The catch
CalDigit Element 5 Hub
It has no built-in networking, audio or card reader, and it does not support TB3 Windows.
Side by side
Element 5 vs TS4 from CalDigit: A full wired desk stays connected with TS4, Element 5 contributes a TB branch
Quick verdict
On the Element 5 you get three direct Thunderbolt branches, while the TS4 gives two plus DisplayPort and more wired accessories. A supported modern laptop with USB-C screens, Wi-Fi and no use for built-in readers is a job for the Element 5. A DisplayPort monitor, wired networking, camera cards or a supported Thunderbolt 3 Windows work laptop is a job for the TS4. With a suitable DisplayPort cable, the TS4 can end up with as much useful storage connectivity as the newer hub.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
A single monitor input can erase the apparent port disadvantage
Two monitors and a Thunderbolt SSD look like an easy win for Element 5 and its three branches. Start by looking at the monitors. When one has a suitable DisplayPort input, TS4 can connect it through the fixed DP output, put the other screen on Thunderbolt and leave the second TB port for storage. The same three-device job then fits on both docks. Element 5 keeps its advantage if both screens really do need their USB-C or Thunderbolt connection. It is worth checking this before you replace cables or buy another hub. The laptop must still support both screens at the modes you want.
Where this comes from
On TS4 the topology is 1 fixed DP screen +1 TB screen +1 TB drive, and on Element 5 it is 2 TB screens +1 TB drive. This counts connections only. It does not show equal bandwidth or universal monitor compatibility.
The catch
CalDigit TS4
It has just two downstream TB4 branches, and two USB-C screens can take both if neither uses DisplayPort.
CalDigit Element 5 Hub
- Why pick it
- A supported modern host with two compatible USB-C screens and a TB-only SSD needs three direct branches.
- Your Wi-Fi and separate audio are already sorted, and 90W of host charging meets what the laptop needs.
- The catch
- It has no built-in networking, audio or card reader, and it does not support TB3 Windows.
CalDigit TS4
- Why pick it
- One monitor connects over DisplayPort, and Ethernet, card readers or several USB-A devices stay attached too.
- The desk still has to serve a supported Thunderbolt 3 Windows laptop, so check the exact screen support.
- The catch
- It has just two downstream TB4 branches, and two USB-C screens can take both if neither uses DisplayPort.
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What this page compares
Element 5 vs TS4 for two screens, photo storage and an older work laptop. Find out when the right monitor cable counts for more than Thunderbolt 5.
You can put your money into a compact hub of the newer generation or a full-featured dock from the previous one. Either suits a desk with a supported laptop, though their native video routes and older Windows support differ.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Both screens depend on USB-C, and a TB-only drive has to stay attached
Element 5 has three direct TB branches, whereas TS4 needs some other suitable route.
- CalDigit Element 5 Hub
- Better fit
- CalDigit TS4
- Caution
One screen can run on DP, and a camera reader is needed
TS4 can use its fixed DP output and its built-in SD reader.
- CalDigit Element 5 Hub
- Caution
- CalDigit TS4
- Better fit
A supported TB3 Windows laptop has to work at the desk
That host type is excluded on Element 5.
- CalDigit Element 5 Hub
- Not suitable
- CalDigit TS4
- Better fit
Direct sockets are needed for five USB-A accessories
Five on TS4, three on Element 5.
- CalDigit Element 5 Hub
- Caution
- CalDigit TS4
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
A single monitor input can erase the apparent port disadvantage
Two monitors and a Thunderbolt SSD look like an easy win for Element 5 and its three branches. Start by looking at the monitors. When one has a suitable DisplayPort input, TS4 can connect it through the fixed DP output, put the other screen on Thunderbolt and leave the second TB port for storage. The same three-device job then fits on both docks. Element 5 keeps its advantage if both screens really do need their USB-C or Thunderbolt connection. It is worth checking this before you replace cables or buy another hub. The laptop must still support both screens at the modes you want.
How we worked this out
On TS4 the topology is 1 fixed DP screen +1 TB screen +1 TB drive, and on Element 5 it is 2 TB screens +1 TB drive. This counts connections only. It does not show equal bandwidth or universal monitor compatibility.
A newer hub can cut off the weekday half of a shared desk
Your personal laptop might be ready for Thunderbolt 5 while the Windows laptop from your employer still runs Thunderbolt 3. Element 5 excludes that Windows host, and TS4 includes qualified TB3 Windows support. When both computers need the same screens and accessories, the older laptop you have to support sets the practical limit. TS4 can keep that routine going without treating the workday as an exception. Check the exact TB3 machine, because early implementations vary in display capability. Element 5 becomes a sensible alternative when every host you intend to use is supported and you can do without the full-dock functions.
How we worked this out
A stated manufacturer host-support boundary is applied to personal and employer laptops used in turn. No claim is made that all TB3 Windows laptops provide dual screens.
A camera habit can make the older full dock the neater buy
If you copy family camera cards and also keep a wired connection for calls, TS4’s reader and Ethernet take two separate accessories out of the plan. Element 5 can work with external versions, but they use up sockets and add loose pieces. That counts for more when the desk is cleared for another activity each evening. It counts for less if your existing reader is already part of a fixed setup or your camera uses another card type, such as CFexpress. TS4’s SD reader does not solve a CFexpress workflow. Match the dock to your actual camera card and networking need before you treat the built-in extras as worth having.
How we worked this out
TS4 includes SD/microSD UHS-II and 2.5GbE, and Element 5 has neither. CFexpress is not SD and does not appear in either documented reader inventory. No import-speed result is assumed.
Option A
CalDigit, TBT5-ELEMENT5-US-AMZ
CalDigit Element 5 Hub
A supported modern host with two compatible USB-C screens and a TB-only SSD needs three direct branches.
- Best for
- A supported modern host with two compatible USB-C screens and a TB-only SSD needs three direct branches.
Facts we checked
- TB branches and fixed video: Three TB5 branches, no fixed video
- Existing wired accessories: Three USB-A and two ordinary USB-C 10Gb/s
- Network and card reader: Neither built in
- Older Windows laptop: TB3 Windows excluded
Option B
CalDigit, TS4-US 500971
CalDigit TS4
One monitor connects over DisplayPort, and Ethernet, card readers or several USB-A devices stay attached too.
- Best for
- One monitor connects over DisplayPort, and Ethernet, card readers or several USB-A devices stay attached too.
Facts we checked
- TB branches and fixed video: Two TB4 branches plus DisplayPort 1.4
- Existing wired accessories: Five USB-A and three ordinary USB-C 10Gb/s
- Network and card reader: 2.5GbE and UHS-II readers
- Older Windows laptop: Qualified TB3 Windows supported
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | CalDigit Element 5 Hub | CalDigit TS4 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TB branches and fixed video | Three TB5 branches, no fixed video | Two TB4 branches plus DisplayPort 1.4 | On TS4, a monitor with a DP input can save a TB branch. |
| Existing wired accessories | Three USB-A and two ordinary USB-C 10Gb/s | Five USB-A and three ordinary USB-C 10Gb/s | TS4 takes a bigger set of accessories without needing a second hub. |
| Network and card reader | Neither built in | 2.5GbE and UHS-II readers | The full dock may suit regular photo imports and wired work better. |
| Older Windows laptop | TB3 Windows excluded | Qualified TB3 Windows supported | The work laptop can decide the matter before any claim about speed comes up. |
| Host power | 90W | 98W | Neither reaches the 140W ceiling that some larger TB5 docks offer. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With CalDigit Element 5 Hub
- HDMI or DisplayPort screens you keep need suitable adapters, as does any missing reader or network function.
With CalDigit TS4
- With 98W as the maximum host charging, demanding work may still call for the original laptop charger.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Three direct TB branches are essential and each host is recent enough
Go with CalDigit Element 5 Hub. Element 5 suits that particular connection plan.
DP, wired accessories or an older supported work laptop count for more
Go with CalDigit TS4. TS4 keeps the wider desk routine intact.
Decision guide
Before you buy
Newer connectivity is welcome, provided you keep the useful ports and the older laptop support you already have in the room.
What this page can’t tell you
- Nothing here says TB5 speeds up the TB4 accessories you already own. Host and device limits still apply, and Ethernet on the TS4 needs PCIe tunneling.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the docking stations we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| CalDigit Element 5 Hub |
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| CalDigit TS4 |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
CalDigit Element 5 Hub
A supported modern host with two compatible USB-C screens and a TB-only SSD needs three direct branches.
Your Wi-Fi and separate audio are already sorted, and 90W of host charging meets what the laptop needs.
See price & reviews on AmazonCalDigit TS4
One monitor connects over DisplayPort, and Ethernet, card readers or several USB-A devices stay attached too.
The desk still has to serve a supported Thunderbolt 3 Windows laptop, so check the exact screen support.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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