The iPad Pro and iPad Air are packed with amazing hardware and pretty good software. After Apple introduced the M1 chip to these iPads, their performance was higher than ever. As a result, M1 iPad Pro and M1 iPad Air became blockbusters for content creators on the go. To be honest, there’s nothing wrong with iPads, but they need a bigger display. Since Apple is not going to help us with that anytime soon, we can take the alternative route. Yes, we are talking about external monitors, aka external displays or secondary screens. There can be situations where you want to connect your iPad to a monitor for the sake of work, gaming, or binge-watching your favorite web series. You might not be aware, but external monitors are a lifesaver in such instances. But, there is still a problem with extending the display especially if your iPad Air and iPad are running on the previous OS version.
With iPadOS 15, external monitor support is possible, but users are compelled to accept the resigned experience with black bars on the sides, above, and below the displaying area. It is some sort of letterboxing that doesn’t look good at all.
But, with iPadOS 16, this seems to get fixed as the updated OS brings full external display support. The iPadOS 16 makes the external display monitor support feel like you’re using macOS. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to update your iPad and look for suitable monitors for your iPad Air and iPad Pro.
We understand that there are thousands of monitors available in the market, which makes it difficult for you to choose one. That’s why we’ll walk you through some of the tried and tested best monitors for the M2 iPad Pro, M1 iPad Pro, and iPad Air that will suit the needs of most users.
Please note that you should update your iPad Air and iPad Pro to iPadOS 16 or above to enjoy full external display support (without black bars).
Without any further ado, let’s jump right into the list of best external monitors for iPad Air and iPad Pro that you can buy in 2022.
Note: We update our article from time to time to cover the latest products available in the market, based on our in-hand testing results.
Disclaimer: We have a few options on the list that don’t have USB-C connectivity. But, don’t worry, you can always connect your iPads to an external monitor by using any USB-C to HDMI adapter or USB-C adapter for the iPad.
List of best monitor M1/M2 iPad Pro and iPad Air in 2022
1. LG Ultrafine 4K Monitor (Best Overall)
Highlights:
- Multiple ports including USB Type-C connectivity
- Ergonomic design
- 4K resolution
- Virtually bezels from three sides
- FreeSync compatible
Built-in speakers: Yes
Model number: 27UN850-W
If you are looking for the best premium 4K monitor for M2 iPad Pro, M1 iPad Pro, and iPad Air, the LG Ultrafine 4K monitor is an excellent choice. It is amongst the best iPad
external monitors for productivity that you can get in 2022. It features a 27-inch 4K IPS display with a vibrant 3840 x 2160 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. This UHD display is superb for iPad Pro users who are looking to utilize the Stage Manager on a larger display to streamline the workflow. This 4K monitor for iPad Pro M2 comes with some high-end features in a modern and sleek profile. As far as connectivity is concerned, the LG Ultrasharp 4K monitor sports the following ports through which you can connect and mirror your M1 iPad Air.
- 2 x HDMI input port
- 1 x DisplayPort
- 1 x upstream USB-C port,
- 2 x downstream USB 3.0 ports, and
- 1 x USB port – only to be used for service
Thanks to the 99% sRGB color gamut, this external monitor for iPad Air delivers exceptional visuals and vibrant colors for an immersive viewing experience. Let’s not forget that this external display for M1 iPad Pro can be used for color-critical tasks like image editing, and graphic designing. This makes it one of the top choices for creative professionals and graphic designers on a budget. Since this external monitor comes with a USB-C port, it will flawlessly mirror your iPads and even a Galaxy Tab on a larger display to level up your productivity. As a professional monitor for iPad users, the LG 27UN850-W ticks all the necessary boxes without breaking the bank.
Please note that there’s also a 32” variant available for this iPad Pro monitor.
If you are looking for similar specs and features, but for a more affordable price, we recommend going with the LG 27UL500-W 27-inch 4K Monitor.
Also read: Best Ultrawide Monitors for MacBook Pro in 2022
2. BenQ 32-inch Thunderbolt 3 4K Monitor (Premium Option)
Highlights:
- Thunderbolt 3 connectivity and Daisy-chain support
- The ergonomic stand supports swivel, height, tilt, and pivot adjustment
- UHD (4K) resolution
- Improved HotKey Puck controller
- Built-in KVM switch.
Built-in speaker: Yes
Model number: PD3220U
The BenQ PD3220U is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a 4K monitor for the M1 iPad Pro that also doubles as a photo and video editing monitor. It is one of the best premium monitors for the new M2 iPad Pro as well as the latest iPad Air that comes with Thunderbolt 3 support. This 4K monitor features a 32-inch UHD display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels and a refresh rate of 60Hz. It is backed by AQcolor technology which delivers exceptional color accuracy and color reproduction with 100% sRGB and DCI-P3 color space. This makes the BenQ PD3220U an excellent monitor for graphic designers, photo editors, and videographers who with color grading, and editing. As a bonus, there are different designer modes CAD/CAM mode, Darkroom mode, and Animation mode for content creators and professionals to explore. Creative professionals can utilize these features to deliver impeccable content using just their iPads.
This 4K monitor for iPad Pro also offers a healthy selection of ports, making it a suitable professional accessory for other Apple Silicon Macs like the Mac Studio. Here’s a quick look:
- 2 x HDMI 2.0 port
- 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 port
- 1 x USB 3.0 upstream
- 3 x USB 3.0 downstream ports
- 1 x USB Type-C port, and
- 2 x Thunderbolt 3 ports
The Thunderbolt 3 ports support both data and power delivery (one up to 85 watts, the other up to 15 watts). This enables you to charge your iPad and a laptop as you’re displaying content on the monitor. Let’s not forget that the Thunderbolt ports can be used to daisy-chain the PD3220U to a computer and a second monitor. Did we mention the adjustable stand supports tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment?
Other features include Keyboard Video Mouse (KVM) Switch – which displays files, photos, or videos from two computers on a single screen, and Hotkey Puck G2 which enables you to switch between different modes quickly.
In short, it is a top-notch external monitor for M2 iPad Pro and M1 iPad Air users who are eyeing to
boost productivity. Please note that this 4K monitor is available in 27″ as well.
Also read: Best DisplayPort Monitors for Gaming [Buying Guide]
3. Acer Ultra-thin IPS Monitor (Best iPad Monitor for $100)
Highlights:
- Elegant design in a budget
- Three-year warranty
- Ultra-thin IPS panel
- Lightweight and compact
- Superb sRGB coverage
Built-in speakers: No
Model number: SB220Q
Acer SB220Q is one of the best budget-friendly monitors for iPad Pro users looking to get the most out of the features introduced with iPadOS 16. It features a 21.5-inch (IPS) display with FullHD resolution (aka 1080p, or 1920 x 1080 pixels), at a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. The Pixel density stays at 102 PPI which is decent for everyday use. Theoretically, a small screen with a higher PPI ensures that you get sharper images and texts throughout the screen. This external monitor for M1 iPad Pro also supports 16.7 million colors with almost 100% sRGB (72% NTSC). It ensures sharp pictures, and accurate color, offering an immersive visual experience while watching your favorite movie or HD videos.
Besides, this external monitor for iPad Air is backed by Radeon Freesync Technology to eliminate tearing or stuttering issues, which ensures the best gameplay when used with a gaming PC. This iPad Pro external monitor is shipped with a basic stand with a circular base and a vertical shaft that attaches to the bottom of the monitor. Please note that the stand can be tilted 5 degrees towards you and 15 degrees away.
The Acer SB220Q FHD monitor for M2 iPad Air comes with a refresh rate of 75Hz which can be achieved through an HDMI port. If you are looking for a gaming monitor for an iPad and your gaming station, this won’t be feasible for you as it lacks a fast refresh rate (at least 144Hz refresh rate is generally called fast for gaming).
Sadly, there are only two ports available (1 x VGA port and 1 x HDMI port) in this external iPad Pro monitor. Don’t worry if the monitor doesn’t have USB-C connectivity, you can always connect your iPad Air to an external display by plugging a USB-C to HDMI Adapter into the charging port on the iPad. What’s best is that this budget monitor for iPad Air is backed by a three-year warranty which is surprisingly awesome at this price range. Please note that this monitor for M1 iPad Pro is available in 23.8-inch, 27-inch variant as well.
Also read: Best Ultrawide Monitors for Productivity in 2022 [Buying Guide]
4. ASUS 27” FHD Monitor (Bang for the buck)
Highlights:
- Super smooth visuals with Adaptive-Sync/FreeSync
- USB-C connectivity
- Frameless design
- 65W USB-C power delivery
- Unbeatable price
Built-in speakers: No
Model number: VA27DCP
If you are looking for the best value-for-money FullHD monitor for your M2 iPad Pro, check out the ASUS VA27DCP without any second thoughts. It is an excellent USB-C monitor for the M1 iPad Air under $200 that comes with a 27” Full HD LED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a 75Hz refresh rate. Thanks to the incorporated Adaptive-Sync/FreeSync technology, you can enjoy tear-free and lag-free gaming or video-watching experience.
As far as connectivity is concerned, this iPad Pro monitor is equipped with a USB-C port, an HDMI port, and an audio output port. You can use the USB-C port (65W Power Delivery) to charge your iPad Air or iPad Pro while mirroring your iPad’s display. That’s not all, if your workstation is clogged, you can use the VESA wall mount to save some space.
Thanks to the incorporated Eye Care Plus technology, this monitor offer is suitable for professionals who tend to have longer screen time. Plus, you get rest reminders whenever you cross the on-screen time limit. What’s more? You’ll get a 1-month free Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription to channel your creativity in the field of editing.
Given the price and features you get with this FullHD monitor, we conclude that the ASUS VA27DCP is the best budget-friendly monitor for M1/M2 iPad Pro as well as M1 iPad Air.
Also read: Best Curved Monitors for Gaming [Buying Guide]
5. HP 23.8” IPS Monitor (Best External Monitor for iPad under $200)
Highlights:
- Excellent sRGB color coverage
- DisplayPort, HDMI, and VGA connectors
- Stand supports height, pivot, and tilt adjustment
- Built-in 2-watt speakers
Built-in speakers: Yes
Model number: 24mh
Looking for one of the best monitors for your M1 iPad Air under $200? Check out the HP 24mh full HD monitor. It is an affordable IPS monitor for iPad Pro M1/M2 that comes with a 24-inch IPS display with 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 75Hz refresh rate. Not only that, it comes with 99% sRGB color coverage and some extra features that are not very common in budget external monitors. From having 2W built-in speakers to the pivot function, this budget king has it all.
Coming to connectivity, the HP 24mh monitor for M1 iPad Air has four ports: 1 x VGA port, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI port, and 1 x Audio port. Since this monitor hasn’t got a USB-C port, you can use Digital AV or VGA adapter to connect your iPad Air and iPad Pro to the HP 24mh monitor. The broad range of ports also allows users to connect easily connect to their laptops and handheld gaming consoles to enjoy visuals on a considerably larger display. Moreover, it comes with a blue light filter to prevent eye strain for people working on it for a longer duration.
All in all, it is a great monitor for M2 iPad Pro and M1 iPad Pro users looking to expedite their workflow and elevate productivity, utilizing the full external display support on iPadOS 16.
Also read: Best Monitors for the M1 Mac mini in 2022
6. ASUS ZenScreen Full HD Portable Monitor
Highlights:
- USB-C connectivity that supports power transfer and video output
- Travel-friendly
- The foldable cover acts as a kickstand
- Budget-friendly
Built-in speakers: No
Model number: MB16ACV
ASUS is a well-known brand that has been making amazing portable monitors packed with high-end features for a long now. And, the ZenScreen MB16AC is one of them. Design-wise, this portable monitor for M1 iPad Pro is slim, lightweight, and topped with beautiful aesthetics. It features a 15.6-inch FHD IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate. The brightness level and contrast are above par for a budget M2 iPad Pro portable monitor, however, the colors are slightly on the dull side. If you are looking for an alternative portable monitor for the M1 iPad Air with similar features, we recommend checking the Lenovo ThinkVision M14.
The ASUS ZenScreen has a single USB-C port on the monitor that acts as a hybrid-signal solution to support power and video transmission. You can find a USB-C cable in the pack. Also, ASUS ships a power adapter to charge this portable monitor.
What’s more? There’s a built-in kickstand attached to the back of this iPad Air monitor which enables you to place it vertically or horizontally on your workstation or office desk. It also comes with a tripod hole just in case you want to elevate the height of the monitor. The blue light filter can be handy for professionals such as video editors, photo editors, and digital artists, who work for longer hours.
All in all, this is a portable monitor that gets pretty much everything right and can be a lifesaver for anyone who travels a lot due to work.
Also read: Best Portable Monitors for MacBook Pro/Air/Mac mini
7. KYY 15.6-inch FHD USB-C Portable Monitor (Affordable pick)
Highlights:
- USB Type-C offers support for your favorite consoles (PC, PS4, XBOX ONE, and Nintendo Switch)
- Low blue light mitigates eye fatigue
- Kickstand ensures two-way placement
- A smart foldable case prevents scratches
Built-in speakers: Yes
Model number: K3
If you are looking for an M2 iPad Pro portable monitor with USB-C, we recommend choosing this one from KYY. Priced at $190, this USB-C monitor is best for almost everything, except for gaming. As with ASUS ZenScreen, it also features a 15.6-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels and HDR support for a clearer picture and video-watching experience.
Besides, the smart foldable case that comes along with this iPad Air monitor can be used as a kickstand for vertical and horizontal placement. In addition, it offers solid protection against scratches when you carry it in your bag packed with different stuff. You’ll find two grooves on the base of the flip cover that allows adjusting it to a suitable viewing angle. It makes this iPad Pro M2 portable monitor an amazing choice for avid binge-watchers, caricature artists, video editors, and more.
Coming to connectivity, this portable iPad Pro monitor sports two USB-C port and one Mini-HDMI port. You can use these ports to mirror your iPad to a larger display and boost your productivity. You can keep an eye on every little cell while working with spreadsheets.
Design-wise it is one of the slimmest and most lightweight monitors you can get. It is the best fit for users who often work while enjoying their time with nature (people who are on working holiday). If you often work for long hours listening to your favorite artist, the two in-built speakers can be a lifesaver for you.
Overall, it is amongst the best budget-friendly portable monitor for M1 iPad Air owners who want a secondary screen to streamline the workflow.
Also read: Best External Monitors to buy for 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro
8. Cocopar 15.6” USB-C Portable Monitor
Highlights:
- Sleeve case that protects the monitor
- Freesync technology
- The integrated kickstand offers suitable viewing angles
- Low blue light technology
- USB-C connectivity
Built-in speakers: Yes
Model number: Y156FH7S
Another top contender on our list of best monitors for M1 and M2 iPad Pro and iPad Air is the USB-C-powered Cocopar portable monitor. Be it connectivity, portability, features, or price, this easy-to-use monitor ticks all the boxes. It is lightweight and slim in design which makes it one of the top monitors for traveling. As far as specs are concerned, the Cocopar USB-C monitor for M1 iPad Pro has a 15.6-inch IPS display with 1920 x 1080 resolution and HDR 10 support.
This portable monitor screen for iPad Air comes with the FreeSync technology which prevents choppy gameplay while playing graphic-intensive games. Plus, the low blue light technology keeps away the eye strain problem among professionals working for long hours. This includes writers and data specialists who handle a lot of Excel sheets in one go. Let’s not forget that this iPad Air monitor comes with Type-C ports, one that can be used to power the display. While the other port can be useful for connecting your M1-powered iPads. Also, you can use the available Mini-HDMI port to extend the iPad’s display.
Let’s not forget that the smart stand case that comes with the Cocopar iPad monitor offers maximum protection. It also allows adjusting the external monitor screen to suitable viewing angles to work or enjoy your favorite content. In short, it is amongst the top external monitor screen for iPad1 Pro and M2 Pro users who are eyeing a secondary screen hassle-free working experience.
Also read: Best Monitors for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air
9. Dell 24″ FHD IPS Monitor
Highlights:
- Value for money
- Ultra-thin bezel design
- Extensive connectivity options
Built-in speakers: Yes
Model number: P2422H
Another contender on our list of top external monitors for iPad Pro M2 is the Dell P2422H. It features a 24-inch IPS display with a 178-degree viewing ankle. This monitor screen can be pivoted, tiltable, swiveled, and adjustable to predefined heights. The fact that this iPad Air 5th Gen external monitor comes with a three-sided ultra-thin bezel design you are likely to enjoy a bigger and more immersive viewing experience. In addition, the ComfortView Plus technology incorporated in this IPS monitor helps cut down the blue light emission to prevent eye fatigue, while the excellent color accuracy offers real-life colors and visuals. What’s more? This FHD monitor comes with different features that will help you boost your productivity while being seated at your work desk. Besides, it is also VESA compatible, you can easily mount the monitor on walls. If that’s not enough, Dell ships this external monitor for the M1 iPad Pro cable management system, which makes sure your workstation stay free of messy wires. As far as connectivity is concerned, this FullHD monitor for iPad Air 4 offers various options like DisplayPort, VGA, HDMI, USB 3.2 Gen 1 upstream, and 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 downstream port. Moreover, it comes with a 36-month of after-sales warranty and is one of the most affordable monitors for iPad Pro M1/M2, and different models of iPad Air models. Having said that, we can’t deny the fact that it is not the most-aesthetically-pleasing monitor, but, it is surely better than the rivals at this price point. It is like the perfect monitor to place around your house in workshops, garages, etc. In fact, we’ve been using this exact monitor for years as our ad-hoc monitor in multiple spaces across the office and WFH setups.
10. SAMSUNG 32-inch 4K Monitor
Highlights:
- Probably the most affordable 4K monitor
- FreeSync technology
- VESA mount available
- Impressive display for the price
Built-in speakers: No
Model number: U32J590
If you are looking for a budget-friendly 4K monitor for M2 iPad Pro, you wouldn’t get something like the Samsung U32J590. It is an all-rounder on its own, you can use it for console gaming, casual PC gaming, and other multimedia uses. This external monitor features a 32-inch UHD display with a 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution, a 60hz refresh rate, and 4ms of response time. This UHD iPad Air external monitor covers only the basic 99% sRGB color space, nevertheless, it delivers excellent picture quality for its price. The monitor comes with a 270-nit peak brightness and 10-bit color support. If that’s not enough, you are welcomed by wide 178-degree viewing angles, both horizontally and vertically. In addition to that, this external monitor for M1 iPad Pro comes with support for AMD FreeSync technology. It can give you an edge over your competitors by preventing screen tearing and stuttering issues during eSports games. Moving on, this 4K monitor for iPad Air comes with a tilt-only design, and it is slim with thin bezels. Plus, it is VESA mount compatible. As far as connectivity is concerned, there’s an HDMI 1.4 (max 30Hz at 4K), an HDMI 2.0 (4K 60Hz), a DisplayPort 1.2 (4K 60Hz), and a headphone jack. All these connectivity options, make it one of the most value-for-money 4K monitors for the M2 iPad Pro, iPad Air, and the 2022 10th Gen USB-C iPad.
That’s all for now in this roundup of the best monitors for iPad Air and iPad Pro. If you’re looking for a secondary screen for your MacBook, we urge you to check our article on the
best monitors for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
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