CalDigit, a specialist in storage and docking stations, unveils its new CalDigit Element 5 Hub, featuring Thunderbolt 5. This hub promises to expand ultra-fast Thunderbolt 5 / USB-C ports, making it ideal for photographers, videographers, and demanding creators.
A Connectivity Designed for Pros
With its 4 Thunderbolt 5 ports, 2 USB-C 10 Gb/s ports, and 3 USB-A 10 Gb/s ports, this compact hub offers impressive versatility. It can transfer up to 120 Gb/s on a single port (via boosted asymmetric transfer), a major advantage for photographers using external SSDs or transferring large RAW photo and video files.
This hub allows you to expand the Thunderbolt ports on your machine. You can connect up to 2 displays in 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 240 Hz on Mac (depending on the model) and even 3 external displays on Windows. However, the lack of an integrated HDMI port means you’ll need an adapter, which is something to consider for those without USB-C DisplayPort-compatible screens.
If you don’t yet have Thunderbolt 5, this hub is backward compatible with Mac Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, USB4 v2, and USB-C. It is also compatible with iPads, iPhones, and Windows tablets with USB-C or Thunderbolt, though the manufacturer states it does not support Windows Thunderbolt 3 PCs.
Top-Tier Performance
One of the major strengths of the CalDigit Element 5 Hub, according to its manufacturer, lies in its ability to maintain ultra-high transfer speeds while ensuring stable power delivery. With its 180 W power adapter, it can charge a MacBook Pro or PC with a sustained 90 W output, while also providing 15 W per Thunderbolt port and 7.5 W per USB port.
The first Thunderbolt 5 SSDs and card readers are arriving on the market, such as the OWC Envoy Ultra and LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5, which promise speeds of up to 6700 MB/s read and 5000 MB/s write—double the performance of Thunderbolt 4.
Whether on the go or in the studio, its ultra-compact size (11.4 x 7 x 2.6 cm, 200 g) makes it easy to integrate into a mobile workflow. However, the lack of an SD/microSD card reader might be a drawback for photographers who still rely on memory cards. Notably, compared to the previous model, the power brick is 42% smaller.
Price and Availability
The CalDigit Element 5 Hub is priced at $249 in the U.S. It is expected to be available from mid-February 2025 on the CalDigit store and on Amazon. It comes with an 80 cm Thunderbolt 5 cable.
Our First Impression
The CalDigit Element 5 Hub primarily targets demanding professionals looking for a high-performance and compact hub. If you frequently use SSDs and multiple displays, this is a worthwhile investment.
However, if your workflow relies on SD cards, HDMI displays, or even Ethernet, a model with those connections might be a better fit. That said, CalDigit offers its TS4 docking station, which includes a wide range of ports beyond Thunderbolt/USB, while we wait for a new TS5 version with Thunderbolt 5.
