Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Best Monitors to Expand Your MacBook Workspace
A MacBook has a small screen, which can make busy work harder.
Adding a monitor gives you a much larger workspace.
You can put different apps, documents or spreadsheets on separate screens.
Some monitors show sharper pictures, while others make movement look smoother.
The ASUS ProArt is aimed at people who need accurate colours for creative work.
Samsung’s ViewFinity S8 is a 4K monitor designed for sharp text and office tasks.
BenQ offers a more affordable QHD choice with features designed to reduce eye strain.
The Samsung Odyssey G5 and Lenovo Legion are better suited to gaming because they refresh the picture very quickly.
A good MacBook monitor should also be checked for USB-C, charging, colour accuracy and stand adjustment.
Adding an external monitor gives a MacBook more space for windows, spreadsheets and creative projects.
The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QGV Gen2 is recommended for colour-accurate creative work, with QHD resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and 95% DCI-P3 coverage.
Samsung’s ViewFinity S8 offers 4K resolution, 99% sRGB coverage and multiple ports, but its refresh rate is limited to 60Hz.
The BenQ GW2790Q provides a lower-cost QHD option with 100Hz refresh, eye-care features and 99% sRGB coverage, though some users reported warranty problems.
The Samsung Odyssey G5 and Lenovo Legion 27Q-10 target gaming with 180Hz and 240Hz refresh rates, while the Lenovo ThinkVision P27Q-40 focuses on professional productivity.
- Who
- MacBook users, including professionals, creators, office workers and gamers.
- What
- A guide recommends external monitors for expanding a MacBook workspace and compares six 27-inch models.
- When
- The article does not specify when the comparisons were conducted.
- Where
- The monitors are presented for MacBook desk setups; prices are listed in Indian rupees.
- Why
- External monitors can provide more workspace, sharper images, smoother motion, better colour accuracy or improved connectivity, depending on the model.
Productivity and creative work
Gaming performance
What matters most
Productivity and creative work
Productivity and creative users may prioritise sharp text, colour accuracy, USB connectivity, charging support and an adjustable stand.
Gaming performance
Gamers may prioritise high refresh rates, fast response times, adaptive sync and gaming-oriented connectivity.
Recommended display type
Productivity and creative work
The ASUS ProArt, Samsung ViewFinity S8, BenQ GW2790Q and Lenovo ThinkVision P27Q-40 are presented as options for creative or professional work.
Gaming performance
The Samsung Odyssey G5 and Lenovo Legion 27Q-10 are presented as options for fast PC or console gaming.
Resolution versus smoothness
Productivity and creative work
A 4K display such as the ViewFinity S8 offers sharper text and images, while QHD models can still provide useful workspace and may support higher refresh rates.
Gaming performance
The gaming models trade the guide’s emphasis on 4K resolution for 180Hz or 240Hz refresh rates and faster response times.
- Best overall
- ASUS ProArt Display PA278QGV Gen2, priced at ₹24,999 in the article.
- 4K option
- Samsung ViewFinity S8 S80H, priced at ₹28,399.
- Budget option
- BenQ GW2790Q, priced at ₹15,498.
- Creative-work specifications
- The ASUS ProArt has a 27-inch QHD IPS panel, 120Hz refresh rate, 95% DCI-P3 coverage and Delta E below 2.
- Productivity specifications
- The Samsung ViewFinity S8 has a 27-inch 4K IPS panel, 350-nit brightness, 99% sRGB coverage and a 60Hz refresh rate.
- Gaming specifications
- The Samsung Odyssey G5 offers 180Hz and 1ms response time, while the Lenovo Legion 27Q-10 offers 240Hz and 0.5ms MPRT.
- MacBook buying considerations
- The guide highlights resolution, USB-C display and data support, power delivery, colour accuracy, screen size and ergonomics.