The Mac Mini isn’t like every other desktop computer out there. As Apple calls it, it’s BYODKM (Bring Your Display Keyboard and Mouse). That’s right; the Mac Mini doesn’t come with a display or other accessories; you’ll have to buy them yourself.
To enhance the experience of using the solid-performing Mac Mini, you must invest in a good display compatible with iOS.
You should consider several features while buying a monitor for Mac Mini to meet its system requirements efficiently.
Read on to find the top 10 portable monitors that work best with a Mac Mini.
Table of Contents
What to Consider Before Buying a Monitor for Mac Mini
Your monitor shouldn’t simply make do with a Mac Mini; it should upgrade your experience entirely. Here are a few factors to consider before buying your portable monitor to ensure you get your money’s worth.
Size
While shopping for a monitor for your Mac Mini computer, the size is something you should consider. If you’re looking for a portable monitor, the ideal length is approximately 21 inches. However, since the Mac Mini, true to its name, is very small, it looks best with smaller monitors.
Plus, you’ll find that some of the best monitors for the Macbook Pro have curved edges.
Resolution
Selecting the correct screen resolution for your Mac Mini is essential if you want an enhanced experience that uses the computer’s abilities to the max. That’s why we wouldn’t recommend compromising on resolution while buying a monitor for Macbook Pro.
On our list, you’ll find some high-resolution monitors with a 5k display at affordable rates.
Mac Mini’s Requirements
The Mac mini is a very accessible computer due to its Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, Mini DisplayPort, and HDMI port. However, it would help if you still opted for a monitor that meets its system requirements without fail.
Top 10 Portable Monitors for Mac Mini
Here are the top 10 portable monitors for Mac Mini, along with their pros and cons.
LG UltraFine 4K Display
For those in search of a portable monitor display on a budget, LG is the first brand they should consider. The LG UltraFine 4K Display is a versatile and high-performing monitor that won’t break the bank.
Its DCI-P3 95% Color Gamut with a 24-inch HDR 10 display is what keeps this monitor at the top of our list. Plus, it has a virtually borderless design, creating a more immersive experience for users.
Users can connect this portable monitor to the Mac Mini with two Thunderbolt 3 ports and a USB Type-C port.
Pros
- 4K display
- Thunderbolt 3
- USB-C ports
- Full HD Dual screen
- Supports 85W charging
- Easy to set up
- Built-in speakers
- 178-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles
Cons
- It doesn’t feature a webcam or mic
- It doesn’t feature legacy ports
LG 34WK95U-W Nano-ISP UltraWide
Another one of LG’s products that we’d recommend pairing with the Mac Mini is the LG 34WK95U-W Nano-ISP UltraWide monitor. Its 5120 x 2160 screen resolution is ideal for people looking for a crystal-clear display.
Moreover, the Nano-IPS Panel is included to enhance the color gamut.
Users can connect this portable monitor to the latest Macbook Pro with the help of the given Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C ports. You’ll also find an HDMI and DisplayPort on this monitor.
Lastly, the 34WK95U-W supports 85W charging and is one of the sleekest monitors by LG.
Pros
- Nano-ISP color 5k display
- USB-C ports
- Versatile input options
- Built-in speakers
- Ultra-thin bezel for elegant design
- 2m long USB cable is included in the box
Cons
- It doesn’t have a built-in camera and mic
- Average sound system
Asus TUF VG27AQ
If you’re looking for a portable gaming monitor, we wouldn’t recommend anything other than the Asus TUF VG27AQ. The 1440p resolution makes for a high-quality display along with a 165Hz refresh rate.
Additionally, the 8-bit panel improves the monitor’s color accuracy to compensate for the lack of a wide color gamut.
For those looking for an enhanced gaming experience, this portable monitor also supports FreeSync and has an excellent functioning input lag.
However, the Asus TUF VG27AQ does not feature any USB ports.
Pros
- 1440p resolution
- 165Hz refresh rate
- Good color accuracy
- Flicker-free backlight
- Integrated speakers
- FreeSync 2 or G-Sync Compatible adaptive sync
- Great gaming monitor with options like OSD
- DisplayPort 1.2 and Dual HDMI (V2.0)
Cons
- It doesn’t have any USB connectivity options
- No Gamma presets
- Expensive
Dell P2418D
With a 24-inch display, the Dell P2418D is one of the most portable monitors on our list. Its best features are the 178-degree viewing angles and good color accuracy.
Plus, this monitor has a contrast ratio of 1000:1 and 99% color space.
The IPS panel further improves this color gamut. With a pixel density of 123 PPI and 560×1440 Quad HD resolution, the Dell P2418D is one of our top recommendations in terms of the ideal display.
Lastly, its 8-bit depth support and 300-nit peak brightness are a few more advantages of this portable monitor.
Pros
- High pixel density
- Ergonomic design
- Wide viewing angles
- It can be used in horizontal or vertical mode
- Anti-glare and IPS technology
- 3H hardness screen
Cons
- Low refresh rate
- It doesn’t have audio jacks or integrated speakers
LG UltraFine 5K
Another LG device for those looking for a premium display is the UltraFine 5K monitor. The 27-inch screen space, 16:9 aspect ratio, and 281PPI pixel density combine to create an ultra-fine display that’s true to the monitor’s name.
Additionally, it comes with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity to charge the Mac Mini, while the type-C USB ports provide a downstream speed of 5Gbps. Besides a contrast ratio of 1200:1, this portable monitor also has a wide color gamut and 500-nit brightness.
Lastly, the IPS panel minimizes color shift to deliver a high-quality, detailed, immersive display.
Pros
- Real video input
- 5k resolution
- Integrated speakers, mic, and camera
- One of the best monitors for Mac Mini
- USB-C ports
Cons
- Low refresh rate
- It doesn’t have legacy ports
Asus ZenScreen
The Asus ZenScreen has a 15.6-inch full HD display, making it the most portable monitor on our list. Its portability is what makes it the most commonly-paired monitor with Mac Minis. Plus, the Thunderbolt 3 connectivity option makes it more accessible to the Macbook Pro.
Along with an aspect ratio of 1171:1, this portable monitor has a contrast ratio of 3000:1 and a refresh rate of 144Hz. Plus, it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to carry since it only weighs 1.5lbs.
The best part is that it comes with a foldable smart case, which means users can carry it in laptop bags. Moreover, it has a built-in 78000mAh battery and a smart pen-hole that works well with landscape and portrait modes.
Pros
- Foldable and lightweight
- High refresh rate
- Deep on-screen display option
- USB-C ports enable DisplayPort and power transfer
- Ultra-slim, 8mm chassis
- TUV Rhineland-certified flicker-free backlighting
- A blue light filter minimizes eye fatigue
Cons
- It doesn’t have HDMI support
- No mobile charging option
- The colors are not that crisp
Samsung C27HG70
If your monitor will be in a space with minimal lighting, the 27-inch Samsung C27HG70 is the best option as it comes with a VA panel for ideal dark-room performance.
Additionally, it has a higher contrast ratio than most monitors on the market.
The 1440p full HD screen resolution and 110PPI pixel density create an ultra-fine display. Plus, this portable monitor’s impressive color accuracy and a large color gamut make it ideal for users who wish to multitask or enjoy games.
However, we wouldn’t recommend it above Asus monitors in added features.
Pros
- Crisp 1440p screen resolution
- High contrast and color accuracy for gaming users
- Embedded with VA panel for people with dark-lit rooms
- Supports HDR
- Facilitated with AMD FreeSync2
- It comes with a highly adjustable monitor arm in the box
Cons
- It doesn’t have good viewing angles
- Poor black uniformity
- The monitor arm is bulky
LG 27UL650 – Sleek 4K IPS Monitor
In contrast, the LG 27UL650 is one of the sleeker options on our list. This 24-inch monitor features an IPS panel to improve color accuracy and a 4k screen resolution. Plus, the panel has a 350-nit peak brightness and a contrast ratio of 1,000:1.
This portable LG monitor also has a 99% sRGB color gamut and 10-bit color depth that supports 1.07 billion colors.
The best part is that it has advanced image adjustment tools such as Gamma, pre-calibrated picture presets for EBU, 9-axis saturation, SMPTE-C, and more.
Additionally, its adjustable monitor stand lets users raise it by 110m. Lastly, users can pivot the monitor at a 90-degree angle and tilt it by -5/15.
Pros
- Two HDMI 2.0 ports
- High pixel density
- Color accuracy and wide viewing angles
- The best monitor for Macbook Pro also
Cons
- Requires scaling to make small items readable
- It doesn’t support a wide color gamut
- No USB ports
Lepow 15.6 Inch
The Lepow 15.6-inch is the second smallest monitor for Mac Mini on our list. The monitor’s 15.6-inch screen real estate combines with its 1.7lb weight and foldability to create an easy-to-carry, lightweight device for people that are always on the go.
The embedded IPS panel improves color space, making it one of the best gaming monitors on the market. Plus, it has a full HD 1080p resolution and a ratio of 16:9.
Lastly, the monitor comes in a PU leather cover to protect the screen, ensure durability, and be easier to carry.
Pros
- HDMI and USB-C connectivity
- It can be easily carried in laptop bags
- Dual speakers
- Lightweight, slim, and portable
- It comes with a PU leather screen cover
Cons
- It doesn’t have USB 3.0 ports
- Low refresh rate
- The controls are too small
Gechic 1303h
For people searching for a portable monitor that looks like an iPad Pro, the Gechic 1303h will work best. This USB-powered monitor has an accurate color display that supports 16.7 million colors. In addition, at 1.3lbs, the iPad Pro dupe is lightweight and easy to carry.
The monitor has a 13.3-inch display, making it the smallest device on our list, but don’t worry, it comes with an adjustable stand. Additionally, the Gechic 1303h features several connectivity ports, including USB-C.
Lastly, the Gechic 1303h is ideal for both work and gaming.
Pros
- Autorotation
- Lightweight and portable monitor
- Multiple connections for keyboard, mouse, and Mac Mini computer
- Decent digitizer
- Touch screen
Cons
- Expensive
- Non-Vesa mount
- The lowest brightness option is still too bright
FAQs
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the best monitor for Mac Mini.
Why do you need a monitor for Mac Mini?
The Mac Mini is simply a portable computer that doesn’t have a monitor, keyboard, or mouse (think of it as the CPU for Windows desktop PCs). Therefore, buying your monitor is the ideal solution as you’ll be able to keep your preferences and budget in mind.
Can you use a non-Apple monitor with a Mac Mini?
The Mac Mini has multiple connectivity ports, making it accessible for most monitors. So, as long as the external monitor has a VGA, DVI, or HDMI port, it can be used with a Mac Mini.
What monitor works best with Mac Mini?
The Gechic 1303h is most compatible with a Mac Mini as it meets its system requirements. Plus, it’s one of the smallest and most portable products available on the market.
Although the Gechic 1303h is on the pricier side, its wide viewing angles and high resolution make up for it.
Conclusion
There’s an endless range of monitors available on the market compatible with iOS. Therefore, you should try your best to find the one that meets its system requirements perfectly and further enhances its performance to reach the computer’s potential.
However, we’ve made the whole process much easier for you by finding out the best portable monitors compatible with Mac Minis.
Now that you’ve read our list of the ten best monitors for Mac Mini, you can take your pick depending on your preferences and budget, as well as the monitor’s reviews.
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