Getting the best monitor for your MacBook Air can be tricky, especially given that there are so many resolutions, sizes, and types to choose from. Whether you need a 4K desktop beast for extra real estate and viewing, or a quick-and-easy on-the-go portable option, we've rounded up the best monitors for MacBook Air here. Thanks to its ports the new M2 MacBook Air can support one external monitor at up to 6K resolution and 60Hz.
Our favorite on this list is the Philips 27B1U7903. It's easily one of the best Monitors for MacBook Air, including the most recent MacBook Air M2. We've also gathered together other models so that you can find the best MacBook Air Monitor for you.
The best monitors for your MacBook Air
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In our Philips 27B1U7903 review we were 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.
Ff 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 direct from Dough.
If you own a MacBook Air, it makes sense you might want to consider the Apple Studio Display. 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.
With this impressive curved monitor, you can easily connect to the best Mac on the market through any of the two Thunderbolt 3 ports included in its design. What's excellent about Thunderbolt 3 ports is that they can simultaneously transfer data at 40Gbps while charging your device. There are also DisplayPorts, HDMI, and USB ports available.
This monitor also uses Samsung's Quantum Dot technology, making bright colors and images clear. With a 100Hz screen refresh rate, everything in your game or movie will look as clear as if you were looking out of the window with HD glasses on. This monitor also comes equipped with Freesync.
This monitor's design matches perfectly with anyone who enjoys the visual appeal of a Mac, as it is sleek and straightforward.
This monitor is equipped with two Thunderbolt 3 ports, which allows you to transfer data and charge your device simultaneously.
Portable monitors get the job done for folks on the go, especially business travelers who might sometimes appreciate a larger display than the MacBook Air can provide. In addition, these types of monitors offer a good, but not great, display appearance.
The 15.6-inch Gechic portable monitor weighs less than two pounds and is only 1.1cm thick. It offers an IPS screen and full HD 1080p resolution and features a smart cover that protects it when not used. You can use the cover as a screen holder in portrait or landscape orientation.
We love this monitor solely for its portability and price. The stand isn't the strongest, however.
Offering a bright display for less, this portable monitor is great in a pinch when a lightweight, larger screen is needed.
How to choose the best portable monitor for your Mac
The portable monitor market remains relatively small, so it can be hard to find what type of monitors you can use with your best Mac, like the new MacBook Pro with M2. Despite this, a few high-quality products work brilliantly with the best Macs. When deciding on a monitor, you should factor in the price, resolution, and what you need to connect it to your computer. Perhaps most importantly, look at its weight. If you think it's too heavy to cart around your home or on campus, it probably is.
You must also decide whether the monitor has a built-in battery since most modern portable monitors draw power over USB-C. You will also find options that connect to your laptop through HDMI.
Don't necessarily assume the most expensive portable monitors are the best. Conversely, just because a monitor has a "cheap" price tag doesn't mean it should be avoided. Additionally, when shopping for monitors, make sure they're current and that there isn't a newer model available. Sites like Amazon do an excellent job of noting when more recent models are on the market.
These shiny monitors are it!
If you're in the market for an external monitor for your MacBook Air, you'll quickly notice there's a wide selection from which to choose. Our favorite MacBook Air monitor, the Philips 27B1U7903, is a great pick thanks to its 4K and awesome connectivity.
