CalDigit Element Hub Released – Thunderbolt 4 & USB 4 Dock

Computer Accessories

by Jeff LochFebruary 22^nd, 2021

CalDigit recently released an interesting Thunderbolt 4 hub called the Element Hub. This dock is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, and USB 4 devices, and it can reach 40Gb/s speeds. In short, the Element Hub can drive an 8K display, two 4K60Hz displays, and nearly every other device you can throw at it. Let’s take a closer look at it!

If you recently upgraded your video editing system to Thunderbolt 3/USB-C, some companies are already announcing Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 docking solutions. Indeed, we first reported about this new transfer standard in March 2019, and OWC already released a Thunderbolt 4 dock earlier this year. Third-party computer accessories manufacturer CalDigit recently launched its own Thunderbolt 4 dock, the CalDigit Element Hub.

CalDigit Element Hub – Features

The CalDigit Element Hub is part of the “next-generation” of docks based on the Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 interface. This dock features four Thunderbolt 4 ports: three at the back of the unit and one on the left side next to a power LED.

As a quick reminder, Thunderbolt 4 ports can reach a whopping 40Gb/s of maximum theoretical speed. Yet you only need one cable and one Thunderbolt 4 port to connect the Element Hub to your computer/tablet.

The port connected to your computer can charge the latter, but up to 60W max, so it could be an issue for 16″ Macbook Pro users that requires 100W, for example.

The other ports can be used to daisy-chain devices, plug any Thunderbolt 3/USB-C accessory you might think of, or even connect a display. The CalDigit Element Hub support displays up to 8K30Hz/6K60Hz/two 4K60Hz resolutions, which is pretty impressive for such a small device: 114mm x 70mm x 18mm/4.48″ x 2.75″ x 0.70″ for a weight of 0.39lbs/180g.

CalDigit put four USB-A 3.2 Gen.2 (10Gb/s) ports for all your “legacy” devices in front of the Element Hub.

This is a pretty powerful dock, but you’ll need to plug it to mains power via an included power supply (150W). In short, the Element Hub seems like a nice studio dock, but it’s not the best choice if you’re often on the road.

Price and Availability

The CalDigit Element Hub is available for pre-order now for $139.99, and it should start shipping in mid-April. It comes with a 0.8m Thunderbolt 4 passive cable, two rubber-foot strips, and a power supply with a power cord.

For more information please visit CalDigit’s website here.

What do you think about this Element Hub? Have you already made the switch to Thunderbolt 3/USB-C devices in your workflow? Let us know in the comments below.