Best USB C and Thunderbolt displays for Mac [January]

USB C/Thunderbolt display options have really expanded over the last couple of years. While Apple’s Pro Display XDR isn’t the best fit for most Mac users at $5,000+, it also offers the more affordable Studio Display. But there are also lots of solid choices from LG, Samsung, BenQ, and more. Let’s look at the best USB C/Thunderbolt displays with many available in the $400 $1,600 range.

Dell has announced its UltraSharp curved that’s launching in February. Check out all the details in . And a new launch comes from the young company Dough called . It offers MacBook Pro ProMotion support, 4K resolution, USB C with 100W output, and more starting from $599. Head below for all the details.

Table of contents All the displays below work with a single cable setup with your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and even PCs. The and 2020 and later can also be used with any of these USB C/Thunderbolt displays but with limitations. Even though Apple’s 6K Pro Display XDR is a fantastic product ( ), the reality is that at $5,000+, it’s overkill for many MacBook owners’ needs, budgets, or both.

Fortunately, there are some solid 32 inch+ options from other companies in the $1,000 ballpark that offer a compelling experience. And we’ll also look at some 27 32 inch 4K USB C displays in the $400 $800 range. Best USB C/Thunderbolt displays for Mac: Higher end options This is an interesting alternative to Apple’s Studio Display.

The Samsung ViewFinity S9 features a 27 inch 5K panel, partial metal build, 99% DCI P3, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and more. Specs: The ViewFinity S9 5K monitor is available now from , , and . The features Thunderbolt 3, 4K resolution, 95% DCI P3 color, 85W power delivery for MacBooks, a variety of professional modes, hotkey puck, solid metal stand, and lots of I/O.

Specs: You can usually find the and . After originally starting to sell the 32 inch model priced at $3,999, the 27 inch model arrived at $2,999 but those prices have come down since. The move to OLED is interesting. While there are some benefits like blacker blacks, and more, there may be concerns about display burn in.

Specs: You can pick up the and more. Apple Studio Display and LG UltraFine displays Apple’s arrived alongside the new Mac Studio and marks the return to prosumer monitors after letting LG’s UltraFine series serve as its official recommendation since 2016. Starting at $300 above the LG UltraFine 5K the Studio Display is aimed at those who value Apple’s refined (and metal) build quality.

Specs: Studio Display is available from , , , , and more. Check out our detailed comparison along with more perspective on the Studio Display: While the 27 inch UltraFine display ( ) was really the only option on the market to support USB C/Thunderbolt 3 at a full 5K resolution, the may make this a tough sell for some.

Another trade off here is chunkier bezels for a built in webcam. The current models are the and the . At almost half the price, the 24 inch 4K UltraFine is a compelling option for an Apple endorsed display for those okay with the smaller size. The 24 inch version model in May 2019 and . Check out our .

Best budget USB C/Thunderbolt displays for Macs This could be a compelling new monitor. MacBook Pro ProMotion support, USB C with 100W PD, robust I/O, DCI P3 at 98%, and the optional “low haze glossy finish” for what Dough says is an optimal viewing experience all sounds impressive, starting from .

The Spectrum One is available and at . You can grab the matte version starting at , with the glossy finish going for . While there are some solid displays on the market that include USB C with less than 4K resolutions, spending several hundred dollars on a new display with a lower picture quality than what you’re used to on your MacBook won’t be a good fit for many.

Here are some of the best USB C displays that offer a 4K resolution at around $600 or less. The new from BenQ offer a strong feature set and specs with pricing ranging from $599 749. Specs: The $599 PD2705UA has 65W power deliver instead of 90W like the PD2706UA and PD3205UA. Meanwhile, the PD2706UA is the only one of the three to offer DCI P3 support if that’s an important feature.

You can pick up the new BenQ Ergo Arm 4K Designer Monitors , , and . Check out our . The successor to last year’s M7, the Smart Monitor M8 offers a compelling package for those that want a 4K resolution, USB C, and a large screen while spending well under $1,000. It even features a very iMac like design and four color choices too.

Specs: The Smart Monitor M8 is available and with the white version normally and the colored variants . Arriving as a competitor to Samsung’s Smart Monitor M8 above, the new LG Smart Monitor features a compelling list of specs and features for its $500 price. You can find the LG Smart Monitor , , and .

This budget option from LG is a more compelling choice than the older 27 inch 4K 27UK850. The 32UP550 W features a 32 inch screen, 4K resolution, USB C, 96W power delivery, and more. Specs: Top comment by 4K 32" displays have always seemed awkward to me. The pixels are too small for regular mode, and too big for HiDPI mode.

What I'd love to see is a 34" 6880x2880 ultrawide display. It would be a perfect size for HiDPI mode. Also yes, it's time for 120Hz displays. Let's see some ProMotion on external displays. This 32 inch affordable 4K USB C display from LG is . Holding Out? Thinking of waiting? If you feel like you can’t compromise on a 4K resolution but are open to saving some cash by skipping the USB C/Thunderbolt connectivity, Philips has a than the price of the other displays on this list.

AOC also makes a . Another option – make use of the great macOS Sidecar feature that lets you use an iPad as a secondary display..