Best 5K Monitor For MacBook Pro in 2023 [Buying Guide Included]

Recently, I upgraded my MacBook Pro to the latest 14-inch model, it has a powerful M1 processor and powerful graphics. We know that these are popular for digital art and design, but if you plan on visualizing your work, you need something more significant such as a quality 5K monitor. For this purpose, I searched for the Best 5K Monitor For MacBook Pro that provides an excellent visual display to conform to my graphical and editing needs.

The 5K monitors provide crystal clear image quality that helps me in my gaming and editing projects. Since many people are looking for 5k monitors for Mac, I gathered this list of the best 5k displays for MacBook Pro. Additionally, there will be a detailed discussion on how to buy the 5K monitor along with top brands of the 5K monitors. Before we jump into the personalized reviews, let’s know about 5K Resolution first.

Tidbit:

According to Apple, sales of Apple Mac computers generated a revenue of approximately $10.44 billion during the second quarter of the fiscal year 2022.

Best 5K Monitor For MacBook Pro Comparison Table in 2023

MonitorsRatingPrice
LG 27MD5KL-B 27 Inch UltraFine 5K⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dell UltraSharp U4919DW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
LG 34BK95U Monitor⭐⭐⭐⭐
LG 40WP95C-W 40" UltraWide Curved WUHD⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What is 5K Resolution?

Display formats with 5K resolutions have a horizontal resolution of about 5,000 pixels, providing razor-sharp images and quality. In 5K, the typical resolution is 5120 by 2880, with an aspect ratio of 16:9 and about 14.7 million pixels, leading to a better picture and video quality. 

Pixel: In an image, a pixel is a tiny dot; higher resolutions have more pixels within them.

When editing photos with 5K resolution, the images are clear, more realistic, and crisp. A significant reason for the growth of the 5K market is the continuous development and increasing technological advancements.

Our Top Recommendations 

For our readers’ assistance, we have picked two of the market’s most decorated and reliable monitors. These monitors provide the most dependable features and specs that one professional can rely on.

Review of Best 5K Monitor For MacBook Pro

For all these years, I have studied and used different monitors and mastered every aspect of monitor technology. This review is based on my personal experiences using and inspecting these 5K displays. 

LG 27MD5KL-B 27 Inch UltraFine 5K

BrandLG
Refresh Rate60 Hz
Total HDMI Ports2
Specific Uses For ProductMultimedia, Personal, Business
Max Screen Resolution5120 x 2880 Pixels

Key Features & Specifications

  • Size: 27 inches
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 24.6″ x 14.8″ x 2.1″
  • Weight: comes with 18.7 lbs with stand/ 14.1 lbs without the stand.
  • ‍Resolution: 5120 x 2880/ 5K UHD
  • Refresh Rate: comes with 60 Hz for new image 
  • Connectivity/Ports: Thunderbolt 3 & 3 USB Type-C ports for external devices 
  • Brightness: 500 cd/m²
  • Built-in Camera: for meetings
  • Adjustable stand: for tilt and adjustments.
  • Display Control: Seamless Integration with macOS – make changes on the monitor 
  • IPS Monitor: it works perfectly with macOS
  • Microphone & Speakers: comes with Mic option to meetings/ conferences
  • Warranty: 1-year warranty on Parts and Labor

Unboxing: Who doesn’t know LG? LG is one of the top-tier brands that manufactures terrific products. With this massive reputation in mind, I bought an LG 27MD5KL-B 27 Inch UltraFine 5K that I received in a few days. It came in a pretty white rugged packaging, and when I unboxed it, there was the monitor with stand, VESA mount, one Thunderbolt cable, and one power cable along with the user guide.

The setup was quick for me as it comes with a fixed stand from the LG, and there were not many wires and cluttering, and the overall look was professional. I connected the power cord and the thunderbolt cable to my MacBook Pro. 

I liked that this monitor was charging my MacBook through the same Thunderbolt 3 that works upto the 94W. It makes the changing and connectivity possible, and the other 3 USB-C ports are there to connect your other devices but can not match the usability of the Thunderbolt 3. 

Resolution is the central aspect for which I bought this monitor, the 5K – 5120 x 2880 resolution is pretty similar to the iMac and Dell 27 UltraSharp Ultra HD 5K Monitor-UP2715K. I was able to edit my 4K videos on it and was able to spare some for the editors or run other programs. 

The refresh rate of 60 Hz makes it pretty impressive to provide a sharp and quality picture with the monitor’s 16:9 ratio. Regarding 14ms Response Time, that is enough for my editing endeavors, but it does lag a bit when I play different games on it.

In addition, the brightness of 500 cd/m² and contrast ratio of 1100:1 make it very vibrant. On the other hand, the Display Control feature is also discussable, allowing me to control the monitor with my MacBook Pro. 

Regarding built-in speakers, cameras, and microphones, I was satisfied with the quality of the Camera, the light sensor, and the LED indicator. The microphone was also delicate, but when I tested the speakers, the sound quality was muddy or below average and was not as good as the 5k iMac.

I liked the articulating stand that I used to adjust the height according to my needs. Overall standalone monitor looked quite durable, but the plastic finishing was not that smooth at this price. I often remove the stand by just pressing the button to use the VESA wall mount. 

Pros
• It has a quality Webcam that assists me in meetings.
• Setup was easy and quick for me.
• I found Display Control helpful because I could adjust the volume on my monitor.
• I found the picture quality perfect and easy to calibrate.
Cons
• I found this monitor of average build quality.
• The USB-C ports would be more practical if they were located lower down.
• There was no physical control on the monitor.

Final Verdict | Best 5k External Monitor for MacBook Pro

I have determined that LG 27MD5KL-B 27 Inch UltraFine 5K with numerous features, quality display control, built-in Camera, and microphones makes it the Best 5K external monitor for MacBook Pro. It is the perfect choice for all those video editors and gaming enthusiasts that want clear and crisp images on a bigger screen.

Dell UltraSharp U4919DW

BrandDell
Refresh Rate60 Hz
Total HDMI Ports2
Specific Uses For ProductBusiness, personal
Max Screen Resolution5120×1440 Pixels

Key Features & Specifications

  • Size: 49-inch Curved Monitor 
  • Dimensions (WxDxH): 47.8 in x 4.3 in x 14.6
  • Weight: 25.13 lbs
  • ‍Resolution: 5120 x 1440 / 5K 
  • Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
  • Double the Display: PBP (picture by picture) / Splits the screen
  • KVM: Controls the Keyboard, Video & Mouse on two different PCs
  • Panel Type: IPS Monitor
  • Connectivity/Ports: USB-C/ HDMI/ DisplayPort/ USB 
  • ComfortView: protects eye from Blue Light
  • Security lock slot: keeps your monitor secure
  • Brightness: 350 cd/m²
  • Warranty: 3 years warranty makes it reliable

Unboxing: Dell offers monitors with incredible color accuracy and innovative features that will boost your productivity at work. With these expectations, I ordered the Dell UltraSharp U4919DW, considered the world’s first 49-inch dual QHD monitor. Upon unboxing, I received a Monitor with stand, Power cable, HDMI Cable, DP Cable, USB 3.0 upstream cable, USB Type-C Cable, and Quick Setup Guide.

When I bought it, the first thing that came to mind was that it was too pricey; this thought elevated my expectations to a premium level. After unboxing this huge curved monitor, I was fascinated with the immersive experience’s more comprehensive view. Upon setting up my MacBook Pro, I was pretty much satisfied with the connectivity and compatibility. 

Upon testing for the more comprehensive screen and 5K resolution, I had reservations about the picture density affecting the image quality. When I ran my adobe illustrator on it for my graphic designing work, the expansive screen hit me hard with a quality Response Time of 8 ms, which is pretty impressive. 

The brightness and contrast balance always disturb me while working, but the brightness of 350 cd/m² and contrast ratio works fine with my workspace. It increases my viewing comfort and ideal ComfortView for my eyesight, preventing blue light.

The critical feature that enticed me dramatically was the KVM – it helped me control my MacBook Pro and monitor simultaneously. KVM makes it better than its competitors in this range SAMSUNG LC49RG90SSNXZA 49-Inch CRG9. Moreover, the Dell Display Manager provides efficient controls and management.

When you discuss the split-screen feature or Double the Display attribute, I would say that it is one of the most fantastic dual-display on one screen. I was able to view my stock performance and play games at the same time.

It comes with the mounting kit I used to mount on my wall, but I mostly use it on my desk. The stand for me was OK, but it could be better than this. The tilt and swivel were perfect with the height adjustment of 3.5 inches, allowing me to modify according to my eye comfort.

Pros
• It charges my MacBook at 90 watts over thunderbolt 3.
• I connect all wires with it, making the space clutter-free.
• I liked the Display Management Software for its efficient multitasking.
• I found the stand quite sturdy and reliable.
Cons
• I found it less curved than it should be.
• It is a bit expensive for me because of the value it provides.

Final Verdict | Best Large Screen Monitor for MacBook Pro 

When it comes to providing a large screen with crisp image and video quality, the Dell UltraSharp U4919DW is undoubtedly one of the Best 5K monitors for MacBook Pro. It offers features like KVM, ComfortView, and the Double Display, making it an ideal expansive screen choice. 

LG 34BK95U Monitor

BrandLG
Refresh Rate60 Hz
Total HDMI Ports2
Specific Uses For ProductPersonal, gaming, business
Max Screen Resolution5120X2160 Pixels

Key Features & Specifications

  • Size: 34-inch Curved monitor
  • Dimensions: 32.3″ x 14.3″ x 3.7″
  • Weight: 15.4 lbs with Stand/ 12.4 lbs without Stand
  • ‍Resolution: 5120 x 2160 / 5K
  • Refresh Rate: 75Hz
  • Connectivity/Ports: HDMI/ USB/ USB-C/ DisplayPort
  • Panel Type: Nano IPS Monitor
  • Brightness: 400 cd/m² & Auto-brightness
  • Dual Controller: helps you control both PC and Monitor with one Keyboard
  • Flicker Safe: keeps eyes protected 
  • Warranty: 3 Years Warranty of Parts and Labor – increases its credibility 

Unboxing: LG has been manufacturing the monitors using modern technologies and providing viewers with an immersive viewing experience. Another monitor LG 34BK95U Monitor caught my eye, and I bought it for my MacBook Pro for my gaming and professional work. When I received it in the conventional strong packaging, my first impression of it was satisfactory because of its solid build quality. It comes with the accessory box, Cable holder, stand, mount, thunderbolt, and power cable, along with a user guide/paperwork.

I fixed the stand, a hassle-free task, and set it on my desk in no time. I inserted the power cable and turned it on. After that, I connected my MacBook Pro with the Monitor with Thunderbolt 3, which was good enough to charge and connect simultaneously. 

I tested the 5K WUHD resolution under different scenarios while playing games and editing on powerful software. It turned out to be one reliable 34″ UltraWide Nano IPS Display for work with a refresh rate of 75Hz.

The HDR-supported display brings the perfect and vibrant working experience for me with DCI-P3 98% (Color Gamut) for more realistic image quality, which is much better than my other LG 32UL950-W 32″ Class Ultrafine 4K UHD LED Monitor

When discussing the unique features that made it different from others and intrigued me, it includes the Local dimming and Auto-Brightness features. The local dimming deals with the contrast ratio to handle the dark parts of the monitor to bring a clear picture. On the other hand, the auto functions manage the brightness according to the need and workspace light.

Another key feature that helped me win different games was Dynamic Action Sync; it makes this monitor different from others. It increases the efficiency of the game with less lag in the game. In addition, the OSC (on-screen control)worked perfectly to keep everything intact while editing and playing.

I liked the Color Blind Mode; that brings joy to my color-blind friend while playing games on my system. It also comes with a cable holder that aids in holding cables that avoid wires tangling.

Pros
• It has a sleek and ergonomic design.
• I liked the adjustable heights option.
• I found the colors and brightness pretty exceptional.
• I liked its sturdy and good build quality.
Cons
• Speakers seemed muddy to me.
• The monitor shows a black screen when my MacBook wakes up from sleep mode.

Final Verdict | Best 5k monitor for MacBook pro M1

It turned out to be pretty amazing when I used it with my MacBook Pro. The features like flicker safe, dual Controller, and 3 years tremendous warranty enticed me in every way. On the other, there were specific compatibility issues that both Apple and LG should work on. Overall, if you don’t want to spend a fortune on Apple Monitor, this is the most suitable alternative.

LG 40WP95C-W 40″ UltraWide Curved WUHD

BrandLG
Refresh Rate72 Hz
Special FeatureDynamic Action Sync, Dual Controller, HDR10, AMD FreeSync™
Specific Uses For ProductVideo Editing, Photo Editing, Business
Max Screen Resolution‎5120 x 2160 Pixels

Key Features & Specifications

  • Size: 40″ Curved WUHD monitor 
  • Dimensions: 37.3″ x 16.5″ x 4.5″
  • Weight: without stand 22.5 lbs/ withstand 27.1 lbs
  • ‍Resolution: 5120 x 2160 / 5K clear display
  • Refresh Rate: 72Hz
  • Panel Type: Nano IPS Monitor for better colors & quality
  • Connectivity/Ports: HDMI/ USB/ USB-C/ DisplayPort/ Thunderbolt 
  • DCI-P3 98% & HDR10: for amazing color combinations
  • Brightness: 300cd / Auto-brightness
  • Daisy Chain: connect more than one 5K monitors
  • Smart Energy Saving: makes it better for the community
  • On-screen control: to manage the tasks on the screen
  • Warranty: 1 Year warranty of parts & Labor

Unboxing: LG 40WP95C-W 40″ UltraWide Curved WUHD is the monitor for gaming professionals and editors who are curious about their color combinations. As a video editor, I bought this monitor to simultaneously manage my different editing projects. 

After unboxing, it turned out to be my all-time favorite curved monitor because of its attractive look and editing-friendly features. It came with the accessory box, Thunderbolt 4 cable, power cord, mounting kit, cable holder, and the user guide. 

The setup was quick and easy as all other LG monitors. I connected my MacBook Pro M1 with a thunderbolt which deals in 96W for data transmission and charging. Along with thunderbolt, there are USB-C, DisplayPort, and other USB up & down stream options making it quite useful for me to connect different devices.

The resolution of 5120 x 2160 with the 300cd brightness was pretty satisfactory for my editing and gaming endeavors. When you discuss the response and refresh rate, the 5ms response rate and 72 Hz refresh rate were perfect for changing colors while video editing and gaming.

On the other hand, when I played different music and shows on the monitor along with crispier picture quality, the Rich Bass Speakers were the show’s stars. The speaker’s quality was much better than my other monitor LG 34BK95U-W UltraFine 34″.

Among the many features I tested was AMD FreeSync, which brings the perfect gaming experience. In addition, the Dynamic Action Sync made me unstoppable while playing against my opponents in high-resolution games. 

In my editing sessions, features like Black Stabilizer work amazingly to cope with the problem of contrast ratio management to produce a dynamic picture. Moreover, The daisy chain method helped me connect different other monitors in a chain to work on several projects without separately connecting them with my MacBook Pro.

Pros
• Its on-screen control is handy.
• I liked the ease of color switching.
• I found it easy to set up, and connectivity was upto the mark.
• The response time was pretty quick.
Cons
• I was unable to control the volume from my MacBook.

Final Verdict | Best Monitor for Gamers 

I have concluded that LG 40WP95C-W 40″ UltraWide Curved WUHD is the best choice for professionals and gamers. It comes with the features like a daisy chain, Smart energy saving, color switching, and efficient brightness under different circumstances making it the best 5k monitor for MacBook pro M1 Max.

You may also be interested in:

A Personal Comparison of Best 5k Monitors For Macbook Pro

All four monitors offer high resolutions, with the LG 27MD5KL-B, Dell UltraSharp U4919DW, and LG 34BK95U having resolutions of 5K, while the LG 40WP95C-W has a WUHD resolution. The Dell UltraSharp U4919DW and LG 40WP95C-W stand out for their extra-wide aspect ratios, with the Dell UltraSharp U4919DW featuring a 32:9 aspect ratio and the LG 40WP95C-W offering a 21:9 aspect ratio. The LG 27MD5KL-B and LG 34BK95U, on the other hand, have more traditional 16:9 aspect ratios.

In terms of connectivity, all four monitors offer a range of options, with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity on the LG 27MD5KL-B and USB-C connectivity on the Dell UltraSharp U4919DW and LG 40WP95C-W. The Dell UltraSharp U4919DW also features a built-in KVM switch, which allows users to easily switch between multiple devices.

The LG 27MD5KL-B and LG 40WP95C-W stand out for their built-in cameras and speakers, making them a convenient option for video conferencing and other multimedia purposes.

Overall, each of these monitors has its unique features and strengths. The LG 27MD5KL-B and LG 34BK95U are great for those who need high resolutions for graphic design and other creative work, while the Dell UltraSharp U4919DW and LG 40WP95C-W are ideal for productivity and multitasking. Ultimately, the best monitor for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Buying Guide | Features to Look For While Buying Monitor

I have set the benchmark for people who want to buy the best 5K monitors for their MacBook Pro. You need to keep these key factors and features in mind while buying a monitor. In addition, you must first list the needs and requirements that will help you get the best one according to your specific needs.

Size 

The most basic and imperative aspect is the monitor’s size and shape, which one should not ignore. If you want a desktop-size monitor, there are options about 19 inches for some general tasks. But for a more extensive and immersive view, you have different choices, starting from 27 inches to 49 inches for movies, spreadsheets, and editing. 

Tip: Keep in mind the picture density while buying a large screen.

Shape

When we discuss the shape, there are two shapes in the market that people mostly ask for, and that are flat and curved. Flat screens give a classic look, and curved screens offer a more immersive and distortion-free view. It depends upon the users, what they like but nowadays curved screens are the trend.

Resolution

The consensus is that higher resolution produces clearer and crisper images and videos. It’s essential to check the monitor’s resolution when buying one because the higher its resolution, the more pixels it has, and the sharper and more vivid the image will be.  

Features 

Different brands come with fascinating features to compete and penetrate the market. Like LG with Smart Energy Saving and Dell with KVM, look for the imperative features for your daily use. 

Tip: Don’t fall for excessive features that will cost you more; instead, go for the one that conforms to your requirements.

Price Factor

How much you are spending is one of the most critical aspects. If you buy a 5K monitor or any professional monitor, it will cost you a fortune. When you don’t want to spend much on the monitors, you should look for the one that completes most of your requirements within your budget. Nowadays, the higher resolution, the more costly the monitor will be. 

Brand Reputation

One of the critical factors that a buyer should keep in mind is that brand reputation matters a lot. I always look for the brand’s history and reliability of the other products they manufacture before making my decision. 

For example, Samsung is famous for providing durable, high-quality monitors, and LG has a reputation for offering novel technology and variety in the market. So, looking for reputation and history is better than falling for cheap brands.

Top Brands of the Monitors

Different brands in the market provide quality monitors, and every brand is striving to lead the market. They are trying different novel ideas to create the most reliable and satisfying monitor. Following is the list of the brands leading the market in every aspect. 

  • LG 
  • Dell
  • Samsung
  • Asus
  • BenQ
  • ViewSonic
  • HP
  • MSI
  • Uperfect 
  • Lenovo
  • ACER
  • Apple
  • Alienware 
  • Gigabyte Gigabyte

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can MacBook Pro support 5K monitor?

Yes, MacBook Pro supports 5K monitor. I have been using LG 27MD5KL-B 27 Inch, UltraFine 5K with my MacBook Pro, which is working perfectly. My MacBook pro-M1 supports one 5K monitor using Thunderbolt 3, but I usually prefer using DisplayPort to connect it.

What type of monitor is best for MacBook Pro?

The best MacBook Pro monitor depends on the requirements, and the budget one wants to spend on the monitor. There are 5K monitors ranging from less than $1400 to $5k. But the most reliable monitor is compatible, comes on budget, has competitive features, and provides crisp images.

What cable do I need to connect MacBook Pro to monitor?

It depends upon the technical specifications of your MacBook Pro and monitor. If your MacBook and Monitor both support HDMI and USB-C, you can choose either option without using an adapter. But, if your Monitor supports HDMI and does not come with USB-C, then you need to buy the USB-C to HDMI adapter to connect your MacBook Pro to the monitor.

Which monitors do Apple recommend?

The Apple Studio Display and LG UltraFine are two of Apple’s most recommended monitors. These are the most reliable and compatible monitors I use with my MacBook Pro, and they work fine with USB-C or thunderbolt.

Is a 5K monitor better than 4K monitor?

The main difference between 5K and 4K monitors is the resolution. The 4K monitors come with 4,096×2,160, and the 5K comes with 5120 × 2880, which offers 1280 extra columns and 720 extra lines of the display area that brings razor-sharp images to your eyes.

Final Words

No one wants to change monitors so often, so everybody wants to have a perfect monitor; that’s why a monitor should be flawless. I have provided you with the list of the Best 5K Monitor For MacBook Pro with the dissection of their features and the most authentic review. In addition, there is a list of top brands you can choose from and relish in your gaming and editing projects.

31 thoughts on “Best 5K Monitor For MacBook Pro in 2023 [Buying Guide Included]”

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