13 Best Thunderbolt Monitors

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Thunderbolt has unrivaled advantages over competing technologies like USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort. Its support for video, data, and Power Delivery on a single cable makes USB-C its closest rival. However, even USB-C, with its commonly available USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 version, cannot match Thunderbolt 4 for data transfer rates and 8K video support.

Thunderbolt offers a data transfer speed of 40Gbps, faster than any other technology on the market. While USB 4 may match this, we are still a little while away from USB 4 being widely available. And even when that happens, Thunderbolt 4 will remain the best connectivity option between the two. Why?

For one thing, Intel’s Thunderbolt 4 standard makes it mandatory for it to support some basic functionality. These include the 40Gbps data transfer speed, support for 8K@60Hz video (or dual 4K@60Hz), and a 100W Power Delivery, among other things. In comparison, USB 4 is capable of most of these functions, but it doesn’t mandate them, so manufacturers may choose not to offer these functionalities.

Additionally, Thunderbolt allows you to daisy-chain up to six additional devices, thereby giving you the convenience of expanding your setup with ease. But with higher minimum requirements than USB 4, Thunderbolt 4 is also the pricier option as USB 4 manufacturers can keep costs down by choosing lower functionality. However, if cost isn’t a concern, Thunderbolt 4 remains unrivaled.

Presently, Thunderbolt monitors integrate these capabilities and provide resolutions up to 5K to offer monitors across a range of use cases. These include gaming monitors and monitors suitable for content creation, typical office setups, programming, IT administration, and whatnot. Identifying the most suitable Thunderbolt monitor for your need can be challenging.

To help you make the right decision, we have rounded up the best Thunderbolt monitors on the market. We’ll review and list the pros and cons of each so that you can compare them. Later, we’ll list some key parameters to keep in mind when buying a Thunderbolt monitor. Finally, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about Thunderbolt monitors.

Comparison of the Best Thunderbolt Monitors

Image	Product	Details	Check Price
	Lenovo ThinkVision P40w-20	Screen Size: 40-inch Resolution: 5120x2160 WUHD Panel: IPS Refresh Rate: 75Hz HDR: HDR 10 Thunderbolt Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4 Power Delivery: 100W	Check on Amazon
	LG 40WP95C-W	Screen Size: 40-inch Resolution: 5120x2160 WUHD Panel: Nano IPS Refresh Rate: 72Hz HDR: HDR10 Thunderbolt Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4 Power Delivery: 96W	Check on Amazon
	Lenovo ThinkVision P27u-20	Screen Size: 27-inch Resolution: 3840 x 2160 UHD Panel: IPS Refresh Rate: 60Hz HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 400 Thunderbolt Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (In/Out) Power Delivery: 100W	Check on Amazon
	BenQ PD3220U	Screen Size: 32-inch Resolution: 3840x2160 4K Panel: IPS Refresh Rate: 60Hz HDR: HDR10 Thunderbolt Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 3 Power Delivery: 85W	Check on Amazon
	LG 38WN95C-W	Screen Size: 38-inch Resolution: 3840 x 1600 WQHD+ Panel: IPS, 1800R Curved Refresh Rate: 144Hz HDR: DisplayHDR 600 Thunderbolt Ports: 1 x Thunderbolt 3 Power Delivery: 94W	Check on Amazon
	SAMSUNG J791 Series (LC34J791WTNXZA)	Screen Size: 34-inch Resolution: 3440 x 1440 WQHD Panel: IPS, Curved Refresh Rate: 100Hz HDR: No Thunderbolt Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 3 Power Delivery: 85W	Check on Amazon
	LG 27MD5KL-B	Screen Size: 27-inch Resolution: 5120 x 2880 5K Panel: IPS Refresh Rate: 60Hz HDR: No Thunderbolt Ports: 1 x Thunderbolt 3 Power Delivery: 94W	Check on Amazon
	SAMSUNG TU872 Series (LF32TU872VNXGO)	Screen Size: 32-inch Resolution: 3840 x 2160 4K UHD Panel: VA Refresh Rate: 60Hz HDR: HDR10 Thunderbolt Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 3 Power Delivery: 90W	Check on Amazon
	ASUS ProArt Display (PA27AC)	Screen Size: 27-inch Resolution: 2560 x 1440 WQHD Panel: IPS Refresh Rate: 60Hz HDR: HDR10 Thunderbolt Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 3 Power Delivery: 45W	Check on Amazon
	LG 34WK95U-W	Screen Size: 34-inch Resolution: 5120 x 2160 WQHD Panel: IPS Refresh Rate: 60Hz HDR: HDR 600 Thunderbolt Ports: 1 x Thunderbolt 3 Power Delivery: 85W	Check on Amazon
	ASUS ProArt PA34VC	Screen Size: 34-inch Resolution: 3440x1440 UWQHD Panel: IPS Refresh Rate: 100Hz HDR: HDR10 Thunderbolt Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 3 Power Delivery: 60W	Check on Amazon
	LG 32UL950-W	Screen Size: 32-inch Resolution: 3840 x 2160 4K UHD Panel: IPS Refresh Rate: 60Hz HDR: HDR 600 Thunderbolt Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 3 Power Delivery: 60W	Check on Amazon
	Dell UltraSharp U4021QW	Screen Size: 40-inch Resolution: 5120 x 2160 WUHD Panel: IPS, 2500R Curved Refresh Rate: 60Hz HDR: No Thunderbolt Ports: 1 x Thunderbolt 3 Power Delivery: 90W	Check on Amazon

Best Thunderbolt Monitors – Our Pick

1. Lenovo ThinkVision P40w-20

The Lenovo ThinkVision P40w-20 is an excellent monitor if you are running the Intel vPro platform on your computer. It supports Intel’s Active Management Technology making it suitable for IT infrastructure managers to work and troubleshoot problems remotely.

The monitor features a curved ultrawide form factor that envelopes a significant part of your peripheral vision and gives you an immersive experience.

The ThinkVision P40w-20 is excellent for professionals whose work requires them to multitask often. It supports Picture-by-Picture (PbP) and features a built-in KVM so that you can work on multiple computers simultaneously.

Image Quality

The monitor has a 40-inch IPS panel display that offers a 5K2K resolution of 5129×2160 with an aspect ratio of 21:9 aspect ratio. It offers a refresh rate of 75Hz, so you won’t get a headache while you work long hours. And with no support for VRR technologies like FreeSync, it would be best if you don’t consider it gaming.

The IPS panel has a 2500R curvature and offers accurate colors with factory-calibrated colors and Delta E less than 2. It uses a 10-bit color depth that ensures a wide color gamut that covers 98% of the DCI-P3 and 99% sRGB color space. While you get the expected 1000:1 contrast ratio, typical of an IPS panel, the 300nits brightness is surprisingly low considering the price you pay.

Keeping these specifications in mind, the monitor is ideal for regular office work or image editing jobs. But video content creators will miss higher brightness levels, DisplayHDR support, and higher refresh rates.

Connectivity

The monitor offers plenty of connectivity options in the form of multiple video input ports and USB connectivity. These ports further complement the features that seem to be centered around enhancing productivity.

For instance, in addition to two Thunderbolt 4 ports, you get DisplayPort and HDMI to connect an input of your choice. You also get a USB-B upstream that supports the monitor’s built-in USB hub and KVM.

Here is a list of all the ports that ThinkVision includes.

• 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4
• 1 x HDMI 2.0
• 1 x DP 1.4
• 1 x Ethernet
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 (Upstream, Type-B)
• 4 x USB 3.2 Gen1 (Downstream)
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 (Downstream, Type-C)
• 1 x Audio Out (3.5mm)

Our Take

The ThinkVision P40w-20 offers a 5K2K resolution and an extremely accurate color reproduction making it perfect for graphics editors. It combines the power of Thunderbolt 4 and an ultrawide screen to offer to enhance productivity by facilitating multitasking. Further, it supports Intel’s Active Management Technology, which also makes the monitor a great option for IT administrators.

2. LG 40WP95C-W

The first Thunderbolt 4 monitor to be launched, the LG 40WP95C-W offers great utility to the content creator and professional. But, if you are a gamer, a quick look at the specifications will leave you disillusioned.

The LG 40WP95C-W offers an ergonomic stand that gives you tilt, swivel, and height adjustments. The stand is silver in color and pairs well with the white back panel of the monitor to offer excellent aesthetics. It has thin bezels and an ultrawide curved screen that provides an immersive experience.

The Thunderbolt 4 ports offer 96W Power Delivery that will charge most heavy-duty laptops. And the built-in speaker will allow you to enjoy streaming videos off the internet.

Image Quality

The 40WP95C-W has a 40-inch curved Nano IPS panel display which also offers a 5K2K resolution at a 72Hz refresh rate. The brightness level measures 300nits, and the wide color gamut covers 98% of the DCI-P3 color space, making it ideal for content creators to produce eye-catching imagery. The monitor also supports HDR10 enabling the colors to appear brighter and more lifelike.

The monitor supports AMD FreeSync and offers a 5ms GtG response time to ensure distortion-free gaming. You also get a Black Stabilizer and low input lag which make mid-level gaming fun on this monitor. However, it would be best to look elsewhere if you are into eSports and competitive gaming, as the 72Hz refresh rate will let you down.

The monitor supports Picture-by-Picture, and you can use LG split-screen software when you need to multitask. LG is mindful of your well-being and offers a flicker-free screen with TUV Rheinland Eye Safe certification for low blue light emissions. Moreover, the monitor also features an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the screen’s brightness to prevent eye strain.

Connectivity

The connectivity options are relatively limited but include two Thunderbolt 4 ports that allow you to daisy chain additional Thunderbolt devices and monitors.

• 2x Thunderbolt 4
• 2x HDMI
• 1x DisplayPort
• 2x USB-A 3.0
• 1x 3.5mm audio jack

Our Take

The LG 40WP95C-W is an excellent choice for content creators and users who need an ultrawide screen to help them multitask. It has mid-range gaming features that will allow you to enjoy most games but think twice if you are a competitive gamer. The wide color gamut and 5K display will delight most content creators with its image clarity and lifelike color accuracy.

3. Lenovo ThinkVision P27u-20

The Lenovo ThinkVision P27u-20 is a pocket-friendly Thunderbolt 4 monitor that is designed for users looking to streamline their work. It includes a USB hub and a KVM switch that allows you to work on multiple devices with great ease.

Interestingly, despite these functional features, the monitor also has plenty to offer for a content creator with its high-resolution screen and high-end specifications.

Further, the ergonomic design of the monitor ensures that you get the perfect viewing angle and you avoid straining your back and neck. And with a dual 3W integrated speaker it offers a well-rounded and versatile monitor suitable for several use cases.

Image Quality

The monitor has a 27-inch IPS panel display with a 4K 3840×2160 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. It offers excellent color accuracy thanks to the 10-bit color depth that offers 1.07 billion colors and a calibrated accuracy of Delta E<1. The colors look realistic with the wide color gamut that covers 99.1% of the DCI-P3, 99.5% of the Adobe RGB, and 100% of the sRGB color space.

The P27u-20 also supports VESA DisplayHDR 400 and has a contrast ratio of 1000:1. This ensures that the monitor gets excellent color saturation that results in eye-catching displays with peak brightness levels of 450nits.

The low refresh rate and the absence of VRR technologies mean that the monitor isn’t built for gaming. But the high color accuracy, brilliant display, and reasonable price make this monitor perfect for content creators on a budget, and it’s ideal for creating attractive presentations at work.

Connectivity

Lenovo ensures that you get plenty of connectivity options that start with the inclusion of two Thunderbolt 4 ports which are handy for setting up a workstation with dual monitors.

You also get:

• 1 x Thunderbolt 4 in,
• 1 x Thunderbolt 4 out,
• 2 x HDMI2.0,
• 1 x DP1.2,
• 1 x RJ45,
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 BC 1.2 (Downstream)
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C (data & Power Delivery up to 27W, downstream)
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-B (Upstream)
• 1 x Audio Out (3.5mm)

Our Take

The Lenovo ThinkVision P27u-20 is an affordable monitor that offers Thunderbolt 4. While content creators will love the superior color accuracy, the monitor also offers a built-in USB hub and KVM switch that are perfect for multitasking.

4. BenQ PD3220U 32-inch 4K UHD IPS Monitor

With 100% sRGB and 95% P3 color space, BenQ provides impeccable color accuracy for design professionals and content creators.

The BenQ monitor is a massive relief for macOS users who want a consistent Apple display across their MacBook devices. The monitor comes with an aesthetic design that complements the look of your MacBook Pro and gives your workspace a professional touch.

With Thunderbolt 3, BenQ provides a power output of up to 85W to charge your laptop, daisy-chaining capabilities for more connectivity, and multiple displays with high-speed data transfers.

It offers a flawless color performance, a wide variation of ports, and different display modes to fit the needs of all designers, business professionals, and gamers.

The monitor design features built-in speakers, which may not be reliable but are ideal for starters. In the box, you also get a hotkey puck G2 that you can use to customize shortcuts for your favorite features such as changing display modes.

Image Quality

The quality of images and overall graphics make BenQ the best Thunderbolt monitor for Apple computers. The monitor provides a consistent color application across all content creation platforms, featuring an upgraded color gamut with the latest color standards, Display P3 and DC-P3. The 300nits brightness is bright enough for most mid-level content creation tasks.

The display is LED-lit LCD with an IPS panel type, providing true 4K resolution and up to 1.07 billion display colors with wide viewing angles. If you are a content creator, you can rely on BenQ to design products with realistic colors and great precision to guarantee maximum customer satisfaction.

Caring for your eyes should be at the forefront when using monitors. BenQ incorporates flicker-free capabilities that reduce eye strain and fatigue to safeguard your vision.

Pretty cool, isn’t it?

Connectivity

The BenQ monitor ships with a good selection of ports. If you have too many peripherals and cables on your desk, this is a one-time opportunity to declutter your desk and give it a professional yet appealing look.

The monitor comes with two Thunderbolt 3 ports, one Display port, two HDMI ports, and 4 USB 3.1 ports to connect to other USB peripherals. One Thunderbolt 3 port provides Power Delivery of 85W to charge your laptop, while you can use the additional Thunderbolt 3 port for daisy-chaining.

• 2x Thunderbolt 3
• 2x HDMI v2.0
• 1x DisplayPort v1.4
• 3x USB-A 3.1
• 1x USB-C
• 1x USB-B (Upstream)

Our Take

The BenQ PD3220U is perfect if you are looking for the best Thunderbolt 3 monitors to use with your MacBook Pro. The monitor is an absolute masterpiece with an aesthetic design that perfectly fits a MacBook.

BenQ will meet your design needs if you are a content creator or business professional. With a 4K display and 100% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3, and IPS wide-angle viewing, you cannot ask for more from this crystal-clear display that offers perfection in terms of color and brightness.

5. LG 38WN95C-W Ultrawide Curved Monitor

LG 38WN95C-W is a great Thunderbolt 3 ultrawide monitor with impressive balanced performance, making it the perfect monitor for home and office. With a fast, color-accurate display and good features, the LG 38WN95C-W makes it among the front-runners of our Best Thunderbolt Monitors Guide. Yes, it is expensive, but the ability to handle mainstream work and gaming while delivering the best in both worlds is worth the steep price.

Like most ultrawide monitors, the LG 38WN95C-W has a handy Screen Split feature that lets you partition the display for effortless multitasking, manage multiple monitors, or output from two sources side-by-side.

From the outside, the monitor looks fantastic. The super-thin bezels and matte white back panel give it a clean and professional look making it ideal for the office. It has built-in 5W stereo speakers for watching video content and gaming, but they are average and won’t blow your mind. Elsewhere, the 38-inch ultrawide screen provides more screen real estate for productivity, and the 1800R curved strikes the sweet spot for immersive gaming.

The monitor has a reasonably ergonomic arc-shaped stand that supports tilt, swivel, and height adjustment. But it has a narrow tilt and swivel range, and there is no pivot adjustment. You can solve the ergonomics problems with a 100 x 100 mm VESA mounting arm.

Image Quality

The LG 38WN95C-W runs an uncommon 3840 x 1600 resolution, which offers more vertical pixels than the standard 1440p widescreens. The 21:9 aspect ratio provides more screen real estate for multitasking to boost your productivity. At 38 inches, the display has a sharp 109 PPI, which results in crisper text suitable for programming tasks. LG pairs the widescreen with a 10-bit IPS panel to ensure accurate colors and wider viewing angles.

With support for DisplayHDR 600, the display can get bright at 600nits, enough to combat glare and deliver a rich HDR experience. However, the best feature is the Ambient Light Sensor, which automatically adjusts the brightness depending on the surrounding lighting.

Content creators and professional photographers will benefit from the impressive color reproduction. Thanks to the 135% sRGB and 98% DCI-P3 color gamut, you can accurately express your ideas when editing photos and videos. It also has decent coverage of the Adobe RGB color gamut used in editing photos for print.

Onboard you get decent gaming features giving you a competitive edge when playing action-packed eSports and FPS titles. The monitor supports FreeSync Premium Pro, with a 48-144Hz range via DisplayPort and 48-120Hz via HDMI, to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering even when the frame rates drop below 48Hz. You also get G-Sync compatibility, 1ms response time, and a 144Hz refresh rate. Not many monitors in the market offer both productive work and pleasure gaming, making the LG39WN95C-W a versatile monitor.

Connectivity

LG 38WN95C-W comes with one Thunderbolt 3 port, which supports data transfer, display input, and 94W power output for charging. You can run the display with a single cable and charge your laptop simultaneously. Other ports include two HDMI 2.0 connectors, DisplayPort 1.4, two USB 3.0, and a headphone jack.

• 1x Thunderbolt 3
• 2x HDMI
• 1x DisplayPort
• 1x USB-A Downstream
• 1x USB-C
• 1x 3.5mm headphone jack

Our Take

LG 38WN95C-W is an outstanding Thunderbolt 3 monitor with excellent all-around performance. It has great features, impressive color accuracy, low input lag, incredible motion handling, and versatile connectivity, making it the ultimate home office monitor. This monitor has everything, whether you want to play games, work, or enjoy multimedia content. The low contrast and limited ergonomics may turn off some users, but this monitor still deserves a place in your home or office.

6. Samsung 34-Inch CJ791 Ultrawide Curved Monitor

An aesthetically curved monitor with a thin bezel and ultrawide viewing options, the Samsung CJ791 features Quantum Dot technology to provide crystal clear pictures to improve your workplace productivity.

The Samsung CJ791 curved ultrawide monitor is one of the best Thunderbolt 3 monitors for business professionals and general office use. The curved screen provides an excellent touch in design, and the VA panel completes the sense of comfort, productivity, and style.

You can work for longer hours without the effects of getting tired or straining your eyes. This is very crucial in maintaining and improving workplace productivity. Besides, the wide viewing angles ensure the quality of the picture is maintained throughout the screen.

We recommend this monitor for your business needs because it offers a uniform distance (1500mm radius) from the screen to your eyes, preventing eye strain and fatigue to protect your vision.

Image Quality

The outstanding feature of this monitor is the Quantum Dot technology (QLED). Samsung ditched OLED in favor of the cutting-edge Quantum Dot technology and combined it with a 3440 x 1440 WQHD resolution to deliver brilliant colors and sharp images.

The monitor comes with a 34-inch display and 21:9 aspect ratio to provide a broader space to work for productivity. With the 3:000:1 contract ratio, you rest assured of enjoying sharp and extremely clear pictures with incredible details.

Another feature that sets this monitor apart is the support for 125% sRGB color space and 95% of DCI-P3 to present accurate and natural colors with seamless transitions. The QLED technology supports up to 1.08 billion colors to let you experience astonishing clarity.

The Picture-by-Picture (PBP) and Picture-in-Picture (PIP) features allow you to view content from multiple sources simultaneously. The Samsung CJ791 makes the process easy by including Samsung software to manage your multi-window displays and split-screen mode.

Connectivity

The monitor comes with two Thunderbolt 3 ports with Power Delivery of up to 100W to charge your laptop on one port. You can use the other Thunderbolt 3 port for daisy-chaining a maximum of 6 devices.

Additional I/O ports include an HDMI, DisplayPort, 4 USB ports, and a headphone jack.

• 2x Thunderbolt 3
• 1x HDMI v2.0
• 1x DisplayPort v1.2
• 2x USB-A 3.0
• 1x 3.5mm audio

Our Take

The Samsung CJ791 is an ideal option for most professional needs, considering the affordable price and plenty of features to rejuvenate your design career.

The QLED technology provides an excellent display with attention to fine details and color clarity. If you are a content creator, designer, or graphic-intense gamer, this monitor is ideal for most of your needs.

7. LG 27 Inch UltraFine 5K IPS Monitor

LG UltraFine 5K and 4K displays are the first monitors to feature macOS compatibility out of the box. Apple endorses them as the perfect companion for the current generation MacBook Pros.

This review focuses on the 5K UltraFine, which provides more pixels and excellent visuals for your photo and video editing.

The design of the LG UltraFine 5K is pretty dull. It has thick bezels, and the included stand is not aesthetically pleasing. However, the mount offers height and tilt adjustments for comfortable viewing and is VESA mount compatible.

An exciting feature in the design of the UltraFine 5K, though, is the built-in camera and microphone at the top bezel, which makes video calling with friends easy using FaceTime. It also has built-in stereo speakers for a rich media experience.

The main highlight of the LG UltraFine 5K display is the seamless macOS integration, which allows you to control volume and brightness via your MacBook without needing buttons.

The monitor connects to your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air via the Thunderbolt 3 port, which supports 94W Power Delivery, data, and full 5K videos. And you can connect your iPad Pro to the monitor through the USB-C ports to simultaneously enjoy striking 4K video and data.

Image Quality

The monitor has an incredibly 5120 x 2880 resolution and P3 color gamut to deliver crisp and true-to-life visuals. The IPS panel ensures your pictures look accurate at every angle on the screen. It is a bright monitor at 500 nits, and the color performance is specially optimized for Mac-based computers.

LG UltraFine 5K is perfect for photo and video editing. The 99% DCI-P3 coverage provides impressive color accuracy, while the 5K resolution and 218 PPI offer a crisp, razor-sharp text. You won’t miss a detail when rendering your images in this 27-inch IPS panel.

Connectivity

The monitor has a single Thunderbolt 3 port that supports up to 94W PD and three USB-C ports. LG UltraFine 5K is compatible with all Mac-based computers with Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C and the latest USB-C enabled iPad Pro.

• 1x Thunderbolt 3
• 3x USB-C 3.0

Our Take

LG UltraFine 5K is genuinely the best companion for your Mac. The macOS integration brings a simplified user experience allowing users to control basic functionality from their MacBook. The 5K resolution breathes life to your images, while the P3 color gamut offers impeccable color performance. The Ultrafine 5K is a good option for creatives and photographers looking to render detailed and razor-sharp visuals.

8. Samsung TU87F Series Business Monitor

Usually, a combination of 4K and Thunderbolt 3 does not come cheap. We’ve seen it with LG and BenQ Thunderbolt 3 monitors. But that’s not the case with Samsung’s TU87F Series business monitor.

The monitor offers dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, sharp picture quality with 4K resolution, and a massive 32-inch screen space to streamline your office productivity. Best part? It’s cheaper than all the 4K Thunderbolt 3 monitors, so you get a lot of bang for your buck. With two Thunderbolt 3 ports, you can easily daisy-chain two of these monitors for more screen real estate and charge your laptop simultaneously using a single cable connection, thanks to the whopping 90W power delivery.

The monitor has screen splitting software, Easy Settings Box, to leverage the massive 32-inch and streamline your workflow. Easily partition and manage multiple windows or connect two PC sources for efficient multitasking.

The TU87F Series monitor comes with a clean, professional design that blends well in most office environments. It’s black with thin 3-sided bezels and a fully adjustable stand to provide perfect viewing angles and superb workplace ergonomics. The monitor is also wall-mountable with 100mmx100mm VESA mounts. The integrated cable management at the back ensures a clean and clutter-free workspace.

Image Quality

Samsung went for a VA panel instead of IPS, which can be a deal-breaker for professional creatives. But for everyday computing and productivity work, it’s as good as it gets.

With 4K at 32 inches, the monitor offers perfect pixel density and screen space for work and entertainment. A 32-inch screen is an ideal size to appreciate 4K while at the same time getting more screen real estate to view content and multitask. The VA panel is the only downside, but you still get accurate colors with 99.9% sRGB and HDR10 for deep blacks and stunning highlights.

The monitor comes factory calibrated to ensure accurate colors out of the box. But we don’t recommend this monitor for professional color and editing work unless you’re on a tight budget. That being said, this monitor is excellent for everyday use, office, and entertainment. And programmers will appreciate the large screen with crisper text and screen-splitting capabilities.

Connectivity

The Samsung TU87F offers a great selection of ports with two Thunderbolt 3 ports, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, three USB 3.0 ports, and a headphone jack. There is also an Ethernet port, which is an excellent addition for office use cases.

The two Thunderbolt 3 ports support daisy chaining of two 4K monitors or up to six Thunderbolt 3 devices, 90W and 15W Power Delivery for laptop charging and data transfer. Such great features for a budget monitor.

• 2x Thunderbolt 3
• 1x HDMI v2.0
• 1x DisplayPort v1.2
• 1x RJ-45
• 2x USB-A 3.0
• 1x 3.5mm headphone jack

Our Take

The Samsung TU87F Series Business Monitor is the monitor that programmers want. It has a massive screen to display your IDE, a browser, and dual Thunderbolt 3 ports that can charge any laptop on the market. We wouldn’t recommend this monitor to creators because of the VA panel and dim brightness. But for everyday desktop computing, office, and entertainment, it’s the best Thunderbolt 3 monitor you can get without breaking the bank.

9. Asus ProArt PA27AC 27-inch WQHD Monitor

The ASUS ProArt is the cheapest Thunderbolt 3 on our list, with a 2K 2560 x 1440 resolution and 400nits of brightness to provide extreme clarity and high color accuracy.

ASUS did a phenomenal job designing an exquisite monitor with Wide Quad High Definition (WQHD), Thunderbolt 3, and 100% of the sRGB color gamut for a lower price tag than the other Thunderbolt 3 monitors. You don’t have to break the bank to experience the unrivaled performance of Thunderbolt 3 technology.

The ASUS ProArt Thunderbolt 3 monitor comes in three variations: 27-inch (WQHD), 32-inch (4K), and 34-inch (UWQHD). However, this article will review the 27-inch model because it’s the cheaper option of the three.

If you are looking for a cheap Thunderbolt 3 monitor with 2K displays and excellent color accuracy with plenty of modes, such as the Picture-by-Picture, the ProArt was made specifically for you.

The ergonomic design of the ProArt sets it apart from the other Thunderbolt 3 monitors. The monitor guarantees comfortable viewing positions with its ergonomically versatile stand with tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments. You can adjust the monitor to whichever angle suits your viewing position.

Image Quality

This monitor offers a WQHD (2560 x 1440) resolution for the razor-sharp picture quality that professional photographers desire. Also, it comes with an IPS panel and a wide 100% sRGB color saturation to give your pictures color accuracy. Content creators can leverage the 8-bit color graphics provided by ProArt to display as many as 16.7 million colors.

In terms of brightness, the monitor ranks high with 400nits and HDR-10 to offer a lifelike experience like never before. It also incorporates ProArt calibration technology to provide uniformity in color accuracy across the whole screen.

The Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes let you achieve your multitasking process with ease. You can view and edit content from different sources simultaneously using any mode.

Connectivity

The ASUS ProArt does fall short in terms of ports. It ships with two Thunderbolt 3 ports, three HDMI ports, and one DisplayPort for video connectivity. You also get four USB ports to connect your I/O devices and an audio jack to connect your headphones.

In terms of connectivity, the ProArt does its job pretty well.

One of the limitations of the ProArt monitor is the 45W Power Delivery. The power is insufficient to charge MacBooks and notebooks to total capacity quickly.

• 2x Thunderbolt 3
• 1x DisplayPort 1.2
• 1x HDMI (v2.0)
• 2x HDMI (v1.4)
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
• 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C
• 1x 3.5mm headphone jack

Our Take

The ProArt monitor, despite its lower price tag, has unlocked many possibilities in the world of Thunderbolt 3 and photography.

With more than nine awards to its name, the ProArt lets you accomplish your graphics and video editing work in a high-resolution display with near-perfect color accuracy and brightness to view your pictures with extreme clarity.

While most monitors would provide the same features at a higher price range, the ProArt is affordable and a true game-changer that features clear displays.

10. LG UltraWide 5K2K Nano IPS LED Monitor

The only monitor to feature a 34-inch ultrawide Nano IPS display with 5K @60Hz resolution in our list, the LG UltraWide is second only to the BenQ monitor.

The LG UltraWide monitor is an absolute masterpiece from LG, with support for Thunderbolt 3 and unparalleled performance for serious professionals and content creators.

Whether you are a programmer, video editor, or gamer, the LG UltraWide perfectly fits every need. With an excellent 21:9 widescreen, you can view a 4K video on a 16:9 window and still have a 5:9 area for your other productive work. Stunning, isn’t it?

You don’t need an extra monitor for multitasking purposes when using the LG UltraWide 5K monitor.

While this monitor is priced higher, it provides wider viewing angles, a clear and brighter design with high color accuracy, and a Power Delivery of up to 85W to charge your notebook.

Image Quality

The LG UtraWide features a 34-inch Nano IPS display with a 5K resolution and 21:9 aspect ratio. This is a vast screen to view your content with ease and convenience. You can edit your content at 4K and reserve 33% of the screen space for your other productivity needs.

Onboard, you also get 600nits of brightness from the DisplayHDR 600 for even more precise and brighter images, just like you are experiencing in real life. This VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified monitor provides bolder contrast between the brighter and darker sections of the monitor. The quality of pictures on the monitor feels more like real life, with the perfect display of saturation, brightness, and hues.

Onboard you also get the best color accuracy and controls thanks to HDR and Nano IPS. It offers up to 98% of the DCI-P3 color space and near-perfect color accuracy to view pictures with high-end quality and finer details from your content.

The only downside with this monitor is that the images aren’t as sharp as you will observe from an actual 4K monitor.

Connection

The selection of ports with the LG UltraWide is enough for even the most intense computer user. The monitor comes with a Thunderbolt 3 port, DisplayPort, 3 USB 3.0 ports, two HDMI ports, and a headphone slot. Thunderbolt 3 ports provide Power Delivery of up to 85W to charge your MacBook.

The monitor is compatible with the latest MacBook Pro and windows PC having a Thunderbolt 3 port.

The monitor, however, ships with a single Thunderbolt 3 port. If you want to leverage daisy chaining, you’ll have to get a Thunderbolt 3 dock.

• 1x Thunderbolt 3
• 1x DisplayPort
• 2x HDMI
• 2x USB-A 3.0
• 1x USB-B 3.0
• 1x 3.5mm headphone jack

Our Take

The LG UltraWide monitor is one of the best Thunderbolt 3 monitors on the market. With a 5K resolution and 21:9 aspect ratio, you can view your content on a large and wide display with comfortable viewing angles.

The LG UltraWide is VESA certified and provides a clear picture display and color accuracy to achieve a lifelike experience. The monitor may be high-priced, but it delivers value to your business and professional use.

11. ASUS ProArt PA34VC Curved Monitor

Asus targets graphic designers and video producers with their ProArt Display PA34VC curved professional monitor. The monitor has an expanded color space and an ultrawide aspect ratio to fit multiple windows of your video editing applications.

Many professionals use multiple monitors for multitasking needs, which isn’t convenient as you have to deal with bezels and individual monitor calibration. This ultrawide monitor offers one seamless desktop for a smooth workflow. Its built-in split-screen functions allow you to view content from multiple sources simultaneously.

Regarding design, ASUS ProArt PA34VC features a 1900R curved panel to pull the screen within your field of view for an immersive and surround experience. The frameless edges add to the elegance and stunning look of the monitor.

Work comfortably thanks to the fully ergonomic stand that supports swivel, tilt, and height adjustment for a personalized viewing experience.

The monitor features ASUS Eye Care technology, which ensures you can work for longer hours without experiencing fatigue or eye strain. The monitor filters harmful blue light and reduces on-screen flicker for a comfortable work environment.

Image Quality

ASUS ProArt PA34VC comes with an ultrawide QHD, 3440 x 1440 resolution, and an IPS panel. The monitor delivers wider viewing angles and consistent color quality across the screen. It is compatible with HDR-10 format, which offers deeper blacks and brighter whites for a true-to-life viewing experience.

The color reproduction is impressive. ASUS ProArt PA34VC covers 100 percent of the sRGB color gamut, producing vibrant and realistic colors for accurate color-grading work. It is perfect for photographers and professional creatives looking to render high-fidelity photos with natural contrasts.

ProArt PA34VC features handy software calibration tools so that you can fine-tune the monitor to your preferred color performance and brightness.

The ProArt PA34VC offers impressive gaming features for an ultrawide screen. The monitor supports 40-100Hz adaptive sync with FreeSync for a tear-free gaming experience. It is the only monitor with Thunderbolt 3 that features excellent gaming specs.

Connectivity

Onboard there a two Thunderbolt 3 ports that support video, 40Gbps transfer speeds, and 60W Power Delivery. You can daisy chain other Thunderbolt 3 monitors and devices via the second port.

Other video ports include HDMI and DisplayPort. The monitor also has three USB Type-A ports and an audio output jack.

• 2x Thunderbolt 3
• 1x DisplayPort 1.2
• 2x HDMI (v2.0)
• 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
• 1x 3.5mm headphone jack

Our Take

The ProArt PA34VC ultrawide isn’t all for content creation but also provides gamers with an excellent gaming experience. The curved screen and adjustable stand offer a comfortable viewing experience at your workplace. It has excellent OSD and PbP features for multitasking and collaboration. Content creation professionals will benefit from impressive color reproduction to render lifelike images and graphics. ProArt PA34VC is an excellent ultrawide solution for media creators and gamers.

12. LG UltraFine Display 32UL950

Combine DisplayHDR 600 and DCI-P3 98% to bring your professional photos and videos to life.

Another masterpiece from the LG Thunderbolt 3 monitors list is the LG UltraFine Display 32UL950.

It was made specifically for content creators who want a comprehensive tool to manage their professional photography career.

If you are looking for the best monitor for editing photos and videos with total precision, then the LG UltraFine is here. The monitor won the Technical Imaging Press Association (TIPA) World Awards 2019 as the Best Photo Monitor.

The monitor comes with a rich bass speaker for audio, an adjustable ergonomic stand, and virtually borderless edges to give the monitor a professional yet sleek and elegant design.

The UltraFine Display 32UL950 works seamlessly with the latest MacBook Pro.

Image Quality

What makes the LG UltraFine Display 32UL950 the best photo monitor?

The monitor comes in a 4K UHD LED display and utilizes the IPS panel type. This means you are in the running of getting sharper images, vibrant color precision, and wider viewing angles.

With HDR and Nano IPS technologies, the monitor delivers high-end picture quality with finer details and impeccable color. Thanks to HDR, it flawlessly displays the brightest and darkest objects on the screen. It leverages the 98% DCI-P3 color space to display digital color content with attention to shadow details, saturation, and brightness.

With 600nits of brightness for brighter and more precise content, the UltraFine Display monitor cements its position as the best monitor for editing and all-around post-production works in photography.

Connectivity

UltraFine’s dominance in photography extends to the selection of ports. While it may not provide as many ports as the Asus ProArt monitor, it packs the most useful ports to get you started without purchasing a dock.

Onboard, you get two Thunderbolt 3 ports, one with a power output of 60W to charge your mac, two USB ports for more connectivity, a headphone slot, and a single HDMI and DisplayPort for extra display connection.

The monitor supports daisy-chaining Thunderbolt 3 enabled devices with its dual Thunderbolt 3 ports to help minimize the amount of cabling on your desk.

• 2x Thunderbolt 3
• 1x DisplayPort
• 1x HDMI
• 2x USB-A
• 1x 3.5mm headphone jack

Our Take

There isn’t much to say about the UltraFine Display 32UL950; it’s the best photo monitor. If you are a photographer or content creator looking for a precise tool to manage your image and video editing tasks, this monitor should be your top pick.

The LG UltraFine provides everything you need as a content creator, from unparalleled picture quality and impeccable color accuracy to broader viewing angles and plenty of display modes, including screen split and picture-in-picture, to provide a lifelike experience.

13. Dell UltraSharp 40″ Curved WUHD Monitor (U4021QW)

The new Dell UltraSharp U4021QW is arguably the best Thunderbolt 3 monitor for business and productivity. The monitor, which also won a CES 2021 innovation award, is the world’s first 40-inch ultrawide curved WUHD (5K2K) monitor.

The design of the monitor fits perfectly in the business workspace. The premium platinum silver finish at the back and on the stand adds some excellent aesthetics to your desktop. It blends well with the latest generation notebooks, especially the Precision line-up. The screen is curved, as you would expect for a monitor of this size, and features Dell ComfortView Plus to protect your eyes when working for extended periods.

Dell includes an ergonomically designed stand with a -5 to 21-degree tilt range, a -30 to 30-degree swivel, and a 120mm height adjustment. The monitor also supports 100×100 mm VESA mounts.

Like most ultrawide monitors, this monitor includes several productivity tools. You can easily split the screen using Dell Easy Arrange to open multiple apps at once or view content from two different PCs. The built-in (auto) KVM switch makes it easy to control multiple PCs connected to the monitor using a single keyboard and mouse set. Features like these make the UltraSharp U4021QW a good option for multi-taskers such as analysts, IT admins, programmers, and traders.

Image Quality

Despite its massive 40-inch screen, this monitor delivers sharp picture quality thanks to its whopping 5120 x 2160 resolution and IPS panel. It has 140 pixels per inch, which results in detailed images and crisper text. If you’re a content creator, the UltraSharp U4021QW with 100% sRGB,100% Rec. 709, and 98% DCI-P3 offers excellent color performance for your creative work.

The only place we wouldn’t recommend this monitor is gaming. With a 60Hz refresh rate and 8ms GtG response time (5ms in fast mode), it may not be the best option for competitive gaming.

Connectivity

For a monitor dedicated to ultimate business productivity, it does not disappoint in terms of ports. The Thunderbolt 3 port with 90W Power Delivery is the highlight as it allows you to charge even the demanding Dell XPS 15 and MacBook Pros.

Other ports include a USB-C port with 15W, a single DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0 inputs, a single USB upstream, four USB 3.2 Gen2 downstream ports, another USB 3.2 Gen2 with BC1.2 charging, an RJ-45 Ethernet port, and a headphone jack.

• 1x Thunderbolt 3
• 1x DisplayPort
• 2x HDMI
• 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
• 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
• 1x USB-B Upstream
• 1x RJ-45
• 1x 3.5mm headphone jack

Our Take

We’ve seen large ultrawide monitors in the past, but none includes the best combination of size and clarity. If you want more screen real estate without compromising the image quality, the UltraSharp U4021QW is the kind of monitor you need. It might be more expensive than the existing ultrawide monitors on the market. Still, considering the stunning picture quality, multitasking tools, including PIP/PBP/KVM, and the choice of ports you’re getting, it’s worth paying extra.

Choosing the Best Thunderbolt Monitor – Our Buying Guide

Are you wondering what Thunderbolt’s capabilities relate to your monitor? Well, the answer is here.

With any Thunderbolt monitor, you can connect up to two 4K displays at a 60Hz refresh rate or a single monitor at 8K resolution with Thunderbolt 4 to see your photos and videos with incredible detail. Daisy-chaining lets you connect multiple Thunderbolt devices to your monitor and declutter your workstation. You don’t have to worry about charging your notebook anymore if you are using a Thunderbolt monitor as they offer Power Delivery of up to 100W, enough to charge your laptop.

There are different options available in the market for Thunderbolt monitors. While this process might seem straightforward, beginners are often challenged when looking for an ideal one.

To help with your quest, here’s what to look for when buying a Thunderbolt monitor:

Size

The size of the monitor refers to the diagonal measurement of the screen. There is a range of monitor sizes in the market. Size should be a defining factor when selecting the ideal monitor for your needs. Why?

The big and ultrawide monitors are perfect for wider viewing angles and multitasking. For instance, the Samsung 34-Inch CJ791 Ultrawide Curved monitor provides a wide viewing angle, excellent for gaming and running multiple programs for your professional use.

Middle-sized monitors can be a perfect choice for users who prefer multiple displays. With this, you can use multiple monitors without cluttering your desk. It’s essential to evaluate your desk real estate before buying your preferred monitor.

Resolution

What resolution does the monitor support? The resolution is the number of pixels the monitor uses to display an image. A monitor with 4K resolution and impeccable color accuracy will be the best pick if you are after crystal-clear graphics and sharper images.

However, it is worth noting that monitors with higher resolutions carry a considerable price tag, albeit you will get good value from them.

There are lower-budget options that provide quality graphics for pocket-friendly prices. You can get up to 2560 x 1440-pixel resolutions with a lower price range than the competitive 4K and 5K monitors. The average computer user, or gamer, can consider lower resolutions monitors when picture quality is not of prime importance.

Pixels Per Inch (PPI)

If your eyes are on a bigger monitor, you need to be careful of the monitor’s resolution. That’s because a monitor’s resolution and size determine an essential aspect of the display known as Pixels Per Inch (PPI).

High PPI is always better as it results in sharp picture quality and crisper text.

A Full HD (1920×1080) resolution on a 27-inch monitor has 82PPI, which may result in fuzzy images and blurry text. But if you upgrade to a 4K (3840×2160) resolution on the same monitor, the pixel density jumps to 163PPI, meaning sharp, detailed images with crisper text.

Pro Tip: Always aim for more than 90PPI.

Below is the recommended minimum resolution at each size for better picture quality.

Size	Recommended Resolution (minimum)	Pixel Density
24-inch	FHD (1920×1080)	92 PPI
27-inch	QHD (2560×1440)	109 PPI
32-inch	QHD (2560×1440)	92 PPI
34-inch Ultrawide	WQHD (3440×1440)	110 PPI
38-inch Ultrawide	WQHD+ (3840×1600)	111 PPI
40-inch Ultrawide	WUHD (5120×2160)	140 PPI
43-inch Ultrawide	WQHD+ (3840×1200)	94 PPI
43-inch	4K UHD (3840×2160)	102 PPI
49-inch Ultrawide	Dual QHD (5120×1440)	109 PPI

 

LCD Panel Types

Different LCD monitors feature different panel types.

TN (Twisted Nematic) panel is the most common panel type and the best option when you are on a strict budget. TN provides fast response times and the highest refresh rates, up to 240Hz, compared to the other panel types. If you use a laptop with excellent refresh rates, you will be running for smooth gameplay.

The downside of the TN panel type is their poor color accuracy and the worst viewing angles of all the others.

IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel is another type that’s regarded as the best overall LCD technology in terms of color accuracy and wider viewing angles. They are often used in high-end displays for excellent color reproduction, best viewing angles, and great refresh rates. This should be your ideal choice if you are a professional photographer or into graphics-intensive gaming.

The benefits of the IPS panel type come at a hefty price tag compared to the other types.

VA (Vertical Alignment) panels are the option for people who prefer a budget-friendly option. They offer excellent color accuracy and good viewing angles but are not as good as the IPS. The best-selling point of VA is the ability to block excess light from its backlight, which leads to excellent blacks, a higher contrast ratio, and vibrant colors.

We recommend checking our related guide on this topic for an in-depth guide on LCD panel types.

Screen Split Software & KVM Switch

Ultrawide monitors are becoming more popular than multiple-monitor setups. Ultrawide monitors offer more screen real estate for multitasking and office productivity.

A screen split software can help you benefit more from the massive screen space. It specifically allows you to partition the screen into different layouts of multiple windows so you can open more apps side-by-side like you would on dual monitors.

On the other hand, KVM Switch is a productivity tool that allows you to view content from two different PCs and control them using a single keyboard-mouse setup. It will enable you to share the display, keyboard, and mouse with two or more computers.

The ThinkVision P40w-20 comes with a screen split software called True Split and a built-in KVM switch for seamless multitasking.

If you’re buying a Thunderbolt 4 ultrawide monitor for productivity and office use, ensure it comes with screen split software and a built-in KVM switch. Sure, you can get a third-party KVM switch or split-screen software, but that will accrue extra costs.

VRR Support

Thunderbolt 4 monitors are mostly designed for office use and productivity, and they rarely feature higher refresh rates. The LG 40WP95C comes with a 72Hz refresh rate, which is not ideal for competitive gaming.

If you were to play games on this monitor, there is a high chance of screen tearing. Extreme screen tearing results in a terrible gaming experience and can even make games unplayable.

One way to counter this is to select a monitor with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology, such as FreeSync. VRR syncs the GPU’s frame rates to the refresh rate of a monitor, resulting in a smooth and fluid gaming experience.

The LG 40WP95C combines a 72Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync to deliver smooth gameplay. It’s the best yet for a Thunderbolt 4 monitor.

Ergonomics

A Thunderbolt 4 monitor with tilt, pivot, swivel, and height adjustments is the best for office use and productivity. Ergonomic monitors let you adjust the screen to your favorite viewing position for comfortable viewing and use.

If your monitor’s height is too low, that means you have to bend your head repeatedly when using the monitor. Do that for eight hours a day, seven days a week, and you’ll soon be visiting a chiropractor.

It’s essential to buy a Thunderbolt 4 monitor with a fully-adjustable stand if you’ll spend more hours working for safety and comfort. Note that ultrawide monitors don’t support pivot adjustments because they are too wide; you can rotate them into portrait mode.

Connectivity – Number of Ports

If you own one of the latest laptops, you’ll quickly realize you have fewer ports than expected. Actually, most Thunderbolt laptops like the MacBook and Dell XPS only come with Type-C ports.

Getting a monitor with more ports can save you the hassle of disconnecting and connecting devices or buying dongles and docking stations. The best Thunderbolt 4 monitors should come with extra video ports (HDMI or DisplayPort), a couple of USB-A ports, and other connectivity options like a headphone jack.

The ThinkVision P40w-20 is the best Thunderbolt 4 monitor in terms of connectivity. It has 12 ports of connectivity, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, four USB-A ports, and an extra USB-C port.

The Best Thunderbolt Monitors – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the max refresh rate supported by Thunderbolt 4 video output?

Thunderbolt 4 supports refresh rates of up to 240Hz at 1440p resolution, 120Hz at 4K, and 60Hz at 8K. It also supports dual 4K displays at a 60Hz refresh rate.

Can you daisy chain Thunderbolt 3 monitors?

Yes, you can daisy-chain up to two Thunderbolt monitors for a multi-monitor setup. The monitors must have at least two Thunderbolt ports for daisy-chaining.

Is Thunderbolt the same as USB C?

No. Thunderbolt is not the same as USB-C. While both use a Type-C connector, Thunderbolt has a higher 40Gbps bandwidth, which provides more outstanding performance than USB-C, which peaks at 20Gbps.

How many monitors can I connect through Thunderbolt 3?

Thunderbolt 3 supports dual 4K monitors at 60Hz or a single 5K monitor at 60Hz. And a Thunderbolt 4 port supports dual 4K monitors at 60Hz or an 8K monitor at 60Hz.

Why are there so few Thunderbolt 4 monitors on the market?

Apart from supporting 8K monitors, there is little difference between Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 3. So, it offers little advantage over Thunderbolt 3 as 8K content is still emerging and not as mainstream as 4K.

Should I buy a Thunderbolt 4 monitor?

If you already have a Thunderbolt 3 monitor, it makes no sense to upgrade to Thunderbolt 4 unless you have 8K content you want to watch or work with. However, if you have an older monitor that you need to upgrade, Thunderbolt 4 is the way to go. You’ll get all the benefits of Thunderbolt 3 and be future-ready when 8K becomes mainstream.