The CalDigit Element 5 Hub includes four Thunderbolt 5 ports. That puts it ahead of all directly competing hubs, as these include only three ports with the latest super-fast networking standard.
And that’s not all. CalDigit’s latest includes nine ports in total, and offers up to 90W of power.
CalDigit Element 5 Hub offers Thunderbolt 5 and more
Thunderbolt 5 launched in 2023, though the selection of fully compatible accessories remains small. A highlight of the newest version is data transfers to 80 Gbps — twice as fast as the previous iteration — plus a Bandwidth Boost that goes up to 120 Gbps. The CalDigit Element 5 Hub supports these features.
The M4-based MacBook Pro and Mac mini released in late 2024 offer Thunderbolt 5. On macOS, CalDigit’s hub can connect up to dual 6K or 8K 60Hz external displays on computers with dual display support over a single Thunderbolt connection.
In addition to Thunderbolt 5, the hub also supports Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, USB4 v2, and USB-C devices. That makes it compatible with Macs as well as USB-C iPads and iPhones. Plus Windows, Chrome and more.
More than Thunderbolt
For connecting a range of accessories, the peripheral includes a trio of USB-A (10 Gb/s) ports, plus two USB-C (10Gb/s) ports.
“With a wide selection of powerful ports, it is an ideal solution for expanding workflows, while taking up minimal desk space,” promises CalDigit. The size comes in at 4.5 inches by 2.75 inches by 1 inch.
The Element 5 Hub can charge devices at up to 90W, though its USB ports top out 7.5W. The included power supply puts out 180W.
Just launched
The CalDigit Element 5 Hub launched on Friday. It is now available to purchase in the United States via the CalDigit Online Store. It will be available in the UK and Europe in mid to late February 2025.
It costs $299.95, though is currently priced at $249.95 thanks to a 17% off deal.
Buy it from: CalDigit
Its closest rivals include the Kensington SD5000T5 EQ Thunderbolt 5 Triple 4K Docking Station and the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub.
Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 25 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh Classic II (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer. He’s written for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview, and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
