Best Way to Connect Your Laptop to Three External Monitors

As remote and back-to-office workers look for ways to improve their desk setups, connecting a laptop to an external monitor is key for creating a productive workspace. These days, one monitor plus a laptop screen may not be enough to multitask to the extent needed to maximize productivity. Ideal setups can have up to three external monitors, but how can you connect to three monitors without limitations or technical issues? This article will guide you through how to connect three external monitors, whether it's for a Windows laptop or a MacBook.

• Utilizing the Laptop Display Ports
• Monitors Equipped with Daisy Chain Capabilities 
• BenQ beCreatus DP1310 USB-C Hybrid Dock

Windows devices can connect to multiple monitors without much difficulty. If your laptop is equipped with an independent graphics card, two USB-C ports with thunderbolt capabilities, and additional HDMI ports, three external monitors can easily be utilized. Two monitors can be connected to the laptop through USB-C and the 3^rd can be connected to the laptop through an HDMI cable. Keep in mind that laptops with multiple ports that support the necessary graphics output, and an independent graphic card can get pricey. Along with this, the display effect could be limited by the capabilities of your graphics cards and cables used. Additionally, the desk setup will be occupied with cables that have to be connected and disconnected  each time you need to go mobile with your laptop.

For MacBooks, only MacBook Pro series products equipped with a Max chip are capable of connecting three monitors through its display ports. The connection method is similar to that of Windows, you can connect to the Thunderbolt and HDMI ports to utilize up to four monitors, but you’ll still face the same issue with cable management and visuals on the display.

In the end, using the display ports on your laptop by connecting directly to the monitors can eliminate the need to purchase additional equipment. But your laptop has to meet the necessary specifications to support these connections and cable management may be a bit cumbersome.

If your Windows laptop is equipped with DisplayPort 1.2 (or higher) or USB-C Thunderbolt 3 (or higher), any monitor equipped with Daisy Chain capabilities, such as the BenQ PD2725U, can be connected. The connection works like this: From Laptop to Screen 1, Screen 1 to Screen 2, then Screen 2 to Screen 3. Be sure that the Multiple Streaming (MST) option is enabled when using DisplayPort for this kind of setup. You can learn more by reading this article: How to Use Daisy Chain When Connecting Multiple Monitors.

Due to the limitations on MacBooks with a M1 or M2 chip, are not able to support multiple external monitors but will support a single monitor. Higher performing chips, such as M2 MAX, can connect to monitor equipped with Daisy Chain but is limited to two monitors. If you are not sure which MacBook model you are using, please refer to the Apple website.

While Daisy Chaining your monitors helps with cable management, the laptop and monitors need to have this capability. MacBooks seem to have some restrictions when being used with external monitors, so be sure to check what type of limits you may have when selecting the ideal setup for your space.

Regardless of your device limitations, the beCreatus DP1310 USB-C Hybrid Dock will support a wide variety of connections and almost certainly give you the chance to upgrade your setup to the next level. By using only 1 USB-C cable to connect your laptop to the beCreatus DP1310 docking station, you’ll be able to connect your monitors directly to the dock while charging your laptop with PD 100w. Three monitors, 2 HDMI and 1 DisplayPort, can be connected via cables to the docking station. Then, simply install the DisplayLink software onto your laptop for smooth operation. (Donwnload DisplayLink：https://benqurl.biz/dock-driver)

With any entry-level MacBook series (e.g., MacBook Air), by using the beCreatus DP1310 for your multi-screen setup, you’ll be getting the same experience as someone using a MacBook 2023 Pro series with M2 Max chips. Your entry-level MacBook experience will be upgraded by using this docking station with external monitors.

he beCreatus DP1310 is equipped with two USB-A ports to connect other devices, such as a keyboard and mouse, or whatever else you like. Additionally, there are three other USB-A ports and 1 USB-C port available for you to charge your devices and connect to Portable Storage Drive or NAS. The data transfer speed is up to 10 Gbps and the charging speed is up to PD 36w. All your cables can be connected to the beCreatus DP1310, optimizing cable management and the overall look of your desk setup.

If you’re looking to do more with your setup, the beCreatus DP1310 supports high-resolution gaming with an additional HDMI 2.1 port for connection to your PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch. With the single push of the green button, the screen can be easily switched from a three-monitor connection to a single screen display of up to 4K 60Hz or 8K 60Hz for gaming.

Optimize cable management, upgrade your laptop, charge your devices, and switch from working to gaming with one click of the button, all thanks to the beCreatus DP1310 USB-C Hybrid Dock. Now, you can have the set-up you want. Clean, clutter free, and highly functional.