The Mac Mini is compact, reliable, and capable of handling almost anything you throw at it. However, its lack of a built-in display means choosing the right monitor is essential to getting the most out of it.
Whether youāre a creative professional, a budding gamer, or someone who is working from home, finding the perfect display can help elevate your workflow.
In this guide, weāll explore:
- What to look for when shopping for a Mac Mini monitor
- The best monitors for Mac Mini on the market now
- How to use a Mac or iPad as a monitor for Mac Mini with Luna Display.
Letās dive in!
What Makes a Great Monitor for Mac Mini?
Before we get into specific recommendations, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a monitor:
Compatibility: macOS works best with monitors that support P3 wide color and higher resolutions, ensuring a crisp and vibrant experience.
Display Quality: 4K and 5K monitors deliver sharp images, rich colors, and smooth video playback, making them ideal for anyone looking to enhance their visual experience.
Ports & Connectivity: Look for monitors with Thunderbolt, USB-C, or HDMI connections for seamless integration with your Mac Mini. Luna Display acts as a Thunderbolt Display, connecting seamlessly with your Mac Mini and secondary Mac or iPad.
Size & Space: Consider your desk setupāwhile a large 5K monitor is perfect for detailed work, a compact or portable monitor might be better suited for smaller spaces or those who prefer a minimal setup.
Best Monitors of 2025
Ready to find the perfect display for your Mac Mini? Here are the top monitor options for 2025:
Apple Studio Display
Why Itās a Great Choice: This is Appleās premium monitor, so it pairs perfectly with Mac devices. It also has a stunning 5K resolution, P3 wide color, and even built-in speakers.
Who Itās For: Creative pros who want the best of the best and donāt mind splurging.
Something to Consider: Itās pricey, but the quality is top-notch.
Price: $1599 – $1899
LG UltraFine 4K Monitor
Why Itās a Great Choice: LG is a trusted household name, and this monitor is a popular choice among macOS users, thanks to its vibrant visuals. It also offers versatile connectivity options, including USB-C and Thunderbolt.
Who Itās For: Everyday users and professionals who want great quality without breaking the bank.
Something to Consider: It offers slightly less brightness than its high-end competitors, but often, customers are not bothered by this minimal difference.
Price: $379.99 – $549.99
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE
Why Itās a Great Choice: This is a versatile, budget-friendly 4K monitor with excellent color accuracy and a good selection of ports.
Who Itās For: Those looking for reliable performance at a lower price point.
Something to Consider: The 4K resolution of this monitor might result in less than optimal scaling on macOS, and its USB-C ports lack full Thunderbolt support, which could limit performance in some setups. However, itās still a strong option for those who are more conscious of their budget.
Price: $435
ASUS ProArt Display PA32UCX
Why Itās a Great Choice: Perfect for those working with HDR content, with exceptional brightness and color accuracy.
Who Itās For: Filmmakers and graphic designers who need higher-than-average visuals.
Something to Consider: Itās a large investment, but worth it if you need unmatched precision and accuracy.
Price: $1899
Luna Display: A Resourceful Alternative
Now, letās talk about something different: What if you didnāt need a traditional Mac Mini monitor and could instead use your old Mac as a display, rather than just collecting dust?
Thatās exactly where Luna Display comes in! Itās a game-changing option for those seeking flexibility, portability, and simplicity.Ā
What is Luna Display:
Luna Display is your key to unlocking the full potential of your Mac Mini or primary computer. By plugging the Luna Display unit into the Thunderbolt port on your primary computer, you can transform your iPad or another Mac into a high-quality, responsive display.
Whether you connect wirelessly via WiFi or through a wired setup with Ethernet, USB, or Thunderbolt, Luna ensures a smooth, low-latency experience that feels effortless.
Simple, effective, and designed to maximize your devices, Luna Display eliminates the need for costly or bulky external monitors. Whether youāre working, designing, or seeking a clutter-free setup, Luna gives you the freedom to create your ideal workspace.
Why Luna Display Stands Out:
Use the Tech You Already Have: If you own an iPad or another Mac, Luna Display lets you make the most of your existing devices. This also helps to fight against technology waste within our communities ā a win-win for everyone!
Perfect for Small Spaces: No need for a big monitor if youāre short on space āplug the Luna Display unit into your primary computer and utilize your iPad or Mac as a display.
Headless Mode Flexibility: Luna Display lets you use your Mac or iPad screen without needing an extra monitor (after initial setup). Itās the ideal solution to maximize your secondary deviceās display.
Creative Tools: Pair Luna Display with an iPad to unlock the power of the Apple Pencil for drawing, editing, and more. Luna also works with iPad touch gestures and external keyboards. For more advanced creative workflows, Astropad Studio offers customizable features to optimize and streamline your workspace and can be used with Luna Display.
Who Luna Display is For:
Anyone! Luna Display is an innovative option for anyone looking to take advantage of the devices they already have at home. Why spend more when you can use what you have?
Minimalists: Ideal for those who prefer a clean, clutter-free setup without the need for a bulky external monitor.
On-the-Go Users: Set up a portable workstation anywhere āthe coffee shop, your hotel room, you name it!
Things to Keep in Mind:
Luna Display requires you to have a compatible secondary device, like an iPad or another Mac. If you donāt already own one, the cost of purchasing an additional device could outweigh the benefits of Luna.
Luna Display also occupies a port on your Mac Mini, which might be a concern for users with limited Thunderbolt ports, so Luna Display users may need to purchase an extra hub to utilize with their peripherals.
How to Set Up Luna Display with Your Mac Mini
Plug It In: Insert the Luna Display dongle into your Mac Miniās Thunderbolt port.
Download the App: Install the Luna Display app on your Mac Mini and your secondary device (like an iPad or iMac).
Follow the Setup Steps: Use our guide to set up your device in Headless Mode: Headless Mode ā Setting up Luna Display
Customize Your Setup: Adjust your display settings, such as resolution, to fit your needs. To find out more, check out our Knowledge Base!
Whether youāre after a high-end option like the Apple Studio Display, a dependable budget option like the Dell UltraSharp, or a unique solution like Luna Display, thereās a perfect choice to complement your Mac Mini. It ultimately comes down to what matters most to you!
Luna Display offers a flexible and innovative approach, perfect for those who want to maximize their existing devices or streamline their workspace. It’s the ideal addition to make your Mac Mini fully headless.
Ready to see how Luna Display can elevate your Mac Mini experience?
