The 5 Best Monitors For MacBook Pro - Summer 2019
Reviews

The MacBook Pro has a great screen, but sometimes, it's just too small for some projects. An external monitor with USB-C makes it easier than ever to connect your MacBook Pro, and some models even allow you to charge your MacBook and connect the display with a single cable, so you don't have to worry about carrying an external charger or adapter.

We've reviewed 69 monitors and below are our recommendations for the best MacBook Pro monitors to purchase in 2019. See also our recommendations for the best monitors, the best ultrawide monitors, the best monitors for Mac Mini, and our best 34 inch + monitors.

1. Best Monitor For MacBook Pro: Dell U3818DW

   

   Dell U3818DW

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   8.1

   Office

   Score components:

   • 16% Resolution and Size
   • 15% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 12% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 7% Ergonomics
   • 7% Reflections
   • 7% Gray Uniformity
   • 6% Input Lag
   • 5% SDR Color Gamut
   • 5% SDR Color Volume
   • 4% Black Uniformity
   • 4% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 4% Gradient
   • 2% Motion Blur
   • 2% Refresh Rate
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Image Flicker
   • 1% Curve radius

   Score distribution:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   See our best recommendations
   Size : 38 "

   Resolution : 3840x1600

   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : No

   The Dell U3818DW is the best monitor for a MacBook Pro that we've tested so far. It has some great features that make it very easy to get the most out of your Mac, whether it's a MacBook Pro, MacBook, or Mac Mini. It has a USB-C port, which supports power delivery of up to 95W, so you can charge your Mac while you work, with a single cable going back to the computer. 

   This is an impressive monitor for multitasking. The impressive 3840x1600 resolution is great for multitasking, as you can comfortably work with multiple windows open at once. Unfortunately, this high resolution comes at a cost, as the USB ports on the back are limited to USB 2.0 speeds when connected with a single USB-C cable. This shouldn't be an issue for most people, though.

   Unfortunately, it doesn't look as good in a dark room, as it has a mediocre native contrast ratio and disappointing black uniformity. Overall, though, this is a great monitor for most uses, and a great choice for MacBook Pro users.

   See our review

2. Ultrawide Alternative: Dell U4919DW

   

   Dell U4919DW

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Size : 49 "

   Resolution : 5120x1440

   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : No

   If you like the Dell U3818DW's wide format but want something even wider, check out the Dell U4919DW instead. This massive 49" monitor has an impressive 5120x1440 resolution, great for multitasking. Like the other Dell, it supports power delivery over the USB-C port, great for keeping your MacBook charged while you work, and it allows you to use the monitor as a USB hub.

   Overall, the two Dells are very similar, but the 49" model has a less flexible stand, so it might be more difficult to place in an optimal viewing position. Unfortunately, some MacBooks can't handle this monitor's extremely high resolution and are only able to send 3840x1080. Despite this, it's still a very good monitor that should please most people.

   See our review

3. Best 4k Monitor For MacBook Pro: LG 32UD99-W

   

   LG 32UD99-W

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   8.0

   Office

   Score components:

   • 16% Resolution and Size
   • 15% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 12% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 7% Ergonomics
   • 7% Reflections
   • 7% Gray Uniformity
   • 6% Input Lag
   • 5% SDR Color Gamut
   • 5% SDR Color Volume
   • 4% Black Uniformity
   • 4% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 4% Gradient
   • 2% Motion Blur
   • 2% Refresh Rate
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Image Flicker
   • 1% Curve radius

   Score distribution:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   See our best recommendations
   Size : 32 "

   Resolution : 3840x2160

   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : FreeSync

   If you don't want a widescreen monitor, the LG 32UD99-W is the best 4k monitor for MacBook Pro that we've tested so far. This 32", 4k monitor delivers good overall picture quality, with great peak brightness and wide viewing angles. It has a decent stand, and there shouldn't be any issues placing it in the ideal viewing position. Unlike the Dell U3818DW, it doesn't swivel.

   Like the two Dells, this monitor supports power delivery over the USB-C port, but it's limited to 60W. This might not be enough to charge your MacBook while working on it, depending on the model. The USB-C cable can also act as an upstream port, allowing you to use the two built-in USB 3.0 ports to connect your other devices.

   Although this monitor doesn't look quite as good in a dark room, it does perform better than most IPS monitors, so there shouldn't be any issues working late at night. Overall, this is a great monitor and an excellent choice for MacBook Pro owners.

   See our review

4. Alternative With A Better Stand: Dell U3219Q

   

   Dell U3219Q

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Size : 32 "

   Resolution : 3840x2160

   Refresh Rate : 60 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : No

   If you want a 4k monitor with a better stand than the LG 32UD99-W, check out the Dell U3219Q instead. This monitor has the same great 32", 4k screen as the LG, but the stand has a better height adjustment, and it can swivel from side-to-side. This makes it a better choice for mobile professionals that need to make frequent adjustments to the position of their display. It also features a USB-C port, with up to 90W of power delivery, more than Apple's recommended 87W for most MacBooks.

   See our review

5. Best Budget MacBook Pro Monitor: LG 29UM69G-B

   

   LG 29UM69G-B

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.0

   Test Benches:

   • 1.0: Fall 2017

   See changelog and how ratings work

   7.1

   Office

   Score components:

   • 16% Resolution and Size
   • 15% Vertical Viewing Angle
   • 12% Horizontal Viewing Angle
   • 7% Ergonomics
   • 7% Reflections
   • 7% Gray Uniformity
   • 6% Input Lag
   • 5% SDR Color Gamut
   • 5% SDR Color Volume
   • 4% Black Uniformity
   • 4% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 4% Gradient
   • 2% Motion Blur
   • 2% Refresh Rate
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Image Flicker
   • 1% Curve radius

   Score distribution:

   - SAMPLE -

   Become an Insider to see distribution charts

   See our best recommendations
   Size : 29 "

   Resolution : 2560x1080

   Refresh Rate : 75 Hz

   LCD Type

   What it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.

   : IPS

   Variable Refresh Rate

   What it is: Feature that allows the monitor to synchronize its refresh rate with the input device's output and reduces stuttering and screen tearing.

   When it matters: Almost every usage, but is most noticeable in gaming where constant fluctuation in framerate cause distracting artifacts.

   : FreeSync

   If you're looking for a simple monitor for occasional use, the LG 29UM69G-B is the best MacBook Pro monitor that we've tested so far in the budget category. It has a smaller, 29" screen, and a simpler 2560x1080 resolution, so it isn't as well-suited as the LG 32UD99-W or Dell U3818DW for multitasking. That said, it is a decent monitor overall.

   This monitor delivers mediocre picture quality, as it can't get very bright and has terrible black uniformity, but it has great accuracy with our pre-calibration settings and has an excellent SDR color gamut.

   Unfortunately, this monitor doesn't support power delivery over USB-C, so you'll have to keep a charger handy if you plan on using the monitor for a while. Overall, although it's a basic monitor, this is the best external monitor for MacBook Pro in the budget category that we've tested so far.

   See our review