Premium USB Hubs For Mac Explained: Make Or Break Details!

Premium USB hubs for Mac can be deceiving. In this video, I'm diving into Thunderbolt, External monitor support, cables, and more.
ALL THE GEAR IN THIS VIDEO IS LISTED BELOW 👇
If you want to expand your port selection while retaining the super-fast speeds Macs have to offer - whether it be an M1 MacBook Air, M2 MacBook Air, or a 14 or 16-inch MacBook Pro M1 Max, a premium USB dock is almost a must.
Premium hubs have a few specs and details that aren't super clear (Thunderbolt 3 Thunderbolt 4, USB4 can be confusing!), and with even more USB hubs and docks posing as premium when they're not (like DisplayLink), it can really help to break down what all of this means, and how it all works.
CalDigit was kind enough to provide the products for this video, all of which are simply OUTSTANDING quality-wise.
Previous video for those who want to learn even more about USB Hubs for Mac: • USB Hubs For Mac Expla...
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CALDIGIT PRODUCTS:
CalDigit TS4: amzn.to/3Fc80Ji
CalDigit TS3 Plus: amzn.to/3OJ3fd4
CalDigit TB4 Element Hub: amzn.to/3EN1t6k
MY OTHER DESK SETUP GEAR:
Apple MacBook Air M2: amzn.to/3PtGZCG
Hagabis Vertical Stand: amzn.to/3dC3wAl
Razer ProClick Mouse: amzn.to/3CvIGdf
Logitech MX Keys Mini: amzn.to/3PrfUQE
Edifier MR4 Speakers: amzn.to/3dBAJLS
LG 27UP850-W Ultrafine 4K Monitor: amzn.to/3Ps0w6w
NVMe SSD Enclosure: amzn.to/3SQIFct
Western Digital SN770: amzn.to/3A6aZPI
Grid Studio iPhone Classic Kit: shrsl.com/3nsgi
Harber London Folio Macbook Leather & Felt Sleeve: shrsl.com/3nrg1
Harber London Felt Wool Desk Mat: shrsl.com/3nsgr
BenQ ScreenBar Monitor Light: amzn.to/3w7DQBH
0:00 Introduction
1:49 Thunderbolt 3 vs Thunderbolt 4 vs USB4
3:59 CalDigit TS4, TS3, Element Hub Ports
5:12 External Monitor Support
10:16 Why Cables Matter
11:52 Other Peripherals To Consider
13:29 Why CalDigit Hubs Are Excellent
14:36 Wrapping Up
MUSIC I USE IN MY VIDEOS IS ALL FROM EPIDEMIC SOUND
Get a free month with the link below:
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
LINKS TO PRODUCTS MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS
By using the affiliate links, I earn a small fee from any purchase you make. It won't cost you anything to use them. By clicking them it helps support me, and create more content for you. Thank you for the support!

[@KyleErickson]

Just a small update here folks - if you're looking for the TS4 hub, and you're like "wtf, it's out of stock everywhere", CalDigit informed me that you should see stock back in a couple of weeks (mid-December)

[@MIN_Tech]

now, the cost almost like 829.47$ in Canada.. OMG...

[@KyleErickson]

​@@MIN_Tech you must be looking at third party sellers because it's under $400 USD.

[@michaelmanus7765]

I got the Element and overall, it is a great performer for my needs.

[@TheThaiLife]

Dude, slickest sponsored video commercial transition ever. I need to steal that.

[@TonyRush]

SUPER helpful. I watched the other video first and this one definitely gave me an added perspective I wouldn't have otherwise had. I went ahead and got the TS4. Looks like exactly what I need for the new setup. Thanks!

[@JP-og2ok]

Super informative and well researched video. I especially liked the objective and well structured presentation of the topic. Props!

[@sitalimwiingahamatuli2024]

Hi @Kyle Erickson, I just wanted to say thanks for this video. I'm new and have actually just subscribed to the channel, because the info you provide is straight-to-the-point and is very practical. I use windows/linux laptops for work as a Sys Admin, but have an old MacBook for my personal setup. I'm thinking of getting a high end MacBook Pro, which will help me virtualize all the environments I work in, so that I can just use one laptop to "rule them all" with multiple screen setup

[@wendellayoung]

"2 for 2!" Thx sir. You did it again. A couple of months ago I searched for a realistic review of a docking station for my wife's M2 Air - and you delivered. This time I looked at getting a Dock Station for my 14" M1 Pro. I did purchase another dock station from Orico. But wasn't feeling it. Then I saw the CalDigitTS4, but not feeling the price. Then thought, what does Kyle think? Saw your review and pulled the trigger. Still not feeling the price, but definitely feeling the docking station. Your review eased the "$" pain. Thanks again. We're well setup now.

[@tlingit]

@Kyle, you are a real gift to us. Thank you for your research and very well thought through videos and recommendations. Liked and subscribed, and looking forward to watching more of your thinking.

[@DerekZimmer]

Outstanding video! It is packet with very useful information and covers these hubs end to end and then some. It must have taken weeks to write it.

[@JonathanCirillo]

Good timing on this video! I was browsing OWC’s website a couple days ago trying to make heads or tails of their offerings

[@jerrylags]

What an amazing amount of information! Great video.

[@spikeboydell]

Nice review. Love my CalDigit Element Hub with my M1 12.9” iPadPro… with the requisite dongles can use audio, external screen, and very high bitrate video storage.

[@rick_brindle]

After hours of searching this is the more helpful video on these hubs. Thank you!

[@KyleErickson]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnpumphrey7655]

Fantastic overview. I just purchased a CalDigit TS3 competitor [due to lack of supply where I am]. I was leaning to a TS4 [if it was available] but did a use case and went with a competitor. Thanks for making me a lot smarter on what I should be looking into. Cheers!

[@e.zarate]

Which brand did you ended up buying? And was it cheaper?

[@michaeloeser]

I tested the Elements Hub and it´s exactly as you say: It simply works (besides good quality and slick design)

[@KyleErickson]

Yeah, honestly, it's probably the best deal out of these hubs, and my favourite thing is how portable it is.

[@spikeboydell]

Nice review. Love my CalDigit Element Hub with my M1 12.9” iPadPro… with the requisite dongles can use audio, external screen, and very high bitrate video storage.

[@ZhuJo99]

@@KyleErickson minus the brick

[@TreyAllDay901]

I needed this video. Saved me a lot of money. I don’t have anything needing the TS4.

[@TruthMirrororriM]

Excellent overview! Thanks for all the work and effort!

[@KyleErickson]

Thanks for watching!

[@versa319]

Great review. I have the TS4 for my MBPro and it really does the job. The only thing I wish it had is a built-in 10GB Ethernet port. So I ended up adding an OWC adapter connected to my Synology NAS and my transfer rates are now lightening fast. Other than that, it works like a charm. The build quality is the best out of all the others on the market.

[@bryans8656]

The Elements Hub looks like it would be perfect for my current setup. I've got a Studio Max with plenty of USB-C ports, but I don't have enough USB-A ports for all my old peripherals from previous setups (I hang on to most of my stuff until it stops working).

[@JeremyMarkel]

I recently purchased one of Corsair's TBT200 docks/hubs for use with both a MacBook Pro M2 Max and a PC that I switch between. I can't compare it to the Caldigit, since I don't have one, but it's quite a premium device and I'm quite happy with it. It does lack the displayport that the TS4 has but makes up for it with three TB4 ports (not including the host port). I drive two external monitors using TB4 to displayport for one and USB C to HDMI for another. And it's $200 CAD cheaper than the TS4 up here in Canada.

[@AA5SA]

When I was looking for a way to run my two 4K HDR monitors from my 14” MacBook Pro, I originally considered the TS4 (the monitors have DisplayPort and HDMI, but no USB-C). Due to the lack of availability, though I bought an Elements hub and two of CalDigit’s USB-C to DisplayPort adapters. I wound up saving money, got a great solution, and best of all, I actually got the devices without having to wait for months. CalDigit makes great stuff!

[@k-yo]

How's your experience since then? My Element hub I just got is super finicky with its connection, randomly reseting during the day or with heavy mac usage, not to mention sometimes only working when the mac is with the magsafe connector. Also, most of the time won't work when waking from sleep. I'm on Apple Silicon (M1 Pro)

[@JacksonH-kp7wv]

Great video! A wealth of valuable knowledge learned from a single video. Liked and sub'ed!

[@SamRiesgo]

Thanks for this!

[@malm1231]

hey man thanks for the vid. appreciate the depth on all your stuff. btw I am one of the people who tried to buy the TS3 from you XD

[@KyleErickson]

Thanks a lot! Appreciate you!

[@BenMilford]

The Caldigit thunderbolt 3 works well with my Mac Studio for me!

[@helibladerunner74]

Great review. Spot on , on the differences between the CalDigit products. I am torn between the Element Hub and the TS4 . Leaning towards the Element Hub for portability and due the fact that I Run My Asus Pro Art display directly into my MacBook Pro M1 via USB-C* to power the MacBook and get full 4K at 60 FPS. I would be using the Hub on the other Thunderbolt port on the M-1 and was wondering which of the CalDigit Hubs/Docks would work best for that. Also was wondering if the Element Hub can be used without the brick plugged in for portability when using it with my M-2 iPad Pro. I will be connecting multiple SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD's and my Insta 360 X3 camera as well as from time to time one of my DJI Drones to download and edit video.

[@JohnMitchellCalif]

use and recommend "CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock" on my Macbook Pro: great to have two high-quality DisplayPort monitors plus ethernet and a USB. Now looking to upgrade since the dock is unpowered, I have to unplug-replug it every time I start work. Nice to know the other CalDigit things are quality

[@dp1927]

If you are gonna get element just get the owc thunderbolt 4 dock. I got it on a sale for $200, and it has 4 usb A connections 3 thunderbolt, ethernet, sdcard slot with 150w power brick that supports 96w charging for laptop ethernet. I use 5120p x 1440p monitor on 120hz with this dock and bunch of peripherals connected to it. been great

[@PoppyDog]

Thanks!

[@joegregson4438]

@kyle I bought the MacBook Air m2 about 2 months ago and have been using one external monitor with it all fine, however I am looking to get a second external monitor and I’m really unsure on what to look at in terms of docks, you’re two videos have been very informative, perhaps too much so as I still don’t really know where to look for my needs, my budget isn’t too high I’m “a mac user just looking for something that works”

[@KyleErickson]

Unfortunately, if you have an M2 Air, it only supports one external monitor natively, so you'll have to look at something like DisplayLink

[@realitypoet]

I have a displaylink hub for my MacBook Air and it works great for me - but I don’t play games/watch videos (except KZbin) and just do programming/web development. Also I don’t have 4K monitors so that might make a difference; but I haven’t noticed any blurry image or latency etc. But if I was going to do gaming I would just plug the monitor directly into the MacBook with thunderbolt - I’d only need one monitor for a game anyway.

[@sameershah860]

@Kyle Erickson I'm so confused as to which one to get. My limit is £250. I need a powered dock for my music studio setup. I need to connect: > 1 USB port for HDD ( I might switch to an SSD, from which I will need 10Gbps transfer speed) > 1 USB Audio Interface (I could try switching to USB-C for this one if needed) > 1 USB port for MIDI keyboard > 1 USB port for powering my LED strips > 1 USB-C for monitor DELL S2722DC (2K @ 75Hz) > 1 USB-C for connecting my 2020 Macbook Pro 13" > 2 Ethernet ports to connect my studio monitors (1 port would work too) > maybe an extra USB-C port just in case? Idk which Hub to get. QUESTION: I have a monitor that sends 65W of power through it's cable. it connects via USB-C. If the USB Hub is gonna be powered, and the monitor is also sending 65W of power, do I need to be worried about anything for the macbook?

[@bilbp41]

I like those light at the back of your studio, where did you get them from?

[@TerritorialDots]

Hi, I have a macbook air early 2015 version. May I ask if it's okay for me to purchase a magsafe2 to thunderbolt 3 adaptor and plug it into a docking station?

[@andersfrederiksen-winnipeg5516]

Great insight! I've been researching the Camlink 4K from Elgato, as I'd like to stream and record directly from my Sony camera to my Mac, and have noticed many mentions of issues with it connecting to Apple Silicon Macs via a Thunderbolt 4 dock (such as the TS4 you mentioned). Have you heard of any of these issues? Do you know if the TS3 would be a better option?

[@KyleErickson]

I haven’t, but admittedly I haven’t looked much into the setup you’re suggesting either

[@alishatruman]

I got the CalDigit TS3+ and that broke so just upgraded to the Satechi - Thunderbolt 4 Dock and its really nice and simple.

[@nopamohd]

does it with HDMI slot?

[@alishatruman]

@@nopamohd No, you need an adapter for both.

[@user-wx3lo3eo5h]

With your reviews I have decided to buy the TS4 for my MBP 16 inch with M1 Max chipset. My only question - is it better to power the MBP through its Magsafe or through the TS4 Thunderbolt upstream port? When both the Magsafe & Thunderbolt upstream are connected, does the MBP default to the Magsafe or Thunderbolt power source?

[@raymondchen6906]

Maybe a dumb question, but are there any docking stations out there with a power button that will initiate a boot up MacBooks (this is when MacBook has been shut down)? I have a Lenovo dock that works really well with my work issued windows laptop. However, that same dock will not power on my MacBook when its fully off and in clamshell mode.

[@11cruzado]

Thank you for showing me how ignorant am I hahahah. No man, really, this video is gold! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@DPCTechnology]

Good stuff..

[@Fatih-xl7yn]

is there any hub without host charging but with 40g?

[@GerryScullion]

I know you're talking as I can hear sound, and your lips are moving, but the quantity of information you're giving exceeds my brain speed on a Sunday morning.

[@Gabgonz.]

Hello, (sorry for bad english) i've wanted to know if it's possible to connect various (4) samsung 24' inch 2k monitors that connects to usb c instead of hdmi, to a macbook m1 via thunderbolt or any usb c hub? Thanks.

[@davekro25]

Kyle, Great info to follow up on your previous USB hub video! So these three Caldigit models do not use (or need) the Display Link S'ware. How then are they able to let me run my two Dell (5 Gbps I think) U2415 1920x1200 60hz monitors? What ports and cables would I use to connect my two monitors to: 1) The Element Hub? 2) The TS3 Plus? Thanks so much for your help with this confusing info. Cheers, Dave

[@KyleErickson]

that all depends on your mac, base m-series (non pro/max/ultra) only support one external monitor natively unless you've got a mac mini which will support multiple. Otherwise, your only option is DisplayLink.

[@voodoohex72]

if the caldigit stuff doesnt have displaylink how do you run multiple monitors with macs?

[@JamesPConklin]

Any noticeable bandwidth impacts on connected devices (I.e. SSDs) with 2x 4K monitors connected to the TS4? 4K monitors can account for ~30 Gbit/s themselves.

[@JeremyLaurent254]

I got some burning screen problem due to the thunderbold (usb c) with my external monitor (hdmi) (mac m1)

[@michaelkrug]

Thanks for the great video. On the Element Hub, if I plug a USB device into the thunderbolt (USB-C) ports, what speed should I expect?

[@KyleErickson]

depends on the speed the device is rated for

[@Le_Lys_Eclectique]

Awesome! Does the TS3 plus have the passthrough power?

[@KyleErickson]

Yup! I think it up to 87 watts

[@MasterMuffin56]

Good afternoon, did you have any trouble with the power supply’s of these hubs? Where they making coil whine noises? Because I once had an ts3 plus and it was making these noises until I had to return it. I wonder if they fixed the issue with the new ts4? Thanks for the great video.

[@KyleErickson]

I haven't noticed anything at all!

[@TheBeardedLibertarian]

nice review, the crazy thing I found with the TS4 is that you must plug it in after booting up on the MacBook M2max. Strangely if you boot with the caldigit connected to the MBP it will not be recognized well parts won't, you will not get those 3 external monitors only one and the ethernet will not work. At least this is what I found, no massive thing but it will drive you nuts if you don't know this. (Ask me how I know)

[@KyleErickson]

oh weird, my M2 Pro seems fine, but I don't use the ethernet

[@premierde]

Hello, I have MBP MaxM1Silicon. Will this CallDigit TS4 render from M1 Max to 5k Monitor Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G95SC 2023 49inch " Or I need a usb c to Display port also 🤔.

[@chriscasillas]

Maybe a weird question. And not even sure why I noticed. LOL! But what was that drop down menu at 11:09 that appeared to give display controls? Very informative video by the way. A cal-digit hub would be cool, but I don't think I can justify the cost of one for my workflow. I truly don't need it.

[@KyleErickson]

That’s an app called betterdisplay!

[@chriscasillas]

@@KyleErickson Thanks!

[@MrUbba23]

I'm confused, will the calDigital do dual monitors with out software on MacBook Air M2? I have the Tobenone Dock and it uses instantViewer and the second monitor is way off color from the first. I need better.

[@KyleErickson]

No, the MacBook Air M2 can only natively support 1 external monitor. Two monitors being different colors is quite common. You'll need to calibrate each to get rid of that, likely nothing to do with the hub. Depending on the monitor type, there's a chance it'll never look exactly the same as the other as well.

[@grahamduncan334]

What’s the best cal digit hub to run 2 monitors with HDMI on a Mac book pro M1 Pro ? Thanks for any advice

[@AA5SA]

IMO, the Elements hub with A pair of CalDigit’s USB-C to HDMI adapters.

[@ChrismAIAutomation]

would these support 1440p @ 144Hz?

[@andywakeman9806]

Holy crap, I just got a new MacBook and Studio Display. I need more ports on a dock that stays at the workstation. I was surprised to find out this was such a confusing topic.

[@KyleErickson]

It definitely can be!

[@chris8506]

CalDigit TS3+ was great until it died. Been happy with CharJenPro Ultimate Dock now.

[@EuropeanLord]

How long did it last before dying? I feel like USB hubs are not that reliable unfortunately, and it does not matter if they cost $10 or $500. The whole industry seem like rocket science and even the best fail miserably, LEDs die, devices are randomly ejected, displays don't get high enough refresh rate, there are cursor lags, there are constant wake up from sleep / go to sleep issues and worst case scenario your motherboard gets fried if you don't have 11.2.2 update installed or Apple makes a mistake and somehow rolls it back... I'd avoid any USB hubs at all costs unless Apple creates something of their own...

[@Ironbrood4426]

Kyle, as you mentioned M1 Mac hubs all say one monitor, which I find confusing. Does that mean the M1 Mac will only support one monitor whether HDMI or TB3? My Mac mini has both hdmi and thunderbolt ports, so I would think that two monitors could be supported, or using one of the hubs in this video, put one monitor through HDMI directly to the Mac mini and the other monitor through the display port on the hub. Am I getting this right?

[@KyleErickson]

You're correct. The mac Mini is the only base M1 device that will support two monitors - one through HDMI, and one through thunderbolt - you'll have to use the provided open HDMI port on the mac, a USB hub won't be able to run two external monitors. You can think of the HDMI port and Thunderbolt ports on the Mac Mini as two completely different graphics lanes, that don't know anything about each other in a sense. Hope this helps.

[@vivenreddy]

Some of your statements are not entirely correct. At 6:40 you mention that M1 and M2 air laptops can only support 1 monitor because they have TB3. Didn’t MacBooks from 2016 support multiple monitors and yet they were TB3?

[@KyleErickson]

@@vivenreddy Not sure what you mean - a single specification alone doesn't give you a different designation. It has to fulfill more than one requirement.

[@sellarcast]

Okay Kyle, throwing a curve ball here. I'm coming from a PC-based situation with external monitors that can only connect via HDMI. I'm really trying to go after a suitable hub that's suited for Macbook Pro 14" w/ M2 Max chip, but can still handle that HDMI setup.

[@KyleErickson]

any of these docks would be fine, just get yourself a USB-C -> HDMI cable and you're laughing

[@sellarcast]

@@KyleErickson wow, that actually slipped my mind. Thanks for that! I was looking at the Kensington SD5560T as an alternative, but I’ll maybe circle back to these. Are you familiar with that one?

[@sphchurch]

The problem I have is not enough usb-c ports. Don’t care about USB A need C. Even Ankers 13-1 don’t provide enough USB-C. I have connected to mine 3 external Hard drives, the other day my Mac-mini shut down two of the drives for drawing to much power. Could I take the Anker and plug a usb c hub into one of the USB-c ports and get around the power issue?

[@gengpan]

the thunderblot 4 docks choice are so few and expensive.

[@checkche3494]

hi, Could this digital TS 4 supply the power to the LG monitor (DC input 19V)

[@KyleErickson]

No it cannot

[@checkche3494]

@@KyleErickson thank your reply..

[@tigress1girl]

I have a question that've been bugging me. There are docks stations that allow charging macbooks directly, without having to use the charger that came with the device. This docks, if I understand correctly, have faster speed (allowing to process bigger files faster), which is a plus. But is it dangerous to the MacBook's battery?

[@KyleErickson]

its not, no.

[@tigress1girl]

@@KyleErickson That's great to hear. Thank you very much. I'm re-watching your videos trying to decide the best option for my needs, your videos have been very helpful!

[@nikohaim4532]

I really likes the caldigit TS4 but the issue is that my monitor only have HDMI output for 4K 60hz

[@nikohaim4532]

Do you familliar with a dock that have an HDMI input for 4K 60hz

[@KyleErickson]

you can just get a USB-C to HDMI adapter if you want, or a USB-C to HDMI cable if you prefer that as well, they're super common, shouldn't have much trouble grabbing one!

[@electricfamily7713]

Hi Kyle, What dp cable do you use? I got the orico hub, but can’t get 2 screen working at 60hz. Rn, I use a usb c and need a dp to hdmi cable at 60hz

[@KyleErickson]

what kind of laptop are you using?

[@electricfamily7713]

@@KyleErickson m2 MacBook Air. I’ll get the same screen as you haha. It takes too long to do research so I really appreciate your channel and info!!

[@KyleErickson]

@@electricfamily7713 you can’t use more than one external monitor with the M2

[@electricfamily7713]

@@KyleErickson oh no! Good to know. That’s a bummer. Thanks though.

[@yahssirm7106]

Can caldigit ts4 support 3 monitors with MacBook Air M2?

[@KyleErickson]

No, the M2 only supports one external monitor. To get a machine that supports 3, you’d have to go with an M1 Max.

[@thirdrockjul2224]

👍

[@lancewalker1775]

Elements hub for sure on M2 Mini. Crucial SSD and all is well!

[@Cosaamia]

What you didn't cover is that many drives won't perform like on their box in Macs.

[@KyleErickson]

I’ve mentioned that in other videos specific to drives, but yes that is true!

[@MichaelBriggs-ov9gh]

I'm really not a fan of how MacBooks with M1/M2 handle their multiple monitor support. It blows my mind that I can't use my 3 monitors with a brand new macbook pro (with M1) vs my 5 year old PC or my old Dell Latitude laptop with a docking station. "It just works" isn't at all how multiple monitor support works with Mac.

[@MichaelBriggs-ov9gh]

I've noticed that the DisplayLink software, while it does technically "work", does indeed have some limitations as you mentioned earlier. It seems to forget the setup and reshuffles my monitors around when I wake from sleep, and doesn't seem to work properly with any sort of remote desktop software.

[@ZhuJo99]

It’s because Apple silicon is one chip with all functionality and basic M1/M2 has only has 3 display busses - 1 for internal display (that’s why mac mini can handle 2 displays) and 2 remaining buses for one tiled display (which 5k/6k are). It’s a penalty for size, power consumption of these chips and yeah, the market they are intended for. You can buy ultrawide display how I have and while not exactly 2 monitor setup, it’s close.

[@TIM123451ERR]

These hubs don't support two monitors.

[@ZhuJo99]

They do, it’s required by Thunderbolt 4 standard. Not on Macbook Air because that is a thing of 3 display buses in M1/M2 chip, not because of the hubs, those have nothing to do with limitation of M1/M2 chips.

[@Ambientes]

I just want to make sure I can have my MacBook Pro closed and use 2 monitors

[@NewYorkerPEACE]

Kyle Question: will the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub be a stable hub for USB external drives for transferring large amounts of data between them? Great video thanks

[@KyleErickson]

For sure it will!

[@NewYorkerPEACE]

@@KyleErickson the T3 is $270 now so the element isn't much cheaper. Is the tradeoff of Thunderbolt 3 and many more ports or is the Elements Thunderbolt 4 better? I don't care about portability but want to future proof myself as well. thanks man

[@lancewalker1775]

M2 mini + Crucial SSD!!!