Best USB-C and Thunderbolt displays for Mac In 2024

There are many more choices for USB-C and Thunderbolt screens now than before. Apple’s Pro Display XDR is very expensive, so it’s not good for most Mac users.

But they also make the Studio Display which is cheaper. Other companies like LG, Samsung, and BenQ make good screens too.

This list shows the best USB-C/Thunderbolt screens. Many cost between $400 and $1,600.

You can save money on the Samsung 5K ViewFinity S9 and Apple Studio Display right now. The Samsung screen is $700 cheaper and the Apple screen is $100 cheaper.

All these screens work with your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and even Windows computers with just one cable.

You can also use them with the iPad Pro and newer iPad Air, but they might not work as well.

Apple’s Pro Display XDR is great, but it’s very costly for most MacBook users.

There are good screens from other companies that are about $1,000. We will also look at screens that are 27 to 32 inches and have 4K quality. They cost between $400 and $800.

Best USB-C/Thunderbolt monitors for Mac: 

Samsung ViewFinity S9

Think of this monitor as a strong competitor to Apple’s Studio Display. The ViewFinity S9 boasts a big, sharp 27-inch screen with 5K resolution.

It’s mostly made of metal but has a plastic back. Plus, it connects to your Mac with a Thunderbolt 4 cable. Here’s a closer look:

• Thin metal design (aluminum stand, plastic back)

• Large, clear 27-inch screen (5120 x 2880 pixels)

• Great color display (covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color space)

• Very bright (600 nits)

• Smooth motion (60Hz refresh rate)

• Responds quickly (5ms response time)

• High contrast (1000:1)

• Non-shiny screen finish

• Built-in tool to adjust colors accurately

• Colors are very accurate (average Delta E of less than 2)

• Connects with USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 cables

• Lots of connection options (1 Thunderbolt 4 port, 3 USB-C ports, 1 mini DisplayPort)

• Charges your laptop at 90W

• Detachable 4K webcam included

• Speakers that adjust sound based on what’s on screen

• Can be used as a TV with Samsung Smart Hub (remote included)

• Stand can be adjusted up/down, tilted, and turned sideways

• Can be mounted on a wall using a standard mount (100 x 100mm VESA)

• Costs $1,599, but often goes on sale

• You can buy it from Samsung’s website, Amazon, or Best Buy

BenQ PD3225U Monitor

The BenQ PD3225U is a great monitor for working on a Mac. It has a big 32-inch screen that shows very clear pictures.

This monitor can connect to your Mac with a special cable called Thunderbolt 3. It can also give your Mac power to charge it.

Here are some of its features:

• Big 32-inch screen with very sharp pictures (4K)

• Covers a wide range of colors (98% DCI-P3)

• Can show very bright pictures (400 nits)

• Many different picture settings for different work

• Comes with a small tool to change settings quickly

• Matches colors with Mac computers

• Can control brightness from Mac keyboard

• Lots of ways to connect other devices

• Can charge your Mac (85 watts)

• Thin edges around the screen

• Can be mounted on a wall

The BenQ PD3225U costs $1,099. You can buy it from BenQ or Amazon. There’s also an older model, the BenQ PD3220U, for $999 on Amazon.

Apple Studio Display

Apple’s Studio Display is a new computer screen made for people who use their computers for work. It’s better than the old screens Apple used before.

The Studio Display has a big, clear screen and looks very nice. It’s made of metal and feels strong.

Here are some of its features:

• Big, clear 27-inch screen

• Very sharp picture (5120 x 2880 pixels)

• Bright screen (600 nits)

• Good colors

• Can change the color of the screen to match the room light

• One special cable to connect to your computer and give it power

• Built-in camera for video calls

• Good speakers

• Made of metal

• Costs between $1,599 and $2,299

• You can buy it from Apple and other stores

The Studio Display is more expensive than other computer screens, but it’s made by Apple and looks very good.

Comparing Computer Screens

Let’s talk about computer screens for your Mac.

Apple’s Studio Display vs. Other Screens

Apple’s new Studio Display is a good screen, but it’s expensive. Before Apple made this screen, many people used screens from LG.

LG UltraFine Screens

LG made some of the first really good computer screens that worked well with Macs.

They were big and clear and could show very sharp pictures. But they were also quite expensive.

LG also made smaller screens that were cheaper. These screens were good for people who didn’t need the biggest and clearest picture.

Other Good Screens

There are other computer screens you can buy that are cheaper than the Apple and LG screens. They are almost as good, but they don’t have all the same features.

BenQ Ergo Arm 4K Monitors

BenQ has new computer screens called Ergo Arm 4K. They come in two sizes: 27 inches and 32 inches.

These screens show very clear pictures and can connect to your computer with a single cable.

Here are some things these screens can do:

• Very clear pictures (4K)

• Connect to your computer with one cable

• Can give your computer power

• Lots of ways to connect other devices

• You can use one keyboard and mouse for two computers

• Bright screen

• Good colors

• Fast response time

• Built-in speakers

• Screen can be moved in many ways

The smaller screen costs $599, the middle size costs $649, and the biggest one costs $749.

You can buy these screens from BenQ, Amazon, and Adorama.

Samsung Smart Monitor M8

Samsung’s Smart Monitor M8 is a great computer screen. It’s big and shows very clear pictures.

You can connect your computer to it with a special cable and it can even charge your computer.

Here are some things this screen can do:

• Big, clear screen (32 inches)

• Very sharp pictures (4K)

• Connect to your computer with a special cable

• Can charge your computer

• Comes with a camera for video calls

• Bright screen

• Good colors

• Built-in speakers

• Looks like a TV and can show TV shows

• Comes in different colors

The Smart Monitor M8 is not very expensive. You can buy it from Samsung or Amazon.

LG Smart Monitor

LG has a new computer screen that is similar to Samsung’s Smart Monitor M8. This LG screen is a good value for the money.

Here are some things this screen can do:

• Connect your computer and charge it at the same time

• You can connect other devices like game systems or DVD players

• Very clear picture

• Big screen

• Can show TV shows and movies

• Works with Apple devices

This LG screen costs $500. You can buy it at Amazon, LG’s website, or other stores.

LG 32-inch 32UP550-W Monitor

This LG monitor is a good choice if you want to save money. It’s better than an older LG screen.

The LG 32UP550-W has a big 32-inch screen that shows very clear pictures.

You can connect your computer to it with a special cable and it can even charge your computer.

Here are some of its features:

• Big 32-inch screen

• Very clear pictures

• Connect to your computer with a special cable

• Can charge your computer

• Lots of ways to connect other devices

• Bright screen

• Good colors

• Can show bright pictures (HDR10)

• Screen doesn’t shine

This monitor costs about $449.

Waiting for a Better Deal?

If you want a very clear picture but don’t need all the fancy features, you can save money.

Philips and AOC make good computer screens with clear pictures but without the extra things like fast charging. These screens cost less than the other ones we talked about.