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There are a ton of options if you on the hunt for the best gaming monitors, but for us, Alienware's 34 QD-OLED still takes the cake in 2024. It's not the display for everyone, though, and after reviewing dozens of the top gaming monitors, we've settled on a list of displays with great gaming performance for any budget or purpose.
We're focused specifically on gaming monitors here, which come with higher refresh rates and adaptive sync features like G-Sync and FreeSync. If you're looking for an all-around display, make sure to browse our list of the best monitors.
We've reviewed hundreds of monitors over the years, trying to find the best of the best. This involves an in-depth process of not only using the monitor, but also pushing it to the limits with various forms of testing. Make sure to read our roundup of how we test monitors for a closer look. This process ensures that when we come out of a monitor review, we know with certainty if it's a product you should buy or not.
There are a few areas where gaming monitors differ from other displays, including traditional monitors and TVs. Here are some important areas to pay attention to.
The main thing that separates a gaming monitor from a regular monitor is the refresh rate. A higher refresh rate means you'll be able to see all of the frames your graphics card or game console produces, leading to a smoother image. For PC, we recommend sticking above 100Hz. Consoles don't always need more than 60Hz, but the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 can deliver 120Hz in select games.
The port selection on a gaming monitor is very important for a couple of reasons. First, it's important to have multiple inputs so you can hook up more than one game platform. If you have a PC and a console, for example, you'll want access to both. The specification is important as well. HDMI 2.1 is what you want for most consoles, as it can deliver 4K at 120Hz. Older versions of HDMI can't.
You'll want to keep in mind the resolution of the monitor before picking it up. Higher resolutions are more demanding on your PC's graphics card, so you want to pair the right resolution with your PC for the best performance. If you have a weaker budget GPU, for example, you'll probably want to limit your monitor search to 1,080p displays over 4K options.
Alienware 34 QD-OLED Review
Pros
Cons
Why you should buy this: The Alienware 34 QD-OLED provides the best gaming experience you can buy in 2024.
Who's it for: Ultrawide fans who want to experience OLED with PC games.
Why we chose the Alienware 34 QD-OLED:
The Alienware 34 QD-OLED is the ultimate gaming monitor in 2024, and that's because it finally makes an attempt to shake up the massively stale market. How? Quantum Dot OLED. The Alienware 34 QD-OLED isn't content with poor HDR, washed-out colors, and low peak brightness. It wants to provide the best image quality possible.
And it succeeds. The Alienware 34 QD-OLED has stunning contrast due to the deep blacks that are characteristic of OLED displays. Games look stunning on the display, especially if you're playing one of the best HDR games available on PC.
The display gets everything else right, too. It's certified with G-Sync Ultimate for tear-free gaming, and it can top out at a 175Hz refresh rate. The resolution is great, too, with the 21:9 aspect ratio offering up a resolution of 3440 x 1400 across the 34-inch screen.
Although the ultrawide form factor may not be for everyone, the Alienware 34 QD-OLED is worth adjusting to. It offers the best image quality out of any gaming monitor you can buy, it's not too expensive, and it comes with the essential features PC gamers need.
Alienware 34 QD-OLED
The best gaming monitor
Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 Review
Pros
Cons
Why you should buy this: It has a super-high refresh rate, excellent HDR, and impeccable clarity with a 4K resolution.
Who's it for: High-end PC gamers who don't mind spending up for the best of all worlds.
Why we chose the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8:
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 is a monitor that lets you have your cake and eat it, too. While most displays sacrifice image quality for refresh rate, or resolution for price, the Odyssey Neo G8 ticks every box. It's 4K, 240Hz, and comes with some of the best HDR you can get on a gaming monitor short of OLED.
Local dimming in over 1,000 zones create inky blacks and blinding highlights, providing dynamic range that most monitors can't handle. That makes it great for cinematic experiences like Cyberpunk 2077 and Horizon Zero Dawn, pushing HDR to the forefront.
It can do competitive game, as well. The 240Hz refresh rate provides better motion clarity than the stock 144Hz refresh rate most gaming monitors offer. It's not the highest refresh rate you can get on a gaming monitor, but considering the resolution and HDR performance, it's an incredible feat. We tested the monitor with Overwatch 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Rainbow Six Siege, and the display held up well in even the most competitive games.
The only downside here is price. At $1,500, the Odyssey Neo G8 is one of the more expensive gaming monitors you can buy. It's not unreasonable for how much Samsung is offering here, though, especially as displays like the Odyssey Neo G9 and Samsung Arkcost well over $2,000.
Samsung Odyssey Neo G8
The best 4K HDR gaming monitor
Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q Review
Pros
Cons
Why you should buy this: It's one of the best HDR experiences you can get, and it's under $600.
Who's it for: Gamers who want fantastic HDR without breaking the bank.
Why we chose the Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q:
The Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q is a monitor that would've been impossible just a few years ago. Flagship HDR performance, G-Sync and FreeSync support, and a 1440p resolution for only $530? The Tempest GP27Q is able to deliver all of that for a low price given emerging Mini-LED tech.
The smaller lights allow the Tempest GP27Q to deliver 576 full-array local dimming zones, nearly six times as many as the Sony InZone M9. The high local dimming zone count leads to exceptional HDR performance that's normally reserved for monitors that cost well over $1,000.
It looks gorgeous, offering some of the deepest black levels and brightest highlights you can get in a gaming monitor right now. Cooler Master combines that fantastic HDR performance with a low response time and 165Hz refresh rate, making it a solid, if not perfect, option for competitive games that require lots of motion clarity.
There are some trade-offs, though. Most notably, the Tempest GP27Q isn't the most color accurate monitor. It's fantastic with HDR turned off, offering world-class color coverage and performance, but color accuracy takes a nosedive with HDR turned on.
Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q
The best 1440p gaming monitor
Alienware AW2524H Review
Pros
Cons
Why you should buy this: It's the fastest gaming monitor you can buy right now.
Who's it for: Highly competitive esports players looking for every advantage possible.
Why we chose the Alienware 500Hz AW2524H:
The Alienware AW2524H isn't for everyone. As a matter of fact, it isn't even for most people. It's expensive at $830, the image quality isn't great, and it's only 1080p. All of that is easy to overlook if you're among the most competitive esports players, though.
It's the first monitor to come with a 500Hz refresh rate, shaving milliseconds off of many of the fastest gaming monitors on the market. The Alienware AW2524H wholeheartedly focuses on esports players, providing an advantage to gamers who grind hours away in games like Overwatch 2 and Valorant.
If you step outside that audience, though, the Alienware AW2524H looks much less impressive. HDR performance is poor, image quality is lacking overall, and the small size is disappointing given how expensive the monitor is. But for that subset of gamers who only focus on competitive titles, the Alienware AW2524H delivers in a way no other monitor does.
Alienware 500Hz AW2524H
The best 1080p gaming monitor
Gigabyte M32U monitor review: 4K gaming without the fluff Review
Pros
Cons
Why you should buy this: It comes with all of the features 4K gamers need, but at a price much lower than the competition.
Who's it for: 4K gamers on a tight budget.
Why we chose the Gigabyte M32U:
You can pick up the Gigabyte M32U for as little as $750, which is an insane price considering the specs. It's a 32-inch 4K monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate, and it even sports dual HDMI 2.1 ports so you can hook up a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.
All of the specs are right, and Gigabyte goes further with an IPS panel that boasts surprisingly good color accuracy. The M32U even comes with a KVM switch, allowing you to hook up some peripherals through the included USB ports to use them between multiple systems.
It's in the odds and ends where the M32U lags behind more premium options. The stand is terrible and it doesn't come with any gamer flare. Throw the display on one of the best monitor stands, though, and those issues are easy to overlook.
Gigabyte M32U
The best budget 4K gaming monitor
Pros
Cons
Why you should buy this: It delivers everything you could want out of a 1440p gaming monitor, and for about $200.
Who's it for: Gamers on a budget that want to dive into higher resolutions.
Why we chose the Gigabyte GS27Q:
Gigabyte's G27Q is a workhorse 1440p monitor. It's not flashy with its standard IPS display, and it can barely handle HDR despite being "HDR ready." But for gamers that want a higher resolution and a high refresh rate, it delivers a great experience for about $200.
We're specifically recommending the GS27Q variant, which is the same as the G27Q. It's slightly better in that the GS model comes with a higher 165Hz refresh rate, and slightly worse in that it comes with a rather dinky stand that only offers tilt adjustments (both monitors support a VESA mount, however). The main reason we went with the GS27Q, however, is that it's cheaper. It goes for $230, and you can commonly find it for $200.
As for image quality, this is a fairly standard IPS display. Colors are accurate, and coverage of sRGB is great, but you shouldn't expect extended color gamut of great HDR.
Gigabyte G27Q
The best budget 1440p gaming monitor
Pros
Cons
Why you should buy this: It's fast, accessible, and cheap.
Who's it for: Gamers looking for a feature-rich monitor for around $200.
Why we chose the Acer Nitro XF243Y:
The Acer Nitro XF243Y isn't the best monitor for gaming, but that's hard to expect for around $200. For that price, you're getting a 24-inch display with Full HD resolution and, critically, a 144Hz refresh rate. The display also supports FreeSync, allowing you to use adaptive refresh with an Nvidia or AMD GPU.
For specs, the Nitro XF243Y checks out. It shoots ahead with low input lag and an excellent response time, ensuring that you can hit your headshots and score your goals. The IPS panel means the display has solid color accuracy out of the box, even if it takes a hit when it comes to brightness and contrast.
The Nitro XF243Y doesn't support HDMI 2.1 for the latest consoles, and the stand doesn't offer a ton of room for adjustment. Still, it's hard to argue with the price of the Nitro XF243Y, especially when it carries excellent gaming performance in tow.
Acer Nitro XF243Y
The best budget 1080p gaming monitor
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED Review
Pros
Cons
Why you should buy this: It's the best 4K gaming monitor money can buy, and it's a lot cheaper than the competition.
Who's it for: PC gamers who want peak immersion at a reasonable price.
Why we chose the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED:
The MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED doesn't make a lot of sense. It's a third-gen QD-OLED monitor, fit with premium trimmings like a 4K resolution and 240Hz refresh rate, and it comes at the luxuriously large size of 32 inches. It's just a heck of a lot cheaper than the competition.
Coming in at $950, it's anywhere from $250 to $450 cheaper than the competition from Asus, Alienware, and Gigabyte. What's shocking is that the MPG 321URX doesn't compromise anything to reach its lower price.
The image quality is still stunning, with some of the best color coverage and accuracy we've seen, and the panel can still hit 1,000 nits of peak brightness. This is the peak PC gaming experience, just for a whole lot cheaper than the competition.
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
The best OLED gaming monitor
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 Review
Pros
Cons
Why you should buy this: It's a bright and very responsive ultrawide OLED monitor.
Who's it for: Premium gamers who want an ultrawide OLED monitor with extra features.
Why we chose the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8:
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 is in direct competition with the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, and in that head-to-head battle, Samsung loses. That doesn't mean the Odyssey OLED G8 is a bad monitor, though, and for some people, it will be exactly what they're looking for.
This display packs the same 24-inch, 3,440 x 1,440 panel as the Alienware monitor, along with the same 175Hz refresh rate. Samsung stands out with its Tizen operating system, though, which brings apps to the desktop and allows you to access a wide range of media without ever connecting a PC.
There are a few other solid additions as well, such as 65W of power delivery over the USB-C inputs. This is all backed up by the same exceptional QD-OLED image quality we've come to expect out of this panel.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8
A good Alienware 34 QD-OLED alternative
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 Review
Pros
Cons
Why you should buy this: It's the most immersive gaming experience money can buy.
Who's it for: Cinematic gamers who don't mind dealing with a unique aspect ratio.
Why we chose the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9:
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is stunning. It's the most immersive gaming experience money can buy, utilizing the massive 32:9 aspect ratio to wrestle away your senses and suck you into the game. With the Odyssey OLED G9, it's easy to forget you're playing games.
This isn't a new aspect ratio for Samsung, but the OLED G9 goes above and beyond previous versions with, well, OLED. As we've seen with other displays, OLED provides a huge boost to color and contrast, helping HDR games stand out even more.
It helps the 32:9 aspect ratio a lot practically, too. Because OLED panels are so thin, the Odyssey OLED G9 takes up much less desktop space than its predecessor.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
The best 32:9 gaming monitor
What type of monitor is best for gaming?
This very much depends on the type of games you want to play. If you play competitive, fast-paced games, high-refresh-rate monitors are a must as they can reduce input lag and give you a smoother gaming experience. Higher resolutions and HDR are great for more cinematic, AAA experiences, while larger, curved screens add immersion for all sorts of titles.
Can you see the difference between 144Hz and 240Hz?
Yes, but it's very minor. Above 144Hz, refresh rates start to show diminishing returns, so most gamers won't notice a difference between 144Hz and 240Hz. The difference is that a 240Hz has less latency — it refreshes more often — which can make a difference in how a game feels, especially in a competitive setting.
Is there a big difference between 4K and 1080p?
Yes, there's a massive difference. 4K has more than four times as many pixels as 1080p (two million compared to over eight million). 4K displays look sharper and provide better clarity. You'll need a powerful gaming PC to render all of those pixels, though, so you may want to stick with a lower resolution if your rig isn't up to snuff.
What is a good size monitor for gaming?
The size of your monitor largely depends on what resolution it is. As the screen size gets larger, lower resolutions will become more pronounced. For gaming, we recommend a 24-inch monitor for 1080p, a 27-inch monitor for 1440p, and a 27-inch or larger monitor for 4K.
Keep in mind the aspect ratio, as well. Ultrawide monitors are wider, and the screen size isn't comparable to a standard 16:9 display. A 34-inch ultrawide monitor isn't as large as a 34-inch 16:9 one.
Does response time matter for gaming monitors?
Yes, but not in the way you might assume. Response time on a monitor measures how long it takes from one pixel to transition to a different color, not the input lag. Faster response times provide clearer motion, so a low response time is ideal for gaming.
G-Sync versus Freesync: What's the difference?
G-Sync and FreeSync are both adaptive refresh rate technologies. The main difference is that FreeSync is an open-source version, while G-Sync is exclusive to Nvidia graphics cards. That has largely changed in recent years, however, and most monitors with adaptive refresh will work with an AMD or Nvidia graphics card.
Can I use my TV as a gaming monitor?
Yes, you can use a TV as a gaming monitor. TVs have similar options for refresh rates, resolutions, HDR support, and connections like HDMI — plus, HDMI 2.1 added support for the open Adaptive Sync technology, and some TV brands, like Samsung, support FreeSync as well.
However, TVs are generally much more expensive than monitors, so you will likely end up paying a lot more for similar specifications. TVs may also lack certain modes, menu options, and customization features that monitors have for gaming.
Can I use a gaming monitor for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X?
Absolutely. Look for a monitor that has HDMI 2.1 or later ports for the best results. The consoles support up to 4k resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, so you can also be generous with specs and get great results.
The monitor might be the most important part of your Mac’s setup–after all, you can’t use any desktop computer without one and even the 16-inch MacBook screen can be extended to an external display twice that size. Because you’ll spend a lot of time looking at it, you’ll want to invest wisely. Not only will you want a monitor that provides a pleasing experience, but the quality of the images on the screen can also affect your work.
However, picking a new monitor can be daunting. Not only are there many manufacturers to choose from, but there are also lots of sizes, resolutions, and features to consider–and when we say lots, we mean lots. We’re here to help guide you while you shop, and we have some tips on what to look for in a monitor.
Apple sells displays for its Macs, and you could go with its offerings, but its displays are a quite bit more expensive than what third parties have. Buying from a different company may mean you may not get a feature that Apple offers, but it may also be a feature that you don’t need, depending on how you use the monitor. Note there are compatibility issues for plain M1 and M2 Macs, which, unlike M1/M2 Pro/Max/Ultra MacBooks, can’t connect to more than one external display. Fortunately, we can show you how to connect multiple monitors to M1 and M2 Macs.
There are plenty of companies that have great monitors that you can use with your Mac, without having to take out a second mortgage. Our sister publications Tech Advisor and PCWorld have tested several displays, and we list their top-rated ones that we have been able to confirm work with Macs, alongside the monitors we have reviewed below. Here are our recommendations in order, starting with Apple’s most expensive.
Update March 2024: Samsung M8 Smart Monitor (2023 model) and BenQ PD2706UA.
Pros
Cons
Price When Reviewed:
$4,999 (standard), $5,999 (nano-texture glass)
Best Prices Today:
Size: 32-inch
Resolution: 6K (6016×3384 pixels)
Connections: Thunderbolt 3 (96W PD), 3x USB-C
Webcam: No
Stand: Height, Tilt, Rotation stand extra $999/£949
Orientation: Landscape; Portrait with stand
Apple’s highly specced Pro Display XDR is a stunning piece of engineering, and we found it hard to find fault with the picture quality and colour output, but at that price and with these features this is a display for a very specific audience.
The XDR is phenomenally well-specced: it’s 32in and 6K, offering 40 percent more screen space than Apple’s 5K displays, and offers a peak brightness of 1,600 nits (or 1,000 sustained). But it comes with a seriously eye-watering price tag, especially if you want to include the Pro Stand for adjustability and pivoting.
While this is an expensive monitor by consumer standards, but it really isn’t a consumer monitor. It’s intended for a professional audience.
Picture quality is maintained at ultrawide viewing angles, thanks to industry-leading polariser technology. This is so that a creative team can gather round a single monitor and evaluate a photo, video or design project without suffering a loss of consistency.
Connected via Thunderbolt, it can charge a MacBook at up to 96W.–Neil Bennet
Read our full Apple Pro Display XDR review
Pros
Cons
Price When Reviewed:
$699
Best Prices Today:
Size: 32-inch
Resolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels)
Connections: Micro-HDMI (with HDMI adaptor), 1x USB-C (video), 1x USB-C peripherals, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 5, AirPlay, Thread
Webcam: HD
Stand: Tilt and height adjustable (included)
Orientation: Landscape
We really liked Samsung’s 32-inch M8 monitor when it was first launched a couple of years ago. It wasn’t perfect, but it did make a made a great, affordable alternative to Apple’s expensive Studio Display, and the latest version adds a number of new features as well as reducing the price even further.
Now costing $699/£649 the new version of the M8 looks very much like its predecessor – which does still remain on sale on sites such as Amazon, so make sure you buy the current model, which is listed with the full model number M80C on Samsung’s web site (or LS32CM801UUXXU if you want the detailed stock-keeping code). The lightweight plastic casing still feels a little flimsy, but it’s not as though you’ll be carrying the monitor around in a backpack, so it should be fine as long as it’s sitting safely on a desk or a TV stand. The design has been updated to make it even slimmer, measuring just 11.4mm thick for the main screen panel, and as well as adjusting the height and tilt of the screen, you can now rotate the screen into the upright (portrait) mode as well. The built-in speakers do sound rather thin, but the M8 includes Bluetooth so that you can stream to an external set of speakers if you want to. It also includes a detachable webcam with 1080p resolution for video calls.
There are USB-C and DisplayPort interfaces on the back panel for wired connections but, like its predecessor, the M80C model also includes dual-band wi-fi and supports Apple’s AirPlay, so that you can stream video to the M8 via wi-fi from your Apple devices. Other new features include a microphone with voice support for Amazon Alexa (and a privacy switch to deactivate the mic if you prefer), and the M8 also supports the Thread standard that will allow it to connect to smart home devices that also support Thread.
Pros
Cons
Price When Reviewed:
$1,599
Best Prices Today:
Size: 27-inch
Resolution: 5K (5120×2880 pixels)
Connections: Thunderbolt 3 (96W PD), 3x USB-C
Webcam: 12-megapixel
Stand: Tilt. Height-adjustable stand extra $400/£400
Orientation: Landscape; Portrait with $1,599/£1,499 VESA mount adapter
As a production display, the Studio Display is still expensive but is an affordable alternative to the Pro Display XDR. Buyers will enjoy its handsome design, good image quality, and impressive spatial audio, but you can save a lot of money by going with a non-Apple display.
Apple displays have always produced very good image quality, and the Studio Display continues that tradition. Colors are rich, contrast is good, and the brightness is suitable for most tasks.
The Studio Display has a tilt-adjustable stand, but it does not pivot between landscape and portrait modes, like the Pro Display XDR, although a very expensive WESA mount does add a portrait option. You can get a stand that provides about four inches of height adjustment but it doesn’t come cheap. The price tag for the tilt- and height-adjustable stand is a whopping $400/£400 more.
The Studio Display has six speakers (four force-canceling woofers, and two high-performance tweeters) that sound better than any display we’ve used.
Connected via Thunderbolt, it can charge a MacBook at up to 96W.–Roman Loyola
Read our full Apple Studio Display review
Pros
Cons
Price When Reviewed:
899.99
Best Prices Today:
Size: 27-inch
Resolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels)
Connections: 2x Thunderbolt 3 (1x 65W PD), 2x USB-A
Webcam: No
Stand: Tilt and height-adjustable stand
Orientation: Landscape and portrait
Most monitors that use standard HDMI, USB-C or DisplayPort interfaces are compatible with Macs, but BenQ has a number of displays that also include Thunderbolt 3 and are specifically designed for Macs. There’s a special section on its website to provide help for Mac users, and even Help files for owners of Macs with M1 and M2 chips as well.
The PD2725U is the first of its Mac monitors, offering a 27-inch screen with 4K resolution (3,840×2,160) for a competitive $899.99/£859.99, and there are 32-inch and 34-inch versions as well. BenQ quite rightly emphasizes the versatility and ergonomic design of the PD2725U, as the sturdy metal stand allows you to tilt, swivel and adjust the height of the screen without paying extra (as you have to do with Apple’s Studio Display). You can even rotate the screen into the upright (portrait) position as well.
It’s well connected too, with two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort interface, plus two Thunderbolt 3 ports, which allow you to connect the PD2725U to your Mac and also to daisy-chain a second 4K display for a twin-monitor setup. There’s also a built in hub that provides two USB-A (3.1) ports, and the ability to share your keyboard and mouse with two computers so that you can use the monitor with two computers and switch between them as required.
There’s a small set of built-in speakers, which aren’t particularly powerful, but the display also includes a 3.5mm audio socket for connecting headphones or external speakers as well. The display doesn’t have a built-in webcam, but BenQ includes a small puck–a kind of dial control that lets you quickly adjust the various display settings for different tasks and applications.
The image quality is very good–clear and detailed, with bold colors, and the display supports 100% of the sRGB color space, so it’ll be suitable for basic graphics and design work. However, it only supports 95% of the DCI-P3 color space used for high-end video work, and its 400 nits brightness isn’t quite as vibrant as the 500 nits of my MacBook Pro’s built-in display. Professional users who need a high-end display for video editing may prefer to pay a bit more for a display with full P3 support, but the PD2725U provides an excellent and affordable 4K display for most Mac users to use at home or for general office work.–Cliff Joseph
Pros
Cons
Price When Reviewed:
$1,199
Best Prices Today:
Size: 27-inch or 32-inch
Resolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels)
Connections: USB-C (65W PD), USB-B, 2x HDMI, DisplayPort
Webcam: 8-megapixel (retractable)
Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Rotation
Orientation: Landscape and portrait
The Alogic Clarity Pro Touch offers Mac users a large, premium touchscreen on a monitor that boasts one of the best height-adjustable, tilt and pivot stands that we’ve tested. It’s a precision, 10-point multitouch, One Glass Solution (OGS) touchscreen that combines the monitor’s protective layer with its input layer via a conductive medium keeps the Clarity Pro Touch’s screen as thin as the other Clarity monitors, while maintaining the monitor’s bright picture.
Touchscreens are useful for artists and video professionals, with many pro tools having accurate touch functionality that beats using a mouse. It’s a more intuitive way to fine-tune levels and effects in photo-editing or music mixing, in applications such as Adobe Lightroom and Audition, and Apple Pro Logic.
Alogic has an optional accessory, the $199 Clarity Fold Stand, to better facilitate comfortable drawing or interacting onscreen—the articulating stand securely holds the monitor raised at an angle like a drafting board. It can rotate 360° so that you can share work with colleagues.
We did find the touchscreen setup a little fiddly as you have to install drivers for Mac, but once up and running, the operation was smooth.
The height-adjustable stand offers a versatile swivel and tilt experience, and the screen can be used in either landscape or portrait modes.
Its retractable webcam automatically raises itself from within the monitor when an app requires it, and then auto-retracts when it’s no longer needed.
The 27-inch Pro Touch and new 32-inch Max Touch are the top-end of Alogic’s Clarity range of monitors: the entry-level Clarity (reviewed below) boasts the same premium screen but isn’t a touchscreen and lacks the webcam; the Clarity Pro is also non-touch, but does come with the smart webcam. Read our Alogic Clarity Max Touch review for a closer look at the larger touchscreen model.–Simon Jary
Pros
Cons
Price When Reviewed:
$629.99
Best Prices Today:
Size: 27-inch
Resolution: HD (2560×1440 pixels)
Connections: 4x USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 1.4, 2x DisplayPort 1.2
Webcam: No
Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Joint (Rotation)
Orientation: Landscape
It’s a common criticism of Apple’s own displays that they don’t allow you to adjust the height of the screen unless you pay a ridiculous amount for an optional adjustable stand. Most rival displays do allow you to adjust the height, of course, but BenQ’s 27-inch PD2706UA goes even further. Rather than having a conventional stand, the PD2706UA includes an ergonomic arm that attaches to your desk and allows you to freely adjust the height, tilt and swivel, and even rotate it into the upright portrait mode with just a tap of your finger. You don’t have to pay a fortune for this flexibility either, as the PD2706UA provides an attractive 4K display for just $629.99/£549.99.
The ergonomic arm is designed to either clamp onto the edge of a desk or table, or attach to the circular grommets found on many pieces of office furniture. It does require a little patience to assemble properly, but the free movement of the screen will be a blessing for people who may have problems with their neck or shoulders, or simply for quickly swiveling the display into position to show your work to clients or colleagues.
The display provides 4K resolution with support for HDR10, which is good value at this price. Connectivity is good too, with HDMI and DisplayPort interfaces, along with one USB-C connector that handles video and provides 90W output for charging a laptop. It also includes a built-in USB hub that provides three USB-A ports and one USB-C (for data transfer only), as well as BenQ’s ‘hotkey puck’, which sits on your desk and provides a quick dial control for selecting display settings without using the traditional on-screen menus.
As always, BenQ keeps Mac users in mind by providing a Mac version of its DisplayPilot app, which provides features such as an ‘M-book’ mode that is designed to match the color settings on a Mac. The display also supports 100% of the sRGB color space, and 95% of DCI-P3, so it can handle a wide range of graphics and design tasks. Our only real complaint is that the display only provides modest levels of brightness – 350nits or 400nits with HDR – compared to 500nits for my office iMac. The built-in speakers are pretty feeble too, but the PD2706UA does have a 3.5mm audio connector so you can use headphones or external speakers if you want to.
Some professional users might prefer a more expensive display that supports 100% of DCI-P3, but the PD2706UA will be a good, affordable option if you just need a 4K display for use at home or in the office, with the added bonus of the versatile ergonomic arm thrown in for good measure.–Cliff Joseph
Pros
Cons
Price When Reviewed:
$799.99
Best Prices Today:
Size: 27-inch
Resolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels)
Connections: USB-C (90W PD), USB-B, 2x HDMI, DisplayPort
Webcam: No
Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Rotation
Orientation: Landscape and portrait
The Alogic Clarity is a stunning 27-inch display with built-in hub and a fantastic height-adjustable, tilt and pivot stand. It will appeal to Mac users with its Apple looks and is even, in some ways, a superior monitor to Apple’s own Studio Display, although its 4K resolution isn’t as sharp as Apple’s 5K screen.
The stand is one of the best we’ve seen, and easily beats Apple’s standard monitor stand.
It features multiple display connections and can power your MacBook at up to 90W via either USB-C or USB-B.
There is also a Clarity Pro model that features a built-in retractable webcam, although we prefer a standalone webcam (check out our favorite Mac webcams), as well as a touchscreen version reviewed above.–Simon Jary
Read our full Alogic Clarity 27in UHD 4K Monitor review
Pros
Cons
Price When Reviewed:
$544
Best Prices Today:
Size: 27-inch
Resolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels)
Connections: HDMI 2.0; 2x DisplayPort 1.4; 4x USB-A; 1x USB-C (100W PD); Gigabit Ethernet
Webcam: No
Stand: Tilt, swivel and height-adjustable stand
Orientation: Landscape
We liked HP’s E27u (reviewed later in this feature), which provides a very affordable 27-inch display for just $424/£287. However, the E27u provides only QHD resolution (2,560×1,440), and while that’s fine for web browsing or running office software such as Microsoft Word or Excel, many Mac users will prefer a full 4K display for graphics and design work, or watching films and video. There’s an HP solution here too, as its Z27k G3 provides an attractive 4K display (3840×2160) for just $544/£479.
That’s barely a third of the price of Apple’s 27-inch Studio Display, and it does mean that the Z27k G3 has to make a few compromises to keep the price so low. However, it gets the basics right, with a smart, compact design, and good image quality and connectivity features – not to mention a few additional features that even the Apple Studio Display lacks.
The display is neatly designed, with a simple metal stand and base, and very narrow borders around the edge of the screen—in fact, it’s so compact that I had to whip out a tape measure to confirm that the screen really is a full 27-inches in size. The stand allows you to tilt and swivel the screen, and also adjust the height—which is a costly optional extra for the Apple Studio Display—and you can even rotate the screen into upright (portrait) mode if you want to.
There are USB-C, HDMI and DisplayPort interfaces for video input, and a second DisplayPort interface that allows you to daisy-chain a second monitor as well. The USB-C interface can provide 100W power to charge a laptop, and also allows you to use the four additional USB-A ports that are located on the back panel. There’s one big limitation here, though, as using the display in 4K mode with 60Hz refresh rates limits these USB-A ports to the slower USB 2.0 standard, which is probably only suitable for simple devices such as a mouse or keyboard. If you lower the refresh rate to 30Hz then the USB ports can run at faster USB 3.0 speeds, but that’s not a compromise many people will want to make. There’s no built-in webcam or speakers either.
The screen quality is very good, though, especially at this price. The display only provides 350 nits maximum brightness, so it’s not quite as bright as the 500 nits display of the MacBook Pro that we tested it with. Even so, the image still looks bright and colorful to the naked eye, and the Z27k G3 is a good low-cost option for anyone that wants a high-res 4K display for office work or entertainment. And, while it’s not aimed at professional users, the display supports 99% of the sRGB color standard, so it can handle some basic photo and video-editing work too.–Cliff Joseph
Pros
Cons
Price When Reviewed:
$799 without stand
Best Prices Today:
Size: 27-inch
Resolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels)
Connections: USB-C (100W PD), 2x HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, 2x 10Gbps USB-A, USB-B, audio mini-jack, Gigabit Ethernet
Webcam: No
Stand: Height, Tilt, Rotation
Orientation: Landscape and portrait
The Spectrum One with Gorilla Glass is worth a look if you’re in the market for a display and cringe at the $1,599 starting price of the Apple Studio Display.
There are a few trade-offs: it’s 4K resolution rather than 5K, and it lacks speakers, a microphone, and a webcam. The height-adjustable stand costs an extra $99.
Its overall image quality isn’t as good as the Studio Display, but it’s still very good for even professional-level image work.
A Mac can also use one of the two HDMI 2.1 ports, but by connecting through USB-C you’ll also be able to use the display as a hub and its other USB-C port (15 watts), the two USB-A ports, and the 3.5 mm audio jack.
It has a few advantages over the Studio Display, such as a variable refresh rate to a maximum of 144Hz, a higher maximum brightness, and it can connect to game consoles at 120Hz. Overall, it’s a display that’s worth the investment.
Read our full Spectrum One 4K Gorilla Glass review
Pros
Cons
Price When Reviewed:
$389.99
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Size: 24.1-inch
Resolution: HD (1920×1200 pixels)
Connections: 2x USB-C (1x 90W PD), HDMI, DisplayPort 1.4, 3x USB-A, audio mini-jack, Gigabit Ethernet
Webcam: No
Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Rotation
Orientation: Landscape and portrait
The sylish Dell Ultrasharp U2421E is a slick design perfect for those with a USB-C/Thunderbolt charged MacBook, as the docking station features are handy. The color range is also good, and while the price is high for this resolution and size, there are cheaper prices available online—check the latest prices above.
It’s big enough for general office work and a nice option for those who use a laptop as their daily workhorse.
it looks professional and almost Apple-ish, and the support arm allows it to pivot and tilt extensively. It’s also got decent color representation with close to 100% sRGB coverage and 83% of the P3 color space.
There’s also a decent range of ports at the back and underneath. Connected via USB-C, it can charge a MacBook at up to 90W.–Mark Pickavance
Pros
Cons
Price When Reviewed:
$699.99
Best Prices Today:
Size: 14-inch
Resolution: HD (1920×1080 pixels)
Connections: USB-C or HDMI to host
Webcam: No
Stand: Simple
Orientation: Landscape
If you need a bigger screen you can plug a display into your Mac laptop, but if you want multiple screens without the giant extra monitors, a better option is to buy a portable external display. These displays tend to not be much larger than the display on your laptop, but they don’t add a much more weight and can more than double your screen space.
The Limink LK14 portable Tri-screen Monitor is a screen extender that your MacBook fits into and adds a 14-inch screen either side of the laptop’s own. It is compatible with 13-16-inch MacBooks, and connects via either USB-C or HDMI cables (included).
Setup is easy and you can attach and detach this extender to your MacBook in about a minute.
It’s HD rather than 4K and so is not as sharp and clear as the MacBook’s own. But it’s fine for spreadsheets, browsers and other mainstream applications. It’s great for adding supplementary screen estate when you’re on a video call, or for presentations.
At $699, it is expensive, but you are paying for portability and two decent screens. The whole package, which comes with a leather protective cover, can be folded up and placed in a drawer when not in use, and is light enough (3.3lbs; 1.5kg) to take with you on your travels.–Simon Jary
Read our full Limink LK14 Al Alloy Portable Triple Monitor review
Pros
Cons
Price When Reviewed:
$499
Best Prices Today:
Size: 27-inch
Resolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels)
Connections: USB-C (65W PD), 2x HDMI, DisplayPort
Webcam: No
Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel
Orientation: Landscape
The Asus ProArt PA279CV is a 4K monitor that offers accurate color and important “pro” features such as accurate gamma presets. It even has USB-C connectivity, making it an excellent choice for creators looking to upgrade from their laptop display.
It’s not a great-looking monitor, with larger than average display bevels on the plasticky chassis. It’s not luxurious but it’s fine for an office or workstation.
Asus’ ProArt PA279CV is a sensible choice for content creators who want a color accurate 4K monitor but don’t want to clean out their savings account.
Connected via USB-C, it can charge a MacBook at up to 65W—enough for a MacBook Air or 14-inch MacBook Pro.–Matthew S.Smith
Read our full Asus ProArt PA279CV review
Pros
Cons
Price When Reviewed:
$399.99
Best Prices Today:
Size: 27-inch
Resolution: HD (1920×1080 pixels)
Connections: 2x HDMI, DisplayPort
Webcam: No
Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Rotation
Orientation: Landscape
Acer’s Nitro XV272 costs more than a lot of 1080p monitors, but the IPS, 165Hz screen provides above-average image quality, excellent color accuracy and motion performance, and a full range of monitor-stand adjustments and a generous array of ports make it worth the cost.
It also has three video inputs, four USB ports, and a stand that feels a bit cheap but offers numerous ergonomic adjustments. These features signal that the Nitro XV272, though not expensive, is a cut above entry-level 1080p monitors.
It lacks a USB-C with Power Delivery port, so won’t charge your MacBook.–Matthew S.Smith
Read our full Acer Nitro XV272 review
Pros
Cons
Price When Reviewed:
$1,149.99
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Size: 31.5inch
Resolution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels)
Connections: USB-C (90W PD), HDMI, DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet
Webcam: No
Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Rotation
Orientation: Landscape and portrait
The Dell U3223QE uses LG’s IPS Black tech to deliver a top-notch, professional-level, 31.5-inch 4K display with a built-in USB-C hub.
It retains the great color performance high-end IPS panel monitors are known for, and, to sweeten the deal, provides crisp 4K resolution.
But there’s more to the U3223QE than the panel. It’s also a fantastic business, productivity, and professional monitor loaded with image-quality options and a king’s buffet of connectivity.
The stand adjusts for height, tilt, and swivel—features that shoppers expect at this price. However, it throws in a bonus: It can pivot 90 degrees for use in portrait mode. This is rare for a 32-inch monitor, as most stands lack the height to allow it.
The USB-C hub is crammed to the gills with connectivity. This includes multiple USB-C ports, one of which can handle up to 90 watts of Power Delivery, five USB-A ports, and ethernet.
Connected via USB-C, it can charge a MacBook at up to 90W.–Matthew S.Smith
Read our full Dell U3223QE review
Pros
Cons
Price When Reviewed:
$699
Best Prices Today:
Size: 2x 24-inch
Resolution: HD 1080p (1920-x-1080 pixels)
Connections: 2x HDMI, 2x USB-C (65W PD), 2x USB-A, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio In/Out
Webcam: Yes
Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel, Rotation
Orientation: Stacked landscape
The Mobile Pixels Geminos is a monitor curiosity that might take your fancy. Instead of having two screens side by side, the Geminos stacks two on top of each other, with the ability to fold the whole thing down flat if you want to.
Having two screens stacked on top of each other will save your neck from frequent twisting plus a bunch of freed-up desk space too.
The two joined 24-inch screens are HD rather than 4K so won’t suit those who want the deepest, richest colors, but as a productivity option, we applaud Mobile Pixels for the idea and comfortable dual-screen alternative.
Setup is a little complicated, and you can buy two separate monitors cheaper, although not stacked vertically, for which you would need a special mount.
There’s even a version, Geminos T, with a touchscreen for the lower monitor.–Simon Jary
Read our full Mobile Pixels Geminos Dual Vertical FHD Monitor review
Pros
Cons
Price When Reviewed:
$424
Best Prices Today:
Size: 27-inch
Resolution: HD (2560×1440 pixels)
Connections: 4x USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 1.4, 2x DisplayPort 1.2
Webcam: No
Stand: Height, Tilt, Swivel Floor, Joint (Rotation)
Orientation: Landscape
Apple’s Studio Display and Pro Display are seriously expensive, and they’re very much designed for professional and creative users who need 5K or 6K displays for graphics and video work. Not everyone needs such a high-res display though, and I’ve always found that a QHD (quad-HD) display with 2,560×1,440 resolution is the affordable sweet spot that works well for both general office work and off-duty entertainment. HP’s somewhat clumsily named E27u G4 is a good option here, providing an attractive QHD display with a variety of connectivity features for just $424/£286.80.
You’re not going to get a top-of-the-range display for that price, and the E27u does lack a few added extras, such as a built-in webcam or speakers. It gets all the basics right, though, with good image quality, multiple video inputs, and a useful built-in USB hub. The display’s 250 nits brightness may be relatively modest, but we found that the E27u looks bright and sharp enough for working with productivity software such as Microsoft Office, and also for streaming video from the BBC iPlayer and Apple TV+. And while Apple charges an extra £400 for an upgrade that allows you to adjust the height of its Studio Display—which is more than the entire cost of the E27u—you can tilt, swivel and adjust the height of the E27u, and even rotate it into upright (portrait) mode at no extra cost.
The E27u includes HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C interfaces for connecting to your Mac, with the USB-C port also providing 65W power to charge a MacBook or other laptop if required. When using the USB-C connection you can also use four USB-A ports to connect devices such a keyboard, mouse or hard drive, and there’s also a second DisplayPort interface that will allow you to daisy-chain a second monitor if required. Our only complaint is that there’s no audio connector that would allow you to connect headphones or a set of external speakers to the display – although HP does sell a special ‘speaker bar’ that bolts onto the bottom of the screen if you want to add audio ($43.00/£40.00).–Cliff Joseph
Display technology is a bit of a movable feast, with a lot of confusing jargon and technical features to wade through, as well as a variety of different interfaces and cables that are used by Apple itself and the various monitor manufacturers. So it’s worth taking a closer look at some of the factors that you need to think about when buying a monitor for your Mac.
Size isn’t everything, as the saying goes, but it’s a good place to start. Your decision will be influenced by how much desk space you have, and how comfortable you are while using the display. Some people think that a big screen is best, but then when they start to use it daily, they find that it’s too big. And the same goes for customers who think a small screen is best.
If you’re looking for a size to start with for your own personal research, we recommend 24 inches—just like with Apple’s iMac. That seems like a good size for most people, and it’s easy to go up or down from that point. Most people tend to go between 24 and 27 inches for home use.
For professionals—graphics, video, audio, even spreadsheets—a large screen will help you be more productive. Think 27 inches and higher. You’ll be able to fit more elements on the screen and not waste your time scrolling.
If on-screen real estate is valuable to you, consider a multi-display setup. A smaller screen can be used for things like chat, email, web, and more, while the bigger screen is your main workspace. Or get screens of the same size and maximize the space.
Screen resolution can go hand-in-hand with screen size. Screen resolution refers to the number of pixels used to create what you see on the screen. The higher the resolution, the more detail you can see. Larger displays tend to have more resolution options, as well as the ability to support higher resolutions.
Often, when you find two displays that are the same size but have a wide price difference, it’s mostly because of the screen resolution. Monitors with high resolutions are more expensive. For example, Apple’s $1,599 Studio Display is 27 inches, and it has a high screen resolution of 5120×2880 (5K resolution). On the other hand, LG sells the 27-inch 27UK650-W, but it’s a 3840×2160 (4K) resolution display for content creators, and it’s $350–lower resolution, but $1,249 cheaper. (There actually aren’t other 27-inch 5K monitors available, except for the $1,449 LG UltraFine 27MD5KL-B.)
So what screen resolution should you get? Here are some suggestions; these are guidelines that you can adjust based on your preferences.
Want to use an 8K monitor? Read How to connect an 8K display to your Mac.
How a monitor connects to a Mac can be confusing. The traditional HDMI and DisplayPort connectors used by many monitors are being replaced–or complemented–by USB-C and Thunderbolt ports. And though USB-C and Thunderbolt cables may look the same, there are actually some important technical differences between them, so it’s important to check which ports your new monitor uses and make sure you buy the correct cables and adapters.
Most recent Mac models have Thunderbolt ports, so if you buy a monitor that has HDMI or DisplayPort interfaces only, then you’ll need an adapter to connect to the Mac. This can get a bit confusing, but Apple does provide a list of the ports included on most recent Mac models so that you can figure out what you need.
Apple also provides a guide to HDMI and DisplayPort technology, which covers Mac models going right back to 2008, so that should provide all the info you need for all the Macs you use at home or at work. Less expensive monitors still tend to use HDMI and DisplayPort, and while it’s not too costly to buy adapters that will allow you to connect your Mac, we reckon it’s worth future-proofing your new monitor by getting one that includes at least one USB-C or Thunderbolt port.
If a display uses Thunderbolt to connect to the Mac, it may have additional USB-C or Thunderbolt ports so the display can act as a hub. In this case, If you have a device you want to connect to your Mac, you can connect it to one of the ports on the monitor, which is already connected to the Mac and probably in an easier location for access.
Look for a USB-C or Thunderbolt connection with power delivery (PD) that can charge your MacBook. A 65W PD will be enough for a MacBook Air or 14-inch MacBook Pro, but you’ll need at least 90W for a 15-inch or 16-inch Pro.
Read our article on how to connect a second screen to a Mac which explains everything you need to know about how to identify which ports you have, the adapters you will require, and how to set things up.
If you’re going to spend a lot of time sitting at a desk looking at your lovely new display then you need to keep ergonomics in mind. The ability to tilt the angle of the monitor back and forth, swivel it around for easy viewing, and adjust the height of the monitor in order to avoid an aching back or neck.
Some monitors can pivot or rotate in either landscape or portrait mode.
As a rough guide, there is a point at about 2 to 3 inches from the top of the screen that should be at eye level. Obviously, eye level varies from one person to another, so it’s important that you can adjust the screen for your own personal comfort. You may also prefer a monitor that doesn’t suffer from glare, or you will be forever repositioning the monitor (or your head) to compensate for that.
There are other considerations you’ll want to make when shopping for a monitor. A lot of these come down to personal preference or what you need for the work you do. They include: