Guide: Using Multiple Monitors with Apple Silicon MacBooks (2025)

Struggling to connect multiple displays to your M1-M4 MacBook? You're in the right place.
This comprehensive guide will show you possible configuration options and compatible devices.

Updated: November 6, 2025 5 minute read

Quick Summary:

⚠️ M1/M2/M3 MacBooks only support one external display by default
ℹ️️ M4 MacBooks can support two external displays
✅ Multiple displays possible with DisplayLink or SiliconMotion technology
💡 Step-by-step setup guide & compatible products listed below

M1 MacBook Pro connected to dual external monitors using DisplayLink technology — M1 MacBook Pro with two external displays

How to Connect Multiple Displays to Your M1-M4 MacBook

I've identified two reliable solutions that work. Both methods require specific hardware and software:

DisplayLink Solution

Purchase a DisplayLink-compatible device from the list below
Install DisplayLink drivers
Enable "Screen Recording" permission for DisplayLink Manager in System Settings → Privacy & Security
Connect your monitor to the docking station
Configure display settings in System Settings → Displays

See my detailed setup guide with Dell D6000

SiliconMotion Solution

Purchase a SiliconMotion-compatible device from the list below
Install SiliconMotion drivers
Enable "Screen Recording" permission for macOS InstantView in System Settings → Privacy & Security
Connect your monitor to the docking station
Click "CONNECT" in the macOS InstantView menu
Configure display settings in System Settings → Displays

Recommended Devices 👇

#1 The Best 💯

Targus USB-C Universal Quad 4K Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 4 (1 native + 3 external 4K) displays via USB-C.

100W Charging Power Delivery
180W Total Power Supply
4x DisplayPort / 4x HDMI ports

Check Price ↗

#2 Best Value 📊

Wavlink USB 3.0 to Dual HDMI UHD Universal Video Graphics Adapter

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 2 external 4K) displays.

USB-A to USB-C adapter included
Dual 4K@60Hz
Built-in chip to decrease CPU load

Check Price ↗

#3 Budget 💸

Wavlink HDMI Adapter

Allows you to connect 2 displays (1 native + 1 external 2.5K) for the best price.

USB-A to USB-C adapter included
Compact size
Easy to carry

Check Price ↗

26 Compatible Docking Stations, Hubs & Adapters

DisplayLink Docking Station

Dell D6000 Universal Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 4 (1 native + 3 external 4K) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 4
Monitor connector types: HDMI, DisplayPort
Output connector type: USB-C

65W Charging Power Delivery
130W Total Power Supply

Check Price ↗ Manual

DisplayLink Docking Station

WAVLINK USB-C Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 2 external 4K) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 3
Monitor connector types: HDMI, DisplayPort
Output connector type: USB-C

100W Charging Power Delivery
160W Total Power Supply

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Docking Station

Minisopuru DisplayLink Docking Station Triple Monitor

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 2 external 4K) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 3
Monitor connector types: HDMI, DisplayPort
Output connector type: USB-C

85W Charging Power Delivery
140W Total Power Supply

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Docking Station

14-in-1 TobenONE USB-C DisplayLink Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 4 (1 native + 1 external 4K + 2 external HD) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 4
Monitor connector types: HDMI
Output connector type: USB-C

100W Charging Power Delivery
120W Total Power Supply
Aluminum alloy

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Docking Station

12-in-1 Baseus Docking Station Dual Monitor Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 2 external 4K) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 3
Monitor connector types: HDMI, DisplayPort
Output connector type: USB-C

100W Power Delivery (⚠️ Power adapter not included!)
Screen-Lock & Energy-Saving Mode Button

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Docking Station

11-in-1 Baseus SpaceMate Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 2 external 4K) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 3
Monitor connector types: HDMI
Output connector type: USB-C

100W Power Delivery (⚠️ Power adapter not included!)
Screen-Lock & Energy-Saving Mode Button

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Docking Station

Kensington Triple 4k Display Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 4 (1 native + 3 external 4K) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 4
Monitor connector types: HDMI, DisplayPort
Output connector type: USB-C

60W Charging Power Delivery
135W Total Power Supply

Check Price ↗ Manual

DisplayLink Docking Station

Kensington USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 2 external 4K) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 3
Monitor connector types: HDMI, DisplayPort
Output connector type: USB-C

100W Charging Power Delivery
135W Total Power Supply

Check Price ↗ Manual

DisplayLink Docking Station

Targus USB-C Universal Dual Video 4K Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 2 external 4K) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 3
Monitor connector types: HDMI, DisplayPort
Output connector type: USB-C

60W Charging Power Delivery
130W Total Power Supply
Can be used as a stand (wedge design)

Check Price ↗ Manual

DisplayLink Docking Station

Plugable 7-in-1 USB-C DisplayLink Dock

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 2 external 4K) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 3
Monitor connector types: HDMI
Output connector type: USB-C

82W Charging Power Delivery (⚠️ Power adapter not included!)

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Docking Station

Kensington USB-C Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 2 external 4K) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 3
Monitor connector types: HDMI, DisplayPort
Output connector type: USB-C

85W Charging Power Delivery
135W Total Power Supply

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Docking Station

Plugable USB-C 4K Triple Display Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 4 (1 native + 3 external 4K) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 4
Monitor connector types: HDMI, DisplayPort
Output connector type: USB-C

100W Power Delivery

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Docking Station

Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 4 (1 native + 1 external 4K + 2 external HD) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 4
Monitor connector types: HDMI
Output connector type: USB-C

100W Power Delivery

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Docking Station

Belkin USB-C Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 2 external HD) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 3
Monitor connector types: HDMI
Output connector type: USB-C

85W Charging Power Delivery
135W Total Power Supply

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Docking Station

ALOGIC Universal Twin HD Pro Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 2 external HD) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 3
Monitor connector types: HDMI
Output connector type: USB-C

85W Power Delivery

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Docking Station

Kensington USB-C Dual Display Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 2 external HD) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 3
Monitor connector types: HDMI, DisplayPort
Output connector type: USB-C

60W Charging Power Delivery
135W Total Power Supply

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Docking Station

Diamond Multimedia Triple Display 4K Universal Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 4 (1 native + 3 external HD) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 4
Monitor connector types: HDMI, DVI
Output connector type: USB-C

65W Charging Power Delivery
100W Total Power Supply
Lifetime support (US)

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Docking Station

Plugable USB-C Dual 4K Display Horizontal Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 2 external 4K) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 3
Monitor connector types: HDMI, DisplayPort
Output connector type: USB-C

Dual 4K

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Docking Station

Plugable USB-C Dual DisplayPort 4K Monitor Universal Laptop Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 2 external 4K) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 3
Monitor connector types: DisplayPort
Output connector type: USB-C

Check Price ↗

Targus Universal USB 3.0 Dual Video 4K Laptop Docking Station

DisplayLink Docking Station

Targus Universal Dual Video 4K Laptop Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 2 external 4K) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 3
Monitor connector types: HDMI, DisplayPort
Output connector type: USB-C

Can be used as a stand (wedge design)

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Docking Station

Acodot Dual Monitor Dock

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 2 external HD) displays via USB-C.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 3
Monitor connector types: HDMI, DVI
Output connector type: USB-C

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Docking Station

StarTech Docking Station Dual Monitor

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 1 external 4K/2 external HD) displays via USB-A.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 3
Monitor connector types: HDMI, DisplayPort
Output connector type: USB-A
⚠️ USB-A to USB-C Adapter Required!

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Docking Station

Accell USB 3.0 Universal Docking Station

Allows you to connect up to 3 (1 native + 1 external 4K/2 external HD) displays via USB-A.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 3
Monitor connector types: HDMI, DisplayPort
Output connector type: USB-A
⚠️ USB-A to USB-C Adapter Required!

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Adapter

StarTech USB 3.0 to Dual DisplayPort Adapter 4K 60Hz

Allows you to connect 2 displays (1 native + 1 external at 4K) via DisplayPort.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 2
Monitor connector types: DisplayPort
Output connector type: USB-A
⚠️ USB-A to USB-C Adapter Required!

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Adapter

Kensington USB 3.0 to HDMI 4K Video Adapter

Allows you to connect 3 displays (1 native + 1 external at 4K) via HDMI.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 2
Monitor connector types: HDMI
Output connector type: USB-A
⚠️ USB-A to USB-C Adapter Required!

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Adapter

StarTech USB 3.0 to HDMI Display Adapter 4K Ultra HD

Allows you to connect 2 displays (1 native + 1 external at 4K) via HDMI.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 2
Monitor connector types: HDMI
Output connector type: USB-A
⚠️ USB-A to USB-C Adapter Required!

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Adapter

Plugable USB 3.0 to HDMI Video Graphics Adapter

Allows you to connect 2 displays (1 native + 1 external at 2.5K) via HDMI.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 2
Monitor connector types: HDMI
Output connector type: USB-A
⚠️ USB-A to USB-C Adapter Required!

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Adapter

Cable Matters SuperSpeed USB 3.0 to HDMI Adapter

Allows you to connect 2 displays (1 native + 1 external at 2.5K) via HDMI. Comes with two color variants (black/white).

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 2
Monitor connector types: HDMI
Output connector type: USB-A
⚠️ USB-A to USB-C Adapter Required!

Small
Easy to carry

Check Price ↗

DisplayLink Adapter

StarTech USB 3.0 to DisplayPort Adapter

Allows you to connect 2 displays (1 native + 1 external at 4K) via DisplayPort.

Specifications:

Maximum number of displays: 2
Monitor connector types: DisplayPort
Output connector type: USB-A
⚠️ USB-A to USB-C Adapter Required!

Check Price ↗

How to Check Your MacBook's Display Support

Check how many external monitors your MacBook can run:

1. Click on the "Apple" logo → About This Mac → "Chip" or "Processor"
2. If you see "Chip" (M1, M2, M3): You can only connect 1 external display natively. If you see M4 you can connect 2 external displays.

To have more more displays, you'll need a compatible docking station.
3. If you see "Processor" (Intel): You can connect multiple external displays without special hardware.

Which solution will best suit your workflow?

Attribute	Adapter	HUB	Dock
Neat Cable Management	No	Yes	Yes
Power Delivery	No	Yes	Yes
Mobility	High	Medium	Low
Price Range	$20-50	$50-150	$150-300+
Multiple Display Support	Limited	Yes	Yes

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

How many displays can you connect to an M1 MacBook Pro?

With the devices listed above, you can connect up to 4 display monitors: 1 native + 3 externals via DisplayLink technology.

How many displays can you connect to an M2 MacBook Air?

M2 MacBook Air came out with the same limitation of only one natively supported external monitor.

How do I connect multiple monitors to my M1 (or M1) MacBook?

You have to have a device that supports DisplayLink technology.

Why can I not connect more than one display to my Apple M1/M2/M3 MacBook?

To a surprise to many, M1-M3 MacBooks have hardware limitations of only one native display.

Why is my Mac not detecting displays?

If you have a MacBook powered by an M* chip and you are trying to connect the second additional display - you are blocked by the hardware limitation of new Macs.

I have bought the required adapter/dock/hub - what do I do now?

Refer to DisplayLink page, select your operating system and download the required drivers (DisplayLink Manager).

How do I connect a USB Type-A adapter to my MacBook?

You need USB-C Multiport Adapter to do so. But If you don't have it already, we suggest considering hub or docking station instead.

Is there a way to connect multiple displays to my Apple Silicon MacBook?

Yes - it's possible BUT only with specific devices. We have listed most of the compatible ones above.

What is DisplayLink technology?

DisplayLink technology creates a "simulated" display to overcome hardware limitations. Refer to the official site for more information.

What is SiliconMotion technology?

Similar to DisplayLink, SiliconMotion InstantView allows you to connect multiple monitors via software (it creates a virtual monitor and sends the signal from the docking station to your Mac)

Will quality get decreased by using an adapter/dock/hub?

Overall quality is suitable for daily use. There could be a slight difference between a natively connected display and a software accelerated one. Most devices can run 2.5k at 50-60 Hz - check those details directly on a product page.

What is a Docking Station?

In short: "A docking station is a device that connects to a laptop and provides additional ports for connectivity (...).

What DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) is?

DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) is a feature of DisplayPort 1.2 and newer that allows multiple display video signals to be transmitted through a single DisplayPort (DP) cable in one of two configurations: MST Hub or Daisy-Chain. MST Hub splits one DP cable into multiple video outputs, which can be both DP or other formats, while Daisy-Chain allows monitors to be connected in series. MST is supported on Intel® Core™ processors of 4th Gen and newer. For detailed information on MST, you can read this third-party article.

Is DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) supported on MacOS?

According to this user report - DisplayPort MST is not supported on MacOS.

How to install DisplayLink drivers?

For detailed instruction, please refer to the following video:

How to install SiliconMotion drivers?

For detailed instruction, please refer to the following video:

Readers Reports

List of reports submitted to us by readers through contact form

"It would also be awesome to have info about resolution issues with both technologies (DisplayLink & SiliconMotion). I'm bumed that I'm stuck with 1080 or 4k. I'd personally prefer 1440."
Kevin M. (Dec 6th, 2022)
"(...) DisplayPort MST technology is NOT supported in macOS"
Alex S. (Dec 7th, 2022)

Thank you for all your submissions that help me keep this page and information up to date!

Adrian Cel

Software Engineer

I'm programming on MacBooks since 2018 ('Intel' Pro, M1 Pro, M2 Pro, now on M3 Max).