In this guide, we will help you choose the best Mac Mini monitor that’s perfect for you. Furthermore, we will offer you the best models currently available on the market. Before purchasing a product of this category, it is good to analyze some aspects and some technical characteristics that are crucial in your choice.
Being products designed primarily for graphic editing and productivity, many times it is preferred to use more than one monitor. Unlike a Mac and a Macbook, Mac Minis are marketed without a monitor included in the box. For this reason one needs to purchase a third party monitor. In fact, Apple allows you to use external displays with your Mac to enhance your user experience.
Best Monitor For Mac Mini
Table of Contents
Best Monitor For Mac Mini | Comparison Table 2022
Image | Title | Buy | |
---|---|---|---|
SAMSUNG S80A Series 27-Inch 4K UHD (3840x2160) Computer Monitor, HDMI, USB Hub, HDR10 (1 Billion Colors), Built-in Speakers, Height Adjustable Stand (LS27A800UNNXZA) | SAMSUNG | Check Price | |
Dell U2722D - 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) 16:9 UltraSharp Monitor with Comfortview Plus, 60Hz Refresh Rate, 100% sRGB, 1.07 Billion Colors, Platinum Silver | Dell | Check Price | |
Dell Newest 27-inch QHD 1440p (2560 x 1440) IPS Ultra-Thin Bezel Monitor, 75Hz Refresh Rate, ADM FreeSync, HDMI, DisplayPorts, Built in Speakers, VESA Certified, Sliver | Dell | Check Price | |
ASUS ProArt Display PA279CV 27” 4K HDR UHD (3840 x 2160) Monitor, IPS, 100% sRGB/Rec. 709, ΔE < 2, USB-C DisplayPort HDMI USB hub, Calman Verified, Eye Care, Tilt Pivot Swivel Height Adjustable | ASUS | Check Price | |
LG 34GP83A-B 34 Inch 21: 9 UltraGear Curved QHD (3440 x 1440) 1ms Nano IPS Gaming Monitor with 160Hz and G-SYNC Compatibility - Black (34GP83A-B) | LG | Check Price | |
MSI Non-Glare with Narrow Bezel Ultra Wide 21: 9 Aspect Ratio 5120 X 2160 (5K2K) 60Hz Refresh Rate 5ms HDMI/DP/USB/Thunderbolt HDR 600 Height Adjustment 34" Nano IPS Gaming Monitor (Prestige PS341WU) | MSI | Check Price | |
Apple 32-inch Pro Display XDR with Retina 6K Display - Nano-Texture Glass | Apple | Check Price | |
Dell S2721D 27 Inch 1440p QHD, IPS Ultra-Thin Bezel Monitor, AMD FreeSync, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built in Speakers, VESA Certified, Silver | Dell | Check Price | |
Dell 32 Monitor - P3222QE - 4K Resolution, IPS Technology USB-C Hub Monitor | Dell | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Monitor For Mac Mini | 2022 Products Overview
1. SAMSUNG S80A Series 27-Inch Best 4K monitor for Mac mini
- EXCEPTIONAL PICTURE QUALITY : (Hi-Res, IPS Panel, HDR 10 & 1 billion colors.
- CONNECTIVITY : Premier and versatile connectivity with USB-C -Built-in speakers - Ergonomic decision.
- INTELLIGENT EYE CARE : (Adaptive Picture, Eye Saver Mode, Flicker Free).
- SLIM AND MINIMALISTIC DESIGN : (Borderless design, slim monitor design) - Energy Star Certified.
- PRODUCTIVITY (PICTURE-BY-PICTURE, PICTURE-IN-PICTURE) : Adjustable stand (HAS).
2. Dell U2722D 27-inch Mac mini dual monitor
- With QHD (2560x1440) resolution on this 27-inch screen, you will see 1.77 times more details than Full HD
- Enjoy true-to-life color with a color depth of 1.07 billion colors, wide color coverage including 100% sRGB, 100% Rec.709 and 95% DCI-P3
- Crafted with a premium platinum silver finish, this sleek monitor features a small base and an elegant cable management system
- In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology delivers consistent color and picture quality across a wide 178°/178° viewing angle
- 85% PCR (Post-consumer Recyclable Plastic), meets the latest regulatory and environmental standards such as ENERGY STAR and TCO Certified Edge Displays, and is EPEAT Gold registered.
3. Dell Newest 27-inch QHD 1440p
- 🎁 【Outstanding visuals】Every image comes to life on this 27” screen with three-sided ultrathin bezel design. With QHD (2560x1440) resolution, you will get 1.77 times more details than Full HD.
- 🎁 【Brilliant from every angle】In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology together with 99% sRGB color coverage lets you see extraordinary colors across a wide viewing angle; Smooth, tear-free experience with AMD FreeSync technology, featuring up to 75Hz refresh rate.
- 🎁 【Seamless switching】Built-in dual HDMI ports keep your devices always plugged in and let you effortlessly switch between streaming and console gaming.
- 🎁 【Engaging audio】Feel pulsating beats with built-in dual 3W speakers.
- 🎁 【Easy on the eyes】This TÜV-certified monitor has a flicker-free screen with ComfortView, a feature that reduces harmful blue light emissions. It’s designed to optimize eye comfort even over extended viewing – like your next movie marathon; HDMI Cable from Keinzu Tech included in the package.
4. ASUS ProArt Display 27″ Monitor
- 27-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) LED backlight display with IPS 178° wide viewing angle panel International color standard 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 wide color gamut
- Calman Verified with factory calibrated for excellent Delta E < 2 color accuracy
- Extensive connectivity including DP over USB-C with 65W Power Delivery, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.1 hub
- 75Hz refresh rate and Adaptive-Sync technology (48~75Hz) to animated content with fast action and eliminate screen tearing
- Daisy-chaining allows users to daisy chain up to four monitors for a multi-display workstation via DisplayPort
5. LG 34GP83A-B 34 Inch
- 34” UltraWide QHD (3440 x 1440) Curved Nano IPS Display
- IPS 1ms response time - 160 Hz refresh rate
- NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible
- DCI-P3 98% Color Gamut with VESA DisplayHDR 400
- 3-Side Virtually Borderless Design with Tilt or Height Adjustable Stand
- The ultrawide format is great for productivity as it gives extra horizontal workspace for your apps and creative work. You can also view videos and entertainment in a more immersive manner.
- ts screen has a matte antiglare coating that prevents reflections, 178° viewing angles and a 144Hz refresh rate that can go up to 160Hz. Moreover, it is equipped with a flicker-free backlight and low-blue light filter to minimize eye strain caused by prolonged use of the monitor.
6. MSI Non-Glare with Narrow Bezel Ultra Wide
- 34-Inch ultra-wide Professional wuhd (5120 x 2160/ 21: 9) designed for creators & multitasking
- Nano-ips panel for a truly premium quality picture
- 98% of DCI-P3 color gamut with a pre-calibrated in factory for the most excellent color accuracy
- 34” ultra-wide wuhd Display for truly expressive details
- Built-in picture-in-picture (PIP) and Picture-by-Picture (PBP) help to check the content from multiple sources simultaneously and switch between them easily
7. Apple 32-inch Pro Display Best budget monitor for Mac Mini
- 32-inch LCD display with Retina 6K resolution (6016 by 3384 pixels)
- Pro Stand and VESA Mount Adapter sold separately
- Extreme Dynamic Range (XDR)
- Brightness: 1000 nits sustained, 1600 nits peak
- Contrast ratio: 1,000,000:1
- P3 wide color gamut, 10-bit color depth
- Superwide viewing angle
- Reference modes
- One Thunderbolt 3 port, three USB-C ports
8. Dell S2721D 27 Inch Best Cheap Mac Mini monitor
- Modern, elegant design with a subtle textured pattern at the back of the monitor has its own unique look.
- Every image comes to life on this 27” screen with three-sided ultrathin bezel design. With QHD (2560x1440) resolution, you’ll get 1.77 times more details than Full HD.
- Smooth, tear-free experience with AMD FreeSync technology, featuring up to 75Hz refresh rate
- 27” lifestyle-inspired QHD monitors with outstanding visuals for an amazing entertainment experience.
9. Dell 32 Monitor P3222QE
- 4K Resolution, IPS Technology USB-C Hub Monitor
- Model Number: DELL-P3222QE
- Item Package Dimension: 9.18 L x 24.36 W x 28.05 H
- Item Package Weight: 29.54 lb
- Dell delivers just that with the P3222QE, which can be aptly named a docking monitor
- To begin with, it comes with USB-C to easily connect to the Mac mini. Additionally, it includes a USB hub, so you will be able to plug a mouse, trackball, webcam, keyboard, and USB flash drives into the monitor and then only have to plug a single cable into your Mac Mini.
- For Mac Minis equipped with the latest M1 silicon, up to two displays can be connected:
Best Monitor For Mac Mini | Unrivaled Guide 2022
Checklist
Display technology
Different computer monitors are powered by different display technologies. In the past, most computer monitors used cathode ray technology (CRT). In recent years, however, alternative display technologies have emerged, some of which include liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Of those display technologies available, OLED offers the highest level of performance.
Screen size
Computer monitors are available in a wide range of sizes. Some are only 17 inches small, while others measure up to 40 inches. The screen size refers to the diameter of the display. Large computer monitors have a large display, which generally makes them preferable over smaller computer monitors. The downside to a great computer monitor, however, is the price. Unsurprisingly, they usually cost more than smaller computer monitors. If you’re planning to buy multiple computer monitors for your business, you may want to keep an average size to save money.
Budget
If you normally work with high-resolution images and constantly switch between tools in the Adobe suite, you are probably looking for the best possible image to improve color reproduction. But just know that compared to most general / business use monitors, a professional monitor will cost you.
The diagonal and the “format”
Monitors, like TVs, are measured in inches. The measurement refers to the diagonal of the screen (from the lower left side to the upper right side). One inch equals 2.54cm. Looking for a monitor, we will undoubtedly hear about “format”.
For example, “16: 9” indicates the proportion between the base size and the height of the rectangle in which the images are displayed. If the base is 16cm, the height will be 9cm; the dimensions obviously increase as the screen size increases but they always remain proportional to the basic values that refer to the horizontal and vertical side.
The size of the screen is indicated by providing the size of the diagonal, a measure that allows you to get an idea of the overall size of the display, taking into account the rectangular shape and the fixed proportion between the base and the height.
The resolution
Among the specifications to take into account when choosing a monitor, certainly the first is the resolution. This term refers to the precision of the details that the system is able to display, a direct consequence of the quantity of the single points that make up the image on the screen. Resolution is related to both screen size and dot spacing. This parameter measures the number of pixels (in width and height) that can be displayed on the screen.
For example, the term 1080p means displays with a resolution of 1920 pixels (width horizontally) x 1080 pixels (height on the vertical axis).
As the resolution increases, the number of pixels that can be displayed on the screen, and consequently windows and other elements, grows. The resolution of many 24 ″ widescreen LCD monitors is Full-HD (1920 × 1080 pixels), the same as HDTVs for 1080p or 1080i modes. New generation monitors integrate support for “4K” resolution, in other words 4,096 × 2,160 pixels; still others support the lower “Ultra HD” resolution: 3,840 × 2,160 pixels, also called 2160p.
The 5K resolution is integrated in larger screens (usually 27 “) and is equal to 5120 × 2880 pixels. Typical maximum resolutions of today’s monitors are: 1920 × 1200 pixels or 2560 × 1600 pixels; other higher ones begin to be found on consumer models but are normally available on professional models.
macOS support at high resolutions
The latest versions of macOS support DisplayPort 4K resolution monitors via Single-Stream Transport technology at 30Hz and 60Hz on the following Macs: Mac Pro (Late 2013), iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015, and following), MacBook Pro (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014 and newer), MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015 and later).
Connecting 4K monitors with 3,840 x 2,160 resolution is supported at 60Hz on the following Macs: MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015 and later), MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014 and newer), Mac Pro (Late 2013), iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015 and later), MacBook Pro (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014 and newer), MacBook Air (Early 2015 and later).
The door
Many 4K and 5K monitors can be connected to the Mac using Thunderbolt or HDMI cables. For monitors with integrated DisplayPort port just use a Thunderbolt cable; some of these integrate a DisplayPort port which requires a DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable. The latter are very cheap cables and can be found for a few tens of dollars on Amazon.
Macs sold from 2011 to 2013 use the first generation of Thunderbolt; this supports DisplayPort 1.1a technology, offering a maximum throughput of 8.64 Gbps and capable of driving virtually any 4K or 5K display with a refresh rate of 60Hz.
What is the refresh rate?
Refresh rate is the number of times in a second the image is redrawn on a display. It is a parameter that is measured in Hertz (Hz) and allows you to evaluate the effective stability of the image on the screen (as the refresh rate increases, eye fatigue caused by imperceptible flicker decreases). Typical frequencies of monitors are: 24Hz, 30Hz and 60Hz
The color space
In the technical descriptions of some monitors, you will find chromaticity diagrams, a standard of the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) that shows the color space manageable by the screens. Without going into technical details (which we will perhaps talk about in a separate article), the breadth of these figures allows us to know the mathematical models of perception indicated as color spaces and represented by acronyms such as XYZ (it is the CIE 1931 model) , xyY, Lab, Luv.
The colors are indicated by two chromatic variables (x and y), arranged along the Cartesian axes of a plane where there is a “U” curve. The “pure” colors (technically those of the visible spectrum, from red to violet) are distributed along the curve; inside the curve we find the colors ranging from pure colors to ideal white (in the center). These diagrams allow you to make evaluations from the point of view of tonal ranges (gamut) and understand how many of these a device is actually able to reproduce. Professional monitors cost more because they are usually able to offer higher gamuts than cheaper ones.
Calibration
To obtain the best possible color match the monitors are calibrated in the factory but the overall final result depends on several factors: the video card used, the panel used, the lighting modes of the work environment and more. maOS integrates standard features that allow you to calibrate the monitors via software by creating customized profiles. The operating system and other software that use Apple’s ColorSync technology can take advantage of these profiles and reproduce the colors of images more faithfully.
Monitors intended for professional environments (photography, video, desktop publishing) should be calibrated regularly using a colorimeter, a device that offers functions that allow you to adjust contrast, brightness, determine the brightness response curve, the response curve and the point better white.
The colorimeters (standard or available as an option with some professional monitors) allow direct measurement of display radiation and ambient light, generating customized profiles. The instrument in question allows you to measure the gamut and evaluate various parameters with which to determine the uniformity of the tonal response and brightness of the panel.
Panel technology
Panel technology means the type of liquid crystal used and the backlight system used. These are two parameters that determine the quality and breadth of the reproducible chromatic range, as well as the precision with which the input signal is transformed into the final tones.
These technologies also affect factors such as brightness, contrast and viewing angle or viewing angle, the latter being an arc on the perpendicular of the panel within which the colors should not veer in a noticeable way.
Most of the panels used in today’s monitors are divided into: Tn ( Twisted Nematic ) and Ips ( In Plane Switching ). The former has been on the market the longest, it is the cheapest but this does not necessarily mean that it is inferior to competing technology. With the Tn type panels it is possible to obtain higher refresh rates than Ips, even reaching speeds of 1ms against the average 5ms of the others. The refresh rate is particularly important with programs (eg games) that present moving images.
The IPS monitors, on the other hand, offer advantages from the point of view of color reproduction, of their consistency, for the greater amplitude in the viewing angle. In fact, Tn panels typically suffer from greater directionality in color rendering and brightness (in particular on the vertical axis). More expensive IPS panels display billions of colors with true 10-bit encoding and coverage of 99% of the sRGB spectrum.
Consumption and certifications
Parameters concerning energy consumption should not be underestimated. It is true that the vast majority of today’s displays consume very little but between one model and another there are differences that would be noticed by measuring consumption in standby (in the absence of input signal). Consumption grows based on the diagonal, brightness settings and features that automatically adjust the backlight.
There are various standards for energy certifications and the most important acronyms are: Energy Star, EPEAT, ROHS and TCO. The presence of one or more of these abbreviations guarantees compliance with specific regulations but also parameters that take into account the management of materials and the ease of separation of components when the time for recycling arrives.
Thunderbolt e HDMI
The Mac’s Thunderbolt port supports displays with refresh rates up to 60Hz; Macs with an HDMI port allow you to manage displays with a refresh rate of 24Hz or 30Hz due to specific limitations of the HDMI 1.4 standard. The HDMI of the Mac Mini 2018 supports monitors with resolutions up to 4096×2160 @ 60Hz.
Macs with Thunderbolt 2 support DisplayPort 1.2 technology; the supported bandwidth is doubled, allowing (provided you have an adequate video card) to manage more monitors.
I MacBook Pro con Thunderbolt 3
The latest MacBook Pros (with Thunderbolt 3) simultaneously support native resolution, in millions of colors, on the integrated display and:
- an external monitor with 5120 × 2880 resolution at 60Hz and over a billion colors
- up to two external monitors with 4096 × 2304 resolution at 60Hz and millions of colors
- up to two external monitors with 3840×2160 resolution at 60Hz and over a billion colors
The digital video output of these models is Thunderbolt 3 (native DisplayPort output via USB ‑ C) and functions as VGA, HDMI and Thunderbolt 2 output via adapters (sold separately)
iMac Pro with Thunderbolt 3 port
The iMac Pro with Thunderbolt 3 port simultaneously supports native 5K (5120×2880) resolution, with one billion colors, on the integrated screen and:
- two external monitors with 5120 × 2880 (5K) resolution at 60Hz and one billion colors; or
- four external monitors with 3840×2160 (4K UHD) resolution at 60Hz and one billion colors; or
- four external monitors with 4096 × 2304 (4K) resolution at 60Hz and millions of colors.
Native DisplayPort output via USB ‑ C supports VGA, HDMI, DVI and Thunderbolt 2 outputs via adapters (sold separately)
The “cascaded” Thunderbolt connection
Some monitors with a Displayport / Thunderbolt connection allow multiple monitors to be chained together to a single video output. With the Mac Pro, for example, it is possible to connect up to six monitors to the single video output of the computer, a technique called “daisy-chaining”, a “circle” that allows you to take advantage of multiple independent displays without degrading the quality of the images.
Additional inputs / outputs
Some monitors provide inputs and outputs that have nothing to do with the display. For example, some have integrated USB ports that function like a hub connected to the computer. On still others there are audio inputs which, combined with standard integrated speakers, allow you to amplify the audio output of the computer, without resorting to additional speakers, even if the amplification is normally limited to a few watts.
Image Quality
So, what makes the ASUS PA329C the best 32″ 4K monitor for the money for your Mac Mini?
To start with, it has a wide color gamut covering 98% of the DCI-P3 color space as well as 100% sRGB, 100% Adobe RGB and 84% Rec. 2020.
It gets better: it also supports hardware calibration, has an integrated uniformity compensation technology, 14-bit LUT (Look-up Table), it’s factory-calibrated at Delta E < 2 and it supports HDR with DisplayHDR 600 certification.
Other specifications include a 400-nit peak brightness (600-nits for HDR), a 1,000:1 static contrast ratio, 10-bit color depth support and localized dimming consisting of 32 zones that can dim parts of the image for higher contrast ratio.
Now, with a 32″ 4K monitor, you’re getting a pixel density of 139 PPI, so the image won’t be quite as crisp as that of a 27″ 4K display, but you’ll get a much bigger screen and plenty of screen space.
The monitor also offers plenty of additional features including PiP/PbP, QuickFit Virtual Scale (on-screen grid), advanced image adjustment tools (including five gamma modes) and various presets (including five different color spaces).
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor is a bit bulky, but it’s robust and versatile with up to 130mm height adjustment, 90° pivot, +/- 45° swivel, -5°/20° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Frequent questions
Can you use your TV as a monitor for Mac Mini?
The Mac mini 2018 and the current Mac Pro are equipped with HDMI ports. You can use one to charge your laptop and the other, with an adapter, to connect it to your TV via HDMI. If you have a MacBook, you only have one port, so you’ll need a dock to charge and run the monitor at the same time.
What kind of monitor do you need for a Mac Mini?
The best Mac Mini monitor we’ve tested is the ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV. It’s a newer version of our budget pick, the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV, and features some improvements, such as a USB-C input. It has a 27-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1440p and a refresh rate of 75Hz.
Can I use dual monitors with Mac Mini?
and HDMI 2.0 port both support video output, so you can connect an external display, projector or HDTV. For Mac mini with Apple M1 chip, you can connect an external display up to 6K using a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port and an external display up to 4K using the HDMI 2.0 port.
How long will a Mac Mini last?
This means that in general, you can expect around 10 years of life from a Mac barring any unexpected hardware problems. Now let’s take a look at some signs that your Mac is at the end of its life.
Verdict
I have tried to list the best Mac Mini monitor, I hope you have been able to find a reliable option. You can take a look at the following for clarity:
- If you want the best, consider getting: LG 27UL500
- If you want high value for your money then you get: Lenovo C24-25
- If you want the cheapest, get: LG 27UL850
If you still haven’t found the right one, comment below and I’ll help you find one within 1-4 weeks.
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