Key takeaways
- Best monitor for laptops: Dell UltraSharp 27 USB-C Hub Monitor (U2724DE) ($449 – $579).
- Best for MacBooks: Apple Studio Display ($1,499 – $1,599) or LG 27-inch 4K USB-C ($399 – $499).
- USB-C monitors with power delivery let one cable handle display, charging and accessories.
In this article
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The best external monitors for laptops give you more screen space, better ergonomics and, with USB-C, a one-cable desk setup that charges your laptop too. Here are the best monitors of 2026 for Mac and Windows laptops, from budget office screens to 5K displays and portable monitors.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price on Amazon.
Quick answer
- Best monitor for laptops: Dell UltraSharp 27 USB-C Hub Monitor (U2724DE) ($449 – $579)
- Best value 4K for MacBooks: LG 27-inch 4K UHD USB-C Monitor (27UQ850) ($399 – $499)
- Best monitor for Mac users: Apple Studio Display ($1,499 – $1,599)
- Best for designers: BenQ PD2706U 4K Designer Monitor ($499 – $599)
- Best mid-range 4K USB-C: Samsung ViewFinity S8 27-inch 4K ($399 – $499)
- Best portable monitor: ASUS ZenScreen Portable Monitor (MB16AHG) ($199 – $249)
- Best budget monitor: Dell 24 Monitor (S2425HS) ($129 – $159)
Monitors for laptops compared
| Product | Best for | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell UltraSharp 27 USB-C Hub Monitor (U2724DE) | Best monitor for laptops | Buy | 9.0/10 | $449 – $579 |
| LG 27-inch 4K UHD USB-C Monitor (27UQ850) | Best value 4K for MacBooks | Buy | 8.6/10 | $399 – $499 |
| Apple Studio Display | Best monitor for Mac users | Buy | 8.5/10 | $1,499 – $1,599 |
| BenQ PD2706U 4K Designer Monitor | Best for designers | Buy | 8.7/10 | $499 – $599 |
| Samsung ViewFinity S8 27-inch 4K | Best mid-range 4K USB-C | Buy | 8.4/10 | $399 – $499 |
| ASUS ZenScreen Portable Monitor (MB16AHG) | Best portable monitor | Buy | 8.4/10 | $199 – $249 |
| Dell 24 Monitor (S2425HS) | Best budget monitor | Consider | 8.2/10 | $129 – $159 |
Our picks in detail
Dell UltraSharp 27 USB-C Hub Monitor (U2724DE)
Best monitor for laptops · Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.0/10 · Typical price: $449 – $579
Key specs: 27-inch QHD 120Hz IPS Black, USB-C with 90W charging, Ethernet, KVM
Why we picked it: One USB-C cable carries display, 90W charging, Ethernet and USB, and the 120Hz IPS Black panel looks great for work.
Pros: One-cable laptop setup · Excellent contrast for IPS · 120Hz · Built-in hub and Ethernet
Cons: QHD not 4K · Pricey · Plain speakers absent
Buy it if you want a one-cable office monitor for a laptop.
Skip it if you want 4K sharpness for photo work.
LG 27-inch 4K UHD USB-C Monitor (27UQ850)
Best value 4K for MacBooks · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $399 – $499
Key specs: 27-inch 4K IPS, USB-C with 90W charging, HDR400
Why we picked it: Sharp 4K text and USB-C charging make the LG 27UQ850 a great MacBook companion.
Pros: Sharp 4K · USB-C charging · Good color · Great for MacBooks
Cons: 60Hz · HDR is basic · Stand is basic
Buy it if you want sharp 4K text with one-cable MacBook charging.
Skip it if you want high refresh rates.
Apple Studio Display
Best monitor for Mac users · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.5/10 · Typical price: $1,499 – $1,599
Key specs: 27-inch 5K Retina, Thunderbolt 3, 96W charging, built-in camera and speakers
Why we picked it: The 5K Retina display, camera and speakers integrate perfectly with Macs.
Pros: Stunning 5K Retina sharpness · Excellent speakers and camera · Perfect Mac integration · Premium build
Cons: Very expensive · 60Hz · Height adjustment costs extra
Buy it if you want the best monitor for a MacBook.
Skip it if you use Windows or care about refresh rate.
BenQ PD2706U 4K Designer Monitor
Best for designers · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.7/10 · Typical price: $499 – $599
Key specs: 27-inch 4K IPS, 95% P3, USB-C 90W, KVM, calibrated
Why we picked it: Color-accurate 4K with USB-C and KVM for creative work.
Pros: Color accurate for design · USB-C one-cable setup · KVM switch · Good stand
Cons: 60Hz · HDR is weak · Basic speakers
Buy it if you edit photos or design and want accurate color.
Skip it if you game at high refresh.
Samsung ViewFinity S8 27-inch 4K
Best mid-range 4K USB-C · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.4/10 · Typical price: $399 – $499
Key specs: 27-inch 4K, USB-C 90W, HDR10, height adjustable
Why we picked it: 4K and USB-C charging at a fair price with an ergonomic stand.
Pros: 4K with USB-C charging · Good color · Ergonomic stand · Good value
Cons: 60Hz · Average HDR · Plain design
Buy it if you want 4K and USB-C on a mid-range budget.
Skip it if you need high refresh rates.
ASUS ZenScreen Portable Monitor (MB16AHG)
Best portable monitor · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.4/10 · Typical price: $199 – $249
Key specs: 15.6-inch Full HD 144Hz portable, USB-C and micro-HDMI, kickstand
Why we picked it: A 15.6-inch 144Hz second screen that fits in your bag.
Pros: Second screen anywhere · 144Hz · Built-in kickstand · Single-cable USB-C
Cons: Full HD only · Speakers weak · Needs power for some laptops
Buy it if you want a dual-screen setup while traveling.
Skip it if you want a big desk monitor.
Dell 24 Monitor (S2425HS)
Best budget monitor · Verdict: Consider · Score: 8.2/10 · Typical price: $129 – $159
Key specs: 24-inch Full HD 100Hz IPS, height adjustable, built-in speakers
Why we picked it: An affordable second screen for office work.
Pros: Very affordable · Height-adjustable stand · 100Hz · Built-in speakers
Cons: Full HD only · No USB-C · Basic HDR absent
Buy it if you want a cheap second screen for office work.
Skip it if you want one-cable USB-C charging.
What to look for in a laptop monitor
- USB-C with Power Delivery: one cable for video, charging and USB.
- Resolution: QHD (2560 x 1440) for 27 inches is good; 4K or 5K gives sharper text, especially on Macs.
- Refresh rate: 120Hz feels smoother for scrolling.
- Ergonomics: height-adjustable stands help posture.
- Built-in hub: USB ports and Ethernet reduce the need for a dock.
Mac vs Windows considerations
macOS looks best on high-pixel-density displays like 4K at 27 inches or the 5K Studio Display. Windows scales well on QHD and 4K. Check how many external displays your laptop supports, especially base-chip MacBooks.
Which monitor should you buy?
Most laptop users should buy the Dell UltraSharp U2724DE. MacBook owners should consider the LG 27-inch 4K USB-C or, for the best experience, the Apple Studio Display. Designers should choose the BenQ PD2706U. Travelers should get the ASUS ZenScreen, and budget buyers the Dell 24 S2425HS.
Complete your setup
Add a laptop stand to use your laptop as a second screen, a wireless keyboard and a dock if your monitor lacks USB-C.
What to check before you buy
- Confirm USB-C charging wattage matches your laptop.
- Check your laptop’s external display support.
- Measure desk depth for 27-inch and larger monitors.
What to skip
Common mistake: buying a 27-inch 1080p monitor for a MacBook. Text looks fuzzy; choose QHD at minimum, ideally 4K.
When to buy
Monitors see big discounts during Prime events and Black Friday.
Compare more options
Search USB-C monitor on Amazon See top-rated USB-C monitor on Amazon
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What is the best monitor for a laptop?
The Dell UltraSharp U2724DE for its one-cable USB-C setup, 120Hz QHD panel, built-in hub and Ethernet.
What is the best monitor for a MacBook?
The Apple Studio Display for its 5K Retina sharpness. The LG 27-inch 4K USB-C monitor is the best value option.
Do I need USB-C on a monitor?
It is very convenient for laptops, allowing one cable for video, charging and USB devices.
Is a portable monitor worth it?
Yes for travelers and remote workers who want a second screen anywhere.