Thanks to the fierce competition, Apple is under more pressure to design the best Macs ever. As a result, we’re getting better and more powerful machines like the Mac Pro 2019, which is coming later in 2019 possibly alongside the rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Some displays with resolutions higher than 4K require two DisplayPort cables to connect the display at full resolution: The Dell UP2715K 27-inch 5K display is supported by iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) and later and Mac Pro (Late 2013) running OS X Yosemite 10.10.3 and later.
I bought the retina macbook pro, this will be my main computer for editing on photoshop/lightroom etc. With photoshop etc not being updated for retina yet I want to get an external monitor.
Top 4 Best Monitors For MacBook Pro (USB-C Monitor Included) For decades, Apple has made Macs that everyone from creative professionals to engineers have been eager to work with. The MacBook Pro laptop offers superior power, but with one catch — you have to work on a small, 13' or 15' screen and now we've got a 12' new MacBook as well. The 27-inch iMac is the best all-in-one desktop computer in its class. Its stunning 5K Retina display alone make it worth its price tag. The excellent performance and the abundance of quality hardware options make the desktop's case even stronger. The Best Computer Monitors of 2018 The right display will help you make the most of your movies, your games, or your work. Our buying guide outlines everything you need to know when shopping for a.
In fact, if you’d rather not wait and want to get your hands on one of the best Macs now, there’s already quite a few excellent options to choose from, especially with Apple recently giving its MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro and 15-inch MacBook Pro much-needed refresh.
To expand your choices further, the Apple computers are incredibly diverse. Virtual dj setup free download full version. The best Macs cover everything from thin and light notebooks like the 12-inch MacBook, which is still on hand at third-party sites despite being discontinued, to professional workhorses like the iMac Pro.
Taking all these into consideration, it can be tricky choosing the perfect Mac for you. We put together a list of the best Macs we’ve tested ourselves – from iMacs to MacBooks – to help you with that important decision. Let’s dive in to all the best Macs you can buy right now, no matter your budget and use.
1. Mac Mini 2018
CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i3 – Core i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: 8GB – 32GB | Storage: 128GB – 2TB PCIe-based SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 19.7 x 19.7 x 3.6cm
Hugely improved specs
Expensive
Mac Mini fans, rejoice! The Mac Mini has finally been upgraded with modern hardware, ushering Apple’s smallest Mac to the modern age and naturally warranting it the top spot in our best Macs list. This tiny thing is packed with 8th-generation desktop processors, a ton of RAM and some of the fastest SSDs we’ve seen – all while keeping the same adored form factor. It’s a tad pricier this time around, but with the raw speed on offer, you’ll find that it’s worth the price increase.
Read the full review: Mac Mini 2018
2. MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
Apple’s productivity machine gets the latest Intel tech
CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i7 – i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 555X – 560X, Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: 16GB – 32GB | Screen: 15.4-inch, 2,880 x 1,800 Retina display | Storage: 512GB – 4TB SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 34.93 x 24.07 x 1.55cm
Powerful
Screen remains gorgeous
Lack of ports
If you want the most performance you can get in a MacBook without needing to pull off a heist, you’ll want to look into the MacBook Pro 15-inch. Now refreshed with hexa-core 9th-generation processors and up to 32GB of RAM, you won’t be held back by anything you throw at it – especially now that you can get Radeon Pro Vega 20 graphics. With that kind of performance, the MacBook Pro takes a lofty spot on our best Macs list without breaking a sweat.
Read the full review:MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
3. Apple iMac (27-inch, 2019)
Apple’s most affordable all-in-one
CPU: up to 3.6GHz 8-core Intel Core i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 570X – Radeon Pro Vega 48 | RAM: 8GB – 64GB | Screen: 27-inch (diagonal) Retina 5K display 5120 x 2880 | Storage: 1TB Fusion Drive – 2TB SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 51.6 x 65.0 x 20.3 cm
Stunning 5K display
SSD upgrades are expensive
The iMac has long been one of the cheaper ways to get into the macOS ecosystem, and we’re glad that hasn’t changed. Though what has changed, we also appreciate. The new iMac is packing with 8th- and 9th-generation desktop-class processors, letting this stylish all-in-one reach that fabled 8-core performance. If you’re looking for an all-in-one Mac, the new 27-inch iMac might just be the best Mac for you, at least if you’re on a budget.
CPU: 7th-generation Intel Core i5 – 8th-generation Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 – 655 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2,560 x 1,600 | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 30.41 x 21.24 x 1.49cm
Much more powerful
Keyboard learning curve
The biggest issue with the older MacBook Pro was that it was still packing Kaby Lake processors while its rivals had moved ahead. Luckily, the MacBook Pro 2018 changes everything, making it more powerful than ever. It still has the controversial Butterfly keyboard, but that’s also been improved so that its quieter and more reliable. It’s not hard to recommend the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2018 to anyone looking for the best Macs.
Read the full review: MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (13-inch, mid-2018)
5. iMac Pro
CPU: 8 to 18-core Intel Xeon W | Graphics: Radeon Pro Vega 56 - Radeon Pro Vega 64 | RAM: 32GB – 256GB DDR4 ECC | Screen: 27-inch 5K (5,120 x 2,880) Retina display (P3 wide color) | Storage: 1TB – 4TB PCIe 3.0 SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 65 x 20.3 x 51.6cm
Most powerful Mac you can buy
Very expensive
Professionals and creatives need something that can handle any workload they can possibly throw at it. If you’re one such user, the iMac Pro isn’t just one of the best Macs for you; it’s the only Mac to consider. Not only does it have a vibrant 27-inch 5K display with a P3 wide color gamut, but it also boasts the most powerful hardware Apple could get its hands on. It’s extremely expensive though, so it’s really only meant for folks who have deep pockets and need that unbridled power to get through their daily workloads.
CPU: 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 617 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch (diagonal) 2,560 x 1,600 LED-backlit display with IPS technology | Storage: 128GB – 1TB SSD | Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.61 inches (30.41 x 21.24 x 1.56cm; W x D x H)
Lovely design
Fantastic battery life
Underpowered
Apple takes the MacBook Air (2018) and gives it a bit of refresh, adding True Tone technology to its display and an even more reliable keyboard. Unfortunately, it hasn’t upgraded the specs – which actually leads us to think that there might be a bigger update by early 2020. However, to be fair to this refresh, the 2018 version has already made our list, so this improved version is just as deserving or more so. But the best part is yet to come: this refresh is even cheaper, so you’re definitely getting more value for less.
Read the full review: MacBook Air (2019)
7. MacBook (2017)
Small and stylish
CPU: Dual-core Intel Core m3 – Core i5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 12-inch Retina (2,304 x 1,440) IPS | Storage: 256GB – 512GB PCIe SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 11.04 x 7.74 x 0.14~0.52in
Incredibly portable
Too expensive
While Apple has officially taken the MacBook out of its MacBook lineup, many third parties are still carry it. And because the 12-inch MacBook has found its niche as an ultraportable and lightweight laptop, it’s still deserving of a spot on our best Macs list… that is, until stock runs out. It’s low on ports, but that’s hardly a surprise in a laptop this thin. It can support basically everything under the sun with its Thunderbolt 3 port, anyway. It’s not as powerful as the MacBook Pro, but if you’re looking for a MacBook that’s easy to take with you wherever you go, look no further.
Read the full review: Apple MacBook (2017)
Michelle Rae Uy, Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article
Want more choices? Check out our list of the best laptops 2019
Stay safe online with our pick of the best Mac VPNs
You can use 4K displays and Ultra HD TVs with these Mac computers:
iMac (27-inch, Late 2014) and later
iMac Pro (2017)*
Mac mini (Late 2014) and later*
Mac Pro (Late 2013)*
MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015) and later
MacBook Air (Early 2015) and later
MacBook Pro (Retina, Late 2013) and later
* You can learn more about connecting multiple displays to your iMac Pro, Mac mini (2018), or Mac Pro (Late 2013).
HDMI displays
Mac computers with built-in HDMI ports
Any Mac with a built-in HDMI port can support 4K displays and Ultra HD TVs via HDMI at 3840 x 2160 at 30Hz, or 4096 x 2160 at 24Hz. Note that mirroring isn't supported at 4096 x 2160 at 24Hz.
Additionally, the built-in HDMI port on Mac mini (2018) supports resolutions up to 4096 x 2160 at 60Hz.
Mac computers compatible with HDMI via adapter
The following Mac models support resolutions and refresh rates of up to 1080p at 60Hz, and 3840 x 2160 at 30Hz, over HDMI 1.4b when using the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter with macOS Sierra 10.12 or later:
iMac (2017 and later)
iMac Pro (2017)
MacBook (2015 and later)
MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
MacBook Pro (2016 and later)
The computers listed above also support 60Hz refresh rate over HDMI when used with a supported HDMI 2.0 display, HDMI Premium Certified cable, and a compatible third-party USB-C to HDMI 2.0 adapter.
If the HDMI display that's connected to your Mac starts up to the Apple logo but then goes dark, you might need to update your HDMI cable. To ensure compatibility, and to achieve 4K resolution, Apple recommends a cable that supports HDMI 2.0 or later, such as the Belkin Ultra High Speed 4K HDMI Cable.
Single-stream transport (SST) displays
Most SST 4K displays are supported at 30Hz.
With OS X Yosemite 10.10.3 and later, most SST 4K (3840 x 2160) displays are supported at 60Hz on these Mac computers:
iMac (27-inch, Late 2014) and later
iMac Pro (2017)
Mac mini (2018)
Mac Pro (Late 2013)
MacBook Air (Early 2015) and later
MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015) and later
MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014) and later
With OS X Yosemite 10.10.3 and later, most SST 4K (4096 x 2160) displays are supported at 60Hz on these Mac computers:
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) and later
iMac Pro (2017)
Mac Pro (Late 2013)
MacBook Pro (2016 and later)
With macOS Sierra, MacBook (2015 and later) supports 4K (3840 x 2160) displays at 60Hz over DisplayPort.
Multi-stream transport (MST) displays
These Mac computers support MST displays at 60Hz:
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) and later
iMac Pro (2017)
Mac mini (2018)
Mac Pro (Late 2013)
MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015) and later
MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013) and later
If you use a 60Hz MST display with the MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015) with AMD Radeon R9 M370X graphics card or iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014), only one additional Thunderbolt display is supported. Learn more about Thunderbolt ports and displays.
Best Retina Monitor For Mac
Your Mac automatically detects MST-enabled displays. However, your display might require a firmware update to support 60Hz operation. Contact the maker of your display for details.
You need to manually configure 4K displays to use MST. Follow these steps to use the display's built-in controls to enable this feature:
Sharp PN-K321: Choose Menu > Setup > DisplayPort STREAM > MST > SET
ASUS PQ321Q: Choose OSD menu > Setup > DisplayPort Stream
Dell UP2414Q and UP3214Q: Choose Menu > Display Setting > DisplayPort 1.2 > Enable
Panasonic TC-L65WT600: Choose Menu > Display Port Settings > Stream Setting > Auto
Other DisplayPort displays: check with the display manufacturer for compatibility information.
Dual-cable displays
Some displays with resolutions higher than 4K require two DisplayPort cables to connect the display at full resolution:
The Dell UP2715K 27-inch 5K display is supported by iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) and later and Mac Pro (Late 2013) running OS X Yosemite 10.10.3 and later.
The HP Z27q 5K display is supported by iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) and later and Mac Pro (Late 2013) running macOS Sierra.
LG UltraFine Displays
The LG UltraFine 4K Display is supported on these Mac computers with DisplayPort Alt-Mode over USB-C:
iMac (21.5-inch, 2017)
iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017)
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017)
iMac Pro (2017)
Mac mini (2018)
MacBook (2015 and later)
MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
MacBook Pro (2016 and later)
The LG UltraFine 5K Display is supported on these Mac computers with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C):
iMac (21.5-inch, 2017)
iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017)
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017)
iMac Pro (2017)
Mac mini (2018)
MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
MacBook Pro (2016 and later)
Adjust your display
Choose Apple () menu > System Preferences, then click Displays to adjust or scale the resolution on your display. This can make text and objects appear larger or give you more space on your screen. If your Mac doesn’t recognize a display you’ve just connected, hold down the Option key to make the Detect Displays button appear, then click that button.
Best Monitor For Macbook Pro Retina 2015
Learn more
Lcd Monitors For Mac
4K displays and Ultra HD TVs using Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 with Boot Camp use the same rules as macOS. If you upgrade from Windows 8 to 8.1, you should repair Boot Camp drivers.
To get the best graphics performance from your 4K display, connect the display or its adapter directly to your Mac, instead of connecting through another peripheral or device.