There are thousands of external displays, but only a small fraction fit the criteria of being a Retina display. From smaller 4K options to Apple's high-end Studio Display XDR, you have plenty of displays to choose from at nearly every price point.
If you're planning to pick up a new Mac mini or Mac Studio, it might be time to upgrade your monitor setup. Fortunately, the market is flush with options.
Not all of them are "Retina" quality. Given how Apple handles hiDPI monitors without additional software, that leads to problems for some users with text crispness. It's certainly not a case for everyone, but if it is for you, and you don't want to install something like BetterDisplay, there are some clear choices.
Here are our top monitor picks to fit that bill. As with our Mac Studio SSD recommendations, these are not random choices. These are all monitors we've used, and in some cases, reviewed for the site.
ASUS ProArt 23.6-inch 4K HDR Monitor
The 23.6-inch ASUS ProArt PA24US is a 4K monitor designed for colorists, filmmakers, video editors, and other creative professionals. Its 3840-by-2160 IPS panel supports 10-bit color, with 100% sRGB, 99% Adobe RGB, and 95% DCI-P3 coverage.
ASUS ProArt 23.6-inch 4K HDR Monitor
The display is factory calibrated with Delta E<1 color accuracy and includes a built-in colorimeter for hardware-based calibration. It supports HDR10 and HLG, with VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification and peak brightness of 600 nits.
Connectivity includes USB-C with 80W power delivery, DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and a two-port USB-A hub. The PA24US also includes 12G-SDI input and output for uncompressed 4K video at up to 60Hz, making it suitable for production and on-set workflows.
You can pick one up from B&H Photo for $1,299.
24-inch Samsung ViewFinity S6
The 24-inch Samsung ViewFinity S6 features a 2560-by-1440 QHD display with a refresh rate of up to 100Hz. HDR10 support provides expanded color and contrast, while automatic brightness and color-temperature adjustments adapt the display to surrounding lighting conditions.
USB-C provides data transfer and up to 90W of power delivery. The monitor also supports daisy-chaining a second display and includes a KVM switch for controlling two connected computers with a single keyboard and mouse.
24-inch Samsung ViewFinity S6
The height-adjustable stand supports tilt, swivel, and 90-degree pivot for vertical use. TUV-certified Intelligent Eye Care includes Eye Saver Mode and flicker reduction to reduce blue-light exposure and eye strain during extended use.
Amazon has the 24-inch Samsung ViewFinity S6 available for $249.99.
Uperfect 23.8-inch Portable 4K Monitor
The 23.8-inch Uperfect Portable Monitor provides a portable display for mobile setups and compact workspaces. Its 3840-by-2160 QLED panel offers 145% sRGB color coverage for photo editing, video, gaming, and general productivity.
The display reaches up to 400 nits of brightness when connected to an external power supply, or 300 nits when powered over USB-C. Its 4K resolution also provides additional workspace for viewing detailed images, documents, and multiple applications.
Uperfect 23.8-inch Portable 4K Monitor
A built-in stand offers up to 180 degrees of adjustment for positioning the display on a desk. The Uperfect monitor also supports 75-by-75mm VESA mounting for use with compatible monitor arms and wall mounts.
You can pick up this portable screen from Amazon, where it will run you $389.88.
KTC 27-inch 5K Monitor
The 27-inch KTC 5K Monitor features a 5120-by-2880 IPS panel with a pixel density of 217 pixels per inch. It supports 1.07 billion colors, 100% sRGB coverage, up to 500 nits of brightness, and a 2,000:1 contrast ratio.
The display can operate at 5K resolution at 60Hz or switch to 2560-by-1440 resolution at up to 120Hz. Adaptive Sync support helps reduce tearing and stuttering, while HDR400 support provides improved contrast for compatible content.
KTC 27 Inch 5K Monitor
Connectivity includes USB-C with up to 65W power delivery, DisplayPort 1.4, and HDMI 2.0 for connecting computers, laptops, and other devices. The monitor also supports 75-by-75mm VESA mounting and includes blue-light reduction and flicker-free display features.
One of the more budget-friendly options, you can pick up the KTC 27-inch 5K monitor from Amazon for $503.99.
27-inch ASUS ProArt 5K display
The 27-inch ASUS ProArt 5K display features a 5120-by-2880 IPS panel with wide 178-degree viewing angles. It covers 100% of the sRGB, 99% of the DCI-P3, and 95% of the Adobe RGB color gamuts for photo, video, and other creative work.
27-inch ASUS ProArt 5K display
The display is Calman Verified and factory calibrated to achieve Delta E<2 color accuracy. Built-in ambient light and backlight sensors can automatically adjust brightness and color temperature based on the surrounding environment.
USB-C connectivity supports DisplayPort, data transfer, and up to 96W of power delivery over a single cable. An integrated Auto KVM feature also allows a keyboard and mouse to control two connected computers without requiring separate peripherals.
The 27-inch ASUS ProArt 5K display is currently available on Amazon for $649.
Samsung 27-inch ViewFinity S8 Series High-Resolution Monitor
The 27-inch Samsung ViewFinity S8 features a 5120-by-2880 5K display with a pixel density of 218 pixels per inch. HDR10+ support adjusts contrast and color to provide deeper blacks and brighter highlights when viewing compatible content.
USB-C connectivity supports data transfer and up to 90W of power delivery, while a built-in LAN port provides wired Ethernet connectivity. The monitor also includes a KVM switch for sharing peripherals between connected computers, along with Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes.
Samsung 27-inch ViewFinity S8
Samsung Display Manager provides controls for features including split-screen layouts, brightness, and display calibration. The ViewFinity S8 also includes TUV-certified Eye Saver Mode technology to reduce blue light and screen flicker during extended use.
The Samsung ViewFinity S8 is available for purchase from Amazon for $699.99.
LG 32-inch UltraFine 6K
The 32-inch LG UltraFine evo is a 6K monitor aimed squarely at creatives. Its 6144-by-3456 resolution provides more than 21 million pixels at a density of 224 pixels per inch.
32-inch LG UltraFine evo
The Nano IPS Black panel supports up to 99.5% of the Adobe RGB and 98% of the DCI-P3 color gamuts, along with 10-bit color depth. It also offers a contrast ratio of up to 2,000:1 and is VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified.
Thunderbolt 5 provides data transfer, 96W power delivery, and support for daisy-chaining multiple 6K displays over a single connection. Additional connectivity includes HDMI, DisplayPort 2.1, and USB Type-C.
The UltraFine evo is also TUV Rheinland Eye Comfort certified for extended use. Its combination of high pixel density, color support, and connectivity makes it suited to tasks including photo editing, video production, and 3D work.
It's currently priced at $1,099.99, which is a 15% discount off MSRP.
31.5-inch Asus ProArt 6K Display
The 31.5-inch ASUS ProArt 6K display features a 6016-by-3384 IPS panel with 178-degree viewing angles and an anti-glare LuxPixel coating. It covers 100% of the sRGB and 98% of the DCI-P3 color gamuts, with a dedicated M Model-P3 preset designed to match the color performance of MacBook displays.
The monitor is Calman Verified and factory calibrated to achieve Delta E<2 color accuracy. Ambient light and backlight sensors can automatically adjust the display to maintain consistent brightness and color performance.
31.5-inch Asus ProArt 6K display
Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports with up to 96W power delivery and support for daisy-chaining, along with HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and a built-in USB hub. An integrated Auto KVM switch allows a single keyboard and mouse to control two connected computers.
You can pick up your own ASUS ProArt 32-inch 6K display from Amazon for $1,099.
Apple Studio Display
Apple's 27-inch Studio Display features a 5120-by-2880 5K Retina display with a pixel density of 218 pixels per inch. The 60Hz display reaches 600 nits of brightness and supports 1 billion colors, the P3 wide color gamut, and True Tone.
Apple Studio Display
The Studio Display includes multiple reference modes for workflows including video, digital cinema, photography, design and print, and web content. It also includes a 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View, a three-microphone array, and a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support.
Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 5 ports and two USB-C ports, with the upstream Thunderbolt connection providing up to 96W of charging to a connected Mac. The downstream Thunderbolt 5 port supports high-speed accessories and daisy-chaining additional displays, while the two USB-C ports provide up to 10Gbps transfer speeds.
The Studio Display is available in multiple configurations, but the base model on the tilt-adjustable stand begins at $1,599, although Amazon is running a sale on the monitor. Additional options, like the VESA mount adapter, tilt-and-height adjustable stand, or nano texture, will alter the price.
Apple Studio Display XDR
Apple's 27-inch Studio Display XDR features a 5120-by-2880 5K Retina XDR display with a pixel density of 218 pixels per inch. Its mini-LED backlight uses 2,304 dimming zones and supports up to 1,000 nits of SDR brightness, 2,000 nits peak HDR brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate with Adaptive Sync.
The display supports 1 billion colors, P3 and Adobe RGB wide color gamuts, True Tone, and reference modes for workflows including HDR video, digital cinema, photography, design and print, and medical imaging. It also includes a 12MP Center Stage camera, a three-microphone array, and a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support.
Apple Studio Display XDR
Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 5 ports and two USB-C ports, with the upstream Thunderbolt connection providing up to 140W of charging. A downstream Thunderbolt 5 port supports high-speed accessories and daisy-chaining additional displays, while the USB-C ports provide transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps.
The Studio Display is available in multiple configurations, but the base model on the tilt-and-height adjustable stand is priced at $3,299. Adding a nano-texture display will increase the price, though Apple Premier Partner Expercom is running discounts of up to $200 off the displays.
Save on Apple Studio Display XDR
We reviewed the Studio Display XDR and found that it was nearly perfect, giving it high marks for its sound system, Nano-texture, and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It does still carry the Apple tax.
Dell UltraSharp Q 32-inch 4K HDR Monitor
The 31.5-inch Dell UltraSharp Q 32-inch 4K HDR Monitor features a 3840-by-2160 display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. It supports Dolby Vision and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500, along with 99% DCI-P3 and Display P3 color gamut coverage.
An integrated colorimeter provides hardware-based calibration, while the display is factory calibrated to Delta E<1 accuracy. Its QD-OLED panel also features an anti-glare, low-reflectance coating for use in brightly lit workspaces.
Dell UltraSharp Q 32-inch 4K HDR Monitor
Thunderbolt 4 provides display connectivity and up to 140W of power delivery to a connected laptop. The monitor also includes USB-C with up to 27W charging, USB-A with up to 10W charging, and a 2.5Gb Ethernet port for wired network connectivity.
The Dell UltraShop Q 32-inch 4K HDR Monitor can be picked up at B&H Photo for $2,499, which reflects a $100 discount off retail.
We reviewed the Dell UltraSharp 32-inch monitor and found that it was a strong contender as a Studio Display XDR alternative for Mac users, provided you don't mind that it's not a true Retina-class display.
