Best Monitors For MacBook Pro & Air in 2024
An external monitor for your Mac is always a help. But finding a good external monitor for your MacBook can be a challenging task. As there are too many things to consider also the market has a lot of options to offer. So the question is, what are the best monitors for MacBook Pro & Air available out there?
To help you find a monitor, I have done deep research and handpicked some of the best names. So let’s quickly go ahead and check them out:
Best Monitors For MacBook Pro & Air in 2024
1. Dell UltraSharp U2720Q 27 Inch 4K UHD
First, there is the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q 27 Inch 4K UHD monitor. This one features a sleek design and comes with a 27-inch diagonal 4K UHD IPS screen. It supports a resolution of 3840 x 2160, and its thin profile is an ideal solution for multi-display setups.
The monitor also offers you great visuals. You get to see consistent vibrant colours across a wide viewing angle. Thanks to its IPS technology.
The monitor also offers you convenient connectivity options. As it features ports like DisplayPort, HDMI, USB ports, and Audio Line out.
The monitor also supports Tilt, Swivel, Pivot, and Vesa Mount. As a result, you can position the monitor to a comfortable viewing angle.
With this monitor, you will also enjoy a wide colour coverage with 95% DCI-P3. This covers approximately 25% more colour space than sRGB. So you can enjoy true colour reproduction.
2. MSI Prestige PS341WU
If you are looking for a monitor with a larger screen area, then do have a look at the MSI Prestige PS341WU.
This one is a 34-inch ultra-wide professional WUHD monitor which comes with a resolution of 5120 x 2160. Plus, it features a 21: 9 aspect ratio which is perfect for all design-related works and multitasking.
The monitor also features a Nano IPS panel which offers you true premium-quality pictures. Plus, its 98% of DCI-P3 colour gamut with pre-calibrated settings offers you the most excellent colour accuracy.
The 34” ultra WUHD display will help you to see things in expressive detail. So no matter if you are using the monitor for graphics design or video editing, you would see a clearer picture.
The monitor also features a built-in picture-in-picture (PIP) and Picture-by-Picture (PBP). So you can see content from multiple sources simultaneously.
3. Razer Raptor 27
Up next, there is the Razer Raptor 27. This one features a 27 inches WQHD display which comes with a resolution of 2560×1440. Under the hood, the monitor features an IPS panel, and it is made to offer incredible detail and picture clarity.
The monitor also features a 144hz refresh rate which offers a smooth and crisp image. Also, the high refresh rate would come in handy while you are editing videos or watching movies.
Along with that, it comes with a 1ms response time which enhances the sharpness of each frame and reduces motion blur.
It also comes with a 95% DCI-P3 Color Gamut and HDR400 support. So you can enjoy a rich, vibrant spectrum of colour. Also, check out Best Thunderbolt 3 Dock For MacBook Pro & Air
Moreover, the monitor also features a solid aluminium base with Razer Chroma RGB & built-in cable management.
4. BENQ PD2705Q Monitor For MacBook
BENQ PD2705Q is also one of the best monitors for MacBook Pro & Air that you can check out. The monitor is an ideal solution if you are into graphics-related work.
As it comes with the AQCOLOR TECHNOLOGY which covers 100% of sRGB/Rec, 709. Plus, it offers Delta E ≤ 3 colour consistency and uniformity for accurate colour performance.
The monitor also comes with USB-C connectivity. So connecting your MacBook won’t be an issue. Also, USB-C connectivity provides fast video, audio, data, and power delivery. Also, it’s pretty useful for a multi-monitor setup.
It also packs customized features like KVM and ICCsync. As a result, getting your design work would be a smooth experience.
It also comes with specialized display modes and optimal design settings. Such as M-Book, Darkroom, CAD/CAM, and Animation modes.
5. MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD
If you are looking for something affordable, do have a look at the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD. This one features a 27-inch rapid IPS panel LED-backlit display. It comes with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 QHD.
Moreover, it also features Rapid IPS with Quantum Dot Technology. This technology helps in eliminating image distortion and provides minimal colour shifts when viewed from different angles.
The monitor’s high resolution allows you to see every exquisite detail. So you can enjoy amazing images and the perfect viewing experience. Also, check out Best USB-C Hub Docking Station For MacBook Pro & Air
It also comes with a high refresh rate of 165hz. So if you want to play games, the monitor would definitely satisfy all your needs. Also, the high refresh rate helps in video editing.
What’s more? The monitor also comes with an adjustable stand that supports lowering, raising, swivelling, and pivoting. So you can position the monitor to a comfortable viewing angle.
6. LG 34GP83A-B
You can also have a look at the LG 34GP83A-B. This one packs the latest hardware, specs, ergonomics and comes in a sleek design.
The monitor is made for gamers. But its features would definitely meet the requirements of the power users.
It comes with features like NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility, 1ms GTG response times, pro-level customization, and fast, vivid IPS panel, and more.
The monitor features a 1ms response time along with ultra-fast refresh rates. As a result, you would enjoy the purity of on-screen colours.
Plus, it features the FreeSync Premium technology, which helps in eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. It also features a black stabilizer. As a result, you would get to see clear details in darker areas.
The monitor also comes with a bezel-less and curved design that will offer you the ultimate viewing experience.
7. ASUS ProArt Display
Next, there is the ASUS ProArt Display. This one is also one of the best monitors for MacBook Pro & Air that you can check out.
This one features a 27-inch WQHD display and comes with a resolution of 2560 x 1440. It also packs a LED backlight display with IPS 178° wide viewing angle. The monitor offers you an international colour standard of 100% sRGB and 100% Rec and a 709 wide colour gamut.
The monitor also offers you a bunch of connectivity options. Such as USB-C with 65W Power Delivery, DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB 3.1 hub. Thanks to its USB-C port, you won’t have any trouble connecting to your Mac.
The monitor also features a 75Hz refresh rate and Adaptive-Sync technology. This helps in eliminating screen tearing. Also, you can enjoy smoother fast action scenes.
It also comes with daisy-chaining, which allows you to chain up to four monitors for a multi-display workstation via DisplayPort.
8. Acer Nitro XV340CK Pbmiipphzx
If you are looking for an affordable ultrawide monitor, then do have a look at the Acer Nitro XV340CK Pbmiipphzx. The monitor is extremely affordable and comes with 34 inches of screen. Along with that, it features a 3440×1440 (21:9) UltraWide QHD resolution. As a result, you will enjoy an amazing picture quality and viewing experience.
To make your experience even better, it comes with a refresh rate of 144hz. So you can experience ultra-smooth viewing with faster frame rendering and lower input lag.
In addition to that, the monitor comes with AMD FreeSync. This will eliminate screen tearing and screen blur-like issues.
It also comes with additional technologies like Acer BlueLightShield and Flickerless technologies. These technologies help in protecting your eyes from unnecessary strain and fatigue. So you can work for long hours.
9. GIGABYTE M27Q
For my next pick, I have the GIGABYTE M27Q. This one is a 27 inches 2560×1440 SS IPS Display. The monitor packs some great features, and it is pretty affordable.
It comes with SuperSpeed IPS technology that reduces the response time to 0.5ms. Plus, it offers you IPS-grade splendid colour. Also, check out Best Portable Scanner for MacBook Pro & Air
The monitor also has a QHD resolution and comes with a 170Hz refresh rate. Its high resolution and faster refresh rate offer you detailed display quality.
Plus, it features a fantastic colour display and 92% DCI-P3 super wide-gamut colour. The monitor also features a KVM that allows you to control multiple devices via one set of keyboard, video, and mouse.
Also, it features an OSD Sidekick. This allows you to set the display options with keyboard and mouse, giving you the easiest way to adjust monitor settings.
10. ViewSonic VP2458
In the end, I have the ViewSonic VP2458. This one is a Full HD monitor which comes with a resolution of 1920x1080p.
It also packs an IPS panel and has a 60Hz refresh rate. The monitor also has a frameless bezels design which is ideal for a multi-monitor setup.
The monitor is also designed to offer you the ultimate colour accuracy. As it offers you 100% sRGB colour coverage and Delta E<2 colour accuracy, which delivers precise and lifelike images.
It also features advanced ergonomics and comes with flicker-free technology with a blue light filter. This will surely help in boosting your productivity.
Moreover, it comes with flexible connectivity options and comes with ports like HDMI 1.4, USB 3.1, DisplayPort, and VGA inputs.
How to Select the Best Monitors For MacBook Pro?
Before selecting a monitor for your MacBook pro, you should consider a few things to get the best suitable product. Knowing your monitor’s resolution, compatibility, screen size, and refresh rate would be best. I have shared all these factors below with a detailed description to help you understand them better.
Resolution & Colors
The first thing you should look for is the resolution, as the monitor should produce a good picture quality to look great beside your shiny MacBook Pro.
1080p is enough for a 24inch monitor, but it won’t be bad if the resolution increases. You can go for 1440p or QHD for sharper picture quality. If you want to observe details more accurately, and your budget supports it, 4K is the best option. This 4K is best suitable for video editing-related work but may drop frames while gaming.
You should always consider the video colors as you expect them to be, as you see in real life. So, having a monitor with 100% SRGB, 90% Adobe RGB, and DCI p3 is always a good idea.
Ports & Cables and Compatibility
Ports & cables are one of the most important things as they help you establish a connection.
Many monitors offer a thunderbolt port that gives you a higher resolution and appreciable refresh rates. You’ll get a higher speed for data transfer, and it’ll also allow you to charge your MacBook.
But thunderbolt ports are mainly available in expensive monitors, and if you are on a tight budget, you can undoubtedly go for USB-C, HDMI, or Display Port if your MacBook has that particular port. However, you’ll find many adapters in the market to help you connect your Mac and the external monitor if the ports are different in both devices.
All types of ports have their advantages & disadvantages, but it won’t matter much for you if you are going to use them for your regular work only where you don’t need a fast data transfer.
Screen Size
Another thing that you should consider is the screen size, but it all depends on you.
24 inches monitors are the most demandable as they take a little space on your desk and are more affordable than other screen sizes.
27 inches monitors are perfect in my opinion as it doesn’t cost much and are moderate in screen size.
But it’s always better to get a large screen monitor as you’ll get a lot of space for your apps and multitasking. So, you can go for 32 or 38 inches, too, if your pocket allows you. Also, check out Best Monitors For Mac Studio
16×9 screen-sized monitors are the most popular, but you get more vertical space for your work in 16×10. If you want ultrawide monitors, you can go for 21×9 or 21×10 undoubtedly, and 2×9 ratio monitors will be the best if you have a bigger desk.
Refresh Rate
The rate of displaying images is called the refresh rate, and it gives users a smooth experience if it’s higher. Gamers demand a higher refresh rate, but if you aren’t going to play games, it won’t bother you much.
MacBook Pro with an M1 chip and XDR displays supports 120Hz refresh rates, and if your monitor has a lower rate, you’ll feel slower while switching. You can also change the refresh rates by going to the settings of your MacBook Pro.
So, before buying a monitor, you should consider the monitor that matches the refresh rate of your Mac to get a seamless experience.
If you think of an external monitor for your work only where response time and refresh rate don’t matter, even a 60Hz monitor will work best for you.
Final Words:
So those were some of the best monitors for Macbook Pro & Air in 2024. All of these monitors are fully compatible with MacBooks. However, you might need to use a USB-C dock to connect some monitors. Anyway, now it is your call to check these monitors out and pick something that fulfils your needs.
