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At $1,599, the Apple Studio Display is an expensive purchase, and while Apple’s monitors are usually pricey, there are better options today that make it look dated. So, we recommend spending your hard-earned money on any of these third-party monitors instead.
1MSI MPG 321URX 4K QD-OLED Monitor
This 32-inch 4K QD-OLED monitor from MSI isn’t designed for Macs; in fact, it’s for gamers who want a high refresh rate without compromising on picture quality.
While Apple’s Studio Display uses a 27-inch 5K IPS LCD panel, MSI’s MPG 321URX uses Samsung’s 3rd generationQD-OLED panelthat can deliver true black levels, vibrant colors, and infinite contrast ratio for unmatched visual fidelity.
You not only get a bigger 32-inch display but also a much better glossy OLED panel that supports HDR, unlike Apple’s offering. It’s perfect for color grading and other professional tasks.
And don’t forget that Studio Display only supports 60Hz, whereas MSI’s 4K QD-OLED monitor can go up to 120Hz when connected to your Mac using a high-endCable Matters USB-C to DisplayPort cable.
What makes it truly special is that it only costs $950 at the time of writing. That makes Apple’s pricing for its Studio Display look outrageous for what it offers. However, you’ll need a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter.
That said, if you’re not a fan of flat displays, you’re able to get the same Samsung QD-OLED panel in a curved form factor by opting forAlienware’s AW3225QFinstead. They both offer similar specs, but the Alienware model costs $1,199.
Buy:MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED monitor($949.99)
2Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 Super Ultrawide Monitor (G95SC)
Super ultrawide monitors are productivity powerhouses, and this one is no different. Owning Samsung’s 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 is like having two 27-inch QHD monitors stacked next to each other.
Those who use their Macs primarily for video editing will be pleased with the impressive screen real estate this monitor offers. you may view your entire timeline on video editing apps likeFinal Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro. However, do keep in mind that the monitor is curved with an 1800R curve radius.
The only shortcoming of the Odyssey OLED G9 is its resolution. While it’s 5,120 x 1,440 pixels, it’s by no means a 5K display like Apple’s offering. The Studio Display offers twice the vertical resolution, but the super ultrawide form factor coupled with an OLED panel makes up for it, in our opinion.
The G95SC variant of the Odyssey OLED G9 has smart TV features, comes with a remote, and is powered by an ARM-based processor. So, you’re not just getting a typical monitor for the price you pay.
Despite launching at an MSRP of $1,800, you can now buy the Odyssey OLED G9 G95SC for just under $1,200 on Amazon, which is a steal for what it offers, especially when compared to the Studio Display. verify youbuy a high-end USB-C to DisplayPort cableto get 120Hz, though.
Buy:Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 G95SC($1199.99)
3Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED Ultrawide Monitor
If the Odyssey G9 is too big for your desk, you may want to consider a standard ultrawide monitor instead. Dell’s Alienware AW3423DWF is one of the most popular QD-OLED monitors on the market. It uses Samsung’s first-generation QD-OLED panel, which boasts a resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels.
While it’s no match for the Studio Display’s 5K resolution, the QD-OLED panel, coupled with a higher refresh rate, is a factor that’s hard to overlook. You get much more accurate and vibrant colors, perfect blacks, and infinite contrast ratio, making it ideal for content creation and other professional workflows.
You also get more screen real estate than a 16:9 monitor like the Studio Display, making it an ideal choice for your Mac mini or Mac Studio. And the best part? It only costs $900, making it the cheapest monitor on this list. So, you can spend the money you save onessential Mac accessories.
Buy:Alienware AW3423DWF($899.99)
4Samsung ViewFinity S9 5K Monitor
Next on the list, we have a Samsung monitor that looks very similar to the Studio Display. It shares mostly the same specs, and unlike the LG UltraFine 5K display, Samsung’s IPS LCD panel can also deliver 600 nits of peak brightness.
It comes with a modular 4K webcam, which is better than the Studio Display’s 12MP camera that’s limited to 1080p resolution. However, its built-in speakers are lackluster and not comparable to the six-speaker sound system in Apple’s offering.
You get a Thunderbolt 4 port for connecting your Mac and three standard USB-C ports for hooking up your accessories. There’s also a Mini DisplayPort if you want to connect another computer to it.
The ViewFinity S9 also includes smart TV features and support for Apple AirPlay if you want tomirror your iPhone’s screento it. The included remote also makes it easy to access smart TV apps like Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, Spotify, and more.
Samsung launched the Viewfinity S9 in 2023 at $1,599, which is right on par with the Studio Display’s price tag. Fortunately, in 2024, you can find it on Amazon for less than $1,000, which is exactly why we recommend it as an excellent alternative.
Buy:Samsung ViewFinity S9 5K($989.90)
5LG 27-Inch Ultrafine 5K Display
If 5K resolution is your top priority and you don’t really care about the bells and whistles of a high refresh rate OLED monitor, the LG UltraFine 5K display is a great Studio Display alternative that might fit your budget.
Specs-wise, it’s very similar to the Studio Display, except that it can only deliver 500 nits of peak brightness, whereas Apple’s offering can go up to 600 nits. Otherwise, it’s a standard IPS LCD panel with support for the DCI-P3 color gamut.
However, you will miss out on Apple-specific features like Center Stage and spatial audio, and its 1080p webcam and internal stereo speakers are no match for the Studio Display. Apple gives you a 12MP camera and a six-speaker sound system for the price you pay.
On the bright side, the LG UltraFine 5K display is cheaper than the Studio Display by over $400; you’ll find it on Amazon for under $1,200. Unfortunately, this is more expensive than most monitors we listed here, but your options are pretty limited if you want an affordable 5K display.
Buy:LG UltraFine 5K($1176.63)
Whether you want a superior OLED panel with a higher refresh rate or a high-resolution 5K display, you have better options than the Studio Display. For perfect scaling in macOS across apps, we recommend opting for a 5K monitor like the ViewFinity S9.
However, an ultrawide or super ultrawide OLED monitor may be hard to overlook if you want a versatile display with more screen real estate. It all comes down to personal preferences and how you plan to use your Mac in the long run.
