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The 5 Best Monitors For MacBook Pro - May 2019
Reviews
- Store-bought monitors; no cherry-picked units
- Retest after major updates
- Easily comparable results
- No ads; unbiased 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 65 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.
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Best Monitor For MacBook Pro: Dell U3818DW
Usage Ratings - Version 1.08.1OfficeScore 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:LCD Type: IPSWhat it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.Variable Refresh Rate: NoWhat 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.The Dell U3818DW is the best monitor for a MacBook Pro that we've tested so far. The 38", 3840x1600 screen is great for multitasking, and it has very good wide viewing angles, perfect for sharing your work with someone else or watching the latest trends with a few friends.
This monitor has a single USB-C port, it supports Power Delivery mode, and can deliver up to 95 W. This is great for MacBook Pro owners, as you can easily keep your laptop charged and run the screen with only one cable. This also allows you to use the USB ports on the monitor, essentially transforming it into a fully-featured docking station.
Unfortunately, due to the extremely high bandwidth required by this monitor, when connected with a single USB-C cable, the monitor's USB hub will only work at USB 2.0 speeds. This isn't the best for transferring large files from an external drive, but this shouldn't be an issue for most people.
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Ultrawide Alternative: Dell U4919DW
LCD Type: IPSWhat it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.Variable Refresh Rate: NoWhat 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.If you like the 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 Dell U3818DW, 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 the Dell U4919DW's extremely high resolution and are only able to send 3840x1080. Despite this, it is still a very good monitor that should please most people.
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Best 4k Monitor For MacBook Pro: LG 32UD99-W
Usage Ratings - Version 1.08.0OfficeScore 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:LCD Type: IPSWhat it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.Variable Refresh Rate: FreeSyncWhat 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.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 is 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.
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Alternative With A Better Stand: Dell U3219Q
LCD Type: IPSWhat it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.Variable Refresh Rate: NoWhat 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.If you like the performance of the LG 32UD99-W but would like something with a better stand, check out the Dell U3219Q. This is a great office monitor with great ergonomics, including the ability to rotate to portrait orientation; this is great if you are looking to do a multi-monitor setup. Unfortunately, this monitor isn't flicker-free, which might bother some people if you are using it for longer periods of time. Overall, though, it is a very good monitor that should please most people.
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Best Budget MacBook Pro Monitor: LG 29UM69G-B
Usage Ratings - Version 1.07.1OfficeScore 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:LCD Type: IPSWhat it is: Type of LCD technology used by the monitor.When it matters: Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.Variable Refresh Rate: FreeSyncWhat 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.If you're looking for a simple monitor for occasional use, the LG 29UM69G-B is the best budget MacBook Pro monitor that we've tested so far. 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 is a basic monitor, this is the best external monitor for MacBook Pro in the budget category that we've tested so far.
Notable Mentions
- LG 32UL950: Good monitor, but more expensive than the LG 32UD99-W for about the same performance. See our review
- LG 34WK95U: Poor ergonomics and doesn't support power delivery. See our review
- LG 43UD79-B: Decent monitor, but bad black uniformity. See our review
All Reviews
Our recommendations are based on what we think are the best external monitors for a MacBook Pro that are currently available. They are adapted to be valid for most people, in each price range. Rating is based on our review, factoring in price and feedback from our visitors.
If you would prefer to make your own decision, here is the list of all of our monitor reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. Most monitors are good enough to please most people, and the things we fault monitors on are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.
