Best Ultrawide Monitor for MacBook Pro

The MacBook Pro is indeed one of the most powerful laptops to use and is high in demand mostly by students and office workers. Since most of us have been forced to work from home, there come times when bigger display screens are needed for extreme productivity.

MacBook Pro has a great screen but smaller in size which doubles the need for a bigger working space than your MacBook Pro. As a Mac user, you must be aware of the compatibility issues associated with it therefore, look for the monitor that comes with generous connectivity options.

The best ultrawide monitor for MacBook pro gives much-needed workspace and great multi-tasking abilities that too, with the visual appeal of a Mac. Isn’t it wonderful?

The sole purpose of getting an additional screen for your MacBook Pro would be none other than a bigger display. Hence, we have mentioned some of the best MacBook-friendly monitors with an ultrawide display that ensures an unforgettable and jaw-dropping experience.

Who needs a monitor for MacBook Pro?

Having an additional large monitor is indeed a great asset especially when you don’t travel frequently and work at a single location consistently. It also increases the comfort level since you won’t have to hunch over the small display screen of your MacBook Pro all day long.

Most of these external monitors with ultrawide displays focus on productivity and therefore, offer numerous extensive features. With such incredible specs, this won’t be a deal of loss.

But, it won’t be useful for everyone. If you are someone who keeps changing their working locations or travels a lot, an additional monitor might not be a good choice for you. 

However, if you are entry-level photographers and designers, or work from your home office without switching places, you must get an external monitor for MacBook. 

Conquer your profession with great productivity boosters i.e., the widest display monitors.

An ultrawide is a perfect screen for creating elegant designs for work, gaming out with excellent image quality, or creating your college presentations.

Digital space for work is important for intense gamers or movie fanatics as well and for that purpose, you must get a good gaming monitor to accompany your MacBook Pro. 

Why an ultrawide monitor? 

Are you wondering why we are stressing upon the ultrawide monitors for your Mac? Well, ultrawide is a new category of monitors that gives impressive picture quality, crystal-clear windows, plenty of screen real-estate, and a wide enough screen. 

Furthermore, it’s Quantum Dot technology offers billion shades and tones of accurate colors which is idyllic for color-sensitive work. If you have an efficient working routine, you would not like to spend time on the stretched and unpleasant viewing experience. 

Also, to help you with a comfortable eye balls movement, wide-screen monitors are recommended. With the increased field of vision, there will be no need to turn the head since everything will be in your eyesight without moving your head. So comfortable!

Remember that the ultrawide monitor allows you to fully immerse in your gaming experience from all angles which you can view comfortably from any angle without missing your enemy’s target.

Ultrawide gives a horizontal view of a larger landscape without stretching the graphics which will be visible to even a table full of spectators from any viewing angle. 

Now that you know why ultrawide monitors are preferred for your Mac, let’s dig deep into the listing below. Check out the best affordable ultrawide monitor to accompany your MacBook Pro and pick your perfect match. 

Best Ultrawide Monitor for MacBook Pro

The comparison table below will assist you in understanding the important features and choosing the best monitor for your MacBook Pro. You can also compare the monitors based on their prices and pick the one that lies within your budget range. 

1. ASUS ProArt Display Monitor 

Looking for the best monitor for MacBook Pro in the budget category? Check out the ASUS ProArt PA278CV monitor that supports USB-C with power delivery.

Features

The regular-sized monitor offers a wider field of vision with the highest resolutions and vibrant colors of the RGB spectrum. If we look at the display, it has well-built and exceptional ergonomics to place it in a comfortable viewing position so make the most out of it and start tilting, swiveling, or rotating for your ease. The ASUS monitor is quite thin yet it has a sturdy build quality and can be mounted on the wall since it’s VESA compatible. 

The 27-inch IPS display offers a wide-angle display of 178 degrees to give you an incredible productive and enjoyable experience by delivering a spectacular WQHD resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. Not only are the wide viewing angles great for sharing content but they also provide an enhanced viewing experience for document reading. 

Although the Adobe RGB is too low for pro photo editors, the 100 percent sRGB color space makes it good for content creators. Gain full control of your colors by using the six-axis color adjustment for precise customization and hardware calibration.

The Calman verified ASUS PA278CV has a Delta E calibration of less than two which results in smoother transactions between the images. Say goodbye to switching between windows and use the ASUS multitasking feature to work on multiple applications side by side. 

The monitor offers both display modes of Picture in Picture as well as Picture by Picture. The PIP/PBP allows you to display two input signals from two devices at the same time so the choice is yours to either snap between the areas of the screen quickly or enjoy your everyday web browsing while doing graphics editing. 

Click here, If you are interested in reading our latest buyer guide on Best Second Monitor for iMac.

For connectivity, there are a variety of ports for easy connection to your laptop including USB-Type C, USB 3.1, DisplayPort, and HDMI. There’s also an option for daisy-chaining through the DisplayPort for setting up three to four monitors.

The best part is that you can use this monitor for day trading as well.

Performance

Great response times give a snappier and smoother desktop experience and that’s exactly what you get with the ASUS ProArt PA278CV with its remarkable refresh rate of 75Hz and Adaptive sync technology.

The best part is that the monitor comes with low blue light filter and flicker-free technology to adjust the brightness and control the blue light for preventing eye fatigue and eye strain. 

Pros

• Impressive wide-angle display
• Sharp and accurate color gamut
• Built-in speakers
• Suitable for multi-monitor setup 

Cons

• No HDR support 
• Lacks multiple input display option 

2. GIGABYTE M27Q Monitor

A feature-rich productivity monitor to enhance your viewing experience by capturing the attention of all your senses is the M27Q by GIGABYTE. The sharp display and P3 wide color gamut is just like MacBook’s Retina display making it a great monitor for MacBook Pro.

Features

The monitor looks elegant and simple with its flat screen and super-thin bezels. The V-shaped stand is robust and gives a sleek look overall. The only downfall is the limited ergonomics with an option to just tilt or adjust the height for an ideal viewing position. The rear side of the monitor is shiny and made with a mixture of plastic and matte. Stay hassle-free from the declutter cables as the monitor features a smart cable management system and also can be mounted on the wall as it is VESA compatible. 

The M27Q monitor’s narrow borders result in a flawless picture and provide the user with a seamless experience with fluidity for fast reflexes. Whether you want to watch cinema format movies or enjoy some casual gaming, this monitor is the perfect choice to have that will deliver unmatched performance in 1440p crispness. The Gigabyte monitor also supports HDR and 8-bit color depth, which makes it a good choice for all individuals engaged in photography, videography, or design.

The Gigabyte monitors are equipped with on-screen overlays to maximize productivity. Adjust your crosshair by using the aim stabilizer feature to gain an advantage over your opponent. Get the tiniest of details as the Black Equalizer handles darker scenes to improve clarity and visibility. 

There are plenty of options for connectivity present at the rear of the monitor such as DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB-C port for streamline connectivity to your laptop.

Performance

For competitive or hardcore gamers, a lag-free playing experience is their utmost priority. The Gigabyte monitor was designed for gaming-centric features to provide a rich gaming experience. 

The ultra-smooth gameplay should be free from flicker, blur, and ghosting or tearing because of 0.5ms and 170 Hz RR. There is also a Dashboard present that lets you know about the current situation of your hardware running in real-time so analyze the information in case you experience any lag or tearing.

Pros

• Compatible with game console and PC
• HDR support available 
• Ultra-fast response time
• Vivid SDR color gamut

Cons

• Poor ergonomics 
• Comparatively low contrast ratio

3. LG 38WN95C-W Curved Monitor

Description

The Ideal monitor for MacBook Pro is the one having visual quality close to the MacBook Pro and that is no other than the beautifully designed sleek curved monitor LG 38WN95C-W. 

Features

The monitor has a silver arc-shaped stand that is robust in nature.  The classic color combination of black and white looks very attractive to fit in any environment. The monitor is 100 x 100 VESA compatible but has poor ergonomics with a narrow range of tilt and swivel motion.

The ultrawide monitor is a source of productivity and allows you to do entertainment in your home.  The curved display offers highly immersive visuals, which are three times more than the 16:9 HD pixel space. Since the monitor provides vivid and true-to-color images on its ergonomically curved screen, it is VESA certified for DisplayHDR 600. Moreover, the fantastic SDR color gamut makes this monitor a great tool for video editing. 

Not to forget that the 38-inch large monitor increases Field of View FOV and can be used to watch movies or present your architectural CAD/CAM designs. There is also an option to put your eyes in relaxation mode by enabling the reader mode to experience the calm color temperature of an A4 paper. 

The 21:19 aspect ratio is great for multi-tasking. You can make use of the two windows to use documents and slack/teams/email/zoom or whatever application is used for your meetings or online classes.  Even if you don’t have your headphones connected, the monitor has built-in speakers that provide good enough quality sound for you to hear. 

To establish a strong connection, the monitor has a USB-C with Thunderbolt 3 to connect with MacBook. The HDMI and DisplayPort can help connect multiple multimedia devices like laptops, gaming devices, media players, etc. or you can use the USB 2.0 and USB-C for connection. Thunderbolt 3 and 94W makes it a perfect companion of MacBook

Performance

If you’re one of the hardcore gamers, then this should be your go-to option because the 38WN95C-W monitor is compatible with both G-sync and AMD FreeSycn Premium Pro to enhance your immersive gaming. 

It also has a response time of 1ms and a variable refresh rate of 144Hz. Not only does the VRR ensures the fastest response time and reduce tearing, but also prevents frustrating glitches like flickering and ghosting making the curved viewing experience realistic. 

Pros

• Variable refresh rate support
• Negligible input lag
• Wide-angle large screen
• Thunderbolt 3 compatible

Cons

• Poor ergonomics
• Poor visuals in direct sunlight

4. LG 49WL95C-W Curved Monitor

Description

If the 38-inch monitor isn’t working out and you are looking to upgrade with the best ultrawide MacBook Pro monitor for extra tool space, then opt for the LG 49WL95C-W without even thinking. It is perhaps the largest ultrawide monitor you will find on the market that is excellent for Mac users.

Features

The LG 49WL95C monitor is almost equal to two 27-inch monitors due to its smooth curves and incomparable display of 49 inches. The ultra-wide monitor design is pretty similar to other LG monitors as it features a curved base with a robust stand.  

The monitor’s screen height angle is good to maximize comfort but the tilt and swivel ergonomics are just average. You may find this hard to believe but the large 49-inched display is VESA 100 x 100mm compatible and can be mounted on the wall although, the stand has to be removed first.

The monitor features an IPS panel and has impressive gradient handling to minimize banding. Not only this but the excellent viewing angles and a 70 percent more pixel ratio than your ordinary 32:9 display make this LG monitor an attractive and attention seeker in front of other displays. Enjoy an immersive curved viewing experience with the LG monitor in a crystal clear dual QHD resolution of 5120 x 1440 pixels precise. 

Thanks to the incredibly large screen size, you can view panoramic pictures or image thumbnails without having to change the image folder. From editing video animations to doing office work, the 49WL95C-W monitor is a suitable choice for multi-tasking as the screen split allows affectively tripling your screen real estate. 

There are plenty of options for connectivity including the USB-C for charging and data transfer, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0, and an audio jack of 3.5mm. For better quality audio and rich sound, the LG monitor has two 10-watt speakers integrated inside. 

Performance

Although the monitor has a refresh rate of 60Hz, it is still pretty decent for gaming. What makes this ultra-wide monitor stand out among others is the HDR 10 technology that delivers a smooth video and fluid viewing experience. The ambient light sensor adapts to the brightness making the monitor ideal for low light work. 

Pros

• Abundant screen real-estate
• Compatible with HDR 10
• Supreme gradient handling

Cons

• Low contrast ratio

5. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV Monitor

Description

Some of the Dell monitors are showing issues hence users are shifting to MacBook Pro and if using MacBook Pro for image-based creative pursuits, then the ASUS ProArt PA278QV should be the one to choose as it is the best MacBook Pro monitor for less premium price. 

Features

The PA278QV is the older version of the ASUS PA278CV but it is more budget-friendly and has a lot of similar features. The normal widescreen monitor has a very basic design with slim bezels on three sides of the monitor and a thick bezel at the bottom. 

The square-shaped stand is made of plastic and gives the monitor a sturdy look. Choose your ideal viewing position as the ASUS monitor offers superb ergonomics and can be rotated, swiveled, and tilted. Forget the tumbling of wires, as there’s a small cutout for cable management. 

The monitor by ASUS does not have a curved display however the viewing on a flat-screen of 27-inch is remarkable with tremendous colors and sharp pixels because of the Calman certification. The factory-calibrated monitor has a surprisingly 100% sRGB and Rec.709 color gamut to provide you with minute details in rich and bright production. If you don’t like the color parameters, you can always go to the ProArt Palette and adjust them according to your preference. 

Work efficiently by using the ASUS QuickFit Virtual scale that works as a real-size artwork preview. It basically makes a grid on your display and gives you the option to align your pictures or documents without any discomfort. 

We know that content looking causes migraines, fatigue, headache, and continuous screen-flicker can irritate your eyes. To prevent all these problems, the PA278QV is built using ASUS Flicker-free technology and Ultra-low Blue Light Technology. 

The majority of the best ultrawide monitors are plug and play with most Macs however the ASUS monitor is a bit different with no USB-C. It offers rich connectivity options starting from VGA, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, DisplayPort, USB hub, Audio jack, and dual-link DVI-D only.

Performance

While the monitor was designed for animations and content creations, it still does a pretty decent job whether you want a disturbance-free video watching experience or plays some competitive games. The monitor is adaptable to both FreeSync as well as G-sync technology and the VRR support along with swift response time makes it a top-notch choice to have for an immersive viewing experience.

Pros

• Better ergonomics
• Supports Variable Refresh Rate
• Prevents eye strain and fatigue
• Vivid colors

Cons

• Doesn’t support USB-C and Thunderbolt 3
• No HDR support

6. BenQ PD3200U Monitor

Description

An excellent lower-price 4k monitor for MacBook Pro is the BenQ PD3200U. The monitor’s 4k screens with a fast connection result in a speedy transfer between the display and your laptop and help in illustrating your work on a bigger screen.

Features

At first glance, the BenQ monitor looks very simple and basic nevertheless it is packed with tons of features for its users. The monitor has thin bezels in the color of matte black with a robust rectangular stand that prevents the monitor from wobbling. It also has a carry-neck at the top for comfortable portability. 

When it comes to ergonomics, the BenQ monitor is by far the best with options to swivel up to 20-degrees, adjust the height to 150mm or rotate in portrait mode. The monitor also has four VESA mounting holes present for easy wall mounting. 

The monitor has an IPS panel that gives a wide-angle option to its users. The 32-inch monitor also delivers crisp and accurate images at a spectacular 4K resolution. A 4k resolution is a good option for animators and visual media editors who are looking for a seamless visual experience. 

Make the most out of the AQCOLOR technology by BenQ that covers a gigantic color gamut of sRGB, Rec.709, and Adobe RGB to provide vivid and bright colors. By using the Dual-view mode, you can save time and complete tasks way quicker for maximum productivity.

What’s impressive about the BenQ monitor is the variety of modes it has to offer such as Professional modes, Animation Modes, CAD modes, Dark modes, etc. to name a few. The Darkroom modes optimize the display for technical illustration to enhance the overall display. 

For connecting your laptops and monitors, there are input slots present which include HDMI 2.0, Mini DisplayPort, DisplayPort 1.2, and USB 2.0. Make use of the HDMI slot and connect your gaming consoles to the game in 4K.

Performance

One thing we can guarantee about the BenQ PD3200U is its next-level performance. Not only does the monitor has sharp accurate colors and displays but also features eye-care technology that uses the low blue light filter and flicker-free technology to prevent any headaches.  The KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse) option lets you display your documents, files, and pictures from different computers to a solo screen.

Pros

• Crystal clear 4K-resolution
• Bright 
• Efficient for multi-tasking

Cons

• Complex controller settings
• Design is too basic

7. ViewSonic VP2458 Frameless Monitor

Description

If you are struggling to find the best budget ultrawide monitor for MacBook Pro, stop right here. This moderately priced monitor by ViewSonic is our next pick and we urge you to take a look at these spectacular features.

Features

The first thing that would come to your notice about this monitor will be its minimalistic design. Its bezel-free cabinets make the 24-inch display look even bigger and also make it a great choice for a dual-monitor setup. 

The solid black and silver stand holds the weight of the monitor and has no shortage of adjustment features. The stand is capable of swiveling to 120 degrees and tilting at 26 degrees. You can also raise or lower the stand’s height up to 5.1 inches. 

Want to view your content in portrait mode? Say no less. The stand has the ability to rotate to 90 degrees to turn into Portrait mode. If you don’t have enough space on your desk, hang the monitor on your wall via VESA mount compatibility.

Since the monitor utilizes an IPS panel, the native resolution is delivered in the standard Full HD 1920x1080p. Experience deeper blacks and brighter whites with the contrast ratio of 1000:1. The 5ms gray-to-gray response time ensures smoother visuals without blurring. The peak brightness offered by this monitor is 250 cd/m².

The layout of connectivity ports is present at the rear end of the monitor. These include one DisplayPort, one mini DisplayPort, two HDMI Ports, four downstream USB 3.0 Ports, one upstream USB 3.0 Port, and a headphone jack. Unfortunately, you don’t get the built-in speakers with this monitor. 

Performance

The VP258 performs really well in terms of color accuracy and visuals because of its wide color gamut and incredible viewing angles. Also, its FHD display and fast response time make it a great deal for people who rely on faster visuals.

Unfortunately, this monitor by ViewSonic lacks the latest technologies hence, battling in the computer display market against some highly equipped monitors. 

Pros

• Portrait orientation
• Blue light filter
• Comfortable viewing

Cons

• Smaller screen size
• Lacks latest technologies 

8. LG 34WL850-W Monitor

Description

In search of the best MacBook Pro monitor for home working? Look no further than the LG 34WL850-W. This monitor is a great choice for those who multitask and require larger display screens to toggle multiple tabs at one time. 

Features

The design of this monitor is similar to most of the monitor and, is definitely exquisite. The refreshing look is delivered by the white chassis whereas, extra thin bezels on three sides add to the overall beauty.

The monitor is supported by a sturdy Arc-Line ergonomic stand having a matte silver finish. You can adjust the height according to your comfort but, unfortunately, the stand can’t be pivoted or swiveled at any angle.

The biggest selling point of this monitor apart from its stylish design is its WQHD display with an IPS panel. The 34-inch monitor displays visuals in an excellent 3440x1440p resolution. The sRGB color gamut is 97% but it marvelously accurate. 

Because of the Nano IPS panel, the monitor offers a 5ms response time and 60Hz refresh rate. The contrast ratio on the other hand is lower than one might expect I.e., 840:1 which results in washed out, greyish looking dark images. 

With the FreeSync compatibility, you can play most of your favorite games with great graphics on this ultrawide monitor. Just make sure that those games are compatible with your macOS as well. 

As far as the connectivity is concerned, the monitor has a pretty flexible set of ports. One DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 Ports, two USB 3.0 Ports, and the ultimate USB-C Thunderbolt slot are present. 

The USB-C Port while accepting the video input when your compatible MacBook Pro is docked in, charges the internal battery at the same time. Because of this ability, the cluttered mess of cable wires is prevented. Don’t forget that the charging output can’t exceed the 60 Watts limit.  

Performance

Well, the LG 34WL850-W is not a dedicated gaming monitor, and hence its lower refresh rate results in lagging and blurring. But, the color accuracy delivered by this monitor is fantastic.

If you are someone who multitasks but your MacBook Pro’s screen is smaller, then this monitor from LG is what you must not miss out on. 

Pros

• Thunderbolt 3 connectivity
• Great color accuracy
• Ideal for multitasking

Cons

• Poor contrast ratio
• Extensive backlight bleed
• Slow refresh rate

9. ViewSonic VP3268 Monitor

Description

If working on graphics is your job, brilliant visuals with top color accuracy must be your priority. Lucky enough, because this product is one of the best ultrawide MacBook Pro monitors for top creatives. So, without any further ado, let’s dive into the amazing features this monitor is stacked with. 

Features

The most important thing in the design of a monitor is its bezels and this incredible monitor from ViewSonic has ultra-thin bezels. Because of the extremely thin bezels on all four sides, the 32-inch display has more horizontal space which means; more expanded view and increased real-estate.

Everything that you expect in a good monitor stand is present here. For example, 90-degree pivot, 120-degree swivel, 130mm height adjustable capability, and of course, VESA mount compatibility.

Since this monitor is designed exclusively for visual graphics designers, it has top-tier visual specs such as a mind-blowing 4K Ultra HD display at 3840 x 2160p. Having an IPS display panel, you get an incredible set of features including, sRGB, SMPTE-C, Rec. 709, and EBU.

However, you don’t get the brightness close to MacBook Pro but, what you do get is 350-nits of peak brightness which is not at all bad. Though the monitor utilizes an 8-bit panel, it can support up to 14-bit. 

What about connectivity options? Well, the manufacturers have been really generous in this regard. One full-sized DisplayPort along with a Mini DisplayPort, two HDMI Ports, four USB 3.0 Ports, headphones jack, and a microphone jack. The USB 3.0 acts as the hub through which USB-C carries power, data, and video streams. 

Performance

The monitors are factory calibrated and hence deliver outstanding Delta E<2 value. The 100% sRGB coverage also indicates brilliant color accuracy and realistic visuals. its 6-Axis Color Enhancement allows the designers to explore its versatile color adjustment. The frameless display makes your experience highly immersive.   

Pros

• Exceptional color accuracy
• Great for visual designers
• Generous connectivity
• 3-years warranty

Cons

• Low contrast ratio
• Unintuitive button placement
• Slow response time

10. LG 27UK850-W Monitor

Description

If you have not yet found your best fit, we have this last option for you. This professional monitor is highly versatile and loaded with high-end specs, especially for gamers. So, step-up your professional game with the LG 27UK850 monitor that offers a vast variety of features.

Features

To begin with, the monitor has a unique design and features white rear and black front which can’t really be seen in other monitors. Its adjustable height is one of the most useful features as you can raise or lower the display up to 4.7 inches. Moreover, the forward and backward tilt is also allowed to be done between -5 and 20-degrees angle. The 90-degrees pivot of the U-Line stand allows the landscape display to rotate in portrait mode. 

The whopping native resolution featured in this monitor is 4K Ultra HD 3840x2160p that guarantees sharp visuals. The refresh rate that this monitor is capable of serving is 60Hz which might be a deal-breaker for some gaming enthusiasts. Though it might fail to match the levels of those top-notch monitors in terms of refresh rates, it does deliver brilliant visuals; just what one expects from a decent 4K monitor.

Integrated with an IPS panel, brilliant color reproduction, wider viewing angles, and 99% sRGB color gamut is guaranteed. Because of the wide viewing angles, the visual from any angle remain clear and vivid.

The connectivity options given in the monitor are generous. At the backside of the monitor, you will find one DisplayPort, two HDMI Ports, one USB Type-C Port, a pair of USB 2.0 Ports, and USB 3.0 Ports. When USB-C is connected, the USB 2.0 and 3.0 act as a USB hub.

Performance

Have an unforgettable ultrawide gaming experience with the LG 27UK850 monitor as it is installed with AMD FreeSync Technology. Play your games in fluid movement and 4K resolution without any stuttering or lagging. 

Moreover, the monitor also features Black Stabiliser to enhance dark scenes so that you don’t lose the target of your enemies. Since it is HDR10 compatible, know that High-Dynamic Range (HDR) is perfect for playing games in darker with extreme details.

Pros

• 4K resolution
• Portrait mode
• Anti-glare screen

Cons

• Max 60Hz refresh rate
• Poor speakers

Buying Guide For Ultrawide Monitors

Since this is not a purchase of casual monitors, you must be very well aware of the important factors to consider while buying an inherently better monitor for MacBook Pro.

Therefore, we urge you to check our detailed buying guide carefully.

1. Display Size

You will surely get overwhelmed with a huge range of ultrawide monitors for MacBook Pro but, go for the one that you actually need. You must determine two important things while choosing the size that includes, the nature of your work and the space you have on your desk. 

If you want an external monitor only to enlarge the display proportional to your Mac, you might not need as large a display size as someone who needs plenty of real estate for multitasking. Ultrawide monitors usually have extremely narrow bezels and borders that add to the overall field of vision.

Don’t forget to measure the space available on your workstation for an extra monitor. If you lack enough space, check out the monitors that offer wall mounting features.

2. Display Panel 

The monitors are integrated with either one of the three different types of display panels depending on their specialty. All three types are different from the other in terms of specs and hence we can’t pick one and label it the best one.

If you don’t want to compromise on the visuals, go for the monitor with an IPS panel. If faster performance is what you need, hands down to the TN panels. However, if you want a blend of both the panels, VA panels must be it.

Do you see the difference between the three? That is why the best panel differs from person to person. Some might love IPS panels whereas others won’t choose any other except for TN or VA. 

• IPS (In-Plane Switching) Panels

The most prominent feature of an IPS Panel is its wider viewing angles that allow seamless playback of the video. Moreover, it has excellence in color accuracy because of its wider color gamut range and full sRGB coverage. IPS displays are usually opted by professional graphic designers or video editors that have color-intensive work.

The IPS panels are unable to deliver the fastest response time i.e., nearly 4ms. Also, these panels come with an expensive price tag. 

So, if you are not a hardcore gamer who relies on an ultra-fast response time and budget is not your issue, IPS panels would serve you the best. 

• TN (Twisted Nematic) Panels

Gone are the days when people had bulky monitors but, do you know what made those Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors a thing in that era? It was the TN panel. This monitor display technology dates back the oldest than any other panel type.

With a blazing fast response time of 1ms, this is the favorite panel type for the gaming freaks who don’t like to compromise on the pace of the game. Unfortunately, this panel fails to offer wider viewing angles. Because of this, visuals with accuracy are not shown if you move even the slightest from the exact middle of the screen.

However, there are some latest models that have the capability of delivering brilliant color accuracy along with a wider color gamut. Know that you will have some greyish looking or washed out black in the dark scenes because of the reduced contrast ratio.

TN panels are high in demand by the gaming freaks because of their lightning-fast response time. Since gaming is all about smoother visuals with no lag at all, TN panels serve the best in this regard.

If you are not after accurate color reproduction or wider viewing angles and looking for a much affordable panel, opt for the TN panels. 

• VA (Vertical Alignment) Panels

As mentioned above, these panels lie somewhere between the two as they offer a great balance between brilliant visuals and fast responsiveness. However, you will get the best ever contrast ratio with VA panels, even better than the other two types are capable of.

VA ensures all of your content creation remains bold and darker scenes are visualized with exceptional detail as the range of contrast ratio ranges between 3000:1 to 6000:1. 

These panels do offer a decent color reproduction and gamut but unfortunately, can’t match the levels of IPS. Therefore, these panels are suggested best for people who enjoy movie nights in the dark or play games in a darker environment.

The downsides that you might experience with these panels include ghosting and motion trials. But, if you have premium models of VA panels, these won’t be an issue for you. 

3. Resolution

You would be delighted to know that you can get the best display with MacBook Pro with an ultrawide screen monitor. Though, most people would settle happily for a display with a 1920x1080p display. It is also known as standard Full High Definition which shows excellent visuals and enough for casual activities. But, luckily you can go up to QHD and WQHD displays with a resolution of 2560x1440p as well. 

Beyond that, you can also find some of the best 4K MacBook Pro monitors for ultimate pixel detail in our listing above. Crisp 4K UHD resolution gives crispy visuals and a super wide color gamut that is responsible for sharp and vivid visuals.

4.  Refresh Rate

Standard refresh rates available in these ultrawide monitors are 60 Hz. However, if you are using the monitor for editing pictures, videos, slideshows, you can find some with refresh rates over 100 Hz.

5. Response Time

The fastest response time means no motion blurring or lagging which means, lesser the response time, the faster the visuals. If you are buying an external monitor for gaming, visual editing, or watching movies, we suggest you look for the monitors with the lowest response times.

For gaming, usually, a response time lesser than 5ms is considered ideal however, many competitive gamers prefer 1ms; the lowest possible response time for their hardcore gaming.

You can enjoy your favorite movie with no lagging or blurring at the minimum response time of 5ms. Whereas, for video editing, the response time of 7ms would work fine as well. 

6. Pixel Density

Many people overlook this factor but, if you expect a stellar visual performance from the external monitor, make sure to carefully look out for this feature. The monitor should have a higher pixel density from 110 to 220 PPI since it is the perfect pairing with your MacBook Pro. 

7. Connectivity Ports

The latest Apple MacBook Pros are integrated with the Thunderbolt 3 Ports and after this introduction, it would be safe to say that the USB-C port makes it an ideal fit for MacBook Pro. 

So, going for the monitor that connects to MacBook Pro over USB-C for power and video is no brainer. The only drawback of the USB-C Port is its expensive accessories in comparison to the USB 3.0.

For people having an older model of MacBook Pro, ultrawide monitors having support for USB 3.0 Ports is preferred. But, for those having the latest models, you have the feasibility of extending your Mac’s port via a USB-C hub. 

8. Additional Features

An ultrawide monitor is not only about a huge display screen but a lot more than that. There are numerous features that must be counted while making the purchase. For example, check the compatibility with game console and PC for FPS and RTS games.

Look for the capabilities such as anti-glare coating, adjustable display angles, Dynamic Action Sync, bypass speaker, low blue light for reduced eye strain, etc.

These are a few features that enhance the overall performance of a monitor and make it comfortable to be used for prolonged hours. 

Bottom Line

Getting an additional ultrawide monitor for your MacBook Pro is an amazing idea since it comes with several benefits. On top of everything, these external monitors enhance your productivity by increasing your multitasking abilities.

Not only do you get the best visuals and features of your Mac on a bigger screen, but you also get more comfort for your overall body and eyes especially. Though these external monitors are suggested for people who work at the same location. But, if you tend to travel a lot and still require an additional screen, look out for some of the best portable MacBook Pro monitor with the ultrawide display. 

There could be some downsides of having an external ultrawide monitor for your Mac as well. For example, the built-in volume and brightness control on the Mac keyboard won’t work with some monitors and you might require a separate keyboard as well.

We hope that our guide has helped you in choosing the best ultrawide companion for your Mac. 

This Article is Updated.

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Robert Smith

Robert Smith is a technology lover and loves to write about laptops, monitors, printers, tablets, Apple products and anything that's related to computers and games. He is passionate enough that he maintains this blog regarding tech updates on a daily basis.

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