Best MacBook Pro monitor in 2023
If you’re looking for the best MacBook Pro monitor, we’ve got you covered right here.
MacBook Pros are great, aren’t they? With a retina display, fantastic features, and portability, they are laptops beloved across the country.
Sometimes, however, we want a bigger screen. If we wish to enhance our home office game, have a larger screen, or use it for gaming, we find ourselves wanting to purchase a separate monitor.
But purchasing a monitor for a MacBook Pro isn’t always easy. Especially if you have bought your laptop in the last few years, you will need a monitor with a USB-C port or a Thunderbolt port to avoid the fate of yet another adapter.
There’s a lot of choice for monitors these days, and ranging in price, it can be overwhelming to find the right choice for you. Thankfully, that’s where we come in to save the day!
Keep reading to for the best monitor for MacBook Pro and our buyer’s guide to help you find the perfect monitor for you and your MacBook Pro!
Products at a Glance
How We Picked
How we picked
When it comes to monitors, we know how vital crisp and brightly colored visuals are. It’s why we would never recommend a monitor that does not live up to or exceed our high standards.
When selecting the best monitor for MacBook Pro, we looked at compatibility, size, resolution, and color gamut to find the best monitor for you! We chose monitors that are great for work, gaming, and any creative hobbies or professions! We considered the cost of these monitors and customer reviews to ensure that the monitor was worthy of joining our list.
Things To Consider
Product Reviews
- 35-inch curved monitor
- Zero flicker and low blue light technology
- 100Hz refresh rate
- USB-C cable provides super-speed USB data transfer
- Some customers reported issues with backlight bleeding
Our top pick, and clear winner, is the BenQ EX3501R monitor. The ultra-wide 35-inch monitor provides an immersive and fantastic viewing experience.
The curved wide-angled monitor features a 21:9 aspect ratio and an ultra-slim bezel with a whopping 3440×1440 resolution and 1800R curvature; it’s a viewing experience like no other!
The monitor also boasts a brightness level of 300! BenQ’s monitor also has a refresh rate of 100Hz to provide quick speeds with little to no lag! These features are great for those wanting to use the monitor for gameplay.
The monitor also uses AMD Free Sync to deliver smooth gameplay with no choppy tearing and broken frames. Combined with HDR technology, you get enhanced brightness and contrast levels that enhance your gaming experience.
What’s great about this monitor is BenQ’s patented eyecare for extended play. The Brightness Intelligence Plus (B.I.+) uses a sensor that allows the screen to adapt the brightness and color to your in-room lighting! That’s right; the future is now!
The B.I.+ works in harmony with zero flicker and low blue light to combat eye strain, blurred vision, and fatigue! The fantastic technology allows you to look at your screen for longer without suffering!
The monitor sits on an ergonomic stand that allows you to adjust the height and tilt it. You can create the perfect environment for you.
BenQ’s monitor also offers super-speed connectivity. Featuring a USB-C one cable, you can connect the monitor to your MacBook Pro easily! The cable provides super-speed USB data transfer and 2k video delivery! You also get an HDMI, DisplayPort, and a USB port for all your other needs!
Some customers reported backlight bleeding, where there was a white glow around objects on the screen. This issue was not widely reported and can be rectified with a replacement monitor from BenQ.
Overall, customers were pleased with this monitor. They praised the excellent graphics which can be used for gameplay. They found that the monitor switched seamlessly between settings minimizing any chance of lags or tears.
Many customers praised it as excellent value for money too, which is always a bonus when it comes to the expensive technology world! After an immersive monitor that is lightning fast? Look no further than BenQ’s monitor!
- 24-inch Full HD monitor
- Frameless digital canvas
- Flicker-free technology for eye protection
- Flexible connectivity for Macs and PCs.
- Some customers reported screen bleeding
For those after an affordable option, ViewSonic’s monitor is the one for you! The 24-inch Full HD monitor has a resolution rate of 1920x1080p and uses IPS to deliver lifelike colors. It’s a great option for graphic designers or photographers who want to view their work on a larger screen than their existing MacBook Pro.
The monitor boasts a refresh rate of 60Hz for incredible speeds and performance. You will be able to enjoy this on the frameless digital canvas! The four-sided ultra-thin bezel reveals more screen so that you can see all of your work without a bulky surround!
ViewSonic’s monitor boasts fantastic color accuracy and 100% screen-wide sRGB color coverage to deliver precise and lifelike images. The flicker-free technology and blue light filter help to protect your eyes without compromising on color quality! Whether you are using the monitor for work or pleasure, you will be able to enjoy the screen without eyestrain!
There’s a great deal of connectivity with this monitor too. It is compatible with both PCs and Macs! You can connect your device through either the 1.4 HDMI port, USB, DisplayPort, or a VGA input. It is worth noting that those with more recent MacBook Pro’s will need a USB- USB-C converter cable to connect the two successfully.
What’s great about this monitor is that it comes with a three-year warranty offering protection should anything go wrong! You also have access to US-based customer support for any queries or concerns!
Customers were impressed with the color calibration on the monitor. The quality of the visuals’ color and crispness was immensely enjoyed by amateur and professional photographers alike! They found the settings easy to maneuver and the ability to split the screen fantastic for workers and gamers alike!
Some customers did report cases of screen bleeding, which impacted their ability to edit. This was not a widely reported issue, and a call to customer service should rectify the problem, but it is worth mentioning.
For those on a budget, you can do no wrong when purchasing ViewSonic’s monitor!
- 27-inch UltraFine UHD monitor
- Great adjustability on the stand
- 99% Color Gamut
- USB-C with 60W power delivery
- Black levels are not as good as other monitors on the market
If you are after a reasonably priced 4K monitor, then LG has the one for you! The 27-inch UltraFine UDH monitor has an impressive resolution of 3840×2160 and uses an IPS display to deliver fantastic visuals!
The monitor uses a VESA Display HDR of 400 and a USB-C port with 60W of power delivery. You can charge your MacBook Pro as it connects to the monitor!
LG’s monitor also features a color gamut of 995% sRGB to provide you with fantastic graphics and visuals. The black stabilizer maintains visibility in darker scenes, great for those using the monitor for gameplay. The stabilizer senses dark scenes and brightens them so you can find enemies hiding in the dark easily!
The game mode function allows you to customize your gaming conditions too. The modes for FPS games and RTS pre-set mode will enable you to choose the best settings for the game.
Thanks to the OnScreen control, you can split the screen with ease. Great for those wanting a larger screen to work on! There are other terrific options with OnScreen control, too, allowing you to tailor your screen perfectly.
What’s great about this monitor is that you have a 3-side virtually borderless display, with the bottom of the monitor having a slightly thicker border. Enjoy more of the screen and experience fantastic visuals.
You can also adjust the height, swivel, pivot, and tilt of the monitor, thanks to the adjustable stand! Take control and create an environment that is perfect for you. The adjustability of this monitor is particularly great for those wanting to run vertically oriented photographic editing programs.
Customers loved the sharp and clear imaging with excellent contrast. They praised the matte screen, allowing them to work in rooms with natural light without worrying about glare from sunlight.
Some customers noted that the black levels were not as good as other monitors in the market. This issue was noticed mostly in a dark room. It was not widely reported, so those using it to work during the day should have no problems.
If you are after a reasonably priced monitor that delivers exceptionally bright and crisp colors, then it’s the LG monitor for you!
- 27-inch sleek 4K UHD monitor
- Fantastic visuals
- 99% color gamut
- Great connectivity ports
- Some customers found the buttons hard to press
If you are after a reasonably priced and ultra-thin monitor, then the Dell UltraSharp is the monitor for you!
The 27-inch monitor features a 4K UHD display with a resolution of 3840×2160 and features LED backlighting. The IPS view provides fantastic visuals that will be great for work or streaming.
What’s great about the Dell monitor is its wide range of convenient connections. You get a DisplayPort, HDMI, USB ports, and Audio Line out, allowing you to connect your device with ease. Also present is a USB-C port, enabling you to connect your MacBook Pro to the monitor with ease.
The monitor comes with anti-glare technology, reducing eye strain while using it for comfortable use. The anti-glare technology is also helpful when working in rooms with lots of natural light.
Dell’s monitor can also be adjusted via the stand to enhance your comfort while you work. You can change the tilt, swivel, and pivot of the stand to have the monitor positioned just how you need it.
Some customers found the buttons difficult to press and needed to hold the monitor to push them. This issue was not widely reported, but one considering if you will be using this monitor daily.
The 99% color gamut ensures bright and crisp colors, as well as a great contrast. The contrast ratio is 1300:1, and you get a brightness of 350 nit! Customers praised the excellent quality of the colors and enjoyed the balance between them.
Many praised the monitor for use while working at home, especially on MacBook Pros! They found the connection easy to make and that the resolution delivered the fantastic quality that was easy to work with.
If you are after a sleek monitor that won’t break the bank and deliver outstanding visuals, then Dell has the monitor for you!
- 32-inch 4K UHD monitor
- 99.5% Adobe RGB true color reproduction
- Adjustable tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments on the stand
- Integrated dimming zones for enhanced brightness and contrast
- Expensive
Those of you with a bigger budget will fall in love with Asus’ ProArt monitor! The 32-inch 4K UHD monitor has an excellent resolution of 3840×2160 to deliver fantastic visuals. The panel has four times the standard monitor’s pixel density and up to 300% more screen space to provide incredible clarity for work or watching 4K videos.
The splendid mode provides an additional black level item, and dynamic dimming allows for enhanced HDR and better HDMI compatibility.
You get a good range of ports with this monitor too. You get a Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort, and multiple HDMI ports! There is a port to suit every need. You will be able to connect your MacBook Pro with ease for a quick set up in the mornings!
What’s great about this monitor is that it is HDR-10 with 384 integrated local dimming zones. These support up to 1000nits of brightness for rich and detailed contrasts; your graphics will have never looked better! Asus uses these features to keep your whites bright and your blacks as deep as possible.
Thanks to the 99.5% Adobe RGC true color reproduction and being factory pre-calibrated, the monitor has fantastic color accuracy! Using 14-bit color graphics, the monitor can display over 1.07 billion colors! It’s an ideal choice for those working with graphics or photography.
You won’t need to worry about your eyes either, as the monitor comes with an Asus eyecare feature. It boasts flicker-free and low blue light technology is designed to minimize eye strain making your viewing experience comfortable.
The stand can be adjusted, too, to create the perfect setup for your monitor. You can adjust the tilt, swivel, pivot, and height so the monitor can suit your every need.
Customers loved this monitor, praising its easy connections and ability to charge the MacBook while in use! They enjoyed the colors and found they worked well when viewing and editing photographs.
Customers also enjoyed the low-blue light options, which alleviated any eye strain for those putting in long hours in front of their screens!
While it is a pricer option, it is a fantastic monitor to consider for those after beautiful colors that perform consistently.
How to choose the best MacBook Pro monitor
There are a number of considerations you’ll want to make when selecting the best MacBook Pro monitor for you. Here are the areas you’ll want to focus on before you take the plunge!
Compatibility
Look out for monitors that come with a good range of ports that will work for a range of Macbooks. If your monitor does not have the USB-C port you require, you will need to purchase an adapter that will allow you to connect your MacBook Pro via a USB or HDMI port. These are not too expensive but will be an added cost you will need to consider.
Size Matters
As always, when purchasing a monitor, you will need to consider the size of it. At the very least, you will want it to be larger than your current MacBook Pro screen to see the benefit of using a larger monitor.
Be sure to measure the area the monitor will be placed in beforehand, ensure you have adequate space. When selecting the size of your monitor, be sure to check out its resolution too. For a larger monitor, you will want a higher resolution to ensure the image remains crisp and clear. This can drive your cost up, so be mindful of this when setting your budget.
Added Extras
When purchasing your new monitor, it is always worth looking out for added extras to get great value for your money! Extra ports and features can be helpful. Be sure there are at least enough ports for your current needs.
A great addition to look out for is flicker-free or anti-blue light technology. These features are designed to minimize potentially harmful blue light that can cause eye strain, among other symptoms. These features are great for those using the monitor for extended periods.
Technology that works to enhance the darkness of screens is also a great feature. These will work to ensure that your black colors remain black instead of patchy or grey without compromising on the other colors on the screen. This also is less stressful for your eyes and allows you to enjoy the visuals.
Stands that can be adjusted are another great extra to keep an eye out for! These will allow you to tailor the monitor to your requirements for a comfortable working environment.
How Much?
The price of monitors varies considerably depending on the brand and quality. It can be challenging to know how much you should be spending on your new monitor.
We recommend setting a clear budget and sticking to it as best as possible. When setting your budget, it can be helpful to consider what factors are of importance to you. For example, your new monitor’s size and resolution may be more important to you than the additional ports. Use these factors to decide your budget.
Remember that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good quality monitor! There is one to suit every budget.
What size of monitor is best for MacBook Pro?
We’d say go for a 4K monitor, which will be around 27 inches and above. For most people, 27 inches is a good size to pair with a MacBook Pro, but if you’re a designer we’d advise going up to 32 inches.
Do I need a 4K monitor with my MacBook Pro?
We’d say it’s recommended, and if you’re trying to stick to a budget and not bothered about HDR, some of the best 4K monitors are actually easily found for under $300. Look for brands like Samsung, AOC, Gigabyte, and LG for quality options.
Our Verdict
As you can see, there are some fantastic options for your new monitor for your MacBook Pro! Be sure to pay close attention to the resolution and color gamut to ensure your new monitor has crisp and clear images.
There is a monitor to suit every budget, so whether you are working from home or looking to enhance your game station or creative hub, we are sure you will find the best monitor for MacBook Pro today!