Best Second Monitor for iMac & iMac Pro in 2022
Whether you are a designer, video editor, content creator, or photographer, having an iMac is of great use for your daily requirements. Undoubtedly, iMac is the most well-built and high-end display you can get in the industry. But, having a second monitor right along with your favorite iMac will boost your productivity with a multitasking facility. Plus, a dual screen setup will be a great step forward for your professional tasks.
Thus, you felt the urge for the best second monitor for iMac to increase creativity and multitasking capability. Thankfully, there’s hundreds of monitors that you can choose to use with your iMac.
But here’s a little suggestion-
Not all of these monitors are the ideal second display for iMac. Also, with tons of options and their technical specifications, finding the best monitor to pair with your iMac can be a tiring and cumbersome task for you and could even lead you astray.
So, we move the mountains for you, our experts at monitors judge found 10 best second monitors for iMac users to offer a seamless multitasking experience. You will love how this dual monitor iMac setup makes your creative work faster and simpler.
In a rush? Here is our Quick Pick
Below we have reviewed the 10 top external displays for iMac and iMac Pro. But If you are running out of time, here’s our top three suggestions:
- Editor’s Pick: Apple 32-inch Pro Display XDR with Retina 6K Display
- 1st Runner-Up: ASUS ProArt 27 inch Display
- 2nd Runner-Up: LG 34WN80C-B 34 inch UltraWide Monitor
Benefits of Using a Second Monitor
Apple display quality and color rendition are industry-leading. So, you might wonder why you need another display when you already have the best in the business?
Firstly, a secondary monitor will boost your productivity superbly. As per business.com dual monitors have been proven to increase productivity by 20-30 percent. Since it allows you to multitask, you will be amazed at the increased work speed. Just imagine, you are editing your next Vlog on the iMac screen and seeing the viewers’ feedback on the external display. Isn’t it incredible? Or you may reply to the important emails on one display and continue your programming work on the other display. Magical!
Finally, a second display will keep you focused on the work and save your time over the period of time, as you don’t need to switch between the tabs on your browser or display for your creative works, such as comparing an original image with an edited one in your daily graphic design task.
Thus, the secondary display for iMac 24 inch or 27 inch or the smallest 21.5 inch will surely transform your working experience forever with superior benefits.
Quick Comparison Table: Top 10 Best Second Monitors for iMac & iMac Pro
Monitor
Preview
Quick Spec.
Buying Options
Apple 32 inch Pro Display XDR
Screen Size: 32 Inches
Brightness: 1000 nits
Resolution: 6K UHD
Pixels: 6016 x 3384
Refresh Rate: 60 HZ
From Amazon
From Apple
ASUS ProArt Display PA279CV
Screen Size: 27 Inches
Panel: IPS
Resolution: 4K HDR
Pixels: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 75 HZ
From Amazon
From New Egg
ASUS ProArt PA329C
Screen Size: 32 Inches
Panel: IPS
Resolution: 4K HDR
Pixels: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 65 HZ
From Amazon
From NewEgg
LG 34WN80C-B UltraWide Monitor
Screen Size: 34 Inches
Panel: IPS, Curved
Resolution: WQHD
Pixels: 3440 X 1440
Refresh Rate: 60 HZ
From Amazon
From Newegg
LG 27UK850-W
Screen Size: 34 Inches
Panel: IPS
Resolution: UHD
Pixels: 3840 X 2160
Refresh Rate: 60 HZ
From Amazon
From Newegg
Samsung SH850
Screen Size: 24 Inches
Panel: PLS
Resolution: WQHD
Pixels: 2560x1440
Refresh Rate: 60 HZ
From Amazon
From Newegg
Philips 278E1A 27
Resolution: 4K UHD
Pixels: 3840x2160
Refresh Rate: 60 hertz
Panel Type: IPS
Brightness: 350nits
Ports: 1 USB-C, 1-USB 3.0
From Amazon
From Newegg
ViewSonic VX2776-4K-MHD 27 Inch
Resolution: 4K UHD
Pixels: 3840x2160
Screen Size: 27-Inches
Refresh Rate: 60 hertz
Panel Type: IPS
Brightness: 350nits
From Amazon
From Newegg
Philips Brilliance 279P1 27 Inch
Resolution: 4K UHD
Pixels: 3840 x 2160
Screen Size: 27 Inches
Refresh Rate: 60 HZ
Panel Type: IPS
Brightness: 350 nits
From Amazon
BenQ EW2780U 27 inch 4K Monitor
Resolution: 4K UHD
Pixels: 3840 x 2160
Screen Size: 27 Inches
Refresh Rate: 60 HZ
Panel Type: IPS
Brightness: 350 nits
From Amazon
More In-depth Review of 6 Best External monitor for iMac 4K, 4.5K & 5K
1. Apple 32-inch Pro Display XDR: Best to Pair with iMac
Specification:
• Resolution: 6K UHD
• Pixels: 6016 x 3384
• Screen Size: 32 Inches
• Refresh Rate: 60 hertz
• Display Type: IPS LCD
• Brightness: 1000 nits
• Ports: 1-Thunderbolt 3 and 3 USB-C
Here’s our first choice for your external display that comes directly from Apple with the highest possible specs and the promises of Apple’s best item you can get. If money isn’t a problem for you, you can simply close your eyes and choose the Apple 32-Inch Pro display.
Its super-wide viewing facility, 6K resolution, and 1600 nits peak brightness outperform any display in the market. Plus, its exceptional accuracy in representing over a billion colors is something video, and photo editors will fall in love with surely.
XDR ability:
The display features XDR or Extreme Dynamic Range. It means you will find its color truest to real life and find the details better than any display could offer you. Also, at 1600 peak brightness and 10-bit color depth, it ensures you get the best viewing experience.
Picture quality:
The XDR 32-inch display has the best picture quality available, with XDR pushing its limit further and further. Also, it supports the P3 color gamut. It comes fully calibrated and is way better than the standard sRGB to enjoy the images to their fullest. Plus, the P3 color gamut facility means the display is ideal for color-critical applications.
Intelligent image processing:
Its advanced image processing combines with advanced LED technology and higher brightness to provide you with true-to-life colors. It is incredibly useful if you plan to edit videos or photos since finding the right color is the key to successful editing applications. Also, advanced LED technology will reduce electricity usage.
Versatile mounting facility:
You can mount the display vertically and horizontally with ease. The display will remain stable in every position. So, you can adjust its height or tilt it to meet your working needs better. In landscape mode, you will have more space for coding as well.
Wide viewing angle:
Its wider viewing capacity means its picture quality and color won’t distort even the slightest. So, multiple people can see and judge the color-crucial works or programming codes for better results in professional life, making it one of the best second monitors for iMac 24″ and 27″.
So, if you can afford it, you must go for it. Because Apple XDR 32 inch display is the best option available on the earth to pair with your iMac 4K or 5K Retina.
2. ASUS ProArt 27″ 4K: Best Value External Monitor for iMac 27 inch
Specification:
• Resolution: 4K UHD
• Pixels: 3840 x 2160
• Screen Size: 27 Inches
• Refresh Rate: 60 hertz
• Display Type: IPS
• Brightness: 350 nits
• Ports: 1 USB-C, 2 HDMI and 4 USB 3.1
Next up on our list is an ASUS display that will easily fit your budget and serve your editing, coding, and other multitasking requirements with its 27″ screen, 60Hz refresh rate, and color parameter adjustment facility.
Also, its 27″ size means it is the best match for the dual monitor setup for iMac 27. But it’s not the size but its adaptive refreshing rate and highest-grade color accuracy that grabbed our attention. Its benefits as an external display are numerous. So, we can conclude that Asus Pro Art 27 inch is the best second monitor for iMac 27 inch.
Excellent viewing experience:
Thanks to its 178° distortion-free viewing angle, 4K UHD display, and top-class color accuracy, you will love its picture and video viewing moments. The display features international color standards that meet 709 wide color gamut and 100% sRGB and rec. Thus, you will find its editing experience of your content brilliant.
Adaptive refresh rate:
ASUS has included the latest Adaptive-Sync technology for this display. So, it can adapt the refresh rate from 40hz to 60hz depending on the displayed content. It is handy for animated content since it perfectly keeps pace with the fast-moving animations.
Adjustable color parameter:
The screen allows you to adjust the color parameters of RGB along with the hue and color intensity of images and videos. It is truly a revolutionary technology if you work with Adobe Photoshop and perform editing tasks frequently. It has two different adjustment options for your requirements.
Eye-protection:
ASUS has used protective technologies to protect your eyes from blue light and flickers on the display front. It has low-blue light and flicker-free facility with ÜV Rheinland certification. Thus, you can work for long hours and in low light without damaging your eyesight.
3. ASUS ProArt 32″ 4K Display: Best Second Monitor for iMac 5K
Specification:
• Resolution: 4K UHD
• Pixels: 3840 x 2160
• Screen Size: 32 Inches
• Refresh Rate: 65 hertz
• Display Type: IPS
• Ports: 1 USB-C, 3 HDMI and Display Port
Those who work with critical color and need the highest quality color parameter adjustment will love the ASUS PA329C display for sure. It comes with a 4K UHD display, 14-bit LUT, and excellent color accuracy for a smooth second display using experience.
Plus, the monitor supports HDR10 properties and compatibility with the hardware calibration for editors and content creators to yield the best results. It provides better shadow and brightness details.
Crystal clear image quality:
The 4K UHD display offers the best picture quality you can expect in this budget segment. Plus, a wider viewing angle will eliminate the color and shape distortion of the pictures. So, multiple people could see the images and videos from different angles with the same high-grade quality.
Maximum color accuracy:
ASUS has calibrated the display for excellent color accuracy in any condition. It supports 100% RGB true and Adobe colors for real-life imaging. On top of it, the display is compatible with a 98% P3 color gamut, which makes it a great choice for iMacs. You will love the realism it brings to every frame.
Optimization and uniformity:
You can easily adjust the color parameters thanks to its brilliant ProArt Calibration technology. It permits up to 5 various color spaces for the maximum output. On top of it, designers can quickly adjust the brightness level and reduce color shifts with the two available matrixes. It is beneficial for Adobe Photoshop works.
Color profile saving facility:
It comes with an IC chip that saves your preferred color profile. Thus, you can connect it with another device and work with the same settings. It saves time and frees you from the hassles of shifting the color profile frequently.
Calibrator compatibility:
As per our experts at monitorsjudge this is the best second display for iMac 5K. Plus,it’s 4K USD screen offers hardware calibrator compatibility with Data color Spyder 5 and other major hardware. So, you can confidently use it for your color correction and photo editing jobs.
4. LG 34WN80C-B 34″: Best Second Screen for iMac 5K
Specification:
• Resolution: WQHD
• Pixels: 3440 x 1440
• Screen Size: 34 Inches
• Refresh Rate: 60 hertz
• Display Type: IPS
• Ports: 1 USB-C, 3 HDMI
Are you looking for the best second monitor for iMac 5k? Then look no further than the LG 34″ display that features a WQHD screen with a slight curvature. Also, the curved display truly improves the aesthetics of your iMac setup and boosts your productivity as a secondary monitor.
The display has HDR10 compatibility and a 21:9 aspect ratio for the widest viewing angle possible. Above all, this display is made to last forever and calibrate with the iMac or other monitors for the perfect brightness and shadow details.
Sharper screen:
Since it has a WQHD screen, it promises sharper images with better shadow details and brightness levels throughout the entire screen. So, your image and the video viewing experience will quickly elevate to the next level. It highlights better details, making your editing works better and easier.
Increased productivity:
The WQHD display with HDR10 compatibility will boost your productivity by 52%. Plus, it speeds up your working rate and saves your time from shifting from one window to another. So, your workload management will just get better with its combo with the iMac.
Color gamut compatibility:
The LG ultra-wide monitor is truly a result of ingenious engineering. It has a 99% sRGB color gamut facility. So, you can confidently calibrate it with your iMac and expect to get a similar color rendering. It will never disappoint you.
On-screen control:
You can split the display with a few clicks only with the on-screen facility. It simply boosts your productivity and multitasking. Next up, its stand features convenient adjustability to offer you a top-of-the-line viewing experience. So if you want to have a curved monitor with your iMac, that you can go for LG 34WN80C-B 34″ without any hesitation.
5. LG 27UK850 W 27-Inch: Best External Monitor for iMac 5K
Specification:
• Resolution: 4K UHD
• Pixels: 3840 X 2160
• Screen Size: 27 Inches
• Refresh Rate: 60 hertz
• Display Type: IPS
• Ports: 1 USB-C, 2 HDMI
iMac monitors are already gorgeous ones. So, placing a minimalist external display right beside it would truly elevate the aesthetics of your home office setup.
Thankfully, the LG 4k UHD display perfectly meets such needs with its minimalist, clean and stylish design.
Apart from the design, this monitor has a 4K resolution screen, 99% sRGB color gamut compatibility, HDR10 support, and on-screen control to be one of the best second monitors for iMac 4k display.
Impressive picture quality:
The external monitor has HDR10 support. So, you can now better see the brighter images and shadow details for your content editing and creating jobs with minute details. Also, it excels in showing the wide color range for a perfect image viewing experience.
Sleek and stylish look:
The display features a near-borderless design on three sides. It brings an aesthetically pleasing look. Also, it ensures a better experience while watching content and gaming with a gorgeous finish.
Color mode conversion:
The monitor supports a 99% sRGB color gamut that will match neck to neck with your iMac. On top of it, it allows you to convert between sRGB and Adobe RGB for color-critical applications. It is a great benefit if you are a content editor and creator.
Seamless gaming:
Are you a gamer? If yes, then this monitor has something special to offer you. Its AMD FreeSync technology provides a seamless and fluid movement in the highest resolution. Moreover, you may activate Black Stabilizer for the darker conditions for an even better gaming experience.
6. SAMSUNG SH850 24-Inch: Best External Monitor for iMac 4.5K
Specification:
• Resolution: WQHD
• Pixels: 2560 x 1440
• Screen Size: 24 Inches
• Refresh Rate: 60 hertz
• Display Type: PLS
• Ports: 1 USB-C, 1-USB 3.0
Samsung monitors are always reliable, durable and deliver a solid performance that gamers, editors, and general users appreciate always.
So, if you are looking for the best second monitor for iMac 24 4.5K, this Samsung WQHD display could be the game-changer.
Compared to the LG 27-inch in our list, this monitor just takes everything a step above and provides a seamless multitasking experience that you will love to pair with your Apple screen.
A PLS display:
The screen has PLS technology. It has 10% more brightness than the standard IPS display. Also, Samsung claims it has a better viewing angle. Hence, its WQHD display truly brings Apple users the best content watching and editing experience.
Build for multitasking:
Now edit your image on the iMac and effortlessly compare it with a split-screen in this Samsung external display. The display has an Easy Setting Box that elevates your multitasking a few steps above ordinary screens. You will appreciate its snappy and seamless transition between the windows.
Picture-by-picture functions:
You can now better compare the output of different images, thanks to the picture-by-picture functions of this display. It helps you overcome the challenges of meeting the deadlines perfectly with snappy multitasking without any effort.
Multiple connections:
The monitor has a USB-C port to connect to MacBook or other smartphones. It also features USB 3.0 ports. So, you can connect multiple devices without any USB hub. It lets you connect and directly work with the Samsung Galaxy smartphones, as well as a bonus.
7. Philips 278E1A 27-Inch: Best Budget External Monitor for iMac
Specification:
• Resolution: 4K UHD
• Pixels: 3840 x 2160
• Screen Size: 27 Inches
• Refresh Rate: 60 hertz
• Display Type: IPS
• Ports: 1 USB-C, 1-USB 3.0
Although you may not believe it, Philips takes the color spectrum compatibility game to the next level with hits 27″ display with 109% color gamut feature. It is simply unbelievable since even the highest-grade screens offer 99% sRGB color spectrums. However, it is a great bonus for photo and video editors, as the display highlights the darks and whites on any image.
4K display for better viewing:
The 4K display with a frameless design truly unveils its full potential for an exceptional viewing experience. You will love its clearer images and lag-free performance when you pair it with your iMac as a home office setup.
Smart contrast and wider color spectrum:
With 109% color gamut compatibility and dynamic contrast ratio with Philips’ Mega Infinity technology, this second display is the epitome of smart contrasts. It brings in the most detailed images with exceptionally bright white and richer blacks.
Accuracy and consistency:
Professionals will find its color accuracy and brightness showing consistency top-notch. It ensures you have the best editing experience with greater highlights. Plus, the flicker-free feature permits you to work for hours in front of the monitor without fatigue.
4 years replacement warranty:
This monitor is built to last with a solid performance. Philips is confident enough in its design and construction quality to offer a long 4-years of replacement warranty for the second monitor. Thus, you can work confidently knowing that the monitor is replaceable for any defects.
True 4K experience:
The display has excellent properties with 4K resolution. Plus, its ultra-wide viewing angle makes it a perfect choice even for your iMac 5k. In fact, many users rated it as the best external monitor for iMac 5K.
8. ViewSonic VX2776: Affordable Second Screen for iMac
Specification:
• Resolution: 4K UHD
• Pixels: 3840 x 2160
• Screen Size: 27 Inches
• Refresh Rate: 60 hertz
• Display Type: IPS
• Ports: Display port, HDMI port
This ViewSonic display is built to blend performance and aesthetics simultaneously. Its stylish near-frameless design combines with the solid 4K UHD display to deliver unique multitasking benefits when paired with your favorite iMac.
The second display delivers sharp and crisp images with HDR10 support. So, you will love watching and editing content on this display.
A comfortable device:
Do you work for hours in front of your monitor for professional editing or gaming? You will thank the flicker-free and low blue light technology of this display that reduces eye fatigue superbly. Plus, it is a handy deal for protecting your eyesight.
Great color and contrast:
Anyone simply unmatches the vividness and clean viewing experience this display brings. We have to give accolades to ViewSonic to maximize its color and contrast ratio for brighter and richer images without stutter and tearing properties. It pairs with the 4K, 4.5K, and even 5K iMacs accurately to give you a one-of-a-kind multitasking experience.
HDR10 support:
Any content creator and editor would know the importance of HDR10 support to bring the maximum details with every frame with breathtaking clarity. Thankfully, this display has it all you want. From an ultra-wide viewing angle to HDR10 support and 110%% color spectrum facility, you will love its practical benefits for photo and video editing applications with high saturation and contrast.
VESA-mount compatibility:
The 27-inch monitor has VESA compatibility. So, you can securely and quickly mount it with any VESA-certified stand. You can also wall-mount it if need be. Also, you can adjust the stand height with ease which further makes your multitasking a bit comfier.
What to Look For? Before Buying The Best Second Monitor For iMac!
iMac has a gorgeous display, and so, when you work with it, you get accustomed to its high-end features along with consistency and accuracy. Therefore, when you decide to get another compatible second display with iMac, your selection needs to be pinpoint accurate.
In this regard, you may consider the following points to yield the best performance from the external display.
Resolution:
First off, you must consider the resolution for the second external monitor. iMac 27″ has a 5K retina display which is the highest quality screen available in the market. Thus, you might want the second monitor to match its quality as much as possible. On the contrary, the 2019 version of the iMac 21.5″ has a 4K display.
Thus, you should focus on getting at least a 4K display for the best performance. Next up, look whether it is a WQHD or UHD display. WQHD display has the widest viewing angle without distortion. Also, the UHD display offers an excellent viewing experience for contents of various kinds.
Remember that a higher resolution means you will get a sharper image with better details. It is useful for graphic editors and CAD applications. Gamers will also find it helpful.
Screen Size:
Now, this we will leave upon your preference. Ideally, the external monitor should be of the same size as iMac. Therefore, choosing the 27″ screens will be a great option. However, you can also choose a 24″ or 32″ display for multitasking.
For this, determine the space in your workspace. Also, it depends on your mentality since many people go for a larger second screen. The idea is to get the maximum benefit from the second display with comfort.
Contrast ratio:
The higher the monitor’s contrast ratio, the better its image quality and sharpness would be. Thus, we recommend getting the external display with a better contrast ratio. You can choose from 1000:1, 10000:1, or even 100000:1 ratios in this regard.
The contrast ratio controls the dynamic range greatly. Hence, a higher contrast ratio means a better dynamic range which offers more realistic picture quality. It is a serious point for editors as they will play with colors.
Color gamut competency:
iMac displays are compatible with the P3 color gamut, the highest quality for standard colors shown in the cinemas. Thus, your second monitor for the iMac must reproduce the closest colors to the P3 gamut for the best video and image performance.
No doubt, the P3 color gamut or spectrum offers the largest percentage of color highlights for us. But, not all monitors have it. Hence, you need to look at the color spectrum competency for the second monitor. It is mostly referred to as sRGB compatibility and expressed in percentage.
Ideally, the higher the sRGB percentage, the closest it is to the iMac’s P3 competency. You will see that most of your monitors have 99% color gamut usability. Some external monitors, such as the Philips, even have 110-120% color gamut. It will ensure the highest exposure of color percentage in a spectrum to human eyes.
Color accuracy:
A monitor might have a better resolution and contrast ratio, but it is of no use until it ensures accuracy. Also, color accuracy means the monitor is ready for use without adjustments. Hence, vendors will certify the color accuracy for your peace of mind. Ensure that the monitor features lower than 2 values for the standard DeltaE (dE) compatibility. Anything above this value isn’t highly accurate.
Bit-depth:
The Bit or color depth refers to the number of bits per pixel. Usually, the higher the Bit depth, the better the monitor is. If you are a graphics professional, 8-bit monitors won’t suit your needs. Also, iMac has excellent 10-bit competency. Hence, going for a 1-bit external monitor is a minimum requirement for you.
If you have the budget, you can even choose 12-bit monitors for the best graphics performance from the display.
Budget:
The best second displays for iMac are available in a wide price range from $250 to $5000. Thus, fixing your budget is crucial. For this, determine your requirements and fix the budget accordingly. It would be best to understand that you can put checkmarks on every category you want. Thus, you need to balance your requirements and budget for the best performance from the external monitor.
How To Set Up The Best Second Monitor For Your iMac
Although many people think connecting and setting up an external monitor with iMac is tough, it is easy. You can finish off the setting up process within 2 to 3 minutes.
You can connect the two screens with the following two ports:
- The display port
- The USB-C port
These two ports come built-in with all modern-day monitors. We will discuss the connection system and also, ways to mount your second monitor for your best viewing experience.
When you look at the backside of your iMac, iMac Pro or Macbook Pro, you should see a Thunderbolt port in it. You can quickly connect a USB hub with this Thunderbolt port. This USB-Hub is known as the adapter mostly. Also, you can do it the same way with your USB-C port directly.
Now, you should plug in your external monitor’s USB-C or display port with the adapter, and you are all ready to use it with the iMac. Then power on the monitor and make the adjustments from your iMac.
For this, go to the System Preference on your iMac from the Apple logo on the right upper corner. From there, click on the system arrangement and do the required modification from the second monitor. You can adjust the external monitor to meet your requirements. When you select your Imac monitor as your primary one, the other display will automatically become a secondary display.
Tips on mounting your second monitor:
You can mount your monitor with a stand or on the walls. Most monitors come with an integrated stand that allows you to tilt, pivot, and adjust the monitor height to meet your conveniences. Wall-mounted monitors will have VESA-mount compatibility. It allows you to mount the monitor on walls. You can follow the user-manual for it. We recommend you to call for a technician and use a strong wall-mount stand if you indeed install the monitor on the wall. Also, consider the height for this.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a good second monitor for an iMac?
A good second monitor for iMac should match its resolution, color accuracy, and color gamut at closely as possible. Usually, you should choose at least a 4K display with closeness to the P3 color gamut for the best output from the second display.
- Can an iMac support a second monitor?
Yes, your iMac supports a second monitor. You can follow our suggestions to pick the right monitor for the iMac and our guidelines to connect and adjust perfectly.
- How do I use dual monitors with iMac 27?
You can use the Thunderbolt port to connect two monitors with iMac. For this, you have to connect the two displays using the Thunderbolt port and then connect it with your primary iMac.
Final Words
The best second display for iMac is a great investment for productivity and comfort during multitasking. We have reviewed 8 top selections for iMac’s external monitor. Undoubtedly, these monitors have excellent functioning and ability.
But if we have to choose the winner, it would be the Apple 32-inch Pro Display. It has a 6K retina screen and XDR competency that is unbeatable. Also, its intelligent image processing makes it a great deal for professionals. Thanks to its adaptive refresh rate and color parameter adjustment, the second position will go to ASUS ProArt 27″ Display. Also, it is highly pocket-friendly than the Apple 32-inch display. Our second-runner-up is the LG 34WN80C-B 34″ UltraWide Monitor. It features HDR10
One Comment