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Best 4k Monitor Usb-c For Mac

Best 4k Monitor Usb-c For Mac Rating: 4,2/5 1137 votes

Best 4K and 5K Monitors for Mac [2018] September 9, 2018, By Ahmet Babacan Choosing a new monitor for your systems is getting increasingly harder since the amount of choices you have is getting bigger and bigger every day. 4K displays are on the rise lately with even some 5K monitors being released. LG Electronics 4K 27' LED-Lit Monitor with USB Type-C - Recommended for you if: you're using the newest MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, and don't mind paying a bit more to get a high-end monitor and put it in your workplace or at home. LG 27UD88-W 27-inch 4K USB-C Monitor. If you are looking for a pretty good monitor for gaming, you should keep “LG 27UD88-W” in mind. Sporting 4K resolution and FreeSync anti-tearing technology, it’s designed to liven up your power-packed gaming. Best 4K Display for MacBook Pro 2016 Model (USB-C) If you have bought a MacBook Pro from late 2016, you can choose to get a 4K display that can be powered via the USB-C cable. The best USB-C monitor for MacBook Pro 2016 model is the LG UltraFine 4K Display, which Apple themselves helped create.

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

The Rundown

  • Best Overall: LG 27UD58-B 27-Inch 4K at Amazon, 'The best you can get without spending an arm and a leg.'
  • Best for Media Design/Creative Types: BenQ PD3200U 32-Inch 4K at Amazon, 'Featuring a unique set of display settings that can provide a more efficient work environment.'
  • Best Big Screen: Philips BDM4350UC 43-Inch 4K at Amazon, 'Featuring MultiView, which enables the screen to be split into four separate Full HD displays.'
  • Best Value: HP Z27 at HP, 'Aimed at professionals who want something easy to use that’s sleek enough to blend into office or home settings.'
  • Best Versatility: LG 32UD99-W at Amazon, 'Can serve a wide range of personal or business needs.'
  • Best for Gaming: ASUS ROG Swift PG27UQ at Amazon, 'Takes full advantage of its 4K resolution, IPS panel, and HDR capability.'
  • Best for Mac: ViewSonic VP2780 27-Inch 4K at Amazon, 'With superior color accuracy that's ideal for content creation, graphic design, and other professional applications.'
  • Best Audio: Dell S2817Q 28-Inch 4K at Amazon, 'With powerful nine-watt integrated speakers that sound both crisp and rich.'
  • Best Design:Dell U3219Q at Amazon, 'Offers plenty of viewing real estate while remaining slim and relatively lightweight with a small footprint.'
  • Best Splurge: ViewSonic VX4380-4K Monitor at Amazon, 'For users who want maximum screen space.'
  • Best for Business: Dell P4317Q at Amazon, 'Able to efficiently take the place of four individual 21-inch monitors.'

Our Top Picks

LG 27UD88 4K USB Type-C Monitor: It is much easier to connect laptop, tablet and smartphones to this monitor via USB 3.0 port and the quick charge technology also allows fast charging facility to compatible devices. I will use my iPad as my Mac replacement, because iOS and all Apps will switch to Desktop/'Marzipan' versions when connected to my 4K Monitor and Keyboard/Trackpad with Bluetooth. Using iPad Display as a 'Trackpad' is a really bad experience and idea, if a cable is connected and with the camera bump.

Best Overall: LG 27UD58-B 27-Inch 4K

4.9

Available with FreeSync technology (this means it extends the refresh rate to avoid screen tearing), the LG 27UD58-B 27-inch 4K monitor is the best you can get without spending an arm and a leg. Designed with gamers in mind, the 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution offers more than four times the resolution of Full HD and has more than 8.3 million pixels on the screen. Beyond gaming, multitasking lovers will find a use for Screen Split 2.0, which allows for the display of multiple windows at once, including four different picture-in-picture (PIP) options.

Best for Media Design/Creative Types: BenQ PD3200U 32-Inch 4K

4.4

Made with creative types in mind, the BenQ PD3200U is a beautiful 32-inch 4K monitor that features vivid colors and ideal viewing angles. With modes such as Darkroom, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and Animation, the BenQ has a unique set of display settings that can provide a more efficient work environment, all with stunning color precision. Past the different modes, the BenQ also allows users to display and control content on two separate PC systems on one monitor with just one keyboard and mouse. Moreover, the ergonomic design is made for tilting, pivoting and swiveling the monitor to find the perfect orientation in both vertical and horizontal mode. Well equipped with ports and a strong stand, the BenQ is a creative’s dream monitor.

Best Big Screen: Philips BDM4350UC 43-Inch 4K

4.6

Boasting a 43-inch display with a 10-bit IPS panel, the massive Philips BDM4350UC 4K monitor is a great all-purpose option. Featuring a 5ms response time, there’s also a slew of connections, including fast charging, four USB 3.0 ports, two Display Ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports with MHL and audio in/out. The latter is most notable since the Philips includes dual seven-watt speakers built-in. Its large size is appropriately matched with MultiView, which enables the screen to be split into four separate Full HD displays (you can also utilize picture-in-picture mode for more ways to make use of the space). The 178-degree viewing angle allows the 43-inch display to be properly viewed from almost any side while still providing bright colors for photos, movies, Web browsing and professional applications where color accuracy is critical.

Best Value: HP Z27

The HP Z27 monitor aims to redefine extraordinary visuals with precise colors and sharp, dynamic 4K resolution. This sophisticated monitor is aimed at professionals who want something easy to use that’s sleek enough to blend into office or home settings. The three-sided bezels are slim, and the monitor, featuring a matte black chassis, can adjust its height, tilt, swivel, and pivot for optimal viewing. The display speaks for itself with a 3840 x 2160 native resolution, a brightness of 350 cd/m2, and 1300:1 static contrast ratio.

Connect your other devices with USB-C connectivity, which allows you to pair everything from PCS to laptops to gaming consoles. The ports also offer up to 65 watts of charging power for different laptops. While this is not a monitor for hardcore gamers — the 8ms response time might not be able to accommodate quicker actions, and the monitor also lacks FreeSync functionality — it should be sufficient for casual players.

Best Versatility: LG 32UD99-W

As a 4K monitor with a 32-inch screen and support for high dynamic range (HDR) technology, the LG 32UD99-W can serve a wide range of personal or business needs. In-plane switching (IPS) technology on the panel helps deliver wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction. 4K video comes through crisp and bright, whether HDR mode is on or not. The 3840 x 2160 resolution on the large display is ideal for multitasking, productivity work, and editing photos or videos.

The monitor also offers a great-looking experience for PC and console gamers alike. Its standard 60-hertz refresh rate may be limiting for people serious about e-sports, but AMD FreeSync support for compatible graphics cards keeps the action smooth and stutter-free enough for most. Thanks to its excellent low input lag, everything feels quick and responsive as well.

Other features the LG 32UD99-W includes are a set of built-in speakers and on-screen control software for picture settings and screen splitting. The USB-C port’s 60-watt charging power is limited, but it’s a nice addition that adds to the powerful machine’s versatility.

Looking for a curved screen? Take a peek at our roundup of the best curved monitors.

Best for Gaming: ASUS ROG Swift PG27UQ

Today’s 4K monitors can combine stellar picture quality with smooth gaming performance, and the ASUS ROG Swift PG27UQ is leading the way. The 27-inch gaming monitor takes full advantage of its 4K resolution, IPS panel, and HDR capability to create a top-of-the-line visual experience.

While IPS monitors generally aren’t known for being the fastest options for gaming, the PG27UQ still boasts a 144-hertz refresh rate and a 4ms response time. It also supports Nvidia’s G-sync technology, so if you have a compatible graphics card, the monitor will match its frame rate on the fly to avoid screen tearing and stuttering.

Other features the monitor employs to ensure superb image quality include its 384 LED backlight zones. These work dynamically to display the darkest blacks and brightest whites—peaking at 1000 cd/m2 (or “nits”). The IPS display also uses quantum-dot technology to extend its color range to the cinema-quality DCI-P3 color gamut, which plays a big part in creating a premium visual experience other gaming monitors struggle to match.

Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best high-end gaming monitors.

Best for Mac: ViewSonic VP2780 27-Inch 4K

Equipped with a 27-inch 4K display, the ViewSonic VP2780 is an ideal monitor choice for Apple fans. Offering advanced color technologies such as 14-bit 3D, the ViewSonic supports over 1.07 billion colors. It's built with creative types in mind and the superior color accuracy is ideal for content creation, graphic design and other professional applications. For Mac owners, the loss of Apple’s own Thunderbolt-ready monitors left a gaping hole that ViewSonic is helping to fill with DisplayPort 1.2a and future-proofed HDMI 2.0 connectivity at a 60Hz frame rate for smooth screen performance. Extra options such as multi-picture functionality means that four simultaneous video sources can displayed at one time (there's also picture-in-picture here, too).

Best Audio: Dell S2817Q 28-Inch 4K

Not only is the Dell S2817Q 28-inch 4K LCD monitor affordable, but its powerful nine-watt integrated speakers sound both crisp and rich. With built-in speakers, monitor buyers can rest assured the Dell is the full package with all the basics for 4K gaming matched by over eight million pixels for four times the screen content of Full HD resolution. The 2ms response time is ideal for both viewing sports and movies, plus blur-free gaming. Content can be viewed from two separate sources, thanks to both picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture display functionality. Connectivity options are plentiful, too, with two HDMI and two USB ports, as well as a single DisplayPort and mini DisplayPort for adding multiple devices at the same time.

Best Design: Dell U3219Q

You won’t see many frills or flashy aesthetics on the Dell UltraSharp Monitor U3219Q, but its sleek, minimal look fits right in to any home or office. More importantly, you’ll feel and appreciate the high-quality build and functional, ergonomic design.

The 32-inch thinly-bordered screen offers plenty of viewing real estate while remaining slim and relatively lightweight with a small footprint. With VESA-mount compatibility, you can ditch the stand and mount it on the wall to save even more space.

The Dell U3219Q was designed to be flexible and comfortable for the user as well. It can be adjusted in almost any way—it tilts forward and back, swivels 30 degrees each way, and adjusts more than five inches up and down. It can also pivot 90 degrees to be used in portrait mode. Connectivity options are plentiful, with a highlight being a USB-C port and included cable. Connecting to laptops and mobile devices via USB-C also serves to charge them with 90 watts of power, helping reduce cord clutter at your workstation.

Picture quality remains an important factor, of course, and your eyes won’t be disappointed by what you see on this 4K IPS display. With HDR support and great color and brightness, the Dell U3219Q looks excellent on-screen and off.

Best

Also check out our picks for the best ultra-wide monitors.

Best Splurge: ViewSonic VX4380-4K Monitor

For users who want maximum screen space, the ViewSonic VX4380 43-inch 4K monitor is a no-brainer. Whether you’re gaming or watching a movie, the 4K resolution (3840x2160) is beautiful. It adds 103ppi (pixels per inch) providing a sharp, crisp viewing experience with lifelike colors. The 178-degree viewing angles of the SuperClear IPS panel make it ideal to watch no matter where you are sitting in a room. Regardless of what you’re watching or reading, Flicker-Free technology and a blue light filter eliminate eye strain.

Designed with your multimedia needs in mind, the dual integrated 7W speakers significantly enhance audio. MultiPicture support allows simultaneous viewing of up to four video sources at once, each with immersive sound.

Best 4k Monitor Usb-c For Mac

Capable of tilting between -5 and 12 degrees, the base is weighted to maintain full stability. The monitor is also VESA mount compatible, meaning it can also be removed from its base and fit onto a separately purchased monitor arm. Next to the VESA mount are dual HDMI 2.0 ports, three USB-A ports as well as DisplayPort 1.2 and mini DisplayPort 1.2 inputs.

Best for Business: Dell P4317Q

If you’re looking for a 4K monitor for business use, you probably want to get the most productivity out of your display. You will with the Dell 43 Multi-Client Monitor P4317Q—its main selling point is being able to efficiently take the place of four individual 21-inch monitors. Its massive 43-inch IPS panel can display content from one source at 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, or from four separate sources at full HD (1920 × 1080).

The four displays can be from any combination of sources, and small buttons in the bottom corner control settings to swap, rearrange, and zoom each display. Since it’s designed to take on a variety of inputs, the monitor has ports for HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3.0, and more. Several corresponding cables are included, and a hole cut into the stand can help keeps them contained. Four mounting holes in the back support a VESA-compliant wall mount or monitor arm, which may be a good option given the desktop space it would take up otherwise.

The Dell P4317Q doesn’t prioritize gaming, as seen in its 60-hertz refresh rate and 8ms pixel response time that could produce some blurring or ghosting. But for office settings, it can certainly fit in a lot of work and display it on a bright, clear screen.

Want to read more reviews? Check out the products on our roundup of the best computer monitors.

Tested by

Best 4k Computer Monitors 2018

How We Tested

We bought and tested three top-rated 4K monitors. Our reviewers spent 157 hours using them to watch movies, play video games, and more. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these monitors, from their price to their design. We’ve outlined the key points here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.

What to Look for in a 4K Monitor

Audio quality - Monitors are purely about picture quality, right? Wrong! Whether you’re watching a movie or playing a video game, great audio can elevate the experience. Some monitors have impressive built-in speakers with as many as 9 watts. If the monitor lacks speakers, you can always add a soundbar — though that’ll cost you.

Design - Depending on your setup, you might need a monitor that tilts, pivots and rotates. A thin bezel gives a more modern look and the stand construction dictates how much desk space it will need. Consider all these design factors before you make a purchase.

Price - 4K is known for being expensive, but prices have dropped in recent years as it becomes the norm. If you’re on a budget, don’t fret. There are plenty of good options that run less than $300.

Test Results: LG 27UD58-B 27-Inch 4K (Best Overall)

4.9

What we like

  • Impressive display

  • Setup was extremely easy

  • Screen rotates and tilts

What we don't like

Not sure if this monitor is for you? Just hear it from our testers: One person said, “I would definitely buy this monitor. It was incredibly easy to set up — I didn't even have to touch the instructions. And the display was really clear.” She said the monitor was “superior” to the one she currently had.

The only downsides our at-home reviewers experienced were with the quality of the plastic stand and the ability to adjust the monitor vertically. One tester wanted the monitor to sit a little higher on her desk, so she propped it up with books. She wasn’t sure if the stand would hold in that position over time though. Users concerned about the stand can should look into buying a separate one or opt for a VESA mount.

Test Results: BenQ PD3200U 32-Inch 4K (Best for Media Design/Creative Types)

4.4

What we like

  • Brilliant colors with different display modes

  • Sharp picture quality

  • Adjustable angles and pivots 90 degrees

What we don't like

  • Bulky and heavy

  • Sound quality could be better

Right off the bat, our reviewers praised the screen size and the display quality. “In terms of resolution and color range, this monitor has the best colors and sharpness I’ve seen on a monitor ever,” one person remarked. “I like that I could adjust the settings to my liking. In both dark and fairly bright environments, I could still see things on screen easily.”

This monitor has built-in speakers, but some of our testers weren’t impressed with their sound. They suggested connecting your own external speakers or picking up a pair of high-quality headphones if audio is a really important factor to you.

How can the answer be improved? Best mac photo editing software.

Best 4k Usb-c Monitor For Macbook Pro

Test Results: Philips BDM4350UC 43-Inch 4K (Best Big Screen)

Best Mac Monitors

4.6

Connect 4k Monitor To Macbook Pro

What We Like

  • Simple setup

  • Excellent display quality

  • Has ports for many devices

Best 4k Monitor For Macbook Usb C

“Setting up this monitor is very simple,” noted one of our testers. “It comes with all the needed cables and has sufficient ports for a variety of devices.” One reviewer was also very impressed with its picture quality: “Kudos to the display quality,” he raved. “The colors were vibrant and true.” On the other end of the spectrum, our testers thought that the sound quality was just decent, and one reviewer wished the monitor came with a remote “for quick on/off switching and input changing if you have multiple devices connected.”