Trying to find the best external monitor to use with your Mac? Here are all the considerations you need to make to find it.
Macs are high-quality computers, and using them with a low-quality monitor just doesn’t cut it. You should make sure you get an external monitor that either matches or exceeds Apple’s Retina Display. But, with the overwhelming number of monitors out there, it sure is a tiring job finding the right one.
We’ve simplified matters for you. In this guide, we’ve listed all the different factors you need to consider before purchasing a monitor for your Mac. From panel type to design, we’ll talk about everything.
Your use case will set the tone for the exact type of monitor you need. There are three main types of computer users: casual users, professionals, and gamers.
Ultimately, the best monitor for your Mac will depend on how you plan to use it.
Most monitors in the market today are in the 16:9 (width-to-height) ratio. So, if a monitor is 16 inches wide, it’s going to be 9 inches tall. It will measure 18.4 inches diagonally, and since monitors are named after their diagonal measurement, it will be called an 18-inch monitor.
What’s important here is that if you increase the diagonal size by, let’s say, three inches, you’ll be getting a monitor that’s approximately 19 inches wide and 11 inches tall. Be careful when picking the right size for your Mac. If you feel that a 22-inch monitor will be too small for you, rethink it and measure your desk setup size first.
The display quality depends largely on the screen resolution—which refers to the number of pixels that can be displayed on a screen. In other words, the screen resolution determines how clear and sharp the images will be.
Other than your use case, factors like your distance from the monitor and the screen size also determine what screen resolution will be good for you. Note that a higher screen resolution will result in better image quality, but it will also require a higher-powered GPU to run properly.
The most important reason to pick the right type of panel when choosing an external monitor is image quality. Different types of panels offer different levels of image quality, and picking the right one is essential for getting the most out of your monitor. There are many types of panels, but TN, IPS, and VA are the most common.
Apple’s Retina Display uses an IPS panel, so the panel type of your MacBook’s external monitor should probabky also be a backlit IPS to match it. This will give you the best image quality, as well as the widest viewing angles. LG 38WN95C-W and BenQ PD3220U are some of the best monitors for a Mac.
The monitor refresh rate describes how frequently the image on the screen changes. For videos on your screen to appear smoother, you’ll need a higher refresh rate. Although higher refresh rates are generally better, different users still have different needs.
For example, gamers and video editors often prefer monitors with high refresh rates (between 60 and 144Hz) to achieve a smooth, responsive experience. But, if you don’t need the monitor for gaming or professional use, then resolution and connectivity are perhaps more important than refresh rate.
There are two important points here. First, how does the monitor connect to your Mac, and second, what connectivity options does it give you?
Some monitors are HDMI-to-HDMI only, and you may have to invest in a USB-C hub to use it. However, some are USB-C-to-USB-C, which should be your priority if your Mac only has USB-C ports. This can ensure your experience is seamless and that you don’t have to invest in dongles or hubs.
Interestingly, some monitors act as a dock. They charge your Mac and allow you to connect more devices to your Mac with the ports they have. This is a great option if you’ll need multiple monitors.
The debate on curved versus flat monitors is a long one, but put simply, flat monitors are less expensive than curved ones, but often cause eye strain after long periods of use. Curved monitors, on the other hand, are more immersive, reduce eye strain, and also tend to produce truer-to-life images, since the curve helps fill your field of vision. However, they’re more expensive and require more space.
If you’re a casual user who doesn’t spend long hours in front of the screen, a flat monitor should suffice. Professionals and gamers, on the other hand, may want to invest in a curved model for its added benefits.
For accessories to use with a Mac mini, Mac Studio, or Mac Pro, you may want a monitor with a webcam, speakers, and microphone built in. If you do find such a monitor, you’ll be saving yourself from tons of clutter and extra purchases—and the headache of choosing those accessories as well.
However, if you want the best possible audio and video experience from your Mac, you’ll still need to invest in an external setup. While built-in speakers and webcams are becoming increasingly common in external monitors, they’re still not as good as dedicated accessories.
While neither speakers nor webcams are strictly necessary for an external monitor, they’re both worth considering if quality isn’t too important and you want to save money or space.
Your major takeaway from this guide should be to start by assessing your needs and deciding what it is exactly you need. Think about what you’re going to use the monitor for. Then, figure out what options are most important for you. Make your monitor choices based on these assessments.
The problem doesn’t end with buying the right monitor, though. You also have to know how to connect the monitor. And guess what? There’s a ton of information you need to know to do that.
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