Need a new monitor for your Mac Mini?
Wondering whether you should buy a Mac Mini and what kind of monitor you’d need to pair it up with?
Then this is the buying guide for you!
Check out all the best monitors for Mac Mini available right now as well as everything else you need to look out for when buying a new display for your computer!
Monitor | Size | Panel | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Color Gamut | Pixel Density | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
24” | IPS | 2560x1440 | 75Hz | 99% sRGB | 123 PPI | ||
27” | IPS | 3840x2160 | 60Hz | 99% sRGB | 163 PPI | ||
28” | IPS | 3840x2160 | 60Hz | 90% DCI-P3 | 157 PPI | ||
32” | IPS | 3840x2160 | 60Hz | 95% DCI-P3 | 140 PPI | ||
24” | IPS | 3840x2160 | 60Hz | 98% DCI-P3 | 183 PPI | ||
27” | IPS | 5120x2880 | 60Hz | 99% DCI-P3 | 217 PPI | ||
34” | IPS Black | 3440x1440 | 60Hz | 98% DCI-P3 | 109 PPI | ||
38” | IPS Black | 3840x1600 | 60Hz | 98% DCI-P3 | 110 PPI | ||
40” | IPS | 5120x2160 | 72Hz | 98% DCI-P3 | 140 PPI | ||
49” | IPS Black | 5120x1440 | 60Hz | 98% DCI-P3 | 108 PPI |
There are many monitors that could potentially go well with your Mac Mini, but in this guide – we’ll only focus on the ones that would complement it best!
What does that mean? All the monitors we’ve picked are based on IPS panels for the most consistent colors, widest viewing angles and with a refresh rate that’s not higher than the standard 60/75Hz as a higher refresh rate won’t be necessary.
We’ve also ensured that all monitors have excellent color reproduction, good connectivity options and high pixel density for sharp details and text as well as plenty of screen space!
If you want to view our changelogs for this particular buying guide, you can do so at the end of this article.
LG 24QP500
Best Budget Monitor For Mac Mini
Size: 24”
Panel: IPS
Resolution: 2560×1440
Refresh Rate: 75Hz
Color Gamut: 99% sRGB
Pixel Density: 123 PPI
The Pros:
- High pixel density
- Consistent colors, wide viewing angles
- Affordable 1440p monitor
The Cons:
- Tilt-only stand
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
Looking for a small and affordable monitor that has crisp picture quality? Then look no further than the LG 24QP500.
Image Quality
Now, this 24″ display features an IPS panel with wide 178° viewing angles, consistent colors and a 2560×1440 Quad HD screen resolution.
When displayed on a 24″ sized screen, the 1440p resolution results in a pixel density of 123 PPI (pixels per inch). By comparison, the more popular 1080p resolution has a pixel density of 92 PPI on same-sized 24″ monitors.
What does this mean for you? With the LG 24QP500, you get significantly sharper details and more screen real estate without breaking the bank.
Other panel-related specifications include a decent 300-nit peak luminance, a standard 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and 8-bit color depth support for 16.7 million colors!
Design & Connectivity
The design of the monitor nicely complements the Mac Mini, but the stand is tilt-only. Luckily, the screen is VESA mount compatible.
Connectivity options include two HDMI 1.4 ports, DisplayPort 1.2 and a headphone jack. All display inputs support FreeSync for tear-free gameplay and up to 75Hz at 1920×1080.
Alternatives
If you want a ~24″ 2560×1440 monitor with a fully ergonomic stand and a USB hub, you’ll have to invest over $300 for something like the Dell P2421D. However, at that price range, you should also consider a 4K monitor.
Dell S2721QS
Best Budget 4K IPS Monitor
Size: 27”
Panel: IPS
Resolution: 3840×2160
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Color Gamut: 99% sRGB
Pixel Density: 163 PPI
The Pros:
- High pixel density
- Ergonomic design
- Consistent colors, wide viewing angles
The Cons:
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
Want even sharper details on a 27″ monitor? Then check out the Dell S2721QS with 4K UHD resolution!
Image Quality
On a 27″ monitor, the 4K resolution pushes the pixel density to 163 pixels per inch!
Now, such high pixel density will make everything tiny on your desktop, so you will need to use scaling to make small items such as text and icons readable. Scaling will make these items larger (thus reducing screen real estate), but also sharper!
Note that if you plan on using the monitor for work, you need to make sure that your applications are able to handle scaling; for instance, some apps can only scale by 100% or 200%, which would make your toolbar either too small or too big.
Luckily, most applications don’t have this issue, but it is something that you should keep in mind.
But here’s the kicker: other panel-related specifications include a 350-nit peak brightness, a contrast ratio of 1,300:1, 99% sRGB color gamut, and 10-bit color depth support for 1.07 billion colors! Note that the monitor is factory-calibrated!
HDR (High Dynamic Range) is supported as well, but due to the monitor’s limited color gamut, contrast ratio, and brightness, HDR is just simulated. Basically, you can ignore its ‘HDR support’ as it can only accept the HDR10 signal and display it, which doesn’t really improve the viewing experience, nor does it increase the monitor’s price.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor provides up to 110mm of height adjustment, 90° pivot, -5°/21° tilt, +/- 30° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 inputs, DisplayPort 1.2 and a headphone jack. FreeSync is supported with a 40-60Hz VRR range.
Samsung U28R550U
Best Value 4K IPS Monitor
Size: 28”
Panel: IPS
Resolution: 3840×2160
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Color Gamut: 90% DCI-P3
Pixel Density: 157 PPI
The Pros:
- High pixel density
- Wide color gamut
- Consistent colors, wide viewing angles
The Cons:
- Tilt-only stand
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
The Samsung U28R550U has a bit larger 28″ screen, so you get a tad lower pixel density than that of the Dell S2721QS, but you get a wider color gamut for more vibrant colors!
Image Quality
The Samsung U28R550U covers 90% of the DCI-P3 color space, which is equivalent to around 125% sRGB gamut size, resulting in more saturated in rich colors.
The difference in pixel density (157 PPI) in comparison to the 27″ 4K models (163 PPI) is barely noticeable; in fact, most people will prefer the slightly larger 28″ screen.
Other panel-related specifications are what you’d expect from a 4K IPS monitor at this price range, and include a 300-nit peak brightness, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 10-bit color depth support and 178° wide viewing angles.
The monitor supports AMD FreeSync with a 40-60Hz VRR range and it works without issues with compatible NVIDIA GPUs. PiP/PbP support is available too.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor is tilt-only, but the screen is VESA mount compatible via the 75x75mm pattern.
Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.2, two HDMI 2.0 ports and a headphone jack.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for a similar monitor with an ergonomic stand, check out the ASUS VG289Q which uses the same panel, but has a more gamer-inspired design.
The Samsung ViewFinity S61B with a 27″ 1440p 75Hz IPS panel can sometimes be found on sale for $150.
In case you need a ~27″ 4K monitor for color-critical work, we recommend the Dell U2723QE.
LG 32UP83A
Best Value 32″ 4K IPS Monitor
Size: 32”
Panel: IPS
Resolution: 3840×2160
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Color Gamut: 95% DCI-P3
Pixel Density: 140 PPI
The Pros:
- High pixel density
- Height-adjustable stand
- Wide color gamut
The Cons:
- Design lacks swivel option
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
The LG LG 32UP83A is the most cost-efficient 32″ 4K IPS monitor available!
Image Quality
The 4K UHD resolution looks incredibly sharp even on 32″ sized screens. With roughly 140 PPI, you get plenty of screen space with crisp details and text, though some users might prefer 125% scaling with this screen size/resolution combination.
Further, the LG 32UP83A has a wide 95% DCI-P3 color gamut for richer and more lifelike colors, while other specifications include a 350-nit peak brightness and a static contrast ratio of 1,000:1.
It also supports FreeSync with a 40-60Hz VRR range.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor offers height adjustment up to 110mm and -5°/20° tilt and 90° pivot while the screen is VESA mount compatible.
Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports, USB-C (DP Alt Mode and 60W PD), two downstream USB-A 3.0 ports, a headphone jack and two 5W built-in speakers.
Alternatives
In case you need a 32″ 4K monitor for color-critical work, we recommend the Dell U3223QE with a more expensive IPS Black panel.
LG 24MD4KL
Best 24″ Monitor For Mac Mini
Size: 24”
Panel: IPS
Resolution: 3840×2160
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Color Gamut: 98% DCI-P3
Pixel Density: 183 PPI
The Pros:
- Very high pixel density
- High peak brightness
- Height-adjustable stand and rich connectivity options
- Wide color gamut and wide viewing angles
The Cons:
- Design lacks swivel and pivot options
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
Looking for even sharper details but on a smaller screen? You can get 4K resolution on a 24″ display.
Image Quality
The LG UltraFine 24MD4KL is the perfect 24″ 4K monitor for the Mac Mini due to its high 183 PPI pixel density and wide 98% DCI-P3 color gamut (equivalent to 135% sRGB) for more saturated and vibrant colors.
As if that’s not enough, it also offers a higher-than-average peak brightness of 540-nits and a static contrast ratio of 1,200:1.
Simply put, the monitor packs fantastic picture quality with plenty of screen space, vivid details, and punchy bright colors — all in its small 24″ form factor, which will nicely complement your Mac Mini!
Design & Connectivity
You can elevate the screen of the monitor by up to 110mm, tilt it by -5°/15°, or VESA mount it (100x100mm).
Connectivity options include two Thunderbolt 3 ports (one for video + 85W Power Delivery, one for daisy-chaining), three additional downstream USB-C ports and two 5W built-in speakers.
Alternatives
If you want a more affordable 24″ 4K monitor without the wide color gamut and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, check out the Dell P2415Q (with DeltaE < 3 factory calibration) and the LG 24UD58 (more suited for everyday use).
Want something even smaller monitor with a higher resolution? Check out the previous-gen UltraFine monitor, the LG 22MD4KA with a 21.5″ screen, and 4096×2304 resolution (218 pixels per inch).
The LG 22MD4KA specs include a 500-nit peak brightness, a 1,100:1 contrast ratio, 99% DCI-P3 gamut, 8-bit color depth, one USB-C port with DP Alt Mode and 60W PD and three downstream USB 2.0 type C ports.
LG 27MD5KL
Best 5K Monitor For Mac Mini
Size: 27”
Panel: IPS
Resolution: 5120×2880
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Color Gamut: 99% DCI-P3
Pixel Density: 217 PPI
The Pros:
- Ideal pixel density for designers and developers
- High peak brightness
- Height-adjustable stand and rich connectivity options
- Wide color gamut and wide viewing angles
The Cons:
- Design lacks swivel and pivot options
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
The LG 27MD5KL is the 27″ version of the LG 24MD4KL, but it also offers some additional features.
Image Quality
To start with, the LG 27MD5KL boasts 5K resolutions, that’s 5120×2880 pixels, which results in a stunning pixel density of 217 PPI! This pixel density is great for designers and developers using Retina UI.
The monitor also has a wide 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the peak brightness amounts to 500-nits and the contrast ratio to 1,100:1.
The bottom line is that it’s basically the same display as what you’d get with the 27″ 5K iMac.
Design & Connectivity
Just like with the 24″ model, you can tilt the screen, adjust its height and VESA mount it.
It has three downstream USB-C ports, but only one Thunderbolt 3 port for video and 94W Power Delivery; you wouldn’t be able to daisy chain another display anyway due to the bandwidth required for the 5K resolution at 60Hz.
The LG 27MD5KL also has a built-in camera + microphone, in addition to two 5W speakers.
Alternatives
Depending on price and availability, be sure to check out the previous-gen model as well, the LG 27MD5KB which has all the same features, but a slightly weaker 85W Power Delivery capacity.
Apple’s Studio Display and Samsung’s ViewFinity S9 use the same (or very similar) panel as that of the 27MD5KL, but they’re considerably more expensive.
Dell U3423WE
Best 3440×1440 UltraWide Monitor For Mac Mini
Size: 34”
Panel: IPS Black
Resolution: 3440×1440
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Color Gamut: 98% DCI-P3
Pixel Density: 109 PPI
The Pros:
- Good pixel density for designers and developers
- Wide color gamut and wide viewing angles; high contrast ratio
- Ergonomic stand and rich connectivity options. including USB-C 90W PD and KVM
The Cons:
- IPS glow (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
Looking for something a bit different? There’s the Dell UltraSharp U3423WE ultrawide display!
Image Quality
This 34″ 3440×1440 ultrawide monitor has an aspect ratio of 21:9. What does this mean for you? It’s a 27″ 2560×1440 monitor that’s just 33% wider for extra horizontal screen space!
Think about it: the ultrawide format is especially useful for video editors due to the better overview of the timelines. Still, movies and games also look more immersive, and you get more screen space for productivity work!
As for the monitor itself, it has a screen resolution of 3440×1440, so you hit that pixel density sweet spot of ~109 PPI where you don’t have to use any scaling, yet you get sharp details and a lot of screen real estate.
The Dell U3423WE also supports a wide 98% DCI-P3 color gamut (factory-calibrated) for a vibrant picture quality while other specs include a 300-nit peak brightness and 10-bit color depth support.
Most importantly, the monitor uses an IPS Black panel with a high 2,000:1 contrast ratio that results in noticeably deeper blacks than that of regular IPS panels!
Design & Connectivity
You can elevate the screen by up to 150mm, tilt it by -5°/21°, +/- 30° swivel or VESA mount it.
Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.1 ports, USB-C (DP 1.4 Alt Mode, 90W PD), a headphone jack, two 5W built-in speakers, RJ45, five downstream USB-A ports, two more USB-C ports and built-in KVM.
The monitor also has a noticeable 1900R curvature for added immersion!
Alternatives
Want a 34″ 3440×1440 IPS ultrawide monitor with a DCI-P3 color gamut and a flat screen? Check out the BenQ PD3420Q.
Dell U3824DW
Best 38″ UltraWide Monitor For Mac Mini
Size: 38”
Panel: IPS Black
Resolution: 3840×1600
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Color Gamut: 98% DCI-P3
Pixel Density: 110 PPI
The Pros:
- Good pixel density for designers and developers
- Ergonomic stand and rich connectivity options; USB-C 90W, KVM
- Wide color gamut and wide viewing angles; high contrast ratio
The Cons:
- IPS glow (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
Interested in something similar but larger? Check out the Dell U3824DW – the best value for money 38″ ultrawide monitor for Mac Mini.
Image Quality
This 38″ ultrawide screen has a resolution of 3840×1600, so you get to keep that pixel density sweet spot of ~110 PPI for an excellent balance between screen real estate and detail sharpness.
Further, it supports a wide color gamut with 98% DCI-P3 coverage, excellent Delta E < 2 factory calibration and has a decent peak brightness of 300-nits. It’s also using an IPS Black panel with a high 2,000:1 static contrast ratio.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor is robust and versatile with up to 120mm height adjustment, -5°/21° tilt, +/- 30° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility; the screen has a subtle 2300R curvature.
Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C (DP 1.4 Alt Mode, 90W PD), an additional downstream USB-C port with 15W PD, two downstream USB-C ports, five downstream USB-A 10 Gbps ports, a headphone jack, RJ45 and dual 9W speakers.
LG 40WP95C
Best 40″ UltraWide Monitor For Mac Mini
Size: 40”
Panel: IPS
Resolution: 5120×2160
Refresh Rate: 72Hz
Color Gamut: 98% DCI-P3
Pixel Density: 140 PPI
The Pros:
- High pixel density
- Ergonomic stand and rich connectivity options
- Wide color gamut and wide viewing angles
The Cons:
- IPS glow and mediocre contrast ratio (as expected from this panel technology)
- Mediocre peak brightness
About The Monitor
If you’d like an ultrawide display with a higher resolution, there are a few 40″ 5120×2160 models available, such as the LG 40WP95C.
Image Quality
On the 40″ sized panel, the 5120×2160 resolution still offers a high pixel density of roughly 140 PPI. Basically, you can think of the LG 40WP95C as a 32″ 4K monitor that’s ~33% wider.
You also get wide color gamut support with 98% DCI-P3 color space coverage, but peak brightness is lower at 300-nits, and there’s no local dimming support of any kind.
FreeSync is supported up to 72Hz for a bit smoother gameplay, while other features include PiP/PbP, hardware calibration, Black Stabilizer and various picture presets.
Check out our LG 40WP95C review for more details.
Design & Connectivity
The design of the monitor is robust and versatile with up to 110mm height adjustment, +/- 15° swivel, -5°/20° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility, while the screen has a subtle 2500R curvature for added immersion.
Connectivity options are abundant and include Thunderbolt 4 input with DP 1.4 Alt Mode and 96W PD, Thunderbolt 4 output for daisy-chaining, DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a headphone jack, dual 10W integrated speakers and two downstream USB 3.0 ports.
Alternatives
Lenovo, Dell and HP offer their models based on the same panel with some different features. You can choose the one based on your preference and pricing. Check out our full LG 40WP95C review for more information.
LG 40WP95C | Lenovo P40W-20 | Dell U4021QW | HP Z40C | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Refresh Rate | 72Hz | 75Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz |
FreeSync | Yes (48-72Hz) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Thunderbolt 4 | 1x Input 96W PD 1x Output (daisy-chain) | 1x Input 96W PD 1x Output (daisy-chain) | N/A | N/A |
Thunderbolt 3 | N/A | N/A | 1x Input 90W PD | 2x Input up to 100W (165W PD total max) |
Display Inputs | 1x DisplayPort 1.4 2x HDMI 2.0 | 1x DisplayPort 1.4 1x HDMI 2.0 | 1x DisplayPort 1.4 2x HDMI 2.0 | 1x DisplayPort 1.4 1x HDMI 2.0 |
USB Ports | 2x USB-A | 4x USB-A 1x USB-B 1x USB-C (27W PD) | 4x USB-A 1x USB-B 1x USB-C (15W PD) | 4x USB-A |
Other | 1x Headphone Jack 2x 10W Speakers | 1x Headphone Jack 1x RJ45 | 1x Headphone Jack 1x RJ45 2x 9W Speakers | 1x RJ45 2x 5W Speakers 1x Built-in Webcam |
KVM | LG Dual Controller | KVM Switch, Lenovo eKVM7 | KVM Switch | HP Device Bridge |
Price | LG 40WP95C | Lenovo P40W-20 | Dell U4021QW | HP Z40C |
Dell U4924DW
Best Super-UltraWide IPS Monitor
Size: 49”
Panel: IPS Black
Resolution: 5120×1440
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Color Gamut: 98% DCI-P3
Pixel Density: 108 PPI
The Pros:
- Good pixel density for designers and developers
- Ergonomic design and rich connectivity options, USB-C 90W, KVM
- Accurate colors and wide viewing angles; wide color gamut
The Cons:
- IPS glow (as expected from this panel technology)
About The Monitor
Still not convinced and looking for something even more exotic? Check out the Dell U4924DW, a super ultrawide 32:9 monitor!
Image Quality
The Dell U4924DW pushes the ultrawide format even further to the 32:9 aspect ratio with a stunning screen resolution of 5120×1440. Simply put, that’s equivalent to two 27″ 2560×1440 monitors put side by side, just without the bezels in-between.
What’s the bottom line? This is the perfect monitor for multitasking, productivity work and video editing.
Other specifications include a high 2,000:1 contrast ratio, a peak brightness of 350-nits, 10-bit color depth support and a wide 98% DCI-P3 color gamut.
But that’s not all, the monitor also supports KVM, which allows you to connect two devices to the monitor and have control over them via just one set of keyboard/mouse using the Picture by Picture mode.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor offers up to 120mm height adjustment, -5°/21° tilt, +/- 170° swivel and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility, while the screen has a subtle 3800R for added immersion without distorting the image.
Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 90W PD, a USB-C upstream port, two USB-C downstream ports, five USB-A downstream ports, a headphone jack, RJ45 and dual 9W built-in speakers.
All USB ports have 10 Gbps, and there’s a built-in KVM switch and PiP/PbP support.
Conclusion
Did you find the perfect monitor for your Mac Mini?
Feel free to leave us any questions you might have in the comment section below!
Overall, if you’re on a tighter budget, both the Dell S2721QS and the Samsung U28R550U will ensure that you get excellent image quality and smooth performance with a premium feel for a reasonable price!
In case you can afford something pricier, we recommend the LG 32UP83A for a more comfortable viewing experience.
For audio/video editing and productivity work, you should definitely consider an ultrawide display. Here, we find that the Dell U4924DW offers the best value for money, but the Dell U3423WE is also an excellent pick if you’re on a tighter budget.
Want the absolute best display? You won’t be disappointed with LG’s UltraFine displays or one of the 5K2K ultrawides! Deciding between these just depends on what you personally prefer or need from a monitor.
Updates +
- November 15, 2023:
– Removed the LG 27QN600 and the MSI PS341WU.
– Replaced the LG 32UN650 with 32UP83A, the LG 34WK95C with the Dell U3423WE, the BenQ EW3880R with the Dell U3824DW and the LG 49WL95C with the Dell U4924DW. - November 22, 2022:
– Checked up on the guide to ensure that our picks are still the best options available. - April 28, 2022:
– Replaced the Samsung FT700 with the LG 27QN600. Added the Samsung U28R550, the BenQ EW3880R, the MSI PS341WU and the LG 40WP95C. - February 24, 2022:
– Replaced the Dell P2418D with the LG 24QP500, the Dell U2719DX with the Samsung F27T700, and the LG 27UL650 with the Dell S2721QS.
– Added the LG 32UN650 and several alternatives for the LG 34WK95C. - November 23, 2021:
– Checked up on the guide to ensure that our picks are still the best options available.