Computer monitors are becoming mainstream among laptop users. With the increase in workloads, professionals need more screen space for efficiently doing all the tasks.
Adding a computer monitor to your laptop can be very handy. It not only makes the working experiencing comfortable, but provides you better screen real estate for multi-tasking.
Before purchasing a laptop or computer monitor, it is very important to have basic knowledge about the video ports.
All the monitors that you see in the market have HDMI port, and some of them offer DisplayPort as well.
However, not all MacBooks have built-in HDMI port, and it gets confusing to build a laptop setup with a computer monitor for work.
In this article I will explain what computer monitors are compatible with MacBooks. Apart from that, I will also explain how you can connect your external display with MacBook even if you do not have supported ports.
What Monitors Support MacBook?
Computer monitors come in various port options. The most basic port I have seen on the monitors is HDMI.
Whereas not all MacBooks have HDMI, the newer 2022 does have, but the older ones only had USB Type-C Thunderbolt port.
All monitors with HDMI port support MacBooks, but if you have the one with USB Type-C port, then you will need an external dongle to make connection.
Make sure to check the USB Type-C port on the monitor supports DP Alt Mode and power delivery for making connection over a single cable.
This will also transmit video to the laptop as well as it will do the charging. Hence, the computer monitors with USB Type-C that support DP Alt Mode and power delivery are most compatible with MacBooks.
The newer MacBook Pro 2022 models have HDMI port, but making connection with HDMI will not support power delivery. Hence you will need to connect the charger separately.
How to Connect Monitor with MacBook?
1 The first thing I will recommend is to know the ports of your MacBook.
2 If your MacBook has only USB Type-C port, then you will need a dongle to connect it with HDMI monitor.
3 If the monitor has USB Type-C, it should also support DP Alt Mode for connecting it directly with the MacBook.
4 The newer MacBook models have HDMI port, so it will be straight-forward to connect the monitor via HDMI cable provided within the box.
5 If you are buying a USB-C monitor for your MacBook, makes sure to check out for DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery function to make it work over a single cable.
Monitors with USB Type-C for MacBooks
Best Features
The Dell S2722QC is a 4K monitor with USB Type-C port, DP Alt Mode, and 65W power delivery for connecting it with MacBooks. It is one of the most popular USB Type-C monitors for MacBooks and it also offers AMD FreeSync for gaming purposes.
Best Features
- Nano-IPS Panel
- 4K UHD Resolution
- 98% DCI-P3
- DisplayHDR 400
- AMD FreeSync
- USB Type-C with 90W
- Adjustable Stand
Another recommended monitor for MacBooks is the LG 27UQ850-W (read our review). It is a premium USB Type-C monitor for MacBooks that support DP Alt Mode and 90W power delivery. We think it a great display for professionals who need a premium monitor for optimum color accuracy and creative work.
That’s a Wrap!
This should answer most of your queries I think. Connecting a monitor with a MacBooks is not a big deal as such. It requires a dongle if direct connection is not possible, but all computer monitors support MacBook, you just need the cables and dongles to make connection successful.
