Top 9 Best 4K Monitors for MacBook Pro (Tested & Reviewed in 2023)

You may find that having a laptop screen, such as the MacBook Pro, is too tiny sometimes. If you need an extra screen area, look for a monitor that supports USB-C with a power supply, which allows you to connect your MacBook Pro to the display and charge it with a single connection.

Your current display may be stunning, but if you’re looking for a second display or something larger than what you have, a 4K monitor is a huge step in the right direction.

If you want to keep the same definition as your existing display, here are the top 4K monitors for MacBook Pro users in 2023.

List of the Best 4K Monitor for MacBook Pro in 2023

This article will take you over some of the best 4K monitors for MacBook Pro while discussing their features and details.

1. LG UltraFine 4K UHD LED

LG’s 32UL950-W is a large 32″ screen for an immersive viewing experience. Its In-Plane Switching (IPS) display provides rich colors and a wide 178° viewing angle.

It boasts a 4K UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160, a static contrast ratio of 1300:1, a brightness rating of 450 cd/m2, and support for 1.07 billion colors for sharp and accurate images.

Furthermore, it supports AMD FreeSync technology, which is a useful feature for gamers because it syncs the refresh rate of the GPU and the monitor to prevent ghosting.

Connect this monitor to your PC through HDMI, DisplayPort, or even Thunderbolt 3 and adjust the tilt to your liking.

The Nano IPS display has 98% DCI-P3 coverage for vibrant color, making it excellent for people who work with color.

This monitor is VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified, which means that it has real-time contrast ratios with local dimming, a perceptible boost in color gamut, and a high brightness rating for noticeable highlights.

Thunderbolt 3 is a reversible USB Type-C connector-based hardware interface. When utilized with compatible devices, Thunderbolt 3 has a maximum throughput of 40 Gb/s.

The port also delivers data at up to 10 Gb/s through USB 3.1, and dual-bandwidth DisplayPort 1.2 allows you to connect up to two 4K monitors simultaneously.

2. BenQ PD3220U Monitor

BenQ’s PD3220U is designed to meet the color performance demands of designers, with support for 100% of the sRGB and Rec. 709 color gamut, 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, and HDR10.

The PD3220U, powered by BenQ’s AQCOLOR technology and has an Ultra HD 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 with a refresh rate of 60 Hz, helps offer greater accuracy and productivity adapted to particular tastes.

It does this through using three unique modes: CAD/CAM, Animation, and Darkroom, each of which is specialized for certain circumstances, allowing users from many industries to obtain identical outcomes.

In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology, an anti-glare panel coating, 10-bit support for 1.07 billion colors, a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, and a static contrast ratio of 1000:1.

It also features a typical brightness of 250 cd/m2, and a peak HDR brightness of 300 cd/m2, 140 PPI, and a 5ms (GtG) response time are all included in the PD3220U.

It allows you to look at the display from any position using the 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles. We find the images remain accurate, boosting our productivity while working.

There are two HDMI 2.0 inputs, one DisplayPort 1.4 input, and two Thunderbolt 3 connections, each supporting DP alt mode for daisy-chaining multiple displays and data transfers. One Thunderbolt 3 port can charge devices up to 85W, while the other can charge up to 15W.

The PD3220U minimizes time-consuming, repeated adjustments, freeing up your time and energy for what really counts.

Thunderbolt 3 is capable of doing everything. You may transport music, video, and data with only one connection and receive 65W of power. The ease of a single cable removes distracting clutter.

There’s also a handy USB hub for extra connection. You’ll need a hue that’s similar to your Mac. This is possible with M-Book mode, accessed using the Hotkey Puck G2 or Display Pilot program.

Color provides information, shapes your attitude, and enhances your experiences. All colors are guaranteed to be correct right out of the box with BenQ Designer Class monitors.

3. LG 32UN880 UltraFine 4K Monitor

The UltraFine Display Ergo 32UN880-B has a more adaptable stand and may be used in several settings, from the office to the studio.

It has a large 31.5-acre lot “IPS panel, which provides consumers with vibrant colors and 178° viewing angles.

Furthermore, the 3840 x 2160 4K UHD resolution provides crisp details. Other features include a 1000:1 static contrast ratio, a brightness rating of 350 cd/m2, and compatibility for 1.07 billion colors.

Because of its 5ms reaction time, 60 Hz refresh rate, and AMD Radeon FreeSync compatibility, it may also be used as a gaming monitor.

The connectivity choices are fairly diverse, with USB Type-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort. The monitor comes with a one-click C-clamp desktop mount instead of a standard monitor stand.

It allows you to expand, retract, swivel, pivot, tilt, and even modify the monitor’s height to suit your viewing needs. We could find the most comfortable position for long working hours.

One of the USB Type-C connections provides screen, data, and power transmission up to 60W, making it a one-cable option for reducing desktop clutter.

This display supports HDR 10 content for increased colors and contrast, as well as realistic highlights and shadows.

AMD Radeon FreeSync technology syncs the refresh rate of your display with the frame rate output of your graphics card to decrease screen tearing, stuttering, and ghosting for a more fluid experience.

4. LG 27UN850-W UltraFine IPS Monitor

LG is known for its elegant looks, and the 27UN850-W’s design continues this trend. The bezel-free white cabinet with black accents houses the 27-inch UHD (3840 x 2160) display.

A curving metal bar and a stand with a telescopic arm allow for height, tilt, and pivot adjustments to achieve the best and comfortable screen position.

The 10-bit panel covers 99% of the sRGB color gamut, has a peak brightness of 350cd/m2, a 16:9 ratio, a refresh rate of 60Hz, and a pixel response rate of 5 milliseconds (grey-to-grey).

The back I/0 ports provide connectivity and comprise a pair of HDMI inputs, a DisplayPort input, an upstream USB-C port, two downstream USB 3.0 ports, and a USB port used exclusively for service.

With AMD FreeSync and a plethora of features that help it improve the gaming experience, the LG 27UN850-W easily earns its position among the favorites in the gaming category.

Despite this, it has a minimal input latency and rapid reaction times, which are further increased by overdrive, which reduces motion blur.

In truth, a lag time of 61ms is enough for casual gamers; nevertheless, pro gamers benefit from a faster refresh rate.

5. ASUS PA279CV 4K HDR UHD Monitor

The Asus ProArt PA279CV is a low-cost 4K IPS monitor built for professionals that want perfect accuracy at a cheap cost.

Because it is the less expensive ProArt alternative to the PA32UCX, it only provides the necessary functionality. Let’s take a look at how the Asus ProArt PA279CV performs to see if it’s the finest professional display for aspiring editors and content creators.

With its sleek and stylish design, the Asus ProArt PA279CV seems to be an upmarket business monitor. The chassis has a matte black finish that is paired with a silver stand to make it appear more costly than it is.

The Asus ProArt PA279CV’s build quality is superb, as expected, and equivalent to the brand’s top-end products. The polymers utilized are robust and solid, and we found no visual flaws or distorted edges.

For your convenience, the Asus ProArt PA279CV comes with a stand that can tilt, swivel, pivot, and change in height.

With the default arrangement, it’s simple to find a preferred or comfortable viewing angle, and it’s solid and trustworthy, so it won’t droop or tremble.

You can use VESA mounts, but they aren’t essential unless you have many displays or a small workstation.

6. DELL UltraSharp U2720Q Monitor

Dell’s UltraSharp 4K USB-C Monitor is a 27-inch work monitor with UHD resolution, accurate color reproduction, and a full set of ergonomic controls.

It has the performance and functionality of a high-end business monitor and is designed for professionals who undertake color-critical jobs such as picture editing for upload.

The U2720Q falls between cheap 27-inch 4K monitors and professional versions aimed at graphic arts studios.

Dell states that the color gamut coverage of the sRGB color space, the standard color space used on the web and in many other applications, is 99%. In my tests, the U2720Q achieved a perfect 100% sRGB coverage.

It’s similar to the Editors’ Choice Dell UltraSharp 27 4K PremierColor monitor in certain aspects. Both have UHD resolution, a comparable design and feature set, and a focus on color fidelity.

It features a 9.5-by-7.4-inch rectangular footprint. A vertical shaft links the base to the cabinet, with a circular hole about four inches from the bottom through which wires can be snaked.

If you choose to wall-mount the monitor, there is a square array of VESA mounting holes on the rear of the cabinet spaced 10cm apart.

7. DELL U4320Q UltraSharp Monitor

The Dell UltraSharp 43 U4320Q is a huge screen for greater viewing and efficient multitasking. It also provides sharp, clear details and vibrant colors thanks to an IPS screen with 4K resolution and support for 1.07 billion colors.

HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB Type-C through DisplayPort Alt mode are among the connectivity choices. USB-C lets us share data, charge devices, and perform multiple tasks without causing clutter.

It also has a USB hub for connecting and charging your accessories and mobile devices. The provided stand allows users to adjust the height, tilt, and swivel; however, if necessary, users may attach their own VESA mount, stand, or arm.

Aside from HDMI and DisplayPort, this display has a USB Type-C connector that may be used in DisplayPort Alt mode. It also supports up to 90W of power transmission.

The USB Type-A port on the side can give up to 2A of power, while the Type-C port can deliver up to 15W. Flicker-Free and ComfortView technologies reduce eyestrain and tiredness after long viewing hours.

8. BenQ EW3280U 4K Monitor

The 32-inch BenQ EW3280U has a display with a blazing pixel refresh rate, making it ideal for competitive gaming.

These include a surprisingly strong sound system due to a subwoofer that offers clear bass, a remote control, an all-too-rare monitor attachment, and expertise in processing HDR video.

The frame of the EW3280U is basic and appealing, with a matte-black cabinet and a bronze-colored bottom bezel and base.

The monitor measures 20.6 by 28.6 by 8 inches (HWD) and weighs 17.9 pounds when attached to its stand. The stand has a tilt control but no swivel, pivot, or height adjustment.

The base is a rectangular ring that, in addition to holding the monitor, may be used to store the remote and other small objects. It only has two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort input, a USB Type-C connection, and an audio-out jack.

The USB-C connector supports data transfer and video input through the DisplayPort Across USB protocol, as well as a power supply of up to 60 watts, which is enough to charge a laptop while also showing content from it via the connection.

9. HP U28 4K Monitor

The U28 4K HDR Monitor from HP is marketed as a consumer monitor for multimedia makers. We added it to our list for all the obvious reasons we mentioned.

This bright, well-designed panel excels in both color-gamut coverage and color accuracy for the sRGB space, making it ideal for dealing with web-based art.

This high-resolution display also handles the DCI-P3 area well, with approximately 90% coverage in our testing. Although the impact is minor, the U28 can show HDR video content.

It’s a good general-purpose panel that’s also suitable for light content development, but competition in its market niche is fierce. The 28-inch IPS panel provides a 4K UHD resolution with a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio.

Compared to lower-resolution 27- or 28-inch panels or bigger 4K displays, this resolution and screen size provides a very high pixel density of 157 pixels per inch (PPI), which is more than enough for working with images.

The U28, like other IPS displays, has a wide viewing angle, rated at up to 178 degrees for both vertical and horizontal, which means that colors should remain true—free of shifting or posterization—even when seen from the side or above.

Best 4K Monitor for MacBook Pro 2023 Buying Guide

Things you need to know before buying a 4K monitor for MacBook pro are as under:

Budget:

The first thing to consider is your budget because it will determine many other aspects for you. If you need to keep your costs cheap, choose a lower screen resolution than you would if money was no object.

For example, if you need a high-resolution screen for detailed picture processing, you’ll have to pay a little extra.

However, affordability plays a role in deciding which monitor to buy: some 4K displays include high-end extra features and higher brightness, but you may pick a monitor that focuses more on resolution and color accuracy to give you exactly what you need for less.

Color Gamut Coverage:

If you intend to create any type of material on your Apple laptop, having a wide color gamut coverage is critical. Look for DCI-P3 values of 97% or greater.

You’ll also need a resolution that matches that of your portable. A 4K monitor between 24 and 32 inches in size will deliver a viewing experience comparable to your MacBook Pro’s retina display.

USB-C Connection:

For someone who will be spending a lot of time connecting and disconnecting their MacBook Pro to take it somewhere, USB is a perfect getaway.

USB-C monitors are a good option because they can connect to the laptop via a single cable that carries both power and the video stream, making it super easy to plug and unplug when you’re on the go.

Adjustability:

In all circumstances, we recommend shopping for monitors with adjustable height at the very least, so you can ensure it’s comfortable to work at.

In a world where more and more people work from home, this is one area you don’t want to scrimp on when purchasing since if you start having back problems; you’ll just have to get a better monitor anyhow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best 4K monitor for MacBook Pro?

The Dell UltraSharp U2720Q is a workhorse 4K display that does everything well, so it’s our overall choice for the finest MacBook Pro monitor. This 27-inch display has excellent color reproduction, and its 3840 x 2160 resolution allows you to work and play in 4K quality on your MacBook.

Can MacBook Pro support a 4K monitor?

Your MacBook Pro’s HDMI and Thunderbolt connectors offer video output. You may connect up to two external displays with a resolution of up to 6K at 60Hz (Apple M1 Pro) or up to three external displays with a resolution of up to 6K and one external display with a resolution of up to 4K at 60Hz.

How do I enable 4K on my MacBook Pro?

Select the Apple menu > System Preferences > Displays. Make sure that High Dynamic Range is enabled in Display Settings. This option is only available on third-party HDR10 monitors, not on built-in displays. Deselect this checkbox if you do not want to use HDR.

Conclusion

The new 2022 MacBook Pro models continue to offer a second HDMI display via an HDMI 2.0 socket and native DisplayPort output via USB-C. We believe that having USB-C ports available makes displays with USB-C the most practical alternative.

We compiled a list of the MacBook Pro’s finest displays with a minimum resolution of 4K – the gold standard these days. Among them, we prioritized displays with USB-C connectivity wherever feasible.