Apple Silicon and Connectivity with Plugable
MacBooks come packed with all the power you need for portable productivity, but that doesn’t mean it’s a one-size-fits-all laptop. Out of the box, many MacBook models only support one extended screen. Adding monitors isn’t the only connection limitation users might lament, the scant selection of onboard ports can also prevent you from adding your preferred peripherals.
In this collection of resources for Apple Silicon, learn how a technology called DisplayLink can allow you to add two or three screens to your M1, M2, or M3 MacBook. Find compatibility reports, and suggested docking stations, ports, and accessories. And if you still have questions, get in touch with one of our Mac specialists to find the perfect pair for your laptop.
Dual Display USB-C Docking Stations
Plugable offers a variety of USB-C dual display dock options for driving two external monitors on your M1, M2, or M3 Mac.
- Plugable Universal Dual Monitor Docking Station (UD-3900)
- Plugable Universal Docking Station for Dual 4K Monitors (UD-6950Z)
- Plugable USB 3.0 Dual Monitor Horizontal Docking Station (UD-3900H)
- Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C 4K Dual Monitor Docking Station (UD-6950H)
View how they compare against each other in the table below:
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Laptop Connection |
USB-A or USB-C |
USB-A or USB-C |
USB-A or USB-C |
USB-A or USB-C |
Video Connections |
DVI & HDMI |
DisplayPort or HDMI |
DVI & HDMI |
DisplayPort or HDMI |
Max Resolution |
1920x1200 @ 60Hz |
3840x2160 @ 60Hz |
1920x1200 @ 60Hz |
3840x2160 @ 60Hz |
Laptop Charging |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Total Ports |
11 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
Triple Display USB-C Docking Stations
Extend your workspace by up to three external displays on your M-series MacBook with a triple display docking station.
- Plugable USB-C Triple Monitor Docking Station (UD-3900PDZ)
- Plugable USB-C Docking Station, 4K Triple Monitors (UD-6950PDZ)
- Plugable USB-C Triple Monitor Docking Station with 100W Laptop Charging (UD-ULTCDL)
- Plugable USB-C Triple 4K Monitor Docking Station with 100W Laptop Charging (UD-ULTC4K)
View how they compare against each other in the table below:
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Laptop Connection |
USB-C, USB4, Thunderbolt |
USB-C, USB4, Thunderbolt |
USB-C, USB4, Thunderbolt |
USB-C, USB4, Thunderbolt |
Video Connections |
HDMI or Display Port |
HDMI or Display Port |
HDMI or Display Port |
HDMI or Display Port |
Max Resolution |
1x 3840x2160 @ 30Hz & 2x 2048x1152 @ 60Hz |
1x 3840x2160 @ 30Hz & 2x 3840x2160 @ 60Hz |
1x 3840x2160 @ 30Hz & 2x 1920x1200 @ 60Hz |
3x 3840x2160 @ 60Hz |
Laptop Charging |
60W |
60W |
100W |
100W |
Total Ports |
12 |
12 |
13 |
13 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Plugable docks that use DisplayLink USB video technology allow for additional monitors on M1, M2, or M3 Macs because they make use of an app to convert video data over USB. Please make sure to install the required DisplayLink Manager Application in order to use the dock.
DisplayLink allows you to connect multiple monitors over a standard USB data connection. To do this, DisplayLink makes use of software installed on your Mac (DisplayLink Manager App) to communicate with the DisplayLink graphics controller built into the dock or graphics adapter.
From there, DisplayLink leverages Apple's SoC (CPU/GPU) on the Mac to detect changes in screen content to re-encode external image content in realtime. With this implementation, only changing pixels need to be managed, which reduces the total bandwidth required to send pixels to the display.
DisplayLink USB graphics is great for general office applications, web browser windows, or productivity tasks. However, we don't recommend it for more graphics intensive purposes like gaming, full-screen video editing and streaming, or other heavy GPU/CPU loads due to the potential for increased latency/lag as a result of the software overhead.
Looking for more options?
Try our Plugable Dock Finder tool to find a product that fits your needs!
Apple Silicon M-Pro & M-Max and Thunderbolt
Users of Apple's M-series Pro and Max CPUs have additional docking station options available to them, including Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 docking stations.
- Plugable Thunderbolt™ Docking Station, Dual HDMI with DisplayPort, 96W Charging (TBT3-UDC3)
- Plugable Thunderbolt™ and USB-C Dual Monitor Docking Station, 96W Laptop Charging (TBT3-UDZ)
- Plugable Thunderbolt™ 4 Docking Station for 4 Monitor Setup, 100W Laptop Charging (TBT4-UDZ)
- Plugable Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 HDMI Docking Station with 96W Charging (TBT4-UDX1)
Compare Plugable's Thunderbolt docking stations for the M PRO and M MAX here:
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Laptop Connection |
Thunderbolt 3 / 4, USB4, USB-C |
Thunderbolt 3 / 4, USB4, USB-C |
Thunderbolt 3 / 4, USB4, USB-C |
Thunderbolt 3 / 4, USB4, USB-C |
Video Connections |
HDMI & DisplayPort |
HDMI or DisplayPort |
HDMI or DisplayPort |
HDMI or DisplayPort |
Max Resolution |
2x 4096x2160 @ 60Hz |
2x 4096x2160 @ 60Hz |
4x 4096x2160 @ 60Hz |
2x 4096x2160 @ 60Hz or 1x 7680 x 4320 @30Hz |
Laptop Charging |
96W |
96W |
100W |
96W |
Total Ports |
11 |
14 |
16 |
11 |
Single Display USB-C Hubs
For adding a single display to your M1, M2, or M3 Mac, Plugable's USB-C multiport hubs are a cost-effective yet powerful accessory to increase your productivity. These hubs are excellent accessories to stow in your laptop bag and make great remote or hybrid working companions.
- Plugable USB-C 5-in-1 Hub Designed For Apple MagSafe (AMS-5IN1E)
- Plugable USB-C 4-in-1 Hub (USBC-4IN1)
- Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub (USBC-7IN1)
- Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub with Ethernet (USBC-7IN1E)
Compare these adapters and their features:
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Laptop Connection |
2x USB4/Thunderbolt |
USB-C/USB4/Thunderbolt |
USB-C/USB4/Thunderbolt |
USB-C/USB4/Thunderbolt |
Video Connections |
USB-C |
HDMI |
HDMI |
HDMI |
Max Resolution |
6016×3384 @ 60Hz |
3840x2160 @60Hz |
3840x2160 @ 30Hz |
3840x2160 @ 60Hz |
Laptop Charging |
100W |
100W |
87W |
87W |
Total Ports |
5 |
4 |
7 |
7 |
USB-C Chargers
Reliable, safe, and fast charging for your Mac is available with the Plugable 140W USB-C GaN Power Adapter.
This adapters EPR (Extended Power Range) technology ensures safe, efficient charging at your device's optimal level up to 140W.
The PS-EPR-140C1 charges a 16” MacBook Pro from 0% to 50% in as quick as 26 minutes or 0% to 100% in 90 minutes using a MagSafe cable.
Buy the Plugable 140W USB-C GaN Power Adapter
Free 3-Day Shipping on Orders Over $35!
