The base model Apple Silicon Macs with the M1, M2 or M3 chips only support one external display but the good news is, there are workarounds.
Even the older generation of Intel Macs can support at least two external monitors via a USB-C or Thunderbolt so the one external display limitation on first generation Apple Silicon Macs is a massive drawback.
Note that this external monitor restriction does not apply to any Mac with the M-series Pro, Max or Ultra chips all of which can support multiple displays so if you’ve got one of those Macs, you’re good to go.
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Which Apple Silicon Macs Can Only Support One Display?
If you’re using one of the following base level Apple Silicon Macs it can only support one external display natively:
- M1 MacBook Pro 13 inch
- M2 MacBook Pro 13 inch
- M1 MacBook Air
- M2 MacBook Air
- M1 iMac
- M3 MacBook Pro 14 inch
The more recent M3 MacBook Airs released in 2024 do support two external displays but only with the lid down in “Clamshell” mode.
However, there have been many user reports that that makes them very hot so you’re probably advised to use one of the methods we cover here you want to use more than one monitor with one.
The 2020 M1 Mac Mini and 2023 M2 Mac Mini support two external displays – one via the Thunderbolt port and one via the HDMI port.
You could however connect a third monitor using some of the methods featured here.
If you’re unsure how many displays your Apple Silicon Mac supports, you can easily check by following these instructions:
- Click on the Apple logo in the top left of your screen and select About This Mac to see the Serial Number of your Mac.
- Double-click on the serial number then copy and paste it into the Apple Tech Specs search page to find out exactly which model of Mac you have.
- Scroll down to the Display Support section where you’ll see exactly how many displays your Mac can support.
If you see that it can only support one external display, then simply use one of these methods to connect more than one display to it.
1.Hub/Docking Station With InstantView Support
The fastest and easiest way to connect more than one monitor to the base level Apple Silicon Macs is to use a hub or docking station with InstantView support.
InstantView is a software by SiliconMotion that is installed automatically with hubs or docks that support it.
It doesn’t require manually installing external drivers like you do with DisplayLink compatible docks (see next option below).
The best docking station we’ve used to connect dual monitors to Apple Silicon Macs is the HyperDrive 10 in 1 USB-C Hub.
- DUAL DISPLAY CONNECTIVITY - Our compact USB adapter can connect up to two external monitors without compromising display quality. Use the dual HDMI ports of this USB C Hub and connect your device for a crystal clear 4K HDMI video display.
- MULTIPLE DEVICE COMPATIBILITY - HyperDrive 10-in-1 USB hub supports several operating systems - MacBook Air/Pro (M1/M2 & Intel-powered), Windows PC, and Chromebook devices. Our multi USB port for laptop is plug-and-play.
- 10 ESSENTIAL PORTS - A convenient USB adapter that lets your computer connect to ports like HDMI, USB-A, USB-C, and Ethernet. Transfer data with the MicroSD/SD card port, listen through the audio jack, and power up with the 100W power delivery charging port.
- PLUG-AND-PLAY - No download or installation is needed for this USB C hub multiport adapter. Simply connect the HyperDrive USB C hub to your device and you will immediately see the HyperDisplay app icon on your desktop. Double-click this app to get started.
- HYPER INNOVATION - HYPER creates award-winning, cutting-edge IT and mobile accessories that focus on compatibility with Apple, portable power, data storage & connectivity.
The HyperDrive Hub includes 2 HDMI ports that you can connect monitors to.
The big advantage of the HyperDrive Hub is that unlike other solutions, it’s plug-and-play so it works right out of the box with no additional drivers or even restart of your Mac needed.
When you connect the HyperDrive Hub, the InstantView software is installed automatically although you will have to give it access to your Mac’s privacy settings.
The HyperDrive 10 in 1 also adds additional ports to your Mac including:
- Gigabit Ethernet
- MicroUSB card reader (UHS-I)
- 3.5mm audio jack, 2x 5Gbps USB-A
- 5Gbps USB-C and
- USB-C PD which will also charge a MacBook
However, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of running external monitors with the HyperDrive Hub.
Although it can run two external monitors at 4K, one of them will be at a 60Hz refresh rate via DP Alt-Mode and the other will only be at 30Hz via one of its HDMI ports.
This means that the quality of the image of the monitor running at 30Hz will not be quite as good as the one running at 60Hz.
For gamers or designers, this may be an issue but for all others uses it’s not a major drawback.
If the HyperDrive 10 in 1 is out of your budget, then a cheaper alternative is the Satechi USB-C Multiport Adapter which is around half the price.
Like the HyperDrive Hub, the Satechi USB-C Multiport Adapter uses InstantView instead of DisplayLink and is also very easy to install.
The Satechi USB-C Multiport Adapter includes 1 HDMI port and 1 VGA port but has the same limitation as the HyperDrive in that it can only support one 4K display at 60Hz and the other at 30Hz.
- Complete Connectivity - This USB hub provides all nine essential ports for a contemporary workspace: USB C PD charging (up to 100W), HDMI and VGA for versatile display options, Gigabit Ethernet for fast internet, a USB C data port, two USB-A ports (up to 5Gbps), and Micro/SD Card Readers (UHS-I), all in a user-friendly, plug-and-play design. Note: Requires ~15W for operation.
- Perfect for On-The-Go - Featuring a short, travel-friendly USB C cable that neatly tucks into the docking station for supreme portability, and a 3.2ft (1m) cable perfect for desk setups. The ideal for on-the-go use without compromising on connectivity.
- Flexible Display Options - With a 4K HDMI port (up to 60Hz) and an added VGA port (up to 1080p 60Hz), switch seamlessly between displays at home or client presentations. The perfect laptop screen extender that can be used anywhere!
- Optimized for Peripherals & Compatibility - This USB C adapter enhances workflow with two USB A data ports, a USB C data port, and Micro/SD card slots. Compatible with a wide range of USB C devices, including laptops, tablets, iPads, and iPhone 15, and more. Note: For iPhone 15, Ethernet operates at USB 2.0 speeds, limiting network and data transfer speeds.
- What You Get - Each purchase includes peace of mind with dedicated customer service and a 1-year warranty, ensuring a seamless and supported user experience.
It also gives you:
- A USB-C PD charging port to charge your MacBook (up to 100W)
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- USB-C data port
- Two USB-A data ports (up to 5Gbps)
- Micro/SD card reader slots (UHS-I)
The Satechi is cheaper than the HyperDrive although the advantage of the HyperDrive is that it has two HDMI ports compared to only one in the Satechi.
Pros:
- Easy to setup and use
- Doesn’t require DisplayLink drivers
- Slighter cheaper than the HyperDrive
Cons:
- Can’t support both displays at 60Hz
- Only one HDMI port
- Only supports a maximum of two external displays
- Apple updates to macOS may break InstantView software
2. Hub/Docking Station With DisplayLink Support
If you need 60Hz support on both external monitors and need up to three external displays then the only solution is to use a Hub or Docking Station with DisplayLink support.
There are many docking stations out there but its essential that the docking station you buy supports DisplayPort for it to work with the software.
You can tell if a docking station supports it if it has the DisplayLink logo on the side (or at least on the packaging). The technical specifications will also state whether it is supported or not.
By far the best and most reliable DisplayLink supported docking station we’ve found for base model Apple Silicon Macs is the Plugable UD-ULTC4K Triple Display 4K Docking Station.
- Powerful Ports - 13 ports and power delivery to keep your laptop running all day, this USB-C docking station with Power Delivery extends across three screens with room for all of your peripherals. All through a single 10Gbps USB-C cord back to the computer
- Triple 4K - Featuring 3x DisplayPort ports, and 3x HDMI ports — standardize on one or use a mix of both to extend your desktop across three 4K monitors @ 60Hz with USB4 / Thunderbolt 4 hosts via Alt Mode and this laptop docking station — no dongles required
- 100W Power Delivery - Power your laptop with up to 100W (96W certified) directly through the DisplayLink docking station, so you can leave your laptop power adapter in your travel bag.
- Compatibility - USB-C dock is compatible with Windows 10 or later, ChromeOS 100.x or later, and macOS 11+ systems with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, and USB-C. Requires installation of DisplayLink Drivers. HDCP not supported
- Connection Options - Triple display docking station let's you connect your phone or other devices with 1x USB-C (10Gbps, 20W PD), and keep expanding with 4x USB 3.0 (5Gbps), an SD card reader, Gigabit Ethernet, and audio in and out ports
The Plugable 4K Docking Station enables your original Apple Silicon Mac to support up to 3 external displays on base model M-series Macs at 4K and 60Hz refresh rates.
The Plugable 4K Docking Station plugs into your Apple Silicon Mac’s Thunderbolt port via a USB-C cable.
You can then connect one external monitor to the HDMI port in the docking station and then up to two more monitors to the DisplayPort ports on the Plugable docking station.
This also works in Clamshell mode when your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air lid is closed (although Clamshell mode does not work on Intel Macs using DisplayLink).
Apart from this, the Plugable Docking Station also allows you to connect a wider range of devices to your Mac including Thunderbolt devices, Ethernet, DisplayPort, SD cards, external drives and more.
Unfortunately unlike Thunderbolt Hubs, USB-C docking stations like the Plugable cannot charge your MacBook while you are using them so you’ll need your Mac to be connected to the power supply at all times.
Another option is the Ugreen Revodok Pro which can support up to three external monitors on an Apple Silicon Mac if you use the DisplayLink software with it.
The Ugreen USB-C Triple Display Docking Station has 2 HDMI ports and a DisplayPort meaning it can support up to three 4K displays at 60Hz on a Mac.
It has many other ports too including an Ethernet port, SD card readers plus 10Gbps USB-A and USB-C ports.
Pros:
- DisplayLink docks support more than just two displays
- Supports multiple displays at 60Hz
- Lots of docks support DisplayLink
Cons:
- Updates to macOS may break DisplayLink software
- DisplayLink docks can be expensive
3. Use a Dual HDMI Adapter
- Solves the one external display limitation For Apple silicon M1 Macs
- Certified pass-through power delivery so you can fully power/charge your compatible M1 MacBook Pro or MacBook Air and run dual displays all through a single port (Total power delivery dependent on capability of attached USB-C power adapter.)
- The OWC USB-C to Dual HDMI Adapter is the easy solution for adding two HDMI displays up to 4K to any Mac or PC via one Thunderbolt or USB-C port Compatible with all Apple M1 Silicon Macs - iMac 24”
- Complete: one easy, affordable solution vs costly hassle of multiple adapters and cables, Flexible: choose either Extended or Mirror display modes, Portable: about the size and weight of a compact smartphone
- 1 Year OWC Limited Warranty
Another option to connect more than one external monitor with base model Apple Silicon Macs is by using a dual HDMI adapter.
A dual HDMI adapter plugs into your Apple Silicon Mac’s Thunderbolt port and turns it into 2 HDMI ports that you can plug external displays into.
They’re very simple to setup and use and the cheapest way to connect multiple displays to base model Apple Silicon Macs.
Most also require the DisplayLink software though.
The best dual HDMI adapter we’ve tried for this is the OWC USB-C/Thunderbolt to Dual HDMI 4K Display Adapter with DisplayLink.
The reason is that it’s one of the few HDMI dual adapters that can connect two external monitors at the maximum 4K resolution and 60Hz refresh rates.
The problem you’ll find with most dual HDMI adapters is that they can run one at 4K 60Hz and the other one at 4K but only 30Hz.
There are various other dual HDMI adapters on the market that have this limitation but if you find the OWC dual HDMI adapter is unavailable (which it frequently is) the Sonnet DisplayLink adapter is officially compatible with Apple Silicon Macs.
- Connects Two 4K @ 60Hz Displays to M1 Macs Enables connection of two 4K (3840x 2160) @ 60Hz; or two 1440p or 1880p @144Hz HDMI displays to a single Thunderbolt or USB port on your computer.
- Connect to a Thunderbolt or USB Port Includes a USB-A female to USB-C male adapter.
- Expands Your Onscreen Work and Play Area: Open multiple applications on different displays, view your work on larger screens, browse the web, and watch videos.
- Supports Higher Refresh Rates: Also supports 1080P and other lower resolution displays at 60Hz. And Supports Audio.
- Perfect for M1 or M2 Mac Notebooks, For use with M1 MacBook Air and M1 MacBook Pro. Also Compatible with other Mac and Windows Computers. Supports M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 Ultra.
HyperDrive also has a dual HDMI adapter that also works with M-series Macs.
- Connect 2 displays at 4K video - HyperDrive USB-C to HDMI adapter is compatible with M1/M2 or Intel powered MacBook, Windows PC or Chromebook for up to 2 extended monitors with crystal clear 4K HDMI video.
- Fast and easy setup - Connect the dual HDMI adapter to your device via USB and you’ll immediately see the HyperDisplay APP icon on your desktop. Just double-click it, and you’re ready to go.
- Quickly charge your device - Also use this HDMI adapter as a charger for your M1/M2 MacBook in a flash with 100W of pass-through charging through our USB-C 100W PD charging port.
- Durable and functional design - Our beautiful, milled aluminum housing perfectly accents the space grey design of your device while ensuring advanced heat dissipation to avoid overheating.
- Hyper innovation - HYPER creates award-winning, cutting-edge IT and mobile accessories that focus on compatibility with Apple, portable power, and connectivity.
Note that like the HyperLink 10 in 1 Hub limitation, the Sonnet and Hyperlink dual HDMI adapters support one external monitor at 4K and 60Hz and the another monitor at 4K but only 30Hz.
They also require DisplayLink drivers to work.
Pros:
- Some can connect two displays at up to 60Hz
- Simple and easy to connect
- Cheaper than using docks
- Some work without additional software
Cons:
- Only supports a maximum of two displays
- DisplayLink software may break with updates to macOS
- Don’t offer you any additional ports
FAQ
Why do base level M-chip Macs only support one monitor?
The main reason is due to a hardware limitation. There are only two display buffers on the original M1, M2 and M3 chips – one for the internal display and one for an external display.
The enhanced M1/M2/M3 Pro, Max and Ultra chips have more buffers so can support more displays natively.
Will Apple release an update to fix the display limitation?
Since the limitation on multiple displays is hardware related, it’s not possible for Apple to release a software update that can fix it.
Also, since the original M1 Macs were released, Apple has released M-pro, M-Max and M-Ultra chip versions which all support more than one external monitor so there’s little motivation for Apple to address the limitation on the original chips.
Can I connect more than two monitors using these methods?
Yes, all of these methods allow you to connect more than two monitors, though performance may vary.
Will these methods work with M1 Pro, M1 Max, or M1 Ultra models?
These methods are specifically for base model M1, M2, and M3 Macs. Higher-end models like M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 Ultra natively support multiple displays.
Are there any performance issues with these workarounds?
The DisplayLink and InstantView software may result in minor latency, which can be noticeable in high-performance tasks like gaming or video editing.
Can you watch streaming services such as Netflix with these workarounds?
Unfortunately, you may find that streaming services such as Netflix, AppleTV, Disney+ and Amazon Prime do not work with docks that use InstantView or DisplayLink.
You will be able to hear the audio but not see the video and the reason for this is the way many streaming services block third party software from interfacing with their product.
This is usually due to DRM (Digital Rights Management) and HDCP (High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) designed to protect the copyright of content that may be recorded illegally.
Is there any risk of damaging my Mac using these solutions?
No, these solutions are generally safe. However, ensure you use reputable brands and follow the installation instructions carefully.
Do I need to install any drivers for dual HDMI adapters?
Some dual HDMI adapters do not require additional drivers, but some do require DisplayLink software to work.
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