I’d be willing to buy two new monitors
So for now the connectivity is the most critical piece
Unfortunately those are USB-C/Thunderbolt 3. Also, the cheaper ones have two outputs on them, but cannot separate them meaning that you will see the same thing on both of the monitors.
Thunderbolt 2 has the same connectivity as a MiniDisplayPort adapter, and you can buy any of the relatively cheap adapters on Amazon if you look up MiniDisplayPort to HDMI or VGA. Just plug the one side into the HDMI cord connected to the monitor and the other to that Thunderbolt 2 port.
Then, I would get a USB-A (regular USB port) to HDMI or VGA adapter for the second monitor. I would recommend HDMI over VGA in both cases because VGA requires a digital signal to be converted into an analog one, which can induce a slight latency. Also, I should add that some of the cheaper versions of the USB-A to HDMI do not work on a Mac, but I think StarTech may have one that you can get a driver to make it work.
If you are using both USB ports on your laptop, get a USB-A 3.0 hub and that will give you some more ports. Hope this helps!
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Super helpful thank you!
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I have a hp thunderbolt dock so I connect all my usb/monitor to the dock and use the usb-c to connect to my macbook, it’s more expensive much simpler.
That’s Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gbps). Thunderbolt 2 does not have the same capacity.
Correct. TB2 can connect to one monitor over DisplayPort (my preferred) / HDMI / DVI / VGA with adapter. TB3 is a transformer. Having finally replaced my 2015 MBPs with a 2020 13” I just ordered a USB-C dock and already have USB-C to displayport (big boy). Fedex also brought a new toy an hour ago that I’m hooking up now. Stay turned for pics in
Which one did you go with? Also, MBP with 4 ports or 2?
Not too familiar with the TB2 specification, but I remembered there was a reason that the MBPs had two of them back in the good days.
I needed 32gb of ram
I’m trying this hub out
https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=302&cp_id=30202&cs_id=3020207&p_id=34434&seq=1&format=2
Nice! I like the ones that attach onto the laptop itself and don’t have some extra cable you have to carry around.
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I hate carrying a dongle bag but 
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You have the most useful MB Air IMO. Can charge while using the other ports. You should be able to dongle any of those three ports into HDMI/DVI/DP without changing monitors. If you don’t have dongles Monoprice is the cheapest for non-Apple ones. Can also PM me I might end up with a few extra I don’t need as I sell off my 2015 MBPs.
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Thank you all
My wife has a 16” MBP and I want to get her an extra monitor. Which do you recommend?
Get a USB-C monitor. Hooks directly into the computer without the need for an HDMI dongle. Some also charge them. I know Dells sells a few both there are a ton. Pretty sure Dell P2419HC has some USB ports on it to so no need to get extra for keyboard and mouse.
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Any chance we could rename this thread to TechHackr?
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They’re nice because of the pass-through ports and charging, but not worth the extra money unless you are port constrained in my opinion. That MBP has 4 USB ports (-1 for charging). I’d get a USB-C to DisplayPort and get a nice 27-28” 4k for ~ $300. I’ve had good luck with the Samsungs myself. The LG monitors apple sells are really nice but 4k usb-c is $599 and 5k is $1299 (we aren’t discussing the $5000 6k with a $1000 stand). My iMac is 5k so I didn’t see need for a second 5k even as external to laptop.
Something like
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IRRI568/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iHTZEb9E57CF2
Sams and Costco usually have good monitor deals (my last two Samsung monitors shared a cart with a rotisserie chicken), but they have been wiped out for months.
The Samsung (bought direct) I just got was $499 for 32” 4k and $25 off Memorial Day weekend and another 6% off whatever ebates is now (Raktagino? Ratatouille?)
Some people don’t like curved especially if working in creating flat things (video/photo editing, some document production). I have used one quite a few times before but I am still adjusting to it.
Other really good brands. Dell has many nice monitors.
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To add on, I’m very happy with an LG Ultrawide, and Dell 4K monitor for productivity with usb c + 2.0 pass through. Mike, is this for creative work or just brokering? You might be happy with a single ultra wide setup, if it contains usb c pass through (with thunderbolt), USB 2.0 ports, and is big enough for you to comfortably multitask on one screen It may be an option. A thunderbolt monitor may not be a terrible idea, as you get io/connectivity out of it, but a dongle might provide more options with other ports like SD cards, etc.
Happy compromise, you could always sacrifice the thunderbolt port and HDMI port on a dongle/dock for dual monitors, io through the thunderbolt monitor, and on the dongle.
To follow up on jeisen, I love Costco, my Alienware e sports monitor was from Costco, was a steal at $350 for a 240hz tn panel. Their return policy and dead pixel policy is second to none.
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At the risk of asking to get punched on St. Patrick’s Day, I can’t imagine why you would buy a television anywhere but Costco. Ever. Whatever you could save by ordering online or going to a specific place plus a putrid Square trade warranty (sometime great / sometimes dreadful) I would much rather drive to the nearest Costco and exchange it for another one while I’m filling propane and ruining my paint job in their $8 car wash.
Wait your Costco has a car wash? Mine only has hot dogs and gas, not even propane :/.
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That’s the kind of Costco people go for the apocalypse. Wow.