When the M1 MacBook Air was released at the end of 2020, it received unanimous acclaim. However, the M1 products have one key disadvantage, at least for now. They only allow for one external monitor to be connected.
This may be confusing for productivity experts or video specialists, but it should not be a problem for most consumers. It does, however, imply that the monitor you select is more crucial than ever.
So, without further ado, here are the Best Monitors for MacBook Air.
List of the Best Monitors for MacBook Air in 2023
Moving on to our list of the best monitors for MacBook Air, we will be starting with:
1. LG 27UK850-W Monitor
The LG 27UK850-W features a black front and a white back, a design choice that gives it a distinct and beautiful appearance.
The supplied cast aluminum U-Line stand is similarly sleek, all silver, and allows for a forward or backward tilt of -5 to 20 degrees.
It may also be moved up and down by 4.7 inches. With narrow bezels, the main display area is surrounded by a 0.25-inch border at the edges of the screen.
The lower border is hardly viewable. Nonetheless, this display does not have any annoying borders in the panel, giving you more room on the screen to open multiple tabs simultaneously.
Two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort port, and one USB-C port function as a USB hub are included. The USB-C connection supports DisplayPort and can charge a device. We also utilized it for data sharing.
The 27UK850-W has an In-Plane Switching (IPS) screen with extraordinary color output and a great viewing angle.
Even in the absence of HDR color compatibility, the sRGB color gamut is at 99%, with excellent color output from the beginning. Even when viewed from different angles, the display remains clear.
2. Acer Nitro XV272U Monitor
With the Acer Nitro XV272U 27″, you can take your enjoyment and creative production to the next level. It has thin bezels cornering a 2560 x 1440 panel screen.
It also comes with 170Hz refresh rates using DisplayPort 1.2 and a 2ms response time that can be boosted to 0.5ms for crisp and smooth action games.
This monitor is designed to deliver 16.7 million colors that cover 95% DCI-P3 gamut. Considering the expansive color palate, we recommend this monitor for photo editing and gaming.
When connected to an HDMI 2.0 connector, the monitor has a refresh rate of 144 Hz. HDR mode with up to 400 cd/m2 brightness and a 100 million:1 contrast ratio for vibrant, lifelike photographs and games are also included.
When connected to a suitable graphics card, it supports AMD FreeSync technology, helping eliminate stuttering and tearing during action sequences.
FreeSync allows the display to dynamically adapt its refresh rate to match the frame rate supplied by the graphics card, minimizing screen tearing, stuttering, and other abnormalities.
To maximize comfort, you may adjust the screen’s height, tilt, swivel, and pivot, or use the 100 x 100mm VESA mounting holes to mount the monitor to a wall, compatible swivel arm, or multi-monitor stand.
3. SAMSUNG M7 Smart Monitor
With the S32AM702UN 32, you can simplify entertainment and productivity and have the best computing experience on the 4K display.
Having a 32” monitor, it comes with a Vertical Alignment panel and a 4K resolution. Support for HDR 10, 16.7 million colors, and a static contrast ratio of 3000:1 offer stunning graphics and images.
Furthermore, movies and games seem smooth and fluid, with a refresh rate of 60 Hz and a reaction time of 8ms (GtG). The response time can be questionable, but it keeps the screen active.
The 250 cd/m2 brightness, broad 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles, and flicker-free screen technology keep you comfortable for lengthy periods.
HDR 10 compatibility allows you to enjoy HDR images in their entirety. Furthermore, 16.7 million colors and a static contrast ratio of 3000:1 guarantee accurate and sharp images.
Connect a USB Type-C compliant laptop to take advantage of video input and up to 65W power delivery. You can also use the cable for data sharing between two devices.
This screen technology lowers screen flicker, resulting in a more comfortable viewing experience with less strain on the eyes. Eye-saver mode reduces blue light and boosts comfort.
This smart monitor runs on an integrated Tizen operating system, has a web browser, built-in Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, and screen-mirroring from mobile devices.
4. Philips 276E8VJSB Monitor
This monitor by Philips has a 60Hz IPS-type (In-Plane Switching or equivalent) panel. It provides 10-bits per subpixel color output through 8-bit Plus FRC dithering and has a resolution of 3840 x 2160.
From the front, the monitor is simple. The powder-coated metal finish on the crescent-shaped stand base and thin cylindrical stand neck give them a hefty and expensive feel.
According to the maker, the bottom bezel is glossy black plastic, while the top and side bezels have an ‘ultra-narrow border’ design.
A 5ms grey-to-grey reaction time is mentioned, which, as is customary, should not be taken too seriously. However, we find the screen fairly responsive for daily computing.
The high pixel density of 163.18 PPI adds great detail and clarity to high-resolution visual material. High-resolution photos, videos, and games are included.
Even if you set the game to a low detail level, or if you are running an older title that is not graphically complicated, the pixel density has a significant benefit.
Various features look sharper and more defined – things or people stand out more from one another and their surroundings, even when they are fairly far away.
5. ASUS ProArt PA278QV Monitor
The ProArt PA278CV 27″ Monitor boasts a QHD resolution of 2560 x 1440, which helps to simplify color-sensitive processes with 100% sRGB coverage.
The HDMI and DisplayPort connect the system that allows you to daisy chain more than one ProArt display. The HDMI input ensures ideal sync between two devices.
To decrease desktop clutter, you may now send data via a single USB Type-C cable to other devices. A four-port USB 3.1 Gen 1 hub and inbuilt 2W stereo speakers round out the list of useful features.
Connecting compatible PCs through the USB Type-C connection enables the inbuilt 4-port 5 Gb/s USB 3.1 Gen 1 hub. There is also a 3.5mm headphone jack for private music listening.
The monitor supports rotation, tilt, swivel, and height adjustment, allowing you to consume content or do your work by adjusting the monitor in your desired position.
This IPS panel lets you enjoy 178-degree wide viewing angles, making the display ideal for sharing content with others. Also, we didn’t find images washed out from certain angles.
6. Dell UltraSharp U2720Q Monitor
Dell’s U2720Q UltraSharp 27″ IPS Monitor has a 2160p resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and 99% sRGB coverage for bold, rich, and lifelike display performance.
It also has In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology, VESA DisplayHDR 400 compatibility for HDR, and a reaction time of 5ms. IPS ensures wide viewing angles, perfect for content creators and gamers.
You can watch from any position by utilizing the 178° viewing angles. Dell’s U2720Q includes a single USB Type-C port that supports DisplayPort 1.4 video. It also lets you charge or transfer data in no time.
Additionally, a single connection that transfers power, data, and video – all at once – reduces the time it takes to move from your workstation.
The Easy Arrange function in Dell Display Manager (DDM) allows you to rapidly tile and see your apps side-by-side across multiple linked screens for multitasking efficiency.
With its almost borderless design, you can work with an unbroken view across many displays. You will also receive more preset layouts with the updated DDM.
7. BenQ PD3220U Monitor
BenQ’s PD3220U 31.5″ 16:9 HDR 4K IPS Monitor for MacBook air has been designed to meet the color performance requirements of designers and content creators.
The monitor is packed with features, including IPS technology, anti-glare panel coating, 10-bit support for 1.07 billion colors, and a wide aspect ratio for a rich display.
Additionally, a contrast ratio of 1000:1, a typical brightness of 250 cd/m2, a peak HDR brightness of 300 cd/m2, 140 PPI, and a 5ms (GtG) response time make the display more bearable.
Accurate Reproduction is provided by BenQ AQCOLOR technology. This corresponds to the color displayed exactly as it should be.
The BenQ team, led by a color specialist, participated in the ICC and ISO to produce color-related standards and implementation instructions.
There are also two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and two Thunderbolt 3 connections for daisy-chaining multiple displays and data transfers.
The PD3220U supports Thunderbolt 3 connectivity through two USB Type-C ports and delivers 85W of power. This allows you to expand content over up to two 4K displays while smoothly exchanging audio, video, and data.
Flicker-free technology reduces flickering at all brightness settings, decreasing eye strain significantly.
LCD panels flicker at a rate of 250 times per second. Your eyes may not be able to see harmful flickers, but they may surely feel them. The flicker-free mode should be selected. Your eyes will appreciate it.
Things to Keep in Mind While Buying the Best Monitor for MacBook Air (Buying Guide)
Monitor evolves rapidly, with many complicated languages and technical elements to sift through and a range of various connectors and connections.
So, it is worth looking at some of the variables to consider when purchasing a display for your MacBook Air.
Connectivity Options
Although USB-C and Thunderbolt cords appear to be the same, they have some significant technical differences. Because most modern MacBook and iMac models only have Thunderbolt 3 connectors.
You will need an adaptor to connect your MacBook Air to a display with HDMI or DisplayPort interfaces. It is critical to check which ports your new display utilizes and get the appropriate cables and adapters.
This might be perplexing, but Apple does publish a list of the ports featured on the most recent Mac models, so you can figure out what you require.
Ergonomics
Suppose you will spend a lot of time sitting at a desk staring at your wonderful new display. In that case, you should consider ergonomics – the ability to tilt the monitor’s angle back and forth, rotate it around for comfortable viewing, and change the monitor’s height to avoid an aching back or neck.
As a general suggestion, eye level should be around 2 to 3in from the top of the screen. Eye level differs from person to person, so you must have the ability to adjust the screen for your comfort.
Resolution & Size
As the phrase goes, size is not everything, but it is an excellent place to start. If you are short on room or money, the smallest monitor size we would recommend is 21″, which also happens to be the size of Apple’s smallest iMac models.
The less expensive 27″ Screens with the same 1920×1080 resolution as their smaller siblings are common. However, we believe having a huge screen with such poor quality is a bit of a waste.
The next step up is a 27-inch panel with a resolution of 2560×1440, almost half the resolution of the most recent 4K displays (at 3840×2160). I have always felt that 2560×1440 is easy on the eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best monitor for MacBook Air?
The best monitor for MacBook Air may vary with individual requirements, but you should look out for connectivity options and resolution of the monitor to get the most optimal experience.
Can you use any monitor with a MacBook Air?
With your MacBook Air, you may connect an external monitor, a projector, or an HDTV. Your MacBook Air’s USB-C ports allow video output.
What type of monitor is best for MacBook Air?
The ideal monitor for MacBook Air is one with a USB-3 Thunderbolt 3 Port for connecting a Mac to a display. You may purchase an extension dongle with a video output connection that matches your display.
Can I close my MacBook Air and use an external monitor?
You can close the built-in display after connecting your external display if you use an external keyboard and mouse with your Mac notebook. To bring up the external display, you may need to hit a key or click your mouse.
Conclusion
Choosing the right monitor for your MacBook Air can be confusing at times, especially when you are on a low budget.
For that reason, we have compiled a list of the best monitors for MacBook Air, and we hope this list helps you make the right decision when buying a monitor that matches your needs the best.