Best USB-C and Thunderbolt Displays for Mac [New November]

USB-C/Thunderbolt display options have expanded significantly over the past couple of years. While Apple's Pro Display XDR doesn't fit most Mac users at over $5,000, it now offers a more affordable Studio Display. And there are also many good options from LG, Samsung, BenQ and others. Let's take a look at the best USB-C/Thunderbolt displays available in the $400 to $1600 range.

Updated 11/14/22 LG's Smart Monitor is a remarkable recent addition with a 32-inch panel, 4K resolution, USB-C, AirPlay and HomeKit connectivity at an affordable price.

And last month, we added the Monoprice CrystalPro 4K 32-inch monitor to our list as a great $400 budget option.

Best of USB-C/Thunderbolt displays for Mac: 32″ or larger
- LG 32UL950-W
- LG 34BK95U-W
- BenQ PD3220U
- Dell UltraSharp 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor U3223QE
- LG UltraFine OLED Pro
Apple Studio Display and LG UltraFine Displays
- Studio Display
- LG UltraFine 24 & 27″ Displays
Best USB-C/Thunderbolt Displays for Macs on a Budget
- Samsung 32″ Smart Monitor M8
- LG 32″ Smart Monitor
- Monoprice CrystalPro 32″ 4K Monitor
- LG 32UP550-W 32″ Monitor
Hold on?

The displays below all work with a single cable connection to a MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and even PC. iPad Pro and iPad Air 2020 and later can also be used with any of these USB-C/Thunderbolt displays, but with limitations.

Related Information: Best Monitor Arms for Flexibility display your Mac's front end

While the Apple 6K Pro Display XDR is a fantastic product (full review), the reality is that at over $5,000, it's too much for many MacBook owners . needs, budget, or both.

Fortunately, there are some good 32-inch or more options from other companies under $1,000 that offer a compelling experience. And we'll also look at some 27-32″ 4K USB-C displays ranging from $400 to $800.

Best USB-C/Thunderbolt Displays for Mac: 32 inches and Larger

LG 32UL950-W

This is a 32-inch LG UltraFine display that includes a solid set of features such as two Thunderbolt 3 ports and two USB-A ports, slim bezels , support for portrait use, and more.

In After a full review, my colleague Jeff Benjamin found that he liked the design better than other LG UltraFine models with many of the same features.

Specifications:

31.5″ UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) display
60Hz refresh rate
Nano IPS with DCI-P3 98%
600 nits HDR peak brightness, 450 nits standard
VESA DisplayHDR™ 600
Dual Thunderbolt 3 port (in x 1 ( PD 60W)/Output x 1)
4K daisy chain with Thunderbolt™ 3
2x USB-A
DisplayPort 1.4
HDMI 2.0
3.5 headphone out mm. such as B&H Photo.

LG 34BK95U-W

Going up a couple of inches, the LG Thunderbolt 3/USB-C 34″ widescreen display offers a resolution of 5120 x 2160 (between 4K and 5K). Jeff explored this display and found it an attractive option for creative professionals.

But if you're a creative professional who knows what you're getting into, this display is a significant real estate upgrade over 4K. Just make sure you understand that this is indeed a 4.5K display and does not offer any resolution advantage over a true 5K display such as the one found in the 5K iMac or iMac Pro.

Features:
- Nano IPS Panel (In-Plane Switching)
- Thunderbolt 3 Interface
- Power Output: 85 W
- Resolution 5120 x 2160
- Aspect ratio 21:9
- Refresh rate 60Hz
- Brightness: 450 (typ. ), 360 (min) cd/m2
- VESA HDR 600 support
- DCI-P3 98%
- 2 x HDMI
- 1 x DisplayPort
- 2 x USB 3.0
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Speakers: 5W x 2
- Slim 4-sided frame
- Suggested retail price: $1,649, often cheaper
LG 34WK95U-W usually available from Amazon and B&H Photo.

BenQ PD3220U

This is a good alternative to the above LG options. The 32″ BenQ PD3220U monitor is equipped with Thunderbolt 3, 4K resolution, 95% DCI-P3 colors, 85W for MacBook, various professional modes, hot key puck, all-metal stand and multiple I/O ports.

Specifications:
- 3840 x 2160 resolution
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Brightness: &nbsp ;250 typ., 300 nits peak >1 Thunderbolt 3 – 15W
- 2 HDMI 2.0
- 1 DisplayPort 1.4
- 3 USB 3.1
- 1 x USB C
- 1 x USB B
- Headphone Jack
- Slim Bezels
- Suggested retail price: $1,199, often cheaper
You can usually find the BenQ PD3220U on Amazon and BH Photo.

BenQ also has two other 4K models available : PD3205U for $800 and PD2705U for $600.

Dell UltraSharp 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor U3223QE

This Dell UltraSharp laptop features 98% DCI-P3 colors, 90W USB-C charging for MacBook, and a convenient built-in hub with USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, DP 1.4 and HDMI ports. .

Specifications:
- 31.5″ IPS Black display
- 4K resolution 3840 x 2160
- Frequency 60Hz Refresh
- 16:9 Aspect Ratio
- 8ms Response Time
- 3H Hard Coat Anti-Glare
- Brightness: 400 nits
- USB 3.2 gen 2 hub
 - HDMI (HDCP 2.2)
 - DisplayPort 1.4
 - DisplayPort Out
 - Incoming USB-C /DisplayPort 1.4 Alternate Mode with Power Delivery (up to 90W, HDCP 2.2)
 - Incoming Port USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
 - USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 upstream (up to 15W)
 - 4 USB 3.2 Gen 2 downstream ports
 - Upstream USB 3.2 Gen 2 with Battery Charging 1.2
 - Audio line-out (mini jack)
 - LAN (RJ-45 Ethernet)
- Suggested retail price: $1,150
The UltraSharp 32 4K USB-C Monitor Hub is available from Amazon and BH Photo.

Dell also makes more affordable 32-inch and 27-inch UltraSharp models.

LG UltraFine OLED Pro

After 32-inch model launched at 3999 dollars last year, BH Photo later listed a 27-inch model priced at $2,999. .

Switching to OLED – it is interesting. While there are some benefits such as blacker color and more, there may be concerns about display burn-in.

BH Photo was the first retailer to sell the UltraFine OLED Pro for $3,999.

Specs:
- 27″ and 31.5″ OLED options (27″ coming this fall, 32″ available now)
- 4K resolution 3840 x 2160
- 60Hz refresh rate
- USB-C with 90W power throughput
- up to 500 nits brightness
- Dolby HDR 400 True Black
- 1ms response time
- 10-bit color depth
- 2 DisplayPorts
- 3 USB ports
- DCI P3 at 99%< /li>
- Adobe RGB 99%
To learn more, check out the first full review:
- First review calls LG UltraFine OLED Pro display 'striking' as launch seems imminent
Apple Studio Display and LG UltraFine< /h2>

Studio Display

Apple's Studio Display arrives with the new Mac Studio and marks a return to professional monitors after LG's UltraFine series became official recommendation since 2016.

Starting at $300 higher than LG. The UltraFine 5K Studio Display is for those who appreciate Apple's refined (and metallic) build quality.

Specs:
- 27-inch panel
- Resolution 5K 5120 x 2880
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- 218 dpi
- 60Hz refresh rate
- 600 nits brightness
- P3 wide color support
- True Tone support
- 1 x 96W Thunderbolt 3 plus 3 x USB-C
- Built-in 12MP Ultra Wide Camera with Center Stage support
 - Software update promises to fix camera quality
- 6 speaker system with Spatial Audio
- Three microphone studio array
- Aluminum housing
- Supports most reference modes such as Pro Display XDR, except HDR
- At ce: $1599 – $2299 (depending on stand and screen finish)
Studio Display is available from Apple, Amazon, BH Photo, Best Buy, and more.

Check out our in-depth comparison and more details on Studio Display:
- Here's how the new Apple Studio Display compares to Pro Display XDR and LG UltraFine
- In Defense of the (Unnecessarily Controversial) Apple Studio Display
LG UltraFine 24 & 27-inch displays

Despite that that the 27-inch UltraFine display (review) was really the only option on the market with USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 support at full 5K resolution, the $1,300 price tag might make it hard to sell for some.

Another compromise here is shorter bezels for the built-in webcam. Current models are 27″ 5K displays and 24″ UltraFine displays with 4K resolution.

Almost half the price, the 24-inch 4K UltraFine is an attractive Apple-approved display option for those who want a smaller size. The 24″ version replaced the 21.5″ 4K model in May 2019 and costs around $700. Check out our full review here.

Best USB-C/Thunderbolt Displays for Mac budget

While there are a few solid displays on the market that include USB-C at sub-4K resolutions, you could be spending a few hundred dollars on a new display with lower image quality than the one you were using. won't suit many on a MacBook.

Here are some of the best 4K USB-C displays priced around $600 or less.

32″ Samsung M8 Smart Monitor

The successor to last year's M7, the Smart Monitor M8 offers an attractive package for those who want 4K resolution, USB-C and a big screen for under $1,000. It even has a very iMac-like design and four color options.

Specs:
- USB-C with up to 65W charging
- 4K 3840 resolution x 2160
- 32″ panel
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- 60Hz refresh rate
- HDR10 support
- Brightness 400 nits
- 99% sRGB
- 4ms response time
- Integrated 2.2 channel speakers.
- Available in white, in blue, green and pink.
- Slim bezels and overall slim design.
- Used as a smart TV with built-in Apple TV+. -in and AirPlay 2
- Price: $699-$729 MSRP, often cheaper
Smart Monitor M8 available directly from Samsung and Amazon with white version, usually. priced at $699.99 and color options at $729.99.

LG 32-inch Smart Monitor

Arriving as a rival to Samsung Smart Monitor M8 above, the new LG Smart Monitor has a compelling list of specs and features for a $500 price tag.
- USB-C with up to 65W charging
 - Also includes 2x HDMI, 1x USB-A, 1x Ethernet and 3.5mm audio jack
- 4K resolution 3840 x 2160
- 31.5 inch panel
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- 65Hz refresh rate
- Adjustable clip stand
- 250 nits brightness
- 90% DCI P3
- 5ms response time
- Dual smart TV analog with LG's webOS, AirPlay 2 and HomeKit
- Price: MSRP $499, 99.
You can find the LG Smart Monitor on Amazon, directly from LG, and soon at BH Photo.

Monoprice 32″ CrystalPro 4K Monitor

This is a good option if you want 4K resolution with a USB-C connection, but can skip the bells and whistles.

Specifications:
- 32″ 4K screen – 3840 x 2160
- 1 x 65W USB-C
- 2 x HD MI 2.0
- 1 DisplayPort 1.2
- 1 headphone jack
- 2 USB-A ports
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- Refresh rate 60Hz
- 5ms response time
- Fully movable stand
- MSRP: $399.99
This 32″ affordable 4K USB-C display from Monoprice is available at Amazon.

LG 32UP550-W 32″

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This new budget release from LG is a more attractive option than his old 27″ 4K 27UK850. The 32UP550-W features a 32″ screen, 4K resolution, USB-C, 96W and more.

Specifications:
- 1 x USB-C c Power 96W
- 2 x HDMI
- 1 x DisplayPort
- 2 x USB 3.0
- 1 x headphone
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Up to 350 nits brightness
- 3840 x 2160 resolution
- DCI- P3 @ 90%
- HDR10
- Anti-Glare
- Suggested retail price: $449 or less
This 32 LG's affordable 4K USB-C Display is available on Amazon.

Holding on?

Thinking to wait? If you feel like you can't compromise on 4K resolution but are willing to save some money by forgoing the USB-C/Thunderbolt connection, Philips has a 27-inch 4K display at a slightly lower price. other displays in this list. AOC also offers a similar 27″ 4K option.

Sidecar

Another option is to use macOS' awesome Sidecar feature that lets you use your iPad. as an additional display.