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To connect either laptop, match its video-capable port to an input on the monitor with a cable or adapter that supports your desired resolution and refresh rate. Then choose how the screens should work: macOS manages this under System Settings > Displays, while Surface laptops use Windows logo key + P for projection modes. The exact model matters: display count and supported modes can vary by laptop, monitor, cable, adapter, and dock.
Check compatibility before choosing a cable
Identify these details first so you do not buy an adapter that fits but cannot deliver the display mode you need:
- Your exact laptop model and generation: MacBook Air and Surface Laptop display capabilities vary between models.
- The monitor’s video inputs: Common options include USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, and VGA, but the available ports depend on the monitor.
- Your target setup: Note the number of external screens and the resolution and refresh rate you want each one to use.
USB-C describes a connector, not a guarantee of video support. Confirm that the specific laptop port, cable, and monitor connection support video and the display mode you want. Apple and Microsoft both note that the computer model and full connection path affect compatibility: Apple’s Mac display guide and Microsoft’s Surface display guide.
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Choose a cable, adapter, or dock
| Connection | When it fits | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Direct USB-C cable | The laptop port and monitor both support video over USB-C. | Confirm the port and cable support the target resolution and refresh rate; USB-C alone does not establish video compatibility. |
| USB-C to HDMI adapter | The laptop has video output over USB-C or Thunderbolt and the monitor has HDMI. | Check that the particular adapter supports the intended display mode. Apple lists a USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter for MacBook Air connections to HDMI; Microsoft recommends Surface USB-C display adapters or Designed for Surface accessories where an adapter is needed. |
| Other video adapter | The laptop’s supported output and monitor input use different connector types, such as DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA. | Match the exact laptop port and monitor input, and verify supported resolution and refresh rate. Surface Laptop ports vary by generation; do not assume every model has Mini DisplayPort. |
| Dock | You want to connect peripherals or organize a multi-display desk. | Check the laptop and dock’s supported display count, ports, and resolution/refresh-rate combinations. A dock does not override the laptop’s display limits. |
When possible, use the same connection type at both ends. Microsoft recommends HDMI 2.0-rated or DisplayPort 1.2-rated cables in its documented guidance and recommends keeping them as short as practical, with six feet (1.8 m) as the upper length recommendation for those examples. This is vendor setup guidance, not a universal limit or guarantee; the cable still needs to support your target display mode. Microsoft also recommends USB4/Thunderbolt 4 certified cables for optimal performance with Surface products. See Microsoft’s connection guidance.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
BENFEI USB C HUB 4in1, USB Type-C to HDMI VGA Adapter,USB C to USB Adapter
- COMPACT USB C HUB - BENFEI USB Type-C to HDMI+USB+VGA+Power Delivery adapter add 1 HDMI port, 1 VGA port, 1 USB-C Charging Port, 1 USB-A ports to your USB-C laptop — all from a single USB-C port. Tuck this lightweight gadget into your bag or pocket to do a business presentation with your laptop and projector, or extend your desktop screen to a monitor or TV.
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - Transfer and backup your files at speeds up to 5Gbps via 1 USB 3.0 port, charging your computer with power delivery up to 100W, streams from your USB Type-C or Thunderbolt 3/4 device to the external Display with HDMI/VGA slot. The resolutions of HDMI up to 3840*2160@30Hz, VGA up to 1920x1080@60Hz (1080p Full HD). HDMI and VGA can Work Simultaneously: Up to 1920*1080@60Hz. The image on screens are identical. Not support two monitor to display different content separately.
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with iPhone 15 series, 2023/2022/2021/2020/2019/2018 MacBook Pro, iMac, MacBook, Surface Book 2, Surface Go, HP Envy 13, Pixelbook, Galaxy Book, Samsung Galaxy S10/S9/S8 Plus/Note 8/Note 9, Dell XPS 15/XPS 13, Chromebook, Chromebook Pixel, Intel NUC, and many others (see detailed product description). ❌NOT compatible with iPad Pro 2021 M1 11" and iPad Pro 2021 M1 12.9"
- SUPERIOR STABILITY - Built-in advanced and integrated IC chip ensure the performance stability and reliability. Premium aluminium alloy casing for better heat insulation. Fits snugly with the USB-C ports on your devices for stable signal transfer.Please pay attention, the USB-C device should support video output function(USB Type-C DP Alt mode).
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY - Exclusive Benfei Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely.
Connect a MacBook Air
- Turn on the monitor and select the input you plan to use.
- Connect a video cable to one of the MacBook Air’s Thunderbolt ports. Use a compatible adapter if the monitor’s input does not match the laptop connection. For an HDMI monitor, Apple lists its USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter; Apple also lists USB-C-to-VGA and Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 adapters.
- On the Mac, open Apple menu > System Settings > Displays to arrange screens or change resolution and refresh rate. On older macOS versions, the menu may be called System Preferences.
Apple says a properly powered and connected display should be detected automatically. MacBook Air display counts are not the same across all models: the supported number of external screens depends on the exact Mac and on display resolution and refresh rate. Check the model-specific MacBook Air guide rather than assuming a limit from another generation.
Connect a Surface Laptop
- Power on the monitor and set its input to the connection you will use.
- Connect the display to a video-capable Surface port, directly if the monitor has a matching input or through an appropriate adapter if it does not. Microsoft recommends using the same connection type at both ends when possible.
- Press Windows logo key + P, then select a projection mode: Duplicate mirrors the laptop screen, Extend adds desktop space, and Second screen only turns off the laptop display. Projection controls are also available in Windows quick settings if you do not have a connected keyboard.
Microsoft lists USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, and VGA display connection types in its Surface setup guidance. The actual port options and display limits depend on the Surface Laptop model and the connection path, including any adapter, dock, or travel hub.
Rank #2
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Anker USB C to HDMI Adapter (4K@60Hz), USB Type C to HDMI Cable Adapter
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 80 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Vivid Video: The HDMI adapter lets you connect to any TV or display with an HDMI port to stream video in up to 4K resolution.
- Plug and Play: Instantly turn your laptop’s USB-C port into an HDMI port, with no installation necessary. This product does not support charging or Power Delivery (PD).
- Premium Construction: A lightweight aluminum casing allows for greater heat dissipation, while the reinforced braided-nylon cable is designed to withstand the twists and tugs of daily use.
- Compatibility: Supports USB-C DP Alt mode, USB4, and Thunderbolt connections.
Check Surface Laptop display limits by model
Microsoft’s current support table lists the following limits for the named 8th Edition configurations. These are Microsoft model-table specifications; they do not apply automatically to older Surface Laptop models or other editions.
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| Surface Laptop configuration listed by Microsoft | One external display | Two external displays | Three external displays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Laptop (8th Edition), Snapdragon USB4 | Up to 5120 × 2880 at 60 Hz or 3840 × 2160 at 120 Hz | Up to 3840 × 2160 at 60 Hz | Up to 3840 × 2160 at 60 Hz |
| Surface Laptop for Business (8th Edition), Intel USB4/Thunderbolt 4 | Up to 5120 × 2880 at 60 Hz or 3840 × 2160 at 120 Hz | Up to 3840 × 2160 at 60 Hz | Up to 3840 × 2160 at 60 Hz |
Microsoft cautions that the adapter, dock, or travel hub can lower the resolution or refresh rate you can achieve. The number of connected screens alone does not determine the result: simultaneous displays can involve trade-offs between screen count, resolution, and refresh rate. Check Microsoft’s Surface Laptop support table for your exact model and intended setup.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 3
Best Value
![BENFEI USB C to VGA Adapter, Thunderbolt 3/4 to VGA Adapter Compatible with iPhone 15 Pro/Max, MacBook Pro/Air 2023, iPad Pro, iMac, S23, XPS 17, Surface Book 3 and More [Aluminium Shell,Grey]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/410+lX8Y4TL._SL160_.jpg)
BENFEI USB C to VGA Adapter, Thunderbolt 3/4 to VGA Adapter Compatible with iPhone 15 Pro/Max, MacBook Pro/Air 2023, iPad Pro, iMac, S23, XPS 17, Surface Book 3 and More [Aluminium Shell,Grey]
- COMPACT DESIGN - The compact-designed portable Benfei USB-C to VGA adapter connects a computer, desktop, laptop, or other devices with USB-C port to a monitor, projector, HDTV, or other devices with VGA port; Tuck this lightweight gadget into your bag or pocket to do a business presentation with your laptop and projector, or extend your desktop screen to a monitor or TV; A VGA cable is required.
- SUPERIOR STABILITY - Built-in advanced IC chip converts USB-C digital signal to VGA signal; The USB Type-C source should supports the USB Type-C DP Alt Mode(video output function).
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - The USB-C to VGA adapter supports resolutions up to 1920*1200@60Hz including 1080P, 720p, 1600x1200, 1280x1024 for high definition monitors or projectors; Plated USB-C connector resists corrosion and abrasion and improve the signal transmission performance; Molded strain relief increases cable durability
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY - The BENFEI USB-C to VGA is compatible with 13"/15" MacBook Pro 2019, 2018, 2017, iMac, MacBook, MacBook Air, Google Chromebook Pixel,Lenovo 900, Dell XPS 13 (9350), Dell XPS 15 9550, Dell XPS12 9250, DellPrecision 5510, HP Spectre X2, HP Spectre x360, HP Elitebook Folio G1, HP Elite x2 1012 G1, Acer Switch Alpha 1, Acer Spin 7, Acer Chromebook R13, Samsung Chromebook Plus, Samsung Galaxy TabPro S, LG G5, LG V20, HTC 10
- PLUG & PLAY - No additional driver/software required. It is can not use for power charging.
Rank #4
USB C to HDMI Multiport Adapter with Charging Port, HDMI to USB C Hub Adapter for Monitor to Laptop, USB-C to USB 3.0 Adapter 10Gbps, USBC HDMI Adapter 4K Converter for Mac iPad pro MacBook Chromebook
- 【Specification】Gray aluminum alloy shell LWH 60*55*10mm (2.3*2.1*0.4 inch), cable 130mm (0.5 inch), Mini size and multi-function.
- 【Compatible Devices】Laptops & Tablets & Smartphones with USB Type-C ports (Thunderbolt 3 and 4 compatible), such as MacBook Pro & Air 2021/2020/2019/2018, iPad Pro 2021/2018, ChromeBook, Surface Book, Galaxy S21/S20/ S10 etc.
- 【USB C Charging Port】You can connect usb c charger cable to quickly charge Laptops & Tablets & smartphones, the maximum charging PD 27W.
- 【USB Port】There are USB3.0 port (USB3.1 gen 1) and USB2.0 port, which support data transmission, OTG, and can also connect mouse, keyboard, flash drive, mobile hard disk, usb card reader, and other accessories.
- 【HDMI Port】HDMI2.1 standard is backward compatible with HDMI2.0, supports output resolution 4K, compatible with 2K, 1080P, 720P, etc.
Rank #3
Battony USB C to HDTV Adapter, Type C Multiport AV Converter
- 【USB-C to HDTV Adapter 3-in-1 】 USB type-c to hdtv / usb-c/ usb 3.0 multiport adapter convenient for home-theater entertainment, office, exhibition, presentation, teaching etc. Good product solution allows you to charge faster, more stable and more HD, with perfect size to carry around in pocket
- 【Ultra HD 4K HDTV Video Output】Extend the display of your laptop/phone to your TV, monitor or projector in up to 4K UHD (3840x2160@30Hz) resolution.Compatible for most HDTV, monitors, projectors and other devices with hdtv port, offering vivid, clear, no shaking video and picture, please make sure to use an HDTV 2.0 or better cable
- 【High Speed Transfer】 The usb type c 3.1 hub supports high speed data transfer up to 5Gbps (5120Mbps),10x faster than USB 2.0 (480 Mbps). Compatible for USB flash disk, camera, removable hard drive, mouse, keyboard or other USB A 2.0/USB A 3.0 devices
- 【Convenient for Charging Port】Plug and play, don't require any software, drivers, or complicated installation process. Slim and portable design with aluminium body provides better heat dissipation. Meanwhile, type-c charging quickly output meet your needs
- 【Broad Compatibility 】Adapter compatible for 2015/16/17/18 MacBook/MacBook Pro, Dell XPS13/15, Dell Precision5510, HP Spectre X2,HP Spectre X360, HP Elitebook Folio G1, HP Elite X2 1012 G1, Acer Spin7, Acer Chromebook R13, Lenovo 900/910, HuaWei MateBook or Other Type C PC, Huawei Mate10 etc
Fix a blank, missing, or low-quality display
- Check power and input. Confirm the monitor is on and set to the input connected to the laptop. Reseat the cable at both ends.
- Test without the dock or adapter. If possible, connect the laptop directly to the monitor. An adapter, dock, hub, or extension may be the limiting component.
- Verify the entire signal path. Confirm that the cable and adapter support the resolution and refresh rate you want. Apple says an unsuitable cable or adapter can leave a display dark or force a lower mode; applicable USB-C/Thunderbolt adapters should comply with DisplayPort Alt Mode, Thunderbolt 3, or Thunderbolt 4. See Apple’s external-display troubleshooting guidance.
- Check the laptop’s model limits. Confirm that the exact computer supports the number of external displays and the mode you are trying to use. A mode beyond those limits may not appear or may be reduced.
- On Mac, check Displays. Open Apple menu > System Settings > Displays. Apple’s troubleshooting guidance says to hold Option to reveal Detect Displays. Reconnect the display, put the Mac to sleep and wake it, or restart if needed.
- On Surface, check projection mode. Press Windows logo key + P and choose the intended mode. Also confirm the monitor is set to the correct input.
- Check the monitor itself. Adjust brightness and consult the monitor’s controls if the screen is dim or blurry. Apple notes that third-party monitor controls and software can affect detection and available modes.
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