BenQ PD3225U 32-Inch 4K Monitor
Screen: 31.5-inch IPS | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 | Brightness: 400 nits | PPI: 140 | HDR: HDR 10 | Viewing angle: 178 degrees | Native contrast: 2000:1 | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Response times: 5ms | Color gamut: 100% Rec.709, 100% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3 | Speaker: 2W x 2 | Connectivity: 2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x Thunderbolt 3 upstream, 1 x Thunderbolt 3 downstream, 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-B, 3 x USB-A, 1 headphone jack
Best for: Working with accurate, rich colors on-screen for work and gaming.
Pros:
- Excellent build quality
- Feature-rich specs list
- Single cable docking with MacBook Pro
Cons:
- Not the brightest display
The best monitor for MacBook Pro needs to be color-accurate, feature many connectivity ports, and deliver enough power to charge your MacBook Pro. The BenQ PD3225U ticks all these boxes and has excellent color accuracy. The 32-inch 4K display covers 100% of the sRGB spectrum and 98% of the DCI-P3 standard. The former makes this perfect for creatives who display their work online, while the latter is a color space created by Apple and used mainly by professionals who edit videos.
The BenQ PD3225U’s design matches that of the MacBook Pro. It offers many connectivity options, including upstream and downstream Thunderbolt 3, a data-only USB-C port, DisplayPort, two HDMI and three USB-A ports for peripherals that haven’t jumped to USB-C. It delivers 85 Watts of power, so you can charge your laptop and connect to the display with one cable. Only some monitors are universally suitable, but the BenQ PD3225U is one of them. If the overall price isn’t an issue, this is the monitor you should buy.
What the writers say: Our writer says, “Only a few monitors have made me want to switch from my Dell monitors, but the BenQ PD3225U is one of them. Aside from losing the RJ45 Ethernet port, the BenQ monitor has everything I’m looking for, looks better and is more color-accurate. Gaining true HDR10 is a bonus, albeit the peak brightness isn’t high enough for proper HDR. The BenQ PD3225U is the monitor that does everything and looks great.”
Best Budget Monitor For MacBook Pro
Affordable Connectivity With A Large Screen
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE 27-Inch 4K Monitor
Screen: 27-inch IPS | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 | Brightness: 340 nits (standard), 430 nits (peak) | PPI: 163 | HDR: HDR400 | Viewing angle: 178 degrees | Native contrast: 2000:1 | Refresh rate: 23-87 Hz | Response times: 8 ms | Color gamut: 100% sRGB, 93.6% Adobe RGB, 98% DCI-P3 | Speaker: None | Connectivity: 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort upstream, 1 x DisplayPort downstream, 1 x USB-C upstream, 1 x USB-C downstream, 4 x USB-A, 1 x RJ45 Ethernet
Best for: Those who don’t want to spend four figures on a quality display.
Pros:
- Single cable docking with MacBook Pro
- Sharp display with above-average pixel density
- Vertically and horizontally adjustable display
Cons:
- Lacks true HDR support
- Below-average peak brightness
- Not the most color-accurate display
Although smaller at 27 inches, the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE 27-Inch 4K Monitor features 4K resolution, and a higher overall pixel density makes for the perfect viewing experience. Though 32 inches offers better Mac scaling, but we’ve had no issues getting macOS to scale with this monitor. If you absolutely need that extra few inches, it’s also available in 32-inch. The best part of the Dell U2723QE is its connectivity options: It features everything you could need from a modern Mac monitor and adds much-needed peripherals, so you won’t need to use a dongle or docking station. The RJ45 Ethernet port supports Gigabit speeds, and you can connect your MacBook Pro via HDMI, USB-C or DisplayPort. There are four USB-A ports to connect every peripheral you may need.
This monitor doesn’t have built-in speakers, although Dell offers a separate soundbar that easily clips to the bottom of the display. It’s also not the most color-accurate display, doesn’t support true HDR and has a slower 8ms response time. Despite this, it’s the monitor I recommend for most people—unless you need color accuracy. With 90 Watt upstream power, it’ll connect to your MacBook Pro and keep it charged using a single USB-C cable.
What the writers say: Our writer says, “Look no further if you want the monitor that I’ve bought multiple times. The main reason is the array of connectivity options, especially the RJ45 Ethernet, which is perfect for connecting my MacBook Pro to a hardwired internet connection. The Dell U2723QE works horizontally or vertically, making it the perfect choice if you work with social media or value vertical space over horizontal. There’s also the ability to daisy chain two or more of these monitors together—as long as you have a MacBook Pro with Pro or Max chipset—and the cable management on the back helps keep everything clean and tidy. This is my go-to 4K monitor for many reasons, and having bought multiple, I highly recommend them.”
Best 6K Monitor For MacBook Pro
Future-Proofed With Thunderbolt 4 And 6K High-Resolution
Dell UltraSharp U3224KB 31.5-Inch 6K Monitor
Screen: 31.5-inch IPS | Resolution: 6,144 x 3,456 | Brightness: 450 nits | PPI: 223 | HDR: HDR600 | Viewing angle: 178 degrees | Native contrast: 2000:1 | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Response times: 5 ms | Color gamut: 100% Rec.709, 100% sRGB, 99% DCI-P3 | Speaker: 14W x2 | Connectivity: 1 x HDMI, 1 x Mini DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 upstream, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 downstream, 1 x USB-C upstream, 2 x USB-C downstream, 5 x USB-A, 1 x RJ45 Ethernet | Other: Anti-glare display, 8 MP camera with 4K HDR
Best for: Future-proofing your MacBook monitor setup.
Pros:
- Stunning 6K display with high pixel density
- Excellent array of connectivity options
- Outstanding 4K webcam
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Limited HDR
The de facto monitor standard is 4K resolution until you go above 32 inches, but the Dell UltraSharp U3224KB packs 6K resolution in its 32-inch display. It’s the highest resolution on our list, is impressively color-accurate and is significantly cheaper than the Apple ProDisplay XDR despite offering many of the same features. Although the IPS display offers rich blacks, it’s edge-lit, meaning you won’t get true blacks and true HDR color reproduction. The panel offers native 6K resolution (6,144 x 3,456), and to take advantage of the full resolution, you need to connect to your MacBook Pro using the built-in Thunderbolt 4 port. This same port will also charge your MacBook Pro at 140 Watts, which is perfect if you have a 14-inch or 16-inch model with a Pro or Max processor.
The Dell UltraSharp U3224KB is one of the most color-accurate displays on this list, thanks to its complete coverage of the Rec.709 and sRGB color spaces and 99% coverage of Apple’s own DCI-P3 standard. The two 14 Watt speakers are loud and clear, although you may want a separate sound system if audio is important to you. Like our budget choice, the Dell UltraSharp U3224KB features all the necessary connectivity options. These include HDMI, mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 4 (upstream and downstream), USB-C (upstream and downstream), Ethernet and USB-A. There are 13 total ports—more than any other monitor on our list. There is also an 8 MP camera built-in with 4K HDR video capture for your meetings.
What the writers say: Our writer says, “The Dell UltraSharp U3224KB features all the ports I need (and more), has a stunning display with excellent color reproduction and has the same vertical and horizontal flexibility as our budget choice. If you need a higher-resolution 6K display and you can afford paying a higher price, choose this monitor.”
Best Apple Monitor For MacBook Pro
Apple’s Everyday, Non-Professional Option
Apple Studio Display
Screen: 27-inch IPS | Resolution: 5,120 x 2,880 | Brightness: 600 nits | PPI: 218 | HDR: None | Viewing angle: 178 degrees | Native contrast: 1200:1 | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Response times: 5ms | Color gamut: 98% DCI-P3 | Speaker: 6 speakers with spatial audio | Connectivity: 1 x Thunderbolt 3 upstream, 3 x USB-C | Other: TrueTone technology, Nano-texture glass (optional), 12 MP Ultra Wide camera (w/ Center Stage)
Best for: A daily driver for casual users.
Pros:
- Good image quality with above-average color reproduction
- Impressive Spatial Audio
- 12 MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage
Cons:
- Webcam could be stronger
- No HDR or ProMotion
- No display daisy-chaining
- Limited connectivity options
The Apple Studio Display is designed to be paired with devices like the Mac Studio and Mac Mini to form an iMac-like setup. As such, the choice to pack it with Thunderbolt 3 and three USB-C ports makes sense in that context but requires further consideration when used with a MacBook Pro. The Mac Mini and Mac Studio both come with additional IO, including USB-A and Ethernet, so they’re lacking from the Studio Display. However, if you use a MacBook Pro, you’ll need a dongle to use these peripherals.
Designed as an affordable alternative to the ProDisplay XDR—which is over three times the price—the Studio Display offers a great design, good image quality and impressive spatial audio. Colors are rich, contrast is good, peak brightness is suitable for most tasks and the TrueTone display technology—also found in the iPhone display—means the display adjusts its temperature based on ambient lighting.
The Studio Display comes with a tilt-adjustable stand, but unlike many monitors, it can’t switch between landscape and portrait modes unless you splurge on a VESA mount. The Studio Display has six fantastic speakers, which sound better than any display we’ve tested. The Thunderbolt 3 port lets you connect your MacBook Pro and charge it at 96W.
What the writers say: Our writer says, “The Studio Display follows Apple’s design philosophy: all USB-C. You need a dongle or dock to enable other necessary connectivity such as ethernet, USB-A or HDMI. These ports exist on the Mac Studio and Mac Mini, but if you’re a MacBook Pro user, you’ll require an additional dock to use these peripherals. The Apple Studio Display is excellent if you want the iMac experience without the all-in-one nature or a higher-resolution 5K display. The webcam is below average, and you’ll want a replacement, but the Studio Display will be the choice for many Apple users.”
Best Premium Monitor For MacBook Pro
Designed For Professionals, Complete With The Apple Tax
Apple Pro Display XDR
Screen: 32-inch IPS mini-LED | Resolution: 6,016 x 3,384 | Brightness: 1600 nits peak (1000 nits standard XDR, 500 nits SDR) | PPI: 218 | HDR: HDR | Viewing angle: 178 degrees | Native contrast: 1,000,000:1 | Refresh rate: 48-60 Hz | Response times: 5 ms | Color Gamut: 100% DCI-P3 | Connectivity: 1 x Thunderbolt 3 upstream, 3 x USB-C | Other: Full-array local dimming (576 backlights)
Best for: Getting the absolute top Apple monitor experience.
Pros:
- Outstanding color accuracy with 6K resolution
- Excellent HDR performance
- Phenomenal build quality
Cons:
- Incredibly expensive
- Accessories cost extra on top of an expensive price
- Limited connectivity options
The Studio Display may be the best Apple-made monitor for most people, but the ProDisplay XDR is the absolute best Apple offers. Designed to go alongside the Mac Pro—and complete with a price tag that matches the Mac Pro—the Apple ProDisplay XDR combines stunning engineering and design with excellent picture quality and color output. The price puts this out of the realm of most users unless you’re a creative professional with particular needs. It offers 6K resolution in a 32-inch display, and its peak brightness is 1600 nits (perfect for HDR), and its sustained brightness is 1000, with SDR brightness capped at 500 nits. The display uses mini-LED technology and has individual backlights, creating 576 local dimming zones for deeper blacks. Like the Studio Display, a Thunderbolt 3 port is paired with three USB-C ports on the rear.
The polariser technology—which Apple says is industry-leading—is designed to maintain picture quality at ultra wide viewing angles, ensuring a creative team can gather around a single monitor and see the same experience regardless of where they’re standing. The Thunderbolt 3 upstream port passes data to the display while charging your MacBook Pro at 96W with a single cable.
There’s a lot to like about the Apple ProDisplay XDR, but it’s unnecessary and overkill for most. At a starting price of $5,000 and with a height, tilt and rotation stand that costs extra, this is a really expensive piece of equipment. It’s not designed for consumers, though. This is a professional monitor with the specs—and professional price tag—to back it up, and if you’re using it in that setting, it’s worth the splurge.
What the writers say: Our writer says, “Unless you have a professional need or a budget you want to spend entirely, the Apple ProDisplay XDR is overkill for most people. If you buy it, this is the best premium monitor for the MacBook Pro, but it has certain caveats. You’ll still need a dongle to connect peripherals that don’t have a USB-C port, and the stand is ludicrously priced, but overall, this is the perfect monitor for professionals who need the very best.”
- Nirave has been a leader in consumer technology for nearly two decades, focusing on mobile technology, wearables, and Apple devices. He’s authored other Apple articles, including recommending the best iPads.
- He founded his own technology consulting firm, House of Technology, and his bylines include Android Police, XDA Developers, Android Authority and more.
- The tech section is overseen by consumer tech and electronics editor Rebecca Isaacs, who has personal experience going hands-on with many of the monitors on this list.
How We Chose The Best Monitors for MacBook Pros
To find the best monitors for MacBook Pros, we first researched the best-selling models and considered the ones we had personal experience with. Then, we narrowed our list based on criteria such as the company’s reputation, devices we have personally tested, screen resolution, connectivity options and more.
- Nirave Gondhia has personal testing experience with almost every monitor on our list, and uses a couple of these as his daily drivers, whether he’s working from his home office or traveling.
- He also has nearly two decades of experience working with consumer technology with a focus on Apple devices. He is an expert about choosing what to look for, especially when it comes to Apple products.
- After narrowing the shortlist further, we chose monitors that featured at least 4K resolution, enough connectivity to maximize all of the MacBook Pro’s features and enough positive ratings across customer reviews and average star ratings.
- Once we had the products on this list, we then evaluated the customers who would get the most benefit out of each monitor, taking into account the different ways you use your monitor, whether it’s for work or play.
- We also spoke with product experts and tech analysts to get insight on what consumers should look for.
Does Display Scaling Matter On The MacBook Pro?
Apple introduced its first Retina display with the Mac in 2012, the 13-inch MacBook Pro, which packed four times the pixel density of its previous displays. Unfortunately, when you increase the pixel density by four times, everything displayed on the screen is four times smaller. Apple introduced display scaling and scaled the user interface four times to keep the same user experience and ensure it was usable.
MacOS allows you to choose the resolution displayed using the default scaling options or specific resolutions. When you select resolutions other than the default scaled versions, more performance is required to scale this. For example, to get from UHD resolution to the native 2,560 x 1,440 pixels resolution at the 2x scaling factor, macOS has to render the screen at a higher resolution and then scale it down. This can require additional performance and power.
All this is to say: MacOS handles scaling exceptionally well, so it won’t make a big enough difference to your choice of monitor. However, if you have the choice between a 4K monitor like our top choice, the BenQ PD3225U 32-Inch 4K Monitor or a 6K display like the Dell UltraSharp U3224KB 31.5-Inch 6K Monitor, you really can’t go wrong with either one.
How Many External Monitors Does My MacBook Pro support?
Depending on your MacBook Pro model, you can connect to multiple displays. If you have the 14-inch MacBook Pro 2023 with the base M3 chip, it’ll only connect to one display at up to 6K at 60 Hz over Thunderbolt or up to 4K at 144 Hz over HDMI.
If you have the MacBook Pro (2023) with an M3 Pro chip, it supports up to two displays simultaneously. You can connect one display at up to 6K at 60 Hz over Thunderbolt or one display up to 8K at 60 Hz (or 4K at 240 Hz) over HDMI, as an example.
However, it can get really confusing to know exactly the number of models your MacBook Pro supports—so confusing, in fact, that Apple created a guide. Especially if you have an older MacBook Pro model or want to see the full configuration options, check out this handy page on Apple’s website.
Do I Need A Monitor Designed Specifically For My MacBook?
You can use most monitors with a MacBook Pro, but many on this list have been designed specifically for use with a Mac. Some, like the Apple Studio Display and the Apple Pro Display XDR, are designed by the company for its products. In particular, a monitor with a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port will not only support all the features of macOS right now but will be future-proofed to enable support for features launched in future macOS versions. The best monitors for Mac also have enough power to charge your MacBook Pro without needing a second cable.
