4 Monitor Setup on the M1/M2/M3/M4 Apple Silicon Macbooks!
- The TechVengers
- Oct 11, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 26
Welcome to the blog post! This video explains everything you need to know to get started with setting up your Intel, M1,M2, M3, or M4 MacBook with dual independent displays! There are some links to some items you will need in order to get started, and I have included various docks and different price ranges that you can choose from if you don't have a Thunderbolt Dock yet!
UPDATE JUNE 2025! - NO MORE DISPLAY LINK DRIVERS!
I have found the PERFECT dock that requires NO software drivers. It is simply plug and play and has the most ports than any other dock I have reviewed. This is the IVANKY Fusion Dock Max! Supports FOUR monitors and dual 6K displays dependings on your laptop. You can check out more about this dock using the link below!
UPDATE JANUARY 2025!
The Satechi Thunderbolt 4 DisplayLink Dock is my favorite to date! It doesn't make you compromise anything as it looks great and has plenty of ports! Supports FOUR 4K monitors or ONE 8K Monitor for any Macbook Pro including M1, M2, M3 or M4.
UPDATE FEBRUARY 2024!
BenQ made an incredible docking station that allows 2 Inputs and also supports 3 monitors for any Macbook Pro including M1, M2, M3 or M4.
UPDATE JULY 2023!
Tobenone just released this all-in-one dock that will let you connect up to 3 monitors to your Macbook Pro WITHOUT any adapters! It's on sale now so grab it fast!
If you do not want to purchase the dock above, read further...
You will need to purchase a dock from Section 1. Depending on what dock you choose from section one, you may need to purchase the additional Cable Creations adapter from Section 2, so read ahead for more!
I will specifically mention if you need the extra adapter for each dock that is listed.
Section 1: Thunderbolt Docks
The thunderbolt dock is the first item you will need for your Macbook. This will be for expanding your video ports, USB devices and anything else that you want to plug under one Thunderbolt cable. Depending on the dock you choose below, if you purchase this without the other items in section 2, you can still have one external monitor. I will specify if the dock is capable of running 2+ monitors without needing to buy the CableCreations adapter in section 2.
MiniSopuru Ultimate Dock! No Additions required for 3 Monitors!
The Minisopuru dock will run up to 3 monitors without the need of any extra adapters. You will need to install the free DisplayLink software to activate 2 or more monitors.
Requires Extra Adapter from Section 2? NO
Monitor Support Out of Box: 3
Lenovo 40B00135US Thunderbolt 4 ThinkPad Universal Dock
The Lenovo dock will run one external monitor out of the box. In order to run extra monitors on this dock, you will need to purchase a CableCreations adapter from Section 2 and install the free DisplayLink software. Every additional monitor will require it's own CableCreations adapter.
Requires Extra Adapter from Section 2? YES
Monitor Support Out of Box: 1
Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station with Charging Support
The Plugable dock will run up to 3 monitors without the need of any extra adapters. You will need to install the free DisplayLink software to activate 2 or more monitors.
Requires Extra Adapter from Section 2? NO
Monitor Support Out of Box: 3
USB C Laptop Docking Station with 100W Power Adapter, iVANKY
The iVanky dock will run one external monitor out of the box. In order to run extra monitors on this dock, you will need to purchase a CableCreations adapter from Section 2 and install the free DisplayLink software. Every additional monitor will require it's own CableCreations adapter.
Requires Extra Adapter from Section 2? YES
Monitor Support Out of Box: 1
Section 2: Cable Creation USB to HDMI Adapter (DisplayLink Compatible)
This is the second item you will need for 2 or more external monitors running independently. You can purchase the recommended Cable Creation adapter, but I have included some other ones that will work as well. Remember to purchase ONLY DISPLAY LINK CERTIFIED adapters.
CableCreation DisplayLink USB 3.0 to HDMI Adapter (Buy Now on Amazon)
StarTech.com USB 3.0 to HDMI Adapter - 4K 30Hz Ultra HD - DisplayLink Certified (Buy Now on Amazon)
