The Apple Studio Display is positioned as the company’s “affordable” monitor, with the intention of reaching a wider audience compared to the $4,999 Pro Display XDR aimed at professionals. However, at $1,600, it is still on the higher end of the cost spectrum for displays.
But don’t worry! There are many top-notch monitors available that not only compete with, but also surpass Apple’s offering in terms of quality. If you’re looking for an external monitor for your Mac Studio or any other Mac device, these Apple Studio Display alternatives offer an experience that rivals Apple’s.
Samsung ViewFinity S9
Identical specs and price with additional features
Samsung M8 Smart Monitor
The best Studio Display lookalike
LG Ultrafine 5K 27MD5KL-B
The same display, different chassis
BenQ PD2705U
An affordable reference monitor
ASUS ProArt Display PA279CV
An affordable and stylish display
Dell UltraSharp U3223QE
A great monitor with a USB-C hub
Samsung ViewFinity S9
Identical specs and price with additional features
Pros
- Same price as Apple Studio Display
- Built-in smart TV features
- Supports HDR600
- Bundled remote
Cons
- External power brick
Why you should buy this: An excellent 5K monitor that mimics all the features of the Apple Studio Display.
Who’s it for: Content creators who want an identical monitor to the Studio Display alongside additional smart features.
Why we chose the Samsung ViewFinity S9:
Unveiled earlier this year, the Samsung ViewFinity S9 studio monitor is now officially available for purchase for $1,599. Considering both the price and features, it is clear that Samsung has positioned the ViewFinity S9 as a direct rival to the Apple Studio Display. The offering includes a comparable 27-inch panel boasting a 5K resolution, along with impressive color-reproduction capabilities. Notably, the design aesthetics and choice of ports also appear to draw inspiration from Apple’s professional studio monitor.
The ViewFinity S9 offers up to 600 nits of brightness, which is again comparable to what Apple offers on its Studio Display. There is also support for 10-bit color, DCI-P3 gamut, and support for HDR600, which Apple does not offer. For I/O, you get a Thunderbolt 4 port (90-watt PD), three USB Type-C ports, and a mini DisplayPort. It also comes with a control joystick to adjust settings and a bundled remote control.
The ViewFinity S9 comes with additional features including wireless connectivity,