In recent years, the MacBook Pro has become a go-to device for many professionals and personal users alike. To fully tap into its capabilities and enhance your user experience, many users find that adding an external monitor can greatly boost their productivity.
The use of a curved monitor as a secondary display for your MacBook Pro can greatly improve your daily work or office tasks, gaming experience, and overall workflow. With the right monitor, you can create an immersive and comfortable setup that takes full advantage of your device’s capabilities.
To help you find the best curved monitor for your MacBook Pro, we have compiled a list of the top 10 options on the market, as voted by our team of experts. Each monitor has been thoroughly evaluated to ensure it meets the highest standards in terms of performance, build quality, and user-friendliness.
Whether you’re a creative professional, gamer, or just looking to improve your setup, this list of the best curved monitors for MacBook Pro will have you covered.
SAMSUNG 49″ Odyssey Neo G9 G95NA Curved Gaming Monitor
The Samsung 49-inch Odyssey Neo G9 gaming monitor is a top-performing device designed to take your gaming experience to the next level. With its curved design that matches the natural curve of your eyes, this monitor provides an immersive gaming experience.
One of its key features is its compatibility with both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ensuring that you won’t experience any dropped frames or lag while playing. With a rapid 240Hz refresh rate, you’ll enjoy up to 4x as many frames displayed on the screen, providing a seamless gaming experience.
However, despite its impressive features, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 does have some drawbacks. One notable issue is its VRR performance, which can suffer from hiccups. Additionally, the aggressive curvature of the screen can be challenging for sharing screen space with other players.
In terms of design, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 boasts a high level of build quality, with a plastic screen and stand that covers a metal shell. The device is also large, making it an excellent pick for those who value a large, immersive display.
In terms of color performance, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 offers excellent contrast and local dimming for deep blacks, thanks to its Mini LED technology. The HDR images produced by this monitor are rich and vibrant, with good coverage of the DCI P3 color space.
In conclusion, while the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 isn’t the best gaming monitor for Mac on the market, it still offers a cutting-edge display with HDR 2,000 and Mini LED technology. With its fast refresh rate and compatibility with both FreeSync and G-SYNC, this monitor is an excellent choice for gamers looking for a high-quality display for their MacBook Pro.
AOC C32G2 32″ Curved Frameless Gaming Monitor
The AOC C32G2 is a 32-inch curved gaming monitor that offers an immersive gaming experience. With its Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution VA panel, you’ll be right in the middle of all the action. The 1500R curved design will keep you engaged and fully immersed in your gaming sessions.
The rapid 1ms SmartResponse time (MPRT) and 165Hz refresh rate allow for smooth and responsive gameplay, ensuring that you hit all your targets and stay ahead of the competition. The AOC C32G2 is an excellent budget-friendly alternative for gamers who are in search of a large curved display for their MacBook.
The monitor features a 3,000:1 static contrast ratio and a VA panel, which provides rich and deep blacks, making it perfect for viewing dark content. It also has a flicker-free function, which reduces the risk of eye strain and headaches caused by prolonged screen usage. The Low Input Lag mode results in a delay of around 5 milliseconds at 144Hz, making it a smooth and responsive display.
The AOC C32G2 also has a LowBlue Mode that offers four different settings for reducing blue light, which is great for long gaming sessions. The design is sleek and frameless, and it allows for adjustable height, swivel, and tilt. Additionally, the monitor is VESA compatible, allowing for easy mounting.
Pros:
- Sleek, frameless design with adjustable height, swivel, and tilt
- Rapid 1ms MPRT and 165Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay
- Broad color spectrum that enhances your gaming experience with your MacBook
- AMD FreeSync technology for stutter and tear-free gaming
Cons:
- Limited backlighting options compared to competitors
- Fewer options compared to other gaming monitors
Final Verdict:
The AOC C32G2 is a great choice for Mac gamers who are looking for a budget-friendly alternative with excellent gaming capabilities. The curved design, AMD FreeSync technology, and smooth operation make it a standout option. However, it is important to note the limitations, such as limited backlighting options and fewer options compared to other gaming monitors.
Also read: Best 38 Inch Curved Monitors of 2023: Ultrawide Monitors For Gaming, Movies & Work
Philips 328E1CA 32″ 4K UHD Curved Monitor
The Philips 328E1CA 32″ 4K UHD Curved Monitor is a budget-friendly display that is designed to bring a great gaming experience to your MacBook Pro. With its 31.5-inch diagonal screen, 16:9 aspect ratio, and 1500R curvature, it creates an immersive gaming environment.
The monitor boasts a bezel-free design and includes thoughtful features such as speakers and cable management. Additionally, it features Philips Ultra Wide-Color Technology, displaying up to 120% sRGB and 97.8% NTSC color gamut, resulting in vivid and accurate colors. The Mega Infinity Dynamic Contrast Ratio provides deeper blacks and brighter colors.
To ensure your comfort while gaming, the Philips 328E1CA is equipped with LowBlue Mode, which reduces eye strain, and flicker-free technology, which decreases eye fatigue. The 4K resolution produces clear and detailed images, and the refresh rate can be adjusted between 48 and 60 Hz, adapting to the game’s running speed.
However, there are some limitations to this monitor, including slight bleeding in the backlight and a limited variety of features. A USB-C connector and better speakers would have elevated this monitor to perfection.
In conclusion, the Philips 328E1CA is a great choice for Mac users seeking a 4K monitor with brilliant colors and a curved screen. Its 4K resolution, ultra-thin bezels, and 1500R curvature, combined with its budget-friendly price, make it a solid option for gamers.
LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide 34″ Curved Monitor
The LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide 34″ Curved Monitor is a stunning piece of technology for creatives and professionals. The 34” 21:9 WQHD (3440 X 1440) Curved IPS display provides a vast screen space and realistic colors, making it a top choice for photographers, video editors, and painters. The monitor’s compatibility with HDR 10 content is another bonus for color-critical work.
The LG 34WN80C-B boasts a sleek design and robust build, making it suitable for use in both home and business workstations. It’s also a great option for gamers, thanks to its FreeSync technology and 60Hz refresh rate. With accurate colors, even in bright lighting, and a static contrast ratio of 1,000:1, this monitor offers a clear display with proper black levels and shadow detail. The Dynamic Action Sync technology ensures that action sequences in games run smoothly with a 60 Hz frame rate and GtG of 5 milliseconds.
However, it’s worth noting that the monitor doesn’t come with built-in speakers. Additionally, it’s not recommended for high-end gaming. But, with an adjustable height and angle for the MacBook Pro, a USB-C connector for power supply, and a gorgeous WQHD display, the LG 34WN80C-B is an excellent choice for most users.
Sceptre 35 Inch Curved UltraWide Monitor
The Sceptre 35 Inch Curved UltraWide Monitor is a budget-friendly option for those seeking a 35-inch ultrawide display for their MacBook. With its 21:9 aspect ratio and 3440 x 1440 resolution, this monitor provides a cinematic and immersive experience for work, gaming, and entertainment.
One of the standout features of the Sceptre C355W-3440UN is its 100Hz refresh rate, which results in smooth and rapid image transitions, eliminating screen tearing. Additionally, users can adjust the blue light to a lower intensity, reducing eye strain and making prolonged use more comfortable.
The curved design of the monitor and its illuminated rear panel, which features a multicolored LED light, add a modern touch to your workspace. Additionally, the display is tiltable 15° backward and 5° forward, offering users the ideal viewing angle.
While the Sceptre C355W-3440UN may not have the fanciness and design flair of more high-end monitors, it still provides a solid experience for the budget-conscious user. However, it’s worth noting that this monitor is not suitable for competitive gaming and only has an assistive tilt feature.
In conclusion, the Sceptre C355W-3440UN is a great option for those looking for a cheap ultrawide monitor for their MacBook. With its 100Hz refresh rate and adjustable blue light, it offers a comfortable and immersive experience for work and entertainment.
Also read: Best Curved Gaming Monitors for PS5 and PS4 in 2023
SAMSUNG LC24F390FHNXZA 24-Inch Curved Monitor
The Samsung LC24F390FHNXZA 24-Inch Curved Monitor is a budget-friendly solution for those seeking an immersive viewing experience. With an 1800R curvature, this glossy black, ultra-slim display offers a visual environment that is both rich and captivating.
This monitor boasts a range of display options, including Samsung MagicUpscale, Active Crystal Color, and others, that are known for providing stunning visual quality. Furthermore, VA panels provide a consistent viewing experience with 178-degree viewing angles, ensuring that the image’s color, contrast, and brightness remain the same no matter what angle you view the screen from.
The Samsung Game Mode is a noteworthy feature, allowing you to customize the monitor for each individual game. With an input latency of 11ms, this curved gaming monitor ensures smooth and seamless performance without any noticeable delays.
In terms of design, the ultra-slim and ultra-modern look of this monitor is a great addition to any workspace. Additionally, the monitor’s low power usage makes it an eco-friendly choice. The option to mount the monitor on a wall using VESA wall mounts is also a convenient feature.
However, the monitor’s bezels might have been smaller, and it does not offer the highest light level available. Additionally, the tilt controls are limited, so you may not be able to find the perfect viewing angle.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a curved monitor for your MacBook Pro that won’t break the bank, the Samsung C24F396 is a good option. Although there are other monitors in the same price range that offer better features, this display’s curved screen and high contrast ratio make it a fascinating option.
Sceptre C275W-1920RN Curved 27″ 75Hz LED Monitor
The Sceptre C275W-1920RN Curved 27″ 75Hz LED Monitor is a stunning display that offers great value for its price. With its 1500R curved design, it fully immerses you into the gaming world. The monitor boasts a 98% sRGB color gamut, providing deeper and more vibrant colors than most conventional displays. It comes equipped with two HDMI and one VGA port, each of which accelerates the refresh rate up to 75Hz.
At 27 inches, this monitor stands tall as a great value option, thanks to its VA screen and 75Hz refresh rate. However, it is worth mentioning that for a similar price range, you can find a 24-inch monitor with a faster refresh rate, AMD FreeSync, and a higher pixel density. The Sceptre C275W-1920RN is lightweight and boasts a height of 24 to 27 inches, making it a great choice for those looking for a more compact display.
The device’s OSD menu features the “Blue Light Shift” option, providing a low-blue light filter for the monitor’s backlight. It has a 1920×1080 resolution and a quick 8ms reaction time, ensuring that images are sharp and vibrant. Additionally, it features display port input and output and two HDMI ports, making it a great choice for gaming.
Despite its many positives, there are a few cons to consider. The Sceptre C275W-1920RN may suffer from a small amount of ghosting when it comes to fast-moving objects. The monitor also has a lower resolution of 1080p, which may not be suitable for demanding games and other high-resolution content.
In conclusion, the Sceptre C275W-1920RN is a great choice for those looking for a monitor for everyday use, such as office work and streaming media. It also makes for a solid option for basic gaming, especially when paired with a MacBook Pro. However, if you’re looking for a monitor with a higher refresh rate and a more advanced feature set, you may want to consider other options in a similar price range.
SAMSUNG J791 Series 34-Inch Ultrawide QHD
The SAMSUNG J791 Series 34-Inch Ultrawide QHD is a top-notch option for anyone seeking a large, high-quality display. This monitor boasts a QHD resolution of 3440×1440, a 100Hz refresh rate, and QLED backlighting, making it an ideal pick for even the most demanding users.
Its height-adjustable stand allows for a customizable viewing experience, and its plethora of ports, including Thunderbolt 3 and HDMI 2.0, make it easy to connect all your essential devices. The ultra-narrow bezel on two sides of the screen offers a spacious viewing area for work, play, and entertainment.
However, this monitor does have some limitations. It is not HDR compatible, and its large size may prove to be too much for some desks. Additionally, the viewing angles are limited.
In conclusion, the SAMSUNG J791 Series 34-Inch Ultrawide QHD is an excellent choice for those looking for a powerful and versatile computer monitor. With its large screen size, high resolution, and fast refresh rate, it will provide an exceptional viewing experience.
Also read: The Best 5 Curved Monitors For Office Work In 2023
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which monitors are compatible with MacBook Pro?
If you’re looking to expand your MacBook Pro’s screen real estate, you have several options. The Dell UltraSharp UP2720Q, ASUS ProArt PA278CV, BenQ SW321C PhotoVue, BenQ DesignVue PD3420Q, BenQ DesignVue PD3220U, and Dell UltraSharp U4021QW are some of the best monitors that work well with MacBook Pro.
What is Apple’s recommended monitor?
Apple highly recommends its Pro Display XDR devices, but they may not be necessary for most professional work. Apple also supports LG UltraFine panels and a wide range of monitors such as Samsung CJ791, HP Pavilion ZX5000, Dell Ultrasharp U2410, ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV, ViewSonic VP2458, and BenQ EX3501R.
Can MacBook Pro support ultrawide monitors?
Yes, the new 13-Inch MacBook Pro & Air with M2 chip has two USB-C and Thunderbolt-4 ports, which makes it capable of supporting ultrawide monitors with USB-C connectivity. The MacBook can support up to 6K resolution and a single external monitor with a 60Hz refresh rate.
Will Samsung curved monitors work with MacBook Pro?
Yes, if your MacBook Pro has an additional video-out connection such as VGA, DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort, it can support a secondary monitor, including Samsung’s curved monitors. Simply ensure that the connection on your Mac and the monitor match.
How do I connect a curved monitor to my MacBook?
- Connect the display to power and your Mac.
- Use the display’s power cable to connect to power and the display’s video cable to connect to the Mac, such as to a Thunderbolt or HDMI port.
- If the video cable requires a port that your Mac doesn’t have, use an adapter or replace the video cable with one that doesn’t require an adapter.
- The Mac will detect the display automatically once it has power and is connected properly.
- Configure display settings through the Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences) > Displays.
- Some display settings might be available only through the display’s built-in controls and menu system if the display is not made by Apple. Check the display’s documentation for details.
Is 4K 120Hz monitor support available on MacBook Pro?
MacBook Pro models featuring 14-inch and 16-inch screens and equipped with Apple silicon have the capability to utilize ProMotion, which enables an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
Is it possible to use a non-Apple monitor with a MacBook?
Definitely. As long as the monitor you choose is equipped with either an HDMI or DisplayPort port, it can be used with a MacBook. However, it is advised to steer clear of outdated monitors that only have a VGA input port.
