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CalDigit Element Hub vs StarTech.com 2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub: Comparison

CalDigit Element Hub and StarTech.com 2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub separate most on total ports: CalDigit Element Hub at 8, StarTech.com 2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub at 2, 75% in favour of CalDigit Element Hub. They match on connection type and ethernet.

CalDigit Element Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 4 Ports / 60W Host Charging / Data-Only / Mac/Windows / ~$100)
CalDigitCalDigit Element Hub
StarTech.com 2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 2 Ports / No Charging / No Display Output / Mac/Windows / ~$70)
StarTech.comStarTech.com 2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub

Specs

Specification
CalDigit Element Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 4 Ports / 60W Host Charging / Data-Only / Mac/Windows / ~$100)
CalDigit Element Hub
StarTech.com 2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 2 Ports / No Charging / No Display Output / Mac/Windows / ~$70)
StarTech.com 2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub
Connection TypeThunderbolt 4Thunderbolt 4
Port Configuration1x TB4 host, 3x TB4 downstream 40Gbps, 4x USB-A 10Gbps1x TB4 upstream, 1x TB4 downstream (daisy chain / port expansion only)
Max Display SupportDual 4KNone (pass-through only, relies on host GPU)
Max Display ResolutionSingle 8K@60Hz or dual 4K@60HzN/A (pass-through)
Total Ports82-75%
Power Delivery60 WNone (no host charging)
EthernetNoNo
BrandCalDigitStarTech.com
ModelElement Hub2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub
OS CompatibilityMac, Windows, iPadOS, ChromeOSMac, Windows
Price~$100~$70

Verdict

CalDigit Element Hub

6 / 10 Expert Rating

A sensible budget entry point into Thunderbolt 4 port expansion, not a dock replacement.

StarTech.com 2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub

5 / 10 Expert Rating

Does exactly one job, adding a second Thunderbolt port, and does it cheaply; not a dock replacement.

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