This 4K USB-C display is the successor to LG’s older 27UD88 model that we reviewed some years ago. The 27UK850 27-inch model features an LED-backlit IPS panel with HDR10 support, AMD Freesync, and single-cable USB-C connectivity.
This newer budget release from LG is a more compelling option than its older 27-inch 4K 27UK850. The 32UP550-W features a 32-inch screen, 4K resolution, USB-C, 96W power delivery, and more.
Even though Apple’s 6K Pro Display XDR is a fantastic product (full review), the reality is that at $5,000+, it’s overkill for many MacBook owners’ needs, budgets, or both.
Update 4/1/22: Samsung’s 32-inch iMac-like Smart Monitor M8 has officially launched at an affordable $699 price point. It comes with a 4K resolution, AirPlay 2 support, USB-C connectivity, and four color choices. More details below.
This is a nice alternative to the LG options above. The 32-inch BenQ PD3220U features Thunderbolt 3, 4K resolution, 95% DCI-P3 color, 85W power delivery for MacBooks, a variety of professional modes, hotkey puck, solid metal stand, and lots of I/O.
The 27UK850 offers two USB 3.1 ports, but like the previous model, when running 4K at 60Hz, you’re limited to USB 2.0 speeds. It would have been nice to see 87W power delivery for full-speed 15-inch MacBook Pro charging, but that shouldn’t be an issue for most users.
1 x USB-C v. 3.1 with 60W PD
2 x HDMI
1 x Display Port
2 x USB v. 3.1 gen1
3.5 mm audio port
16:9 aspect ratio
60Hz refresh rate
3840 x 2160 resolution
sRGB 99%
AMD Freesync
Anti-glare finish
Usually available around $500-$600
Meanwhile, Samsung still sells the Smart Monitor M7 priced around $400 (see below).
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At the time of writing, the UltraSharp 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor is available to order direct from Dell priced at $1,150 with deliveries estimated for early April.
Another option – make use of the great macOS Sidecar feature that lets you use an iPad as a secondary display.
Specs:
31.5-inch display with IPS Black technology
4K 3840 x 2160 resolution
60Hz refresh rate
16:9 aspect ratio
8ms response time
Anti-glare finish with 3H hard 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 Power Delivery (power up to 90W, HDCP 2.2)
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 upstream
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 downstream (power up to 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
And Apple re-entered the consumer display market with the all-new Studio Display last month. Check out our in-depth comparison and more details below.
The LG 34WK95U-W is usually in stock at Amazon and B&H Photo.
Apple’s Studio Display arrives alongside the new Mac Studio and marks the return to prosumer monitors after letting LG’s UltraFine series serve as its official recommendation since 2016.
While the 27-inch UltraFine display (reviewed) is was really the only option on the market to support USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 at a full 5K resolution, the $1,300 price may make this a tough sell for some.
The newest release from Dell is a 32-inch version of its USB-C Hub Monitor. Highlights include 98% DCI-P3 color, 90W charging via USB-C for MacBooks, and a convenient integrated hub with USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, DP 1.4, and HDMI.
Thinking of waiting a while longer? If you feel like you can’t compromise on a 4K resolution but are open to saving some cash by skipping the USB-C/Thunderbolt connectivity, Philips has a 27-inch 4K display for quite a bit less than the price of the other displays on this list. AOC also makes a comparable 27-inch 4K option.
For a closer look, check out the first full review:
27 and 31.5-inch OLED screen options (27-inch coming this fall, 32-inch now available)
3840 x 2160 4K resolution
60Hz refresh rate
USB-C with 90W pass-thru power
up to 500 nits brightness
Dolby HDR 400 True Black
1 ms response time
10-bit color depth
2 x DisplayPort
3 x USB
1 x HDMI
DCI P3 at 99%
Adobe RGB 99%
Specs:
USB-C with up to 65W charging
4K 3840 x 2160 resolution
32-inch panel
16:9 aspect ratio
60Hz refresh rate
HDR10 support
Included magnetic SlimFit webcam with face tracking
400 nits brightness
99% sRGB
4ms response time
Built-in 2.2 channel speakers
Available in white, blue, green, and pink
Slim bezels and overall slim design
Doubles as a smart TV, with Apple TV+ built-in and AirPlay 2
Price: MSRP $699-$729
Starting at $300 above the LG UltraFine 5K the Studio Display is aimed at those who value Apple’s refined (and metal) build quality.
You’re getting some great features at a budget price point like 4K resolution, USB-C, AirPlay 2, and more. However, it sounds like picture quality is not its strongest point.
The new LG UltraFine OLED Pro Monitor is a 32-inch USB-C display with a 27-inch version coming later.
Fortunately, there are some solid 32-inch+ options from other companies in the $1,000 ballpark that offer a compelling experience. And we’ll also look at some 27-32-inch 4K USB-C displays in the $400-$800 range.
Best USB-C/Thunderbolt displays for Mac: 32-inch and larger
While there are some solid displays on the market that include USB-C with less than 4K resolutions, spending several hundred dollars on a new display with a lower picture quality than what you’re used to on your MacBook won’t be a good fit for many.
For a more in-depth look at this display, check out our review here.
Specs:
Nano IPS (In-Plane Switching) Panel
Thunderbolt 3 Interface
Power output: 85W
5120 x 2160 Resolution
21:9 Aspect Ratio
60Hz Refresh Rate
Brightness: 450 (Typ), 360 (min) cd/m2
Support for VESA HDR 600
DCI-P3 98%
2 x HDMI
1 x DisplayPort
2 x USB 3.0
3.5mm headphone input
Speakers: 5W x 2
Slim bezel design on all four sides
MSRP: $1,649, but often available for less
All the displays below work with a single-cable setup with your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and even PCs. The iPad Pro and 2020 iPad Air can also be used with any of these USB-C/Thunderbolt displays but with limitations.
USB-C/Thunderbolt display options have really grown over the last couple of years. While Apple’s Pro Display XDR isn’t the best fit for most Mac users at $5,000+, it’s now launched the more affordable Studio Display. And there are also lots of solid choices from LG, Samsung, BenQ, and more. Let’s look at the best USB-C/Thunderbolt displays available in the $400-$1,600 range.
But if you’re a creative professional who knows what you’re getting yourself into, this display is a significant real estate upgrade from 4K. Just make sure you understand that this is really a 4.5K display, and it doesn’t offer any resolution advantages over a true 5K display like the one found in the 5K iMac or iMac Pro.
The successor to last year’s M7, the Smart Monitor M8 offers a compelling package for those that want a 4K resolution, USB-C, and a large screen while spending under $1,000. It even features a very iMac-like design and four color choices too.
Dual 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
In his full review, my colleague Jeff Benjamin found he liked the design better than LG’s other UltraFine models with many of the same features.
Moving up a couple of inches, LG’s 34-inch widescreen Thunderbolt 3/USB-C display offers a 5120 x 2160 resolution (in-between 4K and 5K). Jeff reviewed this display and found it to be a compelling option for creative pros.
The move to OLED is interesting. While there are some benefits like blacker blacks, and more, there may be concerns about display burn-in.
1 Thunderbolt 3 port with 96W power delivery plus 3 USB-C ports
Built-in 12 MP ultra wide camera with Center Stage support
6-speaker system with Spatial Audio support
Studio-quality 3-mic array
Aluminum build
Supports most reference modes as Pro Display XDR except HDR
Price: $1599-$2,299 (depending on stand and screen finish)
At almost half the price, the 24-inch 4K UltraFine is a compelling option for an Apple-endorsed display for those okay with the smaller size. The 24-inch version replaced the 21.5-inch 4K model in May 2019 and retails around $700. Check out our full review here.
Best USB-C/Thunderbolt displays for Macs on a budget
Sidecar
This is LG’s UltraFine 32-inch display that includes a solid feature set like two Thunderbolt 3 ports plus two USB-A ports, slim bezels, support for use in portrait orientation, and more.
