The best way to connect your Apple MacBook Pro to a monitor is through a USB Type-C cable. You can choose from high-speed Thunderbolt 4 cables to regular HDMI cables. All you need is a USB Type-C head or a USB Type-C adapter, and you should be in the clear. Naturally, USB Type-C Power Delivery cables save you from the hassles of connecting separate power cables. If that’s what you’re looking for, here’s a list of the best USB-C cables to connect your MacBook to a monitor.
Using an external monitor with your Mac can improve your productivity to a large extent. Moreover, you can run multiple windows to multitask or watch your favorite shows and movies on a large screen. Depending on the type of monitor you have, we’ve included several options all the way from USB-C to C cables to USB-C to HDMI and DisplayPort options. But before we get to the USB-C cables for external displays –
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1. Belkin Thunderbolt 4 Cable
The Belkin Thunderbolt 4 cable is for you if you do not want to compromise on speed and bandwidth. It is an Intel-certified Thunderbolt 4 cable and supports all TB4 features, including 40Gbps bandwidth. Thunderbolt cables work over USB Type-C, so you do not have to use an adapter.
The advantage of the higher bandwidth is that it allows you to connect up to dual 4K monitors. Of course, the monitors have to be Thunderbolt capable. At the same time, the support for 100W Power Delivery means you do not have to use a power cable to juice your laptop. The Belkin Thunderbolt 4 cable will take care of that.
That said, it’s a simple cable with no braiding. Nevertheless, it’s robust, and the 1-meter length gives you ample wriggle room to route the cable as per your advantages.
Alternatively, you can check out the Cable Matters 40 Gbps Active Thunderbolt 4 Cable.
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2. Baseus 100W USB Type-C Cable
If you do not need the high bandwidth of Thunderbolt 4 cables, the Baseus USB Type-C cable is the next best thing. It’s a USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable and can power the MacBook Pro up to 100W. Secondly, it’s nylon braided which adds to its durability. Plus, braided cables also tangle less.
The Power Delivery support means you can use this single cable to supply power and video signals. So yeah, less cable clutter on your desk. It’s a versatile cable and can also power your MacBook Pro and can charge 75% in around an hour.
It delivers video signals from the MacBook Pro to the monitor with ease. There’s no drop in quality. This Baseus cable is certified. It’s a popular USB Type-C cable and has over 3,000 user ratings to its credit. Users love its well-made nature and the long cable length (3.3m). Also, it’s not expensive either.
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3. Nimaso USB Type-C to USB Type-C Charging Cable
Another USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable that you can check out is the one by Nimaso. This one is a USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 2 cable that offers up to 10Gbps in speed and 100W power. At the same time, the high bandwidth means you get up to 4K resolution at 60Hz. This cable comes braided for better durability.
The Nimaso USB Type-C cable transfers the video signal from your MacBook Pro to the monitor. Users note that it transfers video signals seamlessly without any lags and glitches.
At the same time, it’s built to last. The slim form factor ensures that you can fit it easily into your monitor. It’s a popular cable on Amazon and has received more than 6,000 user ratings, with people appreciating its affordable price factor and sturdy build.
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4. uni Store USB Type-C to HDMI Cable
HDMI ports in monitors are one of the most common connectors, and if your monitor has one of those, it’s best to resort to the good old USB Type-C to HDMI cables. While you do not get the advantage of connecting a single line for video and power, you can still connect to a standard 4K monitor and still get a refresh rate of 30Hz. On non-4K monitors, you will get the full 60Hz.
The uni HDMI cable is a lightweight but braided cable. As noted earlier, the braiding prevents the cable from fraying. The company advertises that this braided USB Type-C cable can survive innumerable bends.
Their well-made and durable nature makes them apt for long-term use. If you have more than one monitor, you can get the aid of a USB Type-C hub to connect your MacBook Pro to multiple monitors.
The uni Store’s USB Type-C to HDMI cable is popular on Amazon and has raked in more than 18,000 user ratings. Buy it if you like to add an inexpensive and sturdy USB Type-C cable to your desktop. And the default length of 6ft makes the deal even sweeter.
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5. Warrky USB Type-C to HDMI Cable
Another USB Type-C to HDMI cable you can try is the one by Warkky. It has a long aluminum jacket that makes it easy to hold and grip it, especially when plugging or unplugging. Plus, the space grey of the cable matches well with that of the space grey MacBooks. It is a USB Type-C 3.1 gen cable, and like all USB Type-C to HDMI cables, it can’t power your laptop.
This USB Type-C to HDMI cable is available in multiple lengths, and the default length of 3ft and 6ft gives you enough flexibility to arrange your MacBook Pro and monitor as per your preference. The gold-plated plugs ensure a solid connection when connected to a monitor.
Additionally, the braided exterior of the cable ensures good longevity. Despite being made of high-quality materials, the Warrky USB-C to HDMI cable is priced relatively well making it a good option on a budget.
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6. uni USB Type-C to DisplayPort Cable
Do you have one of those gaming monitors connected to your PlayStation, that you’d want to connect to your MacBook Pro? If yes, it’s a USB Type-C to DisplayPort cable that you are looking for. The one by uni is a sturdy USB Type-C cable that supports up to 4K@60Hz. Like its counterparts on this list, it is a braided cable and is durable and sturdy. The best part is that the strain relief has a dotted texture, making it grippy.
It works as advertised and brings sharp picture quality to the table. There’s no lag, and neither are there any glitches in the video signal. It’s one of the well-liked USB Type-C to DisplayPort cables out there and has more than 6,000 user ratings on Amazon.
The uni USB Type-C to DisplayPort cable has superb build quality. Provided you take good care of it, it should last a long time. The only limitation is that the braided body makes it a tad stiff.
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7. Apple Thunderbolt 4 USB-C Pro Cable
Trust Apple to make some of the best high-quality accessories for all its products! This Thunderbolt 4 USB-C cable from the brand is the only one of its kind. While there are several Thunderbolt 4 cables, the Apple Pro cable is the only one that’s three meters long.
It’s an engineering challenge to make a Thunderbolt 4 USB-C cable that’s more than two meters long. Apple, though, has made it possible which is also the reason for the exorbitant price tag. Despite being priced much more than most cables on this list, we would say the price tag is more or less justified since you have no other options apart from this if you’re specifically looking for a Thunderbolt 4 cable that’s over two meters long.
The cable is also braided and supports data transfer speeds up to 40Gbps. Reviews also suggest the cable is incredibly sturdy and users have had no issues with connectivity when used across different monitors. If your Mac is situated far from your display, the Apple Thunderbolt 4 cable Pro is your only go-to option.
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Here’s to Two Screens
These were some of the USB Type-C cables to connect your MacBook Pro to monitors. The whole thing ultimately boils down to the ports on your monitor. And once you have that, the next best thing to do is to figure out which ports will get you the best possible deal.
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Last updated on 28 February, 2024
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