Apple devices are king when it comes to function and aesthetics. From professional to creative work, an Apple ecosystem can ensure better productivity and output. But that can be quite expensive. Thus if you are looking for alternatives that can deliver the same seamless experience, we have your back.
Top 5 Monitors to use with your Mac Devices
We’ve listed a branded one along with cheaper and more affordable alternatives.
Apple Studio Display 27″
Specifically, using it with Mac can prove useful to content creators. You can experience perks that you normally won’t find in any other monitors such as a microphone and webcam with center stage. It has different modes that can bend with a particular color space. This can create immersive images that are critical for content creators. Though it does not support HDR, it can get very bright, and gradient banding is quite impressive, you will not see any banding in most shades.
Build-wise, it is very solid and durable. The base is robust and the screen stays put even if you tilt the monitor in any direction. There are no wiggling and wobbling issues. But as much as it can hold its forth, it may not be the best when it comes to ergonomics. You may only be able to mount it to the wall using a variant with a Vesa mount adapter.
Is it worth it? It is a dependable creative Mac partner. Despite the limitations, the visuals and images are what you can expect exactly from a 5K monitor. Color accuracy isn’t its prime. But when it comes to the brightness, readability, and sound quality, it can b be quite impeccable. The speakers produce rich and clear sounds with decent bass.
Despite not supporting HDR, the image quality can be quite clear and sharp. Mind you that this is a luxury purchase, this aesthetic monitor will demand more from your budget.
LG Monitor 27″ MD5KL-B
Let’s start with the build of this monitor. It looks steady and sturdy and you will be able to adjust the screen quite smoothly. There is a satisfying resistance to it, just enough to keep it wobble-free without straining your arms.
The build of the Apple Studio Display is one of the best, but it can be an expensive feat. So if you are longing for that luxury feel but just can’t squeeze it into your budget, this may satisfy your fancies without ripping off your wallet. Aesthetics and build-wise, this comes close to the Apple Studio Display.
The brand is known for creating great pane displays, and this monitor is an exception. Its resolution is quite impeccable, creating vivid and sharp images. It may not be seek and sex but it’s the closest twin you can find. You can easily and seamlessly connect it with an Apple ecosystem. It has a USB C port where you can hook your MacBook to.
It also has a built-in camera and microphone for conferences and Zoom meetings. The screen of the monitor leans more glossy than matte, that is one thing to consider. This also keeps the images and screen display readable and clear even in well-lit rooms and spaces.
Is it worth it? At a lower price, it can offer a perfect blend of function and aesthetics. It has clear and sharp images and high resolution, and you can easily connect it to an Apple ecosystem. This is a plug-and-play kind of thing. So if you don’t have the heart to get in the nitty-gritty of things, it’s easy to hook this up to your MacBook.
Dell U4025QW 39.7″
We highly recommend this monitor if you need more screen space. So if you’re into spreadsheets and massive file documents, you will be able to make the most out of this unit.
Not only does this present an ultra-wide screen, but the images and data appear very clear and sharp, you have less room for errors. But keep in mind that very bright and sharp photos might not be useful if you are in a very bright room or environment. It may have a tendency to be too glaring if there is too much light in your space. The response rate of this monitor is rather fast, this is perfect for those who want to do things impeccably on time
This is one of the more ergonomic 4k monitors that is amenable to working longer hours. You have an option to adjust it to your preferred position, very useful for those who are finicky too.
In terms of images and resolution, it is a perfect choice for editing and making videos. The images are immersive and quite surreal. This has lots going for them. Accurate and clear images, check. Faster response time, check. Ergonomic features for longer hours of work, check. KVM switch check. But these come with a hefty price tag.
The downside? It has poor motion handling. Thus, it may not be suited for playing games or even editing videos that have too swift movements.
LG 49WL95C-W 49″
This is a highly functional and aesthetic monitor. It has the perfect blend of a massive screen for more productivity and a curved screen for a better-looking monitor on your desk. When we say it’s massive, believe us.
But when it comes to the color display, this may not be the best option. It’s not bad or shabby, but compared to the ones we have above, it will not stand out.
But why choose it? The massive screen combined with the curved edges makes it a great choice if you are working on a massive screen. If you want and need to fit more content into your screen, this is perhaps one of the best choices. We see this as very suitable for creative workers.
It is an ideal pick for video editing, where you need to fit a huge amount of work on the screen without sacrificing the preview window and effects. It can help you get more done, multitasking so to speak. Pick this if you need to do coding, research work, web development, and a ton of administrative tasks.
Samsung ViewFinity S9 5K
While this monitor is not necessarily ideal for viewing HDR, you might not complain much about the very bright pictures and images. This can support a range of varying colors, making images appear more surreal and vivid. The screen display is more on-mate than glossy. Thus if you are working in a room or environment with bright lights behind you, the matte screen will cross out the glare and too much brightness.
It also has built-in speakers, though it’s more mediocre and might not sound that great. This functions both as a TV and monitor, it has most features that other units in this list lack, so this can be a more versatile pick.
This is often referred to as the cheaper alternative to the Apple Studio Display. They have almost the same features, and even share the same irks. Both monitors can deliver crisp and vivid images but the webcam leans on being mediocre and not impressive.
What To Look For in Buying Monitors For Mac
Whether you’re doing professional work, creative tasks, or video editing using your Mac, here are features that you have to consider.
- Accurate colors
An Apple ecosystem is prime and images come out clear and vivid. And if an Apple monitor is out of the budget, it’s crucial to find one that is akin to how a branded monitor functions.
We choose monitors that can deliver accurate and vivid colors. This can lessen the difference you may experience when using an Apple monitor versus that of a different brand.
- Easy to connect
These monitors are compatible with Mac and can be seamlessly connected to it. Most of the monitors we have are mostly plug and play. They do not have intricate steps and you don’t have to go through a learning curve to be able to establish a seamless connection between your Mac and the monitor with a different brand.
We Also Tried These
Here are honorable mentions that at one point made an impact but fell short off.
- ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV
When it comes to video editing and delivering vivid and surreal pictures, this can be a great contender. What made it slip off the list is that it can have a bit of connectivity issues when used with your MacBook. But this is king when it comes to photo editing.
- BenQ GW2790QT
This can deliver the same vivid and sharp colors and images as the other choices in this list. What’s more, this is value for your money and can be a great pick if you are a bit strapped for cash, it has a very competitive price. But we decided to let it go since the USB ports are not that easy to access.
These Monitors Can Meet Expectations
Apple monitors are known for impeccable features and functions, from vivid and surreal images, high resolution and fast response time, these are king in professional and creative work.
We have chosen brands and units that can live up to the high standards of an Apple brand. These can fit your needs and can ensure color matches your Mac device.
