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CalDigit Element Hub vs j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock: Comparison

CalDigit Element Hub and j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock separate most on total ports: CalDigit Element Hub at 8, j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock at 9, 11% in favour of j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock. They match on connection type and max display support.

CalDigit Element Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 4 Ports / 60W Host Charging / Data-Only / Mac/Windows / ~$100)
CalDigitCalDigit Element Hub
j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock (Thunderbolt 4 / 9 Ports / 96W Host Charging / Dual 4K@60Hz / Mac/Windows / ~$240)
j5createj5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

Specs

Specification
CalDigit Element Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 4 Ports / 60W Host Charging / Data-Only / Mac/Windows / ~$100)
CalDigit Element Hub
j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock (Thunderbolt 4 / 9 Ports / 96W Host Charging / Dual 4K@60Hz / Mac/Windows / ~$240)
j5create JCD388 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Connection TypeThunderbolt 4Thunderbolt 4
Port Configuration1x TB4 host, 3x TB4 downstream 40Gbps, 4x USB-A 10Gbps2x TB4 40Gbps, 3x USB-A 10Gbps, 1x USB-C 10Gbps, GbE, 3.5mm audio
Max Display SupportDual 4KDual 4K
Max Display ResolutionSingle 8K@60Hz or dual 4K@60HzDual 4K@60Hz
Total Ports8-11%9
Power Delivery60 W96W host charging
EthernetNoYes (GbE)
BrandCalDigitj5create
ModelElement HubJCD388
OS CompatibilityMac, Windows, iPadOS, ChromeOSMac, Windows
Price~$100~$240

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.

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