Can I use an external display with MacBook Air M2?

You didn't say whether you have a 13" or 15" MacBook Air – but the relevant specifications are the same for both.

MacBook Air (M2, 2022) - Tech Specs - Apple Support

MacBook Air (15-inch, M2, 2023) - Tech Specs - Apple Support

"Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display at 1 billion colors and:

• One external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz"

Most displays you will find are not Thunderbolt displays, and will have resolutions of 4K or less. You can attach them in a variety of ways:

• Via a USB-C to USB-C cable (that can carry video, charge the Mac, and hook up hub ports on the display)
• Via a USB-C to (DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, etc.) adapter or adapter cable
• Via a USB-C hub or dock that plugs into the Mac and brings out a dedicated video port
• Via Thunderbolt hub or dock that plugs into the Mac and brings out a dedicated video port, or a downstream USB-C / Thunderbolt port to which a display or adapter can be attached.\

Often the displays themselves will have multiple inputs, e.g., at least two of the following three:

• DisplayPort
• HDMI
• USB-C (DisplayPort)

So there are usually multiple options for connecting any given display to your Mac.

A few displays – mostly high-end ones with 5K or 6K resolution – require a Thunderbolt connection. Apple's 27" Studio Display (the modern 5K one) would be one example.

Most of the 3rd party displays should work - do some research and read the feedback.

Check your need - refresh rate, resolution, size etc. are the deciding points.

In terms of hardware (connection) - depends on the display's connection interfaces (most of them have 2 or more connection types) - again, read the manufacture's specs that various connectors from the same monitor might not be created equal.

What you need will be USB-C/Thunderbolt --> to DVI/HDMI even to VGA connections.

If you can find the monitor has USB-C/TB connection - that might be 1 single cable solution.

THEN

2 scenarios:

A. extended mode (external monitor + MacBook Air monitor at the same time)

or

B. CLAMSHELL mode (use external monitor only while MBA lid is closed). Clamshell mode will require external keyboard/mouse + requires to be connected to power sources (either by MagSafe or from monitor's USB-C/TB's power delivery - check the monitor's spec)

Best