Best Monitors for MacBook Pro M3/M4

psychology 10519 data points analyzed
Updated March 30, 18186
THE SELECTION
Apple Studio Display
Best Overall
81
SetupScore 19 reviews analyzed

The Apple Studio Display offers the best overall value with its accurate color grading, stunning design, and high-resolution 5K retina display, making it a top

Other Top Categories

Best Value

ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV

$799.00 Score 85
Best Budget

Dell S2725QC

$366.00 Score 94
Best Premium

Apple Pro Display XDR

$4,999.00 Score 80
Also Great

BenQ PD3225U 4K Monitor

$1099.99 Score 81
Best Overall

Apple Studio Display

tomsguide.com 90
zdnet.com 80
markellisreviews.com 80
pcmag.com 70
dpreview.com 80
Fig. 1
81 SetupScore
$1599.99 MSRP

The Apple Studio Display is a solid investment for those who prioritize color accuracy and design, and who are willing to pay a premium for a monitor that fits seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem. However, for those on a tighter budget or in need of advanced features like ProMotion, this monitor may not be the best fit.

Consensus Agreement
68% (Strong) Based on 12 reviews

What Reviewers Say

Pros

  • Accurate color grading for professional work
  • Stunning design and premium build quality
  • High-resolution 5K retina display
  • Center Stage feature useful for video conferencing.

Cons

  • High price point relative to feature set
  • No height adjustment by default
  • Limited adjustability on standard stand
  • Webcam quality is poor
SetupScore Verdict

check_circle Perfect For

Creative professionals, Apple ecosystem users and High-resolution display seekers.

warning Think Twice If

Budget-conscious buyers and Gamers needing ProMotion.

Best Value

ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV

displayninja.com 94
techradar.com 80
discover.therookies.co 100
gdgtme.com 85
bhphotovideo.com 80
pcworld.com 80
rtings.com 100
Fig. 2
85 SetupScore
$799.00 MSRP

For photographers and video editors who need Calman Verified color accuracy — with an average delta E of 0.45 and 99% coverage of both Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 — the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV is one of the best-value professional monitors available under $500. Its 96W USB-C power delivery also makes it an ideal single-cable solution for laptop-based creatives. However, with a peak brightness of only 366 nits and a standard 1000:1 contrast ratio, those who prioritize HDR grading or work in bright environments should consider brighter alternatives.

Consensus Agreement
41% (Moderate) Based on 12 reviews

What Reviewers Say

Pros

  • Wide color gamut coverage for professional work
  • USB-C connectivity with 96W power delivery
  • Ideal for professional creatives needing precise colors
  • Extensive connectivity options

Cons

  • Peak brightness lower than predecessor at 366 nits
  • Limited HDR support
  • Slightly plasticky build
  • Mediocre contrast and brightness
SetupScore Verdict

check_circle Perfect For

Professionals needing precise color work, Creatives valuing wide color gamut and Users requiring USB-C connectivity.

warning Think Twice If

Gamers seeking high peak brightness and Consumers requiring full HDR support.

Other Great Options in this Category

Best Budget

Dell S2725QC

bestbuy.com 94
impulsegamer.com 98
Fig. 3
94 SetupScore
$366.00 MSRP

The Dell S2725QC earns its 91/100 score as a well-rounded 27-inch 4K monitor that punches above its price class. Its combination of 4K/120Hz on an IPS panel with a 1500:1 contrast ratio and USB-C 65W Power Delivery makes it a strong pick for home office users and casual gamers. Just be aware: no HDR support, no 3.5mm audio jack, and a modest ~350-nit brightness ceiling mean it's not the right tool for every desk.

Consensus Agreement
49% (Mixed) Based on 12 reviews

What Reviewers Say

Pros

  • Supports 120Hz refresh rate
  • 1500:1 static contrast ratio
  • Features USB-C upstream with 65W Power Delivery
  • 4K resolution provides sharp, detailed image quality

Cons

  • Lacks 3.5mm audio jack requiring external extractors
  • 360 nits peak brightness insufficient for well-lit room usage
  • Response time averages 5ms which is fairly mediocre
  • Compatibility issues with older MacBook models reported
SetupScore Verdict

check_circle Perfect For

Home office users wanting 4K sharpness with single-cable USB-C setup, Console and PC gamers needing 4K/120Hz with HDMI 2.1 and Professionals doing color-accurate work in sRGB (99% coverage).

warning Think Twice If

HDR content creators or viewers requiring true HDR support, Users in bright, sunlit rooms where 350 nits falls short and Competitive gamers sensitive to response times above 4ms.

Best Premium

Apple Pro Display XDR

pcmag.com 80
digitaltrends.com 80
bestbuy.com 86
theverge.com 75
Fig. 4
80 SetupScore
$4,999.00 MSRP

The Apple Pro Display XDR is a clear choice for professionals who value high-quality color accuracy and contrast. Its exceptional performance, especially in color accuracy and HDR capabilities, makes it a worthy investment for those in the creative industry who can afford it. However, for users on a tighter budget or those without an extensive HDR-ready content library, this monitor's high price tag may be a significant drawback.

Consensus Agreement
53% (Moderate) Based on 12 reviews

What Reviewers Say

Pros

  • Reference-level color accuracy
  • Ideal for professional work requiring precise color accuracy
  • Stunning design and build quality
  • High peak and sustained brightness levels

Cons

  • Lack of HDR-ready content library in macOS
  • Incredibly expensive
SetupScore Verdict

check_circle Perfect For

Professional content creators, High-end graphic designers and Cinema professionals.

warning Think Twice If

Budget-conscious buyers and Users with limited HDR content.

Also Great

BenQ PD3225U 4K Monitor

creativebloq.com 80
trustedreviews.com 70
pcmag.com 80
machow2.com 90
bhphotovideo.com 90
macworld.com 80
pcworld.com 80
Fig. 5
81 SetupScore
$1099.99 MSRP

The BenQ PD3225U is a solid choice for professionals who prioritize color accuracy and deep blacks. If you're willing to invest in a premium professional display, this could be the one for you. However, if you're on a tighter budget or require high brightness for gaming, you might want to look elsewhere.

Consensus Agreement
47% (Moderate) Based on 12 reviews

What Reviewers Say

Pros

  • Factory-calibrated for color accuracy
  • Ideal for professional or prosumer market
  • Suitable for photographers and videographers needing deep blacks
  • Large 32-inch 4K IPS Black panel

Cons

  • Lack of brightness compared to other screens
  • Priced higher than some alternatives
  • Difficult to unbox due to complex packaging
  • Volume adjust from Mac only works with headphones connected
SetupScore Verdict

check_circle Perfect For

Professional designers, Photographers and Videographers.

warning Think Twice If

Budget-conscious users and Gamers needing high brightness.

The Ledger.

Full technical breakdown of the complete field. Covering 18 models tested.

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1 / 18
monitor Display
Screen Size 27 inches
Resolution 5K
Panel Type IPS LCD
Refresh Rate 60Hz
Brightness 600 nits
HDR SDR (standard dynamic range) / EDR (extended dynamic range)
Color Gamut full coverage of the Display P3 color gamut (DCI-P3 with a D65 white point)
Pixel Density 218
cable Connectivity
Ports one Thunderbolt 4, three USB Type-C ports
USB-C / Thunderbolt 1 x upstream Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) with 96W host charging
tune Design
Stand tilting stand,tilt and height adjustment,VESA mount adapter
speaker Audio & Camera
Speakers Six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers and studio-quality three-mic array
Webcam 12MP Ultra Wide camera with 122° field of view
scale Physical
Dimensions 24.5 x 18.8 x 6.6 inches (with stand, height tops out at 23 inches w/ optional height-adjustable stand)
Categories
Best Overall Best Value
Consensus
41%
monitor Display
Screen Size 27 inches
Resolution 3840 x 2160
Panel Type IPS-Type LCD
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Brightness 400 nits / cd/m2 (Peak in HDR Mode), 350 nits / cd/m2 (Sustained)
Contrast Ratio 1000:1
HDR Yes: HDR10
Color Gamut 100% sRGB, 99% Adobe RGB, 99% DCI-P3
Color Depth 1.07 Billion Colors (10-Bit)
Response Time 5 ms (GtG)
cable Connectivity
Ports 4 x USB, 1 x USB-C
USB-C / Thunderbolt 1x USB-C 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C Power Only (No Data) with USB PD 96 W, 3x USB-A 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1
tune Design
Stand Height: 5.1" / 130 mm, Tilt: 28° (-5 to 23°), Rotation: 180° (-90 to 90°), Swivel: 60° (-30 to 30°)
VESA Mount 100 x 100 mm
speaker Audio & Camera
Speakers Yes: 2x 2 W
scale Physical
Weight 8.6 KG
Dimensions 614 x 228 x 524 MM
monitor Display
Screen Size 27 inches
Resolution 3840 x 2160 Pixels
Panel Type IPS
Refresh Rate 120Hz
Brightness 350 nits
HDR HDR10 (limited hardware implementation)
Color Gamut 99% sRGB
Color Depth Dithered 10-bit (1.07 billion colors)
Response Time 8ms
cable Connectivity
USB-C / Thunderbolt 65W
tune Design
Stand height,tilt,swivel
VESA Mount Not specified
speaker Audio & Camera
Speakers Dual 5W speakers
scale Physical
Weight Under 7kg
Dimensions 7.89 x 24.08 x 15.3 inches
Categories
Best Premium
Consensus
53%
monitor Display
Screen Size 32 inches
Resolution 6K
Panel Type LED-backlit display
Refresh Rate 60Hz
Brightness 1,600 nits
Contrast Ratio 1,000,000:1
HDR HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
Color Gamut 1.073 billion colors (true 10-bit)
Color Depth true 10-bit color
cable Connectivity
Ports 1 x upstream USB-C with Thunderbolt 3, 3 x downstream USB-C
tune Design
Stand 30 degrees tilt, 120mm height
VESA Mount VESA mount adapter available (+$200)
speaker Audio & Camera
Speakers None
scale Physical
Weight 16.49 pounds
Dimensions 28.3 inches (width) x 16.2 inches (height) x 1.1 inches (depth)
monitor Display
Screen Size 32-inch
Resolution 4K UHD (3,840 by 2,160 pixels)
Panel Type 10-bit IPS
Refresh Rate 60Hz
Brightness 400 nits
Contrast Ratio 2000:1
HDR Yes, VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified
Color Gamut 98% DCI-P3, 99% sRGB, 99% Rec.709
Color Depth 1.07 Billion Colors (10-Bit)
Pixel Density 140 pixels per inch
Response Time 5 ms
cable Connectivity
Ports two HDMI, one DisplayPort 1.4, two Thunderbolt 3, USB-B, USB-C, three USB-A, audio-out
USB-C / Thunderbolt Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports, two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and a USB hub
Daisy Chain Support for dual 4K monitors via Thunderbolt
tune Design
Stand Height: 5.91" / 150 mm, Tilt: 25° (-5 to 20°), Rotation: 90°, Swivel: 60° (-30 to 30°)
VESA Mount Yes, 100x100mm
speaker Audio & Camera
Speakers 2x 2.5W speakers, headphone jack
Webcam No
scale Physical
Weight 18.1 pounds
Dimensions 628.4 x 714.8 x 273.3mm
monitor Display
Screen Size 31.5 inches
Resolution 3840 by 2160
Panel Type IPS Black
Refresh Rate 120 Hz
Contrast Ratio 3000:1
tune Design
VESA Mount VESA DisplayHDR 600
scale Physical
Weight 20.6 pounds
Dimensions 24.4 by 28.1 by 8.5 inches
monitor Display
Screen Size 27 inches
Resolution 5K (5120x2880)
Panel Type IPS / W-LED, edge array
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Brightness 400 nits SDR, 500 nits HDR
Contrast Ratio 1,500:1
HDR HDR10, DisplayHDR 500
Color Gamut 99% DCI-P3, 95% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB, 100% Rec.709
Color Depth 10-bit (8-bit+FRC)
Pixel Density 218 pixels per inch (ppi)
Response Time 5ms
tune Design
Stand Tilt: +23° ~ -5°, Swivel: +30° ~ -30°, Pivot: +90° ~ -90°, Height: 0~130mm
VESA Mount 100x100mm
speaker Audio & Camera
Speakers 2x 2w
monitor Display
Screen Size 27 inches
Resolution 5120 x 2880 (5K)
Panel Type 27-inch IPS with Nano Matte coating
Refresh Rate 60Hz
Brightness 400 nits peak
Contrast Ratio 2000:1
HDR VESA DisplayHDR 400
Color Gamut 98% P3, 100% sRGB
Color Depth 10-bit
Pixel Density 218 ppi
Response Time 5ms (GtG)
cable Connectivity
Ports 1 x Thunderbolt 4 (90W PD), 1 x Thunderbolt 4 downstream, 2 x USB-C, 3 x USB-A 3.2, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x Headphone jack
tune Design
Stand Height (up to 150mm), Tilt (-5° to 20°), Swivel (60°)
VESA Mount 100 x 100mm
speaker Audio & Camera
Speakers 2 x 3W stereo
monitor Display
Screen Size 40 inches
Resolution 5120 x 2160
Panel Type IPS Black
Refresh Rate 120Hz
Contrast Ratio 2000:1
HDR Yes, HDR10, VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified
Color Depth 1.07 Billion colors (8bit + A-FRC)
Pixel Density 140ppi
Response Time 5ms GtG
cable Connectivity
Ports 2x Thunderbolt 4 (upstream), 6x USB downstream, Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort
tune Design
VESA Mount 100x100mm
speaker Audio & Camera
Speakers Yes
Price $475.00
Categories
Best Budget
Consensus
80%
monitor Display
Screen Size 27 inches
Resolution 4K UHD
Panel Type IPS
Refresh Rate 60Hz
Brightness 350 cd/m²
Contrast Ratio 1,000:1
HDR HDR10 (limited)
Color Gamut 99% sRGB
Color Depth dithered 10-bit (1.07 billion colors)
Pixel Density 163 PPI
Response Time 4ms gray to gray in extreme mode
cable Connectivity
Ports HDMI 2.0 (x2), USB-C (with DisplayPort and 65 watts Power Delivery), 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
tune Design
VESA Mount Yes, 100mm x 100mm
speaker Audio & Camera
Speakers Yes
scale Physical
Weight 15.65 lbs
monitor Display
Screen Size 27 inches
Resolution 3840 x 2160
Panel Type IPS
Refresh Rate 60Hz
Brightness 350 Nit
Contrast Ratio 1300:1
Color Depth 1.07 billion colors
Response Time 5ms gray to gray in Fast mode, 8ms gray to gray in Normal mode
cable Connectivity
Ports 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 2x USB-C, 3x USB-A, 1x audio-out
USB-C / Thunderbolt 90W
tune Design
VESA Mount 100mm
scale Physical
Weight 21.2 pounds
monitor Display
Screen Size 27 inches
Resolution 2560 x 1440
Panel Type VA Mini LED
Refresh Rate 180Hz
Brightness 400 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio 4000:1
Color Depth 8-bit + FRC
Response Time 1ms (quoted)
tune Design
Stand tilt, height, swivel, rotate
scale Physical
Weight 15.56 lbs
monitor Display
Screen Size 24 inches
Resolution 1920x1080
Panel Type IPS
Refresh Rate 100Hz
Brightness 250 cd/m²
Contrast Ratio 1500:1
Color Gamut 99% sRGB
Color Depth 16777216 colors / 24 bits
Response Time 5ms
cable Connectivity
Ports DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA, USB hub, USB-C (data and power only)
tune Design
VESA Mount 100 mm x 100 mm
scale Physical
Weight 11.41 pounds
monitor Display
Screen Size 27 inches
Resolution 2560 x 1440 (2K)
Panel Type IPS
Refresh Rate 75Hz
Brightness 350 nits
Contrast Ratio 1000:1
Color Gamut 99% sRGB
Response Time 5 ms (GtG)
tune Design
VESA Mount 100x100mm
speaker Audio & Camera
Speakers Yes, microphone included
scale Physical
Dimensions 424.7 – 534.3 x 614.0 x 238.5 mm
monitor Display
Screen Size 32-inch
Resolution 4K AI Upscaling
Brightness 400 cd/m2
cable Connectivity
Ports 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI, 1x USB-C
tune Design
Stand Height adjustable with 90-degree pivot, tilt
Categories
Best Overall
Consensus
87%
monitor Display
Screen Size 27 inches
Resolution 3840x2160
Panel Type IPS Black
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Contrast Ratio 2,000:1
tune Design
VESA Mount VESA DisplayHDR 400
scale Physical
Weight 14.64 pounds
Dimensions 15.2 x 24.1 x 7.3 inches
monitor Display
Screen Size 32-inch
Resolution 3840x2160
Panel Type IPS
Refresh Rate 144Hz
Brightness 400 nits
Contrast Ratio 1,200:1
Color Gamut Over 95% DCI-P3
Response Time 1ms
cable Connectivity
Ports 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Thunderbolt, 1x Thunderbolt output, 1x USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 upstream 10Gbps data only, 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 downstream with 10Gbps data and up to 4.5 watts USB Power Delivery, 1x USB-C Gen 2 downstream with 10Gbps data and 4.5 watts USB Power Delivery, 3.5mm headphone jack
tune Design
VESA Mount 100x100mm
speaker Audio & Camera
Speakers 3.5mm headphone output
scale Physical
Weight 21.4 pounds (9.7kg)
Dimensions 28.1 x 19.1-25.1 x 9.5 inches (714 x 486-636 x 242mm)
monitor Display
Screen Size 28 inches
Resolution UHD 3840x2160
Panel Type IPS
Refresh Rate 144Hz
Brightness 450 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio 840:1
Color Gamut 10-bit, 90% DCI-P3
Pixel Density 157 ppi
Response Time 1ms
tune Design
VESA Mount Yes, 100mm x 100mm
speaker Audio & Camera
Speakers Yes

How We Chose These Picks

We analyzed 12 expert sources, comparing 18 products to select 5 consensus picks. Each product's score, strengths, and weaknesses are derived from cross-referencing multiple independent reviews — not a single editorial opinion.

Sources

rtings.com macworld.com techradar.com forbes.com tomsguide.com machow2.com ofzenandcomputing.com viewsonic.com dpreview.com eneba.com bcgforums.com 9to5mac.com
Learn more about our review methodology