Which Thunderbolt 4 dock is right for you? CalDigit TS4 vs Element Hub

I spent a couple of months using both the CalDigit TS4 and the CalDigit Element Hub as my primary docks connecting all of my workspace peripherals to my laptop with just one Thunderbolt 4 cable! In this video I will highlight the main differences between the two. I will share my experience using each of the docks from the perspective of a software engineer and a content creator.
🆓 🆓 🆓 🆓 🆓 🆓 🆓 🆓 🆓 🆓 🆓
Free cable organiser when you purchase on of the docks with my code: tryandbyte.com.au/collections...
IMPORTANT! Add the organiser to the cart before using the code 🙇‍♀️
CalDigit Element Hub
tryandbyte.com.au/collections... (free cable organiser with code EHKAROCODES)
CalDigit TS4
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The links below are affiliate links. If you buy using one of them, I'll receive a small commission but it won't cost you anything 😊
Alternatively you can order CalDigit products from Amazon using my affiliate links:
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- CalDigit TS4: AU/US/EU amzn.to/3xU2mY9 (now on SALE!)
Or opt in for the cheap (now on SALE!) Ugreen USB 3.0 hub:
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And if you need the 2m/6.5ft Thunderbolt 4 cable you can find it here:
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🧡 CalDigit Element Hub Thunderbolt 4 dock review 🧡
• Why all Software Engin...
💚 CalDigit Element Hub vs Caldigit TS4 - which one is right for you? 💚
• Best USB dock for Soft...
📕 Chapters 📕
00:00 Intro
00:50 USB-C docks
01:55 Comparison structure
02:41 Physical properties & specs of the docks
05:52 Other items in the box
06:32 Which one is faster?
07:03 Promo codes
07:21 An issue
08:44 My choice
09:45 Who is the other dock for?
Keep up with me on
💙 Twitter / karocodes
💜 Instagram / karocodes
🖤 GitHub github.com/KaroCodes
This video is NOT sponsored - I purchased the dock with my own money and Try&Byte didn't know I will make a review until I asked them for some free goodies for my amazing audience 💖
All opinions presented on my channel are my own and not the views of my employer Canva.

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

I've been using TS2 every day since 2014 and it still works perfectly!

[@MicroVAX]

Criminally undersubscribed channel. Thanks for making my life easier choosing a docking Solution ! :)

[@IVANLEEespinosa]

Great content Karocodes! Thank you! I might go with the TS4 as it is more future-proof. 😎🎹🎶

[@KaroCodes]

Great choice 😁

[@ChrisWaters]

Agreed … until TB5 becomes the norm! 😮

[@sfk1066]

Thank you for this thoughtful and very informative presentation. I was leaning toward the Element Hub for my iMac but I think the TS4 is my choice. However, I may still get the Element Hub later in the future (possibly when power supply is greater) to use for my new MacBook Pro...but TS4 goes well for my 2019 iMac and very likely for the next one I have, which which will likely be in 3-4 years if not longer. Thank you so much for your help and keep up the great work! Cheers! :)

[@Fred_the_Head]

If you can afford the TS4 go for it.

[@ActionJ322]

@6:05 Regarding Power Bricks: Although both PSUs have identical dimension and weight, if you checked the output spec on the label, you will see the TS4's brick DC Output is rated @ 230W (19.5V x 11.8A = 230W), and Element Hub's PSU just @ 150W (19V x 7.89A = 150W). In order to supply a constant 98W host charging + every peripheral connected on the TS4, the power supply must be rated higher than the total power draw required and headroom to spare. That's power budget 101. 🙂 Quick simple math for your reference: 7.5wx7=52.5w + front USB-C 20W + 15W + 15W + 98W = 200.5W + LAN + Audio jacks + SD + mSD + internal chipsets = ~22x W min. Other docks that advertised 100W host charging with a 135W brick will never work right cause the math just didn't add up.

[@AC-MAIN]

Hey, great review and I’ve seen most of them.

[@yenjun0204]

I have the same TB4 docks: TS4, and Element Hub(EH). In short, just get TS4. No huge price difference between them now. I was excited that getting a EH as a portable TB4 dock with multi-port connections. However, the power adapter brick is huge, and so that I don’t want to bring EH out anymore. I am still waiting for a portable power adapter build-in TB4 docks.

[@adiquest]

Nice details and breakdown...Now with all these ports, do they share bandwidth or are the all independent and each will get the full 10Gbit/s or 40Gbit/s. In other words, If I connect 2 TB4 cables will the ports share and now I am down to 20GBits/s? Thank you...

[@cornwat]

Thank you so much for this informative video! I can’t believe you have so few subs. This was exactly what I needed.

[@kaffepojke]

I think you've pretty much convinced me to go with the TS4; Thank you. I do have a question that has always bugged me. How can I eliminate the need to waste a USB socket for my mouse whether corded or cordless. Seems like I always have another device that wants to connect, but the mouse is using the last port. (I hate touchpads)

[@JacobGagoOfficial]

When she mentioned the 16” issue the answer was clear for me lol

[@mvargasmoran]

I have Thunderbolt 2 display, I still have the Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter (T2 looks like Display Port). I have the Caldigit Element Hub, and as I have that adapter still I haven't felt the need to get something else, except for the SD cards, but I don't use them that much.

[@naimulsayed1339]

Great review, exactly what I was looking for as a developer. It's also look like you have a similar desk setup that I am going after with LG ultrawide monitor. Is it possible to make a full desk setup and connections review of your desk? Or if you already made one please give the link. The situation is While creating my new home work setup, got a M1 Pro 14 inch. I still haven't bought the monitor but considering the LG 40 inch 5k2k. As these are expensive I am buying these in steps, one at a time in every 1/2 months. I bought the same ugreen cheaper hub, just to connect my lgoibot dongle for keyboard/mouse and to connect my old SanDisk external ssd. But the speed was pretty bad. Even my MX Master 3S mouse is lagging annoyingly. So I got 2 usb c to a converter which are working better with no lag. But, after using cheaper hubs and watching this vdo, I understood, TS4 is the way to go rather than wasting money on cheaper hubs which are ultimately waste of money. By the way, how does the TS4 works with the monitor? As the spec says it supports only refresh rate of 60Hz. What if the monitor has more refresh rate? Even though LG40 5k2k only supports 72Hz, will I get full 72Hz with TS4?

[@MajorFrank10]

Thinking about getting base M2 Mac mini with 16gb of ram instead of Mac mini pro and using the money on getting one of these docks.

[@kaochao2356]

I just used your Amazon link to purchase a TS4, so hopefully you get the commission... you’re welcome! :)

[@solar-e-bike-touring-europe]

Subscribed 👍

[@Comanchedrive]

I bought both.

[@afternoontiger9319]

Fantastic review. Can I use the TS4 with two external monitors with thunderbolt. 3/4 cables?

[@KaroCodes]

Thanks! 😊 Yes, as long as your device supports two monitors. For example my MacBook Pro M1 only supports 1 monitor so even with the dock two monitors wouldn't work, but Intel Macs, newer Apple processors and basically any Windows machines should support two monitors with TS4 😁

[@AlexandruHasegan]

@@KaroCodes Any MacBook Pro M supports more than 1 monitor, for example my M1 16 pro: "Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display at 1 billion colors and: Up to two external displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz at over a billion colors (M1 Pro)" M1 pro max supports more than 3 monitors ✌

[@realruggeddiy]

Goodness - just ordered an element hub for use with a 2017 mbp. This mbp uses an 87 watt power supply. The element hub only provides 60 watts. No I did not see any instructions I said you cannot use both the standard power supply plus the element hub connected simultaneously. But I think this is where the power issue may have arisen from that leads to the element power dropping.

[@realruggeddiy]

I am seriously considering exchanging the element for the TS4. Here’s a question - Do you think you can connect an element hub to a TS4? Do you think that would create power supply issues?

[@KaroCodes]

@@realruggeddiy ooo good thinking! That would really sound like a probable reason... if I actually used the additional power supply - but I didn't 🙈 I have the 2020 MacBook Pro 15" and it was fine with just the power from EH, I guess I didn't push my Mac to the max 🤔 You can definitely connect EH to TS4 - it's even pictured on CalDigit's official product page under 'daisy-chaining' and listed as a fancy Thunderbolt 4 feature 😁

[@rickv5004]

which eastern european country are you from? Seems to best coders come from the east (Bulgaria)

[@akschu1]

Here is what I want to know. Can I attach 2 or more monitors. Allow the mac to go to sleep then wake up without completely rearranging every window. I have the OWC dock and have completely disabled sleeping on my m2 ultra and run screen savers because EVERY SINGLE TIME it wakes from sleep my windows are in completely new places.

[@Crysco.mp3]

I adore your accent.

[@letvca]

I don't fully get the idea about claiming the Element Hub to be a "travel-friendly" hub or "easy to carry on the go". It's useless without an external charger literally 2-3 times larger than the hub itself. You can't power the Element Hub from your laptop nor from your laptop charger (99% sure). If you really want to travel - just take your 30$ small USB-C hub that doesn't need to have an external power and weights less than the power cable of the charger of Element Hub.

[@petercruz1993]

Agreed, none of these docks are meant to be portable. They’re meant to be for long term workstations with loads of peripherals

[@GlennUpgraded]

Is it okay to use two element hubs in one computer or a combination of both?

[@KaroCodes]

Yes! I tested TS4 + Element Hub and it worked great, two hubs should work as well 👌 You can connect both directly to your computer or connect one to the other with a single connection to the computer.

[@catalincatalin4101]

What monitor do you have and how does it handle the many hours in front of it?

[@KaroCodes]

LG 38WN95C-W - only had it for a year now but it's doing fine. I noticed some image retention started happening recently but nothing permanent.

[@terrytysinger6022]

Wow! I thought that my TS 4 ran hot.

[@KaroCodes]

Order CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 docks from Try&Byte and get a FREE cable organiser! IMPORTANT: make sure to add the organiser to the cart before applying the code tryandbyte.com.au/collections/cablox/products/cablox-mini-white - Use code TS4KAROCODES at checkout for CalDigit TS4 tryandbyte.com.au/collections/caldigit/products/caldigit-ts4-thunderbolt-station-4 - Use code EHKAROCODES at checkout for Caldigit Element Hub tryandbyte.com.au/collections/caldigit/products/caldigit-thunderbolt-4-element-hub

[@DanielMartinez-hc1nw]

Does it works on windows and also would you need to install software to get the hardware to work? I have a company computer and they don't like it when we install 3rd party software so that is very important.

[@KaroCodes]

Yes it works on Windows but you might have a problem with keyboards failing to be detected, in that case you'd need to install drivers. IIRC it didn't work with any wired keyboard for me.

[@chumbawumba1959]

I think you are comparing Apples and Oranges. The TS4 Dock is just that, a multi-device dock - and, as you say, you give up one of the TB ports to provide bandwidth to all of the devices supported. The TS4 Hub, is just that, specifically to allow you to connect multiple TB devices/chains now supported by TB4 "hubbing" capabilities.

[@arksurvivalevolved9190]

Very nice, but confusing, mentioned will work with even type-c like windows I guess, but when I read in amazon, it requires type-c with thunderbolt support, so means wont work like on a windows with type-c 3.2 gen 2x2 for example? Im waiting for thunderbolt 4 asus card for this...

[@KaroCodes]

I tried both on Windows and they worked perfectly fine 👌

[@arksurvivalevolved9190]

@@KaroCodes OMG, sounds good, i am new to thunderbolt technology and very complex for me, but thank you for the info...

[@arksurvivalevolved9190]

@@KaroCodes But your windows have thunderbolt port?

[@KaroCodes]

@@arksurvivalevolved9190 no worries! All of those USB-C/TB standards can get quite confusing. The laptop I tested on has just a regular USB-C port. If you wanna be 100% sure check the exact compatibility on Caldigits website instead of Amazon :)

[@willianbell3464]

Hi KaroCodes, I also had to return the Caldigit Element Hub to the store after a month of use, because as you indicate, neither resetting the MACBOOK M1 MAX, nor changing the port, nor changing the cable, nor updating the firmware, the disconnection problem was solved, It was very frustrating, try after try failed... the first time I experienced it was when opening Blender (Thunderbolt video connection went away, all peripherals disconnected and seemed to want to reconnect several times without success), the second time just opening the Photos app (MacOS)... anyway, I think it's not well designed or that there's an incompatibility problem that they can't solve. I wanted to ask you if the TS4 currently still works well for you? has it given you any problems? ...I'm thinking of buying one, but previous experience with the Caldigit Element HUB makes me leery and wondered if the OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock wouldn't be better.

[@KaroCodes]

Sorry to hear that you also ran into an issue with EH! Regarding TS4 it's still holding strong and working well 💪 It gets extremely hot too (uncomfortable to touch) but it doesn't seem to affect it.

[@ae35unit]

I'm having a similar issue. The hub disconnects drives randomly. Seems the connection to the port labelled "computer" on the Element Hub is the issue. CalDigit are sending a replacement. I hope this works.

[@Killertuga2]

Hi Willian, what did you end up buying? I'm also on the fence about OWC TB4 Dock and Caldigit. Also own a M1 Max and looking for a good dock.

[@willianbell3464]

@@Killertuga2 Hello, yes, I ended up buying the OWC TB4 and everything has gone well (At the moment 🙂🤞🤞🤞), I do not have to report any problems.

[@Killertuga2]

@@willianbell3464 That's great. Good that you do not have any issues as I've seen on some reviews. Does it eject your external drives while the machine is sleep? And when it comes back on, does the monitor come back as normal or do you need to reboot? Thanks :)

[@pqsk]

Could you share what you use to keep the power under the table?

[@KaroCodes]

Sure! I have a desk from ZenSpaceDesks and they had this optional accessory: www.zenspacedesks.com.au/product/integrated-cable-management-channel/ I got the version with 8 power plugs included. You can see how it all looks like in my previous video (8:05) kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHjFmH2hmtuqjtU Before that, I just used a double sided tape to attach all my power bricks, boards etc to the bottom of the desk. Another budget option that works for all desks is this IKEA cable organiser www.ikea.com/au/en/p/signum-cable-trunking-horizontal-silver-colour-10200254/

[@pqsk]

@@KaroCodes wow cool. Thanks for the detailed response. Great videos by the way. You're very energetic!

[@KaroCodes]

@@pqsk no worries! I hope it helps 🤞 And thank you!! 😊

[@pqsk]

@@KaroCodes definitely! I came interested in the element hub. I just got the ts4 and I have 5 monitors. Was thinking of daisy chaining the 2 and yet I was intrigued by your cords 😆

[@KaroCodes]

@pqsk 5 monitors wow! 😲 I think it's a great idea! Please let me know how it goes 🙏

[@igordasunddas3377]

I'm sorry, but how can the direct connection be slower than e.g. TS4 or element hub? Shouldn't a direct connection be the fastest, because of no overhead? Also: on MacOS 13.0* it seems, that Thunderbolt / USB-C is simply not recognized. It works on my M1 Max with MacOS 12.* flawlessly though. It seems to be a bug, not sure we'll get a fix with 13.1 though. I tried the Dell WD19S and I can say this much: a USB-C hub definitely sucks. In my case though I only need it for LAN and charging, both features work on my MacOS 12.* device. Interesting video and comparison. I guess the only thing that could've been better, was, if you could provide a short summary on what system(s) you have checked the docks out on.

[@KaroCodes]

Ikr I was so surprised with those results too! I talk more about it in the first video in the series (Element Hub review, speed test section, here's a link to that specific timestamp kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnytZoRopdKlZqs). Interesting problem, I'm still on MacOS 12.x so haven't run into it, altho Windows was struggling with properly identifying it until I installed drivers and some additional software from CalDigit's official website. Have you tried that?

[@igordasunddas3377]

@@KaroCodes I haven't yet bought the CalDigit docking station, but I think my company or I will soon. Also yeah: I shouldn't have updated to Ventura on my own MacBook, because that WD19S Dell docking station works flawlessly on MacOS 12, though the display (5120*2160@60hz) doesn't work via that USB-C dock. Thanks for the hint to look at your other video - will check it out.

[@dangauci]

Thankyou. please note that hubs and docks are not the same.

[@EJH-jn6mo]

hope they comped you well for this ad

[@zeller999]

What mic is this

[@KaroCodes]

HyperX Quadcast S: amzn.to/3Hw8ZVQ

[@BobbyG3.14]

Literly every content or KZbin reviews recommended the TS4🤪, are they buying y’all all off 😮

[@thinkofparis]

i love your hair

[@Fred_the_Head]

Caldigit TS4 has ports for microphone and headphone, and SD cards. These ports are irrelevant to my needs. I would rather have two Element hubs than both one Element hub and TS4 dock. I only wish the Element has 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports and 3 USB 4 ports rather than 3 Thunderbolt 4 and 4 USB 4 ports.

[@olehfilipchuk8257]

cos one of them is hub and other is dock... totally dufferent devices... so i take dock)

[@marks4553]

You sound nordic vs scandinavian

[@PatrickDAllen1]

One downside to a dock is that is constantly charges your laptop and you can't turn off this charging if you need to use your devices. This is a MAJOR pitfall because it will keep your battery always charging when plugged in and cause overvolting/overcharging which will lower your battery's lifespan significantly. This is why I typically prefer hubs to docks, because I can use my devices and disconnect my charger from the laptop for a bit so as to let it discharge and not cause battery damage by having it constantly charging all the time.

[@zukdizzle]

Smart plug will alleviate this

[@PatrickDAllen1]

@zukdizzle ah, so yet another device I need to buy to make the set-up work without overvolting my laptop. See, this is getting expensive! This is why I just use unpowered hubs for the most part... Some even have pass-through charging so I can run my computer charger through it but it's not constantly charging my device all the time.

[@ygjt76v0-----]

bro u are v beauty

[@Leinsterbaby]

Oh jaysus, :( anything for a payday? Right?

[@daveygee434]

It took you 2:45 to actually get to the point and start the video. That’s a lot of time for the viewer to lose interest. Jus saying… but thanks for sharing 👍

[@djjammindave]

LOOKING FOR AN ANSWER, WHY INSIGNIA 42" 1080P HDMI PORTS ARE NOT RECOGNIZED BY THE MACBOOK PRO 2011 OS CATALINA 10.15.1 - TRY DIFFERENT HDMI CONNECTORS AND ADAPTERS AND STILL NO PICTURE.

[@recreationalplutonium]

the directly connected drive is slower? what? as a """""software engineer""""" you should know margin of error lol.

[@KaroCodes]

I talk more about it in the first video in the series (EH review)