Portable Monitor For Mac
Sep 25, 2019 Does your job involve a lot of traveling? And do you miss the presence of that desktop monitor of your home? Then you are at the right page as we have listed the top best portable monitors to buy in 2019. Thanks to the ever-evolving technology that makes life. The iPad is an incredible device in itself, but it can also offer Mac users a portable option for using a second display. Eight years ago, when my oldest daughter was born, I spent 20 weeks across Canada working and visiting family. I reluctantly gave up my dual monitor setup and spent time trying. Download the latest drivers, firmware, and software for your HP EliteDisplay S140u 14-inch USB Portable Monitor.This is HP’s official website that will help automatically detect and download the correct drivers free of cost for your HP Computing and Printing products for Windows and Mac operating system. This video is about my 15.6' inch portable USB Powered Monitor from asus brand, which i recently bought from amazon. The best thing about this screen is it doesn't need separate power adapter, it. I'm looking for a Portable Monitors for my macbook pro (possibily a 14') Do you happen to know some model that is working on a mac? I found this one (ThinkVision LT1421) but it does not work comp.
- Portable Monitor For Mac Air
- Apple Monitor For Mac Mini
- Portable External Monitor For Macbook Air
- Best Portable Monitor For Macbook
- Portable Monitor For Macbook Pro 2017
If you’re looking for the best portable monitor to be more productivity in your work with the second display, then you’ve landed in the right place.
Portable monitors are a great innovation as they serve great for professionals, including programmers, designers, filmmakers, or any other digital artist. Because of so many apps opened all at once, you probably need a USB powered monitor. Even these small monitors can help you to stay connected with your business wherever you go without any hassle as they are easy to carry because of the size and weight.
The 13 Best Selling Portable USB Powered Monitors of 2019:
We’ve reviewed the latest portable monitors available in the market along with their unique features from all brands available in the market that includes Asus, Gechic, HP, and AOC.
All monitors included in our list are good enough for all your business needs, you can use it with a laptop, Gaming console, Macbook pro, Raspberry Pi, and can be used as an external monitor with a DSLR or Mirrorless camera.
The table below highlights the top-rated highly portable monitors:
Name | Screen size (inches) | Resolution (pixels) | Price |
---|---|---|---|
1. Asus MB169C+ | 15.6 | 1920×1080 | |
2. Asus MB169B+ | 15.6 | 1920×1080 | |
3. AOC E1659FWU | 16 | 1366×768 | |
4. GeChic 1503I | 15 | 1920×1080 | |
5. ViewSonic TD2230 | 22 | 1920×1080 | |
6. GeChic 1303H | 13 | 1920×1080 | |
7. HP EliteDisplay | 14 | 1600×900 | |
8. GeChic 1503H | 15 | 1920×1080 Search not working on mac. Aug 07, 2019 Fix: Outlook for Mac’s Search Not Working If the issue is with your Computer or a Laptop you should try using Reimage Plus which can scan the repositories and replace corrupt and missing files. This works in most cases, where the issue is originated due to a system corruption. May 20, 2019 In Microsoft Outlook 2016 for Mac or Office for Mac 2011, you receive a 'No Results' message when you try to search for an email message or apply a filter to a folder, and task items are not displayed in the Tasks folder. | |
9. Asus Zenscreen MB16AP | 15.6 | 1920×1080 | |
10. Asus MB168B | 15 | 1920×1080 |
1. ASUS MB 169C+ – Best USB Type-C Portable Monitor
I am sure most of you know that Asus is a well-known brand in the tech industry, more specifically, Gaming and the monitor business. They have a variety of portable monitors in the market for different tasks and needs.
MB 169C+ is the world’s premium Type-C USB powered portable monitor of 2019. As a result, its probability to synchronize and connect with any futuristic technology is significantly increased.
This monitor has an aesthetic look, but I know you might be looking for something unique in features. Its flicker-free screen and ability to diminish the emission of blue light are two of the core reasons which add quite a lot to its value. ASUS MB 169C+ offers 15.6-inch screen size with 1080p HD resolution.
It is a good IPS USB monitor that enables you to view the screen at a wider view angle, with zero or least possible distortion. Since the product is super lightweight (i.e., just 0.8KGs), so carrying it while you’re on a trip is no more a hassle. You might not believe it, but the monitor has taken pride to be the world’s lightest portable monitor in the market.
It is stylish and possesses a sleek structure. To enhance product safety while traveling, the monitor is protected inside a smart case, having protective sleeves.
The QuickFit virtual scale enables you to set up an onscreen alignment grid for previewing the actual-size photos before printing. You don’t need any tutorials for that! Everything is just a hotkey away!
It is my recommended and go-to 16-inch USB powered monitor specifically for Macbook Pro users.
2. ASUS MB169B+ Review – USB Powered Portable Gaming Monitor
Here is another good portable USB powered monitor from the giant manufacturer, ASUS. This display is indeed a very sleek and stylish and excellent portable gaming monitor with the Full HD monitor and refresh rate of 75 hertz. Quite interestingly, the company has managed to restrict its thickness to merely 0.3 inches.
Moreover, the metallic finishing adds more to its life and makes the product even more durable than the competitors. You could also rotate the screen from landscape to portrait and vice versa, which makes it suitable for almost every purpose.
There is a single cable for data and power transmission, and since it is 3.0, the signal transmission is incredibly efficient, making the monitor efficient to use with external hardware. However, it can connect to a desktop or notebook with the help of a USB2.0 port. But in that case, its brightness and other efficient functionality might be compromised to some extent.
You can install Ezlink utility to enjoy various added features. It sits well on a convenient adjustable table stand. You can infer from the name; it has a 15.6-inch screen size with an HD resolution of 1920×1080. Here is the price value which aids in your purchase decision. It costs $187.99.
Corel for mac. Browse all our Mac-compatible products. Corel provides several software solutions for digital art, 3D design, file compression, photo management and more.
3. AOC e1659Fwux – Cheap Ultra Slim Portable LED Display
If you are looking for the best and an economical external panel with a very well justified resolution and image quality, then this USB monitor ends your desperate search. It costs under $100 and is geared with reliable features.
The screen size is 15.6 inch IPS monitor with a resolution of 1366×768. You can conveniently switch between portrait and landscape orientations using a foldable flex stand. For enhanced flexibility, you could even remove the base.
If you want to connect an external hardware device with this monitor, USB 3.0 enables you to do that with significantly enhanced functionality as a result of faster signal transmission.
Moreover, the device comes with built-in DisplayLink technology. As a result, you could connect an array of monitors via USB. It is indeed an excellent option if you are in a business environment.
It offers a very decent contrast ratio, which is very well justified for a product falling in this price range. With a swift response time and screen refresh rate of 60 hertz, which is also good for gaming, you could do A LOT while staying within the limits of your budget!
4. GeChic 1503I Review – Best Touchscreen Portable Monitor
You have already heard about this product. It sounds similar, but it’s the upgraded version of GeChic 1503H. It has some of the added features when compared to its previous versions.
If you are used to working with two screens, then you should opt for this monitor without any hesitation. The good news is that it does not require any driver installation due to its outstanding plug and play features.
The screen size looks adorable – 15 inches with an HD resolution of 1920×1080. You can also mount a power bank as an additional power source.
Well, at first glance, undoubtedly the product may seem to be a bit overpriced, but once you look at the features an unparalleled quality, the price is very well justified.
If you are a gaming person, then it satisfies your needs very well. This portable gaming monitor is adaptable with all gaming consoles including the Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch.
Excellent viewing angles are also implemented with this IPS USB powered monitor technology. While traveling, you might face frequent problems with power supply, and it could be overcome with the help of additional power supply.
GeChic’s marvel is just 1.1 cm thick and enables rear docking, which further enhances its portability and ease of use. It also caters to the lust of music if you are a music lover.
The built-in stereo speakers are elegantly mounted above the screen. The incredible color contrast enhancement, together with the availability of OSD buttons enables this portable device to compete with any desktop monitor. The OSD buttons allow you to select five different color modes and adjust between 6 distinct colors, separately.
5. ViewSonic TD2230 Review – The incredible 22-Inch Touchscreen Portable Monitor with DisplayPort
The Bezel-less panel design looks attractive and gives you an aesthetic appearance. The screen is scratch-resistant, which elevates its durability to several years.
The screen size it has to offer is truly an embodiment of craftsmanship and innovation, particularly for a portable display falling in such an affordable range. Yes, the screen size is 22 inches HD Monitor. When you analyze its viewing angles, it is extraordinary with an ultra-wide range.
The monitor delivers you an outstanding image quality along with superclass IPS technology. If you are looking for faster connectivity, then this panel serves your purpose with versatile connectivity.
Can you imagine the available port for connectivity? It might be a tough question, I guess. It features display ports, HDMI, and VGA inputs. Of course, it’s slightly pricey and costs around $319.99, but it is worth the shot! You can go for this display if you need it for official usage. It has an outstanding touchscreen facilitating 10 points projected capacitive touch.
6. GeChic 1303H – 1080p Portable Computer Monitor
I was excited to know that this display is the first lightest monitor stepped into the market for sales. It weighs about 1.5lbs. Are you eager to know about its screen size? Yeah, It is a 13. 3 inch HD LED panel. Regarding thickness, it is less than 1cm. Quite informative, am I right.
You would have struggled related to driver installation for proper working. But here you need not go for any driver installation due to the plug and play features. It is very flexible to use. You can connect with any device according to your requirements without much difficulty. Goes well with laptops, smartphones, play stations, Mac mini, etc.
Just be ready to listen to its added features. There is no lagging on the screen with the HD resolution of 1920×1080. It has a wider viewing angle of about 178 degrees. Even two people can look at the screen comfortably without any glare.
Here is the good news for MAC OSX users. You can easily connect this display with Macbook Pro, Mac mini using the mini display port. Safe to travel by carrying this display without any hesitation due to its external aluminum cover for rigid support. Do you want to use this display in 3 different positions? It is possible because it could stand for 72, 62, and 53 degrees. These adjustments can be implemented using magnetic straps.
It has impressive color adjusting settings. Can you guess the rate for this display? It is just $266. Place your order immediately.
7. HP Elite Display S140u – Portable LED Monitor for Laptops
Hewlett Packard is one of the renowned manufacturers in the electronics industry. This product has a stylish look and slim structure with optimum design features. You will be excited to know about its thickness. It measures only half the inch. It is fascinating. The display screen size is 14 inch. So there will be a wider display area as per the convenience of the customers.
Now let us look at its resolution features, and this value comes around 1600*900 with a response time of 8ms. It is more compatible with Notebook and tablet. Really comfortable because of its easy setup with just a single USB cable to provide the power supply to the system.
It has the fastest connectivity with the help of the USB3.0 port. If you are traveling, then it is enough if you carry a single cable for all purposes. Now comes the price of the product. Just make a wide guess. I am sure you might not believe this rate. It is just $99. Amazing am I right? Let us discuss the pros and cons of further analysis.
8. GeChic 1503H – IPS USB Portable Monitor with HDMI
The GeChic 1503H is the way to go. It’s thin, light, and a perfect portable monitor that you can connect to your computer or any other video source. In my opinion, the GeChic 1503H offers all the necessary ports that are needed for it to be called the perfect portable monitor that you can use on the go.
The GeChic 1503H features a 15.6 inch IPS panel with a 1080p Full HD resolution. It’s one of the best options to buy at this price point, which not only offers a great portable solution, but the peripherals also complement its utility. Speaking of peripherals, the GeChic 1503H houses an HDMI port, VGA ports as well as USB ports. In addition to this, the portability has been enhanced by the rear dock port expansion which allows for ports on the backside of the monitor. This makes for a cleaner and fluid user experience.
As for the viewing angles, the GeChic 1503H supports 170 degrees of vertical and horizontal viewing angles. As for what it can be connected to includes a huge list, for instance, it can be connected to a laptop, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, a mini PC, and many others. All in all, it is a pretty nice option, and one of the best portable LED monitors on the list.
9. Asus Zenscreen Go MB16AP
If you’re someone with a history of sticking to high-end brands, we have a newcomer on the list which fulfills its purpose like a champ – the Asus Zenscreen Go. Judging on the bases of its name, the Asus Zenscreen Go is the company’s product from the “Zen’ series, much like other flagship products that it has to offer. If we’re keeping quality in mind, the Asus Zenscreen Go is without a doubt one of the best you can buy.
The Asus Zenscreen Go features a 15.6 inch IPS panel with a hybrid signal solution. This gives the room for compatibility with USB-C, which we all love. And Type-A sources. Further delving into the design, the Asus Zenscreen Go is an ultra-portable monitor with an award-winning design coming in at just 1.87 pounds. Also, it is only 0.3 inches thick and pairs perfectly if you happen to have an Asus branded laptop. Furthermore, it’s built well, and overall, the review is pretty solid.
One of the best aspects of the Asus Zenscreen Go is that it is powered by a 7800mAh battery – a feature that is absent on many portable displays where you would need a wire to a medium for power. It can easily connect to your smartphone or laptop. There are no flickers which would diminish the quality of the panel. Coming with 60 hertz, it’s more than enough to get you through your work routines and gaming. It’s available to buy right now if you’re interested in getting your hands on it.
10. Asus MB168B Portable Monitor
The Asus MB168B monitor comes from the same brand but features a lot of variations that might suit your specific needs. It does well on one part – the design but misses out on minor other details which we will talk about later on. Other than this, we would totally recommend it considering the number of other features.
The Asus MB168B features a 15.6-inch display size with Full HD resolution and comes with a single USB 3.0 for power and data transfer. It can be regarded as the world’s thinnest portable monitor that comes in a metallic finish. As we have mentioned earlier about the minor downside, it only comes with a single USB 3.0 port for power as well as data transfer. There might be cases where you would need more, but that’s not the case every day. If you’re someone that holds the latter notion as true, the Asus MB168B might be the best option for you.
Other features of the MB168B includes additions like Blue Light Filter and comes with the Asus Smart Case giving room to drag portability to a whole new level. This also encourages the protection and traveling without the worry to damage the monitor. If you’re anxious to get your hands on the monitor, it is available to buy right now.
11. GeChic 1102H Portable Monitor with Builtin Battery
If you’re not a fan of the big-screen displays, you might be interested in the next product that we have in store. The GeChic 1102H is a perfect option as it comes in 11.6-inch display size with a resolution of 1920 by 1080p resolution. The smaller display size doesn’t mean that it compromises on the core aspects of the perfect portable monitor. Instead, it boasts the adequate 16.7 million colors and the overall chassis of the unit is quite small all over. Let’s see some more details on the GeChic 1102H and what ports does it have to offer.
The GeChic 1102H comes with an HDMI and VGA outputs and is powered by USB. The built-in battery lasts up to 5 hours, which is more than enough for traveling and coming in handy at times when your productivity calls. The battery inside id a 6900 mAh cell, which is quite large compared to its small form factor. It weighs only 590 grams and 11mm thin. Overall based on its aesthetics, the GeChic 1102H is perfect for photographers and editing as no image quality will be lost.
Similar to our previous options, the GeChic 1102H also features rear dock port expansion which means all connectivity will rest on the backside of the display, allowing you for a cleaner experience with appropriate cable management and the natural place where all cords should connect. It’s probably one of the best options if you’re a small screen person. Since small is generally considered as portable, we have no problem recommending it for your everyday use.
12. Asus Zenscreen MB16AC
Asus is back again with a new addition on our list. If you’re always on the go and want a secondary display to boost productivity to a whole new level, the Asus Zenscreen MB16AC might be the perfect option we have at our disposal. Asus Zenscreen MB16AC comes in a neat design with a sturdy stand so you can place it beside your laptop or desktop at your will. In terms of design, the Asus Zenscreen MB16AC is stunning and also brings forward aesthetics from the company’s other Zen-series lineups. The bezels are small on the Asus Zenscreen monitor, and the display quality is top-notch with one of the best color accuracy. So far we have read a positive review on the Asus Zenscreen MB16C
Further diving into the specifications and features, Asus Zenscreen MB16AC houses a 15.6 inch IPS panel with a hybrid signal solution for compatibility with USB-C and USB-A. The design is portable with a thin profile. It weighs 1.7 pounds and 0.3 inches thin. Furthermore, the dimensions of the product are 8.9 by 0.3 by 14.2 inches. It’s an all-screen tablet with just the chin placed that compliments design dynamics. In addition to this, you can also use it in a portrait position and comes with a smart cover and smart pen hole. The auto rotation is a big help to shave those extra seconds of your time and at times comes in very handy. For instance, when you’re giving a presentation and want the audience to gain a different perspective of the content. The monitor is very assisting in all sorts of scenarios.
Asus Zenscreen MB16AC houses the company’s Asus Eye Care Technology with TUV Rheinland-certified flicker-free backlighting along with a Blue Light Filter to reduce the strain on your eyes when conducting longer sessions. The intuitive DisplayWidget allows you for enhanced control over all the features. The 60-hertz display boasts great quality for anything that you might be interested in doing. Moreover, we would recommend it for your everyday use.
13. GeChic 1101P USB Powered Monitor
We have another 11-inch display on our list from the same company. It’s best if you’re looking to get your hands on a smaller panel. The GeChic 1101P is a perfect solution to portable needs. If you’re consistently traveling always want to remain on the go, the GeChic 1101P will not take much room due to its small form factor. The smaller form factor does not compromise on any aspect of the display, It still houses all the ports and some exclusive integrations from the company to make it a great complementary display for your main source. In my view, the smaller display is more easy to connect to at times. This means that the playing games would be easier which you’re connecting to an external source like a Nintendo Switch for instance.
In terms of display specifications, the GeChic 1101P includes an FHD 11.6 inch LCD panel with a resolution of 1920 by 1080. The HD LED monitor is only 11mm thin, so it’s easier to place in those tight places like travel bags where each mm counts. In addition to this, it’s lighter than most of the options out there at this price point, coming in at just 480 grams which is comparatively pretty lightweight. As for the ports, it is connected with a micro HDMI cable and requires the USB power cable to run as well as VGA output.
As for other additions, the GeChic 1101P is best for editing on the go, a suitable device for photographers as well as video editors who travel a lot. It is not only color accurate, but ample bright to handle anything from the editing section that you can throw at it. Furthermore, it has a 3.5 mm headphone jack in case you’re interested in the audio output. While it’s an addition that does not seem that big, but when it comes to consuming media with your friends or family on vacation, it really does count. There are a lot of other aspects to the GeChic 1101P, and we would totally recommend it if you’re like a truly portable monitor.
What is a USB Powered Monitor?
USB monitor, aka Portable Monitors, is one of the easiest ways you can use to add an additional display to your PC or Mac. They are highly portable because of lightweight, Plug and Play, and they don’t need an additional power source, just connect to your laptop using the USB port.
To use a portable monitor with your Laptop or PC all you must do is simply install the DisplayLink application and connect the monitor into your USB port and that’s it your second display is connected.
Why use a Portable Monitor?
You can opt for portable monitors because of their mind-blowing features, including Multi-tasking, lightweight, adjustable orientation, and easy to carry if you travel a lot.
The most significant advantage of using portable monitors is you can carry them anywhere and can be powered using USB port; just open your laptop, connect via USB and boom start working remotely as you don’t have to be in your office all the time.
So, what are you waiting for? Make a smart decision and buy an excellent portable display to boost your productivity.
Conclusion
Finally, its time to conclude after reviewing several portable monitors and their unique features. After analyzing an array of factors, the basic parameters that need to be noted are connectivity ports, power supply features, transfer rates, size, weight, image quality, and optimum view angles.
I would highly recommend ASUS MB169C+, ASUS MB169B+, and GeChic 1503I as the best external displays from the above-discussed list since they satisfy the basic requirements of the right choice.
All of these three displays seem to be (more or less) similar in terms of their unique features. It is an excellent practice to take cost as one of the criteria while purchasing the product.
But if you want unique and special features, then you have to pay more for better performances. This is inevitable. This has made me neglect the cost while analyzing the top USB monitors. Moreover, it must be easy to carry during travel without much difficulty.
The other factor you have to look upon is its multi-usage properties. For instance, it should work best for both business and gaming applications.
More than its appearance, I would like to give preference to its performance and portability. Since you own nothing merely by its attractive looks, so you cannot take it as a criterion while identifying the right product.
At times, you have to sacrifice some features to gain compatible properties based on your needs. Before making your purchase, just list out the basic requirements that you are looking for. Then you can have a glance at different content related to product descriptions to reach the best solution.
Most of the portable displays are manufactured for specific purposes. To recognize the use of your purchase before placing your order.
P.S. If you’re looking for desktop monitors then check out our Best 4K Monitors to buy in 2019 and If you’re Gaming enthusiasts then go for Best Gaming Monitors 2019.
BestUSB-C Monitors for MacbooksiMore2019
If your daily-use Mac is a MacBook and you need a bigger display than the 13 or 15-inch laptop screen, your best bet is LG's 27-inch 4K display for its versatility and price. It's perfect for most people, though there are other monitors better suited to different needs.
Best Overall: LG 27UK850-W
LG's latest 4K display is perfectly sized for most people at 27-inches. It supports a wide range of peripherals, including USB-C, USB-A, DisplayPort, HDMI, and standard headphones.
The best part of this monitor is its ability to power your MacBook while acting as a display so that your battery does not limit you. It can even power the 13-inch MacBook Pro with ease (though it struggles to keep the 15-inch MacBook Pro juiced up more than a trickle during use).
Pros:
- Built-in USB hub for all your peripherals
- Easy setup
- 4K display
- 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time
- IPS 3-side borderless display
Best Overall
LG 27UK850-W
The best USB-C monitor for most people.
This 4K monitor is perfectly situated between price and features with a variety of ports, high-speed data transfer, and 60W charging for your MacBook.
The 27-inch Envy has a great display that looks as good as its hardware. It's ultra-thin with a 'micro-edge' bezel, meaning it has a 3-sided nearly bezel-less edge, so you see more on the screen than, say an iMac's 27-inch screen. The USB-C connector powers up to the 13-inch MacBook Pro (it'll trickle charge the 15-inch MacBook Pro, too) so you won't have to worry about battery drain.
It's got a small base for minimal desktop footprint and can be mounted on a wall. With two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and support for AMD FreeSync, it's the perfect gaming display, movie-watching screen, and everyday monitor.
Pros:
- 4K display
- Fast 60Hz refresh rate
- Zero lag for gaming
Best Value
HP Envy 27
An affordable option that looks as great as it performs.
Portable Monitor For Mac Air
The HP Envy 27 is a quality model monitor for this price. With a 27-inch 4K display and USB-C connection, you're getting the biggest bang for your buck.
The price tag on the LG UltraFine 4K is very appealing. You can have a quality 4K monitor that works seamlessly with your Mac. Though it doesn't have the Apple design aesthetic, the good stuff is all on the inside. Just like an Apple brand monitor, all of the monitor's controls are available in the settings section of your Mac.
This 24-inch display fits right into the pocket of reasonably priced and excellent quality if you don't mind the boxy black look. As for the price, you can get two of them for almost the price of one LG UltraFine 5K Display.
Pros:
- Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
- Dual-screen full 4K display support
- Supports 85W charging
- Easy to set up
Best for daisy-chain
LG UltraFine 4K
Dual-screen full 4K support.
Hook up two for a beautiful, bright, and convenient workflow for your Mac laptop.
Though LG's UltraFine 5K was designed specifically with Apple's MacBook Pro in mind; it's the 34WK95U-W that wins our hearts. This 5K monitor has a 5120 x 2160 resolution, 34-inch display, a Thunderbolt 3 port, an HDMI port, a DisplayPort port, and a couple of USB-A ports. It's more versatile than the UltraFine, and that's ultra-fine with us.
Pros:
- Pro-quality technology
- Nano ISP color 5K display
- USB hub
- Versatile input options
Cons:
- No built-in camera or microphone
- Poor built-in speaker quality
Premium option
LG 34WK95U-W Nano-ISP UltraWide
From MacBook to iMac with LG and Thunderbolt 3.
Use LG's UltraWide monitor with your Mac laptop and daisy chain it with a second 4K monitor and have data transfer up to 40Gbsp and 85W charging.
With LG's latest update to its UltraFine 5K monitor, you can use it along with your 2018 (or later) iPad Pro with USB-C. That's because the monitor now supports USB-C and Thunderbolt. The Thunderbolt 3 charges the MacBook Pro and the three USB-C ports offer 5Gbps downstream. Its 27 inches big, which is about the size of Apple's larger iMac, and has a similar P3 wide color gamut with 500 nits brightness. For full 5K resolution on a larger display, the UltraFine 5K is your perfect choice.
Its biggest downfall is that it doesn't quite have that Apple aesthetic. LG has designed an attractive Edge-Arcline base for some of its monitors, which looks better with Apple products. The UltraFine 5K, unfortunately, still has that big, boxy black base.
Pros:
- Up to 5K resolution
- Designed for Apple
- Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C
- Built-in speakers, camera, and mic
Best for iPad Pro
LG UltraFine 5K
Full 5K display plus support for USB-C.
If your workflow includes both a MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro, this is the monitor you want for performance, reliability, and productivity.
The future is curved, and LG is the pioneer of bending the display rules. This 38-inch UltraWide monitor has a 21:9 ratio with split-screen support and is perfect for graphic designers and professional photo and video editors. The display has a USB-C data transfer port, two USB- A ports, plus a couple of HDMI ports, and a DisplayPort port.
Pros:
- Well-designed
- Easy setup
- Versatile ports
- Good built-in audio
Best Curved
LG 38WK95C-W Curved UltraWide
Ahead of the curve.
If you need to charge your Mac laptop and transfer data at the same time, you're in luck because this curvy beauty has what you want.
The ZenScreen is a favorite around the iMore office for its incredible portability. It's a 15.6-inch screen with a USB-C connector. You can rotate between landscape and portrait mode, and it's compatible with Thunderbolt 3. If you need a second screen when you're headed for the coffee shop, this takes up just the right amount of space without being a burden on your portability.
Pros:
- Weighs less than 2 pounds
- Ultra-slim at only 8mm thick
- Comes with its own cover
- 60Hz refresh rate
Best on a budget
ASUS ZenScreen
As portable as it gets.
The ZenScreen is ASUS's very portable monitor with its own USB-C port, a great-looking IPS panel, and Eye Car technology to prevents eye fatigue.
Apple Monitor For Mac Mini
Bottom line
Picking the right second screen for your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro is a difficult one. It's important to consider how much room you have on your desk, what you plan to use your Mac laptop for, and how much you can afford. That's why the LG 27UK850-W is the perfect fit for most people. At 27-inches, it's big, but not too big. It's got an incredible 4K screen resolution and a variety of versatile ports for connecting all manner of peripherals.
If the LG 27Uk850 is just a bit out of your range, the HP Envy 27 truly is the next best thing. With 4K resolution and USB-C support, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles that the LG model does, but it's got everything you need to make your second screen work for you. Your most significant compromise is that there are fewer ports than the more expensive model, and the base isn't as sturdy.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Lory Gil is iMore's managing editor and spends more time in front of her monitors than she does anywhere else. She's constantly switching between desktop and mobile for work and knows how important an easy setup is.
Luke Filipowicz is iMore's gaming guru and knows how important a great monitor with zero lag is. If he had the room on his desk, he'd surround himself with 360-degrees of 4k displays.
Portable External Monitor For Macbook Air
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