Another model of great LG 4K monitor is a bit less expensive (only $400) and not future-proof. However, it can be considered one of the best ones, for now, to choose as it has 2 HDMI ports, headphone jack and also a display port. This 4K monitor is hands-down the best USB-C monitor you can buy to complement your Mac experience. Via one cable, USB-C, you can power your MacBook, transfer video, and use the monitor as a USB hub, with the ability to interface with any peripheral you plug into the UD88's two USB 3.0 ports. I'm new to Mac Mini, eGPU and 4k monitor setup. I've always had iMac so looking for some help. Right now my set up is the monitor connected to my Mac using DP to USB-C cable and then the eGPU using USB-C to USB-C cable to my Mac.
Very simply, if I need a monitor for editing photos, I will look for a high-resolution display, something with a great viewing angle and the ability to represent true colors.
Now, colors are something that is dependent on the fact that you calibrate you monitor from time to time. Even if the monitor comes well calibrated out of the box, over a period of time it loses that calibration. So, you have to recalibrate it as you go.
You also need the monitor to display a certain resolution and be of a certain size. For a photographer or a creative professional (someone who does photo editing for a living), it is pertinent that the monitor is at least around 27-inch. I feel 27″ is a great size for photo editing. The resolution should be around UHD / 4K.
In any case, don't go for too large a monitor if the resolution is anything less than UHD / 4K. This is because with larger pixels the image is likely to become blurry. Ideally, you would want a dense pixel concentration to give a smoother experience and higher detail.
Apart from that, you need your monitor to support 100% of the sRGB color gamut. This will ensure that the images that you print to match the colors that you see on the monitor. Here are a few monitors that we feel are great choices for the purpose of photo editing. We have sorted them in terms of their pricing band.
12 of the Best Monitors for Photo Editing in 2019:
Product | Details |
---|---|
BenQ 4K PhotoVue Photographer Monitor (SW271)
| |
Dell UltraSharp U2717D InfinityEdge Monitor
| |
ASUS Designo MX27UC 4K UHD
| |
BenQ SW2700PT 2K Photographer Monitor
| |
BenQ PV3200PT 16:9 4K Video Editing IPS Monitor
| |
LG 32UD99-W 16:9 HDR10 FreeSync IPS B076CTL3BD
| |
Samsung WQHD LED Monitor (S32D850T)
| |
ViewSonic VX2778-SMHD
| |
HP Pavilion QHD V1M69AA#ABA
| |
LG 27UD58-B 4K UHD
| |
AOC Q3277FQE Class MVA LED Monitor
| |
PRO Eizo ColorEdge CG2420
|
Let us have a look at each monitor in detail:
1. BenQ 27″ 4K PhotoVue Photographer Monitor (SW271)
What I like about the BenQ SW271 PhotoVue 27 inch 4K HDR Photography IPS Monitor is that it supports 100% of the sRGB color gamut. The fact that it also supports 99% of the Adobe RGB color gamut isn't all that important for me.
- 27' In-Plane Switching (IPS) Monitor
- USB Type-C / HDMI / DP Inputs
- 3840 x 2160 Resolution
- 1000:1 Contrast Ratio
- 350 cd/m² Brightness
- 178°/178° Viewing Angles
- 5 ms Response Time (GtG)
- 1.07 Billion Colors
- 99% Adobe RGB Color Coverage
- Built-In USB Hub
I don't print my own photos and most photo printing labs use sRGB. This way I can rest assured that the colors will match when the prints come back and there will be no surprises.
The Intenet too uses sRGB as the default color space, any picture that I edit and then upload to a gallery or a forum or social media will look exactly the same as it does on my computer. Usually, when your editing color space is AdobeRGB and then you upload in sRGB the colors look dull.
The other thing that I like is this is a 4K (UHD) monitor and that means a resolution of 3840 x 2160.
Additionally, this monitor incorporates IPS technology and that means it has a wider display angle, unlike the TN panels. The aspect ratio of the monitor is 16:9. The refresh rate is 60 Hz. The contrast ratio is 1000:1.
The monitor uses a 14-bit (3D) LUT. Thanks to that you have a large wider color gamut than what is possible with other 12-bit or smaller LUT systems.
BenQ 27″ 4K monitor comes with a USB-C port which allows you to plug in an external calibration tool (among other devices for both charging and data) for sustained true color output and accurate color reproduction.
However, that said, you can't use the USB-C port as a docking station for the purpose of connecting a laptop. The system comes with the Palette Master Element Calibration Software and that allows you to use most good quality calibration hardware.
There is one bad news for any gamers reading this, the monitor does not have Free-sync. That means for any games that you normally play at a higher frame rate, there is bound to be some amount of jerks and tears. This, however, does not impact photo editors.
2. Dell UltraSharp U2717D 27″ InfinityEdge Monitor
This 27 inch Dell UltraSharp InfinityEdge monitor comes with a resolution of 2560 x 1440. Again, it is less than the UHD / 4K that we love, but still useful nonetheless as its better than the full HD display on most monitors.
- In-Plane Switching (IPS) Technology
- DisplayPort + Mini-DP + HDMI Inputs
- 2560 x 1440 WQHD Resolution
- 1000:1 Contrast Ratio
- 350 cd/m² Brightness
- 178°/178° Viewing Angles
- 8 ms Response Time
- 16.7 Million Colors
- Built-In USB 3.0 Hub
- Stand Included
The monitor incorporates IPS technology as well as the useful anti-glare technology for better viewing angle and better contrast even when used in a brightly lit room. The monitor comes with a contrast ratio of 1000:1 and support for up to 16.7 million colors.
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The refresh rate of the monitor is 60 Hz. Clearly, if a gaming monitor is what you are looking for this is not what you should be looking at. Among the things that we don't like, are that there are no USB-C ports but only USB-A. Plus, the 3.5mm port accepts a mic but there is no headphone support which is kind of strange.
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3. ASUS Designo MX27UC 27' 4K UHD
The ASUS Designo MX27UC is a 27″ monitor that comes with the IPS technology and a 4K / UHD resolution. I.e., the display is 3840 x 2160. IPS displays are great for viewing as they offer wider viewing angles and better contrast when doing so compared to TN panels.
- 27' In-Plane Switching (IPS) Technology
- HDMI 2.0 / DP 1.2 / DP Over USB-C Inputs
- 3840 x 2160 4K Resolution
- 1300:1 Static Contrast Ratio
- 300 cd/m² Brightness
- 178°/178° Viewing Angles
- 5 ms Response Time
- 1.07 Billion Colors
- Dual 3W Stereo Speakers
- ASUS Eye Care Technology
The ASUS Designo MX27UC has a display of 178˚. The unique frameless design gives it a stunning appearance. The bezel actually measures 0.1 cm in thickness.
For extended use of the monitor, such as when editing batches of photos and videos after a shoot, you need a way to be able to preserve your eyes. The monitor comes with the ASUS Eye Care technology as well as a blue light filter technology which reduces the strain on your eyes when using the monitor for long periods.
There is a 29″ and a 34″ version of this monitor. But they don't offer the same high pixel density resolution as the 27″ version. Whichever way you look at it, the 27″ is my favorite as it is just the right size for a great photo editing experience. The static contrast ratio is 1300:1.
The monitor displays 1.07 billion colors. It supports the entire sRGB color space, and thus give a more accurate color representation and better consistency across all your displays, the web, and your printer. The response rate of the monitor is 5 ms.
In terms of connectivity, the monitor comes with several connection options along with the all-important USB-C port.
4. BenQ SW2700PT 27 inch 2K Photographer Monitor
The BenQ SW2700PT is a 27' monitor powered by IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology. It has a display resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels (109 ppi) and a contrast ratio of 1000:1.
- 27' In-Plane Switching (IPS) Panel
- DVI-DL - HDMI 1.4 - DP 1.2 Inputs
- 2560 x 1440 Resolution
- 1000:1 Contrast Ratio
- 350 cd/m² Brightness
- 178°/178° Viewing Angles
- 5 ms (GtG) Response Time
- 10-Bit Support for 1.07 Billion Colors
- OSD Controller to Switch Color Modes
- 99% AdobeRGB Color Gamut
The monitor has 99% coverage of the AdobeRGB color space. It also supports 100% https://tranottorne1989.mystrikingly.com/blog/sage-2018-for-mac. of the Rec. 709 / sRGB color gamut.
A built-in calibration tool using the image processing chip is a better and more reliable method of keeping the display honest. Also, the monitor comes with a proprietary calibration application.
Though not a huge advantage for photo editors the response time of the monitor is 5 ms. What, however, is of advantage, is the support for 1.07 billion colors.
Despite the fact that we are dealing with monitors for photo editing and that is the primary focus, a monitor is not always used as a photo editing tool. In fact, it rarely has that privilege. Thus, it is frequently switched from photo editing tasks to browsing and even gaming.
There is this quick ‘mode-change' option named OSD controller that allows you to make that change whenever you want to use your monitor for anything other than photo editing.
A feature of the BenQ SW2700PT 27' is the detachable hood. This hood is a nice touch, especially for users who might be sitting in areas where controlling the ambient light may not be possible. The hood also makes it possible to work in outdoor conditions as well, in bright scenes where glare makes it difficult to review images after they have been shot. Thus, this is a useful tool for location shooting purposes.
The monitor comes with an array of connectivity options but what it does not have is a USB-C port.
5. BenQ PV3200PT 16:9 4K Video Editing IPS Monitor
We bring in another BenQ in this discussion. This is the BenQ PV3200PT. This is a 32″ monitor with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 (UHD). Additionally, the monitor comes with a contrast ratio of 1000:1. The brightness level of the monitor is 350 cd/m².
- 32' In-Plane Switching (IPS) Panel
- DisplayPort / HDMI / mDP Inputs
- 3840 x 2160 Resolution
- 1,000:1 Contrast Ratio
- 350 cd/m² Brightness
- 178°/178° Viewing Angles
- 5 ms Response Time
- 1.07 Billion Colors
Being an IPS panel has its own advantages as the viewing angle is pretty big – 178˚ to be precise. The response time of the monitor is 5 ms. The monitor supports up to 1.07 billion colors. The refresh rate of the monitor is 60 Hz.
The monitor supports 100% Rec. 709 color space as well as 100% of the sRGB color space. The monitor comes with a 14-Bit LUT which enables a much larger color palette compared to others. There is an interesting hardware calibration tool integrated into the monitor.
The system allows you to recalibrate the image processing chip inside the monitor and keep the settings in the graphics card of your computer unchanged. Thus, you get to see consistent results and the monitor does not get affected by the settings in your graphics card.
The system comes integrated with the Palette Master Element software. What you need is a calibrator (external) and you can recalibrate your BenQ PV3200PT from time to time and keep it performing in its optical state for years.
Plus the BenQ PV3200PT comes with an OSD controller. This special remote control ensures that you can switch between different display settings as and when needed.
6. LG 32UD99-W 31.5″ 16:9 HDR10 FreeSync IPS
The LG 32UD99-Wis a 31.5″ monitor with a resolution of 3840 x 210 (UHD). The higher resolution as I have mentioned several times over helps in getting a more detailed image. That comes in handy when you are editing images which have a lot of detail in it – landscapes, product shots, black & white portrait of a senior individual and so on.
- In-Plane Switching (IPS) Technology
- USB Type-C - DisplayPort - HDMI
- 3840 x 2160 Resolution
- 350 cd/m² Brightness
- 178°/178° Viewing Angles
- 5 ms Response Time
- Supports HDR10
- AMD FreeSync Technology
The LG 32UD99-W features in-plane switching technology which ensures that you have a wider viewing angle than other standard monitors. The viewing angle, by the way, is 178˚.
The brightness level of the monitor is a good 350 cd/m² and it has a 5 ms response time. There are faster monitors out there, no doubt about it. But given the fact that we are primarily discussing photo editing applications, we don't need 1 ms or anything near that. Those are best for gamers and are outside the purview of our discussion. The monitor supports DCI-P3 95% color standard.
The refresh rate of the monitor is 60 Hz. Though there are monitors with even higher numbers and for gaming and watching videos those might be useful, a higher refresh rate is not necessary for photo editing.
Having said that it is hard to ignore the fact that the best monitors are usually the ones that come loaded with features for the hardcore gamer. The LG 32UD99-W being a gaming monitor comes with some gaming features as well.
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For example, it has the AMD FreeSync technology. This technology is designed to tune the monitor's refresh rate with that of the frame rate output of the graphics card ensuring a smoother experience. This is for a smoother gaming experience.
Plus you get HDR capabilities as well. That means you will be able to get a much better (and detailed) image across the dark to medium to bright tones giving you much better viewing experience.
Though actually designed for gaming along with the black stabilizer technology that is also incorporated into the system, to help find details in the shadow areas, this technology will come in handy when editing HDR images.
Among the connectivity options, you have several really, the one that stands out is the USB-C port. It is the latest and the fastest and gives you both data and charging capabilities.
7. Samsung 32″ WQHD LED Monitor (S32D850T)
The Samsung 32 is a 32″ large monitor with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 (WQHD). Though the resolution is slightly better than full HD, it is not at par as the UHD resolution of the BenQ that we have just finished discussing.
- HDMI / DVI / DisplayPort Inputs
- 2560 x 1440 WQHD Resolution
- 3,000:1 Contrast Ratio
- 300 cd/m² Brightness
- 178°/178° Viewing Angles
- 5 ms Response Time
- 1,073,000,000 Color Support
- Built-In USB 3.0 Hub
The aspect ratio of the monitor is 16:9. The monitor supports 100% of the sRGB color gamut. The viewing angle of the monitor is 178˚ allowing you a much wider viewing angle. Though you would hardly be looking at this from the side, it is good to have this feature. The aspect ratio of the monitor is 16:9.
The Samsung 32' WQHD LED Monitor (S32D850T) – a great pick for those who want to edit their photos on a big screen (and are on a tight budget).
Among the other fringe benefits of the monitor is the picture in picture mode. Though practical for some uses it is not useful for photographers. The only time I can envision myself using this is when I am watching a tutorial and using it at the same time on a photo editing application.
What is practical, however, is the presence of Eco light technology. This technology ensures that the monitor's display is adjusted automatically when the brightness of the room changes.
What is missing on the system is the USB-C port. There are several Type-B and A ports along with the other ports but this is what is missing.
8. ViewSonic VX2778-SMHD 27
The ViewSonic VX2778-SMHD is a 27″ monitor with a resolution of 2560 x 1440p (2K / WQHD). The monitor incorporates IPS technology. The presence of IPS technology ensures that you have a much wider viewing area compared to the normal (Twisted Nematic) screens.
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- Plane-to-Line Switching (PLS) Technology
- Mini-DP + DisplayPort + HDMI Inputs
- 2560 x 1440 Resolution
- 80,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
- 350 cd/m² Brightness
- 178°/178° Viewing Angles
- 5.1 ms Response Time
- 16.7 Million Colors
The screen supports a contrast ratio of 1000:1 (dynamic contrast of 80,000,000:1) and supports up to 16.7 million colors. Additionally, the monitor supports 100% of the sRGB color gamut.
The viewing angle of the monitor is 178˚. The monitor comes with a special anti-glare coating that suppresses disturbing screen reflections and glares. The refresh rate of the monitor is 68 – 100 kHz. The vertical refresh rate is 45–65 KHz. https://tranottorne1989.mystrikingly.com/blog/best-apps-for-school-mac-2018.
Additionally, the system has a response time of 5 ms which gives fast access to the system when working (rather playing games).
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There is a useful Viewing Mode option on the monitor which ensures that you can toggle between the different modes based on what you are looking at (editing photos, playing games or surfing the net). This automatically adjusts the brightness of the display screen as well as contrast and color temperature for a better viewing experience.
9. HP Pavilion 32-inch QHD
The HP Pavilion is a giant 32″ monitor with a resolution of 2560 x 1440. This is kind of a disappointment as the extremely large monitor real estate could have easily supported 4K / UHD resolution and give a sharper and more detailed picture. For photo editing purposes that is exactly what we photographers require.
- 32' LCD Monitor
- HDMI & DisplayPort Inputs
- 2560 x 1440 Resolution
- 3000:1 Static Contrast Ratio
- 300 cd/m² Brightness
- 7 ms Response Time (GtG)
- Covers 100% of sRGB Color Space
- Tilt from -5 to 21°
The monitor has a horizontal frequency of 68 – 100 kHz and a vertical frequency of 46 – 65 kHz. The viewing angle of the monitor is 178˚.
At par with all the good monitors that we have discussed here. 8-bit color depth supports 16.7 million colors. The monitor supports 100% of the sRGB color gamut. The monitor incorporates IPS technology which means the viewing angle is a bit better than TN displays.
The dynamic contrast ratio of the monitor is 80,000,000:1 and the response time is 5 ms.
Just like the ViewSonic VX2778-SMHD above, the HP Pavilion V1M69AA#ABA too comes with a few viewing modes.
You need to switch the modes using the gaming mode hotkeys. Though this has been designed for gaming aesthetics you can always try out different settings based on the kind of work that you are going.
10. LG 27UD58-B 27-Inch 4K UHD
I have mixed emotions when I am about to write about the LG 27UD58-B 27-Inch 4K UHD. You will know about it when you have finished reading this part. The LG 27″ is a 4K / UHD monitor.
- In-Plane Switching (IPS) Technology
- HDMI + DisplayPort Inputs
- 3840 x 2160 Resolution
- Dynamic Mega Contrast
- 250 cd/m² Brightness
- 178°/178° Viewing Angles
- 5 ms Response Time
- 1.07 Billion Colors
I love the higher resolution, especially, when the display real estate is large to support. The LG 27UD58-B is big. The extra resolution means you can easily get a larger view of the images you are editing without having to minimize the image too much. Something that every photographer/photo editor loves.
The viewing angle of the monitor is 178˚. It allows you a larger viewing angle. Additionally, the monitor comes with support for 1.07 billion colors. The response time of the monitor is 5 ms.
The monitor covers 72% of the sRGB color gamut and has a maximum brightness of 250 cd/m2. That is kind of lame. The aspect ratio of the monitor is 16:9 while the refresh rate is 60 Hz.
Primarily a gaming monitor, the LG 27UD58-B also comes with some gaming specific features like the LG proprietary FreeSync technology. The rare moments when you choose to play PUBG or GTA, you will experience less tear and jitters. Though, not something that is the first priority for any photographer. The other feature is the split screen technology that allows you to divide the screen between two windows when you are multitasking.
A major issue with the monitor, however, is the absence of a USB port. This is a major drawback of the monitor. Another issue of the product is that you can adjust the height as well as tilt it, but you will not be able to swivel or pivot the monitor. The curved stand that comes with the monitor does not allow those functions.
So, as you can imagine, what the high resolution and the big display wins for the LG 27UD58-B, the low brightness level and the lack of a USB hub (and the USB-C port) loses it.
11. AOC Q3277FQE 32-Inch Class MVA LED Monitor
The AOC Q3277FQE is a large 32″ monitor with a resolution of 2560 x 1440. The monitor has a peak brightness of 300 cd/ m². The TFT Active matrix MVA panel produces exceptionally vibrant images. That said I don't quite like the fact that the display resolution is so low. Being a 32″ monitor I would have preferred that the monitor has UHD / 4K resolution. That way the images would have been sharper with more detail.
- 32' TFT Active Matrix MVA Panel
- VGA / DVI / DisplayPort / HDMI Inputs
- 2560 x 1440 Resolution
- 20,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
- 300 cd/m² Brightness
- 178°/178° Viewing Angles
- 5 ms Response Time
- 1.07 Billion Color Depth
The monitor has a response of 5 ms. Plus, it has a 178 ˚ viewing angle giving you a greater degree of freedom when it comes to editing (or watching videos). The monitor supports up to 1.0 billion colors and has a dynamic contrast ratio of 20,000,000:1. The panel has a color depth of 8-bit.
Monitor screens (as well as laptop screens) are fingerprint magnets. That is why manufacturers go great distances in order to create a panel that can resist such smudges and dirt. The AOC Q3277FQE has an anti-glare coating that not only prevents smudges and dirt accumulating on the panel but also lets the screen be easily viewable even in bright light.
There are several connection points on the monitor but what's missing is the USB plugin and more specifically the USB-C option.
12. PRO Eizo ColorEdge CG2420 24″
The PRO Eizo ColorEdge CG2420 is a 24″ monitor with a resolution of 1920 x 1200. The aspect ratio of the monitor is 16:10. This is slightly larger than the usual 16:9 aspect ratio of other monitors. The static contrast ratio of the monitor is 1500:1 and the peak brightness is 400 cd/ m².
- In-Plane Switching (IPS) Technology
- DVI-D + DisplayPort + HDMI Inputs
- 1920 x 1200 Screen Resolution
- 1,500:1 Static Contrast Ratio
- 400 cd/m² Brightness
- 178°/178° Viewing Angles
- 10 ms Response Time
- 1.07 Billion Colors
- Built-In USB 3.0 Hub
- Built-In Calibration Sensor
Thanks to the IPS technology that this monitor incorporates, viewing angle on the monitor is 178˚ which ensure that anything displayed on the monitor is discernable even from an acute angle. The monitor has a response time of 10 ms.
Also, the monitor supports 99% of the Adobe RGB color gamut. A unique feature of the monitor is the presence of a built-in calibration sensor. This sensor makes it redundant to use an external/third party calibration tool to calibrate the monitor from time to time. In order to calibrate your monitor all you need to do is select the presets and the ColorNavigator 6 software will create an ICC profile by employing the monitor's LUT thereby calibrating the colors.
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The ColorNavigator NX Quality control software comes preloaded into the monitor. That means you don't have to recalibrate if you change your PC (connect your monitor to a different PC).
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Another feature of the ColorEdge is the Digital Uniformity Equalizer technology. This technology results in a uniform, and that way, better brightness, and chromaticity across the display.
This technology also does something even more important and that neutralizes the color temperature changes that result from a change in temperature of the monitor. This has a profound impact when you are editing your images and maintains the integrity of the colors especially if you plan on printing your images later on.
There are two aspects of this monitor which makes it suitable for using outdoors.
First is the light-shield and the second is the carrying handle. One thing we really like about this monitor is it comes with a light-shielding hood. If you are working in a brightly lit room and the glare of the lights is affecting your display and your work this is probably the thing that you would order with a monitor. You get this for free with the PRO Eizo ColorEdge CG2420.
Thanks to the carrying handle you can use it outdoors or change its location as often as required without the associated hassles.
What we don't like about this monitor is its lower resolution which defeats the whole purpose of getting a big monitor. At 24″ they could have incorporated a UHD resolution.
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Note: Amazon.com prices, reviews, and ratings were updated on 2019-08-25
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BestUSB-C Monitors for MacbooksiMore2019
If your daily-use Mac is a MacBook and you need a bigger display than the 13 or 15-inch laptop screen, your best bet is LG's 27-inch 4K display for its versatility and price. It's perfect for most people, though there are other monitors better suited to different needs.
Best Overall: LG 27UK850-W
LG's latest 4K display is perfectly sized for most people at 27-inches. It supports a wide range of peripherals, including USB-C, USB-A, DisplayPort, HDMI, and standard headphones.
The best part of this monitor is its ability to power your MacBook while acting as a display so that your battery does not limit you. It can even power the 13-inch MacBook Pro with ease (though it struggles to keep the 15-inch MacBook Pro juiced up more than a trickle during use).
Pros:
- Built-in USB hub for all your peripherals
- Easy setup
- 4K display
- 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time
- IPS 3-side borderless display
Best Overall
LG 27UK850-W
The best USB-C monitor for most people.
This 4K monitor is perfectly situated between price and features with a variety of ports, high-speed data transfer, and 60W charging for your MacBook.
The 27-inch Envy has a great display that looks as good as its hardware. It's ultra-thin with a 'micro-edge' bezel, meaning it has a 3-sided nearly bezel-less edge, so you see more on the screen than, say an iMac's 27-inch screen. The USB-C connector powers up to the 13-inch MacBook Pro (it'll trickle charge the 15-inch MacBook Pro, too) so you won't have to worry about battery drain.
It's got a small base for minimal desktop footprint and can be mounted on a wall. With two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and support for AMD FreeSync, it's the perfect gaming display, movie-watching screen, and everyday monitor.
Pros:
- 4K display
- Fast 60Hz refresh rate
- Zero lag for gaming
Best Value
HP Envy 27
An affordable option that looks as great as it performs.
The HP Envy 27 is a quality model monitor for this price. With a 27-inch 4K display and USB-C connection, you're getting the biggest bang for your buck.
The price tag on the LG UltraFine 4K is very appealing. You can have a quality 4K monitor that works seamlessly with your Mac. Though it doesn't have the Apple design aesthetic, the good stuff is all on the inside. Just like an Apple brand monitor, all of the monitor's controls are available in the settings section of your Mac.
This 24-inch display fits right into the pocket of reasonably priced and excellent quality if you don't mind the boxy black look. As for the price, you can get two of them for almost the price of one LG UltraFine 5K Display.
Pros:
- Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
- Dual-screen full 4K display support
- Supports 85W charging
- Easy to set up
Best for daisy-chain
LG UltraFine 4K
Dual-screen full 4K support.
Hook up two for a beautiful, bright, and convenient workflow for your Mac laptop.
Though LG's UltraFine 5K was designed specifically with Apple's MacBook Pro in mind; it's the 34WK95U-W that wins our hearts. This 5K monitor has a 5120 x 2160 resolution, 34-inch display, a Thunderbolt 3 port, an HDMI port, a DisplayPort port, and a couple of USB-A ports. It's more versatile than the UltraFine, and that's ultra-fine with us.
Pros:
- Pro-quality technology
- Nano ISP color 5K display
- USB hub
- Versatile input options
Cons:
- No built-in camera or microphone
- Poor built-in speaker quality
Premium option
LG 34WK95U-W Nano-ISP UltraWide
From MacBook to iMac with LG and Thunderbolt 3.
Use LG's UltraWide monitor with your Mac laptop and daisy chain it with a second 4K monitor and have data transfer up to 40Gbsp and 85W charging.
With LG's latest update to its UltraFine 5K monitor, you can use it along with your 2018 (or later) iPad Pro with USB-C. That's because the monitor now supports USB-C and Thunderbolt. The Thunderbolt 3 charges the MacBook Pro and the three USB-C ports offer 5Gbps downstream. Its 27 inches big, which is about the size of Apple's larger iMac, and has a similar P3 wide color gamut with 500 nits brightness. For full 5K resolution on a larger display, the UltraFine 5K is your perfect choice.
Its biggest downfall is that it doesn't quite have that Apple aesthetic. LG has designed an attractive Edge-Arcline base for some of its monitors, which looks better with Apple products. The UltraFine 5K, unfortunately, still has that big, boxy black base.
Pros:
- Up to 5K resolution
- Designed for Apple
- Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C
- Built-in speakers, camera, and mic
Best for iPad Pro
LG UltraFine 5K
Full 5K display plus support for USB-C.
If your workflow includes both a MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro, this is the monitor you want for performance, reliability, and productivity.
The future is curved, and LG is the pioneer of bending the display rules. This 38-inch UltraWide monitor has a 21:9 ratio with split-screen support and is perfect for graphic designers and professional photo and video editors. The display has a USB-C data transfer port, two USB- A ports, plus a couple of HDMI ports, and a DisplayPort port.
Pros:
- Well-designed
- Easy setup
- Versatile ports
- Good built-in audio
Best Curved
LG 38WK95C-W Curved UltraWide
Ahead of the curve.
- 32' LCD Monitor
- HDMI & DisplayPort Inputs
- 2560 x 1440 Resolution
- 3000:1 Static Contrast Ratio
- 300 cd/m² Brightness
- 7 ms Response Time (GtG)
- Covers 100% of sRGB Color Space
- Tilt from -5 to 21°
The monitor has a horizontal frequency of 68 – 100 kHz and a vertical frequency of 46 – 65 kHz. The viewing angle of the monitor is 178˚.
At par with all the good monitors that we have discussed here. 8-bit color depth supports 16.7 million colors. The monitor supports 100% of the sRGB color gamut. The monitor incorporates IPS technology which means the viewing angle is a bit better than TN displays.
The dynamic contrast ratio of the monitor is 80,000,000:1 and the response time is 5 ms.
Just like the ViewSonic VX2778-SMHD above, the HP Pavilion V1M69AA#ABA too comes with a few viewing modes.
You need to switch the modes using the gaming mode hotkeys. Though this has been designed for gaming aesthetics you can always try out different settings based on the kind of work that you are going.
10. LG 27UD58-B 27-Inch 4K UHD
I have mixed emotions when I am about to write about the LG 27UD58-B 27-Inch 4K UHD. You will know about it when you have finished reading this part. The LG 27″ is a 4K / UHD monitor.
- In-Plane Switching (IPS) Technology
- HDMI + DisplayPort Inputs
- 3840 x 2160 Resolution
- Dynamic Mega Contrast
- 250 cd/m² Brightness
- 178°/178° Viewing Angles
- 5 ms Response Time
- 1.07 Billion Colors
I love the higher resolution, especially, when the display real estate is large to support. The LG 27UD58-B is big. The extra resolution means you can easily get a larger view of the images you are editing without having to minimize the image too much. Something that every photographer/photo editor loves.
The viewing angle of the monitor is 178˚. It allows you a larger viewing angle. Additionally, the monitor comes with support for 1.07 billion colors. The response time of the monitor is 5 ms.
The monitor covers 72% of the sRGB color gamut and has a maximum brightness of 250 cd/m2. That is kind of lame. The aspect ratio of the monitor is 16:9 while the refresh rate is 60 Hz.
Primarily a gaming monitor, the LG 27UD58-B also comes with some gaming specific features like the LG proprietary FreeSync technology. The rare moments when you choose to play PUBG or GTA, you will experience less tear and jitters. Though, not something that is the first priority for any photographer. The other feature is the split screen technology that allows you to divide the screen between two windows when you are multitasking.
A major issue with the monitor, however, is the absence of a USB port. This is a major drawback of the monitor. Another issue of the product is that you can adjust the height as well as tilt it, but you will not be able to swivel or pivot the monitor. The curved stand that comes with the monitor does not allow those functions.
So, as you can imagine, what the high resolution and the big display wins for the LG 27UD58-B, the low brightness level and the lack of a USB hub (and the USB-C port) loses it.
11. AOC Q3277FQE 32-Inch Class MVA LED Monitor
The AOC Q3277FQE is a large 32″ monitor with a resolution of 2560 x 1440. The monitor has a peak brightness of 300 cd/ m². The TFT Active matrix MVA panel produces exceptionally vibrant images. That said I don't quite like the fact that the display resolution is so low. Being a 32″ monitor I would have preferred that the monitor has UHD / 4K resolution. That way the images would have been sharper with more detail.
- 32' TFT Active Matrix MVA Panel
- VGA / DVI / DisplayPort / HDMI Inputs
- 2560 x 1440 Resolution
- 20,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
- 300 cd/m² Brightness
- 178°/178° Viewing Angles
- 5 ms Response Time
- 1.07 Billion Color Depth
The monitor has a response of 5 ms. Plus, it has a 178 ˚ viewing angle giving you a greater degree of freedom when it comes to editing (or watching videos). The monitor supports up to 1.0 billion colors and has a dynamic contrast ratio of 20,000,000:1. The panel has a color depth of 8-bit.
Monitor screens (as well as laptop screens) are fingerprint magnets. That is why manufacturers go great distances in order to create a panel that can resist such smudges and dirt. The AOC Q3277FQE has an anti-glare coating that not only prevents smudges and dirt accumulating on the panel but also lets the screen be easily viewable even in bright light.
There are several connection points on the monitor but what's missing is the USB plugin and more specifically the USB-C option.
12. PRO Eizo ColorEdge CG2420 24″
The PRO Eizo ColorEdge CG2420 is a 24″ monitor with a resolution of 1920 x 1200. The aspect ratio of the monitor is 16:10. This is slightly larger than the usual 16:9 aspect ratio of other monitors. The static contrast ratio of the monitor is 1500:1 and the peak brightness is 400 cd/ m².
- In-Plane Switching (IPS) Technology
- DVI-D + DisplayPort + HDMI Inputs
- 1920 x 1200 Screen Resolution
- 1,500:1 Static Contrast Ratio
- 400 cd/m² Brightness
- 178°/178° Viewing Angles
- 10 ms Response Time
- 1.07 Billion Colors
- Built-In USB 3.0 Hub
- Built-In Calibration Sensor
Thanks to the IPS technology that this monitor incorporates, viewing angle on the monitor is 178˚ which ensure that anything displayed on the monitor is discernable even from an acute angle. The monitor has a response time of 10 ms.
Also, the monitor supports 99% of the Adobe RGB color gamut. A unique feature of the monitor is the presence of a built-in calibration sensor. This sensor makes it redundant to use an external/third party calibration tool to calibrate the monitor from time to time. In order to calibrate your monitor all you need to do is select the presets and the ColorNavigator 6 software will create an ICC profile by employing the monitor's LUT thereby calibrating the colors.
Premier, finally, lets people 'maximize.investments by improving portfolio performance and minimizing taxes,' said. A Home, Business & Rental Property subscription is reserved for Windows users. Each Mac subscription also comes with 5 gigabytes of Dropbox data for backups. Quicken for mac 2018 new features.
The ColorNavigator NX Quality control software comes preloaded into the monitor. That means you don't have to recalibrate if you change your PC (connect your monitor to a different PC).
Related Post: Best Computer for Video Editing
Another feature of the ColorEdge is the Digital Uniformity Equalizer technology. This technology results in a uniform, and that way, better brightness, and chromaticity across the display.
This technology also does something even more important and that neutralizes the color temperature changes that result from a change in temperature of the monitor. This has a profound impact when you are editing your images and maintains the integrity of the colors especially if you plan on printing your images later on.
There are two aspects of this monitor which makes it suitable for using outdoors.
First is the light-shield and the second is the carrying handle. One thing we really like about this monitor is it comes with a light-shielding hood. If you are working in a brightly lit room and the glare of the lights is affecting your display and your work this is probably the thing that you would order with a monitor. You get this for free with the PRO Eizo ColorEdge CG2420.
Thanks to the carrying handle you can use it outdoors or change its location as often as required without the associated hassles.
What we don't like about this monitor is its lower resolution which defeats the whole purpose of getting a big monitor. At 24″ they could have incorporated a UHD resolution.
Related Post: Best DSLR Field Monitors
Note: Amazon.com prices, reviews, and ratings were updated on 2019-08-25
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BestUSB-C Monitors for MacbooksiMore2019
If your daily-use Mac is a MacBook and you need a bigger display than the 13 or 15-inch laptop screen, your best bet is LG's 27-inch 4K display for its versatility and price. It's perfect for most people, though there are other monitors better suited to different needs.
Best Overall: LG 27UK850-W
LG's latest 4K display is perfectly sized for most people at 27-inches. It supports a wide range of peripherals, including USB-C, USB-A, DisplayPort, HDMI, and standard headphones.
The best part of this monitor is its ability to power your MacBook while acting as a display so that your battery does not limit you. It can even power the 13-inch MacBook Pro with ease (though it struggles to keep the 15-inch MacBook Pro juiced up more than a trickle during use).
Pros:
- Built-in USB hub for all your peripherals
- Easy setup
- 4K display
- 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time
- IPS 3-side borderless display
Best Overall
LG 27UK850-W
The best USB-C monitor for most people.
This 4K monitor is perfectly situated between price and features with a variety of ports, high-speed data transfer, and 60W charging for your MacBook.
The 27-inch Envy has a great display that looks as good as its hardware. It's ultra-thin with a 'micro-edge' bezel, meaning it has a 3-sided nearly bezel-less edge, so you see more on the screen than, say an iMac's 27-inch screen. The USB-C connector powers up to the 13-inch MacBook Pro (it'll trickle charge the 15-inch MacBook Pro, too) so you won't have to worry about battery drain.
It's got a small base for minimal desktop footprint and can be mounted on a wall. With two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and support for AMD FreeSync, it's the perfect gaming display, movie-watching screen, and everyday monitor.
Pros:
- 4K display
- Fast 60Hz refresh rate
- Zero lag for gaming
Best Value
HP Envy 27
An affordable option that looks as great as it performs.
The HP Envy 27 is a quality model monitor for this price. With a 27-inch 4K display and USB-C connection, you're getting the biggest bang for your buck.
The price tag on the LG UltraFine 4K is very appealing. You can have a quality 4K monitor that works seamlessly with your Mac. Though it doesn't have the Apple design aesthetic, the good stuff is all on the inside. Just like an Apple brand monitor, all of the monitor's controls are available in the settings section of your Mac.
This 24-inch display fits right into the pocket of reasonably priced and excellent quality if you don't mind the boxy black look. As for the price, you can get two of them for almost the price of one LG UltraFine 5K Display.
Pros:
- Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
- Dual-screen full 4K display support
- Supports 85W charging
- Easy to set up
Best for daisy-chain
LG UltraFine 4K
Dual-screen full 4K support.
Hook up two for a beautiful, bright, and convenient workflow for your Mac laptop.
Though LG's UltraFine 5K was designed specifically with Apple's MacBook Pro in mind; it's the 34WK95U-W that wins our hearts. This 5K monitor has a 5120 x 2160 resolution, 34-inch display, a Thunderbolt 3 port, an HDMI port, a DisplayPort port, and a couple of USB-A ports. It's more versatile than the UltraFine, and that's ultra-fine with us.
Pros:
- Pro-quality technology
- Nano ISP color 5K display
- USB hub
- Versatile input options
Cons:
- No built-in camera or microphone
- Poor built-in speaker quality
Premium option
LG 34WK95U-W Nano-ISP UltraWide
From MacBook to iMac with LG and Thunderbolt 3.
Use LG's UltraWide monitor with your Mac laptop and daisy chain it with a second 4K monitor and have data transfer up to 40Gbsp and 85W charging.
With LG's latest update to its UltraFine 5K monitor, you can use it along with your 2018 (or later) iPad Pro with USB-C. That's because the monitor now supports USB-C and Thunderbolt. The Thunderbolt 3 charges the MacBook Pro and the three USB-C ports offer 5Gbps downstream. Its 27 inches big, which is about the size of Apple's larger iMac, and has a similar P3 wide color gamut with 500 nits brightness. For full 5K resolution on a larger display, the UltraFine 5K is your perfect choice.
Its biggest downfall is that it doesn't quite have that Apple aesthetic. LG has designed an attractive Edge-Arcline base for some of its monitors, which looks better with Apple products. The UltraFine 5K, unfortunately, still has that big, boxy black base.
Pros:
- Up to 5K resolution
- Designed for Apple
- Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C
- Built-in speakers, camera, and mic
Best for iPad Pro
LG UltraFine 5K
Full 5K display plus support for USB-C.
If your workflow includes both a MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro, this is the monitor you want for performance, reliability, and productivity.
The future is curved, and LG is the pioneer of bending the display rules. This 38-inch UltraWide monitor has a 21:9 ratio with split-screen support and is perfect for graphic designers and professional photo and video editors. The display has a USB-C data transfer port, two USB- A ports, plus a couple of HDMI ports, and a DisplayPort port.
Pros:
- Well-designed
- Easy setup
- Versatile ports
- Good built-in audio
Best Curved
LG 38WK95C-W Curved UltraWide
Ahead of the curve.
If you need to charge your Mac laptop and transfer data at the same time, you're in luck because this curvy beauty has what you want.
The ZenScreen is a favorite around the iMore office for its incredible portability. It's a 15.6-inch screen with a USB-C connector. You can rotate between landscape and portrait mode, and it's compatible with Thunderbolt 3. If you need a second screen when you're headed for the coffee shop, this takes up just the right amount of space without being a burden on your portability.
Pros:
The Best 4k Monitor 2018
- Weighs less than 2 pounds
- Ultra-slim at only 8mm thick
- Comes with its own cover
- 60Hz refresh rate
Best on a budget
ASUS ZenScreen
As portable as it gets.
The ZenScreen is ASUS's very portable monitor with its own USB-C port, a great-looking IPS panel, and Eye Car technology to prevents eye fatigue.
Bottom line
Picking the right second screen for your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro is a difficult one. It's important to consider how much room you have on your desk, what you plan to use your Mac laptop for, and how much you can afford. That's why the LG 27UK850-W is the perfect fit for most people. At 27-inches, it's big, but not too big. It's got an incredible 4K screen resolution and a variety of versatile ports for connecting all manner of peripherals.
If the LG 27Uk850 is just a bit out of your range, the HP Envy 27 truly is the next best thing. With 4K resolution and USB-C support, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles that the LG model does, but it's got everything you need to make your second screen work for you. Your most significant compromise is that there are fewer ports than the more expensive model, and the base isn't as sturdy.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Lory Gil is iMore's managing editor and spends more time in front of her monitors than she does anywhere else. She's constantly switching between desktop and mobile for work and knows how important an easy setup is.
Luke Filipowicz is iMore's gaming guru and knows how important a great monitor with zero lag is. If he had the room on his desk, he'd surround himself with 360-degrees of 4k displays.
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