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How To Support More External Monitors On M-Series Macs?
Hooking up just one external monitor on an M-series Mac is easy and often involves a simple plug-and-play routine once you know which port to use.
But, power users need more screens to enhance productivity and facilitate efficient multitasking.
Try to connect a second monitor (to extend, not mirror, your display), and the chances are that your Mac will completely blank out the extra monitor.
Apple’s MacBook Air and base model Pro laptops with M1, M2, or M3 chips (excluding Max and Pro variants) have a hardware limitation that restricts them to only supporting one external monitor connection, despite having multiple Thunderbolt ports.
Surprisingly, all the power and premium pricing of the basic M-series processors don’t buy you the convenience of a multi-monitor setup.
For that, you must look at Macs that feature the Pro, Max, or Ultra variants, which cost more, and you must read the fine print on how many external monitors each supports.
The list is long, and finding relevant information is tedious because you’ll have to refer to several online pages to get the specifications.
In this article, we have listed all the M-series Macs and the limitations of the external monitors each one supports. We’ll also present a solutions to circumvent this limitation by using cost-effective docking stations.
Table of Contents
Before we begin, you should understand why Thunderbolt and USB are essential to this discussion. You can click the expandable section below for a summary.
Thunderbolt and USB
At the heart of it, Thunderbolt and USB are data transfer mediums that enable your computer to interface (read, send/receive signals) with peripheral devices. However, these two mediums are vastly different in capabilities.
Thunderbolt
The Thunderbolt interface was developed as a collaboration between Intel and Apple, and its most significant achievement was combining video, power, and data signals on a single cable/port.
The earliest Thunderbolt versions, Thunderbolt 1 and 2 use a Mini DisplayPort connector to offer data transfer speeds of 10 Gbps and 20 Gbps, respectively. More recent versions, like Thunderbolt 3 and 4, use a USB-C connector and offer 40 Gbps data transfer speed.
Thunderbolt 4, the most recent and widely accepted version, offers several high-performance specifications, as listed below.
- Minimum data transfer speed of 40 Gbps.
- Up to 100W Power Delivery, enough to charge most heavy-duty laptops.
- Video support for one 8K@60Hz or two 4K@60Hz monitors.
- PCIe Tunneling enables the use of eGPU and other desktop-class add-in cards.
- Prevents Intel VT-d-based Direct Memory Attacks (DMA).
- Fully backward compatible with USB and previous Thunderbolt versions.
- Support for daisy chaining additional Thunderbolt devices.
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
Unlike Thunderbolt, USB was introduced as a data-only interface for computers to interact with peripherals. The USB Implementor’s Forum (or USB-IF), which comprises several computer manufacturers, introduced USB in 1995 as an interoperable interface that worked with all platforms.
Over the years, like Thunderbolt, USB introduced support for high-speed data transfers, power, and video signal over a single cable/port.
While the USB-IF introduced USB with a Type-A connector, newer versions like USB 4 almost exclusively use the USB-C connector and offer similar features to Thunderbolt.
- Supports speeds up to 40 Gbps.
- Supports Power Delivery up to 100W.
- Support for DisplayPort 2.0 using Alternate Mode (up to 8K@60Hz with HDR10)
Note: Unlike Thunderbolt, which has minimum specifications for several features, the USB-IF decided that USB4 would not specify minimum requirements, giving manufacturers greater flexibility to implement USB.
Among the similarities between Thunderbolt and USB, the most significant is their support for high data transfer rates and video signals, which are vital features that docking stations use to support multiple monitors and bypass your computer’s monitor limitations.
That is right! You can use your present M-series Mac and still bypass the limitations on the number of external monitors. As long as you have a Thunderbolt or USB-C port on your M-series Mac computer, you won’t need a higher variant, and it will save a ton of your hard-earned money.
This is possible using a brilliant technology called DisplayLink (discussed later in the article). DisplayLink enables you to use up to six monitors with any computer, including Mac computers running on the base M-series chip.
M-Series Macs and Their Monitor Limitations
For convenience, we classified and sub-classified all Mac computers based on their form and the generation of the M-series chip they use.
M-Series MacBooks
The M-series Mac laptops include the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro.
These laptops come in three generations of M-series processors, namely M1, M2, and M3, each with three variants, which we’ll discuss later.
💻 M1 MacBook Air and M1 13-inch MacBook Pro
Besides the built-in monitor, the base M1 MacBook Air and Pro support just one external monitor with a 6K@60Hz resolution.
Both laptops have no HDMI ports, and all peripherals interface via the two Thunderbolt 3 ports, making it essential to hook up a dock if you use a handful of external devices.
The laptops have a 13.3-inch IPS screen with 2560x1600p resolution and 227ppi pixel density with support for True Tone and a wide P3 color gamut that makes color appear natural. But the 13-inch MacBook Pro has a brighter screen with 500nits, versus the MacBook Air, which has 400nits brightness.
💻 M1 16-inch MacBook Pro (M1 Pro and M1 Max)
Apple launched the 16-inch M1 MacBook Pro in 2021 with an option of the M1 Pro or the M1 Max chip.
The laptop has the same 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display with a 3456x2234p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, ideal for high-end graphics editing workflows. It has 254ppi pixel density, and the brightness level measures 500nits for SDR content and a colossal 1600nits for HDR content.
Both variants feature the same video port configurations of one HDMI and three Thunderbolt 4 ports but vary in support for external monitors.
M1 Max
The M1 Max supports up to four monitors in all. You can connect up to three 6K@60Hz monitors using the Thunderbolt 4 ports and an additional 4K@60Hz with the HDMI ports.
M1 Pro
In comparison, the M1 Pro allows only two external monitors of 6K@60Hz.
💻 M1 14-inch MacBook (M1 Pro and M1 Max)
Also launched in 2021, the 14-inch MacBook Pro resembles its 16-inch sibling.
The laptop has the same one HDMI and three Thunderbolt 4, video port configurations as the 16-inch MacBook and comes with the M1 Pro and M1 Max variants.
M1 Max
Moreover, like the 16-inch MacBooks, the M1 Max variant supports three 6K@60Hz (over Thunderbolt 4) and one 4K@60Hz (over HDMI).
M1 Pro
M1 Pro variant limits external monitors to two 6K@60Hz.
The laptop features a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR with a 3024x1964p resolution and ProMotion technology for up to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
Summary of all the M1 MacBooks
Laptop | Processor Variant | Max. External Monitor Supported | Video Ports | Built-in Screen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
M1 MacBook Air | M1 | 1x 6K@60Hz | 2x Thunderbolt 3 | Display: 13-inch IPS Resolution: 2560×1600 Pixel Density: 227ppi Brightness: 400nits |
M1 13-inch MacBook Pro | M1 | 1x 6K@60Hz | 2x Thunderbolt 3 | Display: 13-inch IPS Resolution: 2560×1600 Pixel Density: 227ppi Brightness: 500nits |
M1 16-inch MacBook Pro | M1 Pro | 2x 6K@60Hz | 1x HDMI 3x Thunderbolt 4 | Display: 16.2-inch IPS Resolution: 3456×2234 Pixel Density: 254ppi Brightness: SDR: 500nits XDR: 1000nits HDR:1600nits |
M1 16-inch MacBook Pro | M1 Max | 3x 6K@60Hz 1x 4K@60Hz | 1x HDMI 3x Thunderbolt 4 | Display: 16.2-inch IPS Resolution: 3456×2234 Pixel Density: 254ppi Brightness: SDR: 500nits XDR: 1000nits HDR:1600nits |
M1 14-inch MacBook Pro | M1 Pro | 2x 6K@60Hz | 1x HDMI 3x Thunderbolt 4 | Display: 14.2-inch IPS Resolution: 3024×1964 Pixel Density: 254ppi Brightness: SDR: 500nits XDR: 1000nits HDR:1600nits |
M1 14-inch MacBook Pro | M1 Max | 3x 6K@60Hz 1x 4K@60Hz | 1x HDMI 3x Thunderbolt 4 | Display: 14.2-inch IPS Resolution: 3024×1964 Pixel Density: 254ppi Brightness: SDR: 500nits XDR: 1000nits HDR:1600nits |
💻 M2 13-inch MacBook Air and M2 13-inch MacBook Pro
Except for the screen, the M2 13-inch MacBook Air and M2 13-inch MacBook Pro have similar video port configurations and support the same number of external monitors.
While the MacBook Air has a 13.6-inch IPS panel, the MacBook Pro has a 13.3-inch IPS panel screen. The Air has a marginally higher resolution of 2560x1660p than the Pro’s 2560x1600p screen. But the Air has a pixel density of 224ppi versus 227ppi of the Pro. Nevertheless, the differences are almost unnoticeable and won’t affect workflow.
The port configurations of the laptops are the same, with each offering two Thunderbolt 3 ports. Moreover, like their older M1 siblings, the M2 13-inch MacBook Air and Pro support only one external monitor running at 6K@60Hz.
💻 M2 15-inch MacBook Air
Apart from the screen specifications, the M2 15-inch MacBook Air’s port configuration and support for an external monitor are the same as the M2 13-inch MacBook Air.
The 15-inch MacBook Air has a 15.3-inch IPS panel display with a resolution of 2880x1864p and a pixel density of 224ppi. The increased screen real estate is perfect for professionals looking for a compact Ultrabook to improve productivity.
The two USB-C ports use Thunderbolt 3 to offer 40Gbps data transfer, power delivery, and DisplayPort capabilities. Despite having two ports, the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air supports only one 6K@60Hz monitor.
💻 M2 16-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Pro and M2 Max)
Apart from the processor, the M2 16-inch MacBook Pro has almost the same configurations as the older M1 sibling.
The MacBook Pro has a 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display with a 3456x2234p resolution and adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. Apple has designed the 16-inch MacBook, considered the needs of power users, and offered the M2 16-inch MacBook Pro with two processor variants: the M2 Pro and Max.
Both variants have the same video port configuration, including one HDMI and three Thunderbolt 4 ports. However, they vary in the number of displays they support.
M2 Pro Variant
The M2 Pro variant allows a maximum of two 6K@60Hz external monitors. Or you can choose to attach one 6K@60Hz over Thunderbolt and one 4K@144Hz over HDMI.
However, if a higher resolution or faster refresh rate is what you are after, consider using the laptop with a single 8K@60Hz (over Thunderbolt) or a 4K@240Hz (over HDMI) monitor.
M2 Max Variant
The M2 Max variant offers support for more monitors. This variant allows up to four external monitors, three 6K@60Hz on Thunderbolt and one 4K@144Hz over HDMI.
Interestingly, in a three-monitor configuration, the M2 Max variant allows two 6K@60Hz and a choice between one 8K@60Hz (over Thunderbolt) or one 4K@240Hz (over HDMI).
💻 M2 14-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Pro and M2 Max)
Apple also released the M2 14-inch MacBook Pro with similar support for external monitors and the same video port configurations as the M2 16-inch MacBook Pro. Like the M1 MacBooks, the M2 14-inch has two variants: M2 Pro and Max.
The laptop has a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display with 3024x1962p resolution and features Apple’s ProMotion adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Its HDR brightness is colossal 1600nits, and its SDR brightness is 500nits.
The M2 14-inch MacBook Pro has one HDMI and three Thunderbolt 4 ports that offer the same level of support as the M2 16-inch MacBook Pro.
M2 Pro Variant
The M2 Pro supports up to two 6K@60Hz external monitors. Or you can connect one 6K@60Hz on Thunderbolt and one 4K@144Hz on HDMI.
The HDMI port supports 8K@60Hz or 4K@240Hz in a single monitor setup.
M2 Max Variant
The M2 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro supports a maximum of four monitors. You can get three 6K@60Hz over Thunderbolt and one 4K@144Hz over HDMI.
Like the 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 Max processor, this M2 Max variant also supports two external monitors of 6K@60Hz and one either 8K@60Hz or 4K@240Hz on HDMI, in a triple-monitor setup.
Summary of all the M2 MacBooks
Laptop | Processor Variant | Max. External Monitor Supported | Video Ports | Built-in Screen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
13-inch MacBook Air | M2 | 1x 6K@60Hz | 2x Thunderbolt 3 | Display: 13.6-inch IPS Resolution: 2560×1664 Pixel Density: 224ppi Brightness: 400nits |
15-inch MacBook Air | M2 | 1x 6K@60Hz | 2x Thunderbolt 3 | Display: 15.3-inch IPS Resolution: 2880×1864 Pixel Density: 224ppi Brightness: 500nits |
13-inch Mac Book Pro | M2 | 1x 6K@60Hz | 2x Thunderbolt 3 | Display: 13.3-inch IPS Resolution: 2560×1600 Pixel Density: 227ppi Brightness: 500nits |
16-inch MacBook Pro | M2 Pro | 2x 6K@60Hz | 1x HDMI 3x Thunderbolt 4 | Display: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Resolution: 3456×2234 Pixel Density: 254ppi Brightness: HDR: 1600nits XDR: 1000nits SDR: 500nits |
16-inch MacBook Pro | M2 Max | 3x 6K@60Hz 1x 4K@144Hz | 1x HDMI 3x Thunderbolt 4 | Display: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Resolution: 3456×2234 Pixel Density: 254ppi Brightness: HDR: 1600nits XDR: 1000nits SDR: 500nits |
14-inch MacBook Pro | M2 Pro | 2x 6K@60Hz | 1x HDMI 3x Thunderbolt 4 | Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Resolution: 3024×1964 Pixel Density: 254ppi Brightness: HDR: 1600nits XDR: 1000nits SDR: 500nits |
14-inch MacBook Pro | M2 Max | 3x 6K@60Hz 1x 4K@144Hz | 1x HDMI 3x Thunderbolt 4 | Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Resolution: 3024×1964 Pixel Density: 254ppi Brightness: HDR: 1600nits XDR: 1000nits SDR: 500nits |
💻 M3 16-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Pro and M3 Max)
Apple’s latest M3 series processor saw the M3 16-inch MacBook Pro launch with the M3 Pro and M3 Max variants in November 2023.
Both variants use the same 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 3456x2234p resolution and have ProMotion technology for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. The screen has 1600nits brightness for HDR content and 500nits for SDR content.
The two variants have the same port configuration, with one HDMI and three Thunderbolt 4 ports for video output, but the support for external monitors is as follows.
M3 Pro Variant
The M3 Pro supports two external monitors running at 6K@60Hz. Alternatively, you can choose one monitor to output 6K@60Hz on Thunderbolt while the second outputs 4K@144Hz via HDMI.
But if you prefer a high-performance display, you can configure a single-monitor setup with 8K@60Hz on Thunderbolt or 4K@240Hz on HDMI.
M3 Max Variant
Like all previous M-series Max variant laptops, the M3 Max caters to the extreme demands of power users. It supports up to four monitors, with three 6K@60Hz via Thunderbolt and one 4K@144Hz on HDMI.
In a three-monitor configuration, you can have two 6K@60Hz video outputs over Thunderbolt and choose either 8K@60 or 4K@240 over an HDMI interface.
💻 M3 14-inch MacBook Pro (M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max)
This November 2023 iteration of the MacBook Pro comes with an option of base M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips and provides tremendous processing power for modest and demanding workflows.
All three laptops have a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a 3024x1964p resolution and 254ppi pixel density. Apple’s ProMotion technology provides adaptive refresh rates of up to 120Hz, with the native refresh rate hovering around 60Hz on the M3 14-inch MacBook Pro.
While the Pro and Max variants have one HDMI and three Thunderbolt 4 ports, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the base M3 processor foregoes the three Thunderbolt 4 ports for two Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Base M3
The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the bare M3 chip supports just one external monitor. So you can choose between a 6K@60Hz external monitor over Thunderbolt or connect one 4K@120Hz display over HDMI.
M3 Pro
The M3 Pro lets you connect a maximum of two 6K@60Hz displays using the Thunderbolt ports. You also have the option to forego one monitor in place of a 4K@144Hz screen via HDMI.
And if you want a single monitor setup, you could use the HDMI port for either an 8K@60Hz or a 4K@240Hz screen while using the Thunderbolt 4 ports to connect high-speed storage and whatnot.
M3 Max
The M3 Max also follows a familiar pattern regarding support for external monitors. You can connect up to four screens, three 6K@60Hz on Thunderbolt and one 4K@144Hz over HDMI.
You can also downgrade to a triple monitor setup by connecting two 6K@60Hz over Thunderbolt and alternate between an 8K@60Hz or 4K@240Hz screen over an HDMI connection.
Summary of all the M3 MacBooks
Laptop | Processor Variant | Max. External Monitor Supported | Video Ports | Built-in Screen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
16-inch MacBook Pro | M3 Pro | 2x 6K@60Hz | 1x HDMI 3x Thunderbolt 4 | Display: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Resolution: 3456×2234 Pixel Density: 254ppi Brightness: HDR: 1600nits XDR: 1000nits SDR: 500nits |
16-inch MacBook Pro | M3 Max | 3x 6K@60Hz 1x 4K@144Hz | 1x HDMI 3x Thunderbolt 4 | Display: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Resolution: 3456×2234 Pixel Density: 254ppi Brightness: HDR: 1600nits XDR: 1000nits SDR: 500nits |
14-inch MacBook Pro | M3 | 1x 6K@60Hz | 1x HDMI 2x Thunderbolt 3 | Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Resolution: 3024×1964 Pixel Density: 254ppi Brightness: HDR: 1600nits XDR: 1000nits SDR: 500nits |
14-inch MacBook Pro | M3 Pro | 2x 6K@60Hz | 1x HDMI 3x Thunderbolt 4 | Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Resolution: 3024×1964 Pixel Density: 254ppi Brightness: HDR: 1600nits XDR: 1000nits SDR: 500nits |
14-inch MacBook Pro | M3 Max | 3x 6K@60Hz 1x 4K@144Hz | 1x HDMI 3x Thunderbolt 4 | Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Resolution: 3024×1964 Pixel Density: 254ppi Brightness: HDR: 1600nits XDR: 1000nits SDR: 500nits |
M-series Desktops
Apple desktops include the iMac, Mac Mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro. Unlike Apple laptops, Mac-based desktops don’t offer all M-series variants.
🖥 M1 24-Inch iMac
The M1 iMac has a brilliant 23.5-inch 4.5K Retina display with a 4480x2520p resolution and 218ppi pixel density, supporting one billion colors. It has a bright 500nits screen and features Wide color (P3) and True Tone, which provide accurate color and skin tones.
The computer has two Thunderbolt 3 ports that provide video connectivity and support one 6K@60Hz external monitor.
🖥 M3 24-inch iMac (4-port and 2-port)
The M3 iMac comes in two variants that are essentially the same except for the number of USB ports they offer, one with four USB 3 ports and one with two USB 3 ports.
Both M3 iMacs have a 23.5-inch Retina screen with 4480x2520p resolution and display one billion colors thanks to Wide color (P3) and Apple’s True Tone technology. The screen has a pixel density of 218ppi, making it ideal for everyday home/office use.
Like the M1 iMac, the M3 version also features two Thunderbolt 3 ports and supports just one 6K@60Hz external monitor.
Summary of all iMacs
iMac (year) | Processor Variant | Max. External Monitor Supported | Video Ports | Built-in Screen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
iMac 2021 | M1 | 1x 6K@60Hz | 2x Thunderbolt 3 | Display: 23.5-inch 4.5K Retina Resolution: 4480×2520 Pixel Density: 218ppi Brightness: 500nits |
iMac 2023 | M3 | 1x 6K@60Hz | 2x Thunderbolt 3 | Display: 23.5-inch 4.5K Retina Resolution: 4480×2520 Pixel Density: 218ppi Brightness: 500nits |
⌨️ M1 Mac Mini
Launched in 2021, the M1 Mac Mini is a handy desktop option if you are constrained for workstation space and want a Mac-based desktop solution.
The M1 Mac Mini has one HDMI and two Thunderbolt 3 ports for video connectivity and supports up to two external monitors. The computer has no built-in screen, but you can attach one 6K@60Hz monitor over Thunderbolt and one 4K@60Hz over its HDMI interface.
⌨️ M2 Mac Mini
Apple launched the M2 Mac Mini in 2023. While Apple has yet to release an M3 variant, the M2 Mac Mini also has an M2 Pro option (covered next) for more discerning users with higher processing needs.
The M2 Mac Mini has one HDMI and two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a significant upgrade from the M1, which featured Thunderbolt 3. Using these ports, you can connect one 6K@60Hz monitor using one of the Thunderbolt ports and choose either one 5K@60Hz (on Thunderbolt) or 4K@60Hz over HDMI.
⌨️ M2 Pro Mac Mini
The M2 Pro Mac Mini packs a lot more punch in terms of processing power, I/O connectivity, and external monitor support.
It has one HDMI and four Thunderbolt 4 ports, allowing you to connect up to three external monitors. The M2 Pro Mac Mini supports two 6K@60Hz screens over Thunderbolt and one 4K@60Hz screen on the HDMI interface.
Alternatively, you can choose a dual-monitor setup by sacrificing a 6K@60Hz in favor of a 4K@144Hz monitor over HDMI.
And if you want to retain all Thunderbolt ports for I/O connectivity, you can use the HDMI interface to connect an 8K@60Hz or 4K@240Hz screen.
Summary of all the Mac Minis
iMini | Processor Variant | Max. External Monitor Supported | Video Ports |
|---|---|---|---|
M1 Mac Mini | M1 | 1x 6K@60Hz 1x 4K@60Hz | 1x HDMI 2x Thunderbolt 3 |
M2 Mac Mini | M2 | 1x 6K@60Hz 1x 5K@60Hz | 1x HDMI 2x Thunderbolt 4 |
M2 Pro Mac Mini | M2 Pro | 2x 6K@60Hz 1x 4K@60Hz | 1x HDMI 4x Thunderbolt 4 |
⌨️ M1 Mac Studio (M1 Max and M1 Ultra)
Apple designed the M1 Mac Studio for multitasking and media-intensive workflows and ensured that users had plenty of resources at their disposal.
The M2 Mac Studio comes with either a M1 Max or an M1 Ultra processor, which is essential to achieve what the computer is designed to do. Like the Mac Mini, the Mac Studio has no built-in screen.
Instead, it has several connectivity ports that enable you to connect multiple displays. While the M1 Max variant features one HDMI and four Thunderbolt 4 (and two USB-C 10Gbps) for video, the M1 Ultra has one HDMI and six Thunderbolt 4 ports (two in the front panel).
The numerous ports enable you to connect up to four Pro Display XDR monitors with 6K@60Hz over USB-C/Thunderbolt and one 4K@60Hz over HDMI.
⌨️ M2 Mac Studio (M2 Max and M2 Ultra)
The M2 Mac Studio is equipped to handle five external monitors on the M2 Max variant and up to eight external monitors on the M2 Ultra variant.
Both variants have similar port configurations as their M1 counterparts, with the M2 Max variant featuring one HDMI, four Thunderbolt 4, and two USB-C 10Gbps ports, and the M2 Ultra version replacing the USB-C 10Gbps ports with two Thunderbolt 4 ports.
M2 Max
The M2 Mac Studio with the Max variant supports four 6K@60Hz monitors using Thunderbolt ports and an additional 4K@60Hz over HDMI.
The HDMI is capable of 8K@60Hz or 4K@240Hz, allowing you to use two 6K@60Hz monitors over Thunderbolt and either an 8K@60Hz or 4K@240Hz monitor.
M2 Ultra
The M2 Ultra supports up to eight 4K@60Hz monitors, and you can forego monitors in exchange for higher resolutions. For instance, you can connect up to six 6K@60Hz or three 8K@60Hz using a combination of the Thunderbolt and HDMI ports.
Summary of all the Mac Studios
Mac Studio | Processor Variant | Max. External Monitor Supported | Video Ports |
|---|---|---|---|
M1 Mac Studio | M1 Max | 4x 6K@60Hz 1x 4K@60Hz | 1x HDMI 4x Thunderbolt 4 2x USB-C 10 Gbps |
M1 Mac Studio | M1 Ultra | 4x 6K@60Hz 1x 4K@60Hz | 1x HDMI 6x Thunderbolt 4 |
M2 Mac Studio | M2 Max | 4x 6K@60Hz 1x 4K@60Hz | 1x HDMI 4x Thunderbolt 4 2x USB-C 10 Gbps |
M2 Mac Studio | M2 Ultra | 8x 4K@60Hz | 1x HDMI 6x Thunderbolt 4 |
⌨️ M2 Mac Pro
The M2 Mac Pro is an enterprise-level solution for workstation or server implementations.
The M2 Mac Pro features the M2 Ultra variant and has eight Thunderbolt 4 and two HDMI ports for video connectivity.
The ports offer support for up to eight 4K@60Hz external monitors. Like the M2 Ultra Mac Studio, this Mac Pro also allows you to forego the number of monitors in exchange for a higher resolution display, up to six 6K@60Hz or three 8K@60Hz.
Summary of all the M2 Mac Pros
Mac Pro | Processor Variant | Max. External Monitor Supported | Video Ports |
|---|---|---|---|
M2 Mac Pro | M2 Ultra | 8x 4K@60Hz | 2x HDMI 8x Thunderbolt 4 |
Using DisplayLink to Connect Multiple Displays to Base MacBook M Notebooks
Here is everything you need to know about DisplayLink, what it is, how it works, and more.
What Is DisplayLink?
DisplayLink technology enables docks to offer additional video output ports over a USB interface. So whether your laptop has Thunderbolt or USB, you can hook up a DisplayLink-enabled dock and conveniently bypass your computer’s limited number of supported monitors.
And because DisplayLink integrates with a docking station, you can increase your laptop’s port configuration and convert your laptop into a full-fledged desktop workstation.
How Many Monitors Does DisplayLink Support?
Depending on the controller chip that the DisplayLink dock uses, you can connect up to four additional monitors.
While this may seem like little for workstation laptops, it’s a big boost for computers like the M1 and M2 MacBook Air and such, which support only one external monitor.
How Does a DisplayLink Dock Support More Monitors Than My Computer? Is It Easy To Use?
It’s important to remember that the number of displays your computer supports is a function of your computer’s GPU. The GPU interacts with the computer’s OS and generates display signals for the monitors. Therefore, computers with modest GPUs lack support for multi-monitor setups.
A DisplayLink docking station has its own built-in GPU that works alongside your computer’s GPU and interacts with the OS over the USB interface to generate more frames for its video ports. Think of it as an external GPU with limited capabilities that works over a Thunderbolt, USB-C, or USB-A interface.
DisplayLink docks work seamlessly, and there is no noticeable lag going back and forth among the connected monitors, as is seen in this video.
Most DisplayLink docking stations use a Thunderbolt or USB-C interface; installing one is as simple as plug-and-play. However, some implementations may require you to install DisplayLink drivers to support multiple monitors.
What Are Some Additional Benefits of a DisplayLink Docking Station?
A DisplayLink docking station offers the following benefits besides seamless support for additional monitors.
- Multiple I/O ports that increase connectivity for peripheral devices.
- Support for up to 4K@60Hz monitors makes it ideal for typical office workflows.
- Power Delivery to charge your laptop.
- Compatibility with all leading operating systems.
Is There Any Downside To Using A DisplayLink Dock?
Despite all its conveniences, a DisplayLink dock has its share of limitations, as follows.
- DisplayLink docks may require you to install drivers, making it inconvenient for novice users.
- They are not ideal for gaming as they lack support for high refresh rates and resolutions.
- Watching copyright-protected content on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu is an issue, as DisplayLink uses video compression, which conflicts with protected content.
- DisplayLink docks lack support for high resolutions and refresh rates, and the best you can get is 4K@60Hz.
