The best monitor for MacBook Pro in 2024

For us, this Dell S2722QC delivers most of the features you’ll be looking for if you want a sizable, but not overly large, upgrade from your MacBook display. Firstly, it’s a 27-inch panel running at 4K – so you can enjoy more resolution at a decent size. There’s no support for HDR, but given that the majority of everyday users won’t need it, and the sensible pricing, it’s a concession worth making. Secondly, and super-useful for Mac owners, is the inclusion of USB-C – so you can benefit from a simple connection that will also charge your laptop via the monitor.

Last but not least, for a non-Apple device, we think the general aesthetic of this Dell is a good match for the MacBook. So, your desktop will look like it’s had the upgrade your Mac deserves.

KOORUI has carved out quite a name for itself when it comes to affordable but highly regarded displays. This 27-inch model may have something of a basic look and feel, but the key features are impressive. It’s 4K with HDR10 support – all those extra colours are going to look great. There’s a DisplayPort connection as well as HDMI, and the 60Hz refresh rate will keep things looking smooth and detailed. It’s an IPS panel too – although the backlight can be a little aggressive sometimes, so if you’re an avid movie watcher, you might want to look for a more costly model.

That said, the wide viewing angle and overall feature set on offer here, which includes loads of modes for adjusting the image for eye care and more, we think it’s a bit of a steal.

When it comes to a great aesthetic match for your MacBook Pro you’re not going to get much better than the Apple Studio Display. Sporting an awe-inspiring 27-inch 5K Retina screen, this monitor not only looks the part - it brings visuals to life with breathtaking clarity and precision. With a resolution of 5120 x 2880 pixels and some excellent colour accuracy credentials, this is the cutting-edge monitor of choice for many professionals.

Our only minor gripe is the 60Hz refresh rate - but given that this is aimed at creative professionals rather than gamers, it’s more than good enough for editing video or scrolling through documents. And if you are using this for audio-visual work, or just entertainment, it has six speakers inside with Spatial Audio for immersion. As you’d expect, connectivity options are very good - with three USB-C ports and one Thunderbolt 3 port. That means that you can make use of power delivery and daisy-chaining other devices for a streamlined desktop setup. All in all, this display merges high-end 5K performance with Apple’s trademark design and build. It’s a thing of beauty.

Although many of the screens on our list support 4K resolution, not many of them do it at this scale and with this many enhancements for colour range and accuracy. If you’re all about detail and having a display that’s a good deal larger than your humble MacBook Pro, the ASUS ProArt PA329CRV is it. The solid build quality offers a great cosmetic match for any Apple device. 

This may tick several of the boxes that will appeal to creatives, but for us, it’s the size and overall quality of the image that really count. It makes this the perfect large monitor for simply watching and enjoying digital entertainment in glorious 4K detail.

All serious or budding photographers will have used their MacBook Pro for image editing and fine-tuning their shots. But imagine doing that on a 32-inch 4K display with some serious colour accreditations. Accuracy is everything with editing photos, so this monitor carrying 95% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB and 100% Rec.709 will give you total colour grading confidence. It comes with a Hotkey Puck too – a handy little device to make your common functions even easier to reach; it’s also a KVM switch if you’re using the monitor across two systems.

Elsewhere, the USB-C connection affords power delivery, but the BenQ also has Thunderbolt 3 – ideal for any modern MacBook. And long hours of editing won’t take its toll on your eyes, thanks to flicker-free, anti-glare and low blue light features. Best of all for anyone who needs it is the support for HDR10 - so you’ll have control over more than a billion colours. Dedicated Mac software – Display Pilot – also gives you even more control.

There’s no doubt that the MacBook Pro is one of the best laptops for video editors thanks to the stellar hardware on offer. So, why not double it up with this ViewSonic VP3256-4K 32-inch screen? Much like our monitor recommendation for photo editing, this one comes with a huge range of colour accreditations – from Pantone to 100% sRGB gamut coverage, 95% Adobe RGB and Delta E<2 accuracy. And, the 32-inch IPS panel is ideal for spreading out all of your editing timelines, toolbars and panels. There’s even blue light filtering and a flicker-free image to keep you working in comfort.

Lastly, if you’re going to be editing any HDR footage, the support for HDR10 is there too. Overall, this is a real performer when it comes to editing in 4K HDR and more besides.

BenQ makes it back onto our list thanks to the sheer size, quality and scope of this PD3420Q Designer ultrawide monitor. At 34 inches from corner to corner, that extra width is really useful for anyone who wants to display several documents or projects on screen at once – while keeping everything readable and usable. Like its other Designer Monitors, this one comes with a desktop Puck for easy access to common functions.

Much like the other designer-centric monitors, there are great colour accuracy features here. But here the 3440 x 1440 pixels on offer really deliver a stunningly broad workspace. Even better, its M-Book mode means you get Mac-compatible colour matching. Plus, the ergonomic stand features are excellent - with great height, tilt and pivot controls to keep you working in ultrawide comfort.

Apple are not the only brand on the block when it comes to bleeding-edge 5K monitors. The LG 40WP95CP-W UltraWide 5K2K UHD Curved Monitor is a real contender for the Apple Studio Monitor’s crown. And it’s easy to see why - with an expansive 40-inch curved display on offer. If you like the idea of more screen space and visual immersion but don’t want to have a dual-screen workspace, this is an ideal option. With a stunningly impressive 5120 x 2160 resolution and IPS screen with 98% DCI-P3 colour gamut, multitaskers and creative professionals will love the accuracy and productivity boost they’ll get from this.

The monitor boasts a smooth 72 Hz refresh rate, ensuring fluid motion during video editing or casual gaming. It also has a good variety of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C for rapid data transfer and charging. This monitor also has great adjustability, allowing for height, swivel and tilt - essential when using a monitor this large. The only obvious downside to this monitor is the sheer size of it - so measure up before you buy.

While it’s true that all monitors with the right connection types can be plugged into a MacBook Pro for a dual-screen setup, not all of them are as well designed for that as this one. The AOC 27V5CE may only be a full-HD resolution model, but it’s ideal for pairing up with another for a huge two-monitor desktop. The extra thin bezel means you can place them edge to edge for a seamless look. Also, as this has a slim build, they’re ideal for mounting onto a dual monitor stand - freeing up even more of your precious desk space.

Spec-wise, you have a clear IPS panel running at an excellent 75Hz for smooth on-screen motion with plenty of colour detail. But it also comes with USB-C – ideal for a dual-screen setup as you can simplify your cable run to keep things tidy.

Yes, the MacBook Pro display is hard to beat – but if you’re not looking to compete with it, but just need a bit more room to work with while you’re out and about, this is ideal. The cocopar USB-C Portable Monitor is just that – taking its power from the USB-C port of the MacBook. Not only does that make for an easier setup, but it also makes this a super-portable solution. Even better, if you don’t have USB-C, it has mini HDMI, too – but you will need to find another power source.

We particularly like the general look and feel of this monitor, too. It sits well next to a MacBook and at a sensible well-matched height. For extra workspace on the move, it’s an excellent affordable companion.

When we look for any monitor for office use, we always prioritise the panel quality and eyecare features. This model from Philips – the 278E1A – delivers on both counts. At 27 inches it’s the ideal size for the average office setup, perfect for documents, spreadsheets and presentations. It’s also 4K resolution and an IPS panel – always a plus for any screen that’s going to see hours of use. Added built-in speakers also give a bit more flexibility of use too.

And on the subject of long working sessions, Philips are masters when it comes to flicker-free and other eye-care features that keep you working longer in more comfort. Low blue mode is the highlight - as it’ll defeat the major culprit behind eye strain. Philip’s Ultra Wide-Colour technology, and SmartContrast for deeper blacks also brings vibrancy and clarity to the image. It also has a good wide viewing angle, so you can share your work with colleagues easily.

Most MacBook Pro users will be used to working inside the constraints of a flat, smaller screen – but not with this 32-inch curved model from Samsung. Aside from the refined Samsung looks and solid build, this has to be seen to be believed – as the curved display runs in 4K. The level of immersion is huge – whether you’re enjoying entertainment or working on several documents at once. The curve facilitates the way our eyes naturally work, meaning less neck and eye movement for more comfort.

Although this doesn’t come with a USB-C connection, it does have both HDMI and DisplayPort for plenty of MacBook connection options. One nice addition for anyone who works across two systems is the Picture-By-Picture mode, which lets you split the screen between two devices. All in all, you won’t find a more immersive 4K screen – thanks to that curve.