Monitor for M2 Mini under $800

[QuiteSure]

I just pre-ordered the M2 mini. I will be using this computer in my law office, so: browsing on Chrome, multiple tabs; MS Office; Email; Calendar; and light video work (I create my own YouTube videos). Thanks for your help! I'm looking to spend less than $800.

 

[Basic75]

Do you require retina resolution? Are you happy with non-retina? Do you mind a non-pixel-perfect scaled resolution as probably required if you buy one of the now very common neither-retina-nor-non-retina displays? For reference, non retina is around 110ppi and there are a good number of options and sizes on the market, retina is around 220ppi and there is not much choice, and the PC mainstream has settled on 140ppi and 163ppi where there is also a good amount of choice however macOS doesn't directly support those resolutions without scaled indirect rendering.

 

[QuiteSure]

I've been using a 2015 iMac Built-in Retina Display 27-inch (5120 × 2880). While I want to say I don't need a retina display, I've been using one for so long that I'm not sure how I'd feel without one.

 

[QuiteSure]

Do you require retina resolution? Are you happy with non-retina? Do you mind a non-pixel-perfect scaled resolution as probably required if you buy one of the now very common neither-retina-nor-non-retina displays? For reference, non retina is around 110ppi and there are a good number of options and sizes on the market, retina is around 220ppi and there is not much choice, and the PC mainstream has settled on 140ppi and 163ppi where there is also a good amount of choice however macOS doesn't directly support those resolutions without scaled indirect rendering.

I've been using a 2015 iMac Built-in Retina Display 27-inch (5120 × 2880). While I want to say I don't need a retina display, I've been using one for so long that I'm not sure how I'd feel without one.

 

[Jonr515]

I have a M1 MBP and at work I have a Samsung 34 UW for productivity I love it. At home I have a 270th Dell Ultra sharp for photo editing and other misc home tasks I love that, both connect via USBC.

 

[maflynn]

I'm looking to spend less than $800.

There are so many options to get, but you really didn't define exactly what you're interested in. 5k?, 4k? ultrawide?

I think you can't go wrong with LG or Dell as a maker but other then that its hard to pin down a specific model.

 

[QuiteSure]

I have a M1 MBP and at work I have a Samsung 34 UW for productivity I love it. At home I have a 270th Dell Ultra sharp for photo editing and other misc home tasks I love that, both connect via USBC.

Great info, thanks!

 

[QuiteSure]

There are so many options to get, but you really didn't define exactly what you're interested in. 5k?, 4k? ultrawide?

I think you can't go wrong with LG or Dell as a maker but other then that its hard to pin down a specific model.

Thanks, don't really know! I've been using iMacs and Macbooks for so long, haven't had to think about what I want in a display. In the past I would automatically have sprung for the Studio display (around $1599) but for what i'm doing now that just seems like overkill, so I'm looking for cheaper options.

 

[Macintosh1984]

I have an iMac 27" Late 2012 and since there is no such thing as an iMac 27" Apple Silicon, I'm thinking of abandoning the all-in-one world and switching to the new Mac mini.

I don't want to spend money on the Apple Studio Display, as an alternative how about LG 27MD5KL and Dell U2723QE? They're both glossy screens, aren't they?

My 27" is not retina, and I use it at the native resolution of 2560-by-1600, if I understood correctly by setting the resolution to 5120-by-2880 I would see smaller text and icons, is that true?

However, I read that by setting LG to 2560-by-1440, the text and icons would look sharp as long as they are still a retina resolution, is that true?

Which other 27" monitors do you recommend differently?

 

[akidokraja]

I just pre-ordered the M2 mini. I will be using this computer in my law office, so: browsing on Chrome, multiple tabs; MS Office; Email; Calendar; and light video work (I create my own YouTube videos). Thanks for your help! I'm looking to spend less than $800.

LG 32” 4K with Ergo stand. I have two of these connected to my 16” M1 Max and they work great. $500 at Costco:

LG 32" Class Ultrafine UHD IPS Monitor with ErgoStand

LG 32" Class Ultrafine UHD IPS Monitor with ErgoStand

www.costco.com

 

[Jony Mac]

I’ve been using this with my 14” MBP over USB-C. I have yet to even unpack my MagSafe charger because USB-C charging works and it’s less clutter.

FYI there are two versions of this, one with speakers and one without. I selected the one with speakers but very rarely use them.

I got it for about $350

Samsung 27” S80UA UHD High Resolution Monitor with USB-C

 

[tstafford]

Maybe a used LG 5K off of eBay?

 

[Tyler O'Bannon]

If you can find the 2nd Gen LG UltraFine 4K display, it will serve you well. Is 23.5”, same as current M1 iMac. It’s $699 new, apple quality, and provides power to the laptop as well. One cable solution.

 

[Macintosh1984]

I’ve been using this with my 14” MBP over USB-C. I have yet to even unpack my MagSafe charger because USB-C charging works and it’s less clutter.

FYI there are two versions of this, one with speakers and one without. I selected the one with speakers but very rarely use them.

I got it for about $350

Samsung 27” S80UA UHD High Resolution Monitor with USB-C

Is glossy or matte?

If you use it at 2560x1440 resolution, how are the texts and icons, defined or blurred?

 

[Jony Mac]

Is glossy or matte?

If you use it at 2560x1440 resolution, how are the texts and icons, defined or blurred?

It’s is a matte screen, and I do use it at 2560x1440 and I think that is the sweet spot.

I did try using 3840x2160 and that is just way to tiny to read.

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

I just pre-ordered the M2 mini. I will be using this computer in my law office, so: browsing on Chrome, multiple tabs; MS Office; Email; Calendar; and light video work (I create my own YouTube videos). Thanks for your help! I'm looking to spend less than $800.

Here you go watch this video for monitor recommendations:

 

[Hat Tric]

I can recommend the following article to anyone who’s in the market for an external monitor. The importance of pixel density in combination with macOS is rarely mentioned in discussions like this.

Mac external displays for designers and developers, part 2

Since writing about Mac external displays in 2016, not much has changed. LG, Dell, Samsung, and other display makers have either never catered for the specs many Mac designers and developers want, or they’ve reluctantly produced products that have been short-lived or compromised.

bjango.com

 

[DotCom2]

I've been using a 2015 iMac Built-in Retina Display 27-inch (5120 × 2880). While I want to say I don't need a retina display, I've been using one for so long that I'm not sure how I'd feel without one.

Exactly me. I am so used to the 5K retina iMac, that when I look at one that is not, I just can't. I'm going to go with the pricy Apple Studio Display with my new M2 Mac mini. Going forward I will only have to replace the mini and hopefully keep the ASD for a long time.

 

[questionwonder]

Dell U2723QE is a great screen. New technology for contrast ratio and blue light. Great overall picture for a little less than $600. I have 2!

 

[Macintosh1984]

I can recommend the following article to anyone who’s in the market for an external monitor. The importance of pixel density in combination with macOS is rarely mentioned in discussions like this.

Mac external displays for designers and developers, part 2

Since writing about Mac external displays in 2016, not much has changed. LG, Dell, Samsung, and other display makers have either never catered for the specs many Mac designers and developers want, or they’ve reluctantly produced products that have been short-lived or compromised.

bjango.com

Very interesting article. In practice, after the Apple Studio Display, for a used 27" at 2560x1440, between Dell U2723QE, LG 27UP600-W and Samsung S80UA, which still shows quite sharp texts and graphics. I would also prefer a glossy screen.

Right now I know LG 5K UltraFine is great, but it's matte and very plasticky.

 

[Zest28]

Dell Ultrasharp, Asus Pro Art, LG Ultrafine and BenQ is where you should start looking.

However, I would suggest to increase your budget and just buy the Apple Studio Display.

 

[Macintosh1984]

Dell U2723QE is a great screen. New technology for contrast ratio and blue light. Great overall picture for a little less than $600. I have 2!

Is glossy or matte?

If you use it at 2560x1440 resolution, how are the texts and icons, defined or blurred?

 

[Macintosh1984]

Dell Ultrasharp, Asus Pro Art, LG Ultrafine and BenQ is where you should start looking.

However, I would suggest to increase your budget and just buy the Apple Studio Display.

I would like to avoid the Apple Studio Display, I'm not interested in speakers, webcams, etc.

I would like to understand which of those mentioned are glossy and look good on Mac at 2560x1440. From direct experience, I mean.

 

[WilliApple]

I don't like Apple's listings, why does the monitor that Apple sells cost more than the computer 😂

In all seriousness, here's what I would recommend.

Budget Monitor (My daily driver btw):​

Acer 21.5 Inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Ultra-Thin Zero Frame Computer Monitor (HDMI & VGA Port), SB220Q bi

The Acer SB220Q bi 21. 5" Widescreen LCD IPS display combines stylish ultra-thin functionality with amazing 1920 x 1080 resolution, allowing you to enjoy High-Definition entertainment in the comfort of your home. Incredible 100, 000, 000: 1 contrast ratio and rapid 4ms response time highlight the...

www.amazon.com

ProMotion Monitor:​

Acer V247YU BMIIPX 24 LED LCD MON 25X14 16:9

Acer V247YU bmiipx,24 inch Anti-Glare QHD (2560x 1440)2560 x 1440 Max Resolution,IPS (178x178) Panel 16:9 Aspect Ration,4ms GTG Response Time,Three year limited warranty

www.amazon.com

Most expensive monitor I would buy, still better than the Studio Display:​

AOPEN by Acer 40XV1CU Pwmiiphux 40" UWQHD (3440 x 1440) IPS Gaming Monitor | AMD FreeSync Premium | Up to 144Hz | 1ms | 21:9 | HDR 600 | DCI-P3 92%| 1 x USB Type-C, 2 x HDMI 2.0 & 1 x Display Port 1.2

AOPEN's 40-inch ultrawide panel monitor with UWQHD resolution delivers the incredible. Crisp, true-to-life colors come alive with the amazing 3440 x 1440 resolution, allowing you to enjoy High-Definition entertainment in the comfort of your home. The wide view angle technology lets you share what...

www.amazon.com

The only downside to above is that it doesn't come with a webcam.

 

[kyjaotkb]

If you can find the 2nd Gen LG UltraFine 4K display, it will serve you well. Is 23.5”, same as current M1 iMac. It’s $699 new, apple quality, and provides power to the laptop as well. One cable solution.

I would personally opt for the Gen 1 Ultrafine 4K rather than for the Gen 2. The Gen 2 24" 4K Ultrafine has a lower res than the iMac 24, it's only 3840*2160. The 21.5" 4K Ultrafine had a 4096*2160 display, like the 4K iMac 21", 218ppi i.e. a "true" retina feel and 16:10 format.