DisplayLink – How to Connect More Monitors to Apple Mac Computers Running macOS, PCs, ChromeOS, and Android. A Complete Guide

DisplayLink is a technology that easily expands the workspace of Apple Mac computers running macOS, PCs running Windows, and ChromeOS and Android devices without compromising image quality or the performance of your Mac

Modern Apple Mac computers equipped with Apple Silicon processors have revolutionized the market thanks to their tremendous performance, energy efficiency, and excellent user experience. Unfortunately, however, the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and Mac Studio have one limitation that can be very cumbersome for professionals: they support only a small number of externally connected monitors natively.

For programmers, graphic designers, video editors, financial analysts, or users working with multiple applications simultaneously, a single external monitor often proves insufficient.

The solution to this problem is DisplayLink technology, which allows you to significantly increase the number of connected monitors without having to replace your computer with a model featuring a higher-end Apple Silicon processor.

What is DisplayLink?

DisplayLink is a technology developed by Synaptics that enables video transmission via any USB interface instead of traditional HDMI or DisplayPort graphics outputs.

In practice, this means that:

• the video signal is transmitted via USB-C or USB-A,
• the computer recognizes additional monitors as independent displays,
• and we are not limited by the number of native GPU outputs.

The technology uses a special chip located in an adapter or docking station, along with the DisplayLink Manager software. The software is available for macOS, Windows, ChromeOS, Linux, and Android.

What limits the number of monitors on Apple Mac computers?

In Apple Silicon processors, the number of monitors supported natively depends on the chip version. This is not a limitation of the Thunderbolt or USB-C port. It is a limitation of the graphics processing unit (GPU) itself, which can simultaneously generate only a specific number of independent video signals. DisplayLink technology circumvents this limitation, creating additional capabilities for supporting displays via the USB port.

How many external monitors do Apple processors support?

Different versions of Apple Silicon processors support different numbers of monitors. Specifically:

• The M1 processor supports up to 1 monitor
• The M1 Pro processor supports up to 2 monitors
• The M1 Max processor supports up to 4 monitors
• The M1 Ultra processor supports up to 5 monitors
• The M2 processor supports up to 1 monitor
• the M2 Pro processor supports up to 2 monitors
• the M2 Max processor supports up to 4 monitors
• the M2 Ultra processor supports up to 8 monitors
• the M3 processor supports up to 1 monitor (2 when the MacBook lid is closed)
• the M3 Pro processor supports up to 2 monitors
• the M3 Max processor supports up to 4 monitors
• the M4 processor supports up to 2 monitors
• The M4 Pro processor supports up to 2 displays
• The M4 Max processor supports up to 4 displays
• The M5 processor supports up to 2 displays
• The M5 Pro processor supports up to 3 displays
• The M5 Max processor supports up to 4 displays

In practice, this means that owners of an M1 or M2 MacBook Air without DisplayLink can use only one external monitor, even though the computer has multiple Thunderbolt ports.

How does DisplayLink increase the number of monitors?

DisplayLink uses efficient video encoding performed by the computer’s processor and transmits the data via the USB bus to a chip located in a docking station or a USB-to-DisplayLink adapter.

This makes it possible to:

• add a second monitor to an M1 MacBook,
• add a third monitor to Apple Silicon processors that support up to two external monitors,
• configure setups with four or five monitors depending on the Apple Silicon processor version,
• use native Thunderbolt outputs and DisplayLink monitors simultaneously.

This solution is particularly popular in office and professional environments where a large workspace is essential.

Does DisplayLink work with macOS?

Yes. DisplayLink is fully compatible with macOS. It only requires the installation of the free DisplayLink Manager app, which enables support for additional monitors. Current software versions are regularly updated and support new releases of macOS.

Does DisplayLink slow down your computer?

No, DisplayLink technology does not slow down your computer because all graphics processing for additional external monitors is handled by the chipset located in the DisplayLink adapter. Nevertheless, modern DisplayLink chipsets are designed with everyday office work and professional applications in mind.

They perform exceptionally well for:

• office work,
• programming,
• photo editing,
• data analysis,
• working with documents,
• stock trading,
• and multitasking.

For professional gaming and applications requiring very low latency (e.g., esports), it’s still best to use native GPU outputs.

DisplayLink or Thunderbolt?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions.

Thunderbolt directly utilizes the computer’s graphics chip and delivers the highest possible image performance.

DisplayLink does not replace Thunderbolt—it complements its capabilities. It allows you to add additional monitors where the Apple processor reaches its native limits.

The best results are achieved by combining both solutions:

• the main monitor connected via Thunderbolt or HDMI output
• additional monitors via an adapter or docking station with DisplayLink technology.

DisplayLink Products Available at Abart Pro

Abart Pro offers professional adapters and docking stations equipped with DisplayLink chips, designed for both Apple computers running macOS and PCs running Windows, as well as hosts running ChromeOS, Linux, and Android

Among the available solutions are, among others:

Wavlink 13-in-1 DisplayLink Dock

A professional docking station capable of supporting up to five 4K monitors or two 8K DisplayPort monitors, additionally equipped with a 2.5GbE LAN port, high-speed 10 Gb/s USB ports, and 100 W Power Delivery charging.

Wavlink 15-in-1 Triple Display

A versatile docking station that allows you to work with three 4K monitors simultaneously, equipped with six 10 Gb/s USB ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and up to 100 W laptop charging.

OWC USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Display Adapter

A compact adapter that allows you to connect two 4K HDMI monitors to Mac computers equipped with Apple Silicon processors. It’s one of the simplest and most portable solutions for users who need additional workspace.

Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Display Dock

An advanced, premium-class docking station offering support for three 4K monitors, numerous USB ports, Ethernet, and the high build quality characteristic of Sonnet Technologies products.

Why buy DisplayLink from Abart Pro?

Abart Pro specializes in professional solutions for users of Apple Mac computers and Windows workstations. Our product lineup consists exclusively of proven products from renowned manufacturers such as Wavlink, OWC, and Sonnet Technologies.

The devices we offer are the ideal choice for graphic designers, video editors, programmers, photographers, CAD engineers, IT specialists, and all users who need a larger workspace than what Apple processors’ native monitor support allows.