LoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyFeatured in this articleThe Best 5K Mac DisplayBenQ 5K 27-inch (MA270S)Read more$1,000 BenQ
Best Cheap Monitor for MacDell 27 Plus 4K Monitor (S2725QS)Read more$300 $250 (17% off) Amazon
The Sharpest Screen for MacLG UltraFine Evo 6K MonitorRead more$1,100 Amazon
A Mac Entertainment HubSamsung 32-Inch Smart Monitor M9 M90SFRead more$1,600 $1,250 (22% off) Amazon
The Mac Mini is back. And so is the Mac Studio. They’ve been nearly impossible to buy for most of 2026 thanks to the rising demand for running AI models locally. Prices have risen, yes, but when new models go on sale in late September, they’ll finally be out in the wild. And with that, you’ll want a decent monitor to match.
Whether you need something basic or you're a content creator looking for a high-end display, one of these monitors I’ve tested below should do the trick. They’ll work with any Mac, not just the Mac Mini.
Be sure to check our Best Apple Desktops, Best MacBooks, Best Monitors, Best Monitor Arms, and Best Gaming Monitors guides for more.
Updated September 2026: I’ve oriented this guide toward monitors that work with any type of Mac (not just a Mac Mini), and I’ve added a number of monitors I recently tested, such as the BenQ MQ270S, Apple Studio Display XDR, and Asus ProArt 27 QD-OLED. I’ve also added some recommended new monitor arms from my recent batch of testing.
Just about any monitor can work with a Mac. It doesn’t need to be made by Apple or have any official certification. There’s a case to be made for using a cheap 1080p monitor, but most Mac users will want something a bit more premium. As you can see from options like the Dell 27 Plus 4K, that doesn’t have to mean overly expensive. Either way, here are the four elements to consider when shopping for a good monitor to go with your Mac.
Size and resolution: 27- and 32-inch monitors are the most common sizes these days, but there are larger options. I would also consider a 34-inch ultrawide monitor if you like the wider 21:9 aspect ratio with the curved shape. With Apple, resolution is king. There's a reason it invests so much in high pixel density for every screen it sells, even in midrange options like the MacBook Air. Pixel density is what gives a screen its sharpness, and you need a lot more pixels when they're stretched across a large external monitor. If you want to keep fidelity up, I wouldn’t buy anything less than 4K, and bumping up to 5K or 6K on a 32-inch monitor can be helpful. Read more to learn the details on the funky way macOS handles resolutions and scaling. You should also consider the refresh rate: a 120-Hz refresh rate is what the MacBook Pro supports, offering smoother animation, especially in games.
Adjustability: Apple monitors and iMacs aren’t exactly known for adjustability. They often have none at all, and cost more when they do. That isn’t the best for your posture and ergonomics. Famously, the discontinued Pro Display XDR charged an extra $1,000 for a Pro Stand with proper adjustability (now a $400 add-on for the newer Studio Display XDR). For ergonomics, the top of the screen you're working on should be as close to eye level as possible, and that ranges depending on someone’s height. If a monitor doesn’t have height adjustability, you’ll need a separate monitor stand or arm. Beyond height adjustment, many monitors also have stands that can swivel, tilt, and rotate, all of which matter when using multiple monitors. This is also needed if you want to use a second monitor vertically, which has become increasingly popular.
Ports: Even the cheapest monitors will always have HDMI, which is all you need to connect directly to a Mac Mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, or MacBook Pro. Some monitors have USB-C that supports video, which will let you connect to one of a Mac’s Thunderbolt ports. The Mac Mini comes with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, and an Ethernet jack. The Mac Mini Pro model has the same ports, except three of them support faster Thunderbolt 5 instead of 4. You’ll need to use at least one of these Thunderbolt ports to connect more than one external monitor. These monitors also tend to have other ports, such as USB-A. These can be useful, as the Mac Mini doesn't have any on its own.
Image quality: Apple prides itself on the image quality of its Macs, so in the case of the Mac Mini, you’ll likely want to get something worthy of your Mac. This is especially important for content creators, photographers, and designers. So, consider a monitor’s brightness, color accuracy, color coverage, and contrast. While some IPS displays offer decent color and contrast, mini-LED or OLED displays will guarantee better image quality. These also have significantly higher peak brightness in HDR content, which really brings games and movies to life.
How Many Monitors Can a Mac Mini Support?
The latest Mac Mini with the M6 chip can support up to three external displays, using the three Thunderbolt ports or one HDMI port on the back. Regardless of the resolution (up to 8K) or refresh rate (up to 240 Hz), if you're just plugging in a single monitor, any one of these ports will do. Use whichever your monitor has or whichever is the most convenient. But when you need multiple displays, that's where things get complicated. Here's a table explaining the differences.
Why Macs Don't Run 4K Resolutions Natively
When you plug in an external 4K monitor to a Mac of any kind, it will look good. The icons, text, and UI elements look sharp and not overly small. But open up the Display menu in System Settings, and you'll find that it’s not actually rendering at the full resolution of 3840 x 2160. Instead, it'll default to a much lower resolution to achieve that scaling. In fact, this happens even on the integrated display of a MacBook Air, which defaults to 1470 x 956 instead of the native 2560 x 1664. No doubt, this is one reason macOS defaults to hiding the list of resolutions and instead just asks the user how large they want the text to appear.
I won’t get into the rather complex reasoning behind this, but know this: the resolution you see in the macOS display settings doesn't appear to be that resolution. That's what Apple's Retina Display branding is all about: preserving clarity. And when you plug in an external monitor, macOS will maintain that priority of clarity at the expense of native resolution.
That said, there are a few resolutions and screen sizes that are best optimized for macOS’ proclivities. Namely, it's 27-inch monitors with a 5K resolution (5120 x 2880), which gives you exactly twice the resolution of 1440p and produces an extremely sharp image without messing up the scaling. That doesn't mean 4K monitors won't work or aren't worth the money; just don't expect things to work exactly how they do when connected to Windows.
If you haven’t already bought your Mac Mini, you might be wondering if it's a better deal than the iMac. After all, both are desktop Macs with similar specs and performance. The M6 Mac Mini starts at $899, which gets you 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. The M4 iMac, on the other hand, costs $1,499. It has an older processor, but comes with the same memory and storage, a built-in 24-inch display with 4480 x 2520 (4.5K) resolution, a 12-megapixel webcam, a mouse, a keyboard, and some decent speakers. For the $600 difference, you either get a computer with a newer processor but no display or accessories, or an all-in-one that's ready out of the box.
It's hard to quantify, though, as there aren't any 4.5K monitors out there. The 24-inch monitor size has largely disappeared, except for ultra-budget displays or professional esports gaming monitors. However, you can certainly buy a quality 27-inch 4K monitor for less than $500 (and a 5K variant for not much more), with money left over to add on peripherals such as a webcam or computer speakers. So, in terms of cost savings, grabbing the Mac Mini is a smart move. You're paying extra for the iMac’s convenience of it being an all-in-one system.
Photograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistBenQ
5K 27-inch monitors are the best high-resolution fit for macOS. Read my full explanation in the FAQ above to learn why, but suffice it to say, macOS doesn’t scale up on all resolutions and sizes equally. But a 5K resolution at 27 inches is exactly perfect, giving you double the pixels of a traditional Retina Display. There’s a reason Apple uses this same size and resolution for its own Studio Display. Now, you could certainly buy one of those, but it costs $1,599, while the BenQ 5K (MQ270S) is $1,000. It doesn’t come with a high-quality webcam or powerful speakers like the Apple Studio Display. But the BenQ 5K has more standard monitor features, such as nearly 6 inches of height adjustment, swivel, and pivot. It’s far easier to get this into the best ergonomic position for your setup than with the Studio Display, which can only tilt (without upgrading for an additional $400). It doesn’t have Thunderbolt 5 like the Studio Display, but it does have a wider assortment of ports, including two HDMI 2.1, two USB-A, two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports that can deliver 96 watts for charging, and a headphone jack.
BenQ has a number of Mac monitors in its lineup, and they all come with features designed for Macs, such as color-matching to ensure working across both a MacBook and your monitor is seamless. There’s even software that lets you control the monitor’s speaker volume from the key on the Magic Keyboard or MacBook. It’s too bad it can’t control brightness, but it’s a nice touch nonetheless.
And to really nail the Mac experience, BenQ also has its own version of the Nano Texture Glass to avoid reflections. It’s not quite as subtle and effective as Apple’s solution, but BenQ doesn’t make you pay extra for it as an add-on. Beyond the MA270S, BenQ also has an entire professional-tier lineup that includes monitors that are quite good for Mac, such as the BenQ 5K PD2730S. However, the MA270S really is the ideal monitor for a Mac that doesn't come with an Apple logo on it.
Photograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistDell
The Mac Mini is one of the most budget-friendly ways to get into the Mac ecosystem, but it is no longer as cheap as it once was. You can keep costs down with the Dell 27 Plus 4K (8/10, WIRED Recommends). Never has a 4K monitor this good been sold for so little, often as low as $230. The 4K resolution is the biggest benefit, but it also comes with a 120-Hz refresh rate, something previously seen as a high-end feature.
The only real drawback is the port selection. There are no USB ports, so you’ll connect the monitor to the Mac Mini over HDMI, with few other options. Fortunately, the Mac mini has Thunderbolt ports, a headphone jack, and an Ethernet jack that you'll likely need. Alternatively, Dell offers a version of this monitor with a built-in USB hub, which costs a little extra.
Photograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistLG
6K is the next big thing in display sharpness. On a 32-inch monitor, we’re getting a pixel density of 224 pixels per inch, which is finally close to the sharpness of a high-end laptop (For reference, the 13-inch MacBook Air is 224 pixels per inch). That’s really impressive, and it replicates the 32-inch size and 6K resolution of the original Pro Display XDR, which had a pixel density of 215 pixels per inch. Now that the second-gen Studio Display XDR has been shrunk down to 27 inches, the LG UltraFine Evo 6K (7/10, WIRED Recommends) feels even more noteworthy for Mac users who want a bigger screen.
This monitor doesn’t have the incredible Mini-LED and HDR performance of the Studio Display XDR. However, it does come with a Nano IPS Black display, which delivers excellent color coverage and accuracy—some of the best I’ve ever tested on a monitor. Just don't expect great HDR.
The design also has an Apple-like aesthetic in its stand and base, which saves space. The limited range for height adjustment is a flaw of the stand’s design, which might be an ergonomic problem if you’re on the shorter side. (There’s support for a VESA arm mount, so this may not be a big deal.) The monitor also has a great set of built-in speakers, on par with what you get with the Apple Studio Display. Most monitors have really poor speakers, so it’s nice to see an improvement here on such an expensive monitor. I wish it had a higher refresh rate, as it’s locked at 60 Hz, as well as some built-in cable management to reduce clutter.
Photograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistSamsung
Maybe it’s just me, but I love the idea of using a monitor as a multimedia hub. By day, it’s an excellent 4K OLED monitor for work, and at night, it becomes a fantastic screen for games and movies. That’s what the Samsung Smart Monitor M9 M90SF (7/10, WIRED Recommends) achieves better than any other, finally offering a display that’s every bit as good on both sides of the equation. The OLED panel helps a lot here, offering excellent image quality regardless of the task. It’s an especially good fit for content creators. And while hardcore competitive PC gamers will want a higher refresh rate, 120 Hz is plenty fast for late-night gaming sessions.
The other key component is the software. It’s a fully functioning smart screen, using the same interface and smart TV options as Samsung’s TV lineup. That means it comes with a remote and doesn’t even need to be plugged into a computer to work. If you don’t already own a TV, or like me, need something for a shared office space that doubles as a kids’ playroom, the Smart Monitor M9 is as good as it gets. It’s expensive, but it dips down by $300 during sale events, so keep your eyes peeled for a discount.
Photograph: Adrienne SoPhotograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistApple
While I don’t think the standard Apple Studio Monitor is worth the money, the Studio Display XDR is in a class of its own. No other monitor can replicate the kind of HDR performance you get from this screen. It’s a Mini-LED display, but it has more dimming zones than we’ve ever seen on a 27-inch screen—2,304 to be exact. The result is absolutely stellar peak-brightness performance. I measured 1,905 nits of peak HDR brightness in a 25-percent window. That blows every other consumer monitor on the market out of the water, meaning it earns its exceptionally high price. So, while it does something unique, it has a very specific, targeted audience in mind. Don’t be fooled into spending thousands of dollars on this unless you really need the HDR capabilities.
If that’s you, though, the Studio Display XDR does come with a number of high-end features that will surely make you happy. The six-speaker sound system is incredible, for one thing. There’s no other monitor that comes close, outside of the other Apple Studio Display. The built-in 12-megapixel webcam is also strong for taking video calls.
There was some disappointment at the launch of the Studio Display XDR—mostly that it was reduced to 27 inches. But the improvements in dimming zones and peak brightness brought it to a new level of HDR performance that once again set a new standard.
Photograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenPhotograph: Luke LarsenChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistAsus
Maybe springing for the Studio Display XDR seems crazy, but you still want some of the HDR goodness for your Mac. The Asus ProArt 27 QD-OLED is the perfect alternative. I’m still surprised that a monitor this premium can sell for just $699 (or as low as $599 when on sale!). The image quality is really solid thanks to the use of OLED. There are lots of handy ports on the back, and the stand can be adjusted to your heart’s content.
The Asus ProArt 27 QD-OLED even comes with some of the same Mac optimizations as the BenQ monitors, such as color-matching and software controls. Now, obviously, it's not 5K, so you’ll still have some scaling issues, but it’s a better OLED option than the Dell 32 Plus QD-OLED because of the 27-inch panel size.
Oddly, I did notice that you can't use HDR at the 120-Hz refresh rate, but it worked when I dropped to 60 Hz. The other complaint I have is with brightness in SDR. These OLED monitors can get close to 1,000 nits in HDR, but in my testing, they maxed out at 240 nits in SDR.
Kit out your Mac with these other accessories, and make sure to check out our Best Mac Accessories guide for more.
Satechi Mac Mini M4 Hub Stand for $75: Very few products are designed specifically for the Mac Mini, which is what makes this USB hub and stand from Satechi so special. It gives you forward-facing USB-A ports and an SD card slot, plus an enclosure for an NVMe SSD drive to expand a Mac Mini's integrated storage.
Herman Miller Flo Single Monitor Arm for $305: You’d better have a nice monitor if you’re even considering this monitor arm, which is one of the most expensive I’ve ever seen. But after testing it, I have to say I was impressed by what it offers. Most monitor arms share a lot in common, but this one uses an innovative mechanism that attaches the back of the screen in an entirely different way, resulting in a remarkably smooth sense of motion. It’s not for everyone, but it definitely won me over.
Logitech MX Master 4 for $120: The Logitech MX Master mouse has been a mainstay on the desks of Mac users who are serious about productivity and comfort. The latest version isn’t a major overhaul, but it makes tweaks to modernize the design, using better materials, haptics, and a new thumb rest button. But everything that made the MX Master series so great is still here.
BenQ Ergo Arm for $150: This is my favorite monitor arm. I’ve tested a bunch recently, and I really like the complete package of the Ergo Arm. The white color is nice, and while it’s extremely sturdy and can handle just about any monitor (no matter how large), it doesn’t feel as clunky as some other monitor arms I’ve tested. Extra features like the included reinforcement plate to prevent damage to your desk also sweeten the deal.
Harber London Leather Desk Mat for $239: If you’re looking to upgrade the look and feel of your desk and complement your Mac Mini, a desk mat goes a long way. It’ll endure some wear and tear on your desk, but this high-end leather option from Harber London has the quality to last many years of use. And yes, it’s gorgeous.
Hemudu Monitor Stands for $30: If your monitor doesn’t have proper height adjustment, elevating it is key to keeping it at eye level. There are tons of different options out there, but this affordable monitor stand is especially nice for those setting up two monitors side by side.
Luke Larsen is a product writer and reviewer at WIRED, covering laptops, PCs, Macs, monitors, and the wider PC peripheral ecosystem. He’s been reporting on tech for over a decade, previously at Digital Trends as the senior editor in computing, where he spent seven years leading the publication’s daily coverage. ... Read MoreProduct Writer & ReviewerTopicsMonitorsMacappleAccessories and PeripheralsdisplaysShoppingbuying guidesPCsDellTop VistaPrint Coupons: 30% for September 2026From personalized gifts to business essentials, WIRED can help you save with our selection of VistaPrint promo codes.Molly HigginsB&H Photo Promo Codes and Deals This September 2026Enjoy top deals on cameras, computers, and tech essentials at B&H Photo.Scott GilbertsonTop Ray-Ban Coupon Codes for September 2026Upgrade your frames with major savings on classic shapes, custom designs, and prescription lenses using these verified Ray-Ban discounts.Boutayna Chokrane Columbia Promo Codes: 15% Off for September 2026Explore current Columbia deals on jackets, outdoor gear, and apparel. Find active Columbia promo codes, student discounts, and free shipping offers to save on your next adventure.Boutayna Chokrane Top AirDoctor Coupon Codes for September 2026Save up to $400 on top air purifiers and filters with verified AirDoctor promo codes and special offers for 2026.Molly HigginsLimited Time: TurboTax Coupons Full Service This September 2026Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. Score 10% off full service expert on federal tax filings and more exclusive TurboTax discount codes on WIRED.Molly HigginsAltra Running Promo Codes and Deals September 2026Score big savings on Altra Running shoes with up to 50% off sale styles, 20% off select models, 10% off your first order when you sign up, plus free standard delivery on every purchase.Boutayna Chokrane Top Maytag Promo Codes: 15% OffUpgrade your home for less with these verified Maytag discount codes, military savings, and limited-time closeout offers on washers, dryers, and more.Matthew KorfhageCorsair Discount Code: Up to 50% Off for September 2026Upgrade your gaming setup or PC build for less with these verified Corsair coupon codes, student discounts, and refurbished deals.Luke LarsenTop Wayfair Coupons for September 2026Get 10% off with Wayfair promo code, up to 80% off furniture, and more top coupons.Molly Higgins10% Off Exclusive LegalZoom Promo Code for September 2026Save on top services at LegalZoom, like LLC registration, incorporation, estate plans, and more with coupons and deals from WIRED.Molly HigginsStearns and Foster Coupons: $300 Off in 2026Discover the best Stearns and Foster promo codes, discounts, and deals to elevate your sleep experience with premium comfort and quality.Molly HigginsWired CouponsCanon Promo Code10% Off Canon Promo Code + Up to 30% Off
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