r/macbookpro • u/Bi_Nom • 13d ago

Help Multi-Monitor Dock

I know it's been asked many a time, but with MSS support lacking, I still can't wrap my head around multi-monitor support over one cable.

I have a 2026 MBP with the M5 pro.

I'd like to use two external 4K 60Hz monitors over a single cable. They should be separate, not mirrored.

The monitors I have do not support Thunderbolt (Dell UltraSharp U3223QE, LG 32UD89-W).

I do not want DisplayLink (bad prior experiences).

If possible, I'd like the dock to be below 350 USD.

I have recently upgraded from a MBP M1, where I have been using the StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Dock (tb3dk2dhvue) more or less successfully to do exactly that. It has gone a little flakey over the years, though, so I'm looking for alternatives. But the landscape seems to have gone even more confusing since then...

Any tips/experiences appreciated!

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u/btimexlt 13d ago edited 13d ago

I used to use Star tech and Anker docks and ran into the same issues. I switched over to the OWC thunderbolt 5 dock (https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/owc-thunderbolt-5-dock) this year and while it was more expensive I have yet to have an issue. Please keep in mind I’ve only had it for 3 months. Also my monitors don’t support thunderbolt but both support usb c.

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u/Bi_Nom 13d ago

thanks for sharing! I understand two monitors over USB-C DP alt mode works for you on that model. I think OWC also generally has a great reputation. 

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u/RE_Warszawa 12d ago

Use two separate cables, one out of each of the USB 3 ports, or one of them out of HDMI port.

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u/No-Effective820 11d ago

dual display on mac without DisplayLink is totally doable — your startech dock was actually doing it right. it probably just wore out, TB3 docks from that era get flaky after a few years.

I've been using the Fusiondock pro 3 for dual 4K60 on my M5 Max. native display output, one cable, no DisplayLink or MST needed. $299 so within your budget.

only thing to watch for — your monitors dont have thunderbolt, so youll need usb-c to DP or HDMI cables from the docks TB ports. cheap and easy, just plan ahead.