Top 10 MacBook Pro Monitors for Creatives

Arek Dvornechuck
Ebaqdesign™
Published in
9 min readDec 23, 2021

Looking for the best MacBook Pro monitor to buy this year? Then check out this list of ideal monitors for creatives.

Finding the ideal monitor for your graphic design needs isn’t easy with so many options available in the market today.

Especially when you’re looking for a compatible monitor to use for your MacBook Pro.

That’s why as a creative, I often get this question:

What is the best monitor for MacBook Pro?

While almost any modern display will work with a MacBook Pro, one that’s optimized for these Apple laptops is the top pick, so choose wisely.

And since every graphic designer’s needs are different, I made sure to include a variety of monitor brands that all work perfectly for your MacBook Pro device.

From the most affordable monitor for MacBooks like ViewSonic VP2458 to the best value which is BenQ EX3501R.

However, if you’re an editor that is looking for the best MacBook Pro monitor for photo editing, the LG Ultrafine 27′′ will be a great choice.

The Dell Ultrasharp U2720Q is an ideal choice too, especially for creatives that want to buy the best 4K monitor for MacBook Pro.

I’m confident that the monitors that I’ve listed will help you choose what best fits your standards as a creative.

You can also check out the best monitors for graphic design for you to have a wider option to choose from.

So without keeping you waiting, here’s my list of the 10 best MacBook Pro monitors in 2022.

Please note: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

10 Best Monitors for MacBook Pro

  1. Dell Ultrasharp U2720Q — Best 4K monitor
  2. MSI Prestige PS341WU — Best ultrawide
  3. ASUS ProArt PA278CV — Most accurate
  4. ViewSonic VP2458 — Most affordable
  5. Dell S2719DC — Best for professionals
  6. BenQ PD3200U — Best large monitor
  7. Dell U3818DW UltraSharp — Best widescreen
  8. BenQ EX3501R — Best value monitor
  9. ColorEdge CG319X — Best for color accuracy
  10. LG Ultrafine 27″ — Best for photo editing

How to Choose a MacBook Pro Monitor

What are the most important things to consider when purchasing a monitor for a MacBook Pro for a graphic designer?

How to Choose a MacBook Pro Monitor

Given that we have different standards for choosing the best MacBook monitor for creatives like us, we must check these factors to make sure we’re getting the best for our needs.

  1. Picture Quality
  2. Screen Size
  3. Design
  4. Price

To further understand why these things should be considered, here’s a further explanation:

Picture Quality

When it comes to visual quality, 1920 x 1080 is now the industry standard.

If you want a more immersive viewing experience, a monitor with 4K Ultra HD resolution is a good choice (3,840 x 2,160).

Moreover, color accuracy is also a crucial consideration for designers.

The sRGB color space is the industry standard, and the best monitors must cover more than 99 percent of the spectrum.

Screen Size

For the most part, the desire for a larger screen drives the decision to add a monitor to your MacBook Pro.

Many manufacturers provide monitors in a range of sizes, ranging from 23 inches to 34 inches and beyond.

If you’re a professional creative and have enough budget to purchase a monitor, I suggest that you go for the widescreen MacBook Pro monitor.

However, the size of the monitor that you’ll choose, like the design is a matter of personal preference.

Design

When searching for a new display, not every designer considers the monitor’s overall design.

Color, ergonomics, build, and many other factors are all considered in the design.

This also considers the monitor’s size and how much space it will occupy on your desk.

While there are numerous options available, ranging from tilting screens to curved panels, the one you select will be based on personal preference.

Price

If you frequently work with high-resolution designs and switch between Adobe Suite programs, you’re undoubtedly seeking to improve color reproduction.

However, keep in mind that a professional monitor will cost more than most general-purpose or business monitors.

The size of the monitor is one of the most important aspects that might influence the pricing.

A few inches of cutting might save you a lot of money.

Just make sure it’s not too small — you’ll want to be able to work comfortably and quickly on your creative tasks.

That’s all for my buying guide for MacBook Pro monitors, let’s now proceed with my list of top 10 monitors for MacBook Pro.

1. Dell Ultrasharp U2720Q

The U2720Q 27-inch monitor is an excellent piece of technology with a 4K resolution that provides you with an incredibly sharp view of your creative work.

The best 4K monitor for MacBook Pro in 2022.

Two USB-C ports, three USB-A connectors, a DisplayPort port, and an HDMI port are all included on this monitor.

Dell Ultrasharp U2720Q

The Ultrasharp U2720Q provides exceptional viewing angles and color reproduction, which covers 99 percent of the sRGB color spectrum and 95 percent of Apple’s broad color gamut.

It has adjustable height, tilt, pivot, and swivel features, making it simple to operate comfortably.

This is a wonderful choice if you require something with a lot of details that can be customized to fit any design-making situation.

In fact, the Dell Ultrasharp U2720Q is a great choice for designers that are looking for the best 4K MacBook Pro monitor today.

You can also get outstanding visual quality, a variety of screen settings, and a plethora of features, as well as excellent connections.

Overall, the Ultrasharp U2720Q is the best monitor for both the Mac Mini and the MacBook Pro.

Specifications

Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 4K UHD 3840 x 2160
Connections: USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C

Pros

  1. HDR support
  2. Good viewing angles
  3. Excellent ergonomics

Cons

  1. Poor brightness
  2. No VRR support.

Buy Dell Ultrasharp U2720Q on Amazon

2. MSI Prestige PS341WU

The Prestige PS341WU has a native 5K resolution, a 34-inch panel that supports DCI-P3 broad color, great connectivity options, and HDR compatibility.

The best ultrawide MacBook Pro monitors for creatives.

Its ultrawide display gives any designer plenty of room to work on all of their projects and other tasks.

MSI Prestige PS341WU

With 5120x2160 resolution, you can display a Cinema 4K or Ultra HD video at full scale while still allowing displays to make genuine appearance improvements.

Prestige PS341WU gives you more room for documents, tool windows, and whatever else you need to fit on the screen.

It also has an impressively high resolution which is ideal for professionals to have a great look at the designs that they are making.

The MSI Prestige PS341WU is definitely an ideal choice for designers that are looking for the best ultrawide monitor for MacBook Pro.

Even though this monitor is a little bit more expensive than others, it will be a good investment for graphic designers for them to create the best designs possible.

Specifications

Size: 34 inches
Resolution: 5,120 x 2,160
Connections: DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, 3x USB Type A

Pros

  1. High resolution
  2. Optimal brightness
  3. Great color accuracy

Cons

  1. Expensive
  2. No Thunderbolt connectivity

Buy MSI Prestige PS341WU on Amazon

3. ASUS ProArt PA278QV

The ProArt PA278QV is a great monitor that is up-to-date and works well with the particular demands of combining it with a MacBook Pro.

The most accurate MacBook Pro monitor for creatives.

It supports 100% sRGB, has a 14-bit internal lookup table, consistency technology for accurate images, and allows for quick change between calibration profiles.

ASUS ProArt PA278QV

Its well-built stand has excellent workstation adjustments, allowing you to easily move it to work with your MacBook Pro no matter what your setup is.

The ProArt PA278QV also has excellent viewing angles, making it simple to share the screen and ensuring that details are not lost in bright environments.

With one USB-C cable, you can connect and charge your laptop while still accessing the USB 3.0 hub, simplifying your setup.

When you’re doing your creative work, you’ll appreciate the 75Hz refresh rate and quick response times, which ensure a smooth experience no matter what you’re doing.

The ASUS ProArt PA278QV is a perfect option if you’re looking for the most reliable monitor for MacBook Pro.

This is a must-buy monitor if you want strong image quality in a home office setting where space is limited and you don’t prefer Ultra HD resolutions.

Specifications

Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Connections: USB-C, DisplayPort 1.2, 1x HDMI

Pros

  1. 100% sRGB
  2. Lots of features
  3. Wide viewing angles

Cons

  1. Lacks HDR support
  2. Average contrast ratio

Buy ASUS ProArt PA278QV on Amazon

4. ViewSonic VP2458

Not every designer can afford the most expensive monitors on our list or elsewhere, which is why the ViewSonic VP2458 is such a wonderful option.

The most affordable MacBook Pro monitor for designers.

The 24-inch display boasts a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and covers the entire sRGB wide color space, giving you an outstanding design view for the price.

ViewSonic VP2458

The monitor also has excellent practical features, including the ability to change the monitor’s height, tilt, pivot, and swivel to ensure that it is in the best possible position for all of your work.

Because it’s a smaller 24-inch model with 1920x1080 resolution, it’s designed for photographers or designers who want to concentrate on getting the look right rather than seeing every last detail, which is good for this price.

The only downside to this monitor is that it doesn’t have a USB-C port, which is understandable given its reasonable price.

ViewSonic VP2458 is the perfect MacBook Pro monitor for those designers that are on a limited budget but still want a great-performing display.

So if you’re looking for the best budget-friendly monitor for your MacBook Pro, you should consider this option.

Specifications

Size: 23.8 inches
Resolution: 1920×1080
Connections: DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA, USB-A, USB-B

Pros

  1. Affordable
  2. Great display
  3. Ergonomic features

Cons

  1. No USB-C port
  2. Poor resolution

Buy ViewSonic VP2458 on Amazon

5. Dell S2719DC

The Dell S2719DC monitor is a remarkable piece of technology, starting with its slim borders and aluminum casing, and it’s more than just pretty on the outside.

The best MacBook Pro monitor for professionals.

It’s ideal for HDR material, with a 1440p resolution and 418 nits of brightness.

Dell S2719DC

The display, which is lightweight and portable, can also be used to charge your laptop, but some versions will work better than others.

The Dell S2719DC also has great color support and a good number of connectivity options, which makes it more attractive for creative professionals.

It also has a flicker-free screen with ComfortView, which filters out dangerous blue light emissions so you can work without causing damage to your eyes.

This monitor’s combination of technology and style could be the ideal solution for your laptop needs.

The Dell S2719DC is an excellent choice for creatives that are looking for the best professional monitor for MacBook Pro.

Specifications

Size: 27 inches
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Connections: USB 3.0

Pros

  1. Thin bezel
  2. Lots of connectivity
  3. Amazing color support

Cons

  1. Blurry text
  2. Expensive

Buy Dell S2719DC on Amazon

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