Buying Guide
The Best Monitors for MacBook Pro
From the PA278CV to the BenQ MA270U: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A monitor for a MacBook Pro should carry video and charge the laptop over one USB-C or Thunderbolt cable, so the power delivery figure matters. Every monitor here has a USB-C or Thunderbolt input and lists 90W or more of power or Mac-specific tuning.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out refresh rate, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
ASUS ProArt PA278CV
Undercutting the ProArt PA278CGRV on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the ProArt PA278CGRV the next step up.
Our take Check price for ASUS ProArt PA278CV (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
ASUS ProArt PA278CGRV
The highest refresh rate here (144Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Our take Check price for ASUS ProArt PA278CGRV (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASUS ProArt PA279CRV
99% Adobe RGB coverage.
Best for: Buyers who want 99% Adobe RGB coverage.
Our take Check price for ASUS ProArt PA279CRV (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
Samsung ViewFinity S65TC 34-inch
The largest screen size here (34 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Our take Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S65TC 34-inch (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
BenQ MA270U
Mac colour tuning for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the PA278CV costs less.
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the ProArt PA278CGRV on price when we checked. | Spending as little as possible, with the ProArt PA278CGRV the next step up. | Check price for ASUS ProArt PA278CV (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (144Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for ASUS ProArt PA278CGRV (opens in a new tab) |
| 99% Adobe RGB coverage. | Buyers who want 99% Adobe RGB coverage. | Check price for ASUS ProArt PA279CRV (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (34 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S65TC 34-inch (opens in a new tab) |
| Mac colour tuning for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the PA278CV costs less. | Check price for BenQ MA270U (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
ASUS ProArt PA278CV on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ProArt PA278CV adds 65W USB-C power delivery and daisy-chaining to the 27-inch 1440p ProArt formula.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the ProArt PA278CGRV the next step up.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: screen size of 27 inches, behind the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC (34 inches).
Why we like it
Its stand pivots to portrait for coding or page layout. It matches the ProArt PA278CGRV, the ProArt PA279CRV and the BenQ MA270U on screen size (27 inches). It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the ProArt PA278CGRV; the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC goes with a 3440x1440 resolution.
A 100% sRGB / Rec. 709 color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the ProArt PA278CGRV uses a 97% DCI-P3 color gamut. It also comes with Calman Verified with Delta E below 2. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the ProArt PA278CGRV was closest. If you want a confirmed refresh rate, look to the ProArt PA278CGRV instead: it offers 144Hz, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 100% sRGB / Rec. 709
- Stand: tilt, swivel, pivot and height adjustment
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 100% sRGB / Rec. 709 colour coverage
- a stand with tilt, swivel, pivot and height adjustment
Cons
- Screen size of 27 inches, behind the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC (34 inches)
Fastest Refresh2 of 5
ASUS ProArt PA278CGRV on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the ProArt PA278CGRV brings to the table is factory calibration to Delta E under 2, plus a 144Hz variable refresh rate.
Best for
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the PA278CV, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the PA278CV, the ProArt PA279CRV and the BenQ MA270U on screen size (27 inches). It shares a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution with the PA278CV; the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC goes with a 3440x1440 resolution.
A 97% DCI-P3 color gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the ProArt PA279CRV uses a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. You also get this: 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. Another plus: an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. When we checked, only the PA278CV cost less, and the ProArt PA279CRV cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 97% DCI-P3
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 97% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the PA278CV at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
ASUS ProArt PA279CRV on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ProArt PA279CRV stands out for 99% Adobe RGB coverage, and it adds factory calibration to Delta E under 2.
Best for
- Buyers who want 99% Adobe RGB coverage.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the PA278CV was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also offers a 27 inches screen size. On screen size it ties with the PA278CV, the ProArt PA278CGRV and the BenQ MA270U at 27 inches. Like the BenQ MA270U, it has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution, while the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC uses a 3440x1440 resolution.
No other pick in this guide offers a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut; compare the BenQ MA270U, which has a P3 wide colour gamut. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper ProArt PA278CGRV and the pricier Samsung ViewFinity S65TC, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its refresh rate; if that figure matters, the ProArt PA278CGRV offers 144Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Panel: IPS
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- a USB-C input for laptops
Cons
- Costs more than the PA278CV at the time of writing
Largest Screen Size4 of 5
Samsung ViewFinity S65TC 34-inch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC brings to the table is a 1000R curve, plus Thunderbolt 4 with 90W charging and a LAN port.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: a 100Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games.
Why we like it
It also offers a 100Hz refresh rate and offers a 34 inches screen size. On screen size it leads this guide at 34 inches, ahead of the PA278CV (27 inches). A 3440x1440 resolution is unique to it among these picks, while the ProArt PA278CGRV uses a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
It also comes with a KVM switch with picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture and TUV-certified eye care with built-in speakers. Worth noting: AMD FreeSync to reduce screen tearing. Another plus: a stand with height, swivel and tilt. When we checked, only the ProArt PA279CRV and cheaper picks cost less, and the BenQ MA270U cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 100Hz
- Resolution: 3440x1440
- Size: 34 inches
- HDR: HDR10
- Adaptive sync: AMD FreeSync
- Stand: height, swivel and tilt
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- AMD FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
- a stand with height, swivel and tilt
- a USB-C input for laptops
- 1000R curve
Cons
- a 100Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Costs more than the PA278CV at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
BenQ MA270U on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The BenQ MA270U is built around Mac colour tuning for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, with two USB-C ports with 90W to the MacBook and 15W for an iPad or iPhone on top.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the PA278CV costs less.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC offers 34 inches.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 27 inches screen size. It matches the PA278CV, the ProArt PA278CGRV and the ProArt PA279CRV on screen size (27 inches). It shares a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution with the ProArt PA279CRV; the ProArt PA278CGRV goes with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution.
A P3 wide colour gamut is unique to it among these picks, while the PA278CV uses a 100% sRGB / Rec. 709 color gamut. It also comes with brightness and volume that follow the MacBook keyboard and two HDMI inputs. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy.
At our last price check it topped the group, with the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed refresh rate, look to the ProArt PA278CGRV instead: it offers 144Hz, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 27 inches
- Color gamut: P3 wide colour gamut
- Stand: height, tilt, swivel and pivot
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- P3 wide colour gamut colour coverage
- a stand with height, tilt, swivel and pivot
- a USB-C input for laptops
Cons
- Screen size trails the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC (34 inches)
- Costs more than the PA278CV at the time of writing
How We Chose These Monitors for MacBook Pro
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 7 fields compared are stated for every pick, while refresh rate and panel have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the PA278CV to the BenQ MA270U, state resolution, screen size and USB-C and share USB-C.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The PA278CV, the ProArt PA279CRV and the BenQ MA270U give no refresh rate; the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC and the BenQ MA270U give no panel.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the PA278CV ($250 to $500) to the BenQ MA270U ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a Monitor for MacBook Pro
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Screen size across these picks
Here screen size runs from 27 inches on the BenQ MA270U to 34 inches on the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC, a 26% spread. The Samsung ViewFinity S65TC is the pick for screen size.
Refresh rate
The ProArt PA278CGRV tops refresh rate at 144Hz and the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC sits lowest at 100Hz. If refresh rate is your first filter, the ProArt PA278CGRV sets the ceiling at 144Hz. The PA278CV, the ProArt PA279CRV and the BenQ MA270U give no refresh rate figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Color gamut
The PA278CV lists 100% sRGB / Rec. 709; the ProArt PA278CGRV lists 97% DCI-P3; the ProArt PA279CRV lists 99% DCI-P3; the BenQ MA270U lists P3 wide colour gamut. Settling color gamut first narrows 4 picks to 1, 1 or 1 or 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The ProArt PA279CRV: factory calibration to Delta E under 2. The Samsung ViewFinity S65TC: Thunderbolt 4 with 90W charging and a LAN port. The BenQ MA270U: two USB-C ports with 90W to the MacBook and 15W for an iPad or iPhone.
Where your budget lands
$250 to $500 buys the PA278CV, the ProArt PA278CGRV, the ProArt PA279CRV and the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC; $500 to $1000 buys the BenQ MA270U at our last check.
How to Choose a Monitor for MacBook Pro
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the ProArt PA278CGRV the next step up | PA278CV | Undercutting the ProArt PA278CGRV on price when we checked |
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | ProArt PA278CGRV | The highest refresh rate here (144Hz) |
| Buyers who want 99% Adobe RGB coverage | ProArt PA279CRV | 99% Adobe RGB coverage |
| Buyers who put screen size first | Samsung ViewFinity S65TC | The largest screen size here (34 inches) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the PA278CV costs less | BenQ MA270U | Mac colour tuning for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Samsung ViewFinity S65TC leads on screen size at 34 inches, ahead of the PA278CV at 27 inches. "Not listed" marks refresh rate where the PA278CV, the ProArt PA279CRV and the BenQ MA270U leave the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA278CV | Not listed | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| ProArt PA278CGRV | 144Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 27 inches | IPS |
| ProArt PA279CRV | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| Samsung ViewFinity S65TC | 100Hz | 3440x1440 | 34 inches | Not listed |
| BenQ MA270U | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the PA278CV, sat in the $250 to $500 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the BenQ MA270U at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | PA278CV, ProArt PA278CGRV, ProArt PA279CRV, Samsung ViewFinity S65TC |
| About $500 to $1000 | BenQ MA270U |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC ahead of the PA278CV on screen size?
The Samsung ViewFinity S65TC tops screen size at 34 inches; the PA278CV follows at 27 inches, 26% apart.
Which has the highest refresh rate: the ProArt PA278CGRV or the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC?
Between the top two, it is 144Hz on the ProArt PA278CGRV against 100Hz on the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC, a 44% difference. The PA278CV, the ProArt PA279CRV and the BenQ MA270U don't state a refresh rate figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
What makes the ProArt PA278CGRV the Fastest Refresh?
It carries the badge for the highest refresh rate here (144Hz). The Samsung ViewFinity S65TC is next on refresh rate at 100Hz, so this pick's 144Hz is 44% further out. It is aimed at competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Do the PA278CV and the ProArt PA279CRV differ on resolution?
The PA278CV and the ProArt PA278CGRV use 2560x1440 (1440p); the ProArt PA279CRV and the BenQ MA270U use 3840x2160 (4K); the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC uses 3440x1440.
Beyond the specs, what sets the PA278CV and the ProArt PA278CGRV apart?
The PA278CV: 65W USB-C power delivery. The ProArt PA278CGRV: factory calibration to Delta E under 2. The ProArt PA279CRV: 99% Adobe RGB coverage.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the PA278CV, chosen for undercutting the ProArt PA278CGRV on price when we checked. Look at the ProArt PA279CRV for 99% Adobe RGB coverage, the Samsung ViewFinity S65TC for the largest screen size here (34 inches) and the BenQ MA270U for Mac colour tuning for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Check the MacBook's charger wattage against the monitor's power delivery, and use the cable in the box.