The Best Monitors for Mac of 2024


Whether you are upgrading your existing setup or looking to add some extra screen real estate to your MacBook, a good monitor is a wise investment. Here are our picks for the best monitors for Mac.

UPDATE: 01/31/2025

We’ve reviewed our recommendations and updated our pick for the best Mac monitor for creatives.

What to Look for in a Mac Monitor

While the monitor market offers many options, you must keep a few things in mind before picking one up for your Mac. First and foremost, you want a monitor that works seamlessly with your machine. Depending on which Mac you are using, you can connect to a monitor one of two ways—Thunderbolt via USB-C or an HDMI port.

As the Thunderbolt port is more versatile than the HDMI port, picking up a monitor with USB-C/Thunderbolt input is better for reducing cable clutter. For MacBooks that only include a Thunderbolt port, monitors with Thunderbolt or USB-C support are your only option.

In an ideal world, you should be able to pick any monitor and expect it to work flawlessly with your Mac. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. When buying a monitor, you should also check if it’s compatible with Macs, particularly if you are using an Apple Silicon-powered machine. In addition to asking the monitor manufacturer to confirm the support, you can check reviews and customer feedback on retail sites.

Besides compatibility and input support, your budget, available space, intended usage, and display size are also crucial. For example, creative professionals prefer color accuracy and better coverage of different color spaces, whereas gamers want a high refresh rate panel and low input lag.

Screen resolution is another important part of a monitor. Although 4K has become common, QHD resolution provides an excellent middle ground between 4K and full-HD resolutions. So you can choose the resolution that fits your budget.

For more helpful information about buying a monitor, you can check out our detailed explainer on how to pick the right monitor.

With the basics out of the way, it’s time to jump into our recommendations.

How Did We Research

Models Evaluated

Hours Researched

Reviews Analyzed

40

20

50

How-To Geek’s product recommendations come from the same team of experts that have helped people fix their gadgets over one billion times. We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise. We never accept payment to endorse or review a product. Read More »

benq pd2706ua
BenQ

Pros

Cons

4K resolution

No free-standing mount

Excellent color coverage

Impressive ergonomics

USB Type-C input with power delivery

The BenQ PD2706UA is an excellent monitor choice for most Mac owners. It’s a 27-inch 4K IPS monitor that delivers stunning color accuracy and offers near-complete coverage of the sRGB, Rec.709, and DCI-P3 color spaces. But more importantly, as it’s officially Mac-ready, you will have no trouble using it with your MacBook, Mac Mini, or any other Mac.

It’s also incredibly ergonomic, thanks to the bundled “ergo arm.” Apart from the typical swivel, rotate, tilt, and height adjustments, the ergo arm allows you to bring the monitor towards or away from you or to the side. As a result, you can seamlessly get the best viewing angle.

The BenQ monitor shines in terms of connectivity options, and you have everything from HDMI to USB Type-C ports. The USB Type-C port also supports 90W power delivery, allowing you to run a single cable from your MacBook to the monitor for video signal and charging the laptop.

Other features include the PD2706UA’s ability to function as a KVM switch, three USB Type-A ports, and one USB Type-C port for connecting peripherals and storage devices. It also supports HDR10 and comes with the company’s Hotkey Puck G2 to quickly and easily access various monitor settings and preset color modes.

If you are a creator, you will be happy that this BenQ monitor has many content creation-oriented features, including easy color profile switching, easy color profile syncing, and DualView to view your content in two color modes simultaneously.

Unfortunately, the monitor comes with the ergo arm but doesn’t have a free-standing mount. So, if you need one, you will have to buy it separately.

benq pd2706ua

Best Mac Monitor Overall

BenQ PD2706UA

The BenQ PD2706UA offers a robust package for Mac owners with its sharp 4K resolution, excellent color accuracy, solid ergonomics, and USB-C support.

gigabyte m27q
Gigabyte

Pros

Cons

High refresh rate panel

USB-C port can only deliver 10W of power

KVM switch present

Limited HDR performance

Excellent color accuracy

You don’t need to spend big bucks to get a good Mac monitor. For example, the Gigabyte M27Q, our pick for the best budget Mac monitor, typically costs around $330 but is still feature-packed.

Although Gigabyte calls it a gaming monitor, it’s more of an all-rounder. Whether you are doing office tasks, watching Netflix, or gaming, it will offer a great experience. The M27Q has QHD resolution and features a 27-inch IPS panel. The monitor also supports HDR, but it’s only rated for DisplayHDR 400. Other features include a 170Hz refresh rate, low input lag, and excellent response time. You also get support for a KVM switch, allowing you to use a single keyboard or mouse across multiple devices.

The monitor has outstanding color accuracy and offers 92% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space and complete coverage of the sRGB. You also get nearly full coverage of the Adobe RGB color profile.

In terms of input ports, the Gigabyte monitor can receive display signals from HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C ports. However, the USB-C port can only deliver 10W of power. If you use the M27Q with a MacBook, you’ll have to charge the laptop separately.

The M27Q also lacks swivel adjustment and can’t rotate to portrait mode. However, this is a common problem with budget monitors. If you need a monitor that’s easy to adjust, you’ll need to look at something a bit more pricey.

gigabyte m27q

Best Budget Mac Monitor

Gigabyte M27Q

$230 $300 Save
$70

This may be a budget monitor, but Gigabyte doesn’t skimp on the features. It has a 170Hz screen, great color accuracy, and excellent coverage of color profiles.

Pros

Cons

6K resolution

Premium price

IPS Black panel provides excellent contrast

Some ports are inconveniently located on the back

Extensive connectivity

Built-In 4K webcam

Good tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments

Creative professionals, such as graphic designers, video editors, and digital artists, require high-resolution visuals and pro-grade color accuracy. The Dell UltraSharp U3224KB provides not only this but also a versatile, productivity-focused display optimized for Macs. With tools like the built-in 4K HDR webcam, echo-canceling microphones, and high-quality speakers, it’s also a strong choice for those in remote or hybrid settings.

Creatives can get to work on the spacious 31.5-inch display, which showcases striking clarity with its 6K resolution. It delivers more than one and a half times more pixels than a 4K monitor and ensures creatives get the clarity they need—and then some. With IPS Black panel technology, photo and video editing is all the more precise. It offers a 2,000:1 contrast ratio that delivers deep-and-detailed blacks and excellent definition in gray areas.

It’s certified with VESA DisplayHDR 600 and can reach a peak brightness of 750 nits with HDR, ensuring vivid visuals for pro projects. Color performance is also top-notch, with support for 99 percent of both DCI-P3 and Display-P3 color accuracy. This high-quality color performance is suitable for professional use and meets the demands of creatives requiring reliable color accuracy. However, the 90.4 percent Adobe RGB coverage may fall short for photographers and designers working with print.

You can get comfortable in your tasks with the monitor’s extensive adjustability. With tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments of up to 6.3 inches, you can easily position the screen to suit your preferred workspace arrangement. You can optimize visibility, adjust for multitasking, or reduce strain during long working hours. It also pivots easily between landscape and portrait modes for different tasks. And, if you use monitor arms, wall mounts, or multi-monitor configurations, the Dell UltraSharp supports VESA mounting for added flexibility.

As mentioned, the monitor is equipped with an excellent 4K HDR Sony Starvis CMOS sensor webcam. This enhances remote collaboration and ensures you look your most dapper during Zoom meetings or video calls. Features include AI auto-framing, which keeps you centered as you move around, and a host of customizable options, as well as a safety shutter for privacy. Furthermore, the dual 14W speakers and echo-canceling microphones deliver clear audio on both sides without the need for additional equipment.

Connectivity-wise, the UltraSharp includes a Thunderbolt 4 hub with one downstream and one upstream port. This delivers high-speed transfers of up to 40Gbps and up to 140W of power delivery. There’s also a comprehensive port selection, including HDMI 2.1, mini DisplayPort 2.1, USB-C, USB-A, and an RJ45 Ethernet jack, completing the versatility that creative types demand.

Dell UltraSharp U3224KB

Best Mac Monitor for Creatives

Dell UltraSharp 32 6K Monitor U3224KB

$2130 $2480 Save
$350

The Dell UltraSharp U3224KB is a premium monitor designed to meet the demands of creatives. It delivers the exceptional visual quality and versatility needed for professional workflows.

Best Ultrawide Mac Monitor: BenQ PD3420Q

BenQ monitor being used for photo editing
BenQ

Pros

Cons

Superb color accuracy

Missing AdobeRGB mode

Wide 34-inch screen with 1440p resolution

Pricey for a WQHD monitor

Anti-glare coating

KVM switch available

The BenQ PD3420Q is a multitasker’s dream. It’s a 34-inch WQHD monitor with an IPS-type panel, so you get enough screen real estate to open multiple programs simultaneously without worrying about minimizing them.

It is an excellent monitor for content creators, designers, and video editors. Out of the box, you get rock-solid color accuracy with a Delta E of less than three. The monitor offers 98% of DCI-P3 and full coverage of the sRGB color space. Unfortunately, however, the PD3420Q lacks AdobeRGB mode. HDR10 support is present though, and the monitor meets DisplayHDR 400 specifications.

The PD3420Q also comes with ample input options. You can use HDMI, DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt 3 via USB-C. The last one can also deliver up to 65W of power to your laptop. In addition, the monitor can function as a USB hub and includes three USB 3.1 Type-A ports.

Lastly, the BenQ monitor has a sturdy build quality and looks great. It also provides good ergonomics and features an anti-glare coating. It’s expensive, but if you want an ultrawide monitor, you can’t go wrong with this one.

BenQ PD3420Q

Best Ultrawide Mac Monitor

BenQ PD3420Q

$600 $700 Save
$100

The BenQ PD3420Q is an excellent ultrawide monitor. It has a 34-inch screen, super color accuracy, and Thunderbolt 3 support.

Corsair XENEON 27QHD240
Corsair

Pros

Cons

Fantastic picture quality

Burn-in is a concern

240Hz refresh rate with VRR support

Expensive

USB Type-C input with 65W power delivery

With its OLED display, 240Hz refresh rate, and solid motion handling, the Corsair XENEON 27QHD240 is an incredible monitor for gaming. It features a 27-inch panel with a 1440p resolution, producing fantastic visuals thanks to the OLED technology and fast response time.

The monitor is also AMD FreeSync certified, resulting in Adaptive Sync support for variable refresh rate (VRR) on your Mac over the USB Type-C connection. This can reduce screen tearing when you play your favorite games. Plus, you get incredibly low input lag at high refresh rates. While the input lag increases at 60Hz and 120Hz refresh rates, it’s still not very high.

Beyond gaming, the 27QHD240 is also an excellent choice for media consumption, as the content looks breathtaking. Other features include a built-in KVM switch, 65W power delivery via the USB-C port, two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DP 1.4, and four USB Type-A ports.

Another benefit of getting the Corsair monitor is its three-year warranty, which covers “burn-in” in the US. So, while the monitor is susceptible to burn-in as it uses an OLED panel, this warranty and the included features to avoid image retention should give you peace of mind. If you don’t want to deal with this, you can consider Samsung’s Odyssey G7, which is also a 240Hz monitor with an LCD panel. The G7 is also cheaper.

corsair xeneon 27qhd240

Best Gaming Mac Monitor

Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240

The XENEON 27QHD240 from Corsair shines as a gaming monitor with its fantastic OLED panel, 240Hz refresh rate, fast response time, and low input lag.



Source link