Tag: Thunderbolt (interface)

MacBook Pro 16 vs. MacBook Pro 14: the important differences | Digital Trends

tech FranklinWilbur

MacBook Pro 16 vs. MacBook Pro 14: the important differences | Digital Trends

MacBooks are among the best laptops you can buy, but there are some critical differences between Apple’s two MacBook Pro models.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro is a relatively new arrival on the market, with a bigger screen size than the now-discontinued 13-inch model. The 16-inch model was a refresh of the existing MacBook Pro, but there were enough changes to call it a new laptop entirely. Both of them are worthy of being listed among the best MacBooks out there, and our review of the new M3 Max MacBook Pro 14 just confirms how great the laptops really are. The question is, which model is right for you?

Design

Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’ve taken a close look at the previous iterations of MacBooks, examining the new ones will reveal a few small changes. However, comparing the 14-inch to the 16-inch doesn’t uncover any massive design difference apart from the size of the notebooks.

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Both Macs feature Apple’s new flat-edge design. A few years ago, the brand slowly started to revert its products to the design it used before, and the new MacBook Pros continue that trend. This means drifting away from the curved edges we’ve all grown used to.

However, the change is pretty minimal in the new MacBooks, as the edges don’t appear sharp. The main difference is that the top half of the notebook now matches the bottom half. You could easily compare this design choice to what Apple has done with the iPhone or the iPad Pro ranges.

In terms of cooling, both Macs utilize the same heat pipe design previously used in the MacBook Pro 16. The size of the heat sink has been increased by 35% to accommodate the powerful and heat-prone components found inside. For the 16-inch Mac, this is simply the retention of a previously used technology. For the smaller 14-inch model, this is a huge upgrade.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

One thing Apple has said goodbye to with the new MacBooks is the Touch Bar. It was somewhat controversial and often left unused, so replacing it with a set of physical function keys may have been the right step for Apple.

Both laptops feature the Magic Keyboard, and whether you go with the 14-inch or the 16-inch model, the keyboard remains the same excellent version. They also benefit from an upgraded webcam, bringing much-needed 1080p quality to replace the 720p used in previous versions.  The downside of the webcam? The notch at the top of the screen — although the apps do fold neatly around it, so it doesn’t obstruct the screen. Both laptops use Apple’s outstanding Force Touch haptic touchpad, and both use all the available space on the palm rest.

Display

While the two new Macs don’t vary much in terms of design from previous generations, they certainly do when it comes to their displays. Apple entered a new era with the release of these notebooks, upgrading their screens to utilize mini-LED technology. This applies to both models.

The use of mini-LED makes the Liquid Retina XDR displays of these new Macs brighter than ever. Around 10,000 LEDs, each smaller than 200 microns, are found within the thin, light, and colorful screens of the 14-inch and the 16-inch MacBook Pros.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Switching to mini-LEDs was a smart move by Apple. What we get here is a wider color gamut with rich, satisfyingly, vibrant shades, better contrast, and deeper blacks. These screens are essentially very close to OLEDs, but they shouldn’t suffer from the same degradation and burn-in problems that OLEDs sometimes do. They’re also incredibly bright, up to 1,600 nits when displaying high dynamic range (HDR) video. That makes them probably the best laptops around for consuming HDR content.

Both the screens are beautiful, but they’re not the same size. The new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros sport display resolutions of 3024 x 1964 and 3456 x 2234, respectively. This is an increase over the previous models. The aspect ratios are as unusual as the resolutions are, resulting in the 16-inch Mac having a 1.55:1 aspect ratio and the 14-inch having a 1.54:1.

Unusual as the sizing may be, it’s quite refreshing to see a taller screen on a laptop, and these Retina displays pack a lot of pixels to make them seem even bigger. The pixel density has been increased to 254 pixels per inch, sharpening the image and adding clarity.

As far as refresh rates go, there are no differences between the new MacBook Pros. ProMotion technology is in use here, meaning that the refresh rate is adapted to what you are currently doing. At the lowest level, you can expect a refresh rate of 24Hz, but it can go all the way up to a respectable 120Hz when necessary. This design choice will help preserve battery life while still allowing for smooth performance during gameplay and creative workflows.

Performance

Screenshot showing Apple Silicon M3 processor range.
Apple

It hasn’t been long since Apple introduced the M1 chip, switching from Intel-based systems to its own Apple silicon. To call that decision a hit would be an understatement, and things only get better from there with the introduction of the M3. The MacBook Pro 14 can now utilize the base M3, part of the move to discontinue the 13-inch MacBook Pro that used the base M1 and M2 processors. Both sizes can utilize the M3 Pro or the M3 Max chip, and they represent significant upgrades from their predecessors.

The new M3 Pro and M3 Max chips come with more cores and faster speeds. Apple’s engineers have outdone themselves with these chips, somehow combining fantastic performance with even better power consumption and good thermals. They’re fast, reliable, and great for productivity, creativity, and most other things you might want to throw their way.

Although MacBooks have never been particularly known for their gaming capabilities, these two new notebooks are even faster in a lot of titles, provided you’re not a hardcore gamer in need of a monster gaming PC — but then, not many users turn to Apple for gaming purposes anyway.

The M3 Pro and M3 Max versions available to the 14-inch and 16-inch models vary slightly. The 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at an 11-core CPU/14-core GPU M3 Pro, while the 16-inch model starts at the 12-core CPU/18-core GPU M3 Pro. At the high end, both models max out at the 16-core CPU/40-core GPU M3 Max.

That means that the 16-inch model is likely to be slightly faster than the 14-inch machine thanks to better thermals, but not by much. And by offering the base M3 processor in the 14-inch MacBook Pro, Apple was able to lower the price of entry.

Another change is that the 14-inch MacBook Pro can now access the same high-power mode as the 16-inch model when configured with the M3 Max. If you’re plugged in and don’t mind some extra heat and fan noise, this power mode offers a meaningful uptick in performance.

Screenshot showing Apple M3 performance increases.
Apple

Not everything is perfect with the new processors, however. The M3 Pro has switched up the core counts, with the 12-core M3 Pro having just six performance cores and six efficiency cores compared to the M2 Pro’s eight performance cores and four efficiency cores. And memory bandwidth has been reduced from 200 GB/s to 150 GB/s. We haven’t benchmarked the M3 Pro yet, but it remains to be seen if the base M3 Pro is all that much faster than the base M2 Pro.

Nevertheless, alongside the beastly processor and integrated graphics, we’re getting an upgrade in RAM. Both notebooks support up to 128GB of memory with the M3 Max, up to 36GB with the M3 Pro, and up to 24GB with the M3. One change is that the base M3 14-inch MacBook Pro comes with just 8GB of RAM rather than the 18GB starting point with the M3 Pro and M3 Max. There has been a bit of controversy around the introduction of an 8Gb base version of the MacBook Pro 14, with Apple claiming that 8GB is as fast as 16GB on other platforms.

That may not be true, though, and some testing has shown that 8GB might represent a bottleneck. That’s been even more controversial given that it costs $200 to upgrade the base M3 14-inch MacBook Pro to 16GB. On the other hand, the 18GB that comes with the M3 Pro and M3 Max should be sufficient for less demanding users who don’t want to splurge.

In terms of storage, the standard is 512GB for both the 14-inch and the 16-inch models. It can be upgraded if you find yourself in need of extra space for all your files. Note that the new base storage doesn’t use single-NAND memory compared to the larger SSDs that use double-NAND memory as seen in the M2 models, so there’s no performance compromise from going with the base storage.

Portability

The new MacBook Pro 14 is similar in size to the MacBook 13 that it is replacing. Measuring 15.5 mm and weighing 3.5 pounds, the notebook is thin and portable. The increase in the display size stems from the fact that Apple slimmed down the bezels and got rid of the MacBook Pro label at the bottom.

Unsurprisingly, the 16-inch Mac is larger. Measuring 16.88 mm and weighing 4.7 pounds, it’s slightly more of a burden to carry around, but the larger size is made up for by the bigger display. It’s hard to pick a winner here — only you know whether you care more about better portability or a larger screen.

For most people, the difference in sizing will not be a deal breaker one way or the other. Both notebooks are relatively easy enough to carry. According to Apple, the 14-inch MacBook Pro has worse battery life, 18 hours compared to 22 hours with the 16-inch model. That, more than the size, might affect the final decision. More on that below.

Ports

Many MacBook users have been longing for the return of the ports. At some point in 2016, Apple decided to rid its notebooks of all ports aside from USB-C. Fortunately, 2021 was when things are finally starting to return to normal, and the new notebooks sport a highly anticipated list of ports.

We got the return of MagSafe, a technology that was on the brink of being forgotten but was always very missed. MagSafe magnetically attaches the charging cable to your Mac. Should you happen to pull on the cord, the tech will detach itself as opposed to pulling your notebook toward an early demise. As an added bonus, Apple gave MagSafe a face-lift and improved the charging speeds compared to previous Macs.

Connectivity on the new 2021 Macbook Pro. SD reader, USB-C port, HDMI port.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The laptops both feature an HDMI port, several Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a full-size SD card reader, which is something we haven’t seen in a MacBook for years. Note that the base M3 14-inch MacBook Pro has just two Thunderbolt 4 ports compared to three on the other models. The ports are evenly spread across the notebook, with one or two Thunderbolts and a MagSafe on the left side, and an HDMI port, another Thunderbolt port, and the SD card reader on the right.

Note that the base M3 14-inch MacBook Pro supports just one external display, while the M3 Pro supports up to two external displays and the M3 Max supports up to four external displays. Anyone looking for the ultimate multimonitor setup should keep this in mind. Also, both laptops have been updated to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, so both benefit from faster wireless connectivity.

This is a definite upgrade over the previous MacBooks. There is no winner in this category, and if we had to pick one, we’d say that both the 14-inch and 16-inch Macs are winners. They feature the same set of ports, bringing some much-needed relief to Apple fans who often needed to buy extra dongles to make the most out of their notebook.

Battery life

Each of the new MacBook Pros has a different battery, but both present improvements over the previous generation.

The MacBook Pro 16-inch has a battery rated at 100 watts. Combined with the use of Apple silicon in this laptop, which has already tremendously increased battery life compared to older, Intel-based systems, we’re in for a treat.

Lifestyle image of someone using the new Macbook Pro 2021.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Compared to the previous MacBook Pro 16, the battery in this model is slightly smaller, but that has no negative impact on the battery life. Users can expect at least 22 hours during light computing.

The smaller, 14-inch MacBook Pro also features an upgrade in the battery over its 13-inch predecessor. The chassis allows for the use of a larger battery, and Apple made the most of it by installing one that’s rated at 70 watts.

When it comes to battery life on the 14-inch Mac, we can expect it to be shorter than what the 16-inch has to offer. It’s no wonder, considering that this notebook is smaller and just doesn’t have the space for a battery as large as the 16-inch. The 14-inch MacBook Pro should be able to last through around 18 hours of video playback before it’s time to plug it back in.

Laptop users know full well that you don’t always get the most out of your notebook when not connected to a source of power. Apple is out to dispel that notion with the addition of High-Power Mode. This is an optional setting, present in both laptops, that lets users boost the notebook’s performance even when it’s not connected.

On the other end of the scale, there’s the Low-Power Mode, which still lets you preserve some battery life by turning off unnecessary processes.

Pricing

Not many people turn to Apple products for the price — the brand remains aware of this by pricing both notebooks higher than many competitors. While both offer excellent quality, they’re not exactly cheap. Despite that, it’s hard to deny that by using the new chips, Apple managed to make these notebooks a great value for the money.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro is slightly more expensive than the 13-inch version that it replaced. It’s difficult to complain about this, as this notebook does offer a larger display while remaining virtually the same in size. The performance that it provides is also worth the higher price tag.

If you want to get your hands on the latest MacBook Pro 14, be prepared to spend at least $1,599 for the base M3 configuration, which is the only one that offers an M3 with just eight CPU cores.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro is priced higher than the previous version. To benefit from the various improvements that it provides, customers have to spend at least $2,499.

Both the laptops can be upgraded by adding more RAM and storage, so this could drive up the price a little bit further.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro is the winner here

Photographer using the new Macbook Pro.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

We recommend the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but not by a huge margin.

This time around, more than ever, it’s difficult to pinpoint one true winner between these two MacBook Pros. This is because, in a lot of aspects, they are virtually the same.

Except for the base M3 14-inch model, both of them run on (mostly) the same chips and have stunning displays, as well as the same number of ports, the same amount of storage, and the same general design.

While both are very close, the 16-inch MacBook Pro does offer theoretically much better performance and a larger 16-inch display. In addition, it also has a longer battery life and improved airflow.

Editors’ Recommendations






Dell’s new UltraSharp monitors have one major innovation | Digital Trends

tech FranklinWilbur

Dell’s new UltraSharp monitors have one major innovation | Digital Trends

Dell

Dell makes some of the best monitors and it is introducing a fresh lineup designed for office or remote work setups with a major innovation. Expanding its UltraSharp series, the company is launching four new models, all of which come with a faster refresh rate of 120Hz. Typically reserved for gaming monitors or high-end screens, the faster refresh rate is a great sign for monitors, especially on one as cheap as $380.

Furthermore, Dell is debuting the world’s initial 23.8-inch, 27-inch, and 34-inch video conferencing monitors that are certified for both Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

The new Dell UltraSharp 24 and UltraSharp 24 USB-C hub monitors will come in full-HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, alongside the aforementioned 120Hz refresh rate. Both are rated to offer 85% DCI-P3 and 85% sRGB color gamut coverage along with built-in ambient light sensors for auto brightness and color temperature adjustments.

The primary difference between the two is that the USB-C hub variant will offer an additional USB Type-C upstream port which apart from data and video also offers power delivery up to 90W, an extra USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A port, and a built-in RJ45 Ethernet.

Press image of the Dell Ultrasharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor U2724DE on a blue background.
Dell Ultrasharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2724DE) Dell

Similarly, there are two 27-inch models – the Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt and the UltraSharp 27. These offer a higher resolution of 2560 x 1440 with 120Hz refresh and improved color gamut coverage (100% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3). As the name suggests, the UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt will include Thunderbolt downstream and upstream ports, as well as a 2.5-gigabit Ethernet port. Both monitors also support HDMI 2.1 with a 120Hz variable refresh rate.

Both are also said to be the world’s first five-star certified monitors, which is a brand-new industry standard for eye comfort developed by TUV Rheinland. With ‘ComfortView Plus’ the new 27-inch monitors have been upgraded to reduce harmful blue light exposures to less than 35%. There will also be a built-in ambient light sensor allowing the display to automatically adjust screen brightness and color tone setting based on the ambient lighting condition. As the name suggests, the UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt will include Thunderbolt downstream and upstream ports, as well as a 2.5-gigabit Ethernet port. Both monitors also support HDMI 2.1 with a 120Hz variable refresh rate.

Press image of the Dell 34 Curved Video Conferencing Monitor P3424WEB on a blue background.
Dell 34 Curved Video Conferencing Monitor (P3424WEB) Dell

As for the new video conferencing monitor range, the 24-inch and 27-inch offer almost the same features as the standard UltraSharp models, but with standard 60Hz refresh rate panels. There is also a new 34-inch curved ultrawide monitor that offers a 21:9 aspect ratio and a WQHD (3440 x 1440) resolution 60Hz display. Dell says that these monitors come with upgraded conveniences including a better-integrated camera, speakers, and microphones. The highlight is the new 4-megapixel 2K QHD camera that can shoot 1080p videos at 60fps. The camera also comes with additional features like AI auto framing, digital overlap HDR, and video noise reduction. It also offers support for Windows Hello face recognition and for added security, there is a mechanical privacy shutter to manually block the webcam from use.

If you are interested in Dell’s upcoming monitors, you can purchase the UltraSharp series starting November 9. Prices start at $380 for the 24-inch model and $480 for the 27-inch model. The 34-inch curved ultrawide video conferencing monitor is readily available starting at $950. As for the 24-inch variant, it will be available starting November 30 for $510 while the 27-inch model will be coming next month on December 7 starting at $700.

For those who are looking for a display with a much higher resolution, then you should definitely check out Dell’s UltraSharp 32 6K Monitor (U3224KB) which offers an eye-watering resolution of 6144 x 3456.

Editors’ Recommendations






The best external GPUs for your laptop in 2022 | Digital Trends

tech FranklinWilbur

The best external GPUs for your laptop in 2022 | Digital Trends

Using one of the best external GPUs can boost your laptop performance, regardless of if you’re trying to gain some frames in Apex Legends or make your Premiere Pro renders a little faster. We’ve rounded up the top options on the market that can accommodate even the most powerful graphics cards, including the RTX 4090 and RX 7900 XTX.

A good GPU enclosure goes beyond being a box for your graphics card. Our picks come with enough power to feed hungry graphics cards without sacrificing efficiency, and they’re cool and quiet, allowing you to game or create without distractions.

Sonnect eGFX Breakaway Box 750
GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 4090 Gaming Box

Gigabyte Aorus RTX 4090 Gaming Box

The fastest eGPU you can buy


Jump to details

The Razer Core X Chroma external graphics card on a desk next a laptop and a monitor.

Razer

Razer Core X Chroma

The best eGPU enclosure overall

Pros

  • Fits almost any graphics card
  • Has a big enough PSU for any GPU
  • Has strong cooling
  • RGB model has fancy lighting effects

Cons

  • Can’t fit RTX 4080 or 4090

The Razer Core X is the best external GPU enclosure on the market. At around $400, it’s a little more expensive than some of the other options available (though cheaper than others), but still balances looks, thermals, and performance. The base model comes packed with an internal 650-watt power supply and can fit up to a three-slot GPU.

The more expensive Chroma model comes with a beautiful RGB underglow and boosts the power supply to 700W. It, too, can fit a three-slot GPU and comes with four USB ports and Gigabit Ethernet. Regardless of the model you choose, all you need is a single Thunderbolt 3 cable to hook up the enclosure.

You’ll need to bring your own graphics card, but you can fit nearly anything inside the Razer Core X outside of the RTX 4080 and 4090. In addition to plenty of room, the power supply is more than enough to handle even the most power-hungry graphics cards. Plus, the unit comes stock with a 120mm fan, adding a little more cooling potential.

Razer Core X Chroma

Razer Core X Chroma

The best eGPU enclosure overall

Sonnect eGFX Breakaway Box with an Apple MacBook.

Sonnet

Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box

A great budget eGPU enclosure

Pros

  • Has up to a 750W PSU
  • Can fit most dual-slot graphics cards
  • Has lots of USB ports for device charging
  • Gigabit Ethernet provides networking potential

Cons

  • Only supports Thunderbolt 3
  • Can’t fit the biggest GPUs

If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper enclosure, the Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box is for you. The current version is the Breakaway Box 750, and Sonnet offers it in two different models — 750 and 750ex. Both models come with a 750W power supply, but the 750ex also comes with four USB ports and Gigabit Ethernet for a $50 premium.

You can use the latest graphics cards from AMD and Nvidia in the enclosure, including Nvidia Quadro cards for professional workloads. Although it was designed around older, lower TDP GPUs, it still has enough power and cooling for all the latest RX 7000 and RTX 4000 models, outside of the ludicrously big RTX 4080 and 4090.

You can even chain multiple Breakaway Boxes together, connecting up to four boxes if you have enough Thunderbolt ports, allowing you to accelerate even the most demanding workloads in applications like DaVinci Resolve and Cinema 4D. It does only support Thunderbolt 3, but it has the maximum 40 Gbps bandwidth.

The only downside is that the Breakaway Box 750 only supports dual-width graphics cards. It has enough power for something like the RTX 3090, but many models are too large to fit inside.

Sonnect eGFX Breakaway Box 750

Sonnet eGFX Breakaway Box

A great budget eGPU enclosure

Gigabyte Aorus RTX 4090 gaming box.

Gigabyte

Gigabyte Aorus RTX 4090 Gaming Box

The fastest eGPU you can buy

Pros

  • Has an RTX 4090 in it!
  • It’s a self-contained solution with no extras needed
  • Excellent cooling for quiet operation
  • Fancy RGB lighting looks great

Cons

  • Can’t deliver anything close to the RTX 4090’s full power
  • Lacks Thunderbolt 4 support

If you want the ultimate in external graphics power, then the Gigabyte Aorus RTX 4090 gaming box is the enclosure for you. It has the world’s most powerful graphics card inside, the Nvidia RTX 4090, with all of its CUDA cores, RT cores, tensor cores, and high clock speeds, and it delivers the fastest gaming experience possible from an external GPU enclosure.

However, do note that the RTX 4090 is so powerful that it completely saturates the poor Thunderbolt 3 connection to your laptop, so it won’t be able to make full use of the RTX 4090. In fact, performance might be close to half that of the full -speed 4090. That’s still faster than almost any other gaming laptop in existence, and most gaming desktops too, but it’s worth bearing in mind.

We’ll need Thunderbolt 5 or USB4 to take full advantage of eGPU enclosures like this. Still, it’s about as fast as you can realistically expect an eGPU enclosure to be today, which means it’ll let you play any game at any setting with ease. It also looks good, has near-silent water cooling, and actually represents pretty great value at around $2,000, since you’re getting a watercooled RTX 4090, which by itself would set you back around $2,000.

GIGABYTE AORUS RTX 4090 Gaming Box

Gigabyte Aorus RTX 4090 Gaming Box

The fastest eGPU you can buy

If you’d rather just buy a gaming laptop, here are some of the fastest gaming machines you can buy in 2023.

Editors’ Recommendations






These are the best 5K monitors for 2023 | Digital Trends

tech FranklinWilbur

These are the best 5K monitors for 2023 | Digital Trends

Despite their relatively high price tags, 5K monitors have garnered significant popularity among a variety of creative professionals, such as photographers, videographers, filmmakers, and graphic designers. In addition to delivering exceptionally sharp and detailed imagery, these displays are typically quite expansive in size and come equipped with high-end factory-calibrated panels to ensure precise color reproduction.

A genuine 5K resolution stands at 5120 x 2880 pixels, although many manufacturers primarily emphasize the horizontal pixel count. It’s worth noting that only a handful of monitors provide this exact resolution. Consequently, we’ve curated a selection of the top monitors that offer a 5K2K resolution (5120 x 2160 pixels) as well. Presented below are the finest 5K monitors available for purchase in 2023.


Image used with permission by copyright holder

Dell UltraSharp U4021QW

Best 5K monitor with built-in USB hub

Pros

  • Excellent color reproduction
  • KVM switch
  • Built-in USB hub
  • USB-C with 90 watts power delivery

Cons

  • No HDR support
  • Edges are not uniform
  • Low contrast ratio

Why you should buy this: It is one of the best 40-inch curved ultrawide monitors with a 5K resolution.

Who’s it for: Content creators as well as office professionals who care about productivity and multitasking.

Why we chose the Dell UltraSharp U4021QW:

The Dell UltraSharp U4021QW was one of the first monitors with a 40-inch curved 5K 2K resolution panel when it launched in early 2021, and it is one of the best in the business. The ultrawide (21:9 aspect ratio) nature of the monitor allows for stacking up to three windows easily while the 2500R curvature should eliminate any off-axis color shift.

With a focus on delivering maximum productivity at your workplace, the monitor is suitable for creative professionals as it comes with a color-accurate 10-bit panel that is rated for 100% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, and a Delta E <2.

The monitor is pretty loaded on the connectivity front, including a DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a Thunderbolt 3 port, a host of USB ports with power delivery options, an RJ45 Ethernet jack, and a 3.5mm jack for audio. The monitor also comes with integrated dual nine-watt speakers, low-blue light emission, MAC address pass-through, Wake-on-LAN, and various preset color modes, as well as Picture-in-Picture (PIP) and Picture-by-Picture (PBP) modes. Additionally, the monitor comes with a KVM switch that allows controlling more than one PC using a single keyboard and mouse.

Dell UltraSharp U4021QW

Dell UltraSharp U4021QW

Best 5K monitor with built-in USB hub

A woman using the LG UltraWide 40WP95C-W 5K monitor.

LG

LG UltraWide 40WP95C-W

Best ultrawide 5K monitor

Pros

  • Excellent color coverage
  • Support for HDR10
  • Thunderbolt 4 connectivity
  • 72Hz refresh rate with FreeSync
  • Daisy chain capable

Cons

  • Low brightness in HDR
  • Weak contrast levels

Why you should buy this: One of the best 5K ultrawide monitors suitable for a variety of users.

Who’s it for: Those who need a 5K monitor with multiple-use cases, including content creation, multitasking, and even some gaming at high resolutions.

Why we chose the LG UltraWide 40WP95C-W:

The LG UltraWide 40WP95C-W might seem similar to the Dell UltraSharp U4021QW, but overall it is a better monitor. It supports HDR (which the Dell does not), a higher refresh rate (72Hz vs. 60Hz), and support for Thunderbolt 4 for faster bandwidth. It is also currently selling at a comparatively cheaper price.

The monitor is an excellent choice for media creation thanks to its high-resolution and wide color gamut coverage, while the large size is great for office productivity. It uses a Nano IPS panel with a 5120×2160 pixels resolution, 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 spectrum for accurate color, and it is hardware calibration-ready in case you want to tinker with the settings. As mentioned before, there is support for HDR10 and while it should look good, you do need to consider that there are no local dimming zones, so it isn’t extremely bright and the contrast levels are low.

The LG UltraWide 40WP95C-W can also be used for gaming. It comes with AMD FreeSync, up to 5ms (GtG) response time, and while the 72Hz refresh isn’t comparable to most gaming monitors it’s still 20% faster than your average 60Hz display. The sheer resolution makes it perfect for games that focus on visual elements rather than fast-paced action, too.

Other notable features include built-in 10-watt speakers, Dynamic Action Sync to reduce input lag, auto-brightness with ambient light sensor, low blue light filter mode, and support for daisy-chaining multiple monitors at 5K resolution. Connectivity options include two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a DisplayPort, two HDMI ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, and two USB 3.0 Type-A ports.

LG UltraWide 40WP95C-W

LG UltraWide 40WP95C-W

Best ultrawide 5K monitor

The Mac Studio and Studio Display on a desk.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Apple Studio Display

Best display for Mac ecosystem

Pros

  • High pixel density
  • Wide viewing angles
  • Color accurate panel
  • Great speakers and microphone

Why you should buy this: The most premium 27-inch monitor with 5K resolution.

Who’s it for: For those who swear by the Apple ecosystem, especially the ones who need a high-resolution display for content creation.

Why we chose the Apple Studio Display:

Apple’s Studio Display is the company’s second-ever external display meant for creative professionals and a more affordable option compared to the Pro Display XDR. It features a 27-inch 5K Retina display, with a pixel density of 218 pixels per inch, up to 600 nits of brightness, and supports DCI-P3 color. Notably, the panel does not support HDR. It is available with a swivel mount that offers up to 30 degrees of swivel or you can pay $400 extra for a height-and-swivel mount.

The monitor also features a high-quality six-speaker system, including four force-canceling woofers for bass and two tweeters that amplify the mid and high tones. The speakers also offer Dolby Atmos virtual spatial audio making the Studio Display the best monitor with built-in speakers. There is also a built-in 12-megapixel ultrawide camera paired with three microphones with noise-canceling so you can easily make video calls. The camera supports Apple Center Stage, which can automatically track and place you in the center of the frame. As for connectivity, the Studio Display comes with a Thunderbolt 3 upstream port that supports up to 96 watts of power for charging and three downstream USB-C ports.

Considering the feature set, the Apple Studio Display doesn’t sound as worthy as the Pro Display XDR, especially since LG’s Ultrafine 27MD5KL-B offers similar features at a more affordable price, but it’s still healthy competition in a space that doesn’t have a wealth of options.

Apple Studio Display

Apple Studio Display

Best display for Mac ecosystem

The Samsung Viewfinity S9 monitor with its webcam on top.

Samsung

Samsung ViewFinity S9

Most feature packed 5K monitor

Pros

  • Solid alternative to the Apple Studio Display
  • Great viewing angles
  • Detachable 4K camera
  • Wireless connectivity options
  • Built-in smart features

Cons

  • No power button on the display
  • External power adapter
  • Build quality could be better

Why you should buy this: A solid competitor to the Apple Studio Display packing excellent features.

Who’s it for: Anyone who is looking for premium 5K monitor with wide connectivity and smart features.

Why we chose the Samsung ViewFinity S9:

Launched earlier this year, the ViewFinity S9 is Samsung’s answer to the Apple Studio Display. It can everything that the Apple Studio Monitor can, along with a bunch of creature comforts. It even comes with a similar minimalistic industrial design and a 27-inch IPS panel with a 5120 x 2880 pixels resolution. The display on the monitor is claimed to offer up to 600 nits brightness with HDR600 certification and covers 99% of DCI-P3 color gamut for a bright, vivid and color accurate experience making it suitable for professional workflows.

The monitor also comes with a detachable 4K camera and built-in 5W speakers making is great for quick video calls. It even has impressive connectivity options with a Thunderbolt 4 port, three USB-C ports, a mini-DisplayPort as well as wireless options like built in Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2 and AirPlay.

The ViewFinity goes beyond regular monitors thanks to its slew of additional features. Some of them include multiview (split screen), support for Samsung DeX, a bundled remote control, and Tizen TV OS. Essentially the monitor can double as a multimedia hub as one has access to a range of apps including video streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and more.

SAMSUNG 27-Inch ViewFinity S9 Series 5K Computer Monitor, Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort, Matte Display, 4K Slimfit Camera, Slim Metal Design, AirPlay, Smart TV Apps, Gaming Hub, LS27C900PANXZA, 2023

Samsung ViewFinity S9

Most feature packed 5K monitor

Members of the press photograph an Apple Pro Display XDR at WWDC 2019.

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Apple Pro Display XDR

Best pro-grade 5K monitor

Pros

  • Extremely bright
  • High contrast ratio
  • Premium design
  • Sharp picture quality
  • Excellent color coverage

Cons

  • Way too expensive
  • Stand costs extra $1,000
  • Limited connectivity

Why you should buy this: It is the best high-resolution monitor that you can buy for your Mac ecosystem.

Who’s it for: Professional content creators who are looking for the highest quality monitor that is comparable to more expensive reference monitors.

Why we chose the Apple Pro Display XDR:

Apple’s flagship monitor comes at a hefty starting price of $4,999, but there are good reasons for that. First of all, it is the best monitor that Apple has ever made. The 32-inch IPS panel on this monitor offers an impressive 6K resolution (6016×3384-pixels) at 60Hz for a total of 218 pixels per inch, giving you more pixels than a standard 5K monitor without compromising on the sharpness. The Pro Display XDR is comparable to some of the best pro-quality reference monitors that are usually priced at over $30,000.

The highlight feature of this monitor is XDR which stands for Extreme Dynamic Range, which is a step beyond HDR (High Dynamic Range). The monitor is capable of 1,000 nits of sustained brightness, 1,600 nits of burst brightness, and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. This makes it 60% brighter than the VESA DisplayHDR 1000 standard, which requires only 600 nits of sustained brightness and 1,000 nits of burst brightness.

The monitor also features a redesigned LED backlighting to achieve an impressive contrast ratio, which is usually seen on premium OLED TVs. Instead of using white LEDs, Apple uses an array of 576 blue LEDs to boost the brightness and a timing controller to control and modulate each LED depending on the content. The timing controller can go up to ten times the refresh rate of the LCD itself to reduce latency. Additionally, the rear of the monitor is equipped with a perforated pattern, called lattice design, to act as a heat sink and double the surface area for cooling. This allows the display to operate on 1,000 nits of brightness indefinitely.

It is also rated for over 98% of the DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, while the 10-bit depth ensures support for over a billion colors. In a true Apple sense, you get limited ports including a single Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port with three additional USB-C ports. Do note that this monitor does not come with a stand, so you can either buy your own that is compatible with VESA 100x100mm or invest another $1,000 for Apple’s Pro Stand.

Apple Pro XDR Display

Apple Pro Display XDR

Best pro-grade 5K monitor

Product image of the LG Ultrafine 27MD5KL-B 5K monitor on white background.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

LG Ultrafine 27MD5KL-B

Best value for money 5K monitor

Pros

  • High pixel density of 218 pixels per inch
  • Built-in webcam, mic, and speakers
  • Strong build quality
  • Designed for use with the MacBook Pro

Cons

  • Thick bezels
  • No hardware buttons (not even power)

Why you should buy this: It is the best 27-inch monitor that you can get with a 5K resolution.

Who’s it for: Those who want a fuss-free 27-inch monitor that is capable of handling sharp and high-resolution imagery.

Why we chose the LG Ultrafine 5K 27MD5KL-B:

A refreshed version of the original LG Ultrafine 5K (27MD5KA-B), is currently selling for less than $1,000. It was designed as a collaboration between Apple and LG, specifically as a companion for the MacBook Pro. In fact, the new Studio Display by Apple seems to offer the same features as the LG Ultrafine 5K but with an updated design. The IPS panel on this monitor comes with 10-bit color support, 99% coverage of DCI-P3 99%, and up to 500 nits of brightness making it color accurate and delivering ample vibrancy.

The build quality of the monitor is quite robust, but overall, the design looks dated with bezels that are thicker (especially the top one) than most modern monitors. Strangely, there are no controls or any sort of buttons for menu, brightness controls, volume, or even a power button, all of which have been sacrificed for the sake of simplicity.

There are no traditional DisplayPort or HDMI ports on this monitor either; instead, you get three USB-C ports and a Thunderbolt 3 port that allows for a single cable connection for video and power delivery (up to 85 watts) to your laptop. The monitor does, however, feature a built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers, which is pretty neat.

The LG Ultrafine 27MD5KL-B is thus a great monitor for MacBook users who are looking for a sharp 5K monitor at a fairly affordable price, at the same time, prioritize simplicity when it comes to connectivity and cable management. If you are planning to use this monitor with a Windows PC, make sure it has a certified Thunderbolt 3/4 port and a cable that offers the same protocol.

LG Ultrafine 27MD5KL-B

LG Ultrafine 27MD5KL-B

Best value for money 5K monitor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 5K monitor?

A 5K monitor is a type of high-resolution display that provides high level of visual detail and clarity. The “5K” designation refers to the monitor’s horizontal pixel count, which is approximately 5,000 pixels. While the exact resolution can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and model, a typical 5K monitor has a resolution of 5,120 x 2,880 pixels.

These monitors offer significantly more pixels than the more common 4K monitors, which have a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. As a result, 5K monitors provide even sharper and more detailed images. They are especially popular among professionals in creative fields like photography, video editing, graphic design, and film production, as the increased resolution allows for precise editing, color accuracy, and the ability to work with high-resolution content.

5K monitors are known for their ability to display content in stunning detail and are often used for tasks that demand exceptional image quality and clarity. They can be beneficial for tasks such as photo and video editing, 3D modeling, and tasks where fine details are essential.

Is a 5K monitor suitable for me?

A 5K monitor is typically sought after by professionals and individuals who require or greatly benefit from exceptionally high-resolution displays and precise image quality. Here are some of the key groups of people who may find a 5K monitor essential or highly advantageous:

  1. Photographers: Photographers working with high-resolution images, especially in fields like landscape or architectural photography, can benefit from a 5K monitor to view and edit their work with exceptional detail and color accuracy.
  2. Video Editors: Video editors, especially those working on 4K or 8K video content, can take advantage of a 5K monitor to edit and color grade footage accurately, as it provides ample screen real estate and pixel density for precise work.
  3. Graphic Designers: Graphic designers who create detailed graphics, illustrations, and print materials benefit from the enhanced clarity and color accuracy offered by 5K monitors.
  4. 3D Modelers and Animators: Professionals working with 3D modeling and animation software often use 5K monitors to view intricate 3D models and scenes with high fidelity.
  5. Film and Animation Industry: Those in the film and animation industry require high-resolution displays to review and edit cinematic content. A 5K monitor is a valuable tool for these tasks.
  6. Architects and CAD Designers: Architects and CAD designers working on detailed architectural plans and engineering drawings can benefit from the extra screen space and resolution.
  7. Scientific and Medical Imaging: Professionals dealing with medical imaging, scientific visualization, or other data-intensive fields often require high-resolution monitors for precise analysis.
  8. Gaming Enthusiasts: While not primarily designed for gaming, some gaming enthusiasts may opt for 5K monitors to experience games with exceptional visual fidelity. However, high-end gaming rigs are necessary to run games smoothly at such high resolutions.
  9. Multitaskers: Even non-professionals who engage in multitasking, run multiple applications side by side, or use their computer for a variety of tasks may appreciate the extra screen real estate and clarity that a 5K monitor provides.

Why are 5K monitors expensive?

5K monitors are expensive for several reasons, including the technology and features they offer. Here are some factors that contribute to the higher cost of 5K monitors:

  1. High resolution: 5K monitors have significantly more pixels than standard displays, which requires more advanced and precise manufacturing processes. The higher pixel count results in sharper and more detailed images, making them ideal for professional applications.
  2. Specialized use: 5K monitors are often designed for professional use in fields such as photography, video editing, graphic design, and 3D modeling. These professionals require precise color accuracy and image detail, which demands higher-quality components and calibration.
  3. Panel technology: Many 5K monitors use premium panel technologies like In-Plane Switching (IPS) or Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) for better color accuracy, wider viewing angles, and superior image quality. These panels are more expensive to manufacture.
  4. Factory calibration: To meet the needs of professionals, 5K monitors are often factory-calibrated to ensure accurate color representation. This calibration process adds to the cost.
  5. Large Screen sizes: Many 5K monitors come in larger screen sizes, which require more materials and are more costly to produce.
  6. Additional features: High-end 5K monitors often come with extra features like USB-C connectivity, multiple input options, adjustable stands, and advanced image processing capabilities, further increasing the cost.
  7. Limited market: 5K monitors are not as common as lower-resolution displays (such as 4K or 1080p), which means that they may have a smaller market share. This limited demand can drive prices up due to economies of scale.
  8. Research and development: The development of higher-resolution monitors, especially with advanced features, requires research and development investments that are reflected in the final product’s cost.
  9. Brand and build quality: Well-known and reputable brands tend to charge a premium for their monitors, reflecting not only the quality of the product but also the assurance of after-sales support and warranty coverage.

Editors’ Recommendations






Best Apple Studio Display deals: 16% off the 5K monitor | Digital Trends

tech FranklinWilbur

Best Apple Studio Display deals: 16% off the 5K monitor | Digital Trends

Apple / Apple

Graphic designers and creative professionals who are in the market for monitor deals should consider going for the Apple Studio Display, especially since you can now enjoy discounts on the premium screen. We’ve rounded up the best Apple Studio Display deals that are currently available right here so you can get the monitor at up to 16% off, but you’ll have to proceed with your purchase as soon as possible because we’re not sure when these offers will expire.

Today’s best Apple Studio Display deals

  • Apple Studio Display (Standard Glass) —

  • Apple Studio Display (Nano-Texture Glass) —

Should you buy the Apple Studio Display?

The Apple Studio Display alongside a Mac Studio computer on a desk.
Apple

The Apple Studio Display takes aim at the best monitors with its 27-inch Retina display featuring 5K resolution and 600 nits of brightness. The monitor also comes with a 12MP Ultra Wide camera and a three-mic array for making video calls, and with Center Stage, you’ll stay at the center of the frame even as you move around. The microphones allow the Apple Studio Display to recognize “Hey Siri” voice commands, which is possible through the A13 Bionic chip inside the monitor — the same processor found in the iPhone 11 series. There are six speakers that enable spatial audio and support Dolby Atmos for immersive sound when you’re working with audio files or watching streaming content, as well as a Thunderbolt 3 port and three USB-C ports so you won’t be lacking connectivity options for all of the accessories that you need for your projects.

While there’s a standard glass option for the Apple Studio Display that’s engineered for extremely low reflectivity, you can opt to have the monitor equipped with nano-texture glass, which scatters light for even less glare on the screen while still maintaining topnotch image quality even when you’re working under bright light.

The Apple Studio Display works best with Apple’s computers like the Mac Studio and MacBook Pro, but it’s also compatible with Windows-powered PCs. The only requirement is a Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 port, as you’ll be using them to connect a cable to the Apple Studio Display. Some features will be unavailable though, including Center Stage and Siri integration.

Editors’ Recommendations






The best USB-C monitors for 2023 | Digital Trends

tech FranklinWilbur

The best USB-C monitors for 2023 | Digital Trends

The incredibly versatile USB-C port has become more indispensable than ever before. Whether it’s for recharging batteries or achieving lightning-fast data transfers, USB-C has become a standard, making it crucial to seek accessories that come equipped with USB-C connectivity.

Although some of the finest monitors were initially slow to adopt USB-C technology, there is now a variety of robust options available in the market. After conducting numerous monitor reviews, our top recommendation for a USB-C monitor is the budget-friendly Dell 32 USB-C Hub. However, we also offer alternatives from various brands for you to consider. If you’re interested in delving deeper into USB-C, be sure to check out our FAQ below!


Niels Broekhuijsen/Digital Trends

Dell 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor

Best all-around USB-C monitor

Pros

  • Excellent connectivity options
  • Great IPS picture quality
  • Sturdy, modern construction
  • Large 4K panel
  • Superb warranty

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No wide-gamut color space

Why you should buy this: A versatile monitor that can do it all.

Who’s it for: Suitable for a wide range of users as it offers all the great features in one package.

Why we choose the Dell 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor:

Dell’s USB-C monitor has it all — a large 32-inch display size to accommodate all types of work or play, 4K resolution for extra detail, and a price more affordable than many similar monitors. But the star of the show is the USB-C built into the monitor, which includes USB-C and a variety of other ports, including HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and USB-A SuperSpeed.

The LED monitor covers 99% of the sRGB color gamut, 350 nits brightness, and includes flicker-free technology. The 120HZ refresh rate is also an excellent companion stat, although the 8ms response time is a bit high. All in all, it’s a versatile USB-C monitor at home with all kinds of projects in many different spaces, making it an easy top pick.

Dell 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor

Dell 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor

Best all-around USB-C monitor

benq pd3220u monitor review feat

Image used with permission by copyright holder

BenQ PD3220U

Best USB-C monitor for creatives

Pros

  • Simple, minimalist design
  • Great stand adjustments
  • Accurate colors
  • Easy-to-use menu
  • Good port selection

Cons

  • Thick cabinet
  • Confusing color modes
  • Expensive

Why you should buy this: Apart from being an excellent monitor for creative tasks, it also comes with a wide range of I/O ports.

Who’s it for: Creative professionals looking for a premium monitor.

Why we choose the BenQ PD3220U:

This 4K, 32-inch BenQ monitor is a particularly strong option for artists and designers who need an excellent display and the latest connections — but don’t want to pay anywhere near the price of something like the Apple Pro Display. There are also features to quickly switch between different types of content and multiple computers if necessary, as well as dual viewing files. Color accuracy is excellent, too, making this monitor ideal for professional editing. The display can also be moved into portrait or landscape positioning.

If you have a lot of accessories to work with, you’ll be pleased to know the monitor includes two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports, two USB-A, a Micro USB, two HDMI, and a DisplayPort. As with all large monitors, make sure you have enough room on your desk for this model.

Note that the BenQ PD3220U is another monitor in high demand so if availability is limited, you should sign up for alerts and pre-order options to find out when new shipments come in.

BenQ PD3220U

BenQ PD3220U

Best USB-C monitor for creatives


Image used with permission by copyright holder

Lenovo ThinkVision P27h-20

Best USB-C monitor for color accuracy

Pros

  • Excellent coverage of color gamuts
  • UHD resolution
  • Plenty of customization options

Cons

  • Mostly benefits professionals

Why you should buy this: It offers excellent accuracy with wide color gamut coverage.

Who’s it for: Those who need a monitor for creative tasks like photo or video editing.

Why we choose the Lenovo ThinkVision P27h-20:

Lenovo’s 27-inch QHD monitor has great color accuracy right out of the box, with 99% sRGB and 99% BT.709 perfect for those working in visual design, photography, or video editing. The 2560 x 1440 resolution gives you plenty of screen space to work with, and the anti-glare coating makes it easy to concentrate no matter what your work situation looks like. Brightness is rated at a healthy 350 cd/m2, and many different adjustments and color profiles are available to help customize the experience just for you.

In addition to USB-C, the Lenovo ThinkVision P27h-20 comes with HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2, and a collection of USB 3.1 ports. If your home or work office needs a higher-grade monitor that can also connect to the latest cameras or mobile devices, this may be the one for you. You may also want to take a look at our favorite laptop docking stations as well.

Lenovo ThinkVision P27h-20

Lenovo ThinkVision P27h-20

Best USB-C monitor for color accuracy

Press image of the Gigabyte M27Q gaming monitor on a white background.

Gigabyte

Gigabyte M27Q

Best budget USB-C monitor for gaming

Pros

  • High refresh rate for gaming
  • Low input lag
  • Good color accuracy
  • Included KVM switch

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer deep blacks
  • Not the best with ergonomics

Why you should buy this: It is one of the best gaming monitors with USB-C and doesn’t cost a fortune.

Who’s it for: Gamers looking for a reliable monitor at a good price.

Why we choose the Gigabyte M27Q:

The Gigabyte M27Q stands out as an exceptional 1440p gaming monitor, especially if you are looking for one that comes with USB-C. It features an excellent 27-inch display offering an immersive gaming experience while providing ample screen real estate for productivity tasks. The monitor impresses with its remarkably low input lag, outstanding response time, and a high refresh rate of up to 170Hz, ensuring smooth and highly responsive gameplay.

Utilizing an IPS panel, it boasts wide viewing angles that facilitate content sharing and cooperative gaming, albeit at the expense of a slightly lower contrast ratio, resulting in less-than-optimal black levels in dimly lit environments. Regrettably, it lacks swivel adjustment and the ability to rotate to portrait mode. While it does support HDR, it falls short of achieving the brightness levels required for a genuine HDR experience.

On the plus side, the monitor offers a plethora of additional features, including Picture-in-Picture/Picture-by-Picture functionality, and a convenient KVM feature that allows you to control two devices using your mouse and keyboard. The USB-C port on the monitor supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, so you can connect almost any device that supports DisplayPort out.

GIGABYTE M27Q 27" 170Hz 1440P -KVM Gaming Monitor

Gigabyte M27Q

Best budget USB-C monitor for gaming

The ViewSonic VP2768a ColorPro monitor.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

ViewSonic VP2768a ColorPro

Best professional USB-C monitor

Pros

  • Very good color accuracy
  • Reasonably priced
  • Color blindness mode

Why you should buy this: An affordable USB-C monitor offering great color accuracy.

Who’s it for: Photographers and other professionals looking for an affordable USB-C monitor.

Why we choose the ViewSonic VP2768a ColorPro:

This ViewSonic monitor is an excellent option for people who want a professional USB-C monitor but don’t necessarily need a full 4K screen. The monitor is 27 inches long and 1440p: It has basic calibration options and emphasizes image quality (100% sRGB and 4.39 trillion color palette), making it a terrific model for photographers.

Alternative modes for the monitor include a blue light filter and a color blindness mode that will adjust colors for common color blindness. Other connections include USB 3.1, HDMI 1.4, and DisplayPort. ViewSonic’s most significant features are its commitment to precise color accuracy and its method of helping you work during all hours of the day. If these are features that get you excited, then the ViewSonic ColorPro VP2771 might just be the ideal monitor for you.

ViewSonic VP2768a ColorPro

ViewSonic VP2768a ColorPro

Best professional USB-C monitor

Samsung ViewFinity S9 next to an Apple MacBook

Samsung

Samsung ViewFinity S9

Best feature-packed USB-C monitor

Pros

  • Similar to the Apple Studio Display
  • Built-in smart features
  • Sleek design
  • Four USB-C ports

Why you should buy this: Mimics the Apple Studio Display along with a variety of additional creature comforts.

Who’s it for: Mac users looking for a solid multimedia experience.

Why we choose the Samsung ViewFinity S9:

Samsung showcased the ViewFinity S9 studio monitor in January at CES 2023 and it is now available for purchase at a starting price of $1,599. It is basically one of the best Apple Studio Display alternatives featuring four USB-C ports, one of which supports Thunderbolt 4.

The 27-inch panel comes with a 5K resolution along with 600 nits of brightness (HDR600 certified), support for 10-bit color, and 99% support of the DCI-P3 color gamut. The Samsung ViewFinity S9 comes packed with a range of additional features including 5W stereo speakers, a multiview (split-screen) function, and support for Samsung DeX. Moreover, it offers seamless wireless connectivity, allowing you to link the monitor to speakers, keyboards, game controllers, and other peripherals through Bluetooth, as well as stream content from compatible Apple devices using AirPlay. It even comes with a detachable camera that can be used for video calling.

Furthermore, the monitor is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and runs on the Tizen TV OS, providing access to a variety of apps, including popular video streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and more. With the included remote control, you can easily navigate controls and settings for a more user-friendly experience.

SAMSUNG 27-Inch ViewFinity S9 Series 5K Computer Monitor, Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort, Matte Display, 4K Slimfit Camera, Slim Metal Design, AirPlay, Smart TV Apps, Gaming Hub, LS27C900PANXZA, 2023

Samsung ViewFinity S9

Best feature-packed USB-C monitor

Product image of the Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 OLED gaming monitor.

Corsair

Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240

Best ultrawide USB-C monitor for gaming

Pros

  • 45-inch bendable OLED screen
  • 240Hz refresh rate
  • Up to 1,000 nits of brightness

Why you should buy this: A unique ultra-wide OLED gaming monitor that transforms into a curved monitor.

Who’s it for: For those who want a premium ultra-wide gaming experience.

Why we choose the Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240:

Corsair entered the gaming monitor space earlier this year and their flagship is the Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240. This unique monitor can be used as a traditional flat panel or transformed into a curved display using the two handles on its sides, creating an 800R curve. The 45-inch screen boasts a 21:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 3440 x 1440.

Powered by an LG OLED panel, it delivers an impressive 240Hz refresh rate with minimal input lag, although the latter may increase at lower refresh rates. The panel supports FreeSync variable refresh rate and is G-Sync compatible, featuring HDMI 2.1 support as well. Users can expect vibrant colors and deep blacks with minimal blooming effects around bright objects. Moreover, it offers a KVM switch, Picture-in-Picture/Picture-by-Picture modes, along with a wide array of I/O ports.

While it comes with a premium price tag, if the flexible display feature isn’t a priority, LG’s UltraGear OLED 45 presents itself as an excellent alternative.

Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 Gaming Monitor - 45-Inch OLED WQHD (3440 x 1440) Bendable Display

Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240

Best ultrawide USB-C monitor for gaming

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a USB-C monitor?

It’s a computer monitor with a USB-C port. You can learn more about USB-C with our handy guide here, but it’s the latest and greatest USB style port that fixes many shortcomings of previous USB-A connections and enables the fastest data transfer rates with the newest accessories. A USB-C port will require specific USB-C cables to work properly.

Are USB-C monitors worth it?

In the long-term, yes. USB-C is quickly becoming the primary USB connection that devices use. New devices and accessories tend to have USB-C connections, including even some iPad Pros. So, regardless you are probably going to want USB-C capabilities eventually.

Do not be concerned if this is not a necessity for you personally right now, it is not an immediate concern for all people. If your accessories are a couple of years old, they probably don’t use USB-C. Therefore you wouldn’t get much out of a USB-C monitor, especially if you are happy with the way things are already.

Alternatively, if video connections are essential to you for a job or hobby, then upgrading to a USB-C monitor could be a necessary quality-of-life improvement.

Why are USB-C monitors so expensive?

The answer to that is simple: They are still new. The physical USB-C port is generally more expensive to purchase and install than are older USB ports. The manufacturing process has not had as long to develop properly, and the ports are only showing up on newer monitor models, which are naturally more costly than old models. That combination equals out to higher prices, at least for now. We project prices stabilizing as USB-C starts to become the ubiquitous standard.

Does USB-C support multiple monitors?

Yes, they can. Multi-monitor setups depend on having compatible video ports. USB-C can handle video, and so as long as your PC or laptop has a USB-C output, everything should work out smoothly. You can find adapters that can create workarounds, but that is not an ideal situation in a multi-monitor setup. Check out our guide for more info here.

Is Thunderbolt 3 the same as USB-C?

USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 are similar technologies in that they use the same port, but they have quite different capabilities. Thunderbolt 3 is a separate standard with its own unique hardware needs. Some USB-C ports have Thunderbolt 3 (often designated by a lightning bolt symbol), and some do not. Thunderbolt 3 adds greater speeds, better video output support, and compatibility with devices that may require a Thunderbolt 3 connection to work.

Can you connect HDMI to USB-C?

Like DisplayPort, USB-C does have an “Alt Mode” option for HDMI that allows for connections to HDMI devices. You will need a USB-C port with the compatible Alt Mode, and an HDMI cable adapter made to work with USB-C.

Do you need special USB-C cables?

Cables can affect how you use your USB-C ports. For example, some cables support Thunderbolt over USB-C, and some do not. Not all USB-C cables support fast charging either, although it is common. You can check out some of the best USB-C cables over on our guide about them.

Can USB-C charge my accessories?

Yes, USB-C can charge devices, which means if you plug an accessory into your monitor’s USB-C slot it can charge the battery. That’s useful for many purposes, especially if you want to charge while transferring data from a tablet, digital camera, and so on. If you are particularly interested in the charging capabilities, then look for ports that have USB-C PD, or Power Delivery. This fasting charging protocol can greatly increase the speed at which USB-C can charge up compatible devices.

Does USB-C work with USB 3.1 or 3.2?

Yes, the two are different standards that work together. Letters on a USB standard like USB-A or USB-C refer to the overall physical design of the connection. Numbers, like USB 3.1, refer to the data transfer capabilities and how fast those speeds are. USB-C isn’t always referred to with a data standard as well, because all USB-C ports are at least USB 3.1. Keep in mind that as new standards like USB4 are adopted, it’s going to become increasingly important to know what data standard your USB-C port offers.

Editors’ Recommendations






What is Thunderbolt 5? | Digital Trends

tech FranklinWilbur

What is Thunderbolt 5? | Digital Trends

Thunderbolt 4 is one of the fastest and most capable connection standards you can utilize today, but Intel has announced its successor: Thunderbolt 5, and it’s very impressive. With promises of up to triple the bandwidth in some scenarios, support for ultra high resolutions and refresh rates, and even the potential for a resurgence in external graphics cards, there’s a lot to be excited about with Thunderbolt 5.

Intrigued? Here’s everything we know about Thunderbolt 5.

Availability

Thunderbolt 5 was long-rumored but officially announced in September 2023, with plans for the first Thunderbolt 5 devices to launch in 2024. That will likely come in the form of external drives, and crucially, Intel-based laptops. However, Intel hasn’t made it clear on what platform such laptops would be based, whether it’s the upcoming refresh of its 13th generation Raptor Lake CPUs, the potentially delayed Meteor Lake, or something else entirely.

Performance

Intel’s announcement claimed that Thunderbolt 5 would double and triple the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 4, depending on the scenario. It will offer 80Gbps of bi-directional bandwidth — For tasks like transferring files from your laptop to an external drive, and vice versa. But it will also offer up to 120Gbps of uni-directional bandwidth when connected to an external display.

This would make Thunderbolt 5 by far the most capable connection for video transmission. HDMI 2.1 is the hot new thing in living room and TV display technology, but its maximum bandwidth is a mere 48 Gbps, and DisplayPort 2.0/2.1 only offers 80Gbps. USB4 has the potential to offer up to 80Gbps of bandwidth, and Intel previously demoed a Thunderbolt 4 connection offering the same, though most Thunderbolt and USB4 connections are more commonly limited to 40Gbps of bandwidth or less.

Thunderbolt 5 should have no trouble handling 8K monitors at high refresh rates, or multiple 8K and 4K monitors in various configurations. It also supports refresh rates up to 540Hz at lower resolutions and even has the potential to support 10K and 16K displays, especially with Display Stream Compression or Chroma Subsampling. That massive bandwidth would also be very useful for external graphics cards, which have hit a limit in recent years with the performance of Thunderbolt 3/4 and USB4. That will benefit external storage, too, with the potential for far faster external SSDs to be used to their full potential.

Technology

Thunderbolt 5 is based on PAM-3 modulation technology. That’s a novel method of transmitting bits along the cable.

Traditionally, NRZ (non-return-to-zero) encoding is used, which allows for a 0 or a 1, or a single bit, to be transmitted. Some connection options also make use of PAM -4 or Pulse Amplitude Modulation 4, which allows two bits to be transferred. The 4 is a demarcation of how many different variants of two bits could be seen (00, 01, 10, or 11). Thunderbolt 5 will make use of a 3-bit data signal, allowing it to reach a higher bandwidth than that achieved by the standard NRZ and PAM-4 implementations seen in current connectivity technologies.

The intriguing real-world effect of this is that it does mean using shorter cables. Passive Thunderbolt 5 cables will be limited to just one meter in length.

Like previous generations of Thunderbolt technology, Thunderbolt 5 will leverage other protocols to achieve its excellent performance. That includes USB4 V2, DisplayPort 2.1, and PCI-Express 4, with backward compatibility with previous versions, too. That allows Thunderbolt 5 to work with a range of external displays and devices with native cabling, or with adapters.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Port

Intel will continue to use the popular and increasingly universal USB-C connector for Thunderbolt 5. This gives it backward compatibility with all existing Thunderbolt 4 and 3 cables and devices, as well as all USB-C and USB4 connections and cables. However, to get the full performance and features of Thunderbolt 5, you will need to have all devices and cables in a chain be Thunderbolt 5 certified.

Editors’ Recommendations






Does the iPhone 15 have USB-C? It’s complicated | Digital Trends

tech FranklinWilbur

Does the iPhone 15 have USB-C? It’s complicated | Digital Trends

Apple

When Apple introduced the Lightning connector in 2012, Apple executive Phil Schiller called it “the modern connector for the next decade.” The decade has passed — and Schiller’s prophecy has been proven to be correct — bringing unimaginable (at that time) changes to the iPhone.

But even after continuous reports on plans to relinquish it, Apple has held onto the Lighting port. Does the legacy continue with the iPhone 15, or will Apple switch to a more standard USB Type-C? You’ll find out in this article.

Does the iPhone 15 have USB-C?

iPhone 15 with USB-C port.
iPhone 15 with USB-C port. Apple

The iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro models are finally embracing the USB Type-C port, as confirmed during Apple’s September 2023 event. Even though several iPads and MacBooks have adopted USB-C as the standard port for charging and data exchange, this is the first time any iPhone uses a standard USB connector. Apple is continuing to work on a portless iPhone.

Initial iPhone models came with the 30-pin “dock” connector — for anchoring its previously famous iPod docking stations. While launching the iPhone 5 in 2012, Apple switched to the Lightning connector as a more compact and reliable means to charge the iPhone and sync data to a computer. Later, with the iPhone 7, the lightning port also assumed the role of an audio connector in the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The bottom of an iPhone 14, showing its speaker grille and Lightning port.
Joe Maring / Digital Trends

Apple has long maintained that transitioning to USB-C would result in e-waste as users ditch their Lightning cables and other accessories, including wired earphones. However, an EU directive mandates that every smartphone, tablet, or headphones sold in the region must feature USB Type-C as the only charging port.

The directive goes into action starting in 2024, which means Apple has no time to challenge the directive and no option but to comply. Since using the USB Type-C port exclusively for the EU and sticking to the Lightning connector in other regions would increase the cost for Apple, it will revamp the connector for all areas.

Does the iPhone 15 have fast charging?

iPhone 15 Pro USB-C charging port.
USB-C port on iPhone 15 Pro Apple

While USB-C is a standard port, there are different variations in speed based on the generation. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus get the same treatment as the 2022 10-inch iPad and utilize a USB-C port based on USB Gen 2 specifications. This is surprising because USB 2.0 is an archaic technology that limits the data transfer speeds to only 480Mbps. Further, the iPhone 15’s charging speed can be expected to max out at roughly 30 watts, based on data from the 2022 iPad — although we will have to wait for more concrete results.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models rely on USB Gen 3, with theoretical charging speeds of up to 100W and data transfer at 10Gbps. While Apple does not specify the exact generation, these specifications align with at least USB 3.1 Gen 2, also marked as “SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps.”

However, the iPhone 15 Pro models have been rumored to only support charging at a maximum of 35W, which is only a marginal bump over the 27W charging on iPhone 14 Pro models. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 could be limited to around 30W, which is once again only slightly higher than the iPhone 14’s 25W charging. Notably, you will need an Apple charging brick with 45W or faster charging to achieve those speeds.

Even worse, Apple will only supply an older USB 2.0 cable within the iPhone 15’s box, which will limit rates for both charging and data transfer and is in no way faster than the Lightning cable. To enjoy faster charging speeds, you will be required to buy a separate cable that supports the USB Gen 3 protocol. While that contradicts Apple’s stance on e-waste, this cable will likely be braided and, therefore, more durable than the one inside the box.

Is the iPhone 15 USB-C port Thunderbolt?

iPhone 15 Pro Thunderbolt cable.
Apple

Unlike the MacBook and iPad Pro models, the iPhone 15 Pro does not appear to support Thunderbolt, a more advanced charging and data transfer protocol with speeds up to 40Gbps. The only glimpse of Thunderbolt we see is through an image (above) showing the iPhone 15 Pro connected to a Thunderbolt-certified cable (represented by the icon) — but that does not guarantee support.

If you need the cable to fast charge the iPhone 15, Apple’s $29 USB-C to USB-C cable should suffice. However, if you are looking for a more durable cable that also supports fast charging your iPad Pro and MacBook, you will need to spend at least $69 on a cable with Thunderbolt 4 support.

Meanwhile, Apple is also expected to add new accessories and cables for the iPhone 15 under its Made For iPhone (MFi) program, which might feature some less expensive (but certainly not inexpensive) cables for faster charging.

Display casting with the iPhone 15

iPhone 15 front and back.
Apple

While the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro presumably lack Thunderbolt support, all models can project 4K video at 60Hz onto a much larger display, thanks to DisplayPort support. Apple recommends you buy a USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter for an additional $69. You may also use a generic USB-C to HDMI adapter, but it might be limited to a 30Hz output on the bigger screen.

Alternatively, you may choose a USB-C to DisplayPort cable if your TV or PC monitor features DisplayPort functionality. Meanwhile, if you want to connect your older Lightning cables or accessories with the Lightning connector, you can pay Apple $29 to get another hilariously overpriced dongle.

Editors’ Recommendations






Thunderbolt 5 may help bring back external GPUs, Intel says | Digital Trends

tech FranklinWilbur

Thunderbolt 5 may help bring back external GPUs, Intel says | Digital Trends

Intel has just revealed Thunderbolt 5, which brings a stonking bandwidth increase to the speedy connector. Not only does that mean you’ll be able to charge connected laptops much faster than you can with Thunderbolt 4, but Intel also believes it could breathe new life into a forgotten product for gamers and creatives: the external GPU.

Thunderbolt 5 is a substantial improvement over Thunderbolt 4. The new standard offers 80 gigabits of bidirectional bandwidth — double that of its predecessor — and 120Gbps of bandwidth for external displays.

Razer

That’s a threefold increase over Thunderbolt 4 and means you can now power multiple 8K displays or one with a refresh rate up to 540Hz. If you’re after one of the best gaming monitors around, chances are Thunderbolt 5 will be able to handle it.

All that extra speed is great news for data transfers and charging speeds. For one thing, Thunderbolt 5 devices can provide up to 240W of power, meaning many laptops might simply opt for a Thunderbolt 5 slot rather than a separate power port. That should leave more room for other ports on the chassis.

An external GPU ‘resurgence’

A CalDigit Thunderbolt Station 4 next to an Apple MacBook laptop.
CalDigit

That extra bandwidth has another implication. In an interview with PC Gamer, Jason Ziller, head of Intel’s Client Connectivity Division, said that it could mean a wholehearted revival of external graphics cards.

A few years ago, it wasn’t uncommon for people to buy a large, separate enclosure that housed one of the best graphics cards and a power supply in order to boost the graphical output of their PC or laptop. That was useful if your laptop wasn’t up to the task, but the expense and bulk meant they never really took off.

Now, though, Ziller thinks Thunderbolt 5 could bring them back into the mainstream. “We also have seen over the years external graphics connected over Thunderbolt,” Ziller told PC Gamer, “and I think that with the new version doubling bandwidth we will see a resurgence of that category.”

That’s not all. Ziller added: “And then I think also going forward over the next few years, we’ll maybe start to see some kind of external AI accelerator products because of the push for AI in the client space.”

However, before we get too excited, we’re unlikely to see any Thunderbolt 5-equipped devices hit the shelves until 2024. When they do, though, we could be set for a sizeable speed bump. And perhaps a resurgence of external GPUs, too.

Editors’ Recommendations






The best monitors for the Mac Mini | Digital Trends

tech FranklinWilbur

The best monitors for the Mac Mini | Digital Trends

Apple’s Mac Mini is one of the best miniature PCs out there, with incredible performance and connectivity in a tiny package. But you can only make the most of it with a great monitor, and there are a range of exciting displays to choose from.

Apple’s own Studio Display is our current favorite, but it’s not our only one. Here are the best monitors for the Mac Mini in 2023.


Image used with permission by copyright holder

Apple Studio Display

Best Mac Mini display

Pros

  • 5K Retina display
  • Updated wide-angle cam
  • Six-speaker array
  • Great color accuracy
  • Automatically pairs with Mac Mini

Cons

  • Expensive, especially with the advanced configurations

Specifications
Size: 27-inch
Resolution: 5,120 x 2,880
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Color support: 100% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3
Brightness: 600 nits

Apple’s Studio Display is designed from the ground up to serve as an external display for Mac products, making it easily the best fit for the Mac Mini. The 27-inch monitor offers a 5K resolution with Apple’s Retina panel technology and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide cam (plus studio-quality mics) for easy web conferences. In a less usual move for Apple, the monitor also comes with an excellent six-speaker sound system that includes Apple’s Spatial Audio support for compatible audio files, making it a great monitor pick if you listen to a lot of music while working, but don’t really like external speakers.

The Studio Display has an option to add Nano-texture glass, which helps reduce glare when working in sunny or bright conditions, and offers several choices for the stand, including a height adjustment design, or a VESA mount. Brightness is on the high end for monitors at 600 nits, and color accuracy is excellent (Apple is using its own Display P3 color gamut to gauge support for a billion different colors). Three USB-C ports are included, and the display can automatically pair with your Mac Mini during setup.

Apple Studio Display

Apple Studio Display

Best Mac Mini display

Asus ProArt OLED monitor.

Asus / Asus

Asus ProArt Display OLED PA32DC

A true OLED beauty

Pros

  • Broad color gamut support
  • Bundled colorimeter
  • Infinite contrast of OLED
  • Strong brightness

Cons

  • Limited refresh rate
  • Needs calibration for best color accuracy

Specifications
Size: 32-inch
Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Color support: 100% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3
Brightness: 500 nits

The Asus ProArt PA32DC is a professional-grade monitor, with great color accuracy, impressive color gamut support, and a high brightness for an OLED panel. It has a very high contrast ratio, offering the blackest of blacks with some impressively stark whites thanks to its 500 nits of brightness. The color accuracy can be improved out of the box, so it’s good to see that Asus includes a colorimeter if you want to do it yourself — though professional calibration can be worth it on an expensive monitor like this.

It’s limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, but this isn’t a display designed for gaming. Still, it’s 4K resolution, so more cinematic games will look great on it. HDR movies and TV shows will benefit from not only the vibrancy and clarity of OLED, but the PA32DC also supports multiple HDR formats, including Dolby Vision.

Although this monitor can’t stand up to Apple’s most premium displays for the Mac Mini, it does a good job at a much more affordable price.

ASUS ProArt Display 31.5” 4K OLED Professional Monitor (PA32DC) - Built-in Motorized Colorimeter, Color Accuracy ΔE

Asus ProArt Display OLED PA32DC

A true OLED beauty

benq pd3200u review

Bill Roberson/Digital Trends

BenQ PD3200U

Best 4K monitor for Mac Mini

Pros

  • Solid build
  • Pitch-perfect color accuracy
  • Sharp visuals
  • Competitive price

Cons

  • Narrow AdobeRGB color gamut
  • Bulky design

Specifications
Size: 32-inch
Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Color support: 100% sRGB, 91% DCI-P3
Brightness: 250 nits sustained, 350 nits peak

A 5K monitor is a dazzling high-end option for extra detail, but many people would be just fine with 4K for their work and play. This BenQ steps up with a spacious 32-inch, 4K design that is excellent for editing or design, especially if you like to make use of the DualView option that makes it easy to view photos or videos side by side on the screen. It also offers 100% coverage of the sRGB color gamut and factory calibration to help with color accuracy when the details are most important.

The 60Hz BenQ PD3200U also comes with a hotkey puck, or a little wheel accessory with several buttons to automatically switch between screen modes. Those modes are specifically designed to help with certain types of work, including CAD/CAM, Animation, and Darkroom. Put it all together, and this monitor has serious utility for a wide range of professional uses.

BenQ PD3220U

BenQ PD3200U

Best 4K monitor for Mac Mini

The Pixio PX275C Prime.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pixio PX275C Prime

Best budget monitor for Mac Mini

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • HDR, G-Sync, and FreeSync
  • USB-C

Specifications
Size: 27-inch
Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440
Refresh rate: 100Hz
Color support: 123% sRGB, 91% DCI-P3
Brightness: 350 nits

You’ve already spent plenty of money on your Mac Mini — it’s understandable if you want to save on a compatible monitor. This 27-inch Pixio is an ideal pick for a budget monitor that can still provide plenty of visual capabilities. That includes a 1440p resolution, a 100Hz refresh rate, and support for HDR, plus both G-Sync and FreeSync.

The monitor also covers 90% of the DCI-P3 color space and offers USB-C for connecting and charging the latest accessories. The design isn’t exactly going to blow anyone away, but for these specs at this price, the Pixio gets the job done and can handle a variety of tasks, even gaming.

Pixio PX275C Prime 27 inch WQHD 1440p 100Hz Edge to Edge Bezel Less Design USB Type C Displayport Alt Mode and 65W Charging Laptop IPS HDR FreeSync 27 inch Productivity Gaming Monitor

Pixio PX275C Prime

Best budget monitor for Mac Mini

Dell 32 4K USB-C Hub monitor sitting on desk next to plant and light.

Niels Broekhuijsen/Digital Trends

Dell U3223QE 4K Hub Monitor

Best USB-C monitor for Mac Mini

Pros

  • Large, sharp 4K IPS panel
  • Excellent image quality
  • Truly useful USB-C hub and KVM switch
  • Outstanding build quality and design
  • Standout warranty and support

Cons

  • Expensive
  • HDR support is so-so

Specifications
Size: 32-inch
Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Color support: 100% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3
Brightness: 400 nits

Dell’s 32-inch USB-C hub is an ideal monitor for a busy desk, so makes an excellent companion for a Mac Mini model — especially if you need to dock some other accessories while you work. The sturdy design is made to last, with options for adjusting height, tilt, swivelling, and more, while the 4K IPS panel offers excellent image quality and great contrast. It covers 100% of the sRGB gamut and 100% of Rec 709.

In addition to the easily accessed USB-C ports, the Dell U3223QE monitor also comes with HDMI (HDCP 2.2), DisplayPort, four USB-A 3.0 ports, and Gigabit Ethernet. It’s a particularly strong choice if you tend to work not only with a desktop computer like the Mac Mini but with a MacBook also by your side that may need charging while you are busy.

Dell UltraSharp 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor U3223QE

Dell U3223QE 4K Hub Monitor

Best USB-C monitor for Mac Mini

Apple Pro Display XDR

The best premium Mac Mini display

Pros

  • 6K resolution looks incredibly crisp
  • Incredible brightness
  • High contrast for an LCD panel
  • Professional-grade color accuracy

Cons

  • Older ports
  • Lacks stand in base configuration

Specifications
Size: 32-inch
Resolution: 6,016 x 3,384
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Color support: 100% DCI-P3
Brightness: 1,600 nits peak

Apple’s Pro XDR display isn’t as cutting-edge as it once was, but it’s still one of the best displays you can buy for the Mac Mini if you want a big screen with incredible color accuracy. It has an impressive 6K resolution which few other displays can match, and with high color accuracy and wide color gamut support, including 100% of the DCI-P3 gamut. It offers impressive brightness at 1,000 nits all-screen sustained, or a peak HDR brightness of 1,600 nits. For an LCD displays, its contrast is impressively high, offering dark blacks and rich colors.

There’s no included stand, and the official Apple one is incredibly expensive (on top of the high-price of the display), but it is excellent if you opt for it. The overall build quality of the display is impressive, and though the bezels aren’t as trim as some of the latest models, they’re thin enough that the display looks modern and clean.

Bundled ports include Thunderbolt 3, which lacks the performance guarantees of newer Thunderbolt 4 ports, but it’s functionally as strong should you need to connect a range of accessories.

There are newer displays than this one, but not many that can match its incredible specifications, making the Pro XDR still one of the best Mac Mini monitors you can buy.

Apple Pro XDR Display

Apple Pro Display XDR

The best premium Mac Mini display

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Mac Mini need a monitor?

Yes. The Mac Mini does not come with a monitor included, so you will need to purchase one separately.

Can you use any monitor with a Mac Mini?

Yes, you can connect the Mac Mini to virtually any monitor as long as you have the proper ports or adapters. The Mac Mini really is flexible, and it comes with two display outputs. One is USB-C/Thunderbolt and the other is HDMI 2.0. You can get adapters and accessories to convert it to DVI or VGA monitors.

Does the Mac Mini support 4K resolution?

Yes. The HDMI supports 4K up to 60Hz, and the USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port outputs up to 6K at 60Hz.

Can the Mac Mini support two monitors?

Since the Mac Mini has two display ports, it does support two monitors. However, you cannot daisy chain with the Thunderbolt 3 connection. You are limited to one for each. The M1 MacBooks are limited to only one external display.

Can I use a Mac Mini with my iMac monitor?

While prior Mac Mini models had some workarounds to get a Mac Mini running on an iMac monitor, you will have to obtain a separate display this time.

Can you use a MacBook as a monitor for your Mac Mini?

Not reliably. You could use Mac screen sharing or a solution like Luna Display over Wi-Fi if you are desperate, but most workarounds are a pain to get started. It’s best to stick with an external monitor whenever possible. Even options such as using Sidecar with an iPad require you to have a display first to set it up.

How do you connect a monitor to your Mac Mini?

Find the matching port in the back of the Mac mini, either USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 or HDMI 2.0. Plug in both devices (don’t turn them on yet), and then connect those ports with the compatible cable. Then turn your Mini and your monitor on. You also can find USB-C adapter cables that will work with the Thunderbolt 3 port if you are working only with DisplayPlay or other, rarer connections.

Should I choose a curved monitor for my Mac?

Given that the Mac Mini only supports two external displays and the M1-powered MacBooks can only connect to one monitor, a curved display can be a good solution to get more screen real estate. Curved monitors come in a variety of sizes and resolutions, but in general, you’ll want to choose an ultrawide curved display. These generally come in UWQHD resolution, and it’s like having two FHD panels stacked side-by-side. There are several benefits here.

First, curved displays are more immersive and the slight curvature can help immerse you into the content you’re looking at or working on. Second, the wide format means you essentially get the benefit of having two displays, but without the seams of connecting two monitors together. And third, cable clutter is reduced to a single cable running to your Mac. If you’re short on desk space with a large ultra-wide panel, be sure to choose a monitor that comes with a VESA mounting bracket so you can mount the display to a monitor arm or to the wall.

What should you avoid when choosing a monitor for your Mac Mini?

The 2020 Mac Mini has a USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port and HDMI 2.0 port for video connections, so your monitor really needs one of those for a proper connection. Monitors that only have older connections will not be a good fit.

Otherwise, it’s mostly down to how you’ll be using the Mac Mini, and this can vary a lot. Artists and photographers will want to look for high-quality panels with plenty of color coverage. Those with additional accessories like MacBooks may want to check for extra USB-C hubs for multiple connections or charging. If you’ll be moving your Mini around frequently, look for a monitor design with easy-to-reach ports so re-connecting it will be less of a hassle.

Editors’ Recommendations