How To Choose Your Luna Display Unit Type

Luna Display is available in three models: USB-C, HDMI, and Mini DisplayPort. This guide will help you pick the right model for your Primary Windows or Mac device.

A Luna Display unit is not required for your secondary device, and will only need to be plugged into whatever you are using as your primary device.

Luna Display for Windows is available in USB-C and HDMI. Luna Display for Mac is available in USB-C and Mini DisplayPort (mDP).

Luna Display for Windows supports USB-C or HDMI

Luna Display for Mac supports USB-C or mDP

Can I use the same USB-C Luna Display unit for both my PC and Mac?

Yes, as long as your PC's USB-C port supports displays. Not all do, and it is required for Luna Display. Your port must support Thunderbolt or DisplayPort. See the visual guide below to determine if you have proper support.

Most PCs have markings next to the USB-C ports that indicate what is supported. You'll need to confirm your port has either a DisplayPort (P symbol) or a Thunderbolt (a lightning symbol). If the port is unmarked you'll need to check your PC manufacturer's documentation to determine what is supported.

For example, here is a list of some Dell/Alienware computers whose USB-C ports do not support displays. Luna Display also does not support Surface Pro or Surface Studio devices.

My PC has both a USB-C and an HDMI port: which Luna should I buy?

The only difference between the two units is the port type. Many PCs have USB-C and HDMI ports. If both ports can be used for an external display, you can purchase whichever Luna fits your workflow best.

What about custom PC builds? Does Luna need to be plugged into the graphics card?

In general, yes. The HDMI or USB-C Luna should be plugged directly into one of the ports on your graphics card. If you do have additional USB-C ports outside of the graphics card, they typically do not support displays.

Which Macs support USB-C?

USB-C is an option available on the most recent Macs. Here is a complete list of Macs that support USB-C:

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017 and newer)
iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017 and newer)
iMac (21.5-inch, 2017)
iMac Pro (2017)
MacBook Pro (2016 and newer)
MacBook (2015 and newer)
MacBook Air (Late 2018 or newer)
Mac mini (Late 2018 or newer)
Mac Studio

Which Macs support Mini DisplayPort?

Most Macs after 2008 and prior to 2016 have Mini DisplayPort; however, the minimum system requirement for running Luna Display must be a 2011 Mac model or newer. Here is a list of Macs with Mini DisplayPort that support Luna Display:

iMac (Early 2011 to Late 2015)
MacBook Pro (Late 2011 to Mid 2015)
MacBook Air (Mid 2011 to 2017)
MacBook (Late 2011 to Mid 2010)
Mac Pro (2011 or newer)
Mac Mini (Early 2011 to Late 2014)

How do I determine which model Mac I have?

Find out which year and model Mac you have by going to the Apple menu in the upper left of your Mac and selecting “About this Mac”. Inside the window that appears, you’ll see the model and year of your Mac.

Can I use an adapter?

We do not recommend using Luna Display with any kind of adapter. Many of the adapters we have tested do not implement USB-C, HDMI, or mDP properly. To guarantee reliable performance, Luna Display must be plugged directly into your Mac or PC. → Learn More