CalDigit Element Hub
Expert rating6 / 10
- Connection Type:
- Thunderbolt 4
- Total Ports:
- 4
- Max Display Support:
- None (data-only)
- Power Delivery:
- 60W
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Manufacturer: CalDigit Last updated: September 12, 2026
CalDigit Element Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 4 Ports / 60W Host Charging / Data-Only / Mac/Windows / ~$100) Review
The CalDigit Element Hub is a compact, budget-friendly Thunderbolt 4 hub with 4 ports and 60W host charging, aimed at users who want CalDigit's build quality without paying for a full docking station's display and Ethernet features.
CalDigit built its reputation on the TS4 and TS5 Plus, but the Element Hub is the company's answer for people who don't need a dock's full feature set. It skips video output and Ethernet entirely and focuses on three fast USB-C 10Gbps ports plus modest charging, in an aluminum shell small enough to slip into a laptop bag. It's the entry point into the CalDigit ecosystem rather than a competitor to its own flagship docks.
Comparison to Alternatives
Against CalDigit's own TS4, the TS4 delivers 18 ports, dual display output, and 98W charging for roughly three times the price, so the Element Hub only makes sense when you genuinely don't need displays or Ethernet from the dock. Against the StarTech.com 2-Port Thunderbolt 4 Hub, the StarTech is even more stripped down with no charging at all, while the Element Hub adds three extra USB-C ports and 60W of power delivery for a modest price step up.
Specifications
Connectivity
| Connection Type | Thunderbolt 4 |
|---|---|
| Port Configuration | 1x TB4 host, 3x TB4 downstream 40Gbps, 4x USB-A 10Gbps |
| Max Display Support | Dual 4K |
Host connection
| Host Interface | Thunderbolt 4 |
|---|---|
| Thunderbolt Version | 4 |
| Host Bandwidth | 40 Gbps |
| Host Cable Captive | No |
| Host Cable Length | 0.8 m |
Ports & Power
| Max Display Resolution | Single 8K@60Hz or dual 4K@60Hz |
|---|---|
| Total Ports | 8 |
| Power Delivery | 60 W |
| Ethernet | No |
Host power
| Host Power Delivery | 60 W |
|---|---|
| External PSU Wattage | 150 W |
| Bus Powered | No |
Display engine
| Video Path | Thunderbolt Native |
|---|---|
| DisplayLink Driver Required | No |
| Max Displays Windows | 2 |
| Max Displays Mac Base | 1 |
| Max Displays Mac Pro Max | 2 |
Display output
| Max Single Display Resolution | 8K |
|---|---|
| Max Single Display Refresh | 60 Hz |
| Max Dual Display Resolution | 4K |
| Max Dual Display Refresh | 60 Hz |
Video ports
| HDMI Port Count | 0 |
|---|---|
| HDMI Version | None |
| DisplayPort Port Count | 0 |
| DisplayPort Version | None |
Data ports
| Downstream Thunderbolt Port Count | 3 |
|---|---|
| USB-A Port Count | 4 |
| Max USB Data Rate | 10Gbps |
Downstream power
| Downstream Thunderbolt Port Power | 15 W |
|---|
Network and storage
| Ethernet Speed | None |
|---|
Compatibility and physical
| macOS Supported | Yes |
|---|---|
| Windows Supported | Yes |
| ChromeOS Supported | Yes |
| Weight | 180 g |
| Brand | CalDigit |
|---|---|
| Model | Element Hub |
| OS Compatibility | Mac, Windows, iPadOS, ChromeOS |
| Price | ~$100 |
| Source URL | https://www.caldigit.com/thunderbolt-4-element-hub/ |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating6 / 10
A sensible budget entry point into Thunderbolt 4 port expansion, not a dock replacement.
Best for
- Laptop users who just need extra USB-C ports and modest charging on the go
- Buyers who trust CalDigit's build quality but don't need a full dock
- Minimalist desk setups already using a separate monitor for video
Not for
- Anyone needing display output, since it has no video ports at all
- Office setups needing wired Ethernet
- Users wanting one dock to replace many peripherals, since it only has 4 ports total
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the CalDigit Element Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 4 Ports / 60W Host Charging / Data-Only / Mac/Windows / ~$100)?
The CalDigit Element Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 4 Ports / 60W Host Charging / Data-Only / Mac/Windows / ~$100) is a docking station from CalDigit. Key specs: Connection Type Thunderbolt 4, Total Ports 4, Port Configuration 1x TB4 upstream, 3x USB-C 10Gbps, Max Display Support None (data-only hub, no video output), Max Display Resolution N/A.
Who is the CalDigit Element Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 4 Ports / 60W Host Charging / Data-Only / Mac/Windows / ~$100) best suited to?
It suits laptop users who just need extra usb-c ports and modest charging on the go, buyers who trust caldigit's build quality but don't need a full dock, minimalist desk setups already using a separate monitor for video.
What are the drawbacks of the CalDigit Element Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 4 Ports / 60W Host Charging / Data-Only / Mac/Windows / ~$100)?
It is a poor fit for anyone needing display output, since it has no video ports at all, office setups needing wired ethernet, users wanting one dock to replace many peripherals, since it only has 4 ports total.
Compare and read more
- ASUS DC5 Universal Dock (USB-C / 5 Ports / 100W Pass-Through Charging / Single 4K@60Hz / Windows/Mac/Chrome / ~$70) vs CalDigit Element Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 4 Ports / 60W Host Charging / Data-Only / Mac/Windows / ~$100)
- CalDigit Element Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 4 Ports / 60W Host Charging / Data-Only / Mac/Windows / ~$100) vs HP USB-C Dock G5 (USB-C / 8 Ports / 65W Host Charging / Dual 4K@30Hz / Windows / ~$130)
- CalDigit Element Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 4 Ports / 60W Host Charging / Data-Only / Mac/Windows / ~$100) vs Wavlink Universal Docking Station (USB-A / 9 Ports / No Host Charging / Dual 4K@30Hz DisplayLink / Windows Only / ~$90)
- CalDigit Element Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 4 Ports / 60W Host Charging / Data-Only / Mac/Windows / ~$100) vs Hyper HyperDrive Next 10-Port USB-C Hub (USB-C / 10 Ports / 100W Pass-Through / Single 4K@60Hz / Windows/Mac/iPad / ~$100)
- CalDigit Element Hub (Thunderbolt 4 / 4 Ports / 60W Host Charging / Data-Only / Mac/Windows / ~$100) vs Lenovo ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock (Thunderbolt 4 / HDMI + Dual DisplayPort / Gigabit Ethernet / Enterprise Fleet Dock)