Mac versus PC may be the defining debate of the personal computing era, but thankfully the best monitors for Mac Mini aren't only made by Apple. Compatible screens now include some of the best PC monitors, partly thanks to the adoption of a number of different ways to connect your Mac Mini to non-Apple screens.
Aside from being a budget-conscious choice for Apple aficionados, the humble Mac Mini has seen several high-tech transformations since its launch in 2005. Much like iPads and iPhones, the march towards miniaturised yet ever more powerful components has reached the Mini too. It’s now a real competitor to larger, more expensive systems as a fast and capable workhorse. However, they don’t come with even a budget monitor as standard. So, which monitors for Mac Mini are going to do it justice?
Best monitors for Mac Mini in 2023 at a glance
• Best overall monitor for Mac Mini: AOC Q32V4 32 inch QHD Monitor - View at Amazon
• Best budget monitor for Mac Mini: ViewSonic VA2732-H - View at Amazon
• Best Apple monitor for Mac Mini Apple Studio Display - View at Amazon
• Best 4K monitor for Mac Mini: BenQ PD3205U 31.5” 4K Monitor - View at Amazon
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There’s no point having all that tiny next-gen power without one of the best monitors for Mac Mini to match. Broadly speaking, there are a couple of factors that will affect your choice here. Given the Mac Mini is, well, mini - how portable do you need your system to be? Portable monitors come in all sizes, particularly designed for sliding into a backpack; but perhaps you want a larger monitor that can still be easily lifted and loaded into a car? In addition, what connections will you need to use, and which are compatible with the Mac Mini? Our experts have put together a guide and answered some of your frequent questions below.
We’ve also selected the very best monitors for Mac Mini and put them into useful categories. You might want to pair your Mac with a high-res screen the size of a paperback, or twin it with a couple of widescreen 4K monitors for a more ‘maxi’ look. Your Apple will look fresh to the core with our pick of the best, up next.
Best monitors for Mac Mini in 2023
Best overall monitor for Mac Mini
Cheaper than ever
It's not often that we find a monitor that is packed with this many features at a very sensible price point, but AOC has done just that. And it's a practical size too, at 32 inches the Q32V4 gives you 1440p resolution at a respectable 75hz. It even has Adaptive Sync, so if you do want to turn your hand to gaming, this will perform very well.
For designers and creatives, or just those spending long hours at their Mac Mini, it has some great eye care features too; AOC's Flicker-Free Technology, and LowBlue Light, will keep eye strain at bay. It's also an IPS panel, so expect excellent colour accuracy and viewing angles. Connecting to your Mac is possible via DisplayPort or HDMI. And all of this for close to £200? At that price, you could get two - and why not, they're an absolute steal.
Pros
- Excellent colour accuracy and adjustments to make it an ideal companion for designers
- Built-in speakers for less desk clutter
- Easy on the eye thanks to eyecare features and Adaptive Sync for less screen-tearing
Cons
- Not 4K
- No HDR support
Best budget monitor for Mac Mini
ON SALE
The Viewsonic VA3209 wins the title of the best budget monitor because it's cut a couple of corners to get very close to the £100 mark - and without sacrificing too much compared to the AOC 32" model above. Here you still have a 27-inch IPS screen with the added benefit of a 75hz refresh rate. It also comes with flicker-free and low blue-light eye care features.
Contrast is great and colours are vibrant too, so this screen will suit all types of work and productivity tasks. The stand, although understandably lightweight on such a good-value monitor, is at least a tiltable design - something often missing with budget screens. Resolution-wise, it's straightforward HD / 1080p - but if you're using your Mac Mini for general office tasks, surfing, shopping, and watching videos this is more than adequate. A Viewsonic product at this price is hard to resist.
Pros
- 75hz IPS panel is great for clarity
- Clean and neat lines means it won't clash with your Macs
- Eye care features like blue light filtering means more comfort when using for longer sessions
Cons
- Slightly dated design
- Stand a little lightweight
Best Apple monitor for Mac Mini
ON SALE
Unsurprisingly, the winner here is packed with bleeding-edge display tech - and that's just as well, as it comes at quite a premium. Apple's Studio Display is a classic Cupertino-infused design to complement any Mac. But in terms of a companion to a high-spec Mac Mini, it's the jewel in the crown of your minimalist computer setup. If there's one feature that will signpost the excellence to come, it's the nano-texture glass that will effectively cut down on all reflections.
At 5K, this has the highest resolution on our list. The Retina display is unparalleled in terms of colour, definition and contrast levels. It is only 60hz, but as this is aimed squarely at productive and creative types, serious gamers will be looking elsewhere. Impressive extras include a built-in 12MP camera and mic, plus an astounding six-speaker system. This monitor will elevate any Mac Mini, even the older models, to new heights thanks to the sheer presence of a monitor that looks this good. Also, unlike all-in-one Apple devices, you're free to upgrade your Mini or go for a full-sized iMac or MacBook computer later and still enjoy what is undoubtedly a costly, beautiful design classic.
Pros
- 5K Retina display with built in 12MP camera for clarity and convenience
- Pairs with Mac Mini
- Six-speaker system with Spacial Audio for huge immersion without speaker clutter
- Nano-texture glass for less glare so you can work on your Mac in most lighting conditions
Cons
- 60hz refresh rate is good, but better can be found elsewhere
- Refresh rate is not variable
Best monitor for Mac Mini M2
ON SALE
The Mac Mini M2 is a pretty unique option for Apple fans right now, as it includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports (or four, if you go for the Pro version). What this means is that any monitor or multi-monitor setup will ideally need Thunderbolt ports to enable a hassle-free, high-bandwidth setup. Of course, the beauty of Thunderbolt is that screens can be daisy-chained and work as hubs - so your peripherals can also be plugged into the screen and fed right back to your Mac through a single cable if need be. So, this is where the 27" BenQ DP2725U comes in.
Aside from Thunderbolt features mentioned above, thanks to its version 3 ports, this monitor is also packed with features that will make creative work an absolute joy. It's HDR and runs at 4K, but this is validated by leaders in colour reproduction standards: Pantone, and Calman. And for those working across two systems at once, there's even a wired puck-style control for accessing frequent functions and - importantly - a KVM switch. So, no more struggling with wires or external KVM bricks to switch your mouse and keyboard between systems. Obviously, the power of a Mini M2 plus this monitor is going to come to life when you have more than one screen - so if you can stretch to it, a pair of these BenQs will transform the way you work.
Pros
- Thunderbolt 3 for easy dual monitor setup and peripherals via monitor ports
- Supports daisy-chaining with Thunderbolt cables
- Pantone and Calman validated with Display P3 Color for Mac for consistent design
- Hotkey Puck G2 for easy function access and KVM switching
Cons
- No internal speakers
- Response time and refresh rate are not for serious gamers
Best portable monitor for Mac Mini
ON SALE
Anyone who's looked for portable screens for their Mac will know that it's a minefield. More often than not you'll find unknown brands selling cheap monitors with last-generation panels. The one thing you'll need with a portable monitor is good performance in most lighting conditions, preferably with a practical stand. Now, when it comes to this class of screen it's best to temper your expectations. On a 15.6" lightweight screen you're not going to get top-end brightness, resolution or panel tech. That said, this ASUS ZenScreen does defy those expectations in a few ways.
Firstly, this is a 60hz screen with eye care features, so you can expect a more comfortable time using it for longer periods. Secondly, it has a tripod mount, so if the included kick-out stand is too low for you a Gorillapod-style desk tripod is a great option. Lastly, it comes to you from ASUS - a trusted brand well-known for the quality of its monitors. So, pack one of these into your bag alongside your Mac Mini for the ultimate in portability.
Pros
- Fold-out kickstand and tripod mountable for easy and comfortable placement
- Wide viewing angle with blue-light filter and flicker-free operation means its easy on the eyes
- Anti-bacterial case - ideal for those who take this everywhere, including public transport
Cons
- Bright enough screen, but not ideal for bright sunlight
- Only full-HD resolution (but any higher would be wasted on a 15" screen)
Best gaming monitor for Mac Mini
ON SALE
The AOC Gaming U34 is the first VA (Vertical Alignment) panel type on our list. Unlike IPS, which is excellent for colour, the VA panel is much better for viewing angles and contrast. As you'd imagine, these are essential qualities for a widescreen monitor. The same goes for the other features here, most of which are highly suitable for Mac Mini gamers. Aside from the huge field of view offered here, all gaming is enhanced by a ridiculously-high 144hz refresh rate. And it has Freesync Premium for the best in variable rate and anti-tearing tech.
Another keynote here for gamers is the super-low 1ms input lag - so your lightning reactions will make it to the screen. Importantly for Mac Mini owners, there are both DisplayPort and HDMI input options. It isn't 4K however, but 1440p is a popular choice for gamers who aren't running tower systems with maxed-out internals - so, absolutely ideal for a Mac Mini gamer.
Pros
- Amazing wide field of view, high refresh rate and Freesync Premium for the gaming advantage
- Good input options for Mac Mini
- Low 1ms input lag for super-responsive gaming
Cons
- Only Quad HD (but that's more than enough for the capabilities of Mac Mini)
Best 4K monitor for Mac Mini
ON SALE
BenQ is back in our run-down of the best and for good reason. This isn't the only 4K resolution screen here, but it's the best in combination with all of the other bells and whistles on offer. Kicking off the list is HDR10 support - so all of those extra pixels are going to look even better with the added colour boost. There's the usual raft of eye care features to protect your sight, and also a KVM switch for easy access to switching keyboard and mouse between systems.
There are a ton of dedicated modes aimed at creative types, and also plenty of Mac-friendly connections. Perhaps most important, especially for a 4K screen, is the panel. It's an IPS - so you'll be getting the best in display technology from beginning to end with this BenQ.
Pros
- 4K resolution with HDR10 support means you're getting the best of the best in picture quality
- Dedicated modes for creatives who need such a high resolution
- Plenty of Mac-friendly connection types
Cons
- 60hz is fine for design, not for gamers
- Weak internal speakers
Best monitors for Mac Mini in 2023: Buyer’s guide
Size-up first
Looking to slip a laptop-sized screen into your bag, or hook up three large desktop screens? Always measure up first. Make sure your existing desk will take your new screen, especially if you’re upgrading to a multi-monitor setup. You’ll want to make sure you can still sit a sensible distance from them too.
This is less of an issue with portable monitors, but you’ll still need it to be large enough for comfort. Moving your system from home to the office, for instance, should be a practical and lightweight exercise - but when you get to your destination it will still need to do its job. We recommend you go for the largest portable screen you can manage - your eyes, and posture, will thank you later.
Choose your panel type
We’ve covered various types of panel technology commonly used in monitors and TVs in detail in our article on the best budget monitors. But, generally speaking, what you choose will largely come down to how you’ll be using your Mac Mini. Gamers and movie fans may need to opt for a monitor with high and variable refresh rate support. Some of the latest screen technologies, like Mini LED, are fantastic when it comes to colour range and contrast. But most monitors still have LCD panels that come in three flavours:
• TN (Twisted Nematic) panels: The most common LCD type in budget screens, they tend to have a narrower colour palette, lower contrast ratios, and poorer viewing angles. They do though support high refresh rates very well.
• VA (Vertical Alignment) panels: These panels are a more advanced version of TN ones. The key benefits are better contrast and wider viewing angles. Although they can support very high refresh rates, the response time of some VA panels can be slower, resulting in some blurring with fast motion; so keep an eye out for extra features that will overcome this - particularly if you're a gamer.
• IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels: These are generally considered to be the best panel type for an LCD display. They offer excellent colour accuracy and overall image quality; plus great contrast and wide viewing angles. This display type makes an excellent choice as a photo editing monitor.
And then, of course, there's the all-important pixel count. Here's a quick guide to common monitor resolutions:
HD: 1280×720
Full HD: 1920×1080
Quad HD: 2560 x1440
Ultra HD/4K: 3840×2160
Plan your connections
This is possibly the trickiest part when it comes to choosing the best monitors for Mac Mini. Since its launch over a decade ago, display connection technologies have evolved. Early models of Mac Mini had the now near-obsolete DVI and VGA ports. Cut to 2009 and Apple introduced the still popular Mini DisplayPort connection for higher resolutions. Now the latest Mac Mini has both HDMI and, primarily, Thunderbolt ports.
But, you’ll be glad to know that most of the best monitors for Mac Mini will happily connect to all generations of Mac using readily-available adapters. In the case of Thunderbolt 3 and 4, which are based on the common USB-C connection type, there is a range of cables that will do the job - including Thunderbolt to DisplayPort cables.
Thunderbolt 3/4 - Thunderbolt connections are compatible with USB-C ports for connecting peripherals and external drives and so on. The benefit of this over previous connection types, like USB-2, is bandwidth. The more bandwidth the higher the data transfer speed and support for high-resolution monitor signals. Thunderbolt 4 is a real step up in terms of the Mac Mini, as it will support up to two monitors on one connection. If your Mac is a recent model, you could connect three monitors if you utilise the HDMI port. Assuming your monitor has no free HDMI port, but does have a free DisplayPort, you could use a HDMI to DisplayPort cable.
Don’t forget sound
Unless your choice from our pick of the best monitors for Mac Mini has built-in speakers, you don’t want to be left high and dry when it comes to good-quality sound. This is especially true if your setup isn’t portable, as larger screens paired with tinny sound from an internal speaker will underwhelm the system. There’s a huge range of USB speaker systems, from small and portable to larger and more powerful surround systems, and soundbars, to choose from.
Best monitors for Mac Mini in 2023: FAQs
Can you use any monitor with a Mac Mini?
Aside from much larger computers with more port selection, the Mac Mini is incredibly well-equipped for connecting to a multitude of monitors. As mentioned in our buyer’s guide above, thanks to a lot of cross-compatibility between digital display connection types, there’s a cable or adapter to suit almost any combination of Mac and monitor.
But, bear in mind that all connections are not made equal. Thunderbolt 3 or 4 will support 4K and 8K resolutions, as will DisplayPort. But using an older monitor, one with DVI for example, will seriously downgrade your Mac Mini’s graphical capabilities; that’s a real reason to consider an upgrade.
What’s the best monitor for Mac Mini M2?
Unlike choosing the best monitor for Mac Mini M1, the M2 can natively support two displays. That means you could opt for the luxury of dual curved widescreen monitors for a super-wide wrap-around feel. But, to keep things simple, don’t choose a monitor that only has DisplayPort connections. The M2 doesn’t have DisplayPort, so we recommend the BenQ PD2725U Designer Monitor above, as its primary display connection is Thunderbolt.
What’s the best monitor for Mac Mini with camera?
Monitors with integrated cameras are a little thin on the ground, but given their expertise with mobile device cameras, it’s no surprise that Apple’s own Apple Studio Display is a premium choice here. Other than the fact the screen itself is a 5K-capable slice of Apple pie, it also has three more USB-C ports for accessories. The camera has a respectable 12 megapixels too, but if you wanted to upgrade later, hooking up a separate webcam to one of those USB-C ports will be a breeze.
What’s the best monitor for Mac Mini and gaming?
We have to go for our pick of the best above, the AOC Gaming U34G3XM. The panel is going to give an excellent, wide HDR colour palette, the variable 120hz refresh rate will deliver slick, judder-free action. Aside from also being great PC gaming monitors, there are multiple inputs allowing for easy switching between a Mac and gaming consoles like the PS5 or X-Box Series X.
Chris Duffill is a Tech Product Writer for What's The Best and Yours. His background includes writing, editorial, marketing, design, video and photography. He specialises in home entertainment and audiovisual tech, including speakers, amplifiers, turntables, streaming media players, TVs and more. He is also one of our resident experts in computing (PCs, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches) and DSLR photography and all kinds of digital cameras. He also writes about retro gaming, game consoles and various electronic gadgets. If it plugs in, lights up or makes a noise, he’ll write about it.
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