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Best Curved Monitor for MacBook Pro 2023 Reviews

A curved and ultrawide monitor can make your viewing experience much more immersive and pleasurable, especially when you pair it with a MacBook Pro. Unfortunately, while there are many curved monitor options available, not all of them are compatible with MacBooks, iMacs, and Apple devices.

In this post, we have carefully handpicked and selected the best curved monitor options for MacBook Pro, which are ideal for graphic designers, web developers, and stock charters. Each monitor on this list should be compatible with a MacBook or iMac, so you can have it set up immediately after you buy it.

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Best Curved Monitor for MacBook Pro Reviews

Best Overall (34 inches)Best Ultrawide (49 inches)Best Color (38 inches)

 

Samsung CH890 Series Curved Ultrawide Monitor

  • Screen Size: 34 inches
  • Aspect Ratio: 21:9
  • Refresh Rate: 100 Hertz
  • AMD FreeSync

 

LG 49WL95C-WE Curved Ultrawide Monitor

  • Screen Size: 49 inches
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60 Hertz
  • No FreeSync or G-SYNC

 

ViewSonic VP3881 Curved Ultrawide Monitor

  • Screen Size: 38 inches
  • Aspect Ratio: 21:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60 Hertz
  • AMD FreeSync

Below are the in-depth reviews of each of the best curved and ultrawide monitors for MacBook Pro. While the 34-inch monitor is the most popular curved option, there are options with widths of 38 inches and ultrawide 49 inches. Each of the monitors below is tested and should be compatible with your Mac.

1. Samsung CH890 Series Curved Ultrawide Monitor (34 inches)

For MacBook Pro users, this is a great curved monitor for productivity and casual gaming!

Samsung CH890 Series Curved Ultrawide Monitor

 

Pros and Cons:

  • Screen Size: 34 inches
  • Aspect Ratio: 21:9
  • Refresh Rate: 100 Hertz
  • AMD FreeSync

Boasting a crisp and bright display, this Samsung screen is a very good monitor for the price. Sure, its $600 price tag may be expensive to some, but unless you want to pay over $1,200 for slightly better picture quality, this is an awesome choice for multi-purpose use. You can even play casual games at 100 fps.

For those of you looking for an enhanced video experience, the Samsung CH890 is a solid pick because it supports AMD FreeSync. With a 4ms response time and 100hz refresh rate, it delivers a smooth and crisp video experience, helping to eliminate blurring and ghosting while reducing lag at the same time.

From a product appearance standpoint, this Samsung curved ultrawide monitor has a stunning design thanks to its ultra-slim bezels. You get to see more pictures and less frames with the 3-sided ultra-slim bezel frame that delivers a sleek, slim, and sophisticated style to your office.

Along with beautiful design, this monitor has great ergonomic features. You can adjust the monitor tilt, while moving it up or down on the stand. And with VESA mount compatibility, installation on a wall or separate mounting arm is easy, making this Samsung monitor the best overall curved monitor for MacBook Pro.

Is this curved monitor compatible with MacBook Pro?

The USB-C port allows you to connect any PC, tablet or mobile device, including a MacBook Pro. Just plug your device into this Samsung monitor’s USB-C port and you’re ready to work. You can plug in up to 3 peripherals while having them charged to the monitor for a great boost in productivity.

Additionally, you can free up the USB 3.0 ports for other uses you may need. Besides a dedicated USB type-C port for any computer including your MacBook or mobile device, you can also use your USB 3.0 ports for multiple peripherals, like mouse and keyboards, without needing any extra hubs.

2. LG 49WL95C-WE Curved Ultrawide Monitor (49 inches)

The best curved ultrawide monitor for MacBook Pro users who are web developers and stock charters who appreciate the extra real estate this monitor provides.

LG 49WL95C-WE Curved Ultrawide Monitor

 

Pros and Cons:

  • Screen Size: 49 inches
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60 Hertz
  • No FreeSync or G-SYNC

If you want the widest monitor for your MacBook Pro, then look no further because the LG 49WL95C-WE is the widest you can buy. Boasting a length of 49 inches, this ultrawide monitor has a beautiful, crisp, and clear resolution of 5120×1440. Granted, it’s not a true 5K, but that’s not the target market of this monitor.

Our initial impression was that the screen is super wide, but not too much. The picture quality is exceptional and has no glaring issues. Zero dead pixels, no flicker or blackout issues. We are not gamers, so we can’t comment on refresh rates, but for work or regular internet use, 60Hz is definitely all you need.

To organize your windows, you can download LG’s OnScreen Control from LG’s official website, which allows you to split the screen in a variety of ways. Personally, we like using the 3-screen split, but you have the freedom to split the display up to 8 screens, which is just mind-boggling!

However, we recommend splitting the screen vertically into thirds. This way, each of the 3 screens is a little bigger than the size of most 15-inch laptop screens. It’s also very easy to switch between layouts and move the windows around, which solves some of the most common display problems around.

Overall, if you are working from home as a software developer who needs to multi-task with several programs visible at the same time, this is perfect. We can also imagine that this would be the perfect monitor for stock traders as well who are looking to analyze several charts simultaneously.

Is this curved monitor compatible with MacBook Pro?

This LG 49WL95C-WE monitor is absolutely perfect for Macbook Pro users. The monitor comes with a USB-C cable (among many other cable types).

Once the stand is connected to the monitor, you literally only need to connect two cables:

  • First, the power cord which connects the monitor to an electrical outlet.
  • Second, the USB-C connects to your MacBook Pro. The monitor will also charge your laptop.

3. ViewSonic VP3881 Curved Ultrawide Monitor (38 inches)

The perfect curved ultrawide monitors for veteran Photoshop nerds and seasoned graphic designers who are critical of color accuracy and image quality.

ViewSonic VP3881 Curved Ultrawide Monitor

 

Pros and Cons:

  • Screen Size: 38 inches
  • Aspect Ratio: 21:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60 Hertz
  • AMD FreeSync

Instead of spending north of $4,000 for a high-end monitor, serious graphic designers and veteran Photoshop nerds with MacBook Pros should look to invest in the ViewSonic VP3881 monitor because of its consistent color accuracy and image quality. It covers 100% sRGB and Rec.709 wide color gamut.

First of all, the size, which is 38 inches wide, hits the sweet spot for being not too wide as 49-inch monitors and not too small as 34-inch monitors. Plus, the factory color calibration guarantees 100% SRGB and over 90% Adobe RGB, which is ideal for graphic designers who are critical of color accuracy.

This ViewSonic monitor has a DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB-C ports, which provide easy connectivity to your favorite devices, including a MacBook Pro. The built-in USB dock not only provides power back to the laptop but also carries the video signal to other USB ports, making it a great docking alternative as well.

In short, you can conveniently leave most of your important devices plugged into the monitor. Once you unplug your MacBook from the monitor, it’s charged. You can set your charger aside because this monitor charges the laptop. It really is a great bonus on top of the outstanding graphic performance.

As for gaming quality, we can’t provide an honest review because, honestly, we don’t play games. However, the wide screen is perfect for editing using Premiere. The pixel density isn’t true 4k, but it’s incredibly clear and perfect for most video editing, and definitely great for still image editing.

Overall, the color and performance of this ViewSonic curved monitor are exceptional. We highly recommend it for graphic professionals, which are often critical of color accuracy.

Is this curved monitor compatible with MacBook Pro?

Yes, you connect your MacBook or iMac to the ViewSonic VP3881 curved ultrawide monitor. However, if you’re looking for a more optimal gaming experience, the manufacturer recommends a monitor from the ViewSonic ELITE gaming monitor lineup, which you can find at the best prices on Amazon.

4. Dell P3421W Curved Ultrawide Monitor (34 inches)

Excellent image quality and clarity is what makes this curved monitor one of the best.

Dell P3421W Curved Ultrawide Monitor

 

Pros and Cons:

  • Screen Size: 34 inches
  • Aspect Ratio: 21:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60 Hertz
  • No FreeSync or G-SYNC

The 1140p resolution looks amazing compared to 1080p monitors. In fact, the width of the screen is a real game-changer for productivity. It’s so much more convenient to have the windows side-by-side instead of having 2 monitors set up because it does the same thing but uses less power and creates fewer cables.

The clarity and image quality of this Dell monitor is fantastic for what it claims to be. This monitor is not advertised as UHD, so if you expect UHD, it’s not. Sure, this Dell monitor is not comparable to an iMac retina display, but as your primary display and laptop in clamshell mode, this monitor is not going to disappoint.

Plenty of high-resolution ultrawide images looked awesome as the background for this monitor. In fact, we ran several color and gamma tests, and the display was calibrated perfectly right out of the box. Just plug and play, in our experience. It is also worth noting that the display is pretty bright too.

We like the monitor design a lot because it looks sleek and modern for a home office. The conservative luxury design is amazing compared to gaming-style monitors, which, in our opinion, may come across as a little “cartoony” with logos and lines. The bezel is ultra-thin, and it comes out of the box with a film on the screen.

We were thankful that this Dell monitor came with several cables. It came with a power cable, HDMI, DP, and a USB-C, including some cable management accessories. The only thing worth complaining about is the cardboard which the monitor came in, but since it got to us in working condition, we can’t complain.

Is this curved monitor compatible with MacBook Pro?

The Dell P3421W works great with a MacBook Pro. It is also compatible with iMac Mini. Running at 60Hz, this Dell monitor meets Apple’s requirements.

You can connect two PCs to the monitor and display the content at the same time with Picture-by-Picture (PbP) and Picture-in-Picture (PiP) features. In fact, you can plug in whatever you need and keep it within reach with the two SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen1) quick access ports.

The PBP works well, but the monitor switching is done using a hardware switch like a joystick. The software to manage the screens is not designed for Mac or Linux, but there are some third-party open-source options.

5. LG 34WN80C-B Curved Ultrawide Monitor (34 inches)

A fantastic curved ultrawide monitor for relentless multitaskers!

LG 34WN80C-B Curved Ultrawide Monitor

 

Pros and Cons:

  • Screen Size: 34 inches
  • Aspect Ratio: 21:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60 Hertz
  • No FreeSync or G-SYNC

The LG 34WN80C-B is an excellent curved monitor for MacBook Pro because it works great for daily computer use. The extra screen size allows for multiple windows to display various programs in browsers, while delivering plenty of brightness without any single dead pixel and color bleed whatsoever.

Using this monitor as a MacBook external display, we were very impressed by the overall picture quality and features. Of course, the single USB-C cable that charges the Mac while providing display output is very useful, so this is perfect for folks who need lots of windows open at once while having a USB-C system.

However, please note that this is not a monitor for professional or competitive gamers because it does not support any frame syncing at all (G-SYNC or FreeSync). Additionally, most competitive and popular games do not support a 21:9 aspect ratio, which this LG curved monitor has.

If you are not a gamer, however, none of this will affect you. For someone who will use this curved monitor for work and home office use only, the resolution and picture quality should be more than enough, especially if you use your MacBook for sheets, emails, presentations, and video calls.

Is this curved monitor compatible with MacBook Pro?

It works great with a MacBook Pro. There are two ports on the monitor, which you can choose to create a small USB hub or connect an Ethernet to a USB 2.0 adapter. Whichever way you choose to utilize the two ports, everything connects to the MacBook Pro over the single USB-C cable without an issue.

Honorable Mention (Budget Monitor for MacBook Pro)

For those of you looking for a cheaper alternative, we will mention one monitor from LG that may be ideal for you. It’s not a curved monitor, but it works perfectly with a MacBook Pro and should be enough for daily, regular use. It’s a value option that is affordable and does not break the bank.

LG 27UN850-W Monitor (27 inches)

If you want a monitor that is 4K, HDR, and has USB Type-C compatibility, this is the best monitor for the price. It’s affordable, yet it gets the job done.

LG 27UN850-W Monitor

 

Pros and Cons:

  • Screen Size: 27 inches
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60 Hertz
  • No FreeSync or G-SYNC

The LG 27UN850-W monitor is a great value option for you. It is not a curved or widescreen monitor, but it provides an excellent display for its price. Thanks to its brilliant 4K resolution, this 27-inch monitor may be perfect for some of you because it has plenty of visual space to get work done.

The colors, in our opinion, are very accurate. It is ideal for those of you who do minor photo editing because the matte display is very nice. Compared to other monitors with matte displays, this one has noticeably higher quality. You don’t see that typical grainy texture that often comes with matte displays.

As far as durability goes, this LG monitor itself has a nice weight to it, which is very sturdy and does not wobble easily. We think that this has something to do with the solid metal base. Once the monitor is properly adjusted, it will stay put. The clips on the stand also help keep cables tidy.

Sure it’s not curved or widescreen, but this simple monitor checks all the boxes for the ideal monitor for MacBooks while having a sleek, minimalistic, and modern design. It will surely make your desk setup look great. The only thing we wished for is for the monitor to be a little brighter, but for its price, we can’t complain.

Is this monitor compatible with MacBook Pro?

Out of the box, the LG 27UN850-W will connect to a MacBook Pro via the USB-C cord instantly. All you need is one cord, so there are no messy cables lying around. Conveniently, the USB-C cable also powers the MacBook Pro, so you can charge your MacBook while using it at the same time.

What’s even more amazing is the fact that all the display cables came included with this LG monitor purchase, which includes both an HDMI cord as well as a Thunderbolt 3, so there is no need for any additional third-party purchases. That is why this monitor, while not curved or ultrawide, provides excellent value.

How to Choose the Best Curved Monitor for MacBook Pro

Choosing the best curved ultrawide monitor for MacBook Pro is not an easy task. In addition to finding one that is compatible with Mac, you need to consider the monitor curvature. To keep things simple and easy for you, we’ve explained two of the most important factors to consider before buying.

1. MacBook Pro Compatibility

The first thing you should consider in the best curved monitor for MacBook pro is compatibility. Does the curved monitor work with Mac? According to AppleMacBook Pro has at least one HDMI 2.0 port and four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, so you need to make sure the monitor supports either one.

Ideally, you should buy a curved monitor with a USB-C port to connect it easily to your MacBook Pro. With USB-C, all you need is one cord, so there are no messy cables lying around. Conveniently, the USB-C cable also powers the MacBook Pro, so you can charge your MacBook while using it at the same time.

2. Optimal Curvature

Did you know that a Harvard Medical School study independently revealed that blurred vision was 4x more prevalent on flat monitors than on curved monitors? Indeed, curved monitors not only provide you with a more immersive viewing experience, but they also help reduce eye strain and provide a better field of view.

Radius and Max Viewing Distance chart.

Picture courtesy of ViewSonic

To make things simple for you, monitor curvature is labeled numerically. The ‘R’ stands for radius, while the number preceding it represents the radius in millimeters. This measure of radius also acts as the recommended maximum viewing distance. Below are some examples of monitor curvatures ratings:

  • 1800R: Maximum viewing distance = 1.8 meters
  • 2300R: Maximum viewing distance = 2.3 meters
  • 3000R: Maximum viewing distance = 3 meters
  • 4000R: Maximum viewing distance = 4 meters

The measurements above mean that a lower number translates to a sharper, more pronounced curve, while a higher number translates to a more subtle curve. Regardless of the curvature, however, curved screens are best experienced on monitors larger than 30 inches, with ultrawide monitors being the most recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions on MacBook Pro and Curved Monitors

There are not many answers to questions surrounding MacBook Pros and curved monitors, especially the ultrawide ones. We will try to answer all the questions we receive right here. This post will be kept up to date as often as possible, so you may want to bookmark this page and come back here in the future.

1. Do curved monitors work with Macs?

Curved monitors work with Mac and Apple devices because the Thunderbolt ports on your MacBook Pro support video output. You can even use an external display, a projector, or an HDTV with your MacBook Pro as long as you connect the monitor to the appropriate MacBook port.

  • Connect a USB-C display: Connect the display to a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port on your MacBook.
  • Connect an HDMI display or HDTV: Use a USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter to connect the HDMI display or HDTV to a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port on your MacBook Pro.
  • Connect a VGA display or projector: Use a USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter to connect the display or projector to a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port on your MacBook Pro.

2. Does a USB-C monitor that delivers 60W damage a MacBook Pro that expects 85W?

Since a MacBook Pro expects an 85W power supply, does a 60W monitor put the MacBook at risk of damage?

Fortunately, your monitor and MacBook should be fine. What’s important is the voltage.

Wattage = Voltage x Current

What 60W means is at the fixed voltage of 20V, the monitor can provide a max of 3A of current. And what 85W means is at the fixed voltage of 20V, the power supply can provide a max of 4.25A of current.

So unless your MacBook is draining the battery faster than 60W, the monitor will be charging your Mac. Even if your Mac is draining the battery faster than 60W, your Mac will not be charged, but the USB-C monitor won’t do anything harmful to your MacBook Pro.

Remember, the key is the voltage. If the voltage is anything other than 20V, or maybe 19V, it will be harmful. Nowadays, USB C has standardized the voltages so that you can use any USB-C charger worry-free.

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