| Cult of Mac

Best monitors for your Mac in 2023

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The Studio Display, Pro Display XDR, iMac 24″ and 16″ MacBook Pro.
From left to right: The 16-inch MacBook Pro, the 24-inch iMac, the Studio Display and Pro Display XDR.
Photo: Apple

What’s the best monitor for your Mac? Desktop displays aren’t just for desktop computers anymore — 77% of you are buying MacBooks, but you probably want a nice setup when you’re at home. And if you do have a Mac mini or Mac Studio, you want to make sure you’re picking the right display.

Apple introduced its own Studio Display last year, which has been well-received and is reasonably priced (at least compared to Apple’s other offering). But what does the broader market for midrange displays look like?

Here’s a display buying guide to help you find an appropriate monitor to go with your Mac.

Budget-friendly 15.6-inch external screen makes you more productive wherever you go [Review] ★★★

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Arzopa Portable Monitor A1C review★★★
The Arzopa Portable Monitor A1C (shown here with a simulated screen) offers more room to work at a very attractive price.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Arzopa Portable Monitor A1C is a 15.6-inch, 1080P monitor ready to be connected to a Mac, iPad or gaming device over USB-C or HDMI. Given its relatively low price, the screen is one of the better options available for those on a tight budget.

It’s currently available at a price below $100, which is significantly lower than the cost of rival products.

I tested the portable display in my home office and on a recent vacation. Here’s what I found.

Go ultrawide with this BenQ monitor for creatives [Review] ★★★★☆

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BenQ PD3420Q review★★★★☆
BenQ's ultrawide monitor has room for three apps side-by-side-by-side.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The BenQ PD3420Q is a ultrawide monitor designed to appeal to creative professionals with its atypical shape and color consistency with MacBooks.

The 34-inch screen has a 2K resolution and a 21:9 aspect ratio. And there are some nice additions, like a HotKey Puck and built-in KVM.

I tested the PD3420Q in my home office, exploring the advantages and drawbacks of the very wide screen.

BenQ’s 3 sharp new 4K monitors swivel on Ergo arms

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The PD2706UA is the newest of the three 4K monitors that come with the Ergo Arm.
The PD2706UA is the newest of the three 4K monitors that come with the Ergo Arm.
Photo: BenQ

BenQ recently added its 27-inch PD2706UA Design Monitor for home productivity to its lineup of screens that ship with the Ergo Arm. It follows the 27-inch PD2705UA and the 32-inch PD3205UA, both aimed more specifically at designers for their color accuracy.

All three displays offer customizable ergonomic design with plenty of options for movement on the Ergo Arm.

New stacked dual-screen display promises to jack up productivity

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It's two stacked, adjustable 24-inch screens.
It's two stacked, adjustable 24-inch screens.
Photo: Mobile Pixels

Mobile Pixels started a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign Wednesday for Geminos, its new stacked, dual-screen desktop monitor intended to enhance workstations.

This follows last month’s launch of the LG DualUp, a 28-inch screen with a 16:18 aspect ratio, somewhat like two stacked screens in one.

The products aren’t quite the same, but could this be the start of a trend toward tall, oddly shaped monitors?

New LG DualUp display is like nothing you’ve seen before

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That 16:18 aspect ratio looks odd but could be great for multitasking.
That 16:18 aspect ratio looks odd but could be great for multitasking.
Photo: LG

LG’s new DualUp Monitor with Ergo is a 28-inch panel with a 16:18 aspect ratio — tall and nearly square. The seemingly unique display features 90W USB-C passthrough charging and more.

Essentially, it’s like two stacked 1440p monitors in one display. And it could be a multitasking powerhouse.

Apple Studio Display not right for you? Try Samsung Smart Monitor M8 instead.

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Apple Studio Display not right for you? Try Samsung Smart Monitor M8 instead.
The Samsung M8 isn’t as high-res as Apple’s new monitor, but costs half has much. And is loaded with other features.
Photo: Samsung

The $1,599 price for the new Apple Studio Display makes it somewhat controversial. Samsung’s response is the $700 Smart Monitor M8, which measures 32 inches and has a UHD resolution.

Samsung clearly has its eye on Mac users. It built Apple AirPlay 2 into the screen. And an image of the display playing Apple TV+ is a prominent part of the press release.

Displays: To stack or not to stack? [Setups]

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Would you put a 28-inch 4K monitor on top of this 35-inch display, or next to it?
Would you put a 28-inch 4K monitor on top of this 35-inch display, or next to it?
Photo: shogoc@Reddit.com

When you see a computer setup with two monitors stacked on top of each other, what do you think? Maybe something like … doesn’t the person have to crane their neck to look at the top one? Isn’t it uncomfortable? Where does the webcam go? What’s wrong with side-by-side, maybe with one in portrait (vertical) mode instead of landscape?

The person behind today’s featured setup is confronting those very questions on the way to deciding a common multi-display conundrum: to stack or not to stack? That is the question.

LG 32-inch UltraFine OLED Pro Monitor takes on Apple Pro Display XDR

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LG 32-inch UltraFine OLED Pro Monitor takes on Apple Pro Display XDR
LG calls its new screen “the OLED display for design and video professionals.”
Photo: LG

The LG 32” UltraFine Display OLED Pro Monitor is a new option for creative professionals who need a top-tier display. It offers a million-to-one contrast ratio and a very wide color gamut.

The screen is aimed at the same market as Apple’s Pro Display XDR. And has a price tag to match.

Make your MacBook a double-wide with this portable second screen

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Increase your workflow with this 11.6
Enjoy twice the screen space with this 11.6-inch portable display.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Laptop screens are large enough to enjoy movies and work efficiently, but sometimes a little more screen space proves beneficial. Whether you’re developing crucial IT skills or writing the next great American novel, having an additional screen provides more space to work.

That’s why this portable second screen from Ofiyaa is a must-have for laptop-toting professionals. And it’s available for a limited time at just $249.99.