5 Best Curved Monitors for MacBook Pro (2022 Guide)

This review aims to give you a definitive guide to pick the best curved monitors for Macbook pro that can be found in 2022.

The Liquid Retina display of the MacBook Pro is perfect in every aspect. Be it clarity, breathtaking visuals, and color projection, the display has everything you need. But the only thing it lacks is size!

The 13.3-inch display looks tiny when you play games, edit videos, or do any type of work. However, there’s a solution, and we call it a curved monitor. Such monitors match or even excel the clarity of the Pro display, while you can enjoy the bigger screen.

Here in this article, I’ve covered the best curved monitors for MacBook Pro. Moreover, there is a buying guide listed in the article to help you make a better choice.

Note: All the monitors that I’ve reviewed belong to popular brands, so you can buy them with confidence. 

Best Curved Monitors for MacBook Pro: Reviewed and Compared 

1. LG 34BK95U-W UltraFine 34″ UltraWide Monitor: Overall Best
2. SAMSUNG LC49RG90SSNXZA 49-Inch CRG9 Curved Gaming Monitor: Best Ultra-wide Curved Monitor 
3. Dell P3421W 34 Inch Ultrawide Monitor: Best Versatile Monitor
4. Sceptre 35 Inch Curved Ultra-wide LED Creative Monitor: Best Value for Money
5. Philips 272E1CA 27″ Curved Frameless Monitor: Cheapest Curved Monitor

I spent hours researching and looking for top-class curved displays that are compatible with a MacBook. Moreover, I asked several Mac users and laptop experts about the displays that they recommend.

As a result, I ended up with 15 monitors, and comparing them helped me shortlist the five displays that I’ve reviewed below.

#1: LG 34BK95U-W UltraFine 34″ UltraWide Monitor: Overall Best 

Key Specifications 

• Display Size: 34-inch
• Refresh Rate: 60hz
• Resolution: 5120 X 2160
• Response Time: 5.0ms 
• Built-in Speakers: YES 

LG has earned the first spot in this article for a reason, and it’s the magnificent picture quality that LG 34BK95U-W offers. This is a 34-inch curved monitor that’s perfect for a variety of tasks. 

The IPS panel ultrawide monitor for MacBook Pro has a 5K (5120 X 2160) resolution to deliver life-like views. You’ll surely love watching videos, editing videos, and designing graphics on this big and super bright display.

Talking about the refresh rate, it’s 60hz, and the response time is 5.0ms, making this monitor a great pick. However, if you are a gamer, you won’t enjoy the fluidity of the frames, and there are some better monitors available at this budget.

Connecting this best gaming monitor with your MacBook Pro is easy as a breeze, as the monitor has multiple USB ports, including Type-C. The bigger display makes you feel immersed, while you can quickly adjust the tilt and pivot to get the best viewing angles.

LG has equipped this best USB-C monitor with built-in speakers. The audio is loud and clear, but the bass isn’t very impressive. You can quickly connect the speakers with your MacBook using the audio port and Aux cable. 

The thing that impressed me the most was the virtually borderless display. There are minimum distractions, and you can comfortably work on this monitor. As it filters the blue light, there is less strain on the eyes. 

There is a horde of connectivity ports, and the location is very accessible. Lastly, it is a VESA-compatible monitor, so you can mount it on a wall if required.

What are the Pros?

• It comes with a 3-year warranty 
• Perfect for professional, business, and personal use 
• It has multiple ports, including Thunderbolt 3 
• Higher resolution for clear visuals 

What are the Cons?

• The bass could be more impressive 
• The stand is big and requires a bigger desk 

Verdict 

Choose LG 34BK95U-W if you need an all-in-one monitor that’s good for gaming, editing videos, and other such tasks that require HD clarity. Lastly, it’s a plug-and-play device, so you can quickly connect it with your MacBook and enjoy working.

#2: SAMSUNG LC49RG90SSNXZA 49-Inch CRG9 Curved Gaming Monitor: Best Ultra-wide Curved Monitor 

Key Specifications 

• Display Size: 49-inch
• Refresh Rate: 120hz
• Resolution: 5120 X 1440
• Response Time: 4.0 ms 
• Built-in Speakers: NO

Gaming gets better when you play it on a big screen like SAMSUNG LC49RG90SSNXZA. This is a massive 49-inch monitor with a good refresh rate, making it best-suited for gaming. 

Moreover, the AMD FreeSync 2 technology improves the fluidity of the frame projection, and you can enjoy a stutter-free and smooth experience. Also, the images do not ghost, and several users said there are no distortions at all. 

The resolution of this ultrawide monitor is Full-HD (5120 X 1440), but not as great as LG 34BK95U-W UltraFine 34″ UltraWide Monitor. However, the better refresh rate and response time make this monitor a good pick for gamers.

In addition, the immersive curve keeps you engaged, and the thin bezels let you focus on what you are doing. The brightness is up to 1,000 nits, and you can quickly adjust it to your requirements. 

Samsung claims that they have designed this monitor for speed, and it truly stands on its claims. There’s a dedicated gaming mode that reduces the input lag and improves the response time. 

As the display is big thus, you can use this monitor for multitasking. While skimming through the reviews, I found out that the monitor offers smoother adjustments. You can adjust the height, tilt, and pivot to get the most comfortable viewing angle.

You can even mount the ultrawide monitor on a wall using a VESA stand, sadly it limits the adjustments. However, there are plenty of ports under the monitor, so apart from connecting with the MacBook, you can connect it with other devices as well.

Lastly, the monitor does not have built-in speakers, but you can connect an external audio system with the audio jack.

 What are the Pros?

• Effortlessly smooth gameplay 
• Quicker adjustments for a comfortable viewing angle 
• You can split the screen for multitasking 
• It has 5K resolution for sharp and crisp visuals 

What are the Cons?

• It does not have built-in speakers. 
• Not a portable curved ultrawide  monitor 

Verdict 

Choose SAMSUNG LC49RG90SSNXZA if you need a massive display and unrivaled picture quality. You can play games and work for longer, as the display is easy on your eyes and does not cause strain. Connecting it with a MacBook is easy, and you can quickly do it with a cable.

#3: Dell P3421W 34 Inch Ultrawide Monitor: Best Versatile Monitor

Key Specifications 

• Display Size: 34-inch
• Refresh Rate: 60hz
• Resolution: 3440 X 1440
• Response Time: 4.0 ms 
• Built-in Speakers: NO 

Dell is often the first choice among professionals, and here’s such a curved monitor that you’ll love. With its promising looks, the monitor will surely look amazing on your office desk. Furthermore, it offers quick connectivity with the MacBook, thanks to the multiple connectivity ports.

Talking about performance, the monitor has perfect specs that make it an ideal choice for professionals. The 60hz refresh rate prevents the picture from stuttering and ghosting. Also, the response time is good, and you won’t experience any input lags. 

The display is wide and has a good curve that immerses you and keeps you busy. The bezels aren’t as thin as LG 34BK95U-W UltraFine 34″ UltraWide Monitor, but they do not distract while working, said some users.

The transitions are very seamless, so you can quickly switch between different programs. This monitor from Dell offers a split window feature, and you can operate multiple applications simultaneously.

There are multiple connectivity ports available under the monitor, and you can easily connect your MacBook Pro with them. It has a Type-C port that supports MacBooks, and you do not need to wait to get the display extended when you connect this ultrawide monitor with your laptop.

The ergonomic stand designed by Dell helps adjust the monitor quickly to get a comfortable viewing angle. The only thing that disappointed me was the unavailability of speakers. Other monitors available at this budget have speakers, but this one does not have them.

Lastly, the monitor has a ComfortView to reduce the harmful blue light and make the ultrawide monitor easy on your eyes.

What are the Pros?

• You can multitask efficiently 
• It offers consistent views and wide viewing angles 
• You can easily adjust the monitor to get a comfortable view 
• The stand keeps the display very stable on the desk 

What are the Cons?

• The bezels aren’t that thin 
• Some users experienced flickering issues

Verdict 

Dell P3421W 34 Inch Ultrawide Monitor is an amazing curved monitor for MacBook Pro if you need something for professional tasks. The display is bright and filters the blue light. Lastly, the curved display makes you feel immersed, so you can focus better on your work.

#4: Sceptre 35 Inch Curved Ultra-wide LED Creative Monitor: Best Value for Money 

Key Specifications 

• Display Size: 35-inch
• Refresh Rate: 100hz
• Resolution: 3440 X 1440
• Response Time: 4.0 ms 
• Built-in Speakers: NO

Sceptre is popular for its budget range, and this curved monitor is the best example. The specifications of this ultrawide monitor impressed me a lot, and that’s the reason I chose it for this list.

To begin with, it has a 100hz refresh rate making it ideal for gaming and a plethora of tasks. In addition, the monitor features AMD Free Sync that smoothens the motion of the frames, and there is no image ghosting at all.

I can say this monitor has one of the best curved angles, and the 1800R curve immerses you into the action. Sceptre has equipped the display with FPS and RTS settings that enhance the gaming experience. 

You can anytime switch this setting off when using the monitor for professional use. As per several users, the response time of this ultrawide monitor is better, and you won’t experience blurring issues. 

The panel filters the blue light making it comfortable for the users to work on the display, especially during the dark hours. 

The availability of multiple connectivity ports lets you connect this display with your MacBook Pro, and you can even connect it with other peripherals. 

I love the ergonomic stand, and it offers quick adjustments for your preferred viewing angle. Some users also said that this monitor has accessible buttons, so toggling between settings is easier.

As it’s a budget monitor, expecting it to have speakers will be too much. Lastly, the monitor has a high resolution, so you can experience the visuals in 3D and enjoy gaming.

What are the Pros?

• It has thin bezels for minimum distractions. 
• The AMD Free Sync reduces image ghosting and blurring 
• The blue light filter offers more comfort 
• Dedicated settings for gamers

What are the Cons?

• The stand is flimsy 
• The customer support could be better 

Verdict 

Sceptre 35 Inch Curved Ultra-wide LED Creative Monitor is an amazing choice if you are looking for something on a budget. It has a high resolution, and the refresh rate surges up to 100hz for a better gaming experience. 

#5: Philips 272E1CA 27″ Curved Frameless Monitor: Cheapest Curved Monitor

Key Specifications 

• Display Size: 27-inch
• Refresh Rate: Up to 100hz
• Resolution: 1920 X 1080
• Response Time: 4.0 ms 
• Built-in Speakers: NO  

If you don’t like a screen too curved, you’ll certainly admire Philips 272E1CA. The display has a slight curve that keeps you immersed while you feel connected with the outside world. Philips has used a VA panel that’s faster and helps produce clear visuals. 

In addition, the monitor has 100% sRGB color gamut coverage, so you’ll love watching videos and movies on the big screen. It even features AMD FreeSync technology that prevents image ghosting, and there is no blurring at all.

I recommend this curved monitor to professionals more than gamers because of the screen size and the response time. Another impressive thing is the accessible connectivity ports.

Well, there are a lot of ports, but the ones you get are enough to connect multiple peripherals. You can quickly adjust the display to get a comfortable viewing angle. However, the monitor does not offer height adjustments.

As this is a budget monitor, you do not get built-in speakers. The audio port, however, helps you connect external speakers. While multitasking is possible on this display, you cannot split the screen as there is no such feature offered by Philips.

Lastly, the brand offers a 4-year warranty on this monitor, and you can rest assured about the after-sales services. 

What are the Pros?

• The sRGB color gamut is impressive
• The AMD FreeSync technology provides fluid transition of frames
• It comes with a decent warranty 
• It has a perfect curvature for professionals 

What are the Cons?

• Not that good for gaming 
• Lack of modern connectivity ports 

Verdict 

To sum up, Philips 272E1CA should be your choice if you need a compact monitor with basic specs. It’s a plug-and-play monitor, so you can quickly connect it with your MacBook Pro and enjoy it. 

Buying Guide: What to Look for When Buying the Best Curved Monitor for MacBook Pro

There are tons of factors to consider when purchasing a curved display. The choice depends primarily on purpose and the budget. 

Here are some factors you should look for to choose an amazing curved ultrawide monitor. 

Size Matters 

The first thing to consider is the screen size. For gamers, 32-inch curved displays are most popular, whereas video editors prefer an even bigger screen. The size of the display should depend on your purpose. 

I recommend 32-inch monitors to folks that are skeptical about choosing a size. The reason is the versatility of these monitors. They are good for gaming while offering a big view required to enjoy watching YouTube videos.

The Curve 

Every monitor has a different curve, and this minor difference in the curve makes a massive difference. Monitors with higher curves have a lesser field of view, but you feel more immersive. 

On the other hand, monitors with lower curves have a better field of view, and such screens are perfect for multitasking. 

Resolution 

The bigger, the better! However, a monitor with a big resolution comes with a big price tag, so get ready to pay more to experience visuals in Full HD or 4K resolution. 

The resolution of a monitor defines pixels per inch. That’s why manufacturers mention it in “PPI.” Again, the choice of the resolution depends on your purpose.

If you need a monitor just to extend the display and work on a bigger one, you can go with anything but not less than 1920 x 1080. 

On the other hand, if you are into making YouTube videos or something that involves preciseness, you should choose ultrawide monitors with a higher resolution, even up to 8K.

Refresh Rate 

The refresh rate affects the fluidity of the frames projected on display per second. Curved monitors with a higher refresh rate do not stutter, and you see the images processing smoothly. 

Such monitors are perfect for gaming, rendering videos, and doing other intensive activities. If you need a monitor for basic tasks, say for updating spreadsheets, you can choose one with a lower refresh rate.

Response Time 

Some people confuse refresh rate for response time, but both are different. Contrary to the refresh rate, the response time is better when it’s lower. Monitors with longer response times may have more blur when shifting frames.

The best curved monitors for MacBook Pro are available in a wide range, starting from 0.5ms to 5.0ms response time. I’ve mentioned the response time of every monitor in the specifications section.

Panel Technology 

The panel technology impacts the clarity, color projection, and overall performance of the monitor. The most commonly available panels are TN, VA, and IPS. 

TN panels are faster but available at cheaper rates because of the average image quality when viewed from side angles. IPS panels, on the other hand, have better response time and color projection, but they are expensive than TN panels.

Lastly, VA panels have the best contrast among all panels. The choice ultimately depends on your requirements and budget.

Built-in Speakers 

The new MacBook Pro has got a set of louder speakers, but you can get a monitor with built-in speakers to enjoy the crisp sound. The best example is: 

Budget 

Lastly, make your budget when looking for curved monitors since they are available in a wide range of budgets. From high-end to affordable monitors, there’s everything for everyone in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

These are the best curved monitors for MacBook Pro that you can use as an extended display. Read the reviews, check the key specs, and go through the buying guide to make an informed buying decision.

If you are looking for a recommendation, as making a choice is daunting, go for LG 34BK95U-W UltraFine 34″ UltraWide Monitor. However, if you are on a budget and need a basic monitor with good features, Philips 272E1CA 27″ Curved Frameless Monitor is your way to go.