Apple's 32-inch 6K Pro Display XDR is one of the best monitors for Mac. But it's not for everyone. Not only will it not suit everyone's preferences, but it's incredibly expensive as well. Luckily, there are several great alternatives to Apple's Pro Display XDR on the market.
Not all of these alternatives will bring you the exact same features as the Pro Display XDR, but we've selected some of the key things you need to know as you consider these rivals.
Although the best USB-C monitors for Mac are great for most people, having both Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C ports is what makes the best alternative to Apple's Pro DIsplay XDR. If you're looking for an external display for your Mac that's easier on the pocketbook, here's a list of monitors that won't disappoint.
Now is a great time to buy a new display for your Mac if you're hoping to save even more money because Black Friday is fast approaching. Deals are already rolling in ahead of the big day of sales and we imagine several of the displays we've listed below will be discounted, so keep your eyes peeled for a bargain.
Our pick of the cheaper alternatives to Apple's Pro Display XDR
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Multiple Thunderbolt 3 ports
With two Thunderbolt 3 ports on this 23.7-inch display that can handle 4K video, audio, and data all at once, on top of supplying up to 85W of charging power, it's the perfect monitor for hooking up to your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. Additionally, three USB-C ports allow you to connect other peripherals like a USB-C hub or a hard drive, and LG's beautiful IPS panel with P3 wide color gamut carries a 3840-by-2160 resolution for impeccable clarity.
5K greatness
If you love resolution more than anything, the LG UltraFine 5K Display for Mac is perfect. While it only has one Thunderbolt 3, it does have four total USB-C ports to work with. Plus, it even comes with a built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers, so it can truly be the only monitor you need.
Great value for size
The BenQ PD3220U is not only a Thunderbolt 3 monitor, meaning you can daisy chain monitors together but also has quite a few ports. This monitor has tons of connectivity to attach all your favorite devices with one Thunderbolt 3 port, one USB-C, a USB-A, an HDMI, and a DisplayPort port. Plus, its 60hz screen refresh rate, beautiful P3 wide color gamut, and HDR compatibility make this screen look amazing right out of the box.
Curved without 4K
If you prefer going the ultrawide route and don't mind a bit of curve in your monitor, the Samsung Business S65UA has a 100hz refresh rate — it looks gorgeous. This monitor is no slouch when it comes to ports, either. It's easy to connect your accessories with a USB-C port, an HDMI port, DisplayPort, two USB-A ports, and a headphone jack.
Ultrawide 4K curved monitor
This ultrawide 4K curved display features one Thunderbolt 3 port, two HDMI ports, two USB-A ports, a DisplayPort port, and a headphone jack. It gives you access to multiple ports every time you plug in your Mac! Plus, the 60hz refresh rate, DCI-P3 98% color gamut, and 600 nits brightness make this Nano IPS LED display full of rich and beautiful color.
Great USB-C budget option
If you're on a budget, then Ben Q is the way to go with its 32-inch LED-lit monitor. It features a 2560x1440 resolution, which competes with any of the top monitors in its class, and its IPS panel gives it excellent viewing angles. If you're jumping back and forth between desks and need to be constantly referencing the screen, you'll have a much better time without having to look at it head-on.
How to choose Thunderbolt 3 vs. USB-C displays
USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 both utilize the same reversible port, leading to a lot of confusion surrounding the two protocols. While a USB-C port and a Thunderbolt 3 port look the same, Thunderbolt 3 has some extra hardware compared to the more widely adopted USB-C. The biggest and most significant difference is that Intel developed Thunderbolt 3. It offers high-bandwidth data transfers between devices, with maximum transfer rates of 40Gbps — on a plain USB-C connection, you won't get transfer rates this fast.
If your workflow needs the fast transfer speeds or daisy-chaining capabilities of Thunderbolt 3, I would suggest the LG UltraFine 4K Display. It has two Thunderbolt 3 ports and an additional 3 USB-C ports, giving you a ton of space to plug in your favorite accessories.
If you prefer an ultrawide monitor, the LG 38WN95C-W is one of the best external monitors we have used. It comes with USB-A and HDMI ports, has a fantastic-looking display, and can even provide power delivery up to 94W, meaning most MacBooks will stay charged up when plugged into the monitor.
If you're looking for a new monitor but don't need one that rivals Apple's Pro Display XDR 2022, then take a look at our best 4K monitors for Mac guide.
