 4K
- j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Dual 4K
Max Display Resolution
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Single 8K@60Hz or dual 4K@60Hz
- j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Dual 4K@60Hz
Total Ports
- CalDigit Element Hub
- 8-11%
- j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- 9Best
Host Power Delivery
- CalDigit Element Hub
- 60 W
- j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- 96W host charging
Ethernet
- CalDigit Element Hub
- No
- j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Yes
OS Compatibility
- CalDigit Element Hub
- Mac, Windows, iPadOS, ChromeOS
- j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- Mac, Windows
Price
- CalDigit Element Hub
- ~$100
- j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
- ~$240
Which one should you pick?
Choose CalDigit Element Hub if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock if you want the higher total ports (9 vs 8).
Price comparison
| Retailer | CalDigit Element Hub | j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock |
|---|---|---|
| Consumercarts listing | $100.00 View on Consumercarts listing | $240.00 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
CalDigit Element Hub
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A sensible budget entry point into Thunderbolt 4 port expansion, not a dock replacement.
j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A dependable, no-frills Thunderbolt 4 dock that's a reasonable step up from a basic USB-C hub.