A second monitor is an extra screen for your PC. It gives you extra screen space and allows you to work on one screen while viewing content on the other. You can view both screen contents to reduce clutter and work more efficiently.
If you are a gamer, a second monitor is a great option. A second screen helps you play games, watch video content, or work on presentations. As long as both screens can fit in the same space, you can do almost anything you can imagine with your PC.
When using an iMac or iMac Pro for professional tasks, you will need a second monitor to boost your productivity. While an iMac is one of the best high-end displays on the market, a second monitor can help you to complete all the tasks in lesser time. With a dual-screen setup, you can improve your multitasking capacity.
If you are looking for more screen space, you should consider using second monitors for iMac and iPad. This way, you can more easily switch between screens. Besides, if you have two monitors, you can always use the smaller one as your primary one.
The best way to attach an external display to your iMac depends on the model of your computer. Newer models have two Thunderbolt ports, while older iMacs have only one Thunderbolt port. If you’re thinking of buying an external display for your iMac, make sure it has a Thunderbolt port. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy an adapter.
Second monitors are a good investment if you’re looking to upgrade your iMac. It will not only help you to reduce downtime but also increase the workflow. You can optimize work performance and reduce distractions. It will help you to complete all the tasks with ease and organize your desktop.
If you are planning to install a dual monitor setup with iMac and iMac Pro, we can help you. We have rounded up these monitors by keeping the perfect balance of size, resolution, ports and connectivity, and compatibility in mind.
In a hurry? Here are our top 3 favorite picks when it comes to the best second monitors for iMac and iMac Pro in 2023!
Best Overall
Runner Up
Budget Pick
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What Are Second Monitors For iMac and iMac Pro?
If you already have an iMac or iMac Pro and want to create a dual monitor setup, you can invest in a second monitor. It is an additional monitor you can connect and use with your iMac and iMac Pro. There are many benefits of using second monitors with iMac and iMac Pro.
There are two simple ways to use them. First, connect the monitor to the Mac via a video cable. If you want to use both displays, you just need to connect the monitor to the iMac’s display port.
The second way is to set up extended desktop mode, where the desktop is split across the two monitors. This mode allows you to drag applications from one display to another or to the primary display.
When choosing a second monitor for your iMac or iMac Pro, make sure you check the connectivity options. You also need to check other features like screen size, screen resolution, display quality, adjustable stand, etc. You can use a dual monitor setup for designing, editing, coding, and many other things.
Are Second Monitors for iMac and iMac Pro Worth It?
Yes, second monitors for iMac and iMac Pro are worth it as they provide an enhanced viewing experience and help you in multitasking. Second monitors allow you to do two things at the same time. Using dual monitors makes it easier to multitask, communicate with team members, and write reports or copy research.
They also allow you to work on the same project on two different screens. Second monitors can make life easier and increase productivity. Having two monitors allows you to work on several programs at once. You can open Photoshop and drag an image to the second monitor. You can also compare two documents side-by-side. This makes it easier to make changes.
Besides being useful, second monitors can save you space. It can help reduce desk space. When used in tandem with one main monitor, dual monitors can eliminate other office furnishings, making it possible to maximize your desk space. Additionally, the benefits of using second monitors far outweigh the potential for distraction.
If you are looking for second monitors for iMac and iMac Pro, here are the top 7 options in 2023.
1. ASUS ProArt Display PA279CV – Best Overall
ASUS ProArt Display PA279CV 27 is a 4K HDR UHD 3840 pixel Monitor. The screen is extremely bright, with a typical brightness of 310 nits and a superb Gamma average of 2.21. It is one of the best second monitors for iMac and iMac Pro.
The contrast ratio of the ProArt PA279CV is 1110:1, which is excellent for a modern monitor with a quality IPS panel. This ratio remains the same across a wide range of brightness levels, making it the perfect choice for users who spend a lot of time watching Netflix or working with dark content. The monitor is also very consistent, resulting in uniform color and backlighting across all settings.
The design is sleek with slim bezels and a sturdy body. It certainly won’t draw a lot of attention, so if you’re looking for an affordable professional monitor, you may want to consider the ProArt PA279CV instead.
Aside from its high-definition resolution, the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CV has a variety of connectivity options, including HDMI 2.0 and a DisplayPort 1.2 connection. It also comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack. The monitor has a back-mounted cable clip that is great for attaching peripherals, including headphones.
The ASUS ProArt PA279CV has a 27-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 3840 x 2160. It has an average 5ms response time, but that’s not bad considering the fact that it’s not intended for gaming. The monitor’s input lag is 12ms at 60Hz, which is higher than many other 4K monitors. The monitor also comes with a USB-C slot, making it compatible with most modern laptops.
The PA279CV is a good performer for its price. It offers a 178° wide viewing angle and 100% sRGB color gamut. It also supports Adaptive-Sync technology and ASUS Eye Care technology. It has an average pixel response time and is fully compatible with VESA wall mounts.
Why Is This the Best Second Monitor for iMac and iMac Pro in 2023?
If you’re looking for a second monitor for your iMac or iMac Pro, you might be wondering whether or not the Asus ProArt Display PA279CV is the right choice. While most monitors are very similar, the PA279CV offers unique features that designers will appreciate and a price you can afford.
The PA279CV features a 27-inch screen with 3840 x 2160 UHD resolution. Asus’s color support is extensive, and it supports 100% of the sRGB color gamut. It features built-in speakers, DisplayPort, and HDMI, and its stand is adjustable for height, tilt, and pivot.
It also offers four USB 3.1 type-A downstream ports and a 65W power delivery. And it has a stylish design and an adjustable stand. The display also has a good range of connectivity options, and it’s the best second monitor for your iMac. While you can’t always use every port, the Asus ProArt Display PA279CV is one of the best monitors for the MacBook Pro.
The Asus ProArt Display PA279CV has excellent ergonomic features, including thin bezels and USB 3.1 ports. The monitor also supports DualView, which displays multiple screens simultaneously.
The Asus ProArt PA279CV is a high-quality second monitor that’s designed for creative professionals and artists alike. Its 100% sRGB color gamut is an additional bonus, and its Calman Verified panel guarantees accurate color reproduction. It’s also available with VESA wall mountings. Its 178-degree viewing angle makes it ideal for dual-screen setups.
Another great feature of the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CV is the new display technology. It has a 10-bit panel that is able to display colors in a natural way and has a high refresh rate.
You can enjoy additional features like ASUS Eye Care technology and Adaptive-Sync technology with this monitor. All these features make it one of the best second monitors for iMac and iMac Pro.
2. Philips Brilliance 279P1 27″ Frameless Monitor – Runner Up
Philips Brilliance 279P1 is a 27-inch frameless monitor with a 4K UHD IPS display of 3840×2160 resolution. This monitor’s dynamic contrast mode makes use of SmartContrast to optimize backlight brightness and luminance. With 122% sRGB, it offers great picture quality, which makes it perfect for iMac and iMac Pro.
In addition to the wide viewing angles, the Philips Brilliance 279P1’s monitor also has a good range of ergonomic features. It has a 150mm height adjustment range, +/-180deg swivel, -5deg/35deg tilt, and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility. It is the perfect choice for any home computer enthusiast.
For a low price, the Philips 279P1 27-inch frameless monitor has a brilliant 4K IPS display. Its USB-C port supports substantial power delivery and DisplayPort Alternate Mode. Additionally, it supports audio and data transfer. USB-C is also built-in, making it one of the most affordable 27-inch 4K monitors available.
In terms of color accuracy, the Philips 279P1 has a 1,000:1 static contrast ratio. IPS panel displays don’t have the deep blacks of VA panel displays, but they have wider viewing angles and consistent color. This means the image quality doesn’t degrade when you’re at an angle. Because of this, the Philips screen is ideal for color-critical work.
The Philips 279P1 features full ergonomic features that take longer to develop on other monitors. It has duo built-In 3W stereo speakers and a USB C docking feature.
The display’s ultra-clear 4K UHD resolutions make it suitable for demanding professionals, including financial processors at large tables. The screen also features a SmartErgoBase, which makes viewing comfortable. This monitor has built-in power sensors that help to save nearly 80% power.
3. AOC U2790VQ 27″ Frameless Monitor – Budget Pick
AOC U2790VQ is a 27-inch 4K 3840×2160 UHD Frameless monitor that you can use with iMac and iMac Pro. Its high-resolution 163 ppi screen allows you to view images up close, and the flicker-free WLED backlight is easy on the eyes. For its price, the AOC U2790VQ is a good choice if you want a monitor for office use.
The AOC U2790VQ is a top seller in the gaming industry. Its UHD resolution makes multitasking a breeze, and its IPS panel produces more than a billion colors. Its frameless design maximizes the available space on your screen. The AOC U2790VQ also boasts 10-bit color, which means you’ll see smoother transitions and more colors than on other monitors with 8-bit color depth.
The AOC U2790VQ’s screen features a slim frame that provides minimal bezel distraction. This extra-clean setup translates to a more attractive display.
The AOC U2790VQ’s native 4K resolution, 3840×2160 pixels, makes it an excellent choice for regular internet use, managing documents, watching movies, and working with Microsoft office. Moreover, the AOC U2790VQ offers an integrated audio system and a headphone jack.
AOC’s U2790VQ has a refresh rate of 60 Hz. If you’re looking for an affordable 4K panel for your office, the AOC U2790VQ is a great choice. Its borderless design is flexible, and its image quality is far better than many expensive 4K monitors.
The AOC U2790VQ features a simple yet elegant design. The screen’s edges are just a millimeter apart, making it easy to multi-monitor setups easier.
This monitor offers a wide viewing angle and 350 cd/m² brightness. It delivers 5ms response time and 99% sRGB & 90% NTSC color gamut. It comes with a stand and can be mounted on the wall as well. You can enjoy HDMI and DisplayPort connectivity with this monitor.
4. BenQ PD2700U 27 inch Monitor – Premium Pick
For those who work with video, graphics, or photography on their computers, the BenQ PD2700U 27-inch 4K monitor is a good choice. Its sleek design and excellent connectivity make it an excellent choice for designers, photographers, and video editors. The monitor is also suitable for gamers, although the BenQ PD series is not particularly well-known for gaming performance. If you have an iMac or iMac Pro, you can use it as a second monitor.
A sleek black matte bezel and solid build quality are common characteristics of this BenQ monitor. The display’s bezel is only 8mm thick and blends into the screen when not in use.
The screen is anti-glare, which means you can view it without any worries about reflections. The monitor also has a nice, dark grey matte finish that reduces glare and enables you to view the screen in its native resolution and color.
In terms of color accuracy, the BenQ PD2700U offers 100% sRGB color coverage. This monitor has a wide viewing angle and delivers a 60Hz refresh rate along with a 5ms response time and a 16:9 aspect ratio. You can also enjoy HDE support with this monitor.
The stand of the BenQ PD2700U is minimalistic but has excellent stability. If you want to move your desk around and need to adjust the monitor, the stand will help you do that without a fuss. Besides the pixel density, the screen is designed to have a wide color gamut, and the BenQ PD2700U 27-inch 4K monitor has HDR10 and Flicker-Free technologies.
5. SAMSUNG SH850 Series 24-Inch WQHD Computer Monitor
The Samsung SH850 series 24-inch Monitor has a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and weighs 22.5 pounds. It’s available in Black, white, and silver. If you are looking for a second monitor to use with iMac and iMac Pro, you can use this monitor.
The resolution and gray uniformity of the Samsung SH850 series 24-inch Monitor are impressive. This monitor comes with various connectivity options like Display Port, HDMI, and USB-C.
With USB-C connectivity, you can easily connect this monitor with iMac and iMac Pro. It also comes with a height-adjustable stand. You can easily adjust the height of this monitor to create a dual monitor setup.
While the Samsung SH850 Series Computer Monitor doesn’t meet the high requirements of professional gamers, its low cost and low input lag make it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers. The ergonomic design, 60 Hz refresh rate, and 5 ms response time make it a decent monitor.
6. Dell P2421D 24 Inch Thin Bezel Monitor
This Dell P2421D is a 24 Inch 144P QHD IPS thin bezel monitor. Its screen is capable of delivering vivid colors and is easy to use. Its 264 cd/m2 maximum backlight intensity might struggle against glare. For the price, this 24-inch monitor is a solid buy.
Its high pixel density and 178-degree horizontal viewing angles are appealing features for most consumers. The resolution of this monitor is 2560 X 1440, and it offers an 8ms response time. It comes with in-plane switching technology.
The Dell P2421D lacks a USB-C port but still offers every other port you need on a monitor. It has DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, and VGA ports, as well as two USB 2.0 ports on the side. It is a flexible monitor and comes with a flexible and adjustable stand, including VESA.
For casual gaming, this Dell P2421D is a great monitor. The pixel density is 123 per inch, which is higher than that of most 1440p monitors. However, this model is not ideal for photo editing, so it isn’t suitable for these tasks.
7. Acer CB272 BMIPRUX 27″ IPS Frameless Monitor
Acer CB272 BMIPRUX 27 Full HD 1920 x 1080 – IPS Frameless Monitor has an impressive feature set and is a great choice for prosumers. The monitor comes with AMD FreeSync technology to determine your frame rate based on the graphics card. This technology gives you an edge in gaming because it eliminates screen tearing and flickering.
The Acer CB272 offers great build quality and is similar to its top-tier competition. The monitor’s bezel-free design allows you to maximize your viewing area and multitask without feeling crowded.
The Acer CB272 has a 27-inch IPS panel with a 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 75Hz refresh rate. The response time is 1ms VRB, and the display has a boosted pixel response time.
Acer’s IPS panel is the best option for gamers. With an ultrathin bezel, this monitor is ideal for any desk space. It also includes a USB Type C port, HDMI, and audio ports. This monitor features 250 nits brightness, a 16:9 aspect ratio, and comes with a fully adjustable stand.
How to Choose the Best Second Monitor for iMac and iMac Pro in 2023?
If you’re considering buying a secondary display for your iMac or iMac Pro, you’ll want to consider these factors. It will help you to make the right buying decision.
Resolution
The first thing you need to consider is screen resolution. You need to choose a monitor with a higher screen resolution to compete with Mac.
If you are using a monitor with a different screen resolution than the one of the iMac, you will need to change its settings in the monitor itself. It is best to choose a 4K resolution monitor to enjoy the best picture quality.
Screen Size
A good second monitor for your iMac should have a large enough screen to accommodate multiple applications at once. It should also have enough bandwidth to handle video content.
A smaller screen is fine if you only need to use the secondary monitor for web browsing. However, if you are into video editing or gaming, you need to invest in 27 inches or 32-inch screen.
Contrast Ratio
If you’re considering purchasing a second monitor for your iMac, there are some things you should keep in mind before you make the purchase. High contrast ratios mean deeper blacks and better picture quality, so it’s important to choose a screen with a good contrast ratio.
Even if the contrast ratio of your second monitor is already good, you can always experiment with different settings in order to improve the quality of your images.
Color Gamut Competency
When buying a second monitor for your iMac, you’ll want to ensure that it reproduces as close to the P3 color gamut as possible. Color gamut competency refers to the extent to which a monitor reproduces the full range of color that the human eye can perceive.
Most monitors can display 16.7 million colors, though some are capable of even more. You need to choose a monitor with 99% of the sRGB color gamut.
Color Accuracy
Buying a second monitor for your iMac can be a good idea for many reasons. Color accuracy is a big consideration, as different monitors may not produce identical colors. Color accuracy varies across monitors due to various factors, including production variables and assembly flaws.
Keeping this in mind when purchasing a second monitor for your iMac, you can maximize your productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Second Monitors for iMac and iMac Pro in 2023
Can You Connect Additional Monitors to an iMac?
Yes, you can connect additional monitors to an iMac. If you have an iMac and iMac Pro, you can invest in a second monitor to create a dual monitor setup. Monitors come with HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB connectivity. You can check the connectivity ports in your iMac and choose a compatibility monitor.
What Is a Good Second Monitor For an iMac?
An iMac can be equipped with a secondary monitor. However, you should not choose a monitor without checking out the features it has to offer. A good second monitor for an iMac should match the color gamut, resolution, and color accuracy. You also choose a 4K monitor with a P3 color gamut for the best output.
Final Thoughts
Second monitors for iMac or iMac Pro can help you to create a dual-monitor workstation and improve overall productivity. You can complete different tasks easily in lesser time with more efficiency. It is a great investment if you are into multitasking.
In this guide, we have reviewed the top 7 best second monitors for iMac and iMac Pro in 2023. You can buy any of these monitors for your Mac. We plan to update this page regularly as better models launch. If you want to suggest something or need additional details, write to us in the comments below.
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