Hi Reader,

Many people misunderstand the difference between computer docks and hubs, but a little understanding can save a lot of headaches (and costs) in the future!

What’s the Difference?

A dock (docking station) is your go-to for connecting a variety of peripherals—think monitors, audio devices, ethernet, and more—all through one cable to your computer.

A hub, meanwhile, is ideal for expanding your USB or Thunderbolt ports, letting you connect more of the same type of device.

In both cases it is best to consider one that has it's own power supply so that any USB power required by your peripherals is being provided by the Dock/Hub, rather than putting additional load on your computer's ports.

Which Dock Should You Choose?

Options like the CalDigit TS3 or TS4 docks are both great choices... The difference between them is that one has a 'Thunderbolt 3' connection, and the other has 'Thunderbolt 4'... I'll leave you to figure out which is which!

CalDigit TS3 TS3 On Amazon

CalDigit TS4 TS4 On Amazon

But wait? What is Thunderbolt... OK, so here is where we need a masterclass on connectors and data transfer speeds, but perhaps we can save that for the next newsletter!

In short though, Thunderbolt 4, has a higher data transfer speed than Thunderbolt 3.... and the new Thunderbolt 5, you guessed it, has a higher data transfer speed than Thunderbolt 4! (More on that later!)

Here's the thing though... you'd think that this means the TS4 is 'better' than the TS3, but in actual fact, if all you are doing is adding an extra monitor and then a couple of Stream Decks or a printer, for example, then you don't really need those Thunderbolt 4 speeds, so you could save bit of money by going with the 'older' TS3.

Expanding Your Monitor Setup

Many computers, including my MacBook, have a limit on how many monitors they can drive either plugged in to the computer directly or via a dock such as the CalDigit TS Range. Typically, you might connect one directly and another through a dock, but what if you need more?

This is where a dock with DisplayLink technology comes in. DisplayLink docks use a driver (application that runs on your computer) that enables you to expand your display setup significantly—perfect for a multi-monitor workspace.

You'll know that the a dock has 'Display Link Technology' because it will say so in the description, but also in the product photos you'll see the Display Link Logo as well.

I use a WAVLINK dock, which allows me to run 2 additional monitors beyond what my MacBook can support natively. Wavlink also make a 5 and 5 monitor version as well)

WavLink Dual 4K Monitor Display Link Dock

WavLink Dock on Amazon

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WAVLINK also make 3 Monitor and 4 Monitor versions too.

I use Wavlink, but other brands such as 'pluggable' are availble... just look for that 'Display Link logo though!

Which Hub Should You Choose?

Once again, the hub is going to extend the number of USB/Thunderbolt connections you have.

The three things to look for here are:

• Power supply
• Number/type of connections
• Data transfer speed

I personally use the CalDigit Element Hub 4.

CalDigit Element 4 on Amazon

This is a Thunderbolt 4 hub that connects into my laptop and then gives me an 3 additional Thunderbolt/USBc connections and also 4 USB A connections. (I know, more connector jargon... explainer coming next week!)

Remember I mentioned Thunderbolt 5 earlier? This is the 'latest and greatest' with even faster data transfer speeds and CalDigit are one of the first to market with their Element Hub 5 which they recently announced. Once again though - it may be overkill if you don't need the high transfer speeds.

My Setup

To give you an example of how this all works together, I'm using a MacBook Pro Max M3.

Then my CalDigit Element Hub 4 powers two RodecasterPro 2 USB channels, an Elgato Prompter, and three Stream Decks without a hitch.

Meanwhile, my WAVLINK dock with DisplayLink handles my multi-monitor setup. In total I have 6 screens...

• MacBook Screen
• Primary Teleprompter Screen
• AV Screen for Ecamm and Audio Monitoring
• Primary 43" Philips 438P Monitor (Plugged into WAVLINK)
• Vertical productivity monitor (Plugged into WAVLINK dock)
• Elgato Prompter (Has Display Link Technology Built In)

This combination ensures I have all the ports I need for peripherals and displays, without sacrificing performance.

The thumbnail below shows what I have on my desk for context, and if you want to go into more depth, click on it to view my most recent Studio Tour on YouTube!

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Incidentally, I am not sponsored by any hub/dock manufacturers, nor have I been sent any free for review... The above are what I have chosen that fits my needs - other brands are available!

Final Tips

When daisy-chaining devices (ie connecting one into another before the computer), always connect the fastest hub or dock directly to your computer to avoid bottlenecks. So if you have a thunderbolt 4 hub and a thunderbolt 3 hub and you can't plug them both directly into you computer (which would be preferred then plug the Thunderbolt 4 hub into your computer first, and then the Thunderbolt 3 dock into the hub.

Also, just to reiterate that you should consider whether you need the latest technology: Thunderbolt 5 hubs, like the new CalDigit Element Hub 5, offer cutting-edge speeds but may not be necessary unless you’re using high-speed drives or intensive workflows, but WILL inevitably cost more!

One more thing...

If you’re looking to take your live streaming and video production skills to the next level, you need the Ecamm Live Accelerator and it is STARTING ON MONDAY!

It’s a two-week live training program designed to help you transform your videos, meetings, and live streams into professional-quality productions.

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In our next edition of the Digital Back Stage Newsletter we'll break down the various types of connector and their uses and specs.... I know, I know - exciting stuff! Try to contain your excitement until next time!

In the mean time, let me know if there’s anything I can help you with— just hit reply.