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

The display on the MacBook Pro is excellent, but for some activities, a dual-screen arrangement is required, which is why we have compiled a list of the finest displays for Apple’s M1-powered mobile workstation.

The latest generation of USB-C displays provides more than simply a USB-C connection for connectivity. USB-C provides quicker transfer speeds and can send video, data, and power simultaneously with a single cable to the external monitor.

So, let’s check out the best external monitor for MacBook Pro, featuring all the functions needed from an external screen.

List of the Best External Monitors for MacBook Pro in 2023

Here is our list of the best external monitors for the MacBook Pro that you can get for the ultimate experience.

1. Dell UltraSharp U2720Q Monitor

The Dell U2720Q UltraSharp 4K Monitor for MacBook pro offers pure color reproduction and wide color gamut coverage, with a native resolution of 3840 x 2160.

It also features a refresh rate of 60 Hz and coverage for 99% of the sRGB and Rec. 709 color gamut and 95% of the DCI-P3 color spectrum for bold and rich screen performance.

We loved the display performance for creativity with 1.07 billion color support, VESA DisplayHDR 400 HDR compatibility, a 16:9 aspect ratio, an anti-glare coating with a 3H hardness rating.

Also, the images are sharp with a static contrast ratio of 1300:1, a typical brightness level of 350 cd/m2, and an 8ms reaction time in normal mode.

The wide viewing angles are great. Moreover, it offers a single USB Type-C input/output that enables DisplayPort 1.4 video, 5 Gb/s USB 3.0 data transfers, and up to 90W of power to compatible devices.

It also offers DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs, a USB 3.0 Type-C output capable of charging devices up to 3A, and three USB 3.0 Type-A outputs. There is a 3.5mm line out of the connection if you want to output audio.

This display has a tilt range of -5 to 21 degrees, a swivel range of -45 to 45 degrees, a pivot range of -90 to 90 degrees, a height range of 5.12 inches, and a VESA mount size of 100 x 100mm.

2. ASUS 1080P Monitor VA27DCP Monitor

This 27″ monitor features an IPS screen with a 1920 x 1080 resolution and 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles for a crisp image.

A 1000:1 contrast ratio, a brightness level of 250 cd/m2, and support for 16.7 million colors enable vibrant colorization ideal for a wide range of media, making it ideal for editing and streaming.

Smooth, flowing graphics are possible with a refresh rate of 75 Hz and a grey-to-grey reaction time of 5ms. The built-in AMD FreeSync technology helps to provide a tear-free experience and avoids image ghosting.

Furthermore, the VA27DCP is supported by TUV Rheinland Certified Flicker-Free and Low Blue Light technologies to deliver a comfortable viewing experience suitable for both workplace and home settings.

The VA27DCP features an HDMI input, allowing you to utilize this monitor on various PCs, from business to gaming systems. The connection process was smooth, and synchronization was great when we connected two PCs.

The VA27DCP has two USB Type-C ports, one of which supports 65W power delivery, allowing you to charge devices as well as to enlarge screen real estate on laptops that enable DP alt mode.

The 1000:1 contrast ratio ensures that there is minimum distortion and color shift, resulting in true colors that are appropriate for both work and pleasure.

The frameless design has a narrow bezel, allowing you to arrange several monitors side by side for greater screen real estate.

ASUS GamePlus Technology provides gamers with handy utilities such as an on-screen crosshair, timer, FPS counter, and display alignment lines for configuring multiple screens.

3. LG 29WP60G-B Monitor

The 29WP60G LG 21:9 UltraWide FreeSync IPS Gaming Monitor is our next choice for the external screen for MacBook Pro.

This monitor has a 29-inch display and is intended for gaming and enhanced productivity. “Screen resolution of 2560 x 1080 with In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology gives room for unlimited fun with better clarity.

A 1000:1 contrast ratio, HDR10 compatibility, and 16.7 million color support offer realistic images whether you are gaming or creating video.

AMD FreeSync, a 5ms reaction time, and a refresh rate of 75 Hz provide for smooth visuals with less tearing and ghosting. We haven’t experienced image delays or distractions while working.

A brightness rating of 250 cd/m2 and viewing angles of 178° offer accurate vision in low-light conditions or at extreme angles. You may also change the degree of tilt of the monitor for maximum comfort.

It also includes a DisplayPort and HDMI input and a headphone output. HDR10 is a digital HDR standard based on the sRGB 99% color gamut and provides an immersive viewing experience.

When viewing HDR material, take advantage of a larger range of colors. Gamers can swiftly capture the action, obstacles, and opponents with a 1ms MBR response time.

With FreeSync Premium technology, gamers can enjoy smooth, fluid movement in high-resolution, fast-paced games while minimizing screen tearing and stuttering.

The LG 29WP60G-B has a USB Type-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode capability. Full DisplayPort picture signals may be sent to an external monitor using just one USB Type-C, eliminating the need for specialized cables or converters.

It has a Reader Mode, which reduces blue light to assist in reducing eye fatigue, generates a screen with a color temperature akin to paper, and provides excellent reading circumstances.

4. LG 27UN850-W Monitor

This monitor has a wonderful combination of features such as Nvidia G-Sync 4K HDR and many more qualities that provide a mind-blowing and immersive gaming experience.

This 27-inch gaming monitor not only supports HDR 400 but also has a native resolution of 4K, owing to the LG 27UN850-W Ultrafine. It makes the monitor a perfect choice for the MacBook Pro.

The IPS display is responsible for outstanding visual quality with minimal latency. The bezel-less screen is housed in a beautifully constructed cabinet that assures long-term serviceability with no severe quality concerns.

Its strong construction prevents the screen from wobbling. This LG monitor earned its way onto the top 4K gaming monitors list by displaying certain host qualities and Nvidia G-Sync refresh rate technology.

Like other UHD panels, this monitor has a maximum refresh rate of 60 Hertz. Also, the low input lag is complemented by a super-fast reaction time to provide flawless graphical renderings.

On this 27-inch productive screen, you may obtain up to 8 million pixels. This monitor’s per-pixel density (PPI) is around 163 pixels per inch of screen area, which is a true resolution enhancing numeric.

To achieve the best viewing angles, you must have good ergonomic features. This functionality is critical for the entire gaming community if they wish to have comfortable gameplay.

This LG 27UN850-W Ultrafine monitor has an excellent ergonomic design; however, it lacks a single swivel adjustment.

5. Sceptre 24″ Professional LED Monitor

The Sceptre E248W-19203R is a good value 24′′1080p monitor. Its VA panel has a high contrast ratio for deep blacks and supports FreeSync up to 75Hz for tear-free games.

The Sceptre E248W-19203R has a high static contrast ratio of 3,000:1 thanks to its VA screen. As a result, the blacks are deep and inky, creating an immersive viewing experience, especially in gloomy settings.

Furthermore, it has a peak brightness of 250 nits, which is low compared to newer LED-backlit monitors, but it is bright enough under regular lighting.

The maximum refresh rate of the Sceptre E248W-19203R is 75Hz. If compared to the normal 60Hz, this delivers a modest but significant improvement in motion definition.

 To make use of the increased refresh rate, you will also need a sufficiently high frame rate, which should not be a problem for most graphics cards because 1080p is not particularly demanding. At 10ms, input lag is unnoticeable.

As a consequence, we did not notice or feel any delays between our actions and the outcome on the screen. The monitor also has an 8ms GtG pixel transition time.

The monitor’s backlight is flicker-free, and a low-blue light filter allows you to use the screen for long periods without experiencing eye strain.

The screen also includes a matte anti-glare coating to avoid reflections. Two HDMI 1.4 connections, VGA, a headphone connector, and two 2W integrated speakers provide minimal sound output.

6. Philips 346E2CUAE Monitor

The new ‘Philips 346E2CUAE 34-Inch UltraWide QHD Curved Monitor’ has a large panoramic display. MultiView satisfies the requirements for usability and productivity.

The combination of a sharp WQHD 1500R curved display, Ultra-Wide-Color, and an ergonomic stand design provides excellent viewing conditions.

With the 21:9 UltraWide format, you may simultaneously stretch out and view many programs on the same screen. The UltraWide 21:9 aspect ratio also makes movies and games more immersive than ever before.

When compared to a conventional Quad HD resolution, the UltraWide Quad HD resolution (3440 x 1440) makes everything seem sharp and clear and lets you view 34% more pixels.

Ultra-Wide-Color Technology provides a larger range of colors for a more vibrant image. Ultra-Wide-Color delivers more natural-looking greens, bright reds, and deeper blues due to its broader “color gamut.”

This Philips monitor has a USB type-C docking station with power delivery. Its tiny, reversible USB-C connection allowed us to pair it with the MacBook Pro and expand the workstation.

You can watch a high-resolution video and transmit data at lightning speed while also powering up and recharging your notebook. It should not be necessary to choose between choppy gameplay and broken frames when playing games.

It does not have to be that way with the new “Philips 346E2CUAE” monitor. With AdaptiveSync technology, you can get fluid, artifact-free performance at any framerate.

Height adjustment and tilt for maximum display comfort, wall mountable (VESA compatible), and in-stand cable slot for easy cable management are other factors that make it stand out.

7. Dell S2722QC Monitor

The Dell S2722QC features three sides with small display bezels disguised further by an edge-to-edge screen surface that goes past the LCD panel and into the bezels.

Around the rear is a matte grey textured material that looks similar to the pseudo-carbon-fibre weave featured on most Dell XPS laptops.

The Dell S2722QC’s headlining feature is USB-C, the monitor’s primary upgrade over its predecessor, the S2721QS. The updated model includes a USB-C connector with DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery of up to 65 watts.

This allows you to connect and charge your laptop with a single USB-C connection. It is a convenient option, and the S2722QC is one of the least costs 4K monitors with it. Two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports are available for connecting wired USB-A accessories.

A large number of competing monitors provide this benefit. Nonetheless, it is encouraging to discover that the S2722QC offers 3.2 Gen 1 speed across both ports.

Switching on HDR raises the maximum brightness to 417 units and, more crucially, raises the contrast ratio to 1190:1. That is an excellent performance for a mid-range IPS panel.

The Dell S2722QC supports FreeSync. However, it is not a good gaming monitor. The monitor’s highest refresh rate is just 60Hz, with a reaction time of no more than 4ms claimed.

That is not good for motion clarity. We also noticed severe blur behind quick objects while panning across an image compared to a 144Hz gaming monitor.

8. ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV Monitor

The ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV 27″ Monitor is factory calibrated and Calman-certified to achieve an E 2 color accuracy grade, making it ideal for creative professionals.

This QHD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 also helps streamline color-sensitive tasks by providing 100% coverage of the sRGB and Rec.709 color spectrums and DCI-P3 compatibility.

The HDMI and DisplayPort inputs connect to your system, while the DisplayPort out connector allows you to daisy chain multiple ProArt displays.

To decrease desktop clutter, you may now send video, music, data, and up to 65W of power via a single USB Type-C cable with compatible laptops. We haven’t noticed any quality damage over-sharing with this cable.

The ProArt Display PA278CV’s 2560 x 1440 QHD resolution 27″ In-Plane IPS panel is factory-calibrated and supports 16.7 million colors, spanning the whole sRGB and Rec.709 color spectrums, as well as DCI-P3.

Switch between color modes with the inbuilt ProArt Presets, which include sRGB, Rec.709, DCI-P3, Reading, and Rapid Rendering. The ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV has a 1000:1 static contrast ratio, a brightness of 350 cd/m2, and a response time of 5ms.

Adaptive-Sync technology synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the frame rate of your compatible graphics card to eliminate screen tearing, stuttering, and other abnormalities for a smooth viewing experience.

9. SAMSUNG S60UA Monitor

The Samsung S60A S27A600 is a large and bold monitor with a clear IPS display that is ideal for everyday computing. The display is intended to boost productivity while providing a pleasurable viewing.

The stand with the Samsung S60A allows for tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments. It is simple to choose a comfortable angle, making the monitor suitable for multi-display installations.

VESA mounts can still be used, but they are only essential if space is restricted or if you assemble an array of screens for immersion and productivity. Its connection architecture is nothing unique, yet it has everything you need from a PC monitor.

The back panel has DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4 ports, USB 3.0 slots and a 3.5mm connector. The video inputs are pointing down.

However, the accessories ports are facing back. The Samsung S60A features a 32-inch flat VA panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a refresh rate of 75Hz, and a response time of 5ms.

Its backlight has a brightness of 300 cd/m2 and a contrast of 3000:1, like other VA variations. We got sharp and detailed images but at the cost of poor viewing angles.

This device lacks HDR certification, yet the brand stated HDR10 compatibility, implying that it can convert comparable signals. If you want more clarity without losing visibility and readability, 27-inch 1440p displays are ideal.

Best External Monitor for MacBook Pro 2023 Buying Guide

You need to keep certain things in mind when buying an external monitor for your MacBook Pro, as these may alleviate your overall experience.

Resolution:

The number of pixels crammed into the monitor you purchase determines its resolution, and the greater the numbers, the sharper your screen will seem.

Most users will be pleased with the 1080p display, which is widely regarded as the contemporary standard. A 4K monitor is also an option for engineers.

Connection Type:

Apple included Thunderbolt-3 ports in the most recent MacBook Pros with a colorful touch bar. The majority of MacBook Pro models lack USB 3.0 connectors. Purchasing an external USB-C display for your new MacBook Pro is thus an easy decision.

However, compared to USB 3.0-based peripherals, USB-C-related accessories are typically more expensive.

Features:

A good monitor is more than simply a screen. Look for versions with extra ports or a built-in camera if you think you will need one.

Adjustable stand heights, viewing angles, non-reflective displays, and other customizing options are extremely useful.

Size:

It would help if you thought about your available room and what you want to get out of your display.

If all you want to do is extend your display proportionally to make it easier to view, you may not need as large a monitor as someone who wants to gain physical workspace to open numerous program windows at once.

Before purchasing an external monitor, make sure to measure the space available on your workstation, or consider mounting it to the wall rather than placing it on the desk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What external monitor works with MacBook Pro?

Any monitor that supports your MacBook’s HDMI and has Thunderbolt connectors will work fine with your MacBook Pro.

Can I use an external monitor with my MacBook Pro?

With a 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro, you can connect an external monitor, a projector, or an HDTV. Your MacBook Pro’s HDMI and Thunderbolt connectors offer video output.

Do I need a special monitor for MacBook Pro?

Because the new MacBook Pros feature Liquid Retina XDR screens with variable refresh rates of up to 120Hz, you will need a monitor with at least a 120Hz refresh rate if you want it to be as excellent as your MacBook’s display.

Are all external monitors compatible with Mac?

Because the Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C connectors are similar, you may use any monitor equipped with either port if your Mac has one. Although Thunderbolt is quicker and can handle more power, USB C connectors are more likely to be found on displays than Thunderbolt 3 connections.

What resolution monitor should I get for MacBook?

A 1440p resolution display would be ideal since it requires less bandwidth from your MacBook than a 4k monitor, allowing you to achieve greater frame rates for a more responsive desktop experience.

Conclusion

Choosing the finest 4K USB-C monitor for Mac might be challenging. Consider how much space you have on your desk, what you want to use your Mac laptop for, and how much you can pay.

We mentioned the displays that provide the greatest ultrawide characteristics, allowing you to enjoy a better viewing experience.

With the various products included in this list of the best external monitors for MacBook Pro, we hope you will be able to discover something that suits you and propel your graphic design career ahead.