If you’re looking for the perfect display for your MacBook and budget isn’t a concern, you’ll want the highest resolution, the largest screen, and flawless pixel density. In this case, the best monitor is the Pro Display XDR. However, it comes with a hefty price tag of $5,000. Despite this, I bought it, and it’s my primary monitor. That said, I’ve used many monitors, and I want to discuss some excellent options for Mac users.
Let’s start with the Studio Display, which is ideal for most Mac users. It’s priced at $1,599, which is cheaper than the Pro Display XDR, but still not inexpensive. Yet, it’s an outstanding monitor. I’ve been using it since its release, and it has proven to be entirely reliable. It has several features that make it great for Mac users.
It comes with a Thunderbolt cable for both power and data transfer, making it extremely easy to plug and play. The monitor boasts a 5K resolution and measures 27 inches. A 5K resolution is rare in monitors, and here Apple plays a unique role. Its PPI (Pixels Per Inch) is 28, a standard Apple has set for its desktop monitors. As a result, text and UI elements appear sharp and clear. The built-in speakers are decent, though they don’t match the quality of standalone desktop speakers. Its 600 nits of brightness is sufficient for most people, though it’s a standard IPS panel, which might not be as impressive compared to OLED or Mini LED displays.
There’s a built-in USB-C hub on the back that offers three additional ports. The design is also sleek, making it an ideal option among Apple products.
For those seeking a simple plug-and-play monitor for their Mac, this is easily recommendable for most users.
Moving on to the MSI 321 URX 32-inch 4K OLED monitor, which is my favorite gaming monitor. The OLED display makes it excellent for gaming and watching content. Its 240Hz refresh rate is perfect for PC gaming. However, since it’s a 4K monitor, its PPI is 137, which is significantly lower than the Studio Display. This may not be ideal for designers or professionals requiring precise work. But for average users, it’s more than sufficient.
If you’re looking for a monitor under $500, there are plenty of options. I recommend an MSI monitor priced at $369, which meets most of my essential criteria. While you won’t find advanced technology like OLED or Mini LED under $500, you can still get a monitor with 4K resolution and a high refresh rate.
Lastly, let’s discuss the Pro Display XDR, designed for professionals. Its 6K resolution and 1,600 nits peak brightness make it ideal for high-quality video and photography work. Although it costs $5,000, it’s one of the best choices for professional use. Its design is highly unique, and the thin bezels add to its appeal.
While none of the monitors I’ve mentioned are completely perfect, if I had a dream monitor, it would be a 32-inch, 6K resolution, OLED, with a 240Hz refresh rate. However, due to current technological limitations, such a monitor doesn’t exist yet. But in the future, we might see Apple release something like this.
