Best External Monitors for MacBook

ORIGINAL POST

Hi everybody,

I am wondering what are the best monitors overall to use with MBP? I have MBP M4 max and i use it on my LG monitor, connected via usb-c. Current monitor is not bad, but i was wondering if somebody has recommendation with following features (ideally):

4k or more
27 to 32 inch
usb-c charging
more than 60hz - is it possible to have ProMotion on external display?
maybe LAN / ethernet port? I know that some monitors have it

Which ones have some of these points, but also really good picture quality when connected to MBP?

Thanks :)

2 replies

hawk256 · 8 months ago

Apple Studio Display. No where near the cheapest but overall likely the best even at its price. 60 Hz the best a tue 5k monitor can do without TB 5 support.

1 upvotes on reddit

rocky_sullivan · 8 months ago

I love my HP Omen Transcend 32 inch 4K OLED. There is a setting on the monitor to automatically match the colors of the MacBook when connected and to my eye it’s looks great. Colors are vibrant and the OLED contrast looks great. It offers up to 140watts charging via usb-c and has a host of other ports including another usb-C for charging phones, tablets, etc. I haven’t used the built in KVM switch function but that’s nice too. Got mine on sale at Best Buy for $800, so cheaper than the Apple studio display but far more versatile and also the 240hz refresh rate is great !

1 upvotes on reddit

See 2 replies

r/apple • [2]

Summarize

What external monitors are you using with your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro?

Posted by inexile14 · in r/apple · 5 years ago

Have had some issues with Dell monitors not pulling a signal via USB-C. Any brands particularly compatible with MacOS?

18 upvotes on reddit

8 replies

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Time to upgrade your monitor

8 replies

lStannisl · 5 years ago

LG UltraFine. Happy with it but my MacBook Pro (2018) doesn't seem to love working in clamshell mode.

11 upvotes on reddit

PiratedTVPro · 5 years ago

LG Ultrafine 5K refurb off of Woot. Haven’t had a single problem.

4 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 5 years ago

I just got a pair of LG Ultrafine 4K monitors for my Mac mini. They're amazing.

3 upvotes on reddit

PiratedTVPro · 5 years ago

I wish I had bought another at the Woot price, but it was already a risk given everything I had heard about the LG shielding issues.

1 upvotes on reddit

ron-swonson · 5 years ago

Used Apple 27” Cinema Displays are still some of the best for price and build quality. You usually can find a handful of them on any given day on Craigslist. Roughly $200-$225 is a fair price.

3 upvotes on reddit

prajwalsd · 5 years ago

If you’re really serious about it — give this a read before you make your choice.

This article is so good (quite detailed and lengthy though, skip to the last section where he recommends few monitors), I wish I had read about this before I bought mine.

Good luck!

Edit: classic — added the link now :)

31 upvotes on reddit

Balkal · 5 years ago

Wow this was a super interesting read. Thanks for this, I’m going to adjust my scaling on my 4K monitor now.

12 upvotes on reddit

ronoffringa · 5 years ago

I use a Dell U2518D with my 13” MBP (2017). What issues do you have?

6 upvotes on reddit

See 8 replies

r/mac • [3]

Summarize

Best monitor for Macbook Pro 14

Posted by rsd_gill · in r/mac · 1 year ago

What is the best external monitor for macbook pro? I have tried 27 inch 4k, 32 inch 4k amd DualUp. None of them have same crispness as Macbook monitor.

I did a lookup and seems like to get the same experience, one must go 5K Apple display or lg 5K.

Thank you in advance for the input.

012 replies

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https://github.com/waydabber/BetterDisplay

12 replies

arnaudoff · 1 year ago

I’ve been using DELL U3219Q (it’s 4K) and I’m happy with it.

Its successor is U3223QE.

2 upvotes on reddit

Wild_Quiet8627 · 1 year ago

How is macOS scaling with 4K 32”? Is text blue? May I ask you what do you use the monitor for?

1 upvotes on reddit

arnaudoff · 1 year ago

I’m a software engineer, so I use the monitor for work. Scaling is fine (the resolution I chose is 2560x1440). Is text blue? Not sure whar you’re talking about. Do not have any color-related issues. I also have a PS4 Pro, which is connected to the monitor. Seems to work fine!

1 upvotes on reddit

8agingRoner · 1 year ago

I have the 27" version U2723QE. I like that it uses a single USB-C cable for both power and data.

2 upvotes on reddit

candlelight_mia01 · 1 year ago

Sceptre or LG for sure. I've had LG for a while now and it is sooo great, look online

1 upvotes on reddit

rsd_gill · OP · 1 year ago

Thanks everyone. Have used Dell 27inch 4K but text is either too small or too big to fit multiple windows. Ordered Samsung ViewFinity S9 5K display. It was on sale. If that didn’t work, i think wll go Apple Studio Display.

1 upvotes on reddit

rsd_gill · OP · 1 year ago

samsung came with dead pixels line in the middle. Emded up returning it and going Apple studio Display.

1 upvotes on reddit

Intelligent-Cycle576 · 1 year ago

I use LG 4K

1 upvotes on reddit

Electrical_West_5381 · 1 year ago

They this before you spend $$:

3 upvotes on reddit

Any_Reason2124 · 11 months ago

Why can't Apple allow user to do that?

1 upvotes on reddit

Electrical_West_5381 · 11 months ago

You allowed to install it. Apple just hasn't bought the tech yet

2 upvotes on reddit

Delirium88 · 1 year ago

What does this do?

1 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/MacOS • [4]

Summarize

What are the best monitors for Mac OS?

Posted by kattia12 · in r/MacOS · 3 years ago

I hate to use adaptors

010 replies

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10 replies

Nvr_Surrender · 3 years ago

There are no 'best' monitors, it all depends on what your needs are.

4 upvotes on reddit

kattia12 · OP · 3 years ago

I need it for working. I'm not a graphic designer or photographer. I'm looking for one with usb-c port so no adapter would be needed. What would be the most compatible with MacBook Pro?

1 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 3 years ago

I would strongly recommend a 4K monitor of some kind, which in MacOS you would set to ”Looks like 1080p” (aka, 200 % or 2x display scaling). Even better if you went 5K to get more screen estate.

However, be careful about ultrawide 5K2K as MacOS has had troubles recognizing those for whatever reason.

It’s a jungle out there, can’t recommend just one, really.

3 upvotes on reddit

cmkrn1 · 3 years ago

Any one from Apple's website

3 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 3 years ago

Dell has multiple good monitors that are 4K USBC

Here’s like what I consider the default

3 upvotes on reddit

posguy99 · 3 years ago

Just pay attention to make sure it's IPS and not TN.

Yes, Dell sells or did sell a 4k TN panel.

1 upvotes on reddit

AnimeIRL · 3 years ago

Pro Display XDR

1 upvotes on reddit

089PK91 · 3 years ago

Dell U2720Q is a great monitor for Mac.

1 upvotes on reddit

posguy99 · 3 years ago

Have one myself.

But the 2718's were better.

1 upvotes on reddit

RavnHygge · 3 years ago

Is Google broken again?

17 upvotes on reddit

See 10 replies

r/mac • [5]

Summarize

Best non-Apple external monitor for use with MacBook Air/MacBook Pro doing photography and video work? Value choice, and splurge choice.

Posted by PHOTO500 · in r/mac · 2 years ago

60 upvotes on reddit

12 replies

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12 replies

FirdausIWant · 1 year ago

For photography and video work with a MacBook Air/MacBook Pro, the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q is a top value choice, offering excellent color accuracy with 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 coverage, along with a 4K resolution for detailed editing.

For a splurge option, the LG UltraFine 5K Display is a premium choice with 218 pixels per inch, ideal for precise image and video editing.

These monitors align with industry-standard benchmarks for professional color accuracy and resolution, ensuring optimal performance for your creative projects.

32 upvotes on reddit

Independent-Car9508 · 1 year ago

You haven't specific your budget, but a good mid range, VALUE choice is the Dell S2722QC. I mean for the price, if offers some of the most accurate results (not the best but again for the price they are decent). Its 27" | 10 bit panel | 4K | 99% sRGB coverage.

But if you want professional grade display, I can whole-heartedly recommend ASUS ProArt PA279CRV (4K). Look you get what you pay for and if you value accuracy of colors, this is beast you should tame. There is also a cheaper QHD version of this monitor which can also check out.

28 upvotes on reddit

FirdausIWant · 1 year ago

For photography and video work with a MacBook Air/MacBook Pro, the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q is a top value choice, offering excellent color accuracy with 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 coverage, along with a 4K resolution for detailed editing.

For a splurge option, the LG UltraFine 5K Display is a premium choice with 218 pixels per inch, ideal for precise image and video editing.

These monitors align with industry-standard benchmarks for professional color accuracy and resolution, ensuring optimal performance for your creative projects.

1 upvotes on reddit

Eyes_Pariyon_Ki_Rani · 1 year ago

I'd recommend the LG 40WP95C-W as a top-tier choice. It's a splurge, but I've been using it and absolutely love it. The color accuracy, size, and resolution make it a phenomenal asset for any creative work.

1 upvotes on reddit

Ok-Lengthiness4861 · 1 year ago

The Pro Art has some nice specs, but its soo expensive

1 upvotes on reddit

IcyLimit8713 · 1 year ago

For the value pick, I'd recommend the LG Ultra Fine 27UN850-W. It's under $300 and offers a great display and colors for photo/video work. It has power delivery too so you don't need an extra cable for charging your macbook.
Splurge pick would be the Dell UltraSharp U4919DW curved display imo. This thing is huge and heavy but it is a spectacle to look at and work with. You can literally have 4 relatively large windows open so it's great for productivity.

37 upvotes on reddit

AfterLog1245 · 1 year ago

The Dell U2723QE 4K Monitor, priced around $500, is a fantastic value choice with its sharp 4K resolution, perfect for your photo and video work. https://www.amazon.com/Dell-U2723QE-UltraSharp-USB-C-Monitor/dp/B09TQZP9CL

But if you're aiming for top quality, consider the LG 27" 5K UltraFine Display. At about $1,100, it's perfect for Mac users, providing 5K resolution for incredible detail and color. Great for high-res editing, charges your MacBook, and includes a camera and speaker for video calls. https://www.amazon.com/LG-Ultrafine-5K/dp/B07XV9NQSJ

23 upvotes on reddit

1st_Grade · 2 years ago

I don't know if the best but quite decent at a reasonable price: I run two Dell U2723QE 4K monitors on my MacBook Pro 14" with Ventura 13.1. Ona via USB-C, which charges also the MBP and the other one via HDMI. Both at 4k and 60Hz. The reason I run the second on on HDMI is, because it is also connected to my HP Elitebook from work with USB-C.

The bonus with the Dell is for me the built-in USB-C hub, which saves me a lot of cable mess.

29 upvotes on reddit

movdqa · 2 years ago

I'm a big fan of the Dell Ultrasharp 4k monitors though mine are from 2018 and 2020. I think that some of the photography and video folks prefer 5k but those are rare and expensive. I have used a 5k iMac and the screen is very nice.

6 upvotes on reddit

m8k · 2 years ago

I had a 24” dell in the office. Before we went remote I bought two 27” of the previous version you mentioned. They are fantastic monitors. Full sRGB, good brightness, got them calibrated to match and I love them.

2 upvotes on reddit

Monstructs · 2 years ago

I have two Dell 2K monitors and love the.

1 upvotes on reddit

YellowBreakfast · 2 years ago

>U2723QE

I covet that 4K one!

I've got the Dell U2520D (1440p, 25") and really like the price/performance I'm getting.

2 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/macbookpro • [6]

Summarize

Which monitor pairs best with a MacBook Pro setup?

Posted by Haunting_Standard413 · in r/macbookpro · 1 month ago

Hey everyone,

looking to add an external display to my MacBook Pro and not sure where to start. Ideally, I’d like something that charges over USB-C or Thunderbolt, offers sharp text and good color (working with photos and coding).

EDIT: Grabbed this after reading the reviews, coming tomorrow, should be everything im after.

I’ve heard a few options mentioned:

A Dell 32″
The Apple Studio Display, which has awesome color and even speakers and a webcam—though it's pricey and a bit of a luxury.
Or, I’ve seen some mentions of a massive 40″ curved 5K monitor but seems abit much?

If you’re using a monitor with your MacBook Pro, what do you have?

TIA

1 upvotes on reddit

1 replies

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1 replies

FessaFate · 1 month ago

I have a Philips Evnia 49M2C8900LA. That's a 49" 32:9 144Hz OLED display. Has good colours (DCI-P3 99%) and sharpness. I connect my Macbook Pro via USB-C. One cable charges the Mac, provides video and USB. Mouse/keyboard is connected to monitor. The big display is nice for coding.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 1 replies

r/macbook • [7]

Summarize

What external monitor are you using?

Posted by terfez · in r/macbook · 2 years ago

Not asking what’s the best monitor. But: what are you using, why, and how do you like it?

I’ll go: I had a 1080p MSI Mag241c from 2018 so I hooked it up for the time being rather than buy something new. The resolution is bad but the 144k is sometimes impressive. I never play high Hz games (rarely any games at all).

I think a 4K 32” 60hz (LG 880) is appropriate for my usage but still researching…

1 upvotes on reddit

8 replies

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8 replies

CantaloupeCamper · 2 years ago

5k LG 34" Ultrawide

3 upvotes on reddit

m1nkeh · 2 years ago

dell ultrasharp u2720q

2 upvotes on reddit

RozenKristal · 2 years ago

Hey friend. :)) love this display too

2 upvotes on reddit

scottslowe · 2 years ago

I’m using a Samsung 32” 4K monitor connected via DP through a Thunderbolt dock. Works OK, but if I’m honest the “Liquid Retina XDR” display on my secondary laptop (a 16” MBP M1 Pro) puts it to shame.

2 upvotes on reddit

terfez · OP · 2 years ago

Do you think you can see individual pixels on the 4K 32?

1 upvotes on reddit

scottslowe · 2 years ago

I’ve never really tried, but…no, I don’t think so.

1 upvotes on reddit

Temporary_Anything95 · 2 years ago

Lg 48 inch 4K 120hz oled tv

2 upvotes on reddit

neno260 · 2 years ago

2 x hp 27f's

2 upvotes on reddit

See 8 replies

r/macbookpro • [8]

Summarize

What external displays do you guys recommend?

Posted by mmmmmmnmmmn · in r/macbookpro · 2 years ago

I want to have a dual screen setup and don’t know what to chose not to feel the downgrade in quality from the monitor and MBP.

Do you maybe have pics with what setups you have?

Thx

1 upvotes on reddit

10 replies

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https://www.reddit.com/r/macsetups/comments/i1dqd8/setup_upgrade_from_mbp13_with_1080p_monitor_to/

10 replies

wreeper007 · 2 years ago

I have the Samsung 34” thunderbolt 3 display.

1 upvotes on reddit

SupportCreative5104 · 2 years ago

Are you happy with it? It’s already a couple of years old.

1 upvotes on reddit

wreeper007 · 2 years ago

Image quality is great, if you lean back too far the blacks get a little crunchy and it loses some contrast but when used properly it’s fine.

The stand sucks, you need to get an arm because it’s god awful.

The nice thing is the thunderbolt daisy chaining. I have the main cable connected to my laptop and the second port on the monitor goes to a powered usb hub with a build in ethernet port so 1 cable connects the laptop to everything. Super clean.

1 upvotes on reddit

Spacesh1psoda · 2 years ago

I dont know what the guy saying you need an xdr is smoking, but if money isn't a limiting factor I would suggest two 5k screens. Both the Mac studio display and the lg ultrafine 5k are great for productivity purposes. The Mac studio display is in my opinion better looking but has some wierd caveats.

1 upvotes on reddit

Spacesh1psoda · 2 years ago

This was ny setup a few years ago with the ultrafines and a 16" Intel macbook 2019

1 upvotes on reddit

AnnualDegree99 · 2 years ago

All I'm saying is that to match or beat something like a 14/16" MBP display is not actually easy cause they're actually alarmingly excellent screens. Mini-led, absurd peak brightness, etc.

1 upvotes on reddit

igglepuff · 2 years ago

i use 2x dell UP2720Q on my m1 mp for work and love them

1 upvotes on reddit

ItsAlecito · 2 years ago

Check out the dell ultrasharp lineup

4 upvotes on reddit

jjwalker67 · 2 years ago

There are only 3 or so display that will match the quality of a MBP. Matte display will not look as nice you will need a 5k or higher resolution as well.

That leaves you with LG 5k Ultrafine, your cheapest option then Apply Studio display, finally Apple Pro Display. There was another company that had a glossy display but I don't recall and it probably is not in production yet.

Personally I don't like matte displays so I went with a Studio Display.

1 upvotes on reddit

Burrito_Chingon · 2 years ago

It sucks that there's not a lot of glossy monitor with 4K screen on the market.

I actually purchased on ebay excellent condition used LG Ultrafine 4k 21.5 inch, I do like how this screen looks and is very bright. Sadly has some minor issues but not deal breaker for me.

I'm experiencing some ghosting when the screen brightness is set too high and when keep white website without moving for very long time. (Even newer 5K LG ultrafine have this issue).

Similar like burn in but it goes away when you start moving.

Also have pink hue on left of the screen but very minimal when you looking on white background. (Some 5K iMac and 5K LG ultrafine have this issue too).

This however does not affect my productivity or when I use it for media consumption.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 10 replies

r/OLED_Gaming • [9]

Summarize

Is there a (best) 32”

Posted by aredeex · in r/OLED_Gaming · 6 months ago

Hey there,

I have an Alienware oled ultrawide and I’m looking to get a 32” 4k oled

I want KVM and USB C power delivery to connect to my MacBook.

I see a few that have these options but I was wondering if there is a “best” around at this point.

I can wait if there’s something close to releasing.

Ideally I can connect my pc on DisplayPort, ps5 on hmdi and MacBook on the usb c

Thanks

3 upvotes on reddit

6 replies

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6 replies

DracZ_SG · 6 months ago

MSI 322 / 321 URX or the Gigabyte FO32UP. MSI has been better with firmware fixes and releases however.

3 upvotes on reddit

fernst · 6 months ago

UCDM/UCDP depending on preferred finish.

This year Asus will likely release updates with DP2.1

2 upvotes on reddit

die2hryvni · 6 months ago

I’ve took FO32U2P for same reason and am satisfied. + it has DP2.1 so it’s future proof

2 upvotes on reddit

aredeex · OP · 6 months ago

Right on. I saw a couple options with 2.1. There’s an Msi that rtings seems to really like as well.

1 upvotes on reddit

BagAdministrative872 · 6 months ago

All very similar but best feature set is probably pg32ucdm

5 upvotes on reddit

Dr_DeathOnList · 6 months ago

I also did some research for myself before and the best ones (currently) are ASUS ROG PG32UCDM and GIGABYTE AORUS F032U2P. I ordered ASUS one because GIGABYTE doesn't have service center in my area.

3 upvotes on reddit

See 6 replies

r/Monitors • [10]

Summarize

best monitor for MacBook Air m3

Posted by lec6329 · in r/Monitors · 8 months ago

I'd love help navigating best options for money and my situation. I frequently use and go between two devices - a MacBook Air (personal) and a dell laptop (work). Text clarity is an important factor for my monitor usage - I don't want it to be fuzzy or pixelated.

I'd love an external monitor that allows me to keep both devices connected, ideally built in KVM. And, I want to have USB-C pass through charging. Any thoughts or recommendations with the list below (or others I am missing) would be very helpful for my indecisive brain. I don't mind 27" or 32" - I just want something with ease of use, able to use multiple devices (KVM), and clarity of text

Dell UltraSharp U2722DE 27"
LG UltraFine 31.5-Inch 32UP83A-W
BenQ PD2705U Mac-Ready Monitor 27"

3 upvotes on reddit

7 replies

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7 replies

drmcclassy · 8 months ago

Check out the Cooler Master Tempest GP27U. With MacOS you really want a 5120x2880 (aka 5K) display as scaling sucks and they just double the standard 2560x1440 resolution used for 27” monitors. Those are hard to find still and very expensive so your next best bet is a 3840x2160 (aka 4k) display.

If you get a 1440 display, current MacOS no longer has subpixel antialiasing so text may appear blurry

1 upvotes on reddit

lec6329 · OP · 8 months ago

Thank you!

1 upvotes on reddit

Smug_MF_1457 · 6 months ago

Did you end up buying this one and if yes, how do you like it?

1 upvotes on reddit

fuso00 · 8 months ago

None of those as they dont have 5k 218PPI. Which results in scaling and a very noticeable input lag (i have tested it with multiple monitors present at the same time)

1 upvotes on reddit

lec6329 · OP · 8 months ago

I’m struggling to find a way to compare all the variables and their importance. All the dang model numbers sound so similar from one another. Do you have any suggestions? Ideally, I just want one good monitor that I can keep my MacBook Air and dell connected to simultaneously

1 upvotes on reddit

fuso00 · 8 months ago

If you dont want to hunt for an elusive monitor that might work but has other downsides but just want it to work. Take the apple Studio display.
I dont say that because i just buy apple, but because i have tested 20+ Monitors

1 upvotes on reddit

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1 upvotes on reddit

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