Did you really think that the Apple Thunderbolt display is no more or dead? If you are trying to hold the latest standalone desktop display from Apple. You’re either going to take the shocking news of the Thunderbolt Display being terminate as a signal of good things to come. Or else a signal to finally buy the latest 4K or 5K display from someone else. For most, especially taking Apple itself suggesting you buy a third-party display, the final option is going to be the more likely.
While Apple didn’t suggest any particular third-party option during its check announcement of the last week of Thunderbolt display. We’ve done the good work for you and put our best pick for the 4K & 5K displays for Mac available to purchase right now.
Well, things come far away as my last roundup of the best Mac displays a couple of years back. Dell still makes it into one of my best picks at some price points. But there are some latest and cheap (not too costly) versions available. Also a few more competitors from the other guys. However, prices very affordable than ever with some year old or the latest version available for well under $1000 or even $500 price points.
As always, compatible with 4K displays will rely on your Mac. All the displays mentioned in our list have been tested with Macs. But you would like to initial look into Apple’s official list of stability or compatibility for the different Mac versions if you’re unfamiliar.
Range: $500 – $1000
Best pick: The best spot for specs, Mac support or compatibility, and price perspective. However, the 27-inch Dell Ultra HD (P2715Q) monitor ($498) gets you a solid display using Dell’s specification and design quality, but not the company’s out of range alternatives. It is currently available for $498 and shipped from Amazon. However, this is our best all-around choice for under $1000 and you are lucky if you buy it. It replaces our best pick from a few years back but at a third of the price. Lack of built-in speakers, but also you can use the external speaker with your own or take Dell’s $20 snap-on soundbar.
Our top picks at the same price include:
- LG Electronics 4K UHD 27UD88-W 27″ Screen LED-Lit Monitor ($609)
- ASUS 28-inch PB287Q 4k ($447)
- LG Electronics 31MU97C-B 31-Inch Screen LED-lit Monitor ($849)
- ASUS 32-inch PA328Q 4K/UHD ($979)
Range: $1000+
If 5K isn’t an issue then you can get 32-inch Dell’s UltraSharp 4K UP3216Q monitor. They are above $1000+ from our top pick. This is the way to move if you like a top of the line display and you spend a lot of money.
In 32-inch Dell you’ll get built-in audio that you don’t get using our lower range top pick version. Also, you’ll get the bigger 32-inch panel with some other much better specification that comes with Dell’s PremierColor tech. They are making it the best choice for pros if the specification on the $500 isn’t cutting it.
Another best choice at the best pick to consider is the latest ASUS PA329Q Ultra HD 4K ($1299). The design probably leaves a bit to be intended. But the specifications and the colors put it in comparison with the other displays in this class. Also, it’s a very popular and proffered pick.
The premium Dell’s 5K offering is the UP2715K. It contains a stunning 5120 x 2880 resolution that Dell points out is almost double the pixel number in its Ultra HD 4K displays. Its original price is $3000 by Dell. But now you buy it for over $1500 on Amazon. And on top of the considerable move up in resolution and therefore display real estate. However, other updates over the $500 best pick include built-in stereo speakers, VESA mount compatibility, and a media card reader.
Make sure, within $300 more you can get Apple’s 5K iMac (oldest generation) and of course that comes with a full PC built-in. But at this price, it’s good as it gets and the only real 5K alternative to consider for your Mac currently.
Affordable picks:
Dell’s 24-inch Ultra HD P2415Q monitor ($374): Same specification and a quite similar design to our best pick. But it comes in a smaller 24-inch package and very cheap.
LG 27” (Diagonal) Class 4K UHD IPS LED Monitor ($447): This LG 4K display gets a good reputation from Mac users and is best in style and quality from the Samsung option below.
Samsung U28E590D 28-Inch UHD LED-Lit Monitor ($399): This is one of the cheapest priced 4K options with good specs and a good reputation.
Conclusion:
Here’s all about the “Apple Thunderbolt Display”. If you think that it is helpful then do let us know your suggestions in the comment section below. Have you found any other affordable display’s for Mac that you think we can’t cover in this article? Comment us below!
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