The MacBook Pro is one of the most powerful laptops for creators, editors, and professionals—but its built-in Retina display, while excellent, can feel limiting for multitasking, timelines, and immersive workflows. That’s where ultrawide external monitors come in.
With a 21:9 aspect ratio, ultrawide monitors provide far more horizontal space than a standard 16:9 display, making them perfect for:
- Video editors managing long timelines in Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.
- Photographers & designers working across multiple palettes, previews, and tools.
- Business users & coders who want more windows side-by-side without switching.
For MacBook Pro users, the best ultrawide monitors also bring:
- USB-C connectivity with Power Delivery (PD) for one-cable simplicity.
- Factory-calibrated color accuracy (sRGB, DCI-P3) for creative workflows.
- High refresh rates for smoother animations and video playback.
- Ergonomic adjustability for comfortable, long work sessions.
After research and testing, here are the top three ultrawide monitors for MacBook Pro in 2026:
- BenQ PD3420Q – Best Professional Creator Monitor
- Dell 34 Plus S3425DW – Best Curved USB-C Ultrawide
- LG 34WP65C-B – Best Budget Ultrawide for MacBook Pro
Quick Comparison Table
| Monitor | Resolution & Panel | Color Coverage | Refresh Rate / Extras | Ports & Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BenQ PD3420Q 34″ Ultrawide Creator Monitor | 3440 × 1440 WQHD, IPS | 100% sRGB & Rec.709, 98% P3, Pantone validated, ΔE ≤ 3 | 60 Hz, factory calibrated, KVM, USB Hub | USB-C (65W PD), HDMI, DisplayPort, ergonomic stand | Check Price |
| Dell 34 Plus S3425DW USB-C Curved Monitor | 3440 × 1440 WQHD, VA Curved (21:9) | 99% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3 | 120 Hz, FreeSync Premium, built-in speakers | USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, curved design | Check Price |
| LG 34WP65C-B Ultrawide QHD Monitor | 3440 × 1440 WQHD, IPS Curved | sRGB, HDR10 support | 160 Hz, FreeSync Premium, slim borderless design | HDMI, DisplayPort, tilt/height stand, built-in speakers | Check Price |
Best Ultrawide External Monitor for MacBook Pro
1. BenQ PD3420Q – Best Professional Ultrawide for MacBook Pro
- Made for Designers: 34″ LED ultrawide monitor features Pantone Validated and Calman verified color accurate technology. Experience 98% P3 and 100% sRGB color coverage with Delta E ≤ 3. Built with M-Book mode which features Mac compatible color matching.
The BenQ PD3420Q is built for creative professionals who demand color accuracy and workflow efficiency. With factory-calibrated AQCOLOR technology, Pantone validation, and 98% P3 coverage, it’s tailor-made for MacBook Pro users in design, photo editing, and video production.
Key Features
- Resolution: WQHD 3440×1440.
- Color Coverage: 100% Rec.709, 100% sRGB, 98% P3.
- Color Accuracy: ΔE ≤ 3, Pantone validated.
- Calibration: Factory calibration with report.
- Connectivity: USB-C (65W PD), DisplayPort, HDMI, USB hub, KVM switch.
- Ergonomics: Tilt, height, swivel adjustments.
Why It’s Great for MacBook Pro
- Color Precision: Matches MacBook Pro Retina standards with wide P3 coverage.
- KVM Switch: Seamlessly control multiple devices with one keyboard and mouse.
- One-Cable Setup: USB-C with 65W PD charges the MacBook while driving the display.
Real-World Creative Use
- Photo Editing: Lightroom previews remain color-consistent across devices.
- Video Editing: DaVinci Resolve timelines display with clarity across the ultrawide panel.
- Multitasking: Work in Photoshop while previewing Illustrator side-by-side.
Pros ✅
👉 Wide gamut coverage including 98% P3.
👉 Pantone validated & factory calibrated.
👉 USB-C with 65W charging.
👉 KVM switch for productivity.
Cons ❌
👉 Limited to 60Hz refresh.
👉 Pricier than consumer ultrawides.
👉 Check Limited Exclusive Price Today
2. Dell 34 Plus S3425DW – Best Curved USB-C Ultrawide
- Improved ComfortView Plus: Reduces harmful blue light emissions to ≤35%, for all-day comfort without sacrificing color accuracy.
- Refresh rate: A smooth, tear-free experience with AMD FreeSync Premium (refresh rate up to 120Hz) and an ultra-low 0.03ms response time create a captivating experience for work and play.
The Dell 34 Plus S3425DW offers the ideal balance of performance, design, and affordability for MacBook Pro users who want an ultrawide with USB-C simplicity. With 120Hz refresh, curved VA panel, and 95% DCI-P3 coverage, it’s perfect for both creative and everyday workflows.
Key Features
- Resolution: 3440×1440 WQHD.
- Panel: VA curved (21:9 aspect ratio).
- Color Coverage: 99% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3.
- Refresh Rate: Up to 120Hz.
- Extras: Integrated speakers, AMD FreeSync Premium.
- Connectivity: USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort.
Why It’s Great for MacBook Pro
- USB-C Connectivity: Single cable for display, power, and data.
- Smooth Visuals: 120Hz refresh helps with smoother playback during video editing or scrolling large projects.
- DCI-P3 Coverage: Useful for video workflows requiring cinema-level accuracy.
Real-World Creative Use
- Video Editing: The 21:9 ratio is ideal for Premiere Pro and Final Cut timelines.
- Daily Workflows: Integrated speakers and curved design enhance immersion.
- Color Work: Reliable sRGB/Rec.709 performance for professional presentations.
Pros ✅
👉 Curved ultrawide for immersive workflows.
👉 USB-C convenience for MacBook Pro.
👉 Strong DCI-P3 coverage for video editing.
👉 Integrated speakers reduce desk clutter.
Cons ❌
👉 VA panel has less color consistency than IPS.
👉 Brightness weaker than high-end ProArt/BenQ monitors.
👉 Check Limited Exclusive Price Today
3. LG 34WP65C-B – Best Budget Ultrawide for MacBook Pro
- Enjoy more space for online meetings, webinars, and working with multiple reports side-by-side with this QHD (3440 x 1440) VA display with 21:9 aspect ratio, offering 33% more screen space than FHD resolution displays.Specific uses for product – Personal, gaming, business
For MacBook Pro users seeking an affordable ultrawide, the LG 34WP65C-B is an excellent pick. With a 3440×1440 curved IPS panel, HDR10 support, and 160Hz refresh rate, it’s versatile enough for both productivity and creative work—without breaking the bank.
Key Features
- Resolution: 3440×1440 QHD.
- Panel: Curved IPS.
- Refresh Rate: 160Hz (with FreeSync Premium).
- HDR: HDR10 support.
- Connectivity: HDMI, DisplayPort.
- Extras: Built-in speakers, ergonomic stand.
Why It’s Great for MacBook Pro
- Affordable Performance: Delivers ultrawide resolution and HDR at a budget price.
- 160Hz Refresh: Smooth for animation playback or casual gaming after work.
- Slim Design: Borderless frame matches MacBook Pro aesthetics.
Real-World Creative Use
- Editing: Side-by-side app use for design workflows.
- HDR Preview: Basic HDR10 support helps preview HDR content.
- Everyday Use: Balanced for office work, browsing, and light gaming.
Pros ✅
👉 Affordable for 34” ultrawide specs.
👉 160Hz refresh with HDR10.
👉 Slim, borderless design.
👉 Built-in speakers included.
Cons ❌
👉 No USB-C (requires adapter for MacBook).
👉 Color accuracy lower than BenQ/ASUS ProArt models.
👉 Check Limited Exclusive Price Today
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing an Ultrawide External Monitor for MacBook Pro
- Resolution – Aim for 3440×1440 or 4K ultrawide for crisp visuals.
- Color Accuracy – Look for sRGB, Rec.709, and P3 coverage with ΔE ≤ 3.
- USB-C with Power Delivery – Essential for MacBook Pro one-cable simplicity.
- Refresh Rate – 60Hz is fine for productivity, but 120–160Hz feels smoother.
- Ergonomics – Height and tilt adjustments reduce fatigue during long editing sessions.
- Panel Type – IPS for color accuracy; VA for higher contrast; OLED (premium) for deep blacks.
- Extra Features – KVM switches, USB hubs, and integrated speakers add workflow convenience.
FAQs – Ultrawide Monitors for MacBook Pro
Q1: Do MacBook Pros support ultrawide resolutions?
Yes, modern MacBook Pros support ultrawide resolutions (21:9) natively over USB-C/Thunderbolt.
Q2: Is USB-C required?
Not mandatory, but USB-C with PD simplifies setup with single-cable video, charging, and data.
Q3: Are ultrawides better than dual monitors?
Yes, for seamless timelines and multitasking. Dual monitors are more flexible but can break immersion.
Q4: Do I need HDR?
If you’re editing HDR photos/videos, yes—otherwise, sRGB coverage is sufficient.
Q5: Can I game on these monitors with MacBook Pro?
Yes, especially the LG 34WP65C-B (160Hz FreeSync) for casual gaming.
Final Verdict – Best Ultrawide Monitors for MacBook Pro
- Best Overall (Professional Use): BenQ PD3420Q – Perfect for creators needing Pantone-validated accuracy + USB-C workflow.
- Best Value (Curved + USB-C): Dell 34 Plus S3425DW – Great balance of price, performance, and MacBook-friendly features.
- Best Budget Option: LG 34WP65C-B – Affordable ultrawide with HDR and 160Hz refresh.
👉 [Check Today’s Best Deals on Ultrawide MacBook Pro Monitors]
With the right ultrawide monitor, your MacBook Pro transforms into a desktop-class creative workstation, giving you the screen real estate, color accuracy, and workflow tools to deliver your best work.
Latest Post: Best 4k monitor for photo editing and graphic design
English
Pingback: Best Ultrawide Curved Monitor for Office and Multitasking (2026) - Electro Review Zone