5 Top Monitors For Macbook Pro Ranked

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Reviewed By

Evan Shephard
Updated Apr 30, 2024 7:32 PM

A whopping 75% of electronic and appliance reviews are untrustworthy. That’s why every reviewer gets a Trust Rating so our True Score System filters out the fake reviews. See how we do it.

Choosing the best monitor for a MacBook Pro involves prioritizing image quality, connection options, and ergonomic features. Top monitors should offer excellent contrast ratios, accurate color gamut coverage, and high brightness levels to adapt to various lighting conditions. Look for monitors with DisplayPort or USB-C connections, ensuring seamless compatibility with your MacBook Pro. Essential ergonomic features like adjustable height, tilt, and rotation help maintain comfort during long work sessions, while low input lag and high refresh rates provide a smoother user experience.

From analyzing 196 monitors and 319,272 reviews, we identified 5 top-performing models for MacBook Pro. Our rigorous evaluation filtered out 71% of untrustworthy experts and certified products as tested, ensuring reliable recommendations. Our approach combines the True Score system and proprietary Trust Score to highlight the best monitors. These models excelled in brightness, color accuracy, and ergonomic adjustability, making them ideal for MacBook Pro users seeking high-quality displays for work or creative tasks.

How Did We Rank the Best Monitors for MacBook Pro?

We conducted an in-depth review of over 200 websites to compile our guide on the best monitors for MacBook Pro. By analyzing expert reviews and customer feedback, we identified the essential criteria, including 2 required test results, 1 nice-to-have features, and 1 must-have specifications. Our true score method ensures that our recommendations are based on the most accurate and relevant data available, helping you find the perfect monitor for your MacBook Pro.

Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.

?️ Minimum Specifications

  • Must have a DisplayPort.

? Test Criteria

  • Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 or higher (infinite), offering deep blacks and bright whites for an exceptional viewing experience.
  • Color Accuracy: At least 90% of the DCI P3 color gamut, providing rich and vibrant colors.

? “Nice To Haves”

  • Reflections: less than 6%.

Latest Updates

  • 04/29/2024: Published the list of best monitors for Macbook Pro based on our True Score system.

Top Best Monitors for MacBook Pro For 2024

Prices accurate at the time of publishing

See how we test the testers

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Asus ROG PG27AQDM

    The Asus ROG PG27AQDM offers top-tier performance and vibrant visuals, making it an exceptional choice for MacBook Pro users seeking premium quality.

    Asus ROG PG27AQDM Review →

    True Score

    86
    89
    10

    Experts

    90
    6k

    Customers

    SAVE $99
    $799.00
    $699.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    HP OMEN 27QS

    The HP OMEN 27QS delivers top-notch performance at a budget-friendly price, ideal for MacBook Pro users prioritizing seamless visuals and responsiveness.

    HP OMEN 27QS Review →

    True Score

    84
    83
    4

    Experts

    91
    1k

    Customers

    SAVE $100
    $299.99
    $199.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Dell Alienware AW3423DW

    The Dell Alienware AW3423DW offers MacBook Pro users premium color accuracy and immersive viewing, ideal for creative tasks and media consumption.

    Dell Alienware AW3423DW Review →

    True Score

    83
    85
    14

    Experts

    87
    2k

    Customers

    SAVE $300
    $1,099.99
    $799.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240

    The Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 offers top-tier gaming performance and color accuracy for MacBook Pro users, perfect for competitive gaming and professional tasks.

    Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 Review →

    True Score

    83
    83
    10

    Experts

    88
    335

    Customers

    SAVE $400
    $999.99
    $599.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Tempest GP27U

    The Tempest GP27U excels for MacBook Pro users in bright environments, offering unmatched brightness and color accuracy for professional tasks.

    Tempest GP27U Review →

    True Score

    73
    74
    5

    Experts

    78
    61

    Customers

    SAVE $327
    $871.67
    $545.00

Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Monitors for MacBook Pro?

By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 1 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these computer monitors and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase the best monitors for Macbook Pro.

CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
Contrast Ratio>1000:1YesThe difference in brightness between the whites (lit sections) and blacks (dim or unlit sections) of a monitor panel.
Color Gamut (DCI P3 xy)> 90%YesHow much of the DCI P3 xy color gamut is covered by the monitor, which helps indicate color accuracy for HDR content, which includes certain movies.
Reflections< 6%No (Nice to have)The total amount of light, in percentage, your monitor reflects.

Our Trusted Data Sources

We looked at 110+ computer monitor reviewers and found that 33 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for computer monitors.

  1. Samuel Breton – Rtings, MuckRack
  2. Chris Eberle – Tom’s Hardware, LinkedIn
  3. Tony Hoffman – PC Mag, MuckRack

Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every computer monitor review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.

Computer Monitor Test Data & Results

1. Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1) Test Results

Contrast ratio is responsible for making images appear “dynamic” and “dramatic.” By having a good contrast ratio, a monitor is able to recreate dramatic differences between light and dark spots in scenes, images and games accurately.

At a minimum, we recommend a contrast ratio of 1000:1, as this will do a good enough job at allow for detail in dark scenes and images. If contrast ratio gets too low, the picture quality suffers, and the monitor performs worse across the board, no matter the lighting condition. By getting a monitor with a sufficiently high contrast ratio, you can ensure the picture quality doesn’t suffer, and dramatic scenes with stark shifts in lighting, whether they be in games or videos, are created as accurately as possible.

Contrast Ratio (higher is better)

2. Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy) Test Results

Color gamut is responsible for making a monitor produce accurate colors when displaying a variety of content. The DCI P3 xy gamut is considered a “standard” gamut of sorts, and is used to help color grade films. Most HDR content will use this gamut at the very least (though other gamut exist) and it’s a commonly used gamut for films.

When it comes to a computer monitor, having a panel that covers at least 90% of the DCI P3 gamut means it’ll output accurate colors when watching HDR content and movies that use the gamut. If a monitor doesn’t cover enough of the gamut, it causes color inaccuracies and shifts the image quality. If you care about maintaining accuracy in the movies you watch so they look the way they were intended, this gamut needs to be properly covered.

Color Gamut P3 XY (in %; higher is better)

3. Reflections % (Total Reflections) Test Results

When using a monitor in any kind of room outside of one that’s pitch black, the screen is going to reflect light. As the light becomes strong, you’re likely to see more light and more glare reflect off it, but depending on the coating and screen type, this can be mitigated. Good screen coatings will keep ambient light and direct light managed by reducing the impact they have on the screen. Bad reflections handling means even weak light sources will create glare that makes it hard to use the monitor.

That’s why we recommend your monitor reflect no more than 6% of the total light shining on it. This keeps glare in check, prevents image quality from being ruined, and allows you to actually see what you’re working on when using your monitor. Lower is always better, but 6% is enough to work without issue.

Reflections % (lower is better)

Best Monitors for MacBook Pro: Mistakes To Avoid

  1. Not checking compatibility: Ensure the monitor is compatible with your MacBook Pro. Check the connectivity options (e.g., USB-C, Thunderbolt 3) to ensure they match your MacBook’s ports. Additionally, verify if the monitor supports the necessary display standards (e.g., DisplayPort over USB-C) for seamless connectivity. If high-speed data transfer is a priority, consider choosing one of the top Thunderbolt monitors, which can enhance your workflow with superior connectivity and display quality.


  2. Ignoring resolution and scaling: Consider the resolution and scaling capabilities of the monitor. While higher resolutions like 4K offer sharper images and more screen real estate, they may require scaling adjustments to maintain readability. Ensure the monitor supports the appropriate resolution and scaling options for your MacBook Pro’s display preferences. If you are an avid gamer, also look into options for the top 1080p gaming monitors, which can provide excellent performance and value at a more accessible resolution.

  3. Neglecting color accuracy: If color accuracy is important for your work (e.g., graphic design, photo editing), choose a monitor with accurate color reproduction. Look for monitors with wide color gamut coverage (e.g., sRGB, Adobe RGB) and factory calibration for consistent and precise color representation.

  4. Not considering panel type: Different panel types (e.g., IPS, TN, VA) offer varying characteristics in terms of color accuracy, viewing angles, and response times. IPS panels generally provide the best color reproduction and wide viewing angles, making them suitable for color-critical tasks. Consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting the panel type.

The Best Monitors for MacBook Pro Tests Compared

Product
True Score
Brightness
Contrast Ratio
Color Gamut (DCI P3)
Color Gamut (sRGB)
Input Lag
Response Time (ms)
Reflections %

Asus ROG PG27AQDM

  • Best for Asus

86
  • 311.2416667 nits

  • 311.2416667

  • 94.85%

  • 99.975

  • 10.8ms

  • 2.13ms

  • 2%

$699.99
$799
$99

HP OMEN 27QS

  • Best for 27-Inch

84
  • 389.5 nits

  • 389.5

  • 94.35%

  • 100

  • 8.5ms

  • 4.2ms

  • 4.8%

$199.99
$300
$100
83
  • 241.3944286 nits

  • 241.3944286

  • 99.80571429%

  • 100

  • 15.8ms

  • 1.96ms

  • 1.4%

$799.99
$1,100
$300
83
  • 317.53 nits

  • 317.53

  • 96.11666667%

  • 106.96

  • 13.55ms

  • 0.79ms

  • 1.8%

$599.99
$1,000
$400

Tempest GP27U

  • Best for Coding

73
  • 570.2225 nits

  • 570.2225

  • 101.775%

  • 99.8

  • 16.9ms

  • 4.61ms

  • 5.5%

$545.00
$872
$327

Monitors for MacBook Pro Questions (FAQ)

How do I choose a MacBook Pro monitor for graphic design?

When looking for a monitor for graphic design work and compatibility with your MacBook Pro, your focus should mostly fall on image quality. Consider a wide color gamut for better color accuracy. You’ll also want a good range of adjustable brightness. You may also want to consider a larger screen size so you can always see everything going on with your project at the same time.

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