How to Choose an External Monitor and 5 Recommendations [Compatible with MacBook and Windows]
When working on a MacBook,
"The screen is too small," "It's hard to see when documents are side-by-side," or "My neck and shoulders hurt."
These are common complaints.
This article focuses on MacBook users, but it can be used in the same way with Windows laptops.
That is where an external monitor comes in as a candidate.
However,
- Is 4K better?
- Is a portable one fine?
- Is USB-C necessary?
It's easy to get lost here.
To give you the conclusion first,
if you are unsure, the Dell S2725QC is the top contender.
*This article contains Amazon Associate links.
If you purchase through these links, the author may receive a referral fee, but
the products introduced are carefully selected based on review ratings and practicality.
I have summarized this so that even those who are unsure can decide, "This is the one to choose."
Table of Contents
Is an external monitor necessary? (Common for MacBook and Windows)
It is not essential for everyone.
However,
- You work for long hours
- You use multiple windows
- You want to improve your posture
👉 If any of these apply to you, it is a very good match.
Conversely,
- You only use it outside
- You have no trouble with a single screen
👉 In this case, it is not strictly necessary.
👉 If you are wondering if you even need one, click here
▶ Do you need an external monitor? An explanation including those who don't
Benefits of an external monitor
① Increases work efficiency
・You can display reference materials and your work screen side-by-side
・Reduces the need to switch windows
→ This alone makes a significant difference in your experience
② Improves posture
With a laptop, you inevitably end up looking down.
With an external monitor,
it is easier to raise your line of sight = less fatigue
Drawbacks of an external monitor
① Takes up desk space
27 inches is comfortable, but
it takes up a fair amount of space.
② Choosing the wrong one leads to failure
・Choosing based solely on price
・Not deciding on the intended use
→ These two are the most common patterns for failure
How to choose without failing
This is the most important part.
① Decide between stationary or mobile
・Mainly at home → Desktop
・Also use outside → Mobile
② 27-inch 4K for desktop use
→ This is fine to start with
③ Choose one that supports USB-C
→ Quite important for MacBook
④ Models with height adjustment
→ Essential for long hours of work
If you're unsure, you can choose from here
👉 If you are unsure, it is recommended to check this first
▶ Mobile Monitor vs. Desktop Monitor | Which one should you choose?
5 Recommended External Monitors for MacBook and Windows
① If you're unsure, choose this: Dell S2725QC
・27-inch 4K makes it easy to work
・USB-C support makes connection easy
・Easy to adjust height
・Very well-balanced
Furthermore,
・Remote work
・Side jobs
・Watching videos
Including these,
its strength is that it can easily handle a wide range of tasks with just one unit.
It is a model that MacBook users can say,
“If you're unsure, just choose this.”
👉 If you're unsure, choose this: Dell S2725QC
② Value for money: INNOCN 27-inch 4K
・27-inch 4K provides plenty of screen space
・USB-C support
・Easy to keep the price down
This is important
Compared to Dell,
・Easier to keep the price down
・Has all the necessary performance features
→ “A very strong contender if you prioritize value for money”
However,
・Fine-tuned usability
・Overall balance
Dell offers more peace of mind in these areas.
👉 Value for money: INNOCN 27-inch 4K
③ High quality: BenQ PD2705U
・27-inch 4K
・High color reproduction
・A choice for those who prioritize quality
This is the key point
・Photo editing
・Design
・Video
etc.,
it is highly suitable for those who want to see colors accurately.
The price is higher as a result, but
→ For those who want to choose a “proper, reliable unit”
👉 Quality-focused: BenQ PD2705U
4. Mobile: Intehill F13NA
・Easy to carry
・Can create a dual-screen setup on the go
・Lightweight and easy to handle
Furthermore,
you can also connect it to game consoles like the Switch.
Not just at home, but
・While staying away
・At hotels
・When visiting family
it is also convenient when you
want to play games on a large screen.
Its strength is that it can be used not only as a sub-monitor for a laptop, but also as a
“portable screen.”
5. Touch-enabled: Intehill T13FA
・Supports touch operation
・Easy to operate even in mobile environments
Similarly, this can also
be connected to game consoles like the Switch.
Especially
・Overnight stays
・Travel
・Business trips
the benefit is that
you can create a gaming environment even without a TV.
Furthermore, since it supports touch,
depending on your needs, you can use it in ways that prioritize operability.
👉 Touch-enabled: Intehill T13FA
Choose based on your needs
・If you're unsure → Dell
・Value for money → INNOCN
・Quality → BenQ
・Portability → Intehill
👉 If you're unsure, Dell is the way to go
Why Dell is No. 1
The reason is simple.
👉 "Because it's hard to go wrong"
・Good performance balance
・Balance of price and quality
・Compatibility with MacBook
👉 The safest choice for your first monitor
👉 If you're hesitant, just look at this
Check specifications and prices on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is an external monitor really necessary?
A. It's not essential, but it significantly changes work efficiency
Q. What size is recommended?
A. If you're unsure, go with 27 inches
Q. Is 4K necessary?
A. It is recommended if you plan to use it for a long time
Q. Should I choose a portable or a desktop monitor?
A. Desktop for home, portable for on-the-go
Summary
When choosing an external monitor,
first👇
deciding between a desktop or portable model is the top priority.
Based on that,
・Choose Dell if you are unsure
・Choose INNOCN for cost-performance
・Choose BenQ for quality
This approach is fine.
An external monitor is,
an item that can significantly improve work efficiency not only for MacBooks but also for Windows laptops.
However,
・It may not be necessary depending on how you use it
・Some people may be better suited with a portable one
These are points to keep in mind.
That is why
choosing based on "whether it fits your usage" is the most important thing.
If you are still unsure after reading this,
it is recommended to at least check the current prices and specifications.
👉 Check specifications and prices on Amazon
Dell S2725QC 27-inch 4K Monitor
Related Articles
▶ Do You Need an External Monitor? An Explanation Including Who Doesn't
▶ Dell S2725QC Review | Why This Is the One to Get If You're Undecided
▶ INNOCN 27-inch 4K Review | Why This Is the One to Get If You Prioritize Cost-Performance
▶ Intehill Portable Monitor Review | Can It Be Used with Switch and PS5?
▶ Portable Monitor vs. Desktop Monitor | Which Should You Choose?
▶ Dell, INNOCN, and BenQ Comparison | Recommended 4K Monitors and How to Choose Without Regrets
For Those Who Want to Further Increase PC Work Efficiency
In addition to an external monitor,
・USB-C Hub
・External SSD
・Laptop Stand
combining these will further increase your work efficiency.
👉 How to Navigate the PC/Work Efficiency Magazine
※A collection of articles you should read first