One external monitor max — DisplayLink can hack more.

Officially, one external display (up to 6K at 60Hz). Yes, DisplayLink will let you add more, but it’s not perfect.

The M1 MacBook Air’s hardware only supports two display outputs total — its own screen and one external. That’s a silicon limitation, not a software one. No amount of adapter wizardry changes that natively.

DisplayLink works around it by compressing video over USB and using a driver. You can get an extra monitor (or two) this way, depending on the DisplayLink adapter and USB bandwidth. It’s fine for text, spreadsheets, browsing. You’ll notice latency and compression artifacts in video or design work. Also, it doesn’t play well with some VPNs and macOS updates.

If you really need multiple monitors on an M1 Air, DisplayLink is your only option. Just know it’s not as smooth as native.