Whereas the higher-end MacBooks with M1/M2/M3 Professional and Max chips help a number of exterior shows, the vast majority of Apple’s lower-end vary of MacBooks that use a typical M1, M2 or M3 processor can not natively join multiple exterior monitor. This can be a huge limitation in comparison with the earlier Intel-based technology of Mac laptops that might run two shows when related to a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 docking station or hub.
Apple’s M3 MacBook Air fashions do now help two exterior screens (if the MacBook has its lid closed in what is named Clamshell Mode). The M3 MacBook Professional helps an analogous function, however the macOS Sonoma 14.6 replace must be put in. We clarify how you can run twin exterior shows on an M3 MacBook in a separate article.
The options under, nevertheless, enable for greater than two exterior shows on plain M1, M2 and M3 Macs with their lids open in order for you it..
There have additionally been experiences that the M3 MacBook Air with lid closed suffers important efficiency decline attributable to warmth construct up, so following our recommendation under nonetheless has relevance even for M3 MacBook Air and Professional customers who need to hook as much as a number of shows and hold their Mac purring at full velocity.
Later, we record our examined and really useful software program and {hardware} options for including multiple show to the plain M1, M2 and M3 Macs. You possibly can leap straight to our record of the finest DisplayLink docks if you recognize all about DisplayLink. If not, learn on some time.
The options we clarify right here will even assist M2 Professional and M3 Professional MacBook customers prolong to 3 exterior shows.
Listed here are the exterior show specs for Apple’s present laptops:
- M1 MacBook Air: Most one exterior show—learn our workarounds under.
- M2 MacBook Air: Most one exterior show—learn our workarounds under.
- M3 MacBook Air: Most two exterior shows if MacBook lid is closed. Three utilizing our workarounds.
- M2 MacBook Professional: Most one exterior show—learn our workarounds under.
- M2 Professional MacBook Professional: Most two exterior shows. 4 utilizing our workarounds.
- M2 Max MacBook Professional: Most 4 exterior shows.
- M3 MacBook Air: Most two exterior shows if MacBook lid is closed. Three utilizing our workarounds.
- M3 MacBook Professional: Most two exterior shows if MacBook lid is closed. Three utilizing our workarounds.
- M3 Professional MacBook Professional: Most two exterior shows. 4 utilizing our workarounds.
- M3 Max MacBook Professional: Most 4 exterior shows. Workarounds enable 4 utilizing only one laptop computer port, plus dock.
Nevertheless, there are methods round this plain M1/M2/M3 limitation, permitting you to run two or extra exterior shows off your MacBook, which we’ll define right here. In every case, there’s a software program obtain and a docking station, hub or adapter required.
The only answer is to get a USB graphics-enabled docking station or hub, typically known as a DisplayLink Dock—and we’ve reviewed the perfect ones later on this article. USB graphics is a software-based expertise (DisplayLink or InstantView) that compresses the video alerts from the pc to the monitor, enabling you to attach a number of exterior shows to your M1, M2 or M3 MacBook.
Putting in third-party software program drivers results in a slight threat that these may later be unsupported by future updates of the macOS, however the two drivers we advocate are acknowledged trade requirements that we imagine will proceed to be supported.
Exterior shows: Large drawback for M1, M2 and a few M3 Macs
Apple’s Mac mini, MacBook Air, and 13-inch MacBook Professional have been the primary Macs to function the Apple-designed M1 processor (CPU). They acquired rave critiques for his or her velocity enhancements over Intel-based laptops, together with right here on Macworld. Since then Apple has launched M2 and M3 chips, plus Professional and Max variations of the M1, M2 and M3.
But when your MacBook setup consists of operating multiple exterior show, you might have a significant drawback. Apple’s primary (non-Professional or Max) M1 and M2 chips merely gained’t enable it—not less than natively. Apple states within the M1 or M2 MacBook Air and M3 MacBook Professional tech specs that they help solely “one exterior show with as much as 6K decision at 60Hz”.
Whereas the M1 and M2 MacBooks natively help only one monitor, the M1 and M2 Mac Mini does natively help as much as two exterior screens—one through the HDMI port and a second through USB-C. However the M1 and M2 fashions of the MacBook Air and MacBook Professional (plus the M3 MacBook Professional) help solely a single exterior show over Thunderbolt.
The newest M3 MacBook Air fashions (13- and 15-inch) are the primary to help multiple exterior show—so long as you shut the laptop computer’s lid (Clamshell Mode) to permit for the second exterior show. The primary show (permitting an open MacBook lid) has a most 6K decision at 60Hz. The second show (requiring the closed lid) might be as much as 5K at 60Hz.
The14-inch M3 MacBook Professional additionally helps two exterior show in Clamshell Mode, however the macOS Sonoma 14.6 replace have to be put in to do that.
Apple doesn’t seem like it should resolve this drawback for you—it could want you purchase one in every of its dearer laptops! Now we have this information to screens for M1 Macs and what it’s essential to know earlier than shopping for. We additionally cowl the fundamentals of how you can join your Mac to an exterior monitor.
Workaround #1: Set up DisplayLink software program drivers
You should use a mix of show applied sciences to get across the M1/M2/M3 MacBooks’ single-monitor limitation. DisplayLink is the most typical software program answer that you simply pair with a suitable dock: we’ve examined the finest DisplayLink docks additional down. Be aware that the docks have to state DisplayLink compatibility—you may’t simply set up DisplayLink drivers and hope they work with common docks and hubs.
An entire new class of docks—many reviewed under—has appeared to unravel the M1/M2/M3 Mac one-screen drawback. DisplayLink USB-C docks or simply USB-C docks require software program drivers to allow knowledge compression that make them virtually as highly effective as a Thunderbolt dock. You’ll have to obtain the suitable DisplayLink software program from the dock producer—full directions afterward.
Many multi-display docks use a mix of native USB-C Alternate Mode (native “Alt Mode” video output) and DisplayLink expertise. This mixture serves as a workaround to the M1/M2/M3 platform supporting solely a single exterior show through USB-C.
Be aware that DisplayLink requires a third-party driver to be put in on the Mac. There are completely different variations of the DisplayLink driver, and a few deliver their very own compromises to the celebration. However, basically, setup is easy. A few of the docks we evaluation under supply the DisplayLink software program while you first join the dock to your Mac.
The DisplayLink macOS app or DisplayLink Supervisor app are methods of enabling DisplayLink expertise on macOS. The app is accessible as a standalone installer reasonably than by the mac App Retailer.
1. First, obtain the most recent Mac DisplayLink driver. As said above, some docks, do that for you but it surely’s all the time finest to make use of the most recent model.
DisplayLink Supervisor Graphics Connectivity App v. 1.10.2 is suitable with macOS Monterey 12, Ventura 13 and Sonoma 14. For macOS Large Sur 11, search for model 1.9, and v1.5 for Catalina 10.15. It may be managed through the DisplayLink icon within the Apple Menu bar.
The macOS requires the consumer to allow “Display screen Recording” to ensure that DisplayLink gadgets to work correctly. This may be present in System Preferences underneath Privateness in Safety & Privateness; navigate to Display screen Recording within the record on the left, then tick the Display screen Recording permission for DisplayLink Supervisor after unlocking the padlock utilizing your admin password. Chances are you’ll have to give up and restart DisplayLink Supervisor afterward. Don’t fear, DisplayLink isn’t recording your display screen—this simply lets it do its magic enabling a number of screens.
Set up is easy. Older variations didn’t help laptops’ closed-display/Clamshell Mode, however 1.8.1 and later do help Clamshell Mode if the MacBook is Intel-based operating macOS 12 or if the MacBook is M1-based operating macOS 11 or later.
Essentially the most scary bit is when it’s essential to allow “Display screen Recording” to permit the DisplayLink Supervisor app to seize pixels and ship them to your USB peripheral. This entails making some changes within the Mac’s “Privateness” tab, however you’re walked by it step-by-step. Check out the directions right here.
There’s an choice in DisplayLink supervisor to “launch at startup”, or you may drag the DisplayLink Supervisor to your Login Objects in Customers & Teams.
2. Then join the MacBook to a docking station.
3. For the primary display screen you may join through the dock’s DisplayPort or HDMI Port, and this will probably be dealt with natively by the M1/M2 MacBook.
You might additionally join the primary exterior show through the dock’s different show ports or through a Thunderbolt or USB-C to HDMI or DisplayPort adapter.
The HDMI or DisplayPort output makes use of Alternate Mode (Alt Mode), and as it’s mainly a pipeline on to the system’s native GPU, it should behave similar to if you happen to connected a USB-C to HDMI dongle to your laptop computer. This requires no consumer driver set up.
The second and third shows will depend on the DisplayLink software program. DisplayLink makes use of an put in driver and the system CPU and GPU to transform graphics knowledge on the system into knowledge packets. That knowledge is then despatched over the cable as knowledge packets and transformed again to video data and output to the screens through the DisplayLink chip within the docking station.
Workaround #2: Set up InstantView software program
One other third-party software program answer is SiliconMotion’s InstantView, which operates in an analogous method to DisplayLink and works with three of the {hardware} hubs and adapters we evaluation under.
The preliminary setup is simpler than DisplayLink with the hubs from Hyper however just like the Satechi hub—but it surely suffers the identical problem that Apple’s software program updates might disable it, which is able to entail putting in a more recent model and permitting the mandatory safety & privateness settings for display screen recording, simply as with DisplayLink.
You possibly can obtain the newest model of InstantView software program right here. The newest model helps macOS 14 Sonoma, 13 Ventura and 12 Monterey.
Neither software program answer is sophisticated and each labored properly in our exams as you may learn under.
Which docks help DisplayLink and InstantView?
Initially, dock producers didn’t formally help such a DisplayLink setup for Macs. The answer works, however they rightly warned that this might grow to be unstuck in future variations of the macOS. At any time when there’s a new OS replace the drivers might should be up to date every time.
Nevertheless, after some current testing and enhancements Plugable, for instance, has up to date its compatibility to formally help that configuration. For Mac compatibility, it has validated each Apple and Intel platforms operating not less than macOS 11.
Which dock is finest?
A docking station connects to your MacBook through Thunderbolt or USB-C. It then gives a number of ports that your laptop computer now has entry to. These can embrace new show ports, resembling HDMI, in addition to Gigabit Ethernet for wired Web entry, USB-C/Thunderbolt/USB-A ports at various speeds, audio plugs, and card readers.
Study extra in regards to the finest Thunderbolt docking stations for extra particulars, or you may join through an easier USB-C hub. Search for a dock with two or extra show ports, ideally ones that may hook up with your most well-liked shows with out the necessity for an adapter.
Thunderbolt 4 docks or hubs usually haven’t any devoted show port however three obtainable TB4 ports that can be utilized to attach on to a USB-C show or through adapters to HDMI or DisplayPort screens. Whereas you will have to purchase an adapter cable, 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4’s port flexibility and backward compatibility are really useful for customers of recent Macs such because the M1 and M2 MacBooks.
USB-C docks and hubs are often cheaper, however not all the time so examine our critiques under.
Docking station and hub producers are actually actively advertising their merchandise as options to the M1/M2/M3 exterior show limitation. Every requires both the DisplayLink obtain or one other comparable software program answer, resembling InstantView, however no additional {hardware} adapter apart from the dock or hub itself. And naturally, these hubs supply the same old multi-port advantages in addition to the exterior monitor answer.
The perfect multiscreen hubs and adapters for M1, M2 and M3 MacBooks
Under now we have gathered the perfect devoted hubs and docks for multiscreen M1/M2/M3. Be aware that the majority of those listed (and examined) under use USB-C reasonably than Thunderbolt, so don’t profit from the MacBook’s potential 40Gbps knowledge bandwidth. In case you require all 40Gbps, go for a Thunderbolt dock and set up DisplayLink as instructed above.
Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station with DisplayLink – three 4K shows at 60Hz for M1/M2, 4 for M3
Professionals
- Helps as much as 4 exterior shows at 4K 60Hz
- One show at 6K 60Hz
- 11 ports, inc. three 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4
- 2x HDMI 2.0 video ports
- Speedy SD card reader
- 96W charging and 180W energy provide
Worth When Reviewed:
$299.99
Whereas plain M1 and M2 MacBooks are restricted to 3 exterior shows utilizing this dock when DisplayLink software program is put in, M3 and M1/M2/M3 Professional/Max MacBooks can hook up with 4 4K at 60Hz.
Different docks reviewed right here additionally enable M1 and M2 Macs to connect with three shows, however what we actually like in regards to the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station with DisplayLink is true there in its title: it’s a full Thunderbolt 4 dock reasonably than USB-C. It due to this fact gives 40Gbps data-transfer charges in comparison with the 10Gbps that you simply’ll discover on a lot of the different docks reviewed right here.
In case you require three screens we expect you may additionally want the quick data-transfer charges provided by Thunderbolt, so advocate this DisplayLink docking station to energy customers.
That Thunderbolt port connection additionally permits one of many three screens to be at 6K decision (60Hz) whereas the opposite two through HDMI will probably be 4K at 60Hz.
There are two HDMI 2.0 ports plus a beneficiant three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports (in addition to one upstream TB4 to the laptop computer). It doesn’t host any further USB-C ports however the three Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps knowledge switch, 15W energy output) are backwards suitable with USB-C. There are two quick 10Gbps USB-A ports, too, plus a UHS-II SD card reader, Gigabit Ethernet and an audio jack.
Non-Professional/Max M3 Macs can hook up with 4 shows utilizing this dock, so long as the laptop computer’s lid is closed (clamshell mode). It’s additionally a fantastic choice for M1/M2/M3 Professional customers often restricted to 2 exterior shows.
Learn our full
Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station with DisplayLink evaluation
Plugable USB-C Twin 4K Show Docking Station (UD-6950PDH) – two 4K shows at 60Hz
Professionals
- Twin 4K monitor help for M1/M2/M3 Macs
- 13 ports
- 100W PD to laptop computer
- Quick SD card reader
Cons
- Not for quick knowledge switch
- North America solely
Worth When Reviewed:
$199.95
Plugable’s redesigned UD-6950PDH docking station plus free-to-download DisplayLink software program can join two further 4K/60Hz shows to M1, M2 and M3 Macs. Whereas plain M3 MacBooks can already join to 2 exterior shows, this DisplayLink dock permits plain M3 MacBooks to stay open with the 2 extra shows hooked up (in any other case the M3 laptop computer’s lid must be closed).
It options a formidable 13 ports together with Gigabit Ether, SD and MicroSD card readers and 5 spare USB ports.
You gained’t get knowledge switch any quicker than 5Gbps so if you happen to crave the total 40Gbps Thunderbolt bandwidth it is best to as a substitute take into account the Satechi Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station with DisplayLink, reviewed above.
You should use each of the dock’s HDMI ports or each DisplayPort or a mixture of every, relying in your monitor necessities. Two video ports will all the time be left empty, however the flexibility is welcome.
No availability outdoors of North America has but been introduced.
Learn our full
Plugable USB-C Twin 4K Show Docking Station (UD-6950PDH) evaluation
Alogic DX3 Triple 4K Show Common Docking Station – three 4K shows at 60Hz
Professionals
- Helps three exterior shows at 4K 60Hz
- 12 ports, inc. 10Gbps USB-C
- 3x DisplayPort 1.4 video ports
- Speedy SD and MicroSD card readers
- 100W charging and 135W energy provide
Worth When Reviewed:
$299.99
This Alogic DisplayLink docking station is just like the Satechi Triple 4K Show Dock (reviewed under) in that it helps as much as three exterior 4K shows at a formidable 60Hz refresh fee and has an array of helpful non-display ports. It might energy the related laptop computer at 100W and has an honest 135W exterior energy provide so doesn’t require an additional USB-C charger.
The DisplayLink obtain hyperlink is clearly proven within the consumer handbook, and directions make sense—though you want a magnifying glass to learn them!
The DX3 has fewer video ports than the Satechi dock however all are top-notch DisplayPort 1.4. If any of your screens lacks DisplayPort however has HDMI, you’ll want so as to add an adapter between dock and show. As you’ll want to purchase video cables anyway, this doesn’t matter as costs for straight cable and adapter cable are shut sufficient.
Not like the Satechi, this dock does have a card reader—certainly it has two: SD and MicroSD, each at high 312MBps UHS-II—permitting you so as to add cheap transportable storage to your laptop computer setup.
It additionally has Gigabit Ethernet, 4 USB-A (one with 7.5W charging) and two 10Gbps USB-C (one 100W PD upstream to the laptop computer, and one 7.5W smaller gadget charging).
Selecting between the Alogic DX3 and Satechi Triple 4K docks might be selected whether or not your screens have HDMI reasonably than DisplayPort, though adapters imply there may be a simple answer. We additionally applaud the DX3 for its twin SD card readers.
Reviewed additional down this record is Alogic’s DX2, which helps two 4K shows at 60Hz and lacks among the different ports discovered on the DX3. if you happen to simply want two exterior screens on your M1/M2/M3 MacBook this can be a less expensive choice.
Satechi Triple 4K Show Docking Station – three 4K shows at 60Hz
Professionals
- Helps three exterior shows at 4K 60Hz
- 12 ports, inc. 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A
- 3x HDMI 2.0 and 2x DisplayPort 1.4 video ports
- 100W charging and 130W energy provide
Worth When Reviewed:
$299.99
The Satechi Triple 4K Show Docking Station is a high quality horizontal dock that helps as much as three exterior shows on a plain (non-Professional or -Max) M1/M2/M3 MacBook if you happen to set up DisplayLink software program. The consumer handbook features a QR code that takes you to the software program obtain web page.
Competitively priced at $299 / £299, it options three HDMI ports and two DisplayPorts and may help three 4K shows at 60Hz on a Mac. The combo of HDMI and DisplayPort gives a extra versatile monitor alternative than some docks examined right here, though adapters will present straightforward options in case your dock’s port is DisplayPort however the monitor has simply HDMI.
There are 12 ports in complete, together with Gigabit Ethernet and 10Gbps USB-A and USB-C ports—two of which might energy gadgets at an honest 7.5W. The dock connects to the MacBook through 10Gbps USB-C.
Not like a lot of the docks reviewed right here it comes with its personal 130W energy provide, so doesn’t require a high-powered USB-C charger.
It doesn’t boast a card reader so as to add cheap transportable storage to your laptop computer, however you should buy one cheaply sufficient to connect to one of many USB ports.
Alogic DX2 Twin 4K Show Common Docking Station – two 4K shows at 60Hz
Professionals
- Helps two exterior shows at 4K 60Hz
- 10 ports
- 2x DisplayPort 1.4 video ports
- 65W charging and 100W energy provide
Worth When Reviewed:
$259.99
We want Alogic’s DX3 that helps as much as three 4K shows and gives extra ports and quicker charging for not way more value, however the DX2 is ok if all you require is 2 top-end screens related to your mid-sized MacBook.
It options two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, one 10Gbps USB-C with 7.5W charging, three 5Gbps USB-A ports (one with 7.5W), a 3.5mm audio jack and Gigabit Ethernet.
Wavlink Twin 4K DisplayPort & HDMI Adapter – two 5K shows at 60Hz
Professionals
- Helps two exterior shows at 5K 60Hz
- 2x DisplayPort 1.4 video ports
- 2x HDMI 2.0 video ports
Cons
- No USB ports, Ethernet and so on
This straightforward, transportable and inexpensive adapter doesn’t provide you with a great deal of further USB ports, Ethernet or card readers like a hub or docking station would, but it surely gives 4 highly effective video ports: two DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0.
When you’ve put in the DisplayLink drivers, this implies an M1/M2/M3 MacBook can run two prolonged shows at as much as 5K (5120-x-1440) at 60Hz utilizing a mix of those video ports. You’d want to make use of each DisplayPort 1.4 ports for the utmost 5K decision—the HDMI 2.0 ports max out at 4096-x-2160 at 60Hz.
There’s no passthrough charging so that you’ll want to make use of one other of the MacBook’s Thunderbolt ports to maintain the laptop computer powered up in use.
Ugreen USB-C Revodok Professional 312 Triple Show Docking Station – three 4K shows at 60Hz
Professionals
- Helps three exterior shows at 4K 60Hz
- 12 ports, inc. 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A
- Ships with 100W wall charger
Worth When Reviewed:
$349.99
The Ugreen USB-C Triple Show Docking Station is a high quality compact vertical dock that helps as much as three exterior shows on a plain (non-Professional or -Max) M1/M2/M3 MacBook if you happen to set up DisplayLink software program.
Priced at $329/£399, it options two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort and may help three 4K shows at 60Hz on a Mac. There are 12 ports in complete, together with Gigabit Ethernet, card readers, and 10Gbps USB-A and USB-C ports. It connects to the MacBook through 10Gbps USB-C.
You’ll want to set up DisplayLink in your Mac—directions above. Ugreen might make this simpler with a hyperlink on its website.
Learn our full Ugreen USB-C Triple Show Docking Station evaluation.
Hyperdrive Twin 4K HDMI 10-in-1 USB-C Hub – one 4K show at 60Hz, one 4K show at 30Hz
Professionals
- Helps two exterior shows at 4K
- 10 ports, inc. 5Gbps USB-C and USB-A
- 100W passthrough charging
- InstantView simpler than DisplayLink
Cons
- Second 4K show is 30Hz reasonably than 60Hz
- Requires USB-C charger
Worth When Reviewed:
$199.99
The Hyperdrive Twin 4K HDMI 10-in-1 USB-C Hub doesn’t use DisplayLink and as a substitute makes use of SiliconMotion’s InstantView.
Hyper says that it really works “with out having to obtain cumbersome drivers” however there may be some software program set up concerned, and it’s essential to enable InstantView entry to your Privateness settings in System Preferences. You join the hub or adapter to your M1 MacBook and discover the HyperDisplay app that seems in a Finder folder sidebar. Double-click the macOS InstantView icon and observe the System Preferences directions. As soon as this has been accomplished your MacBook will routinely acknowledge the adapter from then on.
It’s a neater answer than DisplayLink however with the identical capability to permit M1, M2 and M3 Macs to connect with a number of exterior shows.
This compact hub nonetheless consists of 10 ports, together with the all-important 2x HDMI. The primary show at 60Hz is added through HDMI and DP Alt-mode and the second at 4K 30Hz by HDMI and InstantView.
Additionally included are Gigabit Ethernet, MicroSD card reader (UHS-I), 3.5mm audio jack, 2x 5Gbps USB-A, and one 5Gbps USB-C.
An extra USB-C PD port lets you cost the related laptop computer at as much as 100W—helpful because the hub itself makes use of up one in every of your M1, M2 or M3 laptop computer’s two Thunderbolt ports.
Hyperdrive Twin 4K HDMI Adapter – one 4K show at 60Hz, one 4K show at 30Hz
Professionals
- Helps two exterior shows at 4K
- 100W passthrough charging
- InstantView simpler than DisplayLink
Cons
- Second 4K show is 30Hz reasonably than 60Hz
- Requires USB-C charger
Worth When Reviewed:
$129.99
This double-function hub is designed to offer two HDMI show ports for a MacBook M1/M2/M3, plus passthrough charging for the laptop computer. It doesn’t supply a bunch of different ports like its large brother, the Hyperdrive Twin 4K HDMI 10-in-1 USB-C Hub reviewed above. In consequence, it’s cheaper and is likely one of the most cost-effective options for including a number of screens to the restricted plain M1/M2/M3 Macs.
Just like the 10-in-1, it makes use of SiliconMotion’s InstantView reasonably than DisplayLink software program to get previous the limitation.
The primary show at 60Hz is added through HDMI and DP Alt-mode and the second at 4K 30Hz by HDMI and InstantView.
In case you require extra ports, resembling Gigabit Ethernet, card readers and USB ports, take into account the Hyperdrive 10-in-1 or one of many different hubs or docks reviewed right here..
Plugable USB-C to Quad HDMI Adapter (USBC-768H4) – 4 HD shows at 60Hz
Professionals
- Helps 4 exterior shows
- InstantView simpler than DisplayLink
Cons
- HD, not 4K
- Doesn’t cost your MacBook
- No card reader
Worth When Reviewed:
$119
Do you really want 4 screens? In case you do, and you are able to do with out 4K decision, the Plugable USB-C to Quad HDMI Adapter helps 4 HD shows even on an M1, M2 or M3 MacBook utilizing the Silicon Movement InstantView software program (requires obtain and set up).
The adapter options simply the 4 HDMI ports so doesn’t supply any Gigabit Ethernet or further USB-C ports, however does what it says on the field. All 4 shows can help HD (1920-x-1080) at 60Hz photos.
The USB-C cable tucks neatly into the adapter’s case when not in use, making this a nimbly transportable answer… so long as you don’t additionally carry the 4 screens round with you.
Learn our full
Plugable USB-C to Quad HDMI Adapter evaluation
Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C Docking Station – two 4K shows at 60Hz
Professionals
- Helps two exterior shows at 4K 60Hz
- 9 ports, inc. 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A
- 100W charging
- DisplayLink file on dock connection
Cons
- Requires USB-C charger
- No card reader
Worth When Reviewed:
$199.99
In case you don’t want three exterior screens, we like this USB-C dock for its two HDMI and two DisplayPorts, which you’ll select between when including two shows to your M1, M2 or M3 MacBook. This could go well with most screens, until you like direct USB-C shows.
Its spare USB ports (2x USB-A and 1x USB-C) are quick (10Gbps) for knowledge switch, and one other USB-C port might be plugged right into a USB-C charger (not included, which is frequent with the docks reviewed right here) and provide as much as 100W of charging energy to the related laptop computer.
There’s additionally a Gigabit Ethernet port for quick, secure wired Web entry.
You’ll want to set up DisplayLink in your Mac—directions above—and UGreen has made this straightforward by including the obtain information to your Mac while you first join the dock.
Learn a full Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C dock evaluation.
Alogic DV4 Common Quad Show Docking Station – one 4K show at 60Hz, two HD shows
Professionals
- Helps three exterior shows, one at 4K 60Hz
- 14 ports, inc. 5Gbps USB-C and USB-A
- 3x HDMI 2.0 and 1x DisplayPort 1.4 video ports
- 12W USB-C charging
- 85W PD charging
Cons
- 2 shows at HD, not 4K
- Requires USB-C charger
Worth When Reviewed:
$239.99
With third-party DisplayLink drivers, this dock will help as much as three shows on a Mac. You possibly can join one 4K at 60Hz show (3840×2160 pixels) through both the DisplayPort or one of many HDMI ports. The opposite two shows through HDMI, nevertheless, are at a lesser HD (1920×1080) decision, each at 60Hz.
There’s a hyperlink to the DisplayLink obtain printed within the consumer handbook, though the kind within the handbook is the smallest we’ve ever seen!
The specs aren’t fairly as spectacular because the Satechi Triple 4K Show Docking Station, with 5Gbps a most data-transfer fee, though charging wattage for USB-A (3.0) is as much as 7.5W every and USB-C is as much as 12W, which beats the Satechi..
Nevertheless, it does boast each SD and MicroSD card readers for inexpensive transportable storage choices, though UHS-I reasonably than super-fast UHS-II. And, crucially, it’s cheaper, though you will want so as to add your personal USB-C 100W PD charger, in contrast to the Satechi Triple 4K Dock.
Professionals
- Helps two exterior shows at 4K
- 6 ports, inc. 5Gbps USB-C and 2x 5Gbps USB-A
Cons
- Second 4K show is 30Hz reasonably than 60Hz
- Requires USB-C charger
- No card reader
Worth When Reviewed:
$149.99
The Satechi USB-C Multimedia M1 Adapter makes use of InstantView reasonably than DisplayLink however the set up course of is virtually the identical while you observe the handbook.
It consists of 2x HDMI ports: one in every of which might help a 4K show at 60Hz and the opposite at 30Hz.
It’s greater than a mere show adapter, although, because it additionally boasts USB-C PD passthrough charging at as much as 85W, one 5Gbps USB-C port, and two 5Gbps USB-A ports.
Though named after the M1 processor it’s fixing on the a number of show entrance, it should additionally work with equally restricted M2 and M3 MacBooks.
Hyperdrive Twin 4K HDMI Adapter – one 4K show at 60Hz, one 4K show at 30Hz
Professionals
- Helps two exterior shows at 4K
- InstantView simpler than DisplayLink
Cons
- Second 4K show is 30Hz reasonably than 60Hz
- No different ports besides passthrough charging
- Requires USB-C charger
- No card reader
Worth When Reviewed:
$129.99
Just like the Hyperdrive Twin 4K HDMI 10-in-1 USB-C Hub, Hyper’s cheaper Twin 4K HDMI Adapter makes use of the easier InstantView software program reasonably than DisplayLink.
Missing some other ports, it’s not a hub and so simply facilitates the dual-display perform on M1 and M2 Macs. Whereas it’s cheaper than its 10-port sibling, we’d advocate the extra in a position hub—until you want three shows, by which case you’d want to have a look at the opposite hubs and docks reviewed right here.
One HDMI port helps 4K shows at 60Hz, however the different on the slower 30Hz.
A passthrough USB-C port requires a USB-C charger however can provide 100W to the related laptop computer.
In case you’re primarily based outdoors the US, beware as Hyper expenses $80 worldwide delivery, making this adapter dearer than its 10-port sibling.
Alogic Twin 4K Common Compact Docking Station – two 4K shows at 60Hz
Professionals
- Helps two exterior shows at 4K 60Hz
- 7 ports, inc. 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A
- HDMI and DisplayPort variations
The Alogic Twin 4K Common Compact Docking Station is available in two fashions—the CH2, which options two HDMI 2.0 ports; and the CD2, with two DisplayPort ports—so you may select which most closely fits the exterior shows you already personal.
Two exterior screens are in all probability sufficient for most individuals. In case you require three, see the opposite hubs and docks reviewed right here. Each screens might be as much as 4K at 60Hz. Primary directions are given on putting in the DisplayLink software program for M1, M2 and M3 Macs.
This neat, compact dock doesn’t function as many ports as others talked about right here however what it has are top-rated: each the USB-A and USB-C ports help 10Gbps knowledge switch. There may be additionally a Gigabit Ethernet port and a UHS-II SD card reader.
A passthrough USB-C port—it’s essential to add a suitably highly effective charger—can deal with 100W, though 22W is required by the dock so leaving 78W for laptop computer and gadget charging. The dock have to be related to the laptop computer to permit gadget charging.
Professionals
- Helps three exterior shows (2x 4K; 1x HD)
- VGA if you happen to want it
- 12 ports, inc 4x 5Gbps USB-A
Cons
- Requires USB-C charger
- Second 4K show is 30Hz reasonably than 60Hz
- Third show is HD not 4K
Worth When Reviewed:
$169.99
The EZQuest Final Plus USB-C Multimedia Hub has two HDMI ports and a VGA port, and helps one 4K at 60Hz and one 4K at 30Hz through HDMI and 1080p HD through VGA. If you’d like three 4K shows, look as a substitute on the Ugreen Triple Show Dock.
It additionally options 5Gbps USB-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet and card readers.
Just like the Ugreen dock, it requires a USB-C charger for energy and may move by as much as 85W to the related MacBook, however connects through slower 5Gbps USB-C.
Baseus 17-in-1 Docking Station – three 4K shows at 30Hz
Professionals
- Helps three exterior shows at 4K 30Hz
- 15 (precise) ports
- 85W PD
Cons
- Requires USB-C charger for laptop computer
- 30Hz 4K not 60Hz
- Solely mirrors laptop computer show
The Baseus 17-in-1 Docking Station has three HDMI ports, every of which might hook up with an exterior 4K show at 30Hz. In case you require three 4K exterior shows at 60Hz, the Ugreen Triple Show Dock will fulfill your wants higher. If 30Hz is ok, the Baseus will prevent cash. 60Hz is healthier for players because it gives smoother video.
One large limitation for Macs, although, is that the exterior shows can solely mirror and never prolong the Mac’s display screen.
Its declare to have 17 ports is exaggerated barely as one is for the exterior energy provide that powers simply the dock at 12W. and one other so as to add energy the dock through a USB-C charger after which onto the laptop computer. However it has 15 different ports together with the upstream 5Gbps USB-C connection to the MacBook, plus Gigabit Ethernet, card readers and 5Gbps USB-A and USB-C ports.
Professionals
- Helps three exterior shows at 4K 60Hz
- 15 ports, inc. 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A
- 85W passthrough charging
Cons
- No card reader
- DisplayPort didn’t work on our check Mac
Worth When Reviewed:
$293.99
This triple-monitor DisplayLink-based docking station is positively bristling with ports: 15 in complete.
Most fascinating to us listed below are the six video ports: 3x DisplayPort 1.4 and 3x HDMI 2.0. This doesn’t imply you may join six shows but it surely does ought to provide you with versatile choices for the kind of connection that suit your shows. Nevertheless, in testing we had no success linking through DisplayPort, which makes the additional choices reasonably nugatory. As such, we want the opposite docks and hubs reviewed above.
You’ll want to obtain the DisplayLink drivers on your M1/M2/M3 Mac. StarTech.com has a hyperlink and a video, or simply observe our information above.
In addition to the half-dozen video ports are six USB ports: 2x USB-C (one at 10Gbps and one 5Gbps), plus 4x USB-A (one 10Gbps and three 5Gbps). The 5Gbps USB-C port can cost a related gadget at 18W, sufficient to fast-charge an iPhone. One of many 5Gbps USB-A ports can cost at 7.5W.
Rounding off the various ports are Gigabit Ethernet and a 3.5mm Audio In-Out.
There’s no card reader so as to add transportable storage however you might join an adapter to one of many USB ports.
Workaround caveats
At any time when there’s a new OS replace DisplayLink and InstantView drivers might should be up to date every time.
Plugable doesn’t advocate the workaround for gaming, video modifying, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and guarded content material (HDCP) playback. For these workloads, customers will need the total throughput of a “bare-metal” native GPU connection—resembling offered by the DisplayPort or HDMI port on the dock utilizing Alt Mode.
Caldigit actively recommends towards utilizing DisplayLink, because it finds it unreliable and there can be no synergy between the motive force and the dock. As a result of it requires a third-party driver, customers are on the mercy of Apple and the third-party developer to help later variations, the corporate instructed Macworld.
Nevertheless, this mix of show applied sciences does enable M1 and M2 MacBooks to run multiple exterior monitor, and the M1 and M2 Mac mini to run greater than two. And extra producers are popping out with docks and hubs that help it.
The one threat is that it might cease working at any time, though it wouldn’t hurt your system if it did, and you might merely uninstall DisplayLink.
DisplayLink and InstantView are workarounds with a probably restricted timespan however the chances are compatibility can be restored at some stage if the worst occurred and you’ll get again your multi-monitor setup.
Learn our M1 MacBook Air evaluation, M2 MacBook Air evaluation, and M3 MacBook Air evaluation.
If you’re wanting to make use of a second show along with your Mac and never have your Mac’s display screen on, learn our function The right way to flip a Mac’s display screen off. Wish to use an 8K monitor? Learn The right way to join an 8K show to your Mac.
What it’s essential to find out about DisplayLink and InstantView
FAQ
Does DisplayLink and InstantView block Netflix or different streaming content material?
DisplayLink and InstantView are nice at including a number of screens to M1, M2 and M3 Macs, however there’s a catch.
Some protected content material in Netflix, AppleTV, Amazon Prime, Disney+ or YouTube TV and different streaming functions might not play. The video stays black whereas audio retains enjoying.
That is all all the way down to how the macOS interfaces the DisplayLink driver used to entry graphics content material. As quickly as one DisplayLink-enabled display screen is related, protected content material turns into unavailable on all screens.
That is all the way down to the streaming platforms utilizing Excessive-bandwidth Digital Content material Safety (HDCP), which is Intel-developed digital copy safety that forestalls copying of digital audio and video content material because it travels throughout connections.
As a result of macOS requires DisplayLink and InstantView to allow Display screen Recording, HDCP strikes in as a result of it thinks you’re really attempting to report the content material reasonably than simply show it on display screen.
The right way to allow streaming content material when utilizing DisplayLink or InstantView
To get spherical HDCP stopping your DisplayLink or InstantView setup displaying Netflix, Amazon Prime and different streaming companies, you could have to disconnect all of the DisplayLink or InstantView screens, or swap to a browser apart from Safari or Chrome (for instance Opera or Firefox).
You possibly can disable {hardware} acceleration in your browser to entry the protected content material.
On Google Chrome, go to Google Chrome settings, and click on on “Superior” after which choose “System”. Right here you may disable “Use {hardware} acceleration when obtainable”.
Choose “Relaunch” to activate the brand new setting.
If that doesn’t resolve the black problem, disconnect the docking station, and check out utilizing the laptop computer’s build-in show or the direct video ports of the laptop computer.
Uninstalling the software program is the last word answer.
