Several months have passed since the official launch of the new Macbook Pro equipped with the first and powerful Apple processor, the now-famous Apple Silicon M1; on the qualities and performance of this device, there is no question.
In fact, we are talking about one of the best laptops on the market, capable of increasing productivity and efficiency in any working aspect: from photo editing to video editing, up to enlargements, 3D modeling, conversions, and transfers of entire file libraries with dozens of tabs open constantly on the browser.
All of this for the MacBook Pro 13 M1 seems like a no-brainer.
It is not obvious to say that MacBook Pro 13 M1 has become one of the best choices for those who need a laptop that can offer great performance on work, editing and multitasking.
The M1 processor performs very well, taking productivity to the next level, especially for professionals such as video and photo editors, architects, engineers, digital and 3D artists, and much more.
Best Monitors for MacBook Pro
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Anyone who needs to simultaneously open heavy software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Maya, Blender, Cinema 4D, Adobe Premiere, or similar, will have noticed the distinct difference in using the new MacBook Pro: really another thing, the only limit of this modern device from Apple is the size of its screen.
While it is great to be able to carry so much performance power with you, if you find yourself working from home with this laptop, you often need an additional monitor, to improve your desktop workstation.
The monitors that we propose in our guide are designed to increase productivity, size, and resolution compared to the screen of the new MacBook Pro.
Considering the working use of this device, we only considered monitors with IPS panels, which are able to return images with high quality and color fidelity and equipped with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 Hub input to connect the monitor to the laptop, ideal for MacBook Air with M1 chip as it also powers the battery.
Given these constraints are essential for those working in the field of video editing, photo editing, blog, and 3D, in this article you will find tips for buying different resolutions and monitor sizes, depending on the specific requirements.
We just have to start.
Best Monitors for MacBook Pro | Comparison Table 2021
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP VH240a 23.8-Inch Full HD 1080p IPS LED Monitor with Built-In Speakers and VESA Mounting, Rotating Portrait & Landscape, Tilt, and HDMI & VGA Ports (1KL30AA) - Black | HP | Check Price | |
| ASUS VG278QR 27” Gaming Monitor, 1080P Full HD, 165Hz (Supports 144Hz), G-SYNC Compatible, 0.5ms, Extreme Low Motion Blur, Eye Care, DisplayPort HDMI DVI | ASUS | Check Price | |
| SAMSUNG Odyssey G5 Series 32-Inch WQHD (2560x1440) Gaming Monitor, 144Hz, Curved, 1ms, HDMI, Display Port, FreeSync Premium (LC32G55TQWNXZA) | SAMSUNG | Check Price | |
| Sceptre Curved 30" 21:9 Gaming LED Monitor 2560x1080p UltraWide Ultra Slim HDMI DisplayPort Up to 85Hz MPRT 1ms FPS-RTS Build-in Speakers, Machine Black (C305W-2560UN) | Sceptre | Check Price | |
| Acer SB220Q bi 21.5 Inches Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Ultra-Thin Zero Frame Monitor (HDMI & VGA Port), Black | Acer | Check Price | |
| Dell S3221QS 32 Inch Curved 4K UHD, VA Ultra-Thin Bezel Monitor, AMD FreeSync, HDMI, DisplayPort, Built in Speakers, VESA Certified, Silver | Dell | Check Price | |
| HP Pavilion 27xw 27-Inch Full HD 1080p IPS LED Monitor with VGA and HDMI Ports (V0N26AA#ABA) - White & Silver | HP | Check Price | |
| SAMSUNG 34-Inch SJ55W Ultrawide Gaming Monitor (LS34J550WQNXZA) – 75Hz Refresh, WQHD Computer Monitor, 3440 x 1440p Resolution, 4ms Response, FreeSync, Split Screen, HDMI, Black | SAMSUNG | Check Price | |
| Sceptre 34-inch Curved UltraWide 21: 9 Creative LED Monitor 2560x1080 Frameless HDMI DisplayPort Up to 100Hz, Machine Black 2020 (C345W-2560UN) | Sceptre | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Monitors for MacBook Pro | 2021 Reviews
1. HP VH240a 23.8-Inch
- RESOLUTION & PANEL — 23.8-inch Full HD monitor (1920 x 1080p at 60 Hz) with 16:9 aspect ratio and an anti-glare matte IPS LED-backlit panel (2 million pixels, 16.7 million colors)
- RESPONSE TIME — 5ms with overdrive for a smooth picture that looks crisp and fluid without motion blur
- BUILT-IN SPEAKERS — Integrated audio speakers provide great sound for your content (2 watts per channel)
- THIN BEZEL-LESS FRAME — A thin and virtually frameless ultra-widescreen monitor provides a seamless multi-monitor set-up with 3-sided narrow bezels
- 4-WAY ERGONOMIC VIEWING — 90° rotation for horizontal (landscape) and vertical (portrait) viewing modes, adjustable height and tilt (-5° to 30°), and 178° positional viewing for the best quality at any angle
- VESA MOUNTING — Mount the display on walls or brackets with a 100m VESA mounting pattern (mounting bracket not included)
- CONNECTIVITY — VGA and HDMI with HDCP support for laptop or multi-monitor setups. INCLUDES: AC power cord and HDMI cable
- COMPATIBILITY — Plug and play for all OS such as Windows & Mac OS for laptop connectivity (NOTE: USB-C, Thunderbolt 3-to-HDMI adapters required for 2016 MacBook Pros or later)
- RESPONSIBLY MADE — Save your wallet with an ENERGY STAR certified monitor that meets strict energy-efficiency guidelines and helps reduce your carbon footprint
- WARRANTY — One-year limited warranty with 24-hour, 7 days a week web support when shipped from and sold by Amazon (user manuals and drivers included)
2. ASUS VG278QR 27”
- 27 inch Full HD (1920x1080) display with 165Hz refresh rate (supports 144Hz) and 0.5ms (GTG) response time Perfect to gain the upper hand in FPS racer real-time strategy and sport titles and free Sync/Adaptive Sync for a tear-free experience
- G-SYNC compatible technology supported through DisplayPort and HDMI ports provides variable refresh rates for low latency stuttering-free and tearing-free while gaming
- Extreme low motion blur (ELMB) technology reduces ghosting and motion blur creating a fluid gaming experience
- Marathon ready with ASUS Eye Care technology to minimize eye fatigue and an ergonomic stand with full height/tilt/swivel/pivot adjustments to accommodate any desk
- Flexible connectivity options with DisplayPort 1.2 HDMI 1.4 Dual-link DVI-D
- Stereo 2W speakers provide for a full sound while eliminating the need for external speakers
3. SAMSUNG Odyssey G5 Series
- UNMATCHED IMMERSION: Get your head in the game with Odyssey’s 1000R panel, which matches the curvature of the human eye for maximum immersion and minimal eye strain
- STUNNING WQHD: Your gaming world, now astoundingly lifelike. Packing in 1.7 times the pixel density of Full HD, WQHD resolution boasts incredibly detailed, pin-sharp images. Experience a fuller view with more space to take in all the action | Operating Temperature: 10~40 ℃
- EXPRESS 144Hz REFRESH RATE: More than double your potential frame production, with the Odyssey G5. With a 144hz super smooth refresh rate, you’ll never want to go back to a traditional screen
- LIGHTNING FAST 1ms RESPONSE TIMES: A fraction of a second can be the difference between your destruction, or your enemy’s. With Odyssey’s grey to grey 1ms response time, you can be sure that you’re receiving information as fast as technologically possible
- AMD FREESYNC PREMIUM: Effortlessly smooth gameplay. AMD FreeSync Premium features adaptive sync technology which reduces screen tearing, stutter, and input latency. Low framerate compensation ensures every scene flows seamlessly
- AWE-INSPIRING GRAPHICS WITH HDR10: A kaleidoscope of shades brings game scenes to life more vibrantly than ever before. Uncover the secrets hiding in the shadows with deep dark blacks, luminous whites, and outstandingly detailed resolution
4. Sceptre Curved 30″
- 30 21: 9 curved monitor 2560 x 1080P resolution
- Dp up to 85Hz refresh rate/ HDMI up to 85Hz refresh rate.Brightness (cd/m²):250 cd/m²
- AdaptiveSync
- Fps-rts FPS and RTS are Sceptre custom set Display settings Built for an enhanced gaming experience. Fps (first person Shooter), RTS (real-time strategy).
- Blue light shift reduce your MONITORS Blue light to protect you from eye fatigue, irritation and strains. This enables you to work on you documents, watch movies, or play games more comfortably for extended periods.
- With 1ms moving picture response time (MPRT), ghosting and blurring are reduced so the user can enjoy the monitor with clarity and precision.
- Edgeless design edgeless design completely immerses you in all the captivating action and wondrous Scenery that 1080P resolution and 85Hz refresh rate have to offer.
- Luminous back cover lights a colorful LED light illuminates the back cover of the curved monitor, delivering a uniquely modern design.
- Tiltable Display a Display that tilts 10° backward and 3° forward allows you to find a sweet spot that bridges clarity and comfort.
- Vesa wall mountable the VESA wall mount pattern gives you the freedom to select the optimum viewing position for your monitor, eliminate cable clutter, and save valuable space for your gaming and work station.
5. Acer SB220Q bi 21.5 Inches
- 21.5 inches Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen IPS display
- And Radeon free sync technology. No compatibility for VESA Mount
- Refresh rate: 75 hertz - Using HDMI port
- Zero-frame design; Ultra-thin; 4ms response time; IPS panel
- Ports: 1 x HDMI & 1 x VGA
- Aspect ratio - 16:9. Color supported - 16.7 million colors. Brightness - 250 nit
- Tilt angle -5 degree to 15 degree. Horizontal viewing angle-178 degree. Vertical viewing angle-178 degree
- 75 hertz
6. Dell S3221QS 32 Inch Curved
- The three-sided ultrathin bezel design in 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution lets you enjoy immersive viewing in incredible clarity and fine detail with 4 times the resolution of Full HD
- Be in the action: The curved 1800R screen expands your field of vision and provides a wrap-around view for an immersive movie experience.
- Easy on the eyes: This TÜV-certified monitor has a flicker-free screen with ComfortView, a feature that reduces harmful blue light emissions and optimizes eye comfort.
- Adjust to your comfort: Pivot, tilt, swivel and adjust the height of your monitor for a comfortable setup all day long. Or choose from a variety of mounts and stands, including VESA, for even more flexibility.
7. HP Pavilion 27xw 27-Inch
- RESOLUTION & PANEL — 27-inch Full HD monitor (1920 x 1080p @ 60 Hz) with 16:9 aspect ratio and an anti-glare matte IPS LED-backlit panel
- RESPONSE TIME — 8ms creates a smooth picture that looks crisp and fluid without motion blur
- COLOR CORRECTION — Technicolor Color Certification for color-accuracy assurance and incredible high-color fidelity
- ULTRA-WIDE VIEWING — 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles and thin display frames provide an exceptional viewing experience for a multi-monitor setup
- BRIGHTNESS & CONTRAST — 250 nits of brightness and up to 10,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
- COMPATIBILITY — Plug and play for all OS such as Windows & Mac for laptop connectivity and even PS4s (NOTE: USB-C/Thunderbolt 3-to-HDMI adapters required for 2016 MacBook Pros or later)
- CONNECTIVITY — VGA and 2 HDMI ports with HDCP support for laptop or multi-monitor setups (NOTE: Does not support DVI to HDMI adapter)
- WARRANTY — Get peace-of-mind coverage with an HP standard 1-year limited warranty and 24/7 online tech support
8. SAMSUNG 34-Inch SJ55W
- 34-INCH ULTRAWIDE MONITOR with WQHD resolution (3440 x 1440p)
- PERFECT FOR DUAL MONITOR USAGE with powerful multitasking split screen features – PBP/PIP and easy to use embedded split screen software
- AMD FREESYNC synchronizes the refresh rate of your graphics card and widescreen monitor to reduce image tear and stutter
- CONNECT MULTIPLE INPUT SOURCES thru HDMI ports and display port. Power Supply Type - AC 100-240V. Power Consumption (Max)- 59 W. Power Consumption (Stand-by)- ≤0.3 W. Max Stand By Power (DPMS)- ≤0.5 W
- SLIM PANEL, ELEGANT Y-STAND AND METALLIC BEZEL bring quality and style to the workplace or home. Tilt- (-1.5°)（±1.0°）~15.0°（±2.0°）
- DARKER BLACKS with industry-leading 3000:1 contrast ratio of advanced VA panel. Product Dimensions Without Stand-32.6 x 14.5 x 4.1 inches
9. Sceptre 34-inch Curved
- Ultra wide ultra slim curved 21 9 immerses the attention of a larger audience with a 34 inch screen that accurately resembles the contours of the human eye
- 1500R curvature the 1500R degree curved design immerses you completely into the gaming landscape allowing you to spot all threats and opportunities before all of your competitors
- Adaptive Sync Adaptive Sync is a technology that closes the gap between the graphics cards and the Monitors refresh rates eliminating image tearing and stuttering in the process
- Up to 100Hz refresh rate with 100Hz refresh rate images change faster and smoother than the standard reducing screen tearing.Brightness:320 cd/m2
- Blue light shift reduce your MONITORS Blue light to protect you from eye fatigue irritation and strains This enables you to work on you documents watch movies or play games more comfortably for extended periods
- Edgeless design edgeless design completely immerses you in all the captivating action and wondrous Scenery that 2560 x 1080 resolution and 85Hz refresh rate have to offer
- Multiple Ports three HDMI and ONE DisplayPort each accelerate refresh rate up to 85Hz providing the visual edge you need to defeat the competition during all of your gaming exploits Connect your favorite audio devices with audio out
- Fps-rts FPS and RTS are Sceptre custom set Display settings Built for an enhanced gaming experience Fps (first person Shooter) RTS (real-time strategy)
- Tiltable Display a Display that tilts 15° backward and 5° forward allows you to find a sweet spot that bridges clarity and comfort
- Fast response time playing Fast action games and watching action adventure movies always require fast and accurate Pixel response from an LED With quick Response times ghosting and blurring are reduced so the user can enjoy the display with clarity and precision
The Best Macbook Pro Monitors: Buying Guide
Let’s talk immediately about the new Apple monitor, the very expensive and powerful Apple Pro Display XDR : with professional performance and surprising fidelity, it is ideal for any video editing professional.
Comparing it with the other products on the market there is no comparison that holds.
Unfortunately, this product is currently too expensive.
For this reason, we are inclined not to recommend its purchase, except in particular cases, especially considering that there are very valid professional monitors that manage to achieve almost the same performance, but with much lower prices.
The most important factors to choose the best monitor to associate with the new MacBook Pro with M1 chip, are dictated by its use.
Considering that most of the users who buy this Apple laptop do it to work in the field of video and photo editing or 3D modeling, the purchase of the monitor must reflect some fundamental characteristics.
When choosing the professional monitor, the quality of the panel and its response in terms of color realism are very important: for this reason, it is preferable to focus on IPS screens with HDR technology, size of at least 27 inches, and a resolution preferably from QHD upwards, even if some FullHD screens on the market meet these prerequisites and are excellent products for saving.
The offer is currently very substantial: there are displays suitable for every user on the market, from those involved in creating professional photos and videos to those working in the design field, up to fans of gaming and multimedia.
There are also classic office monitors, generally used for internet browsing and word processing.
Obviously, buying a MacBook Pro M1 to browse the internet seems a bit excessive in our opinion.
For this reason, we assume that users need a monitor to work on programs of a certain caliber.
For gaming lovers, we would like to say that in this guide we will present monitors that are able to respond to work requirements, therefore, as mentioned, with excellent image quality and colors.
The monitors chosen will not have extremely high refresh rates, like the 144 Hz reached by many gaming monitors, but will only travel below 100 Hz, more than enough for the purpose in question.
If you want to play, as well as work, we recommend monitors that have the same performance as those we reviewed, but with higher refresh rates.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Screen Size Important?
If you work in the world of video editing, design, and 3D graphics, the minimum recommended size is 27 inches.
There are smaller 21 or 24-inch monitors on the market: in this case, we do not recommend the purchase, considering that the goal is to have a larger screen to work in support of the little gem of Apple.
Monitor With USB-C Or Thunderbolt 3?
During the purchase phase, we advise you to pay particular attention to connectivity and if there are USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports, as they allow you to connect the MacBook Pro to the monitor while recharging the battery.
The advice is to focus on monitors with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, as it can deliver more power, compared to the 60W of the USB-C port.
The Thunderbolt 3 is therefore able to constantly charge the MacBook Pro with a supported power of 85W.
In addition, the Thunderbolt 3 connection offers better performance in terms of playback and speed of the video, since it works on 40 Gbps instead of 10 Gbps like USB-C.
The latest MacBooks and iMacs only have Thunderbolt 3 ports, so if you buy a monitor with only HDMI or DisplayPort interfaces, you’ll need to buy an adapter.
Which Resolution to Choose?
Considering that we are talking about monitors to be used in the professional field, in principle, the more pixels there are, the more the image will be brood.
In general, we recommend not exceeding 220ppi (pixels per inch), as beyond this figure the human eye hardly notices the difference.
Although FullHD is a good starting point, we can say that QHD (2K) is the best resolution to get clear and precise images, without having to spend too much. Alternatively, if you want the best, we recommend 4K (3840 × 2160).
We do not recommend buying monitors beyond 4K resolution.
What is Static Contrast?
This parameter, also called the static contrast ratio, describes the brightness of the brightest white and darkest black.
The higher the ratio the better the black display and contrast will be.
For photo and video editing, we recommend monitors that do not drop below 800: 1 of static contrast.
Among the best on the market, there are also values above 1200: 1.
How To Choose Based On Depth And Color Range?
One of the fundamental characteristics for choosing a monitor to associate with the MacBook to work on graphic content and video editing is the depth and range of colors.
The depth indicates how many different colors a monitor can show: the higher this value, the better the graphic quality.
For example, 10-bit media is better than 8-bit media.
Another fundamental criterion is the sRGB color range: this value can reach a maximum of 100%.
In the case of the maximum, it means that there will be no errors when the profile is sent to other devices.
The best displays also offer high percentages of DCI-P3, the new standard introduced to cover a wider color gamut than sRGB and NTSC.
The higher this percentage value, the better the panel quality will be.
In monitors with 100% sRGB, this value is essential to understand which of these products has a range of colors as faithful as possible to reality.
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