5 Best Thunderbolt & USB-C Monitors For Mac

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Whether you work in a creative field, like to game on your computer, or are simply looking to maximize your productivity in any number of professions, having a Thunderbolt or USB-C monitor can be a huge advantage. If you usually use a MacBook, additional monitors are especially useful for adding screen size and resolution, but they also pair well in a dual monitor setup with an iMac. If you're using a Mac Mini, Mac Pro, or Mac Studio — which don't come with a display — you'll definitely need an external monitor.

While you might consider connecting a screen with an HDMI or DisplayPort, these days you'll more likely want to go with a Thunderbolt or USB-C monitor. This generation of connecting cables offers data transfer, power, and the ability to daisy chain devices, which can turn your Mac into a much-needed USB hub. 

Thunderbolt cables can be over twice as fast as the more universal USB-C standard, but they can be used interchangeably with USB-C ports. There isn't too much of a disadvantage when using a USB-C monitor over a Thunderbolt monitor. Rather, it comes down to the hardware itself, and there are a lot of options to choose from.

The "Ergo" in the name of the LG 32UN880-B UltraFine Display Ergo is a perfect way to describe the ergonomically-designed USB-C monitor that, thanks to its included stand, can tilt and swivel in all sorts of configurations. By choosing the exact right viewing angle, you can work comfortably for extended periods of time. Even better, the extremely maneuverable stand attaches to the back edge of your desk with a C-clamp mount, freeing up a ton of workspace in front of the screen.

Of course, none of this would matter much if the product didn't have a good display, but fortunately, the LG 32UN880-B delivers that. The 32-inch monitor has an anti-glare screen with full 4K capability, 95% DCI P3 color support, HDR10, and a brightness of 350 nits. It also has solid connectivity, including an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, and two USB-A ports. However, its lack of Thunderbolt support means slower data transfer speeds, and its refresh rate tops out at 60 Hz, so the monitor isn't ideal for gaming. Its retail price is a reasonable $699.99 or lower.

Since Apple collaborated with Intel to develop Thunderbolt technology, it would make sense that Apple's own line of displays makes for superior Thunderbolt monitors. However, since a display doesn't really need to do much other than look great, Apple users looking to maximize continuity between their devices don't need to rely on its proprietary screens as much as they do other products within its ecosystem. That said, Apple does offer an impressive Thunderbolt monitor with the Studio Display.

The Studio Display offers a 5K Retina display with an anti-reflective coating and a nano-texture glass option. Its stand is both tilt and height-adjustable, and the monitor includes two Thunderbolt 3 ports in addition to the third that will connect to your computer. However, its 27-inch screen size might not be as big as you'd like. There's the larger 32-inch Pro Display XDR with 6K resolution available from Apple, but that product is considerably more expensive (starting at $4,999) and lacks both internal audio and a webcam. The less costly Studio Display still commands a premium price of $1,599, however, and should probably only be your first choice if you're all-in on the Apple brand.