Grab the best deals on display/monitors for Mac & PC. MacMall offers huge discounts on LED, LCD, widescreen monitors, HD displays from Apple, HP & more. Oct 28, 2018 Check how many displays your Mac supports: Choose Apple ( ) menu About This Mac Support, then click Specifications. On the web page that appears, the number of displays your Mac supports appears under Video Support.
Best4K Monitors for MaciMore2019
The LG 32UL950-W is the best monitor for Mac Mini that we've tested so far. It delivers good overall picture quality, with a decent contrast ratio, great peak brightness, and wide viewing angles. The back of the monitor provides smooth white-color cover, which looks pleasant. Since this monitor provides USB Type-C port, it can be natively connected with the MacBook Pro through a USB Type-C cable. The monitor provides a 27-inch 2160p IPS panel with a PPI of 163, which leads to very sharp images. You can easily power your MAcBook via USB-C port of your monitor. The screen size is 21.5” and it is also compatible with VESA. It can handle more pixels per inch whereas the audio connectivity can be enhanced with stereo speakers available with device. LG UltraFine™ 4K and 5K computer monitors are designed to pair perfectly with MacBook and MacBook Pro. Get the ready for the ultimate mac experience. To properly experience our LG.com website, you will need to use an alternate browser or upgrade to a newer version of internet Explorer (IE10 or greater). Portable Monitor - Lepow 15.6 Inch Computer Display 1920×1080 Full HD IPS Screen USB C Gaming Monitor with Type-C Mini HDMI for Laptop PC MAC Phone Xbox PS4, Include Smart Cover & Screen Protector.
Your Mac or MacBook's display is already gorgeous, but if you're in the market for a second display or even something larger than what you have, a 4K monitor is a huge step in the right direction. If you want to try and maintain the same level of definition as your current display, here are the best 4K monitors for your Mac.
Our pick: Dell U2718Q
Staff FavoriteDell's tried and tested U2718Q is a feature-laden monitor that supports HDR content playback. It's still, unfortunately, missing a USB-C port, but it does have a USB 3.0 hub, HDMI, DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It's the best 4K monitor for most people.
$600 at DellHDR10 support: LG 27UK850-W
One of LG's latest monitors, the 4K 27UK850-W sports USB-C, HDR support via 2 HDMI ports and a DisplayPort, a headphone jack, and two down-stream USB-A ports. It also has excellent viewing angles, thanks to its IPS panel, and its gray-to-gray response time is a blazing-fast five milliseconds.
$627 at AmazonUSB-C connection: HP Z27
HP's new Z27 4K monitor may just take over the top spot after more testing since it features USB-C, as well as DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, and HDMI. Its colors are immaculately accurate, and with a gray-to-gray response time of 8 milliseconds, you won't see any hiccups while you're working or gaming.
$539 at DellUpgrade pick: BenQ PD3200U
BenQ's 32-inch monitor is somewhat expensive, but it offers excellent features for the creative pro, like several different modes (including Darkroom) for photo and video editing, a built-in SD card reader, as well as a 5-port USB hub, HDMI ports, and mini and regular DisplayPorts.
$700 at AmazonBudget option: LG 27UD58-B
This inexpensive monitor from LG has the company's excellent IPS panel, as well as a swift 5-millisecond response time. With a refresh rate of 60Hz, excellent viewing angles, and a designated gaming mode, this is a solid all-around monitor for most people. It doesn't offer much in terms of inputs (HDMI and DisplayPort only), but it'll do in a pinch.
$325 at Amazon
A couple of suggestions
When it comes to excellent 4K monitors, the Dell U2718Q is hard to beat, with excellent bang for your buck. Its combined features and price make it a great consideration for anyone looking for a 4K display to use with their Mac, but the lack of USB-C can be concerning for some.
Of course, when it comes to using a newer MacBook you're not only going to want USB-C (since its the only ports the MacBook lineup has anymore), but you're likely going to want some extra ports. That's where the LG 27UK850. Since it has the ability to charge your MacBook, MacBook Air, or 13-inch MacBook Pro, and it also features two USB-A ports, two HDMI ports, a display port, and headphone jack, making it not only a fantastic monitor but a whole hub for connectivity.
Lastly, if the price is your only concern the LG 27UD58-B is probably the monitor you should pick up. Since its a monitor that a couple of years old, it's received a huge price cut recently and that's no laughing matter.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Buyers GuideA hardshell case for your MacBook Pro is protective and stylish
Protecting the outside of your MacBook is a great way to protect its precious insides. Pick up a hard shell cover and save it from scratches and bumps. Here are our favorites!
For decades, Apple has made Macs that everyone from creative professionals to engineers have been eager to work with.
The MacBook Pro laptop offers superior power, but with one catch — you have to work on a small, 13″ or 15″ screen and now we’ve got a 12″ new MacBook as well.
While that display has quickly increased in quality with a Retina display and a clear, bright pixels, sometimes you need something a little bigger to work effectively.
Don’t worry — you don’t need to throw your Mac to the wolves! Instead, consider getting an external monitor and extending your display. This lets you use your MacBook as the power behind the screen, and the secondary monitor for the display.
In this guide, we’ll help you get started with picking the best external monitors including one USB Type-C compatible option and offer some tips and tricks to help you set it up.
Quick Summary
Need to briefly get the whole picture? Here’s a quick overview of each of our best choices:
LG 4K UHD 27UD88-W 27″ LED-Lit Monitor with USB Type-C – Recommended for you if: you’re using the newest MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, and don’t mind paying a bit more to get a high-end monitor and put it in your workplace or at home.
- IPS Monitor, Offers a game mode and black stabilizer
- USB Type-C compatible
Acer H277H smidx 27-Inch IPS Full HD Widescreen Display – Recommended for you if: you need speed and high quality (perhaps for gaming or similarly taxing tasks) on a monitor that looks sleek and get the job done.
- Fastest response time, rated at 4ms
- Built-in speakers along the back of an HD and IPS screen
Lenovo L24i-20 23.8″ FHD IPS Monitor – Recommended for you if: you would like a good monitor to use regularly, but don’t want to spend a huge amount of specs you don’t need.
- Sleek with a small desk footprint
- A great compromise for size at 23.8″, it’s not quite compact but not huge either
Dell Ultrasharp U2719DX 27-Inch IPS Monitor with Infinity Edge Bezels – Recommended for you if: you’re trying to create a powerful workstation or are considering extending to multiple monitors.
- Extremely versatile in terms of positioning and can even be rotated 90 degrees
- QHD IPS display packs more pixels for a higher resolution and bright graphics
- Available in a larger size: 27-inch
Who Should Get This?
An external monitor is a great asset if you consistently use your MacBook Pro at a single location or travel with it infrequently.
It’s also practical because it allows you to work in detail without hunching over a small 12″, 13″ or 15″ screen all day. Most offer extremely high-quality displays, so you won’t see a loss between your Mac and the monitor.
However, an external monitor setup isn’t for everyone. If you like to work in a variety of locations or positions, an external monitor isn’t going to help your workflow or provide as many benefits as it would to a user who works frequently in a single location.
After all, you can’t simply pack up your monitor and move like you would with just your laptop.
Buying an External Monitor for MacBook: What to Consider?
Size
When deciding what size monitor to purchase, make sure to consider both the space you have available and what you hope to get out of your monitor. If you simply want to enlarge your display proportionally to make it easier to see you may not need as big of a monitor as someone who hopes to gain physical workspace to open multiple app windows at once.
Make sure to measure the space available on your desk before purchasing an external monitor, or consider mounting it to the wall rather than setting it on the desk.
Resolution
Resolution is how many pixels are packed into the monitor you choose, and the higher the numbers the sharper your screen will appear. Most users will be satisfied with a 1920 by 1080p display, which is generally considered the modern standard. However, you could go QHD with a 2560 by 1600p display.
Beyond that, most users will find a 4K display unnecessary and expensive unless you’re editing extremely high-quality videos or similar creative work.
Features
A great monitor is more than just a display. Look for models that come with additional ports, or a built-in webcam if you feel you need it. Other helpful capabilities include adjustable stand heights and viewing angles, as well as non-reflective screens or other personalization abilities. These are the sort of features that make a computer your own and can help you feel significantly more comfortable while you work.
USB Type
It’s safe to say that USB-C is the future once Apple introduced Thunderbolt-3 ports into its newest MacBook Pros with colorful touch bar. So buying an external USB-C monitor for your new MacBook is a no-brainer. But the thing is USB-C related accessories are usually not that affordable, compared to USB 3.0 based ones.
So, if you’re using an old MacBook Pro, you may still prefer a display that supports normal USB 3.0 ports. Don’t forget that for those who hold the latest MacBook, you can extend your its limited ports with a USB-C hub.
Best External Monitors for MacBook Pro in 2019: Our Picks
Please note that the following recommended items are chosen based on our criteria as mentioned above, plus our personal preferences. They are, however, not intended to be ranked in the current order.
1. LG 4K UHD 27UD88-W 27″ LED-Lit Monitor with USB Type-C
If you are a professional graphic designer or photographer looking for highly accurate color, then this LED monitor from LG is definitely worth considering. It comes with over 99% coverage of the sRGB spectrum, supports display 4K video, even charges your other device using the single USB-C cable.
Monitors For Macbook Pro
- Pros: The 4K Ultra HD resolution creates an amazing clarity and details. Also, it comes with Color Calibration Pro which works together with Calibration hardware to ensure accurate color.
- Cons: It’s on the expensive side, compared to other options.
2. Acer H277H smidx 27-Inch IPS Full HD Widescreen Display
With an astonishing 27 inch screen, this option from Acer boasts a 4ms response time and a high quality 1920 x 1080 HD display. The stand has 10 degrees of freedom to tilt for comfort, and the monitor includes VGA, DVI, and HDMI connections. It’s also an IPS display, so it will be truer to your MacBook Pro’s display.
- Pros: It includes built-in speakers on the back of the full HD screen. IPS technology makes viewing comfortably at every angle and will be truer to the display on your MacBook Pro. It also has an extremely fast response time.
- Cons: Beyond the basic visual connections (HDMI, DVI, etc), we have to point out that this monitor is fairly limited in regards to ports. Don’t expect a plethora of new USB ports to become available.
3. Lenovo L24i-20 23.8″ FHD IPS Monitor
For a large but compact monitor, this 23.8-inch monitor from Lenovo will do a great job fulfilling your needs. The screen and stand are slim, barely taking up any additional space on your desk. The display is anti-glare and also FHD, with a 1920 x 1080p resolution. Response time is advertised as 7ms, with a refresh rate of 60Hz.
- Pros: Slim profile will look sleek and have a barely noticeable footprint on your desk. The three million to one dynamic contrast ratio will keep things looking sharp, while the 7ms response time means you won’t experience “ghosting”. The screen is non-glossy to make it easier on your eyes.
- Cons: The display doesn’t come with additional ports beyond those needed for basic connectivity.
4k Monitors For Mac
4. Dell Ultrasharp U2719DX 27-Inch IPS Monitor with Infinity Edge Bezels
Available in a large 27″ size, this monitor from Dell offers stunning visuals and a plethora of extra ports you never knew you needed. With a QHD 2560×1440 resolution, you’ll never complain about image quality. The stand is extremely adjustable as well, with tilting, swiveling, and even 90-degree rotation capabilities!
Monitors For Mac Air
- Pros: It offers the most position flexibility you could possibly get with a single monitor, a good variety of ports, and a stunning QHD and IPS display. It also includes a great warranty that covers even a single broken pixel.
- Cons: Unfortunately, it doesn’t come in a more compact 21″ or 23″ display size.
Useful Tips & Resources
Now that you’ve seen some of the best external monitors for MacBook Pro in the market, you’re probably wondering how to make them work with your Mac.
What you’ll essentially be doing is using your MacBook for its hardware, computing power, and graphics drive but using the external monitor as the screen. This means you’ll need to physically connect the MacBook and the monitor, which can be done in several different ways.
We’ve collected a few guides to get you started. For a general overview of which cords to connect and the differences between extending a MacBook Pro versus a MacBook Air, this Apple guide has a good amount of detail. If you need a more step-by-step explanation, this video tutorial is clear, concise, and should be extremely helpful.
Regardless of how you connect your monitor, keep in mind that you will need to buy at least a new cord and possibly an adapter depending on your MacBook’s age simply because most people don’t keep HDMI cables on hand.
Final Words
External monitors and extended displays are becoming more and more common as people realize the versatility the setup affords. You can disconnect your MacBook Pro and travel with it at any time, but at home or work you can sit back and enjoy the comfort of a large screen with space for all your apps at once.
Monitors For Mac Mini
Do you currently use an external monitor with your MacBook Pro? Kindly let us know which model you think is the best.