Does the onboard (to the laptop) USB-C port/controller not pass enough power for more than one port? Or just not enough power to provide "full power" to extra ports?

I'd be happy to compromise that aspect as long as the various other data specs are met. I'm not trying to charge several big devices here, just AirPods and a phone, plus run two external monitors. And since I need to use one of the USB-C on the laptop to charge the laptop, I'm one port short sometimes.