Expert’s Rating
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
If you have an M1 or M2 Mac and want to get around the ramp up - in support for the number of external displays you could connect , the Plugable adaptor does the Book of Job . But you ca n’t expend 4 K displays and the setup can be frustrating .
Best Prices Today: Plugable USB-C to Quad HDMI Adapter
As big as the M1 and M2 central processor are for Mac performance , they have a restriction that ’s a trouble for a passel of users : They only affirm two displays at the same time . For the iMac , MacBook Air , and 13 - inch MacBook Pro , that think of only one additional display can be connected . Whilethere are workarounds — and two displays will be more than enough for a lot of users — there are spate of citizenry who demand three or more screen to be productive .
To get around this limitation , you require to deform to an external solution , whether it ’s package or ironware . If you do n’t beware an adapter , Plugable offer a relatively affordable one with itsUSB - C Quad HDMI Adapter . This $ 119 box has four HDMI 1.4 ports , and when it ’s connected to the Mac via USB - ascorbic acid you could plug in up to four displays .
The Plugable adaptor does have limitations , however . The maximal resolution and refresh rate plump for for each plug into display is 1920×1080 at 60Hz , a far cry from the 4 honey oil or 6 K resolution that many pros prefer . So if you ’re looking for a means to connect three 4 K displays to an M1 Mac mini , the UBC - C Quad HDMI Adapter is not the solvent . But if you do n’t need the high answer , this adaptor could work . If you ’re looking for another character of adaptor , jibe out ourguide to the best USB - C hub and adapters for the Mac .
With the Plugable USB-C Quad HDMI Adapter, an M1 MacBook Pro can be used with four 1920×1080 displays.
With the Plugable USB - C Quad HDMI Adapter , an M1 MacBook Pro can be used with four 1920×1080 displays .
Foundry
Plugable USB-C Quad HDMI Adapter: Mac connection
The Plugable adapter is plan to be portable , measuring 4.75×3.13×0.56 inches and weighing 5.5 oz. . It ’s about the same sizing as many portable hard drives and can easily be hive up in a laptop computer bag . Inside , the transcriber has a Silicon Motion chipset to handle the video processing to the displays .
The adapter has a built - in USB - C cable’s length to connect to the Mac which is a routine too short . I ’d like a longer cable system so I can place it farther aside from the Mac . Plugable also include a USB - C to USB - A transcriber that , along with the build - in cable , can be tuck into slots underneath the example . The USB - C Quad HDMI Adapter does not need an external power source and draws power from the USB link .
The USB - century Quad HDMI Adapter requires Plugable ’s Silicon Motion InstaView app to be instal on the Mac . It’savailable on the Plugable websiteand during initiation , you will be need to set aside the macOS InstantView app to memorialise the computer screen . That may seem like fishy behavior , but according toPlugable ’s website , nothing is being read or stored . This access is want for the displays link up to the adaptor to work .
With the Plugable USB-C Quad HDMI Adapter, an M1 MacBook Pro can be used with four 1920×1080 displays.
The built - in cable can be insert underneath the arranger .
Testing the Plugable USB-C Quad HDMI Adapter
I test the adapter with a 13 - inch M1 MacBook Pro that ’s equipped with two Thunderbolt port . While technically a Pro model , its M1 chip limits it to just one external display with a maximum resolution of 6 K at 60Hz , like the other M1 and M2 Macs in Apple ’s lineup . ( Macs with the Pro and Max versions of the M1 and M2 have support for more displays at higher resolutions . )
After installing the InstantView software , shutting down the MacBook Pro , and plugging in the adapter to the MacBook Pro , I plugged in four older Dell displays sitting around the function . These displays have a maximal resolution of 1920×1200 and can be adjusted to the 1920×1080 resolution abide by the adapter .
When I restarted the MacBook Pro , three of the Dell displays work , but one did n’t . That ’s because one of the displays was dress to 1920×1200 , which prevented that other presentation from work . I was able-bodied to fix this when I adjusted the closure in macOS Ventura ’s Displays organisation setting ( I also tested with macOS Monterey ) .
The built-in cable can be tucked underneath the adapter.
Essentially , the transcriber just make for , and it worked exquisitely . The exposure quality on the displays was good , and the adapter did n’t bring in anything to affect the quality . I did n’t detect any screen door lag or sync payoff . However , it does n’t allow for the playback of videos with mellow - bandwidth Digital Content Protection ( HDCP ) , which mean displays connected to the adapter wo n’t play video recording from streaming services such as Apple TV+ , Netflix , Hulu , and others . But YouTube video will play .
Users can put the parliamentary procedure of the attached displays in the Displays scheme setting , but you may need to do some detective work to figure out which display picture represent the display on your desktop .
I did have one major vault to overcome that involved arranging the displays in the Displays system put . figure out the order of the display in the setting was a nightmare . The adapter has label for each larboard ( HDMI 1 , HDMI 2 , HDMI 3 , HDMI 4 ) for designation , but they did n’t correspond to the label numbers in the Displays setting . I had to repair to changing the wallpaper for each video display to discover which was which and set up them in my desired order . Fortunately , you ’ll probably need to do this only once , unless you ’re constantly rearranging your frame-up .
Users can arrange the order of the attached displays in the Displays system setting, but you may need to do some sleuthing to figure out which display icon represents the display on your desktop.
Bottom line
The Plugable USB - hundred Quad HDMI Adapter is a peachy small adapter that brings the display expandability that many M1 and M2 Mac users want . It has its limit : 1920×1080 at 60Hz only , ca n’t run HDCP video , and it needs a longer USB - C cable . But if you want a setup where in high spirits - resolve and streaming playback on those international displays are n’t take , the Plugable adapter does the job . For more data about adding more connectivity to your Mac , refer to ourguide on the best USB - nose candy hubs and adapters for Mac .
