One of the best things about the Apple M1 Mac Mini is choosing the display you want for your desktop setup. Alongside its signature Thunderbolt port, the M1 Mac Mini comes with an HDMI port. So if your job doesn’t require it, you can hook up a Mac Mini to a simple budget monitor instead of investing in an expensive Thunderbolt monitor.
If you’re looking for a good budget monitor for your Apple M1 Mac Mini, here are our top recommendations. But before that,
- Here are the best HDMI adapters for the MacBook Pro
- Which USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C cables should you buy and why
1. Acer SB220Q Zero Frame Monitor
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (21.5 inches) | refresh rate: 75Hz | Panel: IPS
- ports: 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x VGA
The screen is bright for the price. If we talk in numbers, it can go up to 250 cd/m2. At the same time, the pixel density is good at 102PPI and it can display content without any visible pixelation. The colors are accurate and the IPS panel brings a wide viewing angle.
As a budget watcher, you’ll have to compromise on some aspects – that’s the number of ports. The Acer SB220Q only includes one HDMI port and one VGA port. Fortunately, you’ll be able to make the most of the HDMI port on the Mac Mini. However, you cannot connect your PC or console to it.
If you want a simple setup and screen size isn’t a big deal, the Acer SB220Q is a smart choice.
2. ViewSonic VP2458 1080p Monitor
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (24 inches) | refresh rate: 60Hz | Panel: IPS
- ports: 2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x Mini-DisplayPort, 1 x DisplayPort Out, 1x USB Input, 4 x USB 3.0 Out
The Viewsonic VP2458 includes an IPS display and has a wide viewing angle as above. The screen is bright and can go up to 250 cd/m2. For a monitor that costs less than $300, this feature is a bonus.
The Viewsonic monitor is slightly better when it comes to connectivity options. It includes two HDMI ports, two DisplayPort inputs, a single USB 3.0 upstream port and four USB 3.0 downstream ports. Now, this is something.
You can use the Thunderbolt USB port on your Mini or the humble HDMI to establish the connection.
And if you plan to use this monitor on a Windows system, you can take full advantage of the DisplayPort Out port to daisy chain multiple monitors. Is not it beautiful?
Finally, the 24-inch Viewsonic VP2458 features a frameless monitor, making it suitable for a dual monitor setup. It has also garnered its fair share of positive reviews on Amazon. Users love the image quality and glossy panels.
Not without its problems. For example, the Viewsonic VP2458 comes with optional hardware-based calibration software called Calibration+. Unfortunately, this software is not compatible with the M1-based Mac Mini.
3. LG 24MP88HV-S Neo Blade III Monitor
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (24 inches) | refresh rate: 75Hz | Panel: IPS
- ports: 2 x HDMI, 1 x VGA
First of all, the LG 24MP88HV-S pairs perfectly with the Mac Mini M1 and many users have mentioned it in their reviews.
It delivers accurate colors and has a high contrast ratio, which is perhaps one of the best things about this budget monitor.
In terms of connectivity, things are pretty simple. Along with dual HDMI ports, it comes with a legacy VGA port and a mini joystick controller. Interestingly, they bundle a pair of 5W speakers and sound pretty loud.
A popular monitor on Amazon. Users praised the excellent image quality and the price-to-value offer.
4. ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV
- Resolution: 2560×1440 (27 inches) | refresh rate: 75Hz | Panel: IPS
- ports: 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x DisplayPort Out, 4 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB-C
Second, it means you’ll enjoy smooth scrolling and navigation, while high resolution means clear and sharp visuals.
ProArt Display PA278CV is aimed at creatives as it delivers rich and accurate colours. It can display 100% of the sRGB color gamut.
Also, this budget tracker has ample ports. Each comes with DisplayPort and HDMI port. Then there’s the DisplayPort Out port, 4 USB 3.0 ports and a USB-C port. It is worth noting that the USB-C port is capable of delivering up to 65W of power. So if you have a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, you can connect the USB-C cable directly to the laptop.
The ProArt Display PA278CV monitor is popular on Amazon. Users praised it for its image quality and affordable price. Note, however, that there have been reports of the in-box USB-C cable malfunctioning on some M1-based Macs.
Bigger Screen
While there are quite a few budget options available for the Mac Mini M1, LG’s will likely be the best fit. It blends well with the Mini and has an excellent balance of features. Also, it’s not expensive either.
If you want some high resolution, the Asus ProArt Display is worth every penny.
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