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To connect a monitor, TV, or projector to a MacBook Pro, match the display’s input to a video-capable port on your Mac, using a compatible cable or adapter if needed. First check your MacBook Pro’s model and chip: they determine how many external displays it can support and which resolutions and refresh rates are available. Then arrange the screens in Apple menu > System Settings > Displays.
What to check before connecting a display
Start with the two ends of the connection: the ports on your MacBook Pro and the inputs on the display. MacBook Pro port options vary by generation and model. Apple’s guide explains how to identify the ports available on different models: MacBook Pro ports.
Also check the monitor or TV manual for its supported resolution, refresh rate, and cable requirements. A connector that physically fits does not guarantee the display will run at its maximum resolution or refresh rate.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems- Mac: Identify the model and chip in About This Mac, then check whether the available connection is HDMI, Thunderbolt/USB-C, or another port.
- Display: Note its input type and the resolution and refresh rate you want to use.
- Setup needs: Decide whether you need the connection to carry USB data or charging as well as video, and how many external displays you plan to use.
Choose a cable, adapter, or multiport adapter
Use a direct cable when the ports match
If the display cable fits a video-capable port on the Mac and supports the display mode you want, connect it directly. A direct connection avoids adding an adapter or hub to the setup.
#1 Best Overall
- The USB-C digital AV multiport adapter lets you connect your USB-C enabled Mac or iPad to an HDMI display, while also connecting a standard USB device and a USB-C charging cable. This adapter allows you to mirror your Mac Display to your HDMI-enabled TV or display.
- Simply connect the adapter to a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port on your Mac or select iPad model and then to your TV or projector via an HDMI cable (sold separately).
- Use the standard USB port to connect devices such as your flash drive or camera or a USB cable for syncing and charging your iOS devices. You can also connect a charging cable to the USB-C port to charge your Mac, iPad, or iPhone.
- System Requirements: macOS Mojave 10.14.6 or later; iOS 12.4 or later
- Requires an HDMI cable (sold separately) for connection to your TV or projector. Supports both video and audio output.
Use an adapter when the connectors differ
If the Mac and display have different connector types, choose an adapter that supports the display’s required resolution and refresh rate. Check the adapter specifications and the display maker’s documentation rather than relying on connector shape alone.
Apple lists a USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter for connecting a Mac to an HDMI display while retaining a standard USB port and a USB-C charging connection. Apple also lists a USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter, a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter, and a USB-C to USB Adapter; check current availability and compatibility when choosing one. See Apple’s adapter guide.
Rank #2
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- 【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
Check HDMI requirements for high refresh rates or resolution
Macs with built-in HDMI can connect directly to an HDMI display using an HDMI cable. Apple identifies an Ultra High Speed 48 Gbps HDMI cable for 8K, and notes that adapters are unsupported for certain maximum modes, including up to 4K at 240 Hz on specified recent Mac models. These modes are model-dependent, so verify the exact Mac and display before buying a cable or adapter: Connect to HDMI from your Mac.
Connect the display and set up the layout
- Power on the display. Select the display’s HDMI, Thunderbolt, or other input if it does not switch automatically.
- Connect it to the Mac. Use the matching cable or the compatible adapter you selected.
- For multiple displays, connect the highest-resolution display first. Apple recommends this order when setting up more than one external screen.
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Displays. Select a detected display to adjust its available settings.
- Set the screen arrangement and mode. Choose mirroring or an extended desktop, and arrange the displays to match their physical positions. Adjust resolution, refresh rate where available, brightness, and color profile as needed.
macOS selects settings automatically when a display is connected, but you can change them in Displays. Some scaled resolutions can affect which refresh-rate or HDR options are available.
Rank #3
- Versatile 3-in-1 USB C Hub: Upgrade your laptop's connectivity with the Acer USB C Hub. It offers a HDMI 4K@30Hz output port, a PD charging port (Charging function only), and a USB-A 3.0 port. Effortlessly mirror your iPhone or iPad screen to a TV, projector & monitor. Ideal for enhancing your home theater experience, optimizing office productivity, facilitating travel, and more.
- Ultra HD 4K Video Output: Enjoy high-definition visuals with the 4K@30Hz video output, whether you're watching videos, editing photos, or conducting multimedia presentations. Compatible with most HDTVs, monitors, projectors, and other devices with HDMI ports, offering vivid, clear video and pictures. 📌Note: USB-C port must support "DisplayPort Alternate Mode". NOT support Portable Monitor. Not HDMI Female Port.
- 100W Fast Powerful Charging: Tailored for rapid charging, the Type-C/Thunderbolt 3 port on this USB-C dongle has a maximum power delivery of 100W and is compatible with PD fast charging protocols. (📌 Note: Charging speed varies depending on the device, cable, and charger used. Please ensure the charger and charging cable are 45W or more for better charging. The USB-C port only supports charging host device)
- High-Speed Transfer: Seamlessly move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps through USB-A data ports, a remarkable 10 times faster than USB 2.0 (480 Mbps). (📌 Note: The USB A port does not support charging.)
- Impressive Compatibility: Encased in high-quality aluminum housing for enhanced durability and heat dissipation, this usb c to hdmi adapter offers wide compatibility with various devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Designed for use with MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro/Air, HP, Acer, Dell XPS, laptops, Surface, tablets, this USB-C adapter functions seamlessly across multiple operating systems, including Windows, ChromeOS, Linux, and macOS X 10.5 or higher. 📌Note: Not compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPad Pro (Lightning Port), Portable Monitor, Galaxy A/ Tab A series, GoPro Series, Motorola Phone, and Fire Tablet.
How many external displays can your MacBook Pro support?
The limit depends on the Mac’s chip and on the resolution and refresh rate of the connected displays—not simply on how many ports the laptop has. Apple’s current MacBook Pro guide lists these configurations for M5-family models. They are specifications for those models, not a limit that applies to every MacBook Pro generation.
| MacBook Pro chip | Apple-listed external display configurations |
|---|---|
| M5 | Up to two displays. Two can each reach native 6K at 60 Hz or 4K at 144 Hz; a single display can reach 8K at 60 Hz, 5K at 120 Hz, or 4K at 240 Hz. |
| M5 Pro | Up to three displays. Three can each reach native 6K at 60 Hz or 4K at 144 Hz. With two displays, Apple lists one up to 8K at 60 Hz, 5K at 120 Hz, or 4K at 240 Hz, plus a second up to 5K at 120 Hz or 4K at 200 Hz. |
| M5 Max | Up to four displays: three Thunderbolt displays up to 6K at 60 Hz plus one HDMI display up to 6K at 60 Hz; or two displays each up to 8K at 60 Hz, 5K at 120 Hz, or 4K at 240 Hz. |
For another generation, look up the exact model in Apple’s list of Mac models and supported display configurations rather than extrapolating from these examples. Supported hubs or daisy-chain arrangements can connect supported displays through one Thunderbolt port, but cannot increase the Mac’s maximum display capacity.
Rank #4
- The USB-C digital AV multiport adapter lets you connect your USB-C enabled Mac or iPad to an HDMI display, while also connecting a standard USB device and a USB-C charging cable.
- This adapter allows you to mirror your Mac Display to your HDMI-enabled TV or display
- Simply connect the adapter to a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port on your Mac or select iPad model and then to your TV or projector via an HDMI cable (sold separately).
- Use the standard USB port to connect devices such as your flash drive or camera or a USB cable for syncing and charging your iOS devices.
- Requires an HDMI cable (sold separately) for connection to your TV or projector. Supports both video and audio output.
Connect accessories as well as a display
A display connection can be part of a larger setup. If you need HDMI video, a standard USB accessory, and USB-C charging connected at the same time, Apple’s USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter combines those connections. If you only need to connect the display and the ports match, a direct cable is simpler. For any hub or adapter, confirm that its supported video mode matches the display setup you intend to use.
Troubleshoot a blank display or low resolution
If the display remains dark or runs at a lower resolution than expected, check the connection and the supported mode before assuming the Mac or screen is faulty. Apple’s external display troubleshooting guide covers displays that are dark or limited to a lower resolution.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Confirm that the display is powered on and set to the input connected to the Mac.
- Reseat the cable at both ends; if you use an adapter, check that it is firmly connected.
- Check the Mac’s model-specific display limit and confirm that the cable or adapter supports the resolution and refresh rate you expect.
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Displays and review the detected display and available settings.
- Check the display documentation or contact its manufacturer for connection requirements.
The cause can depend on the Mac model, monitor, cable, adapter, and macOS version, so a single symptom does not identify a specific fault.
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