9to5Mac is delivered to you by BenQ. Take a look at the BenQ PD2730S 5K designer monitor
In case you are available in the market for a brand new 5K monitor that’s constructed to work along with your Mac and even your iPad, then the battle. In a world the place every little thing appears to be transferring and innovating at lightning speeds, discovering a real 5K monitor that delivers Retina-level readability, Mac-optimized coloration accuracy, and dependable connectivity continues to be surprisingly uncommon in 2025. Then, whenever you do discover it, there all the time appears to be some kind of trade-off it’s essential make.
So, I wished to create a 5K monitor shopping for information that can assist you navigate the market and finally make an informed buying choice. There are not any low-cost 5K displays on the market. So whether or not you’re a artistic skilled, an influence consumer, or somebody who simply desires that ultra-sharp Retina expertise on a bigger display, these are the highest choices value your money and time.
Featured: BenQ PD2730S – 5K monitor for designers and creatives
What I believe is nice about this monitor is that it was purpose-built for Mac customers. So, creatives and designers will respect the exact coloration, pixel-level element, and premium construct high quality. Listed below are a number of the specs.
- Decision: 5120 x 2880 (5K Retina)
- Dimension: 27″ IPS
- Coloration rankings: 98% P3, 100% Rec.709, 100% sRGB, & 2000:1 distinction ratio
- Brightness: 400 nits
- Refresh charge: 60Hz
- Ports:
- Thunderbolt 4 (90W energy supply)
- HDMI 2.1
- DisplayPort 1.4
- USB-C ( USB 3.2 Gen 2)
- 3x USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 2)
- Standout options:
- Nano matte panel
- Daisy chain assist
- Wi-fi Hotkey Puck G3
- Palette Grasp Final calibration software program
- M-Ebook mode
- Show Pilot 2 software program permits native Mac keyboard management over monitor brightness and quantity, integrating seamlessly into your workflow.
As you possibly can see, this monitor can do lots. The colour accuracy is top-tier proper out of the field, with manufacturing facility calibration and validation from each Calman and Pantone. In case you’re on a Mac, the M-Ebook mode makes it tremendous simple to match your MacBook’s show, and every little thing appears to be like proper. The anti-glare Nano Matte Panel retains reflections down with out dulling the display, and the 2000:1 distinction ratio provides your work further depth and element. You’ve additionally obtained Thunderbolt 4 with 90W charging, so that is the proper single-cable answer, and the extra high-speed knowledge ports imply you have got a Thunderbolt hub constructed into the monitor.
Among the finest components about this monitor is the way it handles coloration accuracy and consistency throughout the whole display. BenQ’s AQCOLOR Uniformity Expertise corrects brightness and coloration variations edge-to-edge, so that you get a superbly even picture with out bizarre shifts in tone, which is very vital for designers. And in terms of managing that coloration over time, the built-in Palette Grasp Final software program makes it simple to remain calibrated in only a few minutes. Plus, Mac customers will love the Show ColorTalk function, which helps you to simply match your MacBook’s show to the BenQ monitor—even in the event you don’t have a separate calibrator.
Worth: This monitor is obtainable at the moment for $1,399
This monitor is an fascinating one as a result of, on paper, it has all of it and may do greater than a daily monitor. In fact, it has all the primary specs you want from a 5K monitor, just like the decision, brightness, matte end, nevertheless it additionally has its personal built-in OS referred to as Sensible Hub. So not solely is that this your monitor, nevertheless it additionally has a distant and may act as your good TV. It even has Apple AirPlay assist. Listed below are the specs:
- Decision: 5120 × 2880 (5K Retina)
- Dimension: 27″ IPS
- Coloration rankings: 99% DCI-P3, 1000:1 distinction ratio,100% sRGB (Pantone Validated)
- Brightness: 600 nits (480 nits min)
- Refresh charge: 60Hz
- Ports:
- Thunderbolt 4 (90W)
- Mini DisplayPort
- 3x USB-A
- USB-C
- Standout options: Sensible Hub OS, removable digicam, built-in audio system (2x 5W), metallic height-adjustable stand with tilt/swivel/pivot
This monitor packs many options you don’t normally see on this class. It provides full macOS scaling assist, a Pantone-validated vast coloration gamut, and even manufacturing facility tuning with a calibration report within the field. The removable webcam is a pleasant contact for video calls, and the matte anti-glare panel is included within the worth level. It runs Samsung’s Tizen good OS to entry built-in apps like YouTube and Netflix, plus it helps AirPlay, which I all the time thought was fascinating. The design additionally appears to be like extraordinarily acquainted to the Studio Show; you would possibly be capable of see the place the inspiration comes from. Now this does retail for $1,599 however I’ve seen some open-box offers straight from Samsung that lower the worth in half. I’ve by no means gone by an open-box buy from Samsung however it’s one thing to contemplate.
Worth: $1,599 (new) and as low as $799 (open field)
The Apple Studio Show nonetheless stays as among the finest and most seamless experiences you may get as an Apple consumer. It’s nicely constructed, matches the Apple aesthetic, was constructed for macOS, and simply appears like an extension of your Mac or MacBook. However it’s over three years previous and comes at a hefty worth level. Listed below are a number of the specs:
- Decision: 5120 x 2880 (5K Retina)
- Dimension: 27″ IPS
- Coloration rankings: 100% P3, Help for 1 billion colours, True Tone know-how, & 1000:1 distinction ratio
- Brightness: 600 nits
- Refresh charge: 60Hz
- Ports:
- Thunderbolt 3 (96W energy supply)
- 3x USB-C (as much as 10Gb/s)
- Standout options: Constructed-in 12MP webcam, six-speaker system, native macOS scaling
This monitor was constructed purely for Apple computer systems, from the easy integration to the economic design. True Tone, brightness controls, and scaling all work out of the field, so no setup is required. The built-in webcam with Middle Stage is a pleasant plus for video calls, and the speaker system simply fills a room (very underrated function). It appears like an enlarged MacBook laptop computer display, and I imply that in the easiest way. Whereas it has lots of good, it’s essential to take into account the shortage of port selection (solely USB-C), age, and worth. It begins at $1,599 however can simply attain $2,300 relying in your choices.
Worth: Begins at $1,599; Nano-textured show (+$300), peak adjustable stand (+$400)
ASUS ProArt Show – A worth pleasant 5K possibility
In case you’re searching for a 5K monitor that retains prices low with out completely sacrificing high quality, the ASUS 5K ProArt is value a glance. It doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles like a number of the others on this information, nevertheless it nails the fundamentals—and that may be all you actually need. This monitor delivers stable Retina-level sharpness, good coloration accuracy, and works nicely with Macs out of the field because of correct scaling assist.
These are some key options you need to take into account:
- Decision: 5120 x 2880 (5K Retina)
- Dimension: 27″ IPS
- Coloration rankings: 99% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB, 95% Adobe RGB; Calman‑verified manufacturing facility calibration with ΔE < 2 (10‑bit, over 1 billion colours)
- Brightness: 400 nits (typical), as much as 500 nits (peak, HDR)
- Refresh charge: 60Hz
- Ports:
- USB‑C with DisplayPort Alt Mode + 96 W energy supply
- DisplayPort 1.4
- HDMI 2.1
- USB hub: 1× USB‑C + 3× USB‑A downstream
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
- Standout options: VESA DisplayHDR 500 / HDR10 assist, LuxPixel anti‑glare, low‑reflection panel, auto KVM change, constructed‑in 2 × 2 W audio system
It’s factory-calibrated with a Delta E < 2, covers 100% of the sRGB coloration area, and helps ASUS’s ProArt Presets and Palette software program for fast coloration tuning. The design is straightforward and clear, with slim bezels and an ergonomic stand that offers you all the peak and tilt adjustment you want. No Thunderbolt or Sensible OS right here, however for underneath $1,000, it’s a no-frills option to step into the 5K area.
Worth: Begins at $849 and is obtainable on Amazon
ViewSonic VP2788 – the worth 5K show
Now, this show is a bit completely different as a result of it’s all about worth and specs. It’s not flashy, it’s not going to win any visible awards, however it may possibly get the job achieved for most individuals. This monitor has the sharp decision and coloration accuracy you’ll need from a 5K show. The very best half, is that that is underneath $1,000. Here’s what you get:
- Decision: 5120 × 2880 (5K Retina)
- Dimension: 27″ IPS
- Refresh charge: 75Hz
- Coloration rankings: 99% sRGB (Rec.709), 99% DCI-P3, 2000:1 distinction ratio
- Brightness: 500 nits
- Ports:
- 1x HDMI
- 1x DisplayPort
- 2x USB-C
- 2x USB-A
- Thunderbolt 4
- Standout options: Manufacturing unit-calibrated with report, anti-glare and anti-reflective floor, built-in audio system, full ergonomic stand (tilt, peak, swivel, pivot)
It is a nice entry level into 5K in the event you’re on a tighter finances. The Viewsonic 5K comes factory-calibrated, helps macOS Retina scaling correctly, and features a vivid, color-accurate panel prepared for picture or video work. You get primary creature comforts like an adjustable stand, USB hub, and built-in audio system, however you received’t discover good options, voice management, or superior calibration instruments. HDR assist can also be lacking, and the 14ms response time and lack of adaptive sync received’t make it preferrred for gaming or high-frame-rate workflows, though that is the one monitor on this record with a 75Hz refresh charge.
Nonetheless, for color-accurate 5K decision at underneath $1,000, it checks the suitable containers and is a straightforward choose for creatives targeted on enhancing, designing, or any workflow the place readability and consistency matter greater than extras.
Worth: This monitor is obtainable on Amazon for $949
Remaining ideas
As I discussed to begin this, there nonetheless aren’t many 5K displays in the marketplace in 2025, however these 4 cowl a variety of wants for Mac customers:
- BenQ PD2730S is right for creatives who need top-tier coloration accuracy and Thunderbolt 4—all in a Mac-optimized bundle.
- Apple Studio Show delivers essentially the most seamless macOS expertise with nice {hardware}, nevertheless it’s beginning to present its age at a excessive worth level.
- Samsung ViewFinity S9 combines premium 5K visuals with good options, voice assistants, and Thunderbolt assist.
- ASUS ProArt PA27JCV is a good price-friendly possibility that nails the necessities—5K decision, stable coloration accuracy, and a clear design—for individuals who need efficiency with out the premium price ticket.
- ViewSonic VP2788-5K is the worth choose for creatives who need sharp decision and dependable coloration efficiency with out further frills.
Every of those shows has its strengths and trade-offs, however if you’re severe about getting essentially the most out of your Mac’s visible capabilities, I like to recommend getting a 5K show. I personally use the BenQ PD2730S as my fundamental 5K show for my Mac Mini and my M4 iPad Professional and I really like every little thing about it.
What do you suppose? Do you utilize a 5K show? Do you suppose its a must have? Let’s talk about beneath!
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