Docking system setup for a MacBook Pro and two additional screens

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Docking system setup for a MacBook Pro and two additional screens

I have a MacBook Pro 2.3 GHz 8-Core Intel Core i9 and would like to use 2 additional screens when i am at home. It seems like a docking station is the way to go. Does Apple have one of these or can someone tell me what would work best. Can I use any screen (or alternatively want to recommend one for me?). Also, is there a way in doing this to keep speeds the same (or even better, increase speed as my computer can get a little lagging at times). I'm mostly using it for work purposes although I aspire to finally deal with my photos and videos. Advice? I'm pretty good at using things when they are all set up but lag in the technicalities of getting a system up and running myself. Really hoping there is a plug and go, buy everything at apple type situation.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.6

Posted on Feb 5, 2026 8:30 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Phil0124

Level 10

217,964 points

Feb 5, 2026 9:22 AM in response to Kdsulliv

You'll need to tell us the model year of your Mac, but going by the CPU, it's probably a 2019 model, which has 3 USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 ports.

You can use a docking station or hub, but the Mac itself can support up to 4 displays directly connected to its Thunderbolt 3 ports.

Apple does not make docking stations. They do have some 3rd party ones in their online store, but there are tons of options out there too that will be cheaper.

CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Pro Dock - Apple

Neither the docking station nor the displays will have any effect on your Mac's performance whatsoever. If it's getting laggy, there may be issues that need to be resolved. Posting an Etrecheck report will help people here understand what is running on your Mac. It does not include any personal details and is safe to post here.

click here ➜ Using EtreCheck - Apple Community

With that said, pretty much any display out there and any number of docks out there will work.

If you are planning on editing photos and need really good color matching and representation BenQ displays are good options. Otherwise any number of regular 4K displays should work just fine.

You would need to determine what size display you want. 24, 27, 30, 32"? And resolution needs. 4K, 5K, 6K?

You can always connect the Mac to your TV and use it as a display if it's convenient just to see how it would look on that size display.

Any budget constraints?

Docks examples:

click here ➜ Ugreen Thunderbolt dock dual 4K or single 8K displays - Amazon.com

click here ➜ StarTech.com Thunderbolt 4 Dock - Dual 4K MacBook Pro - Amazon.com

click here ➜ OWC 14-Port Thunderbolt Dock, 85W charging, (2) Thunderbolt 40 Gb/s (USB-C), (5) USB 3.2 Type-A, USB 3.2 (10Gb/s) Type-C, Mini DisplayPort, GbE, Audio, Single 5K or Dual 4K Displays, cable, For Mac/PC - Amazon.com

For displays, there's a ton of things out there. as mention BenQ isa good option. LG, Samsung, Asus all make good quality displays.

click here ➜ LG Ultrafine 27" 4K Display - Amazon.com

click here ➜ Samsung Viewfinity 27" 4K Display - Amazon.com

click here ➜ BenQ MA270U 27” 4K 3840x2160 Monitor for MacBook® Pro/Air - Amazon.com

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Answer 2

Feb 5, 2026 10:47 AM in response to Kdsulliv

as Phil0124 has mentioned, (but did not club you over the head with):

The Mac does NOT support more than ONE display on a USB-C cable or adapter/cable or Dock.

Some Docks sold for Windows may claim multiple displays, but in general, that only works on Windows because Windows ignores transmit errors.

Up to Two displays on one cable on Mac are ONLY supported when the Port, the cable, and the first device (Dock or Display) are genuine Thunderbolt devices.

In addition, if you are connecting displays as large as 4K resolution, there may not be enough bandwidth for both, so an additional calculation may be required. Readers here are happy to assist with that.

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