5 Best Second Monitors for iMac M3 in 2024

The iMac M3 is a powerhouse of a desktop, but even the mightiest machine can benefit from a trusty sidekick. The 24-inch 4.5K monitor offers excellent visuals and clarity, but having a second monitor can take things to the next level. Thanks to the added room to keep added applications open at the same time, it takes your productivity and multitasking to the next level. However, with so many options out there, what are the best second monitors for the iMac M3? That’s what this article is all about.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the top monitors on the market, that can be used as a secondary monitor for your iMac M3. Also, these aren’t just any monitors, they have a similar feature set and panel quality to complement your iMac. At the end of the day, you’ll be able to elevate your productivity, while also maintaining the elegance of your setup. So let’s take a look at the best options on the market.

But first, you might want to check out the following:

• Complete your setup with these M3 iMac Accessories that you must buy.
• Do you use your iMac for content creation? Check out these mice for photo and video editing.
• Want to upgrade your iMac’s webcam? Use one of these Continuity camera mounts for your iPhone with your iMac.

1. Dell S2721QS

• Screen size: 27-inches
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K)
• Peak brightness: 350 nits

The Dell S2721QS stands out thanks to its impressive 27-inch 4K UHD display, offering users a visually stunning and detailed viewing experience. The monitor’s resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels ensures crisp and vibrant images, making it an excellent choice for tasks that demand high visual fidelity, such as photo editing or graphic design. The slim and modern design of the monitor, coupled with its virtually borderless InfinityEdge display, not only enhances its aesthetics but also provides an immersive viewing experience.

It is also well-complimented with a sturdy stand that looks quite premium and allows for a lot of adjustability. At a peak brightness of 350 nits, it’s not as bright as your iMac’s display, but it should get the job done for most folks. As for connectivity, there’s no USB-C input, so you will have to use a USB-C to HDMI port for this monitor. Those are short drawbacks, which aren’t a deal breaker, especially if you’re shopping on a budget.

2. LG 24MD4KL-B

• Screen size: 24-inches
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K)
• Peak brightness: 500 nits

The LG 24MD4KL-B caters to users who prefer a slightly smaller display without compromising on performance. This 24-inch 4K UltraFine monitor is designed specifically for Apple products, ensuring seamless integration with iMac M3. You can use either of the two Thunderbolt 3 for connecting the display. Add to that, the monitor also includes three more USB-C ports that you can use for connecting other peripherals.

As for the panel itself, it’s quite similar to the iMac. Compared to the iMac’s 4.5K panel, the LG 24MD4KL-B offers a 4K panel with a pixel density of 185 ppi. It shares the same 500 nits of peak brightness, supporting a wide color gamut at 98% DCI-P3 coverage. The stand itself allows for both height and tilt adjustability, to create a setup most suitable to your needs. While a black colorway monitor will stand out next to your iMac, its functionality and quality make it one of the best monitors to pair with the iMac M3.

However, if you’re willing to shop for a little less from the house of LG for a 24-inch 4K panel, you’d have to compromise on the peak brightness with the LG 24UD58-B. It doesn’t get any points for its thick bezels, but the panel has excellent quality and is loved by customers to be a great external monitor for iMac.

3. BenQ PD2725U

• Screen size: 27-inches
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K)
• Peak brightness: 400 nits

BenQ’s PD2725U is tailored for professionals who demand exceptional color accuracy in their work. The 27-inch 4K UHD display boasts impressive color reproduction of 100% Rec.709 & sRGB coverage along with 95% DCI-P3 coverage. This makes it an ideal choice of an extra monitor for the iMac for graphic designers, video editors, and other creative professionals. Add to that, the monitor comes with BenQ Display Pilot and BenQ ICCsync. This allows you to seamlessly sync the color profiles of your iMac and the panel with ease.

As for connectivity, the PD2725U comes with plenty of options, including USB-C Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. It also includes a built-in KVM switch, which comes in handy if you wish to connect another MacBook to the monitor while still using the same peripherals. The product is rated to be completely compatible with macOS, allowing for easy color profile switching and adjustments. Additionally, BenQ ships the monitor with its Hotkey Puck G2. Loved by customers, it’s a programmable puck that can be used to control the monitor as per your liking.

If you don’t care much about the design and want similar features on a budget, you can check out the ASUS ProArt PA279CRV Display. It’s a similar 27-inch 4K display with exceptional color accuracy. ASUS is also throwing in a free 3-month Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription with every purchase.

4. SAMSUNG ViewFinity S9

• Screen size: 27-inches
• Resolution: 5120 x 2880 pixels (5K)
• Peak brightness: 600 nits

The SAMSUNG ViewFinity S9 brings about a 27-inch panel, with a massive 5120 x 2880 resolution. That translates to a pixel density of 218 ppi, the same as the iMac M3. The panel also offers a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut and an improved peak brightness of 600 nits. If you plan on using it for content creation, you’d embrace the factory-calibrated color accuracy (ΔE < 2). Add to that, it has a matte coating on it to drastically reduce light reflections without obscuring your view.

In terms of connectivity, the monitor makes use of a Thunderbolt 4 port, which is backward compatible with the Thunderbolt 3 on the iMac. But that’s not where the fun ends. The monitor also has a Smart TV OS inside it coupled with dual 5W speakers, so you can use it to stream content while relaxing. It also supports Apple AirPlay, so you can seamlessly cast content from your iPhone to this monitor. And for video calls, the monitor comes with its own 4K SlimFit camera at the top. All things considered, the Samsung ViewFinity S9 is easily one of the best monitors to pair with the iMac M3.

It’s worth noting that if you don’t care about a Smart TV OS and want better multi-window management, you can opt for the LG Ultrafine 27MD5KL-B. It also offers seamless connectivity to iMac, while sharing most features of the SAMSUNG ViewFinity S9. That being said, the S9 is comparatively more affordable while also looking arguably more in line with Apple’s design language. It’s not made from Apple, but the design definitely seems like it, and it works flawlessly with Apple’s products. It does come with a beefy power brick and the speakers aren’t exceptional by any means, but it’s still a lot cheaper compared to Apple’s Studio Display while offering most of its features.

5. Apple Studio Display

• Screen size: 27-inches
• Resolution: 5120 x 2880 pixels (4K)
• Peak brightness: 600 nits

In terms of the design, the Apple Studio Display features a sleek and minimalist aesthetic with thin bezels, allowing the display to take center stage. The ergonomic stand provides stability and allows users to adjust the height and tilt for optimal viewing angles, prioritizing user comfort during extended usage.

At the heart of its appeal is the remarkable 5K Retina display. With a stunning resolution of 5120 x 2880 pixels, this 27-inch display guarantees an immersive visual experience. Whether you’re editing high-resolution images, watching 4K videos, or simply working on everyday tasks, the clarity, and vibrancy of the visuals are truly unparalleled. That being said, do note that the panel is SDR only, and doesn’t support HDR content, which is a shame, especially at this price. For that, Apple offers the Pro Display XDR.

The Studio Display also comes with three USB-C ports to connect and charge devices. And it’s an Apple product, so it blends seamlessly into the ecosystem, allowing smooth connectivity to your iMac. It includes an additional 12MP ultra-wide webcam, with support for Center Stage. Add to that, the monitor also includes studio-quality mics, so you not only look better but even sound better on video calls.

As for entertainment needs, the display also boasts a six-speaker sound system. As per TomsGuide’s review, it delivers excellent sound quality with powerful bass too. Whether you’re watching movies, or listening to music, the built-in speakers provide a rich and immersive sound experience. This also eliminates the need for external speakers, contributing to a clean and minimalist desktop setup.

Let Your Second Monitor Be a Wingman for Your iMac M3

Well, that was our list of the best second monitors for the iMac M3. Each of the monitors discussed in this guide brings its own set of unique features to the table, catering to a diverse range of users. Whether you prioritize high-resolution displays, color accuracy for creative work, seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, or a balance between performance and affordability, there’s an option tailored just for you. Ultimately, the best second monitor for your iMac M3 is the one that aligns with your individual preferences and complements your workflow.