Skip to main content
TopMiniSite

Back to all posts

How to Use A 4K Monitor With A MacBook Pro?

Published on
4 min read
How to Use A 4K Monitor With A MacBook Pro? image

Best 4K Monitors for MacBook Pro to Buy in December 2025

1 SAMSUNG 32" UJ59 Series 4K UHD (3840x2160) Computer Monitor,VA Panel, HDMI, Display Port, Eye Saver/Flicker Free Mode, FreeSync, LU32J590UQNXZA, Black

SAMSUNG 32" UJ59 Series 4K UHD (3840x2160) Computer Monitor,VA Panel, HDMI, Display Port, Eye Saver/Flicker Free Mode, FreeSync, LU32J590UQNXZA, Black

  • STUNNING UHD CLARITY: EXPERIENCE 4K VISUALS WITH VIBRANT DETAIL AND COLOR.

  • OPTIMIZED GAMING: GAME MODE ENHANCES CONTRAST FOR AN EDGE OVER OPPONENTS.

  • EFFORTLESS MULTITASKING: VIEW 2 DEVICES SIMULTANEOUSLY WITHOUT LOSING QUALITY.

BUY & SAVE
$199.99 $339.99
Save 41%
SAMSUNG 32" UJ59 Series 4K UHD (3840x2160) Computer Monitor,VA Panel, HDMI, Display Port, Eye Saver/Flicker Free Mode, FreeSync, LU32J590UQNXZA, Black
2 LG 27US500-W Ultrafine Monitor 27-Inch 4K UHD (3840x2160) HDR10 IPS Borderless Design Reader Mode Flicker Safe Switch App HDMI DisplayPort - White

LG 27US500-W Ultrafine Monitor 27-Inch 4K UHD (3840x2160) HDR10 IPS Borderless Design Reader Mode Flicker Safe Switch App HDMI DisplayPort - White

  • EXPERIENCE STUNNING VISUALS WITH 4K UHD AND 1000:1 CONTRAST RATIO.
  • ELEVATE COLOR ACCURACY WITH 90% DCI-P3 FOR TRUE HDR10 CONTENT.
  • CUSTOMIZE EFFORTLESSLY USING ONSCREEN CONTROL FOR OPTIMAL PRODUCTIVITY.
BUY & SAVE
$176.99 $249.99
Save 29%
LG 27US500-W Ultrafine Monitor 27-Inch 4K UHD (3840x2160) HDR10 IPS Borderless Design Reader Mode Flicker Safe Switch App HDMI DisplayPort - White
3 LG Ultrafine 27UP550N 27” 4K UHD (3840x2160) IPS Monitor with USB-C PD 90W, 60Hz, 5ms, HDR10, sRGB 98%, AMD FreeSync, Tilt/Height/Pivot, White

LG Ultrafine 27UP550N 27” 4K UHD (3840x2160) IPS Monitor with USB-C PD 90W, 60Hz, 5ms, HDR10, sRGB 98%, AMD FreeSync, Tilt/Height/Pivot, White

  • EXPERIENCE STUNNING 4K UHD CLARITY FOR UNMATCHED DETAIL IN CONTENT.

  • ENJOY VIVID HDR IMAGING FOR ENHANCED CONTRAST AND LIFELIKE BRIGHTNESS.

  • STREAMLINE YOUR SETUP WITH ALL-IN-ONE USB-C CONNECTIVITY.

BUY & SAVE
$410.62
LG Ultrafine 27UP550N 27” 4K UHD (3840x2160) IPS Monitor with USB-C PD 90W, 60Hz, 5ms, HDR10, sRGB 98%, AMD FreeSync, Tilt/Height/Pivot, White
4 SAMSUNG 27" ViewFinity S8 (S80D) Series 4K UHD High Resolution Computer Monitor, HDR10, Multiple Ports w/ HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-A, Height Adjustable Stand, LS27D806EANXGO, 2024, 3Yr Warranty

SAMSUNG 27" ViewFinity S8 (S80D) Series 4K UHD High Resolution Computer Monitor, HDR10, Multiple Ports w/ HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-A, Height Adjustable Stand, LS27D806EANXGO, 2024, 3Yr Warranty

  • EXPERIENCE STUNNING 4K UHD CLARITY FOR DYNAMIC DESIGNS AND CREATIONS.
  • EFFORTLESS TOOL-FREE SETUP AND ADJUSTABLE ANGLES FOR ULTIMATE COMFORT.
  • ENJOY TRUE-TO-LIFE COLORS AND EYE CARE FEATURES FOR A HEALTHIER WORKFLOW.
BUY & SAVE
$199.99 $419.99
Save 52%
SAMSUNG 27" ViewFinity S8 (S80D) Series 4K UHD High Resolution Computer Monitor, HDR10, Multiple Ports w/ HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-A, Height Adjustable Stand, LS27D806EANXGO, 2024, 3Yr Warranty
5 Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor - S2725QS - 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) 120Hz 16:9 Display, IPS Panel, AMD FreeSync Premium, sRGB 99%, Integrated Speakers, 1500:1 Contrast Ratio, Comfortview Plus - Ash White

Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor - S2725QS - 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) 120Hz 16:9 Display, IPS Panel, AMD FreeSync Premium, sRGB 99%, Integrated Speakers, 1500:1 Contrast Ratio, Comfortview Plus - Ash White

  • ALL-DAY COMFORT: REDUCES BLUE LIGHT EMISSIONS FOR EYE-FRIENDLY VIEWING.
  • ULTRA-SMOOTH VISUALS: EXPERIENCE 120HZ REFRESH RATE & 0.03MS RESPONSE TIME.
  • STUNNING CLARITY: ENJOY 4K VISUALS WITH 99% SRGB AND HDR READINESS.
BUY & SAVE
$224.99 $299.99
Save 25%
Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor - S2725QS - 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) 120Hz 16:9 Display, IPS Panel, AMD FreeSync Premium, sRGB 99%, Integrated Speakers, 1500:1 Contrast Ratio, Comfortview Plus - Ash White
6 Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor - S2725QC - 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) 120Hz 16:9 Display, AMD FreeSync Premium, sRGB 99%, Integrated Speakers, 1500:1 Contrast Ratio, Comfortview Plus - Ash White

Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor - S2725QC - 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) 120Hz 16:9 Display, AMD FreeSync Premium, sRGB 99%, Integrated Speakers, 1500:1 Contrast Ratio, Comfortview Plus - Ash White

  • COMFORTVISION TECH: ENJOY ALL-DAY COMFORT WITH ≤35% BLUE LIGHT EMISSION.
  • SMOOTH PERFORMANCE: EXPERIENCE TEAR-FREE VISUALS AT 120HZ REFRESH RATE.
  • STUNNING 4K COLORS: IMMERSE IN VIBRANT 4K VISUALS WITH 99% SRGB.
BUY & SAVE
$259.98 $349.99
Save 26%
Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor - S2725QC - 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) 120Hz 16:9 Display, AMD FreeSync Premium, sRGB 99%, Integrated Speakers, 1500:1 Contrast Ratio, Comfortview Plus - Ash White
7 Dell 32 Plus 4K Monitor - S3225QS - 31.5-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 120Hz 16:9 Display, VA Panel, AMD FreeSync Premium, 99% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3, 1500:1 Contrast Ratio, Comfortview Plus - Ash White

Dell 32 Plus 4K Monitor - S3225QS - 31.5-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 120Hz 16:9 Display, VA Panel, AMD FreeSync Premium, 99% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3, 1500:1 Contrast Ratio, Comfortview Plus - Ash White

  • ALL-DAY COMFORT WITH REDUCED BLUE LIGHT FOR EYE-FRIENDLY VIEWING.
  • SMOOTH GAMEPLAY: 120HZ REFRESH RATE & ULTRA-LOW 0.03MS RESPONSE TIME.
  • VIVID 4K VISUALS: 99% SRGB FOR TRUE-TO-LIFE COLORS AND STUNNING DETAIL.
BUY & SAVE
$279.99 $369.99
Save 24%
Dell 32 Plus 4K Monitor - S3225QS - 31.5-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 120Hz 16:9 Display, VA Panel, AMD FreeSync Premium, 99% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3, 1500:1 Contrast Ratio, Comfortview Plus - Ash White
8 LG 27UP650K-W 27-inch Ultrafine 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS Computer Monitor, 60Hz, 5ms, DisplayHDR 400, Reader Mode, Flicker Safe, HDMI, DisplayPort, Tilt/Height/Pivot Adjustable Stand, White

LG 27UP650K-W 27-inch Ultrafine 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS Computer Monitor, 60Hz, 5ms, DisplayHDR 400, Reader Mode, Flicker Safe, HDMI, DisplayPort, Tilt/Height/Pivot Adjustable Stand, White

  • IMMERSE IN STUNNING 4K VISUALS WITH VIBRANT COLORS AND HDR SUPPORT.
  • GAIN THE ADVANTAGE WITH BLACK STABILIZER AND DYNAMIC ACTION SYNC.
  • MULTITASK EFFORTLESSLY WITH CUSTOMIZABLE SCREENS USING THE SWITCH APP.
BUY & SAVE
$276.94
LG 27UP650K-W 27-inch Ultrafine 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS Computer Monitor, 60Hz, 5ms, DisplayHDR 400, Reader Mode, Flicker Safe, HDMI, DisplayPort, Tilt/Height/Pivot Adjustable Stand, White
9 SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey G55C Series QHD 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor, 1ms(MPRT), HDR10, 165Hz, AMD Radeon FreeSync, Eye Care, Glare Free, Sharp Resolution LS32CG550ENXZA

SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey G55C Series QHD 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor, 1ms(MPRT), HDR10, 165Hz, AMD Radeon FreeSync, Eye Care, Glare Free, Sharp Resolution LS32CG550ENXZA

  • STUNNING QHD VISUALS: 1.7X PIXEL DENSITY FOR LIFELIKE GAMING GRAPHICS.
  • LAG-FREE GAMEPLAY: 165HZ REFRESH RATE & 1MS RESPONSE TIME FOR SMOOTH ACTION.
  • IMMERSIVE 1000R CURVED DISPLAY: WRAPS AROUND YOUR VISION FOR TRUE ENGAGEMENT.
BUY & SAVE
$199.99 $329.99
Save 39%
SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey G55C Series QHD 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor, 1ms(MPRT), HDR10, 165Hz, AMD Radeon FreeSync, Eye Care, Glare Free, Sharp Resolution LS32CG550ENXZA
+
ONE MORE?

To use a 4K monitor with a MacBook Pro, follow these steps:

  1. Check the compatibility: Ensure that your MacBook Pro model supports the use of a 4K monitor. Most newer models have the necessary capabilities, but older models may not be able to handle the high resolution.
  2. Connect the monitor: Use an appropriate cable, such as an HDMI or DisplayPort cable, to connect your MacBook Pro to the 4K monitor. Some monitors may also support USB-C, so check for compatibility.
  3. Set up the display: Once connected, go to the Apple menu and click on "System Preferences." Then, select "Displays."
  4. Adjust the settings: In the Displays preferences, you can adjust various settings for the connected monitor. You'll see options like resolution, display arrangement, brightness, and more.
  5. Choose the correct resolution: Select the highest available resolution for the 4K monitor to ensure you can enjoy the full 4K experience. You may need to scroll through the resolution options to find the appropriate one.
  6. Arrange and position the displays: If you're using your MacBook Pro alongside the 4K monitor as an extended display, you can set the arrangement to your preference. Ensure that you have the desired position and orientation for both displays.
  7. Adjust scaling: macOS offers a few scaling options to optimize the appearance of text and icons on the 4K monitor. Explore the scaling options in the Displays preferences to find the one that suits your preferences.
  8. Customize display preferences: Depending on your preferences, you can customize additional settings like colors, brightness, and contrast for the 4K monitor using the Display preferences. Experiment with these settings to achieve the desired visual experience.
  9. Enjoy your 4K experience: Once all settings are adjusted to your liking, you can start enjoying the benefits of a 4K monitor with your MacBook Pro. Take advantage of the enhanced resolution and clarity for tasks like photo editing, video playback, or other high-resolution content.

Remember that connecting a 4K monitor to your MacBook Pro may require additional power, so ensure your MacBook is properly connected to an appropriate power source.

What is a 4K monitor?

A 4K monitor refers to a display or screen that has a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, which is also known as Ultra HD (UHD) resolution. It offers a higher level of visual detail and clarity compared to lower-resolution monitors. The name "4K" comes from the horizontal pixel count, which is close to 4000 pixels. These monitors are widely used in various fields, including gaming, video editing, graphic design, and media consumption, as they provide a vivid and immersive viewing experience.

What is the ideal response time for a 4K monitor?

The ideal response time for a 4K monitor is typically considered to be 1ms. This means that the pixels on the screen can transition from one color to another in just one millisecond. However, response time can vary among different monitors, and some may have slightly higher response times but still provide a smooth viewing experience. It is important to note that response time is not the only factor to consider when choosing a monitor; factors such as refresh rate and input lag also play a role in determining the overall performance and user experience.

What is the difference between a 4K monitor and a regular HD monitor?

The main difference between a 4K monitor and a regular HD (high-definition) monitor lies in their resolution and pixel density.

A regular HD monitor, also known as a 1080p monitor, typically has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. This means that the display can show a maximum of 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically. The pixel density is relatively low, resulting in a less sharp and detailed image.

On the other hand, a 4K monitor has a significantly higher resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, which is four times the resolution of a 1080p monitor. The increased pixel density of a 4K display provides a much sharper and more detailed image, allowing for finer details to be visible. This makes it particularly advantageous for tasks that require precise and clear visuals, such as photo or video editing, graphic design, or watching high-quality multimedia content.

In summary, the primary difference between a 4K monitor and a regular HD monitor is the resolution and pixel density, with 4K offering a significantly higher level of detail and clarity.