CalDigit Element 5 Hub Review: Next-Gen Thunderbolt 5 Connectivity for Ultimate Performance

In today’s fast-paced digital world, connectivity hubs are more critical than ever—especially for professionals relying on high-speed data transfer and multiple peripheral devices. Enter CalDigit’s Element 5 Hub, the latest iteration of their popular Element Hub line, now upgraded with Thunderbolt 5 / USB4 v2 ports. This compact device promises faster speeds, increased power delivery, and more versatile connectivity options, catering especially to the needs of Mac users with the newest M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. But how much does the upgrade to Thunderbolt 5 really matter? This article dives deep into the Element 5 Hub’s specs, performance, and overall value for creative professionals and tech enthusiasts alike.

Summarizing the CalDigit Element 5 Hub

CalDigit’s Element 5 Hub builds on the success of its Thunderbolt 4 predecessor, upgrading to Thunderbolt 5 / USB4 v2 technology for enhanced bandwidth and connectivity. The new hub sports nine total ports, including four Thunderbolt 5 ports capable of 80Gb/s speeds, two 10Gb/s USB-C ports, and three 10Gb/s USB-A ports. This upgrade comes with a slight change in design—while the hub maintains a similar aluminum build and size, it is slightly taller and heavier, retaining the robust, minimalist aesthetic users expect from CalDigit.

One standout feature is the power delivery boost: the Element 5 offers up to 90W host charging, a significant jump from the 60W in the previous model. This makes it an ideal companion for power-hungry devices like the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which can charge at up to 140W. The included 180W power supply is also notably smaller than before, reflecting thoughtful engineering to balance power output with portability.

Under the hood, the hub supports offline charging, providing power to connected devices even without an active computer connection. This, combined with dedicated power output ratings for downstream ports, makes it a versatile workstation tool.

The hub’s true strength is in its Thunderbolt 5 capabilities. The latest Macs with M4 Pro or M4 Max chips feature Thunderbolt 5 ports supporting up to 120Gb/s bandwidth with Intel’s Bandwidth Boost technology, enabling ultra-fast data transfer and multi-display support. The Element 5 Hub can deliver that performance, handling demanding peripherals like the OWC Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD with speeds matching direct connections to a Mac.

Testing revealed that when the OWC Envoy Ultra SSD is connected via the Element 5 Hub, it achieves link speeds of 80Gb/s, doubling the bandwidth available on Thunderbolt 4 hubs. This translates into significantly improved read/write speeds, essential for video editors and other professionals working with large files. Importantly, the hub maintains full 90W charging for the host device regardless of other connected devices’ power draw, ensuring stable performance.

Display connectivity supports up to two 6K monitors at 60Hz on macOS, with some limitations on triple-display setups depending on the operating system and hardware. Thunderbolt 5’s Bandwidth Boost can prioritize display data, maximizing image quality and smoothness on compatible monitors.

What Undercode Say: The Element 5 Hub’s Real Impact

CalDigit’s Element 5 Hub represents a meaningful step forward in hub technology, marrying raw speed with practical improvements for creative professionals. The upgrade to Thunderbolt 5 isn’t just about boasting higher numbers—it enables real-world benefits in bandwidth-intensive workflows like 4K/8K video editing, high-speed external storage, and multi-monitor setups.

One key insight is that while the Element 5 Hub offers five physical Thunderbolt ports, all connected devices share the bandwidth of a single upstream Thunderbolt bus. This means users must still be mindful of total bandwidth demand in complex setups. However, the individual Thunderbolt 5 ports ensure no loss of speed due to port sharing, making it a true powerhouse for external accessories.

Power delivery enhancements also stand out. Many users undervalue charging capabilities in hubs, but the jump to 90W with offline charging support means fewer chargers and cables cluttering desks. For MacBook Pro owners who push their laptops hard, this hub can serve as a central power and connectivity station without compromise.

Compatibility is another strong suit. The Element 5 Hub supports backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 4 and earlier devices, making it a future-proof choice for users who don’t yet own Thunderbolt 5 hardware. It seamlessly bridges current tech with future upgrades, ensuring longevity and investment protection.

From a design perspective, CalDigit’s choice to keep the compact, durable aluminum chassis and include detachable rubber feet shows attention to detail for desktop organization and heat management. The reduced size of the power brick also enhances portability—critical for creatives who frequently move between studios or on location.

Overall, the Element 5 Hub feels like a thoughtfully engineered accessory for professionals who demand speed, flexibility, and power delivery without sacrificing form factor. For those with high-speed storage devices or multiple displays, the Thunderbolt 5 upgrade delivers clear advantages.

Fact Checker Results ✅

The Element 5 Hub indeed supports Thunderbolt 5 / USB4 v2 with speeds up to 80Gb/s per port.
Power delivery reaches a maximum of 90W host charging, a notable upgrade from the previous 60W.
Backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 4, 3, and USB4 ensures broad usability across devices.

Prediction 🔮

As Thunderbolt 5 adoption grows, hubs like CalDigit’s Element 5 will become essential for maximizing the performance of next-gen Macs and PCs. Expect more external SSDs and peripherals optimized for 80Gb/s transfer speeds, as well as wider support for multi-6K and even 8K displays leveraging Bandwidth Boost technology. Power delivery enhancements will continue to shrink the need for multiple adapters, simplifying workstation setups. CalDigit’s commitment to compact design paired with high-end specs could set a standard in the premium hub market, pushing competitors to innovate on both speed and power efficiency. For creative professionals and tech enthusiasts ready to future-proof their setups, the Element 5 Hub offers a clear path forward in the evolving landscape of high-speed connectivity.