How do you connect your MacBook to an external screen?

[silvetti]

Hi!

I just got a new monitor for my USB-C MacBook and have both options of connecting it.
One is using the HDMI dongle I have from Apple and connect to HDMI input in the monitor or just use a USB-C to USB-C cable.

I still need to use a power cable to charge my laptop (16'') so I don't really care about the one cable setup thing.

Wondering what you guys use and why?
Is there any advantage of using HDMI vs USB-C(DisplayPort)?

 

[XNorth]

Thunderbolt if the monitor has it. If not, DisplayPort. Only use an HDMI dongle adapter if the display has neither Thunderbolt nor DisplayPort. HDMI has no advantage over TB and DP on the MBP 16". The HDMI* adapter might actually lower the refresh rate of the display. For LG Mac-compatible displays, only Thunderbolt cables will charge the MacBook and enable adjustments.

*Edit: Some adapters are rated for 60 Hz.

 

[Applefan2015]

Hi!

I just got a new monitor for my USB-C MacBook and have both options of connecting it.
One is using the HDMI dongle I have from Apple and connect to HDMI input in the monitor or just use a USB-C to USB-C cable.

I still need to use a power cable to charge my laptop (16'') so I don't really care about the one cable setup thing.

Wondering what you guys use and why?
Is there any advantage of using HDMI vs USB-C(DisplayPort)?

What monitor did you go for?

 

[Steve686]

USB-C to DisplayPort cable.

Viewsonic 32”

 

[htomi]

27' Apple Thunderbolt Display -> Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
27' 2009 iMac (as screen) -> Alogic USB-C Ultra Dock Plus (https://www.alogic.co/ir/catalog/pr...-with-power-delivery-ultra-series-space-grey/)

 

[ascender]

USB-C to USB-C here, its a very nice single cable solution and charges any Mac laptop.

 

[icanhazmac]

Cable Matters USB C to HDMI Cable, Supporting 4K 60Hz (USB-C to HDMI Cable) in Black 6 ft - Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Compatible with iPhone 15 Pro Max Plus, MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 13, Surface Pro and More

Cable Matters USB C to HDMI Cable, Supporting 4K 60Hz (USB-C to HDMI Cable) in Black 6 ft - Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Compatible with iPhone 15 Pro Max Plus, MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 13, Surface Pro and More

www.amazon.com

Cable Matters USB C to DisplayPort 1.4 Cable (USB-C to DisplayPort Cable, USB C to DP Cable) Supporting 8K 60Hz in Black 6 ft - Thunderbolt 4 /USB4 /Thunderbolt 3 Compatible with MacBook Pro Dell XPS

Experience Vivid 4K Video over DisplayPort The Cable Matters USB Type-C to DisplayPort Cable supports the newest release computers and smartphones with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 up to 4K 60Hz UHD display monitors with DisplayPort. Experience the vibrant video and authentic audio supported by monitor...

www.amazon.com

Connected to Dell 27" 1440s, S2716DG and S2719DGF in clamshell mode.

 

[silvetti]

What monitor did you go for?

LG 27UL850

 

[wegster]

Same as what most of the others have replied - TB to TB/USB-C whenever possible, but definitely take a DisplayPort connection over HDMI if straight TB/USB-C isn't available.

 

[robvas]

USB-C to DisplayPort adapter, and a USB-C cable to USB-C monitor


You need way more options!

 

[Applefan2015]

LG 27UL850

I got the same one but with speakers, it’s connected to my windows pc.

It’s a great monitor imo.