The best monitors for Mac mini in 2022
The best monitors for Mac mini help you to maximize the potential of your mini Apple computer. Whether you have a slightly older Mac mini or an M1-powered model, you know that they are much more capable than they look, with the Mac mini M1 boasting three times the processing power and six times the graphical power of its predecessor.
These mini PCs, therefore, can see you through demanding workloads despite being the smallest Apple computer. Older models can tackle your photo editing and graphics design needs while the newer M1 model can tackle video editing projects. So, getting a Mac mini display that's just as capable and comes with a fantastic picture, solid build quality, and a robust feature set is vital.
We've used, tested, and reviewed our share of displays, putting each one through its paces to ensure that it does deliver as promised (see how we test for more details on our process). We gathered our top recommendations below, a few of which should satisfy content creators in terms of colour accuracy and colour coverage.
Bear in mind that although we have tested many of our picks in this guide, some of the monitors – a handful of which we're in the process of testing – are included based on user reviews and expert recommendations. Rest assured, however, that we have handpicked every single entry here, factoring in build quality, image quality, port selection, and features that work best with a Mac mini.
Whether you seek a budget-friendly pick or require one of the best monitors for photo editing and the best monitor for video editing, you'll find the best monitor for Mac mini for you below.
The best monitors for Mac mini: available now
01. LG 32UN880-B UltraFine Ergo
The best monitor for Mac mini for creatives overall
Size: 31.5in | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Input: 1 x DisplayPort, 2 x HDMI, 1 x USB-C | Brightness (typical): 350 cd/m2
Gorgeous colours and great picture quality
Versatile ergonomic stand
HDR nothing to write home about
The LG 32UN8800-B UltraFine Ergo delivers a great price-to-performance ratio, allowing it to be capable enough for creative workloads while keeping things accessible for most people, price-wise. This 4K panel offers video and photo editors 350 nits of brightness and HDR10 support, as well as 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage, and all professionals that covetable USB-C connectivity, which makes it just as great for Ultrabooks and MacBooks as it is for Mac minis.
Of course, it's the ergonomic C-clamp and base that's the star here. Instead of the usual stand and base, it comes with a highly-articulating version that offers the kind of ergonomic adjustments that suit creative professionals. Not only will it let you effortlessly pivot the panel 90 degrees, tilt and swivel better than other displays, but it allows for height adjustments, as well as extensions and retractions.
Combining that impressive feature set with its ability to deliver great performance for the price, the LG 32UN8800-B UltraFine Ergo is one of the best value monitors on the market – and just the perfect match for your Mac mini.
02. ASUS ProArt PA278CV
The best Mac mini monitor for balancing budget and pro features
Size: 27in | Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 | Input: 1 x USB-C, 2 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x HDMI | Brightness (maximum): 350 cd/m2
Amazing colour support for the price
Great connectivity
Average brightness
The Asus ProArt PA278CV is an excellent, affordable option if you do not require a kitted out display for your Mac mini. You might not be getting 4K resolution here, but unless you're tackling demanding creative workloads on a daily basis, in which the amount of detail and screen real estate a 4K display offers comes in most handy, a 1440p should more than suffice.
And, that is what this affordable display offers. That's on top of its Calman Verified colour accuracy of Delta E <2 and 100% sRGB and 100% REC 709 colour gamuts that still make it a great display if you do need to edit photos and videos from time to time. Although its brightness level is nothing to write home about, 350 nits is basically the standard these days.
Other mention-worthy features are its on-screen scaling overlay, the ability to daisy-chain two screens together via its DisplayPort, and the decent number of ports. Overall, you're absolutely getting a great value for its budget price.
03. BenQ DesignVue PD3220U
Excellent Mac mini monitor for productivity, coding, and creative workflows
USB-C: Yes x 2 | Screen size: 31.5 inches | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 | Aspect ratio: 16:9 | Brightness: 250 nits | Response time: 5ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: 100% Rec.709, 100% sRGB, 95% DCl P3 | Weight: 10.7kg
Gorgeous design
Lovely IPS panel
Only good color accuracy
Not cheap
The BenQ DesignVue PD3220U boasts plenty of impressive features out of the box, from its high colour accuracy out of the box to its impressive 100% Rec.709, 100% sRGB, and 95% P3 colour gamuts. Better yet, our test results revealed that it covers 98% of the DCI-P3 colour space. Those, alongside a variety of colour modes that include Animation, Rec.709, Adobe RGB, and CAD/CAM, pretty much have graphic designers and content creators covered.
For other Mac mini users who aren't in the creative world – like coders and other professionals, our BenQ PD322OU review should reveal a handful of nifty features as well. Among them are not just one but two Thunderbolt 3 ports for daisy-chaining multiple monitors. One of them even delivers 85W power delivery for charging MacBooks and other laptops as well. Meanwhile, things like Picture-in-Picture, Picture-by-Picture, and a 90-degree pivot capability for portrait mode are best for productivity. All in all, we found the big 32-inch 4K display delivered stacks of detail and great image quality, making this the best value professional screen we've tested.
04. LG 38WN95C
The best ultrawide monitor for Mac mini
USB-C: Yes, 1 | Screen size: 38in | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 1600 | Brightness: 450 nits | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: 98% DCI-P3 | Weight: 18.3kg
Great P3 colour coverage
Plenty of features
Not 4K
A stunning 3840 x 1600 display, the LG 38WN95C gives you the real estate you need to spread out and have all your tools handy so you can immerse yourself in your creative process and save time as well. But, there are many more features to love here besides its ultrawide goodness.
Content creators will appreciate its 99% sRGB and 98% DCI-P3 colour gamuts and VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification while gamers will appreciate the fast refresh rate of 144Hz, 1ms fast response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync support. Meanwhile, the LG's ambient light sensor and an articulating stand are most useful for professionals who love to multitask. The LG 38WN95C is a great all-rounder that should fit most types of Mac mini users.
05. BenQ SW321C PhotoVue
The best 32-inch monitor for Mac mini for photographers
Screen size: 31.5in | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 | Input: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x USB-C | Brightness: 250 cd/m2
Great colour coverage and uniformity
Excellent colour accuracy
Lots of editing-specific features
Built-in OSD controls annoying to use
Contrast could be better
The BenQ SW321C PhotoVue is one of the best displays for photographers, and it's designed to be that way as one of the manufacturer's photography monitors. Its 32-inch 4K screen lets you really get in and see every pixel if you need to, or simply provides a nice big and detailed canvas to view overall. Of course, you've got all the vital colour spaces covered as well, touting 99% Adobe RGB, 95% P3, 100% sRGB colour gamuts, and a 16-but 3D LUT helping to maintain realistic colour gradation.
During testing, we found that it delivers a bit more coverage than advertised, giving us a colourimeter reading of 100% Adobe RGB. Our BenQ SW321C PhotoVue review should also show that colour accuracy is top-notch on testing as well, delivering an average Delta E of 0.9 out of the box.
A clever PaperSync feature that enables you to choose from different paper types, and the display will attempt to mimic what your image would look like on that material. Gimmicky perhaps, but even without it, this is simply a phenomenal screen for photographers. The low brightness is a trade-off we can live with for total accuracy. It also offers some extra connections, though they're a bit recessed for our liking.
06. Dell UP2720Q
The best 4K monitor for Mac mini with impeccable accuracy
Size: 27in | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 | Input: 1 x Thunderbolt 3/USB-C, 2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort | Brightness (max): 250 cd/m2
Self-checking colour calibration
Thunderbolt 3 connectivity
It isn't cheap
The Dell UP2720Q is for those who have discerning colour accuracy and connectivity needs and are seeking a pro-level monitor for their Mac mini. Here, you get 100% Adobe RGB, 80% BT. 2020 and 98% DCI-P3 gamut support, but the crown jewel is the built-in colorimeter that's CalMAN ready. It checks its own screen regularly to make sure accuracy hasn't drifted, so you don't need to worry about it.
This monitor also adds Thunderbolt 3 hub support, so if you want to daisy chain or just have several high-bandwidth accessories to connect, it's ready to go. This comes on top of all of the advantages of the screen at number one, including a razor-sharp 4K display and great ergonomics. Alas, you've still only got 250 nits of brightness, but that's no issue if accuracy is your main requirement. The only other downside on this one is that it's more expensive.
07. Samsung M8
A smart monitor for both the Apple Mac mini and PC laptops
Size: 32in | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 | Connections: 2x USB-C, 1x MicroHDMI | Brightness (typical): 400 cd/m2
Comes in different shades
Rich in features
Build quality isn't the best
The Samsung M8 smart monitor makes it possible for the more budget-conscious consumers to enjoy that Apple display vibe without spending as much. It's clearly designed by Samsung to give pricey Apple displays a good run for their money with its iMac-inspired design, minimal port selection, and several colour options. At closer inspection, however, you'll come to realize that you're getting so much more than a good quality Apple knockoff.
Its flimsy built and lower image quality aside (lower than Apple's pro offerings, that is), the M8 also boasts a magnetic clip-on SlimFit webcam, IoT hub functionality that turns it into your SmartThings devices control center, and Smart TV functionality. That's on top of its USB-C connectivity with power delivery and 3,000:1 contrast ratio. If you're looking for an affordable Apple-esque display, this is definitely worth checking out, especially if you're looking for a versatile option.
08. ViewSonic VP3268a-4K
Excellent video editing monitor for Mac mini
Screen size: 32in | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x USB-C | Brightness: 350 nits
Good factory calibration
Great productivity and content creation features
No HDR support
Post-production editors and colourists that develop broadcast and online video content will appreciate having ViewSonic VP3268a-4K’s 100% Rec. 709 and 100% sRGB colour coverage. And, while it isn’t exactly new, it is a fresh update on the ViewSonic VP3268-4K, now touting USB-C connectivity, including, you guessed it, the Mac mini. It also offers improved colour accuracy over the original model and Pantone validation.
All those make this 4K monitor not just an ideal match for Mac computers, but also an excellent option for creators looking for a video editing monitor. Other things you’ll appreciate about it is its great port selection, 350 nits of brightness, and decent factory calibration. Unfortunately, there’s no HDR support and the contrast ratio is only 1,300:1, but the colours are more than vibrant and accurate enough for content creators.
09. Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV
The best portable monitors for creative digital nomads
Size: 14in | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Input: 2 x USB-C, 1 x Micro HDMI | Brightness (max): 300 cd/m²
Impressively bright and vibrant
Touchscreen is reliable and handy
Only 1080p
The Mac mini’s svelte and portable nature makes the ideal travelling companion, especially if you’re going away for a long period for work or travelling full-time. Nomadic creators aren’t likely to have access to a monitor made specifically for video or photo editing, which means something like the Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV might just do the trick.
There aren’t a lot of portable monitors designed specifically for content creation out there, even less that perform as well as this. And, unsurprisingly so, as this boasts 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 colour gamut, and Delta E < 2 colour accuracy, which means it’s just the ticket for editing on the go – short of a laptop, that is. It also comes with an incredibly responsive touchscreen and the ASUS Dial that works to simplify your Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premiere Pro workflows.
And, finally, when you’re finally back in your home studio or office, this portable monitor can moonlight as a control panel, again to make your workflow seamless and let you focus on the creative part of the process. All in all, this is one of the best monitors for Mac mini for content creators that work on the go.
10. Asus ProArt PA32UC-K
The best monitor for Mac mini for video editing
Size:: 32in | Resolution:: 3,840 x 2,160 | Input:: 2 x Thunderbolt 3, 4 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort | Brightness (max): : 1,000 cd/m2
1,000-nit peak brightness
Thunderbolt 3 connectivity
Overkill for non-video work
For those who want to work with HDR video, the trouble with most monitors is the lack of brightness – you can't see what things would look like on a mid-range or better TV. That is not the case here. 1,000 nits of peak brightness puts this monitor up there with great TVs In fact, the use of Mini-LED means its localised dimming is actually more precise than a lot of TVs can manage for fantastic contrast, with hundreds of individual zones.
Its 4K resolution is also ideal, so you can really watch something at full quality here. Naturally, that means great DCI-P3 colour support (95% in this case), but 99.5% Adobe RGB and 100% sRGB coverage make it great for other work too. There's Thunderbolt 3 connectivity on board, which is ideal if you'll have RAIDs full of raw high-res footage. This monitor strikes a balance, offering excellent features for video pros, without entering the seriously high pricing of a Hollywood video monitor, making it a great choice as the best monitor for Mac mini for video editing.
Can I use any monitor with a Mac mini?
Unless you plan on pulling out a monitor from the last century, you can use just about any display with the Mac mini. But, since Mac minis don’t come with a screen like a MacBook Pro or iMac, having versatile connectivity is much more crucial. The Mac mini M1 and its Intel-powered predecessor come with an HDMI 2.0 port and multiple USB-C ports. And, you would be hard-pressed to find a monitor that doesn’t have at least HDMI connectivity. If your monitor has DisplayPort, you'll need an adapter.
How many monitors can the Mac mini M1 support?
The Mac mini M1 may be small, but it is quite the powerhouse, especially for its size. This little computer can drive two high-resolution monitors, thanks to that M1 system on a chip Apple introduced in late 2020. Specifically, it can connect and run a 6K display at 60Hz via one of its Thunderbolt ports and one 4K at 60 Hz via the HDMI 2.0 port. It might not be quite what the newest 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros can do, but it’s impressive nonetheless. The only caveat is that you can't daisy chain on the Thunderbolt 3 connection.
How do I choose the best monitor for Mac mini?
The Mac mini is very flexible and any recent monitor with a USB-C or HDMI port will serve you, so the best monitor for Mac mini will really depend on what you're using it for. Anyone working in visual design will want a high-quality display with good colour coverage. and uniform brightness. If you're going to want to hook up additional accessories, for example a MacBook, then you'll want a range of ports. it's also worth considering the location of those ports, especially if you'll be taking your Mac mini on the road with you and will need to plug it in and out regularly.
How do you connect a monitor to Mac mini?
It's very easy to connect a monitor to a Mac mini. Simply locate the USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 or HDMI 2.0 ports (the former have a lightning symbol above them), plug in with a compatible cable, then turn on both devices.
Are Mac minis worth it?
There’s no more reasonably priced computer among Apple’s lineup than the Mac mini. And, with the M1 chip on hand, it’s pretty powerful as well. Of course, you need to factor in the price of your peripherals, such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. But, this diminutive little beast can handle just about anything you can throw at it, from working on high-resolution editing and design projects to powering through the latest games available to Mac users.
Related articles:
10. LG 38WN95C
The best ultra wide USB-C monitor for creatives
USB-C: Yes, 1 | Screen size: 38in | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 1600 | Brightness: 450 nits | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: 98% DCI-P3 | Weight: 18.3kg
Great P3 colour coverage
Plenty of features
Not 4K
With the MSI PS341WU being tough to find, your options for a truly impressive ultrawide USB-C monitor for creative workloads have become considerably limited. Luckily, LG is here to save the day with the LG 38WN95C, a stunning 3840 x 1600 display that gives you plenty of room to spread out and have all your tools handy so you can immerse in your creative process. Content creators will also appreciate its 99% sRGB and 98% DCI-P3 colour gamuts.
While it isn't a 5K2K display like the PS341WU, it comes with its own strengths including a fast refresh rate of 144Hz and a fast response time of 1ms, as well as AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync – all the good stuff esports and non-pro gamers need. A great all-rounder, it also boasts LG's ambient light sensor and an articulating stand, both of which productivity and creative professionals will appreciate.
Of course, its pixel-per-inch ratio of 110.93 is just the ticket for making those visuals sharp and those texts comfortably readable. Oh, and did we mention its VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification?
10. LG 38WN95C
The best ultra wide USB-C monitor for creatives
USB-C: Yes, 1 | Screen size: 38in | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 1600 | Brightness: 450 nits | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: 98% DCI-P3 | Weight: 18.3kg
Great P3 colour coverage
Plenty of features
Not 4K
With the MSI PS341WU being tough to find, your options for a truly impressive ultrawide USB-C monitor for creative workloads have become considerably limited. Luckily, LG is here to save the day with the LG 38WN95C, a stunning 3840 x 1600 display that gives you plenty of room to spread out and have all your tools handy so you can immerse in your creative process. Content creators will also appreciate its 99% sRGB and 98% DCI-P3 colour gamuts.
While it isn't a 5K2K display like the PS341WU, it comes with its own strengths including a fast refresh rate of 144Hz and a fast response time of 1ms, as well as AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync – all the good stuff esports and non-pro gamers need. A great all-rounder, it also boasts LG's ambient light sensor and an articulating stand, both of which productivity and creative professionals will appreciate.
Of course, its pixel-per-inch ratio of 110.93 is just the ticket for making those visuals sharp and those texts comfortably readable. Oh, and did we mention its VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification?
10. LG 38WN95C
The best ultra wide USB-C monitor for creatives
USB-C: Yes, 1 | Screen size: 38in | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 1600 | Brightness: 450 nits | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: 98% DCI-P3 | Weight: 18.3kg
Great P3 colour coverage
Plenty of features
Not 4K
With the MSI PS341WU being tough to find, your options for a truly impressive ultrawide USB-C monitor for creative workloads have become considerably limited. Luckily, LG is here to save the day with the LG 38WN95C, a stunning 3840 x 1600 display that gives you plenty of room to spread out and have all your tools handy so you can immerse in your creative process. Content creators will also appreciate its 99% sRGB and 98% DCI-P3 colour gamuts.
While it isn't a 5K2K display like the PS341WU, it comes with its own strengths including a fast refresh rate of 144Hz and a fast response time of 1ms, as well as AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync – all the good stuff esports and non-pro gamers need. A great all-rounder, it also boasts LG's ambient light sensor and an articulating stand, both of which productivity and creative professionals will appreciate.
Of course, its pixel-per-inch ratio of 110.93 is just the ticket for making those visuals sharp and those texts comfortably readable. Oh, and did we mention its VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification?
10. LG 38WN95C
The best ultra wide USB-C monitor for creatives
USB-C: Yes, 1 | Screen size: 38in | Aspect ratio: 21:9 | Resolution: 3840 x 1600 | Brightness: 450 nits | Response time: 1ms | Viewing angle: 178/178 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Color support: 98% DCI-P3 | Weight: 18.3kg
Great P3 colour coverage
Plenty of features
Not 4K
With the MSI PS341WU being tough to find, your options for a truly impressive ultrawide USB-C monitor for creative workloads have become considerably limited. Luckily, LG is here to save the day with the LG 38WN95C, a stunning 3840 x 1600 display that gives you plenty of room to spread out and have all your tools handy so you can immerse in your creative process. Content creators will also appreciate its 99% sRGB and 98% DCI-P3 colour gamuts.
While it isn't a 5K2K display like the PS341WU, it comes with its own strengths including a fast refresh rate of 144Hz and a fast response time of 1ms, as well as AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync – all the good stuff esports and non-pro gamers need. A great all-rounder, it also boasts LG's ambient light sensor and an articulating stand, both of which productivity and creative professionals will appreciate.
Of course, its pixel-per-inch ratio of 110.93 is just the ticket for making those visuals sharp and those texts comfortably readable. Oh, and did we mention its VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification?
