My monitor recommendations (updated for 2026)
The photo at the top of this post is not my current recommendation. It is the Dell Z27 that I own myself and was my recommendation until it got discontinued. Monitors last about 10 years, so I didn't race out to replace my own perfectly good screen. This image is for illustrative purposes so that you can see how a monitor works with a laptop computer.
What's the best monitor for Mac?
Summary:
Any Mac laptop can work like a desktop when connected to a monitor, so you probably don't need two computers
For most people: the 27" Dell UltraSharp U2725QE (~$626, often less)
On a budget: the 27" Dell S2725QC (~$250–350)
For a larger screen: the 32" Dell U3225QE (~$1,029)
For professionals or people who want to splurge: Apple's 27" Studio Display ($1,599+)
Are you interested in having both a laptop computer and a desktop computer for different situations? You may want to rethink that. I almost always recommend one computer per person. More computers mean more computer problems. In particular, syncing issues are amplified with every device you add. When you own two cars, you end up at the garage twice as often. So what about when you need something portable but you also need a huge screen? Any Apple laptop computer (and even recent iPads) can operate like a desktop computer if you connect it to a large monitor.
Not only can these monitors be used with a laptop computer, but they can also be used with any Mac configuration. I gloss over those configurations because they may be more obvious. This article is for people who have simply never considered that a laptop computer can also be used as a desktop. If you want to add multiple monitors, be sure you read the specs for your specific computer carefully. Some computers, such as the MacBook Air and 13" MacBook Pro, only allow a single external monitor.
Below you will find my four favorite monitor models. Scroll to the end for a feature comparison table. All of these monitors connect via USB-C, which allows the video cable to also charge your laptop. Fewer cables!
How can a laptop work like a desktop?
You can work in one of two ways. You can set your laptop computer below or beside your desktop monitor, allowing you to use both screens with the built-in keyboard and touchpad (like my desk setup below). Or you can keep your laptop's screen closed and use a keyboard, mouse, or external trackpad (like my husband's setup, also shown below). With the laptop closed, the mic and camera built into your laptop will not function, so you may want a separate webcam.
In my personal desk setup, I have a 27" screen above my MacBook Air screen, with a magnetic mount for my iPhone on top which I use as a webcam, and wired EarPods for Zoom calls.
My husband also has a 27" monitor connected to his MacBook Pro, but he works with the computer closed (resting in a Book Arc stand on the upper shelf), with a Logitech webcam atop the monitor, and the Apple Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad below.
Which monitor should I buy?
The best monitor for most people is the 27" 4K Dell UltraSharp U2725QE (Dell.com / Amazon / Best Buy). The retail price is $760, but it's regularly available for around $626. It delivers rich, accurate color, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and serves as a USB hub with plenty of ports (five USB-A, three USB-C, including one Thunderbolt 4). It also provides 140W of power to your laptop, which is enough to charge even a 16" MacBook Pro under heavy load.
This monitor does not have built-in speakers, camera, or mic. If you need those for video calls, you may need to purchase a webcam.
The best value if you want to save a few bucks is the 27" 4K Dell S2725QC (Amazon / Best Buy / Dell.com). The retail price is $350, but it frequently drops to $250–300 on sale. This monitor is a great value if you're willing to trade slightly less vivid color and fewer ports for a significantly lower price. It's a perfectly good option if you mostly work with documents and don't have lots of peripherals.
This monitor does have built-in speakers, but honestly, you might find the built-in speakers on most Apple laptops to be as good or better. It does not have a webcam or microphone, and it provides 65W of power via USB-C, which is plenty for a MacBook Air but may not fully power a 15" or 16" MacBook Pro under sustained heavy load. If that happens, you can use the computer's original power adapter alongside it.
For a larger screen, you can go with the similar 32" 4K Dell U3225QE (Dell.com / Amazon / Best Buy). This monitor has the same USB hub and port setup as the 27" UltraSharp above. Be aware that this screen has the same number of pixels spread across a larger area, so text and images won't look quite as sharp as on the 27" models. This monitor is better suited to people who have vision difficulties rather than people who want more screen space for multitasking.
Is the Apple Studio Display worth the extra cost?
For professionals or people who want to splurge, I recommend Apple's 27" Studio Display ($1,599+). Apple refreshed the Studio Display in March 2026 with an improved 12MP camera (now with Desk View support), better six-speaker audio, and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity.
The Studio Display is the only monitor on this list with a built-in camera, speakers, and microphone, all in one package. If you do a lot of video calls, that could save you from buying a separate webcam and potentially external speakers. The 5K resolution also means sharper text and images than the Dell's 4K panel, with smaller, crisper pixels.
But there are tradeoffs. The Dell UltraSharp costs less than half the price and has a 120Hz refresh rate (the Studio Display is still limited to 60Hz, meaning scrolling and motion will look smoother on the Dell). The Dell also provides 140W of power versus the Studio Display's 96W, has more ports including Ethernet, and works with non-Apple computers if you ever need that. The Studio Display only works with Macs from 2020 or later running macOS Tahoe 26.3.1 or newer.
Here is how I think about it: if you are already planning to buy a webcam and you care about audio quality during video calls, the Studio Display starts to close the gap. But if you already have a webcam or don't do many calls, the Dell UltraSharp is the smarter buy for most people.
The Studio Display comes in two screen options (standard or "nano-textured" for better visibility in bright locations) and three stand options (tilt, tilt & height adjustable, or VESA mount).
Feature comparison table
Monitor comparison
All monitors connect via USB-C and charge your laptop through the same cable.
| Dell U2725QE | Dell S2725QC | Dell U3225QE | Apple Studio Display | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Recommended Most people |
Best value People on a budget |
People who want a larger screen | Pro / Splurge Media professionals |
| Price | $760 retail (often ~$626) |
$350 retail (often $250–300) |
$1,029 | $1,599+ |
| Size | 27" | 27" | 32" | 27" |
| Resolution | 4K (3840×2160) | 4K (3840×2160) | 4K (3840×2160) | 5K (5120×2880) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Ports* | 1 HDMI 2 DisplayPort 5 USB-A 3 USB-C 1 Thunderbolt 4 Ethernet (2.5 GbE) Headphone jack |
1 HDMI 2 USB-A 2 USB-C |
1 HDMI 2 DisplayPort 5 USB-A 3 USB-C 1 Thunderbolt 4 Ethernet (2.5 GbE) Headphone jack |
1 Thunderbolt 5 2 USB-C |
| Laptop charging | 140W | 65W | 140W | 96W |
| Speakers | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ Six-speaker system |
| Camera & mic | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ 12MP with Desk View |
| Where to buy | Dell.com · Amazon · Best Buy | Dell.com · Amazon · Best Buy | Dell.com · Amazon · Best Buy | Apple.com · Amazon |
*Ports listed are for accessories only. The USB-C/Thunderbolt port that connects to your computer is not included in the count.
Prices as of March 2026. Street prices fluctuate; check the links above for current deals.
How do I set up my monitor?
None of these monitors require installing any special software. Some of the Dell monitors offer optional software, but I don't recommend installing it; your Mac already knows how to work with these monitors. Here are a few tips:
If running dual displays, you can choose for the second screen to mirror the main screen or to operate independently. You can toggle that mode with Command-F1 or in System Settings > Displays.
Head to System Settings > Displays to configure some options such as image/text size and arrangement. Arrange is available when you are using multiple displays. Your computer has no way of knowing how your two screens are physically arranged in relation to each other, so you have to tell it. That way, when the pointer moves off one screen, it appears where it should be on the other display. In my setup, when the mouse pointer moves off the bottom of my large screen, it appears on my small screen, as if they are one continuous screen.
If you get a webcam, you do not need to install any of the included software. Your Mac already has the needed software.
These monitors all provide power to your laptop, so you can keep your existing power adapter in your travel bag. If you have a 15" or 16" MacBook Pro with the budget Dell monitor and you find that the battery drains during use, you may also need to connect your power adapter. Unless you are doing very heavy media work, this should not be a problem.
All of the above monitors include the appropriate cables to connect to any modern Mac with USB-C.
Common mistakes to avoid
Buying a second computer instead of a monitor. A monitor gives you a big screen at your desk and a laptop on the go, with none of the syncing headaches. For more on choosing the right Mac, check out my guide to how long a Mac can last.
Forgetting to check your computer's external display limits. Some Macs only support one external monitor. Before buying multiple displays, look up the specs for your specific model on Apple's website.
Assuming you need the Apple Studio Display. Most of my clients are perfectly happy with the Dell UltraSharp. Unless you specifically need the built-in camera, mic, and speakers, or you work with color-critical photography, the Dell is the better value.
When should I get professional help with this?
If you're not sure which monitor is right for your setup, or if you need help connecting your monitor, configuring your display settings, or understanding whether your Mac supports multiple monitors, I can help. I offer one-on-one tech tutoring sessions in San Francisco and Washington, DC, or via Zoom anywhere. Book an appointment, and we'll get your setup working perfectly.
Key takeaways
Start with the Dell UltraSharp U2725QE unless you have a specific reason to spend more
Only consider the Apple Studio Display if you need built-in camera, mic, and speakers for video calls
Look up your Mac's external display limits on Apple's website before buying multiple monitors
Keep your laptop's power adapter in your travel bag; the monitor cable will charge it at your desk
Skip the optional Dell software; your Mac already has everything it needs