The first M4 Macs — the new MacBook Pro, Mac mini and iMac — bring compelling upgrades. Whether you’ve already bought an M4 model or you’re holding onto older hardware, the right accessories can meaningfully improve your Mac experience. Below are recommended accessories for both desktop setups and on-the-go use, covering displays, stands, charging, hubs, cables and wired networking.
Desktop and on-the-go essentials
If you need a new monitor, a strong budget-friendly pick is the Samsung ViewFinity S8. It’s a 4K display with sensible built-in features and comes in 27-inch and 32-inch sizes, offering good value for most workflows.
For a higher-end option, Apple’s Studio Display is hard to beat. Its 5K Retina panel is excellent for creative work and productivity, though it carries a premium price.
When you use a MacBook Pro at a desk, I recommend an aluminum stand to raise the screen for better ergonomics. A compact, well-made option is the Twelve South aluminum stand, which lifts the laptop to a more comfortable viewing height. Twelve South also makes a similar riser for the iMac, and if budget isn’t an issue their HiRise Pro offers adjustable height settings and a polished aesthetic.
For carrying your MacBook Pro, a protective sleeve set is a smart choice. I recommend a well-padded option like the Tomtoc protective sleeve set, which balances protection, style and portability for everyday travel.
Fast charging your MacBook Pro or other devices
Modern Apple laptops support fast charging with power adapters up to 140W. This includes the new M4 MacBook Pro and many MacBook Air and Pro models dating back to 2021. To get the fastest possible charge, use a proper high-wattage USB-C charger.
A dedicated 140W USB-C charger will maximize charging speed for compatible MacBooks. If you want to save money without sacrificing much performance, a 100W USB-C charger from a trusted brand such as Anker is a good alternative and costs significantly less.
Be sure your charging cable supports those higher power levels. A 6-foot Anker USB-C cable rated up to 240W provides both high power delivery and useful reach. Buying a 2-pack can be economical and convenient, since USB-C now charges iPhones, iPads, and even accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad.
Thunderbolt and USB-C hubs and cables
No matter which new Mac you choose, adding a USB-C or Thunderbolt hub expands the ports available for displays, storage, networking and legacy peripherals.
A versatile option is an 8-in-1 Anker USB-C hub that provides USB-C and USB-A ports, HDMI, Ethernet, SD card support and more. It’s a compact way to connect multiple devices at once.
If you need the extra bandwidth and versatility of Thunderbolt, consider a MOKiN Thunderbolt 4 dock. It supports multiple high-resolution monitors and offers SD and microSD slots, Ethernet, a headphone jack and additional ports useful for power users.
The M4 Macs introduce support for Thunderbolt 5 for the first time. Apple sells its own Thunderbolt cable, but it’s costly. If you prefer a more affordable option, the Cable Matters Thunderbolt 5 cable delivers the new standard’s capabilities for considerably less.
If Thunderbolt 4 meets your needs, a 2-pack of Thunderbolt 4 cables can be excellent value. Likewise, purchasing a 2-pack of USB-C cables is a practical way to keep spares at your desk and in your bag.
Ethernet connectivity for reliable and fast internet
The M4 Mac mini comes with Gigabit Ethernet by default and offers an option to upgrade to 10 Gb Ethernet. Some M4 iMac models also include built-in Ethernet. For wired networking, a quality cable matters: consider a braided, flat Ethernet cable from a reputable maker like Orbram. These cables support high speeds, are durable and come in multiple lengths to suit different setups.
Choosing the right combination of display, stand, charging solution, hub and cables will make your M4 Mac or earlier Mac feel faster, more capable and more convenient to use—whether you work at a desk or on the go.