USB-C/Thunderbolt show choices have actually expanded during the last couple of years. Whereas Apple’s Professional Show XDR isn’t the most effective match for many Mac customers at $5,000+, it additionally gives the extra inexpensive Studio Show. However there are additionally numerous strong selections from LG, Samsung, BenQ, and extra. Let’s take a look at the most effective USB-C/Thunderbolt shows with many out there within the $400-$1,600 vary.
Replace 5/12/23: Dell has launched its Apple Professional Show XDR competitor with the UltraSharp 32 6K Monitor. It undercuts Apple at $3,199 with a powerful function set. Try all the main points under.
And another notable product on the best way this 12 months is Samsung’s first 5K monitor that may compete with Apple’s Studio Show. We’re nonetheless ready on the launch and pricing particulars for that one.
All of the shows under work with a single-cable setup along with your MacBook Professional, MacBook Air, and even PCs. The iPad Professional and 2020 iPad Air and later may also be used with any of those USB-C/Thunderbolt shows however with limitations.
Although Apple’s 6K Professional Show XDR is a incredible product (full evaluate), the truth is that at $5,000+, it’s overkill for a lot of MacBook house owners’ wants, budgets, or each.
Happily, there are some strong 32-inch+ choices from different firms within the $1,000 ballpark that provide a compelling expertise. And we’ll additionally take a look at some 27-32-inch 4K USB-C shows within the $400-$800 vary.
Greatest USB-C/Thunderbolt shows for Mac: 32-inch and bigger
LG 32UL950-W
That is LG’s UltraFine 32-inch show that features a strong function set like two Thunderbolt 3 ports plus two USB-A ports, slim bezels, help to be used in portrait orientation, and extra.
In his full evaluate, my colleague Jeff Benjamin discovered he favored the design higher than LG’s different UltraFine fashions with most of the identical options.
Specs:
- 31.5-inch UHD 4K show (3840 x 2160)
- 60Hz refresh fee
- Nano IPS with DCI-P3 98%
- 600 nits HDR peak brightness, 450 nits commonplace
- VESA DisplayHDR™ 600
- Twin Thunderbolt 3 ports (in x 1 (PD 60W) / out x 1)
- 4K Daisy Chain with Thunderbolt™ 3
- 2 x USB-A
- DisplayPort 1.4
- HDMI 2.0
- 3.5mm headphone output
- MSRP: $1,300, typically out there for much less
The LG 32UL950-W might be discovered on Amazon in addition to different retailers like B&H Picture.
LG 34BK95U-W
Shifting up a few inches, LG’s 34-inch widescreen Thunderbolt 3/USB-C show gives a 5120 x 2160 decision (in-between 4K and 5K). Jeff reviewed this show and located it to be a compelling choice for artistic execs.
However in case you’re a artistic skilled who is aware of what you’re getting your self into, this show is a big actual property improve from 4K. Simply be sure you perceive that that is actually a 4.5K show, and it doesn’t supply any decision benefits over a real 5K show just like the one discovered within the 5K iMac or iMac Professional.
Specs:
- Nano IPS (In-Airplane Switching) Panel
- Thunderbolt 3 Interface
- Energy output: 85W
- 5120 x 2160 Decision
- 21:9 Facet Ratio
- 60Hz Refresh Charge
- Brightness: 450 (Typ), 360 (min) cd/m2
- Assist for VESA HDR 600
- DCI-P3 98%
- 2 x HDMI
- 1 x DisplayPort
- 2 x USB 3.0
- 3.5mm headphone enter
- Audio system: 5W x 2
- Slim bezel design on all 4 sides
- MSRP: $1,649, typically out there for much less
The LG 34WK95U-W is often in inventory at Amazon and B&H Picture.
BenQ PD3220U
It is a good different to the LG choices above. The 32-inch BenQ PD3220U options Thunderbolt 3, 4K decision, 95% DCI-P3 coloration, 85W energy supply for MacBooks, a wide range of skilled modes, hotkey puck, strong steel stand, and plenty of I/O.
Specs:
- 3840 x 2160 decision
- 16:9 facet ratio
- 60Hz refresh fee
- Brightness: 250 typical, 300 nits HDR peak
- 95% DCI-P3
- HDR10
- 1 x Thunderbolt 3 – 85W energy supply
- 1 x Thunderbolt 3 – 15W energy supply
- 2 x HDMI 2.0
- 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
- 3 x USB 3.1
- 1 x USB C
- 1 x USB B
- Headphone jack
- Slim bezels
- MSRP: $1,199 typically out there for much less
You possibly can often discover the BenQ PD3220U at Amazon and BH Picture.
Dell UltraSharp 32 6K Monitor U3224KB
Whereas it doesn’t match Apple’s Professional Show XDR function for function – and has a clunkier design – the 32-inch UltraSharp 6K has a powerful function set with a checklist worth of $3,199. That’s round 50% lower than the Professional Show XDR (relying on configuration).
The UltraSharp 32 6K options IPS Black tech, 99% DCI-P3, a Thunderbolt 4 hub, 140W passthrough charging, a built-in 4K webcam, noise-canceling mics, and extra. Right here is the total spec checklist:
- 31.5-inch 6K panel (6144 x 3456)
- IPS Black expertise
- HDR 600 licensed
- 2000:1 distinction
- 99% DCI-P3
- 100% sRGB
- Built-in 4K HDR CMOS webcam
- Adjustable with 20-degree tilt
- Twin 14W audio system
- Twin noise-canceling mics
- Thunderbolt 4/USB-C hub
- 140W charging for laptops
- 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports
- 3x USB-C ports
- 2x USB-A ports
- HDMI 2.1
- mini DisplayPort 2.1
- 2.5Gb Ethernet port
- Safety lock slot
- Pop-out front-facing ports embody two USB-C and one USB-A
- Join two pc sources with picture-by-picture and picture-in-picture help
- Appropriate with Mac and Home windows
- Value: $3,199
You possibly can decide up the Dell UltraSharp 32 6K Monitor direct from the corporate.
Dell UltraSharp 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U3223QE)
Highlights for this Dell UltraSharp embody 98% DCI-P3 coloration, 90W charging through USB-C for MacBooks, and a handy built-in hub with USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, DP 1.4, and HDMI.
Specs:
- 31.5-inch show with IPS Black expertise
- 4K 3840 x 2160 decision
- 60Hz refresh fee
- 16:9 facet ratio
- 8ms response time
- Anti-glare end with 3H arduous coating
- Brightness: 400 nits
- USB 3.2 gen 2 hub
- HDMI (HDCP 2.2)
- DisplayPort 1.4
- DisplayPort output
- USB-C upstream/DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode with Energy Supply (energy as much as 90W, HDCP 2.2)
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 upstream
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 downstream (energy as much as 15W)
- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 downstream
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 downstream with Battery Charging 1.2
- Audio line-out (mini-jack)
- LAN (RJ-45 Ethernet)
- MSRP: $1,150
The UltraSharp 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor is out there from Amazon and BH Picture.
Dell additionally makes extra inexpensive UltraSharp fashions just like the 27-inch measurement.
LG UltraFine OLED Professional
After beginning to promote the 32-inch mannequin priced at $3,999 final 12 months, BH Picture later listed the 27-inch mannequin at $2,999.
The transfer to OLED is attention-grabbing. Whereas there are some advantages like blacker blacks, and extra, there could also be issues about show burn-in.
BH Picture was the primary retailer to promote the UltraFine OLED Professional with a $3,999 price ticket (typically out there for much less).
Specs:
- 27 and 31.5-inch OLED display screen choices (27-inch nonetheless unavailable)
- 3840 x 2160 4K decision
- 60Hz refresh fee
- USB-C with 90W pass-thru energy
- as much as 500 nits brightness
- Dolby HDR 400 True Black
- 1 ms response time
- 10-bit coloration depth
- 2 x DisplayPort
- 3 x USB
- 1 x HDMI
- DCI P3 at 99%
- Adobe RGB 99%
For a more in-depth look, take a look at the primary full evaluate:
Apple Studio Show and LG UltraFine shows
Studio Show
Apple’s Studio Show arrived alongside the brand new Mac Studio and marks the return to prosumer displays after letting LG’s UltraFine sequence function its official suggestion since 2016.
Beginning at $300 above the LG UltraFine 5K the Studio Show is aimed toward those that worth Apple’s refined (and steel) construct high quality.
Specs:
- 27-inch panel
- 5K 5120 x 2880 decision
- 16:9 facet ratio
- 218 PPI
- 60Hz refresh fee
- 600 nits brightness
- P3 huge coloration help
- True Tone help
- 1 Thunderbolt 3 port with 96W energy supply plus 3 USB-C ports
- Constructed-in 12 MP extremely huge digicam with Heart Stage help
- 6-speaker system with Spatial Audio help
- Studio-quality 3-mic array
- Aluminum construct
- Helps most reference modes as Professional Show XDR besides HDR
- Value: $1599-$2,299 (relying on stand and display screen end)
Studio Show is on the market from Apple, Amazon, BH Picture, Greatest Purchase, and extra.
Try our detailed comparability together with extra perspective on the Studio Show:
LG UltraFine 24 & 27-inch Shows
Whereas the 27-inch UltraFine show (reviewed) is was actually the one choice in the marketplace to help USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 at a full 5K decision, the $1,300 worth might make this a troublesome promote for some.
One other trade-off right here is chunkier bezels for a built-in webcam. The present fashions are the 5K 27-inch and the 4K 24-inch UltraFine shows.
At virtually half the value, the 24-inch 4K UltraFine is a compelling choice for an Apple-endorsed show for these okay with the smaller measurement. The 24-inch model changed the 21.5-inch 4K mannequin in Could 2019 and retails round $700. Try our full evaluate right here.
Greatest USB-C/Thunderbolt shows for Macs on a finances
Whereas there are some strong shows in the marketplace that embody USB-C with lower than 4K resolutions, spending a number of hundred {dollars} on a brand new show with a decrease image high quality than what you’re used to in your MacBook gained’t be an excellent match for a lot of.
Listed here are a few of the greatest USB-C shows that provide a 4K decision at round $600 or much less.
BenQ 27- or 32-inch Ergo Arm 4K
The brand new Ergo Arm 4K Designer Screens from BenQ supply a powerful function set and specs with pricing starting from $599-749.
Specs:
- 27- or 32-inch panel at 4K decision at 3840 x 2160 (anti-glare matte end)
- 16:9 facet ratio
- USB-C single cable connectivity with 90W energy supply (65W for PD2705UA)
- 1 x USB-C enter/output
- 1 x USB-C output
- 1x HDMI 2.0
- 1x DisplayPort 1.4
- 2x USB-B (USB 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1) Enter
- 3x USB-A (USB 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1) Output
- 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
- KVM swap to regulate two Macs or PCs with one keyboard/mouse
- 250-350 nits brightness
- 163 PPI
- 60Hz refresh fee
- HDR10
- 95% DCI P3/99% sRGB
- 178-degree viewing angle
- 5 ms response time
- 2x 2.5W built-in audio system
- Versatile Ergo Arm
- Value: $599, $629, $749
The $599 PD2705UA has 65W energy ship as a substitute of 90W just like the PD2706UA and PD3205UA. In the meantime, the PD2706UA is the one one of many three to supply DCI P3 help if that’s an essential function.
You possibly can decide up the brand new BenQ Ergo Arm 4K Designer Screens direct or from BH Picture. Try our full evaluate for all of the positive particulars.
Samsung 32-inch Good Monitor M8
The successor to final 12 months’s M7, the Good Monitor M8 gives a compelling package deal for people who desire a 4K decision, USB-C, and a big display screen whereas spending nicely beneath $1,000. It even incorporates a very iMac-like design and 4 coloration selections too.
Specs:
- USB-C with as much as 65W charging
- 4K 3840 x 2160 decision
- 32-inch panel
- 16:9 facet ratio
- 60Hz refresh fee
- HDR10 help
- Included magnetic SlimFit webcam with face monitoring
- 400 nits brightness
- 99% sRGB
- 4ms response time
- Constructed-in 2.2 channel audio system
- Accessible in white, blue, inexperienced, and pink
- Slim bezels and total slim design
- Doubles as a wise TV, with Apple TV+ built-in and AirPlay 2
- Value: MSRP $699-$729, typically out there for much less
The Good Monitor M8 is out there direct from Samsung and Amazon with the white model usually going for $699.99 and the coloured variants promoting for $729.99.
LG 32-inch Good Monitor
Arriving as a competitor to Samsung’s Good Monitor M8 above, the brand new LG Good Monitor incorporates a compelling checklist of specs and options for its $500 worth.
- USB-C with as much as 65W charging
- Additionally consists of 2x HDMI, 1x USB-A, 1x Ethernet, and three.5mm audio jack
- 4K 3840 x 2160 decision
- 31.5-inch panel
- 16:9 facet ratio
- 65Hz refresh fee
- Clamp-style adjustable stand
- 250 nits brightness
- 90% DCI P3
- 5ms response time
- Doubles as good TV, with LG’s webOS, AirPlay 2, and HomeKit
- Value: MSRP $499.99
You’ll find the LG Good Monitor at Amazon, direct from LG, and shortly at BH Picture.
Monoprice 32-inch CrystalPro 4K Monitor
It is a strong choice in case you’re seeking to get a 4K decision with USB-C connectivity however are okay to skip on the bells and whistles.
Specs:
- 32-inch display screen with 4K – 3840 x 2160 decision
- 1 x USB-C with 65W energy supply
- 2 x HDMI 2.0
- 1 x DisplayPort 1.2
- 1 x headphone jack
- 2 x USB-A ports
- 16:9 facet ratio
- 60Hz refresh fee
- 5ms response time
- Absolutely articulating stand
- MSRP: $399.99 (typically out there for much less)
This 32-inch inexpensive 4K USB-C show from Monoprice is out there on Amazon.
LG 32-inch 32UP550-W
This newer finances launch from LG is a extra compelling choice than its older 27-inch 4K 27UK850. The 32UP550-W incorporates a 32-inch display screen, 4K decision, USB-C, 96W energy supply, and extra.
Specs:
- 1 x USB-C with 96W energy supply
- 2 x HDMI
- 1 x DisplayPort
- 2 x USB 3.0
- 1 x headphone jack
- 16:9 facet ratio
- 60Hz refresh fee
- As much as 350 nits brightness
- 3840 x 2160 decision
- DCI-P3 at 90%
- HDR10
- Anti-glare end
- MSRP: $449 or much less
This 32-inch inexpensive 4K USB-C show from LG is out there to order on Amazon.
Holding Out?
Pondering of ready? Should you really feel like you’ll be able to’t compromise on a 4K decision however are open to saving some money by skipping the USB-C/Thunderbolt connectivity, Philips has a 27-inch 4K show for fairly a bit much less than the value of the opposite shows on this checklist. AOC additionally makes a comparable 27-inch 4K choice.
Sidecar
An alternative choice – make use of the good macOS Sidecar function that permits you to use an iPad as a secondary show.
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