Whereas the higher-end MacBooks with M1 Professional and M2 Professional and M1 Max and M2 Max chips assist a number of exterior shows, Apple’s lower-end vary of MacBooks that use a regular M1 or M2 processor can’t natively join multiple exterior monitor. It is a large 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 that we hope will likely be rectified with the M3.
Listed below are the exterior show specs for Apple’s present laptops:
M1 MacBook Air: Most one exterior show
M2 MacBook Air: Most one exterior show
M2 MacBook Professional: Most one exterior show
M2 Professional MacBook Professional: Most two exterior shows
M2 Max MacBook Professional: Most 4 exterior shows
Nonetheless, there are methods round this plain M1/M2 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.
With the software program workaround, there are some dangers concerned as you can be required to put in third-party drivers, and these may later be unsupported by future updates of the macOS.
Exterior shows: Massive downside for M1 and M2 Macs
Apple’s Mac mini, MacBook Air, and 13-inch MacBook Professional had been the primary Macs to characteristic the Apple-designed M1 CPU. They obtained rave opinions for his or her pace enhancements over Intel-based laptops, together with right here on Macworld.
But when your MacBook setup consists of working multiple exterior show, you’ve gotten a serious downside. Apple’s M1 or M2 chips merely received’t enable it—at the least natively. Apple states within the M1 and M2 MacBook Air and MacBook Professional tech specs that they assist solely “one exterior show with as much as 6K decision at 60Hz”.
Apple
Whereas the M1 and M2 MacBooks natively assist only one monitor, the M1 and M2 Mac Mini does natively assist as much as two exterior screens—one through the HDMI port and a second through USB-C. However the M1 fashions of the MacBook Air and MacBook Professional lack an HDMI port and solely assist a single exterior show over Thunderbolt.
Apple has apparently promised to repair the issue in a future macOS replace, however the arrival of the later M1 Professional and M1 Max—and extra lately the M2—counsel that M1 homeowners may very well be ready a very long time. We’ve got this information to screens for M1 Macs and what you should know earlier than shopping for. We additionally cowl the fundamentals of methods to 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 MacBooks’ single-monitor limitation. This could work with most third-party docks, though some producers, equivalent to Caldigit, don’t advocate it.
Many multi-display docks use a mix of native USB-C Alternate Mode (native “Alt Mode” video output) and DisplayLink expertise. This mix serves as a workaround to the M1/M2 platform supporting solely a single exterior show through USB-C.
Observe that DisplayLink requires a third-party driver to be put in on the Mac. There are totally different variations of the DisplayLink driver, and a few carry their very own compromises to the social gathering. However, normally, setup is easy. A number of the docks we overview beneath supply the DisplayLink software program whenever 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 on the market as a standalone installer slightly than via the mac App Retailer.
1. First, obtain the newest Mac DisplayLink driver. As said above, some docks, do that for you however it’s at all times finest to make use of the newest model.
DisplayLink Supervisor Graphics Connectivity App v. 1.7.0 is appropriate with macOS Catalina 10.15, macOS 11 Massive Sur, and macOS 12 Monterey. It may be managed through the DisplayLink icon within the Apple Menu bar.
The macOS requires the person to allow “Display Recording” to ensure that DisplayLink gadgets to work correctly. This may be present in System Preferences beneath Privateness in Safety & Privateness; navigate to Display Recording within the listing on the left, then tick the Display Recording permission for DisplayLink Supervisor after unlocking the padlock utilizing your admin password. You might must stop and restart DisplayLink Supervisor afterward.
Extra in-depth particulars on DisplayLink Supervisor beneath macOS Massive Sur, Catalina, and Monterey, on this DisplayLink assist web page.
Set up is easy. Older variations didn’t assist laptops’ closed-display/Clamshell mode, however 1.7.0 does assist Clamshell mode if the MacBook is Intel-based working macOS 12 or if the MacBook is M1-based working macOS 11 or 12.
Different limitations embody incompatibility with show rotation. Rotation on Apple M1/M2 requires DisplayLink Supervisor 1.6+ with macOS 12+.
There’s an possibility 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 likely 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 principally a pipeline on to the system’s native GPU, it’ll behave identical to in the event you attached a USB-C to HDMI dongle to your laptop computer. This requires no person 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 identical option to DisplayLink and works with three of the {hardware} hubs and adapters we overview beneath.
The preliminary setup is less complicated than DisplayLink with the hubs from Hyper however just like the Satechi hub—however it suffers the identical problem that Apple’s software program updates can disable it, which can entail putting in a more recent model and permitting the required safety & privateness settings for display screen recording, simply as with DisplayLink.
You may obtain the newest model of InstantView software program right here.
Neither software program answer is sophisticated and each labored properly in our assessments as you may learn beneath.
Which docks assist DisplayLink and InstantView?
Initially, dock producers didn’t formally assist such a DisplayLink setup for Macs. The answer works, however they rightly warned that this might turn out to be unstuck in future variations of the macOS. Every time there’s a new OS replace the drivers might have to be up to date every time.
Nonetheless, after some latest testing and enhancements Plugable, for instance, has up to date its compatibility to formally assist that configuration. For Mac compatibility, it has validated each Apple and Intel platforms working at the least macOS 11. For M2, the corporate does anticipate compatibility however is awaiting new M2 MacBooks for testing and validation.
Which dock is finest?
A docking station connects to your MacBook through Thunderbolt or USB-C. It then presents a number of ports that your laptop computer now has entry to. These can embody new show ports, equivalent to 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 concerning the finest Thunderbolt docking stations for extra particulars, or you may join through a less complicated USB-C hub. Search for a dock with two or extra show ports, ideally ones that may connect with your most well-liked shows with out the necessity for an adapter. Some, such because the Anker Apex, have two show ports however Anker warns in opposition to utilizing it with Macs, regardless that DisplayLink ought to work round the issue.
Thunderbolt 4 docks or hubs typically haven’t any devoted show port however three out there TB4 ports that can be utilized to attach on to a USB-C show or through adapters to HDMI or DisplayPort screens. Whereas you might 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, although.
Docking station and hub producers at the moment are actively advertising and marketing their merchandise as options to the M1/M2 exterior show limitation. Every requires both the DisplayLink obtain or one other comparable software program answer, equivalent to InstantView, however no additional {hardware} adapter apart from the dock or hub itself. And naturally, these hubs supply the standard multi-port advantages in addition to the exterior monitor answer.
In case your hub or dock has only one show port, you can additionally connect a second or third show through a number of of the spare USB-A ports, utilizing an adapter equivalent to StarTech.com USB 3.0 to HDMI / DVI Adapter. This prices $80 or £80, so must be factored in when pricing an M1/M2 MacBook buy in the event you require a number of screens and need to use the USB-A port slightly than a show port equivalent to HDMI or DisplayPort. An alternative choice is Plugable’s USB Twin 4K Show Adapter.
This adapter turns an out there USB-A 3.0 or USB-C port into one DVI-I or VGA port (DVI to VGA adapter included) and one HDMI output. Every show can concurrently assist the utmost decision of 2048×1152 at 60Hz. Be sure that to make use of an lively HDMI DisplayLink adapter that may assist 4K at 60Hz, as some are restricted to 4K at 30H
The perfect multiscreen hubs and adapters for M1 and M2 MacBooks
Beneath we’ve got gathered one of the best devoted hubs and docks for multiscreen M1/M2. Observe that these listed (and examined) beneath use USB-C slightly than Thunderbolt, so don’t profit from the MacBook’s potential 40Gbps knowledge bandwidth. Should you require all 40Gbps, go for a Thunderbolt dock and set up DisplayLink as instructed above.
Ugreen USB-C Triple Show Docking Station
Professionals
- Helps three exterior shows at 4K 60Hz
- 12 ports, inc. 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A
Worth When Reviewed:
£329.99
The Ugreen USB-C Triple Show Docking Station is a top quality compact vertical dock that helps as much as three exterior shows on a plain (non-Professional or -Max) M1/M2 MacBook in the event you set up DisplayLink software program.
Priced at $329/£369, it options two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort and may assist three 4K shows at 60Hz on a Mac. There are 12 ports in whole, together with Gigabit Ethernet, card readers, and 10Gbps USB-A and USB-C ports. It connects to the MacBook through 10Gbps USB-C.
It’s essential set up DisplayLink in your Mac—directions above. Ugreen may make this simpler with a hyperlink on its web site.
Learn our full Ugreen USB-C Triple Show Docking Station overview.
UGreen 9-in-1 USB-C Docking Station
Professionals
- Helps two exterior shows at 4K 60Hz
- 9 ports, inc. 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A
- 100W charging
- DisplayLink file on dock connection
Worth When Reviewed:
$199.99
Should 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 or M2 MacBook. This could go well with most screens, except you favor 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 may 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, steady wired Web entry.
It’s essential set up DisplayLink in your Mac—directions above—and UGreen has made this simple by including the obtain recordsdata to your Mac whenever you first join the dock.
Hyperdrive Twin 4K HDMI 10-in-1 USB-C Hub
Professionals
- Helps two exterior shows at 4K
- 10 ports, inc. 5Gbps USB-C and USB-A
- InstantView simpler than DisplayLink
Cons
- Second 4K show is 30Hz slightly 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 you should 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 comply with the System Preferences directions. As soon as this has been accomplished your MacBook will routinely acknowledge the adapter from then on.
It’s a better answer than DisplayLink however with the identical capacity to permit M1 and M2 Macs to hook up 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 via 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 permits you to cost the related laptop computer at as much as 100W—useful because the hub itself makes use of up one in every of your M1 or M2 laptop computer’s two Thunderbolt ports.
Plugable USB-C to Quad HDMI Adapter (USBC-768H4)
Professionals
- Helps 4 exterior shows
- InstantView simpler than DisplayLink
Cons
- HD, not 4K
- Does not cost your MacBook
Worth When Reviewed:
$119
Do you actually need 4 screens? Should 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 or M2 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 assist 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 overview
Satechi USB-C Multimedia M1 Adapter
Professionals
- Helps two exterior shows at 4K
- 6 ports, inc. 5Gbps USB-C and 2x 5Gbps USB-A
Cons
- Second 4K show is 30Hz slightly than 60Hz
- Requires USB-C charger
Worth When Reviewed:
$149.99
The Satechi USB-C Multimedia M1 Adapter makes use of InstantView slightly than DisplayLink however the set up course of is virtually the identical whenever you comply with the handbook.
It consists of 2x HDMI ports: one in every of which might assist 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’ll additionally work with equally restricted M2 MacBooks.
Hyperdrive Twin 4K HDMI Adapter
Professionals
- Helps two exterior shows at 4K
- InstantView simpler than DisplayLink
Cons
- Second 4K show is 30Hz slightly than 60Hz
- No different ports besides passthrough charging
- Requires USB-C charger
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 slightly than DisplayLink.
Missing another 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 ready hub—except 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.
Should you’re based mostly 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
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. Should you require three, see the opposite hubs and docks reviewed right here. Each screens may be as much as 4K at 60Hz. Primary directions are given on putting in the DisplayLink software program for M1 and M2 Macs.
This neat, compact dock doesn’t characteristic as many ports as others talked about right here however what it has are top-rated: each the USB-A and USB-C ports assist 10Gbps knowledge switch. There’s additionally a Gigabit Ethernet port and a UHS-II SD card reader.
A passthrough USB-C port—you should add a suitably highly effective charger—can deal with 100W, though 22W is required by the dock so leaving 78W for laptop computer and machine charging. The dock have to be related to the laptop computer to permit machine charging.
EZQuest Final Plus USB-C Multimedia Hub
Professionals
- Helps three exterior shows (2x 4K; 1x HD)
- VGA in the event you want it
- 12 ports, inc 4x 5Gbps USB-A
Cons
- Requires USB-C charger
- Second 4K show is 30Hz slightly 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 would 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 go via as much as 85W to the related MacBook, however connects through slower 5Gbps USB-C.
Baseus 17-in-1 Docking Station
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 connect with an exterior 4K show at 30Hz. Should 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 avid gamers because it presents 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.
Workaround caveats
Every time there’s a new OS replace DisplayLink and InstantView drivers might have to 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—equivalent to supplied by the DisplayPort or HDMI port on the dock utilizing Alt Mode.
Caldigit actively recommends in opposition to utilizing DisplayLink, because it finds it unreliable and there could be no synergy between the driving 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 assist later variations, the corporate advised Macworld.
Nonetheless, this mixture 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 assist it.
The one danger is that it may cease working at any time, though it wouldn’t hurt your system if it did, and you can merely uninstall DisplayLink.
DisplayLink and InstantView are workarounds with a probably restricted timespan however the chances are compatibility could be restored at some stage if the worst occurred and you’d get again your multi-monitor setup.
The Hyperdrive twin 4K HDMI {hardware} answer is the dearer however steady workaround of the 2—however if you’d like as much as three shows you’ll want a dock equivalent to a type of reviewed above and the DisplayLink answer.
Learn our M1 MacBook Air overview and every thing you should know concerning the M2 MacBook Professional and M2 MacBook Air.
In case you are wanting to make use of a second show along with your Mac and never have your Mac’s display screen on, learn our characteristic Methods to flip a Mac’s display screen off. Wish to use an 8K monitor? Learn Methods to join an 8K show to your Mac.
