Best USB-C and Thunderbolt displays for Mac [November]

USB-C/Thunderbolt display options have really grown in recent 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 many great choices from LG, Samsung, BenQ, and more. Here are the best USB-C/Thunderbolt displays with many available in the $400-$1,600 range.

Event Context

Update 11/27/24: For a limited time grab 57% off the 5K Samsung ViewFinity S9 or get 19% off the 5K Apple Studio Display.

That ends up being $909 off the Samsung ViewFinity S9 and $300 off the Studio Display.

All the displays below work with a single-cable setup with MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, the other Macs, and even PCs. The iPad Pro and 2020 iPad Air 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 (full review), the reality is that at $5,000+, it’s overkill for many Mac owners’ needs, budgets, or both.

Fortunately, there are solid 32-inch+ options from other companies in the $1,000 ballpark. And we’ll also look at some 27-32-inch 4K USB-C displays in the $400-$800 range.

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 from samsung.com, Amazon, and more.

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 replaced the 21.5-inch 4K model in May 2019 and retails around $700. Check out our full review here.

Here are some of the best USB-C displays that offer a 4K resolution at around $600 or less.

The new Ergo Arm 4K Designer Monitors from BenQ offer a strong feature set and specs with pricing ranging from $599-749.

Specs:

The $599 PD2705UA has 65W power delivery 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 direct, Amazon, and Adorama. Check out our full review for all the fine details.

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 direct from Samsung and Amazon with the white version normally going for $699.99 and the colored variants selling for $729.99.

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 at Amazon, direct from LG, and Adorama.

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:

This 32-inch affordable 4K USB-C display from LG is available to order on Amazon.

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 27-inch 4K display for quite a bit less than the price of the other displays on this list. AOC also makes a comparable 27-inch 4K option.

Team Analysis

Apple’s Studio Display 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 Apple, Amazon, and more.

The 32-inch BenQ PD3225U features Thunderbolt 3, 4K resolution, 98% DCI-P3 color, 85W power delivery for MacBooks, a variety of professional modes, hotkey puck, Mac color matching, Magic Keyboard brightness control, and more.

Specs:

You can get the new Thunderbolt monitor direct from BenQ and Amazon. And now you can find the BenQ PD3220U predecessor at Amazon for $999.

While the 27-inch UltraFine display (reviewed) is was really the only option on the market to support USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 at a full 5K resolution, the $1,300 price 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 5K 27-inch and the 4K 24-inch UltraFine displays.

Sidecar

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

Thanks for reading our guide on the best USB-C/Thunderbolt displays for Mac!