Как подключить несколько внешних мониторов к M1 MacBook Air и Pro
Mac на новых процессорах M1 вышли на новый уровень производительности и времени автономной работы. И не смотря на встроенный графический процессор, они показывают неплохие результаты в работе с графикой. Однако у Mac на процессорах M1 есть путаница с подключением внешних мониторов. Согласно Apple, они поддерживают подключение только одного внешнего монитора. Но что делать если вы хотите подключить несколько внешних мониторов к MacBook на M1?
Apple утверждает, что Mac mini M1, 13-дюймовый MacBook Pro и MacBook Air поддерживают дисплей 6K Pro Display XDR. Это конечно впечатляет, но M1 MacBook Pro и MacBook Air официально не поддерживают более одного внешнего монитора. M1 Mac mini поддерживает два внешних монитора – один через HDMI, а другой через порт Thunderbolt 4. Поскольку MacBook Air и MacBook Pro M1 имеют только порты Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C, они официально не поддерживают более одного монитора.
Использование док-станции с несколькими портами видеовыхода ничего не даст, так как M1 Mac просто не распознает второй подключенный монитор. Однако есть обходной путь, с помощью которого можно использовать несколько внешних мониторов на MacBook Pro или MacBook Air с M1.
Необходимо использовать док-станцию с несколькими дисплеями с поддержкой DisplayLink, вы можете подключить к своему MacBook M1 два или даже более внешних монитора. Загвоздка в том, что DisplayLink требует установки на MacBook специального драйвера. Благодаря этому, вы сможете использовать более двух внешних дисплеев с Mac на M1. На YouTube есть видео, в которых людям удалось запустить до пяти или шести мониторов со своими MacBook Air или Pro.
Как подключить нескольких внешних мониторов с MacBook Pro и MacBook Air на M1
Шаг 1. Сначала вам нужно приобрести адаптер 4K DisplayPort – USB-C или HDMI. Их довольно много на рынке. Вы также можете купить док-станцию Thunderbolt с поддержкой DisplayLink.
Шаг 2. Установите программное обеспечение DisplayLink на свой Mac M1. Это важно, поскольку именно этот драйвер позволяет Big Sur на компьютерах Mac M1 распознавать несколько внешних мониторов.
Шаг 3. Подключите Mac M1 к док-станции, а затем подключите к нему все внешние мониторы.
Судя по отзывам пользователей, такой обходной способ не влияет на производительность. Согласно тестам различных пользователей YouTube, вы можете использовать несколько внешних мониторов с вашим M1 MacBook Pro или MacBook Air без какого-либо снижения производительности. Даже задачи с интенсивным использованием графического процессора, такие как рендеринг видео в Final Cut Pro X, выполняются с той же скоростью, что и без внешних мониторов. В зависимости от вашего варианта использования ваша производительность может отличаться, особенно если вы подключите несколько 4K-мониторов к своему Mac M1.
How to use 2 external monitors with Macbook Air M1 using DisplayLink
That’s right, I bought myself a Macbook. My hackintosh was getting old and I really strugled with my daily workflow so I decided to jump on the hype train of Apple’s amazing M1 SoC. And I have to say, the rumors were right.
What I didn’t know was that Macbook Air 2020 M1 is limited to one external display only. The same goes to Macbook Pro M1 2020 13-inch and Mac Mini M1 2020 (all 1st gen M1 computers). I really needed to use 2 external displays plus the builtin display.
I started to search the internet and found a lot of articles about it but no one was trying to find the solution, they just informed people that this is the way it is.
DisplayLink technology is the solution
I read about a technology called DisplayLink (don’t confuse with DisplayPort). It creates a virtual graphic card (software driven) and using DisplayLink compatible hub, it can connect multiple monitors. And it worked.
What you need:
- DisplayLink software compatible with macOS such as DisplayLink Manager Graphics Connectivity
- USB hub / docking station compatible with DisplayLink technology such as Dell D3100, Dell D6000, HP USB-C/A Universal Dock G2 or some i-tec capable one
I found a deal on Dell D3100 so I got that one. The only downside is that it doesn’t support power delivery using the USB-B to USB-C cable. You have to power your mac using the other port. It is just a matter of how much you want to pay for it.
How to Connect Multiple Monitors to an M1 or M2 MacBook Air
The Apple silicon-based MacBook Air laptops shine when used to get stuff done on the go, but they have one significant limitation that greatly limits their potential for use at home or in the office: they can’t natively connect to more than one external monitor. The good news is that this shortcoming can be circumvented using third-party solutions.
Tip: not sure which MacBook you have? Check your Mac’s serial number to find out.
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Requirements for Connecting Multiple Monitors to M1 or M2 MacBook Air
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s lay the groundwork by going over the requirements for connecting multiple monitors to an M1 or M2 MacBook Air.
M1 or M2 MacBook Air
Obviously, you need an M1 or M2 MacBook Air. Specifically, we’re talking about the 2020 MacBook Air (M1) and the 2022 MacBook Air (M2). These models, despite their state-of-the-art processors, support only one external monitor with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz.
The design of the M1 and M2 chips in these laptops is based on the mobile A15 chip, which was never intended to handle more than two displays. As a result, the 2020 MacBook Air and the 2022 MacBook Air only have enough communication lanes to support two DisplayPort channels to the GPU (one for the built-in screen and the other for a single external display).
Third-Party Software
When it comes to circumventing the multi-monitor limitation of your M1 or M2 MacBook Air, third-party software comes to the rescue. The two main players in this field are DisplayLink and InstantView, with both offering unique methods to send video data over the USB interface, effectively enabling connection to multiple external monitors.
Developed by a California-based company of the same name, DisplayLink is the most popular and mature solution of its kind. InstantView, developed by American-Taiwanese company Silicon Motion Technology Corporation, offers a welcome alternative, delivering an almost identical user experience.
While both DisplayLink and InstantView function similarly in transmitting video data over USB, their key difference lies in the chip that decodes the data and the software sending that data from your laptop to a compatible docking station or adapter.
Good to know: if you’re a gamer, you may be interested in learning about the best gaming monitor recommendations.
Docking Station/Adapter
To really get the multi-monitor party started, you need a docking station or adapter. These accessories act as a bridge between your MacBook Air and your external monitors. They receive video data from your MacBook via USB, thanks to the DisplayLink or InstantView software, process it using a special chip, then send the processed video data to the monitors.
To save you some legwork, we’ve compiled a list of three tried-and-tested DisplayLink and InstantView docking stations and adapters:
DisplayLink
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: well-made and highly-rated docking station capable of supporting up to three 4K displays simultaneously.
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: this versatile docking station provides the ability to connect two additional 4K monitors. : while limited to dual Full HD output, WAVLINK’s docking station stands out with its affordable price and excellent versatility.
InstantView
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: efficient, plug-and-play solution that provides dual HDMI output from a single USB 3.0 connection. : a compact and convenient docking station that delivers dual monitor support and a variety of additional ports. : though it has an average review score, this InstantView docking station provides a cost-efficient option for those on a budget.
Tip: when you’re connecting the multiple monitors, you may have use for one of the best dual monitor stands and arms.
How to Connect Multiple Monitors
Once you have your MacBook Air, have chosen your third-party software, and found the perfect docking station or adapter, the stage is set. It’s time to connect your MacBook Air to multiple monitors. Whether you’re using DisplayLink or InstantView, the process is largely the same:
- Download the necessary software. We’re using the DisplayLink Manager app for the purposes of this demonstration, but the InstantView software is very similar.
- Install the downloaded software. Open the downloaded installer file and complete the step-by-step installation process (in the case of the DisplayLink Manager app), or simply move the app to your Applications folder (in the case of InstantView).
- Connect your external monitors to the docking station or adapter, and the docking station or adapter to your MacBook Air.
- Launch the DisplayLink manager or InstantView, give it the required permissions, and configure your settings. Your external monitors should now be working.
Tip: if one or more of your external monitors aren’t working, try these fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Intel-based MacBooks support multiple monitors?
Yes, unlike their Apple Silicon counterparts, Intel-based MacBooks do support multiple monitors without any third-party solutions. The exact number of additional displays and the resolutions supported can vary depending on the specific model.
Do DisplayLink adapters have any downsides?
The biggest downside of DisplayLink adapters is the small but constant strain they put on your MacBook’s CPU when used to connect additional external monitors. Also, the image they output isn’t as smooth as the image you’d get from a direct connection. This isn’t usually an issue for normal office tasks, but gamers certainly wouldn’t be happy with it.
Are DisplayLink and InstantView docking stations and adapters safe?
Both DisplayLink and InstantView docking stations and adapters are safe to use with your MacBook Air. Just know that the software required for these devices to work can slow down your computer or even cause crashes. However, it won’t damage it.
Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by David Morelo.
David Morelo is a professional content writer in the technology niche, covering everything from consumer products to emerging technologies and their cross-industry application. His interest in technology started at an early age and has only grown stronger over the years.
How to connect two or more external displays to an M1 or M2 MacBook
While the higher-end MacBooks with M1 Pro and M2 Pro and M1 Max and M2 Max chips support multiple external displays, Apple’s lower-end range of MacBooks that use a standard M1 or M2 processor cannot natively connect more than one external monitor. This is a massive limitation compared to the previous Intel-based generation of Mac laptops that could run two displays when connected to a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 docking station or hub that we hope will be rectified with the M3.
Later, we list our tested and recommended software and hardware solutions for adding more than one display to the plain M1 and M2 Macs.
Here are the external display specs for Apple’s current laptops:
M1 MacBook Air: Maximum one external display
M2 MacBook Air: Maximum one external display
M2 MacBook Pro: Maximum one external display
M2 Pro MacBook Pro: Maximum two external displays
M2 Max MacBook Pro: Maximum four external displays
However, there are ways around this plain M1/M2 limitation, allowing you to run two or more external displays off your MacBook, which we will outline here. In each case, there’s a software download and a docking station, hub, or adapter required.
The simplest solution is to get a USB graphics-enabled docking station or hub—and we’ve reviewed the best ones in this article. USB graphics is a software-based technology that compresses the video signals from the computer to the monitor, enabling you to connect multiple external displays to your M1 or M2 MacBook.
Installing third-party software drivers leads to a slight risk that these might later be unsupported by future updates of the macOS, but the two drivers we recommend are recognized industry standards that we think will continue to be supported.
External displays: Big problem for M1 and M2 Macs
Apple’s Mac mini, MacBook Air, and 13-inch MacBook Pro were the first Macs to feature the Apple-designed M1 processor (CPU). They received rave reviews for their speed improvements over Intel-based laptops, including here on Macworld.
But if your MacBook setup includes running more than one external display, you have a major problem. Apple’s M1 or M2 chips simply won’t allow it—at least natively. Apple states in the M1 and M2 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro tech specs that they support only “one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz”.
While the M1 and M2 MacBooks natively support just one monitor, the M1 and M2 Mac Mini does natively support up to two external monitors—one via the HDMI port and a second via USB-C. But the M1 models of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lack an HDMI port and only support a single external display over Thunderbolt.
Apple doesn’t look like it will solve this problem for you—it would prefer you buy one of its more expensive laptops! We have this guide to monitors for M1 Macs and what you need to know before buying. We also cover the basics of how to connect your Mac to an external monitor.
Workaround #1: Install DisplayLink software drivers
You can use a combination of display technologies to get around the M1/M2 MacBooks’ single-monitor limitation. This should work with most third-party docks, although some manufacturers, such as Caldigit, don’t recommend it.
A whole new category of docks—many reviewed below—has appeared to solve the M1/M2 Mac one-screen problem. DisplayLink USB-C docks or just USB-C docks require software drivers to enable data compression that make them almost as powerful as a Thunderbolt dock. You’ll need to download the appropriate DisplayLink software from the dock manufacturer—full instructions later on.
Many multi-display docks use a combination of native USB-C Alternate Mode (native “Alt Mode” video output) and DisplayLink technology. This combination serves as a workaround to the M1/M2 platform supporting only a single external display via USB-C.
Note that DisplayLink requires a third-party driver to be installed on the Mac. There are different versions of the DisplayLink driver, and some bring their own compromises to the party. But, in general, setup is straightforward. Some of the docks we review below offer the DisplayLink software when you first connect the dock to your Mac.
The DisplayLink macOS app or DisplayLink Manager app are ways of enabling DisplayLink technology on macOS. The app is available as a standalone installer rather than through the mac App Store.
Plugable docking station and three external displays via DisplayLink.
1. First, download the latest Mac DisplayLink driver. As stated above, some docks, do this for you but it’s always best to use the latest version.
DisplayLink Manager Graphics Connectivity App v. 1.8.1 is compatible with macOS Big Sur 11, Monterey 12 and Ventura 13. It can be managed via the DisplayLink icon in the Apple Menu bar.
The macOS requires the user to permit “Screen Recording” in order for DisplayLink devices to work properly. This can be found in System Preferences under Privacy in Security & Privacy; navigate to Screen Recording in the list on the left, then tick the Screen Recording permission for DisplayLink Manager after unlocking the padlock using your admin password. You may need to quit and restart DisplayLink Manager afterward.
Installation is straightforward. Older versions did not support laptops’ closed-display/Clamshell mode, but 1.8.1 does support Clamshell mode if the MacBook is Intel-based running macOS 12 or if the MacBook is M1-based running macOS 11 or later.
The most scary bit is when you need to enable “Screen Recording” to allow the DisplayLink Manager app to capture pixels and send them to your USB peripheral. This entails making some adjustments in the Mac’s “Privacy” tab, but you are walked through it step by step. Take a look at the instructions here.
There’s an option in DisplayLink manager to “launch at startup”, or you can drag the DisplayLink Manager to your Login Items in Users & Groups.
2. Then connect the MacBook to a docking station.
3. For the first screen you can connect via the dock’s DisplayPort or HDMI Port, and this will be handled natively by the M1/M2 MacBook.
You could also connect the first external display via the dock’s other display ports or via a Thunderbolt or USB-C to HDMI or DisplayPort adapter.
The HDMI or DisplayPort output uses Alternate Mode (Alt Mode), and as it is basically a pipeline directly to the system’s native GPU, it will behave just like if you hooked up a USB-C to HDMI dongle to your laptop. This requires no user driver installation.
The second and third displays will rely on the DisplayLink software. DisplayLink uses an installed driver and the system CPU and GPU to convert graphics data on the system into data packets. That data is then sent over the cable as data packets and converted back to video information and output to the monitors via the DisplayLink chip in the docking station.
Workaround #2: Install InstantView software
Another third-party software solution is SiliconMotion’s InstantView, which operates in a similar way to DisplayLink and works with three of the hardware hubs and adapters we review below.
The initial setup is easier than DisplayLink with the hubs from Hyper but similar to the Satechi hub—but it suffers the same challenge that Apple’s software updates can disable it, which will entail installing a newer version and allowing the necessary security & privacy settings for screen recording, just as with DisplayLink.
Neither software solution is complicated and both worked well in our tests as you can read below.
Which docks support DisplayLink and InstantView?
Originally, dock manufacturers did not officially support such a DisplayLink setup for Macs. The solution works, but they rightly warned that this could become unstuck in future versions of the macOS. Whenever there is a new OS update the drivers may need to be updated each time.
However, after some recent testing and improvements Plugable, for example, has updated its compatibility to officially support that configuration. For Mac compatibility, it has validated both Apple and Intel platforms running at least macOS 11.
Which dock is best?
A docking station connects to your MacBook via Thunderbolt or USB-C. It then offers multiple ports that your laptop now has access to. These can include new display ports, such as HDMI, as well as Gigabit Ethernet for wired Internet access, USB-C/Thunderbolt/USB-A ports at varying speeds, audio plugs, and card readers.
Learn more about the best Thunderbolt docking stations for more details, or you can connect via a simpler USB-C hub. Look for a dock with two or more display ports, preferably ones that can connect to your preferred displays without the need for an adapter.
Thunderbolt 4 docks or hubs often have no dedicated display port but three available TB4 ports that can be used to connect directly to a USB-C display or via adapters to HDMI or DisplayPort monitors. While you may have to buy an adapter cable, 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4’s port flexibility and backward compatibility are recommended for users of modern Macs such as the M1 and M2 MacBooks.
USB-C docks and hubs are usually cheaper, though.
Docking station and hub manufacturers are now actively marketing their products as solutions to the M1/M2 external display limitation. Each requires either the DisplayLink download or another similar software solution, such as InstantView, but no further hardware adapter except for the dock or hub itself. And of course, these hubs offer the usual multi-port benefits as well as the external monitor solution.
If your hub or dock has just one display port, you could also attach a second or third display via one or more of the spare USB ports, using an adapter such as StarTech.com USB 3.0 to Dual HDMI Adapter. This costs around $60 or £50, so needs to be factored in when pricing an M1/M2 MacBook purchase if you require multiple monitors and want to use the USB-A port rather than a video port such as HDMI or DisplayPort.
Another option is Plugable’s USB Dual 4K Display Adapter, which can work via USB-A or USB-C.
If you need to connect to an old-school DVI or even VGA monitor, the StarTech.com USB 3.0 to HDMI / DVI Adapter will fulfil your needs.
This adapter turns an available USB-A 3.0 or USB-C port—via an included USB-B adapter cable—into one DVI-I or VGA port (DVI to VGA adapter included) and one HDMI output. Each display can simultaneously support the maximum resolution of 2048×1152 at 60Hz. Make sure to use an active HDMI DisplayLink adapter that can support 4K at 60Hz, as some are limited to 4K at 30Hz.
Remember that these will only work when you have installed the DisplayLink software; see above.
We prefer to stick with USB-C where possible, and so recommend the more functional docks tested below.
The best multiscreen hubs and adapters for M1 and M2 MacBooks
Below we have gathered the best dedicated hubs and docks for multiscreen M1/M2. Note that these listed (and tested) below use USB-C rather than Thunderbolt, so don’t benefit from the MacBook’s potential 40Gbps data bandwidth. If you require all 40Gbps, go for a Thunderbolt dock and install DisplayLink as instructed above.
Alogic DX3 Triple 4K Display Universal Docking Station – three 4K displays at 60Hz
- Supports three external displays 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 power supply
This Alogic DisplayLink docking station is similar to the Satechi Triple 4K Display Dock (reviewed below) in that it supports up to three external 4K displays at an impressive 60Hz refresh rate and has an array of useful non-display ports. It can power the connected laptop at 100W and has a decent 135W external power supply so doesn’t require an extra USB-C charger.
The DisplayLink download link is clearly shown in the user manual, and instructions make sense—although you need a magnifying glass to read them!
The DX3 has fewer video ports than the Satechi dock but all are top-notch DisplayPort 1.4. If any of your monitors lacks DisplayLink but had HDMI, you’ll need to add an adapter between dock and display. As you’ll need to buy video cables anyway, this doesn’t matter as prices for straight cable and adapter cable are close enough.
Unlike the Satechi, this dock does have a card reader—indeed it has two: SD and MicroSD, both at top 312MBps UHS-II—allowing you to add inexpensive portable storage to your laptop setup.
It also has Gigabit Ethernet, four USB-A (one with 7.5W charging) and two 10Gbps USB-C (one 100W PD upstream to the laptop, and one 7.5W smaller device charging).
Choosing between the Alogic DX3 and Satechi Triple 4K docks could be decided on whether your monitors have HDMI rather than DisplayPort, although adapters mean there is an easy solution. We also applaud the DX3 for its dual SD card readers.
Reviewed further down this list is Alogic’s DX2, which supports two 4K displays at 60Hz and lacks some of the other ports found on the DX3. if you just need two external monitors for your M1/M2 MacBook this may be a cheaper option.