8 Best Second Monitors for iMac and iMac Pro

Professional artists and designers swear by dual monitors for their work. And at work, the iMac plays an important role in the creative process. But at home, a single 27-inch iMac screen just isn’t enough. Luckily, our editors have spent hundreds of hours testing Apple’s newest 5K iMacs and our go-to picks for the best iMac monitors.

For the best second monitor, we evaluate 4K displays for performance, contrast, refresh rate, resolution and color accuracy, as well as ergonomics and aesthetics. We also test these monitors for ease of use, including setup, user interface and connectivity. We also consider price, warranty, accessories and product availability. Here are our top picks for the best second monitor for your iMac.

1. LG 27UK850-W 27″ 4K UHD IPS Monitor with HDR10

The LG 27UK850-W is the best IPS monitor available, and its screen quality matches that of the best Advanced Micro Devices FreeSync monitors. When we first saw this model, the only 1080p IPS monitor that exceeded its picture quality was the 4K Philips HF3912HMB.

This monitor is comparable to the Philips model in picture quality, but its 4K resolution takes full advantage of its 27-inch screen. This is a big display, so unless you regularly set up multiple monitors next to each other, you won’t be are afraid of desk clutter.

And while it can run at lower resolutions than its 4K counterpart, the wide color gamut and contrast ratio make it great for movies, and its FreeSync technology ensures smooth gameplay.

Pros
– Astonishing 4K resolution makes everything appear sharper
– Wide range of connectivity
– FreeSync technology minimizes screen tearing
– Wide range of viewing angles
– Rich color gamut
– Attractive design
Cons
– No HDR support
– Limited range of colors

2. LG UltraGear QHD 27-Inch Gaming Monitor 27GL850-B

Black Stabilizer is a welcome feature, though it didn’t make a big difference in our testing. The LG UltraGear QHD 27-inch has some of the best colors of any mainstream gaming monitor we tested, and its 1ms (GtG) response times means it's just as good for watching movies. The display is equally good at reproducing bright, dark, and natural colors.

We loved the ability to calibrate the monitor to match the game we were playing, and AMD FreeSync support means you’re not limited to NVIDIA G-Sync. The monitor’s limited viewing angle isn’t great for watching movies, but it’s fine for gaming. While the screen can refresh up to 144Hz, motion blur and ghosting do tend to stand out at those high refresh rates. Also, the monitor doesn’t support HDR10, and it lacks a G-Sync Compatible logo, so it’s not clear whether it supports G-Sync.

The onscreen menu system is also a bit dated, and LG’s customer support is lackluster at best. If you have the cash and the FreeSync support, this LG monitor does a pretty good job of making games look good (and at an online price, it’s the only option on the market with FreeSync right now), but it's a pricey way to go.

Pros
– Amazing pixel density
– High refresh rate
– Excellent panel
– Good color performance
Cons
– Expensive
– No USB Type-C port

3. Philips 278E1A 27″ Frameless Monitor, 4K UHD IPS, 109% sRGB

The Philips 278E1A is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a large, 4K monitor. This display has the highest native resolution among all 27″ monitors tested, and it also has wide viewing angles, clear text, and excellent color. Best of all, it’s a budget-friendly choice for PC users who want a 4K monitor but are on a budget.

The Philips SmartContrast technology delivers deep, rich blacks and bright whites. For gaming, this monitor delivers excellent frame rates thanks to its excellent refresh rate, and it offers 30Hz to 60Hz refresh rates to accommodate slower PCs. In addition, it has built-in stereo speakers that are loud enough to play audio from streaming videos or music without headphones. The monitor also has integrated connectivity, with HDMI, DisplayPort, audio in & out, and 3 USB 3.0 ports.

Its VESA mounting bracket makes the 278E1A very easy to mount and compatible with a variety of monitors stands and wall mounts. It gets a little dim in dark rooms, but this is a monitor designed for offices and homes, and for most situations, that dimness doesn’t pose a problem.

Pros
– 4K resolution
– 109% sRGB
– Wide viewing angles
– G-Sync, FreeSync support
– Speakers
Cons
– No PIP during gaming

4. LG 34WN80C-B Curved UltraWide Monitor 34” 21:9

The LG 34-inch 34WN80C-B UltraWide displays have a stunning 34-inch curved display with a resolution of 3440 x 1440 (1440p). It provides the same screen real estate as two 27-inch models, but takes up much less desk or table space. The 34-inch model we tested features a relatively subdued sRGB 99% color gamut, which is perfect for less colorful programs, and a lower brightness of 300 cd/m 2 (typical), so it won’t burn your eyes out.

It’s a fairly bright monitor, though, and LG claims that its screen has an In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel, which helps to make colors appear more accurate. You can also tilt the stand to angle the screen to your preference. The monitor is very heavy, though, at 31 pounds, so sit carefully to avoid injury. The LG 34WN80C-B’s curved display provides a wider field of view, so you might need to crop video to fit your screen, depending on your setup.

The monitor’s thin, narrow bezels, meanwhile, make it seem like it’s floating on your desktop. Overall, this is an excellent monitor for productivity.

Pros
– Ultra wide screen
– Great color
– 2x faster 5ms pixel response
Cons
– Poor viewing angles
– Lack of 32-bit color support

5. ViewSonic VX2776-4K-MHD 27 Inch 4K UHD IPS Monitor with Ultra-Thin Bezels

The ViewSonic VX2776-4K-MHD is an excellent 27-inch monitor for gaming and work. Its 4K resolution delivers sharper text, sharper detail, and more realistic images than 1080P monitors, and its 80 million:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 300 cd/m2 brightness deliver vivid, bright, and vivid-looking images in a dark room.

The ultrathin bezel design, 50% lighter aluminum alloy metal design, and 27-inch size make it an excellent TV replacement or entertainment hub, and the 24-inch height, 1-inch width, and 17.4-inch depth make it easy to mount, dock, or fit beneath most tables.

Pros
– 4K UHD display
– 178-degree viewing angles
– 120Hz refresh rate; 12-bit color support
– 1 ms response time
– Thin bezels
– Built-in Harman/Kardon soundbar
– HDR10 support
– Built-in Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless audio streaming
– HDMI and DisplayPort inputs

6. SAMSUNG J791 Series 34-Inch Ultrawide QHD Monitor

The Samsung J791 Series Ultrawide QHD monitors are impressive desktop monitors, delivering huge images in a super-thin design. Most users will find the curved display to be more comfortable to use than the more square edges of most monitors, and the integrated Thunderbolt 3 connection hub provides the ability to charge a MacBook Pro or PC at the same time.

The monitors have the best screen contrast of any in this guide, producing deep blacks and bright whites, although the overall color accuracy is slightly below par. The speakers on the J791 Series are subpar, however, which is unusual for this price category.

The Samsung J791 is also the only curved display of this size in this guide, and its size makes it ideal for professionals who share a desk and want a large monitor. It’s incredibly portable at 16 pounds.

Pros
– 34-inch 3440×1440 resolution
– 100Hz refresh rate
– 1ms response time
– Thunderbolt 3 ports
– HDMI, DisplayPort; compatible with both Mac and Windows
– Built-In USB Hub
– Height adjustable stand
– Eye-Care Technology
– 3 year warranty
Cons
– Expensive; high refresh rate, high resolution, and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity must be purchased separately

7. Philips Brilliance 272P7VUBNB 27″ Monitor

The Philips Brilliance monitor is 27-inch IPS panel with a 3840×2160 resolution, USB-C connectivity, and a built-in USB-C hub and 4K video output. It’s a nice-looking, well-built monitor, with fairly good connectivity, a USB-C port for video output, and a USB-C port and hub for charging and transferring data.

Its 4K resolution is just slightly outside the maximum on our panel test charts, and its color accuracy is excellent. Its USB-C connectivity is a significant upgrade from the VGA port on other monitors, but drivers for Windows are a little lacking, making it less than ideal for use as a gaming monitor.

On the other hand, it’s the best IPS monitor we’ve tested, and it’s one of the best purchases in its price range. If you’re looking for a new monitor on a budget, the Philips Brilliance is a very good choice.

Pros
– 4K resolution
– 4-year advance replacement
– Impressive viewing angles
– USB-C connectivity and hub
– Integrated USB-C cable
– Integrated power meter
– Built-in height-adjustment feature
Cons
– Expensive

8. Acer R271 bid 27-inch IPS Full HD 

The Acer R271 bid 27-inch monitor offers respectable performance, an ample amount of connectivity options, and a reasonable display quality. The 27-inch display features Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) with 4ms response time, a 1.03 billion color palette and 250 nit brightness.

The Acer R271 display also offers 60Hz refresh rate and 178-degree wide viewing angles.

The Acer R271 display includes 1 HDMI, 1 DVI, 1 VGA, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Audio-in, 1 Audio-out, 1 USB and 1 eSATA. The monitor’s ports are well positioned, with the connections situated on the back of the display. The monitor has a one-year limited warranty that covers parts and labor.

Pros
– 27-inch IPS Full HD display
– Support of VGA, DVI & HDMI ports
– Can be used in both notebook and desktop
Cons
– Display panel has narrow width and depth
– Expensive

How to Choose the Best Second Monitor for iMac and iMac Pro

If you’re looking for the best second monitor for iMac and iMac Pro, you may be in for a bit of research. There are definitely a lot of options out there, and it can be difficult to sort through them all to find the best one for your needs. In this blog post, we will take a look at the best second monitor for iMac and iMac Pro and give you some tips on how to choose the right monitor for your needs. Let’s get started!

What is a second monitor and what are its benefits for users of iMac and iMac Pro

A second monitor is a great way to increase your productivity on your iMac or iMac Pro. With a second monitor, you can work on two different documents at the same time, which can save you a lot of time. Here are some of the benefits of using a second monitor:

1. You can work on two projects simultaneously, which can save you a lot of time.
2. You can split your screen in two to work on two different documents side-by-side.
3. You can use a second monitor to watch a movie or stream a show while you work on another document.
4. You can use a second monitor to work on a project that is ongoing on your main monitor.
5. You can use a second monitor to keep track of your child’s homework while you work on other tasks.
6. You can use a second monitor to work on a project that is currently in progress on your main monitor.
7. You can use a second monitor to work on a project that is stored on your iMac or iMac Pro.
8. You can use a second monitor to work on a project that is stored on a remote server.

Whether you’re currently using a second monitor or are considering getting one, the benefits are clear. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?

The different types of second monitors available, and their features and benefits

When it comes to second monitors, there are a few different types to choose from. each with its own set of benefits.

One type is a portable second monitor. These are small and lightweight, so you can take them with you wherever you go. They usually have a built-in battery, so you don’t have to worry about plugging them in. They also usually have a wide range of ports, so you can connect multiple devices to them at once.

Another type of second monitor is the stand-alone second monitor. These are usually larger and more expensive, but they have more features than a portable second monitor. They usually have a built-in battery, so you don’t have to worry about plugging them in, and they usually have a better range of ports. They also usually have a better display than a portable second monitor.

Finally, there is the all-in-one second monitor. These are the most expensive, but they have the most features of any of the second monitors. They usually have a built-in battery, a better range of ports, and a better display. They also usually have a better range than a stand-alone second monitor.

How to choose the best second monitor for your needs

Choosing the best second monitor can be a daunting task, but it’s definitely worth it in the end!

Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect second monitor for your needs.

First, think about what you use your primary monitor for most. If you’re a gamer, for example, you’ll want a monitor that is able to handle high-resolution graphics.

Next, think about what you use your primary monitor for most. Do you use it for work or for leisure activities? If you use it for work, are you mostly using it for text editing or for viewing presentations? If you’re mainly using it for leisure activities, do you want a monitor that is large enough to view multiple programs at the same time or do you want a monitor that is more portable?

Finally, think about your budget. Are you looking to spend a lot of money on a high-end monitor or are you looking to spend less money on a monitor that still performs well?

Once you’ve answered these questions and weighed them against each other, it’s time to make a purchase!

How to set up and use a second monitor with your iMac

If you’re like most people, you use your computer for work and your personal life at the same time. But what if you want to work on a project on your personal computer and also have another application or window open on your work computer? or vice versa?

Macs have a feature called ” Display Port,” which allows you to connect two monitors to your computer. This is great for when you want to use two different applications side-by-side or when you want to use your work computer as a secondary monitor for your personal computer.

To set up your second monitor, first make sure that your work and personal computers are connected to the same network. Then, on your work computer, open System Preferences and click on ” Displays .” Under ” Multiple Monitors,” click on the ” Add ” button and select your second monitor from the list.

Now that your second monitor is set up, all you need to do is open your applications and windows on your personal computer and they will be displayed on your work computer’s second monitor. Have fun!

FAQs answered about using a second monitor with your iMac

What are the specifications of an ideal second monitor for my iMac or iMac Pro?

Second displays can provide a variety of benefits. You can use the extra screen space to toggle between multiple applications and projects. Second displays may also allow you to scale higher resolution content so that it’s closer to what you’re comfortable with. A good second display should have the same resolution, color quality, and aspect ratio as the primary monitor.

Second screens may also come with built-in speakers or line-in connections, which are convenient for those who like to watch DVDs or listen to audio through their computers. Finally, monitors might vary in size, so it’s helpful to collect as many versions of second monitors as you can find before you make a purchase.

What is the best type of connector to use when connecting a second monitor to my iMac or iMac Pro?
The DVI and HDMI connectors are the most common type used to connect a second monitor, and both are reasonable choices. The DVI connector is stronger and somewhat smaller, while the HDMI connector is lighter and can be connected after removing the computer’s stand.

What are the considerations for choosing the right size and resolution second monitor for my iMac or iMac Pro?
Depending on your primary output method, you may find a larger primary monitor more comfortable to use. For example, if you’re working on a video project, a larger monitor will allow you to see all parts of the video at the same time. Similarly, if you are designing graphics, a larger display lets you see more of your work at the same time.

Once you’ve determined how you want to use your secondary display, you must consider your output method. If you are working on a video project, your secondary monitor can be a second 27-inch or 27-inch 4K display and will likely be the best size.

If you are designing graphics, it is best to match the second display to a 27-inch or 27-inch 4K display. Video projects use a lot of colors, so the more colors you can see, the better. On the other hand, graphics generally use fewer colors, so a smaller display is ideal. You may choose a smaller 27-inch or 27-inch 27-inch display if you are working on a small project.