# Top External Mac Monitors
If you’ve recently acquired a new Mac, such as the latest models, you may be in search of top-notch display options. Below are my suggestions, encompassing a variety of product types, price ranges, and more.
**Last Updated December 10, 2025**: Pricing and availability updated, added Samsung M9 Smart Monitor.
## Apple Studio Display (Save over $230)
You can’t compile a list of the finest displays available without highlighting Apple’s Studio Display. Although it comes with a higher price tag, it boasts an exquisite Apple design featuring a 27-inch 5K display. Additionally, it comes equipped with one Thunderbolt 3 port for connecting your Mac, plus three extra USB-C ports.
– **Display**: 27-inch 5K Retina display (5120×2880 resolution) at 218 pixels per inch
– **Brightness**: 600 nits
– **Color Support**: Wide color (P3) accommodating 1 billion colors
– **Refresh rate**: 60Hz
– **Webcam**: 12MP Ultra Wide with Center Stage functionality
– **True Tone Technology**: Adapts the color temperature of the display to fit ambient lighting
– **Ports**: One Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port for host connection (delivering up to 96W host charging) and three USB-C ports (up to 10Gb/s) for peripherals, storage, and networking
The Studio Display is offered in various configurations at different price points. If you want an iMac-like experience with your Mac, the Apple Studio Display is your best bet.
## Samsung M9 Smart Monitor
The 32-inch Samsung M9 Smart Monitor is a strong contender for Mac users due to its 4K OLED screen.
– **Panel**: 32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) Quantum Dot OLED with anti-glare coating
– **Refresh rate**: 165Hz
– **Ports**: DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, 2x USB-A
– **Built-in camera**: Yes, 4K
– **HDR support**: Yes (HDR10/HDR10+)
While it doesn’t deliver the sharpness of 5K or 6K resolution found in some alternatives, it offers the advantages of OLED technology, including richer blacks and enhanced color accuracy and contrast.
## LG UltraFine 6K
The LG UltraFine 6K has been eagerly awaited as a budget-friendly alternative to Apple’s Studio Display and Pro Display XDR.
– **Display**: 31.5″ 16:9 IPS Black Panel
– **Resolution**: UHD 6K 6144 x 3456 at 60 Hz
– **Brightness**: 450 Nits, 600 Nits in HDR
– **Contrast Ratio**: 2000:1
– **Color Coverage**: 98% DCI-P3 & 99.5% Adobe RGB
– **Ports**: Integrated USB-C Hub & KVM, 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 5) with USB PD 96 W, 3x USB-C
## Asus ProArt 5K Display
The Asus ProArt (PA27JCV) Display 5K offers the same 5K resolution (5120×2880) in a comparable 27-inch size to the Studio Display, but at half the cost.
– **Display**: 27-inch 5K resolution (5120×2880 pixels) at 218 PPI with a matte finish
– **Brightness**: Standard brightness of 400 nits and peak brightness of 500 nits
– **Webcam**: None
– **Ports**: USB-C, HDMI 2.1, and a standard DisplayPort 1.4
## Asus ProArt 6K Display
For a larger and higher-resolution option, the new Asus ProArt Display 6K (PA32QCV) features a 32-inch display with a native resolution of 6016 x 3384.
– **Display**: 31.5-inch 6K (6016 x 3384) IPS display
– **PPI**: 218
– **Refresh rate**: 60Hz
– **Connectivity**: Dual Thunderbolt 4
– **HDR support**: HDR10 and VESA DisplayHDR™ 600
– **Color Gamut**: 98% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB
## Samsung ViewFinity S9 5K
Samsung’s ViewFinity S9 5K is another appealing choice to pair with your new Mac, currently offered at $999.99.
– **Display**: 27
