Quick list
1. Best overall
2. Best for gamers
3. Best value
4. Best Premium
5. Best big screen
6. Best low price
7. Q&A
When it comes to choosing the best monitor for MacBook Air, you should consider size, color, and the prospect of expanding your connectivity with ports. A good monitor for your MacBook Air can really transform using it in the home or office. MacBook Air models are primarily designed for portability, but the power of Apple silicon in devices like the MacBook Air M2 means that there are now more options than ever before when it comes to expanding your display real estate.
We've tested loads of monitors here at iMore, and now we've put them all in a list so that you can find the best one to go with your MacBook Air. Remember, the MacBook Air only has USB-C ports, so if you choose to go with one without a USB-C port on the back then you'll need to invest further in some kind of HDMI dongle. Thankfully, all the monitor options here feature USB-C connectivity. Alternatively, if you need something you can take out with you, consider one of the best portable monitors instead. There's also always the best 4K monitors for Mac to consider if you want the best picture quality.
Stephen has tested several monitors for iMore, with attention to their color accuracy and gaming performance. Never one to miss a detail, these are the best monitors that he's seen around.
Quick list
27-inches of colorful, accurate display here, with a bounty of ways to get your MacBook plugged in. It's not cheap, costing over $1000, but it's a very solid monitor. 4K resolution is brilliant for fitting more windows on what is now a fairly average-sized monitor — and remember to buy some separate speakers.
Dough are the makers of some epic monitors, and this 4K glossy monitor has everything that a gamer might want —mostly that monster 144Hz refresh rate for buttery smooth gaming. That glossy display surface might add up to some irritating glare, so opt for the matte panel version if you're using it in direct sunlight.
The Alogic Clarity monitor family is something of a wonder —they manage to keep the cost down, but provide some incredible displays that rival more expensive options. The version we tried is the touch, but the standard Clarity uses the same internal processing and display panel. For $699, it's an absolute steal.
It's big, made of metal, and has a whopping great 5K display on the front — the Apple Studio Display is really something to witness. It sounds good too, although you'll pay through the nose for it. There's no denying that if you want the most attractive picture you can buy, however, then the Studio display is the way to go.
Want a bigger screen? This 32-inch display will set you up for good. It's a stunner of a display, with great colors and a clear picture, and while it doesn't quite match up to the Apple Studio display it also doesn't cost quite so much. You'll need some extra room, but you'll not regret plugging your MacBook Air into this one.
This is the cheapest monitor on the list, as it lacks the 4K display of all the other options. It's still QHD, however, so it will be crisper and fit more on screen than a 1080p monitor. It's big as well, at 32-inches, so you'll have plenty of screen to get around with your work. a 75Hz refresh rate will keep it snappy as well.
Best overall
In my Philips 27B1U7903 review I was blown away by this monitor's immense display quality, and its incredible utility as a hub thanks to its extensive ports. It can deliver charging and display connectivity through Thunderbolt and has more ports for USB (both A and C), HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and audio. It looks absolutely fantastic thanks to its DisplayHDR 1400 technology and is the ultimate MacBook Air companion.
Best for gamers
If you're looking to game on your monitor as well as work on your MacBook Air alongside it, this superb screen from Dough is well worth your money. 4K, 144Hz, and using an unusual (but very rich and attractive) glossy panel, it's a premium display that can make your games look awesome and silky smooth in motion.
The Dough Spectrum 4K 144Hz glossy monitor port selection is incredible too. Not only does it offer Display Port 1.4, but the 27-inch screen has also 2x HDMI 2.1 for modern console's advanced display settings, 1x USB Type-C (video, 100W power for keeping your MacBook Air juiced, and USB hub capabilities), 1x USB Type-B (USB hub), 1x USB Type-C, 2x USB Type-A, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It also supports the variable refresh rate tech offered up by Nvidia’s G-Sync and AMD’s Freesync. It’s fully featured for the modern gamer's needs.
The Dough Spectrum 4K 144Hz glossy monitor is available now, priced at $1,099 for the display and an additional $99 for its svelte stand. It's available exclusively at the time of writing directly from Dough.
Best value
The Alogic Clarity monitor is available in a couple of different options. First, is the standard Clarity monitor, which is just that, a nice 4K monitor. It costs $699, and comes close in display quality to the Apple Studio Display for a fraction of the cost. Second is the Clarity Pro, which has the same display panel but a built-in camera — that option costs $849, still under the Apple Studio display. Finally, the top of the Clarity tree is the touch version, which has the Pro's camera, and, obviously, a touch screen.
We tried out the latter, and the extra features easily make it worth the extra, at $999 — you'll notice, still less than the Studio Display. It's really a miracle how Alogic has managed to pump so much goodness into such a reasonably priced professional-grade monitor.
Now, you're not going to get the best build quality out if this one. Not that it's bad; for $699 its perfectly fine, but the competition is built slightly better with more metal all over the place. The on-screen menu is a little convoluted as well, but once you know where everything and how it works you'll be fine. And then you'll get to enjoy its pin-sharp 4K display, with support for HDR and with superb color accuracy. An excellent monitor not just for the price, but overall.
Best premium
If you own a MacBook Air, it makes sense you might want to consider the Apple Studio Display, which we reviewed and were pleased with last year. First introduced in 2022 alongside the Mac Studio, the monitor offers a nearly perfect 5K display and matches the Apple aesthetic, as expected.
You'll love the monitor's vibrant color accuracy, contrast, and detailed calibration option if you're creative. Are you a music fan? You'll appreciate its six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio and a three-mic array. When you add in the 12MP Ultra-Wide camera with Center Stage, you have a workhouse of a display that supports any number of professional activities.
For compatibility, the display comes with a Thunderbolt 3 port and three USB-C ports, which means you may need a dongle if you have a lot of devices and accessories to connect.
The biggest concern about the Apple Studio Display is its price. It's likely more expensive than your MacBook Air.
Best big screen
You're going to need a bit more desk space for this one, but if you can clear some surface then you'll not regret the time spent. At 32 inches, it's about the same size as my TV from a few years ago, but now it's sat only a few inches from my face — and I couldn't be happier.
The colors are sumptuous, the display crisp and clear, and the anti-glare coating does a stellar job. The stand too is a particular highlight, although you might expect as much for a massive, heavy monitor.
The controls are cool too, housed in a separate little dial of buttons in a puck. They're much easier to get to than traditional buttons on a monitor, giving you quick and easy access when you need to dial in the settings.
Best low price
Compared to the all singing, all dancing monitors that dominate this list, this Philips display might not seem like something you might want to consider when buying a new monitor for your MacBook Air. If, however, you've spent all your money on a new MacBook but still need a monitor, than this will do you just fine.
The QHD resolution is still sharper and clearer than a 1080p option, and it's 32-inch size will give you plenty of space to fit all your work. Connecting is easy over USB Type-C, as well as the HDMI and DisplayPorts should you need those with other kit you've got. It's a chunky monitor, so it will take up lots of space, but it's got plenty of punch to make up for it.
Oh, and it costs under $300.
Q&A
There are a few things you should consider when buying a MacBook Air. Here are our top considerations:
- Size - this is an obvious one, but the size of a monitor is very important. A larger display will mean more information and content shown on screen, while a smaller display will take up less room, be cheaper, and use less energy
- Resolution - the number of pixels in a display determine how much detail you see and how good the picture is. A 4K monitor is the standard these days. A 5K monitor like the Apple Studio Display will offer twice as much detail while keeping the proportions of macOS just right, but at a cost. You may also want to consider a normal 1080p HD monitor, which will have lower visual fidelity but cost much less.
- Colors - Monitors will offer various color modes that can be used for things like photo and video editing, this is particularly important if you want to undertake visual heavy tasks using your new monitor.
- Ports and connectivity - A monitor will take up one of your MacBook Air's ports, but the right monitor can actually expand and increase connectivity, with the best options listed here also acting like hubs to add USB connectivity, charging, and more
The best monitor for MacBook Air - alternatives
You can always trust iMore. Our team of Apple experts have years of experience testing all kinds of tech and gadgets, so you can be sure our recommendations and criticisms are accurate and helpful. Find out more about how we test.
All of these MacBook Air monitors hit the 27-inch display size sweet spot. For a larger display, I'd recommend the BenQ PD3220U, a 32-inch monitor from our best 4K monitors for Mac guide.
How we test monitors
All of these MacBook Air monitors have been reviewed by iMore, and we've put them through their paces in a number of different ways. A monitor review includes testing in day-to-day use, and viewing in various scenarios to test performance in specific areas. That includes viewing videos, photo and video editing, gaming, and more. We also test these products over an extended period of time to ensure that products are reliable when it comes to durability and build quality, and are designed and built to last.
What monitors can I use with a MacBook Air
You can use any monitor with a MacBook Air provided that it can be connected to your MacBook with USB-C. That can be done with a USB-C cable or with an adapter to a different type of connector such as HDMI. Any monitor you can use with a Windows laptop or PC can be used with a Mac, there are no restrictions.
What monitor is best for MacBook Air M1?
The best Monitor for the MacBook Air M1 is the Philips 27B1U7903 because it has USB-C connectivity, fantastic colors, and great connectivity options.
Can MacBook Air run 2 monitors?
No, the MacBook Air only supports one monitor, up to 6K resolution at 60Hz. If you want to run more than one monitor you should buy a MacBook Pro, or a Mac mini.
