CalDigit Element Hub Review: Can It Save You Money?
The CalDigit Element Hub brings professional level connectivity to your workspace. This Thunderbolt 4 hub delivers 40Gb/s speeds and supports up to eight connected devices at once.
Whether you work with multiple monitors or need fast data transfer for creative projects, this hub solves common connectivity problems.
The compact design takes minimal desk space while offering four Thunderbolt 4 ports and four USB-A 10Gb/s ports.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple High Speed Ports: The hub provides four Thunderbolt 4 ports running at 40Gb/s and four USB-A ports at 10Gb/s. This gives you eight total connection points for your devices without sacrificing performance.
- Powerful Display Support: Connect up to two 4K monitors at 60Hz or a single 8K display. The Thunderbolt 4 technology enables flexible monitor configurations for various workflows.
- Reliable Laptop Charging: The Element Hub delivers consistent 60W charging to your laptop even under heavy load. Many competing hubs reduce charging power when multiple devices connect, but this hub maintains full 60W output.
- Compact Build Quality: Made from premium aluminum, the reversible design allows placement on either side of your laptop. The small footprint measures just 4.48 inches long and 0.70 inches tall.
- Universal Compatibility: Works with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, USB4, and USB-C computers. Compatible with Mac, Windows, iPad Pro, and Chromebook devices running current operating systems.
- Excellent Value Proposition: While priced higher than basic USB hubs, the Element Hub costs significantly less than full docking stations while offering comparable Thunderbolt performance for most users.
What Makes the CalDigit Element Hub Special
The CalDigit Element Hub stands out in the crowded hub market through its focus on Thunderbolt 4 technology. This hub delivers four times the performance of standard 10Gb/s USB-C hubs and eight times faster than typical 5Gb/s hubs.
The key difference lies in bandwidth allocation. Traditional USB hubs share limited bandwidth across all ports, creating bottlenecks when multiple devices operate simultaneously.
The Element Hub uses Thunderbolt 4’s 40Gb/s connection to provide consistent speeds even with all eight ports in use.
The build quality reflects CalDigit’s attention to detail. The aluminum chassis feels solid and dissipates heat effectively during extended use. The reversible design feature proves particularly useful.
You can flip the hub to position ports toward you or away depending on desk layout. This flexibility matters when managing cable routing in tight spaces. The integrated LED indicator provides quick visual confirmation of active status without being distracting.
Understanding Thunderbolt 4 Technology Benefits
Thunderbolt 4 represents a significant upgrade over previous connectivity standards. The technology mandates minimum performance requirements that ensure consistent user experiences across all compatible devices.
Every Thunderbolt 4 port must support 40Gb/s data transfer, dual 4K displays, and PCIe speeds up to 32Gb/s. These requirements eliminate the confusion that plagued earlier Thunderbolt 3 implementations where different devices offered varying capabilities.
The Element Hub leverages these standards to deliver predictable performance. You can connect any Thunderbolt device knowing it will work at full speed.
The backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 3, USB4, and USB-C means your existing devices continue functioning while you gain access to newer high speed peripherals. This future proofing protects your investment as you upgrade equipment over time.
The protocol also improves security through Direct Memory Access (DMA) protection. This prevents unauthorized devices from accessing your computer’s memory, addressing a common concern with earlier Thunderbolt versions. For professionals handling sensitive data, this security enhancement provides important peace of mind.
Port Configuration and Performance Details
The Element Hub’s eight port layout balances versatility with performance. The four Thunderbolt 4 ports serve multiple purposes.
You can connect high resolution monitors, external GPUs, fast NVMe storage drives, or even daisy chain additional Thunderbolt devices. Each port delivers up to 15W of power for connected devices while maintaining full 40Gb/s speeds.
The four USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports provide 10Gb/s transfer rates. This speed exceeds most USB-A implementations found in competing hubs. You get consistent performance whether connecting external hard drives, USB microphones, keyboards, or other peripherals. Each USB-A port supplies 7.5W of power, sufficient for most standard USB devices.
Real world testing shows the hub maintains advertised speeds across all ports. Connecting a fast NVMe SSD to the Thunderbolt ports achieves read speeds around 3,000MB/s. The USB-A ports deliver approximately 1,000MB/s with high quality USB 3.2 Gen 2 drives.
These speeds make the Element Hub suitable for video editing, large file transfers, and backup operations that demand sustained bandwidth.
Display Connectivity and Multi Monitor Setup
The Element Hub excels at display connectivity through its Thunderbolt 4 ports. You can connect monitors using multiple interface types. Native Thunderbolt displays plug directly into any available Thunderbolt port. USB-C monitors work equally well.
For HDMI or DisplayPort monitors, add a simple USB-C video adapter to any Thunderbolt port.
Maximum resolution support varies by your computer. Thunderbolt 4 computers can drive dual 4K displays at 60Hz or a single 8K monitor. Apple M1 and M2 base Macs face display limitations due to chip architecture, supporting only one external display through Thunderbolt connections. However, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M2 Pro, M2 Max, and M1 Ultra Macs can utilize dual displays through the Element Hub.
The hub handles various display configurations smoothly. You can run displays in extended mode for expanded workspace or mirror mode for presentations.
The Thunderbolt connection supports DisplayPort 1.4 with HBR3 and DSC 1.2 when your computer and monitor include these features. This enables the high resolutions and refresh rates that professionals need for detailed work.
Charging Capabilities and Power Management
Power delivery represents a crucial Element Hub feature. The hub provides 60W charging to connected laptops through the host Thunderbolt port.
This power level suits many ultrabooks, 13 inch MacBook Pros, Dell XPS 13 models, and similar compact laptops perfectly. The hub maintains this 60W output even with all ports populated and actively transferring data.
Many competing Thunderbolt hubs reduce laptop charging under load. When multiple devices draw power, these hubs drop from 60W to 45W or even 30W charging. The Element Hub avoids this problem through its 150W power supply.
This robust power adapter ensures adequate power for both laptop charging and all connected peripherals simultaneously.
The hub also functions as an offline charging station. When disconnected from your computer, the Element Hub continues powering all eight ports. You can charge smartphones, tablets, headphones, and other USB devices. This feature proves useful for overnight charging or centralizing your charging needs in one location.
Top 3 Alternatives for CalDigit Element Hub
Build Quality and Design Philosophy
CalDigit constructed the Element Hub from high grade aluminum throughout the chassis. The metal construction serves multiple purposes beyond aesthetics. Aluminum dissipates heat efficiently, keeping internal components cool during sustained high speed data transfers. The material also provides durability that plastic hubs cannot match.
The reversible design sets this hub apart from competitors. Most hubs force a specific orientation, limiting placement options. The Element Hub works equally well flipped either direction.
This flexibility helps optimize cable management in various desk setups. You can position ports closer to your working area or hide cables behind your laptop depending on preference.
Dimensions measure 4.48 inches long, 2.75 inches wide, and 0.70 inches tall. The compact size consumes minimal desk space. The hub weighs just 0.39 pounds, making it easily portable for users who work in multiple locations. Included rubber feet strips prevent sliding on smooth surfaces and protect both the hub and desk from scratches.
Compatibility Across Operating Systems
The Element Hub works with major computing platforms without requiring special drivers for basic functionality. macOS users need macOS 11 Big Sur or newer for full compatibility. Windows computers require Windows 10 or newer.
The hub also supports iPad Pro models with Thunderbolt, iPad Air 4th generation, Chromebooks, and Windows tablets with USB-C connections.
Thunderbolt 4 computers unlock all hub features including dual display support and full 40Gb/s speeds. Thunderbolt 3 computers also access complete functionality. USB4 computers work well with the hub. Even basic USB-C computers running USB 3.2 or USB 3.1 can use the Element Hub, though without Thunderbolt specific features like daisy chaining Thunderbolt devices.
Some Windows laptop manufacturers restrict certain Thunderbolt port capabilities. These limitations may affect display support or charging functions. Check your specific laptop specifications to confirm supported features.
Mac computers generally provide consistent Thunderbolt implementation across their product lines, reducing compatibility concerns.
Data Transfer Speed Performance Testing
Real world speed tests confirm the Element Hub delivers on performance promises. Connecting a Samsung X5 Thunderbolt 3 SSD to the hub achieves read speeds around 2,800MB/s and writes near 2,600MB/s.
These speeds approach the drive’s maximum capabilities, demonstrating minimal performance overhead from the hub.
Using multiple high speed devices simultaneously reveals the hub’s bandwidth management. Connecting two NVMe SSDs while transferring large files shows both drives maintaining strong performance.
Each drive achieves approximately 2,000MB/s to 2,400MB/s depending on file types. This demonstrates effective bandwidth distribution across ports.
The USB-A ports deliver excellent speeds for USB 3.2 Gen 2 devices. A Samsung T7 portable SSD connected via USB-A reaches read speeds around 1,000MB/s and writes near 950MB/s. These speeds match the drive’s USB-A performance ceiling.
The hub’s 10Gb/s USB-A implementation clearly outperforms typical 5Gb/s USB-A ports found in cheaper hubs.
Daisy Chaining and Expansion Options
The Element Hub supports daisy chaining Thunderbolt devices when connected to Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB4 computers.
You can connect additional Thunderbolt hubs, docks, or devices to the spare Thunderbolt ports. This creates expanded connectivity possibilities limited only by total Thunderbolt bandwidth.
A practical daisy chain example involves connecting the Element Hub to your laptop, then connecting a CalDigit TS3 Plus dock to one of the Element Hub’s Thunderbolt ports. This combination provides the Element Hub’s compact convenience plus the TS3 Plus’s extensive port selection. You could alternatively connect another Element Hub for even more Thunderbolt and USB-A ports.
USB-C devices can daisy chain regardless of computer type. Even when using a basic USB-C computer without Thunderbolt support, you can connect USB-C hubs or adapters to the Element Hub’s ports.
This expands connectivity options for users whose computers lack Thunderbolt while still benefiting from the Element Hub’s quality and port selection.
Use Cases for Creative Professionals
Video editors benefit significantly from the Element Hub’s bandwidth. Modern 4K and 6K video editing demands fast storage access. Connecting multiple NVMe SSDs to the Thunderbolt ports enables smooth timeline scrubbing and rapid render exports. The consistent speeds prevent frustrating slowdowns during deadline work.
Photographers working with large RAW files appreciate the quick import speeds. Connecting a high speed SD card reader to a Thunderbolt port reduces import time dramatically compared to USB-A connections. When shooting events or sessions generating hundreds of files, faster imports save substantial time over a week or month.
Music producers use the hub to connect multiple devices simultaneously. You might connect an audio interface, MIDI controller, external displays, and storage drives all through the Element Hub.
The low latency Thunderbolt connection ensures reliable audio performance without clicks, pops, or dropouts during recording or mixing sessions.
Desktop User Benefits and Applications
Desktop users often overlook Thunderbolt hubs, assuming they only suit laptop users. The Element Hub provides valuable benefits for desktop computers including iMacs and Mac Studios. The hub brings ports from behind your desk to an accessible location on your work surface.
Connect the Element Hub to your desktop using a longer Thunderbolt cable. CalDigit offers 2 meter Thunderbolt 4 cables maintaining full performance.
Position the hub near your keyboard and mouse for easy access to frequently connected devices. Plug in USB drives, SD cards, or charge devices without reaching behind monitors or under desks.
The offline charging feature proves especially useful for desktop setups. Leave the Element Hub on your desk as a permanent charging station for phones, tablets, and accessories. The always on power keeps devices charged and ready without occupying computer USB ports or searching for wall outlets.
Software and Utility Features
CalDigit provides a Docking Station Utility for macOS users. This free software offers convenient drive management features. The most useful function enables ejecting all connected storage devices with a single click.
When you finish work and want to disconnect your laptop, the utility eliminates clicking through multiple eject dialogs.
The utility also displays connected device information in a clear interface. You can quickly see which drives and peripherals connect to your hub. This visibility helps troubleshoot connection issues or verify devices receive adequate power.
A special driver enables Apple SuperDrive compatibility. Apple’s external optical drive requires significant power that many hubs cannot provide.
CalDigit developed a driver allowing the SuperDrive to function properly through the Element Hub. This matters for users who still need occasional CD or DVD access for legacy content or specific workflows.
Thermal Management and Reliability
The Element Hub’s aluminum construction serves as a large passive heatsink. During extended use with all ports active and high data throughput, the hub becomes warm but never uncomfortably hot. The effective heat dissipation ensures internal components operate within safe temperature ranges.
Reliable operation over months of testing shows no disconnection issues or data transfer problems. The hub maintains stable connections even when pushing sustained bandwidth across multiple ports.
Some cheaper hubs exhibit intermittent disconnections or speed degradation under load. The Element Hub demonstrates consistent performance regardless of workload intensity.
The included 150W power supply runs cool and quiet. Some competing hubs use power adapters that become excessively hot during operation. CalDigit’s power supply design prioritizes reliability and longevity. The 2 year warranty provides additional confidence in the product’s durability.
Price to Performance Analysis
The Element Hub occupies the middle ground between basic USB hubs and full featured Thunderbolt docks. Basic USB-C hubs cost $30 to $60 but lack Thunderbolt speeds and offer limited display support. Full Thunderbolt docks range from $250 to $400 and include ethernet, audio jacks, and numerous ports most users don’t need.
The Element Hub focuses on core functionality that matters most. The eight port configuration handles typical connection needs without unnecessary extras.
The approximately $150 price point delivers substantial value considering you get genuine Thunderbolt 4 performance across four ports plus fast 10Gb/s USB-A connectivity.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
Most users experience trouble free operation, but occasional setup questions arise. If your computer doesn’t recognize the hub, verify you connected the power supply properly and the LED indicator lights. Try different Thunderbolt ports on your computer. Some laptops designate specific Thunderbolt ports with different capabilities.
Display connection problems typically trace to cable or adapter compatibility. Ensure any USB-C video adapters support your monitor’s resolution and refresh rate. Some inexpensive adapters lack adequate bandwidth for 4K 60Hz output. Using high quality certified adapters solves most display issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the CalDigit Element Hub work with my M1 MacBook Air?
Yes, the Element Hub fully supports M1 MacBook Air. However, M1 Macs only support one external display through Thunderbolt connections due to chip limitations. You can still use all eight ports for storage, peripherals, and charging. The hub provides 30W charging for the MacBook Air, which matches Apple’s included charger.
Does this hub require special drivers or software to function?
No, the Element Hub works immediately without installing drivers. You simply connect the power supply, plug the Thunderbolt cable into your computer, and start using connected devices. The optional Docking Station Utility for Mac adds convenience features but is not required for basic operation.
Can I connect a 4K monitor through the USB-A ports?
No, USB-A ports cannot carry video signals. You must use the Thunderbolt 4 ports for display connections. Connect Thunderbolt or USB-C monitors directly, or use a USB-C video adapter on a Thunderbolt port for HDMI or DisplayPort monitors.
Will connecting multiple fast SSDs slow down the hub?
The Element Hub maintains strong performance with multiple SSDs connected. Thunderbolt 4’s 40Gb/s bandwidth supports several fast drives simultaneously. In practice, you can connect two or three NVMe SSDs and each maintains speeds around 2,000MB/s to 2,500MB/s depending on the specific drives.
Can I use this hub with my Windows laptop?
Absolutely. The Element Hub works with Windows laptops featuring Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, or USB-C ports. Windows 10 or newer is required. Check your specific laptop specifications to confirm display and charging support, as some manufacturers implement Thunderbolt differently.
How does the offline charging feature work?
When you disconnect your computer from the Element Hub but leave the power supply connected, all eight ports remain powered. You can charge up to eight USB devices simultaneously using the Thunderbolt and USB-A ports. Each port supplies appropriate power for connected devices, making the hub function as a multi device charging station.
